bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Living with glioblastoma — the need for integrated support based on experiences of chaos, loss of autonomy, and isolation in both patients and their relatives
Authors: Ståhl Pernilla , Henoch Ingela , Rydenhag Bertil , Smits Anja , Ozanne Anneli
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate the experiences of living with glioblastoma from the perspective of patients themselves as well as their closest relatives, focusing on the changes in the life situation and the need for support.

Methods

Twenty-two semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 patients (mean age 61 years, 7 male, 5 female) and 10 relatives (mean age 56 years, 3 male, 7 female). The relatives comprised of partners (n = 7), child (n = 1), sister (n = 1), or friend (n = 1). Questions focused on changes in the life situation and support needed to face these changes. Data was analyzed using inductive qualitative content analysis (QCA).

Results

Living with glioblastoma dramatically changes the lives of both patients and relatives. Cognitive symptoms (e.g., speech and memory disturbances), deterioration of physical function (e.g., paresis), and psychological function (e.g., behavioral changes, anxiety) can lead to impaired family dynamics, social isolation, and fear of the future. Support from other family members, friends, and healthcare professionals is crucial. Timely, tangible, and easily available support from the healthcare system the entire disease trajectory is sought after, enabling individualized care with emotional support, clearer information, and faster feedback.

Conclusion

The changes in life situations faced by patients with glioblastoma and their closest relatives are dramatic and underline the importance of providing integrated care throughout the entire healthcare continuum, encompassing specialist neuro-oncological care, municipal support, and palliative care. Individualized support for both patients and relatives can enhance the sense of safety amid the chaos in their life situation.
Dichteste Kugelpackungen in höheren Dimensionen – Die Arbeiten von Maryna Viazovska
Authors: Kramer Jürg
Published: August 2024

In diesem Beitrag werden die bahnbrechenden Ergebnisse von Maryna Viazovska zu Kugelpackungen in höheren Dimensionen vorgestellt.
Enhanced Place Specificity of the Parallel Auditory Brainstem Response: An Electrophysiological Study
Authors: Stoll Thomas J. , Maddox Ross K.
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study investigates the effect of parallel stimulus presentation on the place specificity of the auditory brainstem response (ABR) in human listeners. Frequency-specific stimuli do not guarantee a response from the place on the cochlea corresponding only to that characteristic frequency — especially for brief and high-level stimuli. Adding masking noise yields responses that are more place specific, and our prior modeling study has suggested similar effects when multiple frequency-specific stimuli are presented in parallel. We tested this hypothesis experimentally here, comparing the place specificity of responses to serial and parallel stimuli at two stimulus frequencies and three stimulus rates.

Methods

Parallel ABR (pABR) stimuli were presented alongside high-pass filtered noise with a varied cutoff frequency. Serial presentation was also tested by isolating and presenting single-frequency stimulus trains from the pABR ensemble. Latencies of the ABRs were examined to assess place specificity of responses. Response bands were derived by subtracting responses from different high-pass noise conditions. The response amplitude from each derived response band was then used to determine how much individual frequency regions of the auditory system were contributing to the overall response.

Results

We found that parallel presentation improves place specificity of ABRs for the lower stimulus frequency and at higher stimulus rates. At a higher stimulus frequency, serial and parallel presentations were equally place specific.

Conclusion

Parallel presentation can provide more place-specific responses than serial for lower stimulus frequencies. The improvement increases with higher stimulus rates and is in addition to the pABR’s primary benefit of faster test times.
2023 Industry Perceptions Survey on AI Adoption and Return on Investment
Authors: Goldburgh Mitchell , LaChance Michael , Komissarchik Julia , Patriarche Julia , Chapa Joe , Chen Oliver , Deshpande Priya , Geeslin Matthew , Kottler Nina , Sommer Jennifer , Ayers Marcus , Vujic Vedrana
Published: August 2024

This SIIM-sponsored 2023 report highlights an industry view on artificial intelligence adoption barriers and success related to diagnostic imaging, life sciences, and contrasts. In general, our 2023 survey indicates that there has been progress in adopting AI across multiple uses, and there continues to be an optimistic forecast for the impact on workflow and clinical outcomes. This report, as in prior years, should be seen as a snapshot of the use of AI in imaging. Compared to our 2021 survey, the 2023 respondents expressed wider AI adoption but felt this was behind the potential. Specifically, the adoption has increased as sources of return on investment with AI in radiology are better understood as documented by vendor/client use case studies. Generally, the discussions of AI solutions centered on workflow triage, visualization, detection, and characterization. Generative AI was also mentioned for improving productivity in reporting. As payor reimbursement remains elusive, the ROI discussions expanded to look at other factors, including increased hospital procedures and admissions, enhanced radiologist productivity for practices, and improved patient outcomes for integrated health networks. When looking at the longer-term horizon for AI adoption, respondents frequently mentioned that the opportunity for AI to achieve greater adoption with more complex AI and a more manageable/visible ROI is outside the USA. Respondents focused on the barriers to trust in AI and the FDA processes.
Translation Hopf Algebras and Hopf Heaps
Authors: Brzeziński Tomasz , Hryniewicka Małgorzata
Published: August 2024

To every Hopf heap or quantum cotorsor of Grunspan a Hopf algebra of translations is associated. This translation Hopf algebra acts on the Hopf heap making it a Hopf-Galois co-object. Conversely, any Hopf-Galois co-object has the natural structure of a Hopf heap with the translation Hopf algebra isomorphic to the acting Hopf algebra. It is then shown that this assignment establishes an equivalence between categories of Hopf heaps and Hopf-Galois co-objects.
Efficient neighborhood evaluation for the maximally diverse grouping problem
Authors: Schulz Arne
Published: August 2024

The Maximally Diverse Grouping Problem is one of the well-known combinatorial optimization problems with applications in the assignment of students to groups or courses. Due to its NP-hardness several (meta)heuristic solution approaches have been presented in the literature. Most of them include the insertion of an item of one group into another group and the swap of two items currently assigned to different groups as neighborhoods. The paper presents a new efficient implementation for both neighborhoods and compares it with the standard implementation, in which all inserts/swaps are evaluated, as well as the neighborhood decomposition approach. The results show that the newly presented approach is clearly superior for larger instances allowing for up to 160% more iterations in comparison to the standard implementation and up to 76% more iterations in comparison to the neighborhood decomposition approach. Moreover, the results can also be used for (meta)heuristic algorithms for other grouping or clustering problems.
A recipe to generate sustainably maintainable and extensible hydrogeological datasets to prepare large-scale groundwater models for multiple aquifer systems
Authors: Siebert Christian , Rödiger Tino , Houben Timo , diDato Mariaines , Fischer Thomas , Attinger Sabine , Kalbacher Thomas
Published: August 2024

Regional groundwater modelling can provide decision-makers and scientists with valuable information required for the sustainable use and protection of groundwater resources in the future. In order to assess and manage the impact of climate change on regional aquifer systems, numerical groundwater models are required which represent the subsurface structures of aquifers and aquitards in 3D at the regional scale and beyond in the most efficient way. A workflow to clearly generate these structural subsurface representations from a variety of data sources is introduced, applying open-source Geographical Information Systems. The resulting structural models can be used with finite element method-based simulation tools, such as the open-source environment OpenGeoSys. The preparation workflow of the structure model is presented for a large river basin in Germany, indicating the applicability of the method even in a challenging hydrogeological region with several stockworks of dipped and fractured sedimentary aquifers, partially showing significantly changing hydraulic conditions due to natural lateral facies changes.
Evaluating the impact of an automated body language assessment system
Authors: Dimitriadou Eleni , Lanitis Andreas
Published: August 2024

The body language of an educator during a class can affect student’s level of interest and concentration. As an attempt to assist educators to improve their body language and speaking characteristics, a pilot body language analysis system that assesses the body language of educators was developed. The proposed application makes use of specific biometric features for determining body language quality during class delivery. The aim of the current study is to examine whether the proposed application can contribute to improving the teachers’ body language, whether the application can provide satisfactory feedback related to the teachers’ body language, and whether the use of the application in real classroom conditions is acceptable. As part of this effort the pilot application has been assessed by teachers of primary, secondary and university education. The experimental investigation involved two phases. In the first phase participants delivered a short lecture that was evaluated using the automated body language analysis application. After the lecture participants were informed about the operation of the application and they were presented with the feedback generated by the body language analysis. During the second phase participants delivered a second short lecture. By comparing the body language quality between the two phases, conclusions related to the impact of the application in improving body language were derived. Experimental results demonstrate that the application provides satisfactory feedback, it is acceptable to use the application in real class conditions, and the feedback provided can be used for self-assessment, reflection and improvement regarding educator’s body language.
The Associations Between Parenting Self-Efficacy and Parents’ Contributions to the Home-School Partnership Among Parents of Primary School Students: a Multilevel Meta-analysis
Authors: Ma Tianyi , Tellegen Cassandra L. , Hodges Julie , Sanders Matthew R.
Published: August 2024

High-quality partnerships between families and schools can bring enormous benefits to the development, learning, and wellbeing of children. Decades of research has identified parenting self-efficacy as a key factor influencing parents’ contributions toward effective home-school partnerships. However, the strength of this association has varied significantly across studies with the aggregated strength remaining unclear. This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the associations between parenting self-efficacy and various aspects of parents’ contribution to the home-school partnership, namely home-based involvement, school-based involvement, home-school communication and relationships, as well as parental expectations and aspirations among parents of primary school students. Moderator effects were also examined. Through systematically searching six databases and screening papers, we included 50 independent studies involving 185 effect sizes (N = 20,043 children). Results showed a small to medium correlation between parenting self-efficacy and the multidimensional construct of home-school partnership outcomes (r = .189). The associations were stronger for education-focused parenting self-efficacy (r = .183) than general parenting self-efficacy (r = .114) and were stronger still for home-based participation (r = .248) and parental expectations and aspirations (r = .248) than school-based participation (r = .124) and parent-teacher communication/relationship (r = .090). We detected limited moderating effects of child gender, parent gender, ethnicity, sample type (general or targeted), and socio-economic status and publication bias. Overall, this meta-analysis provides evidence to support the positive relationship between parenting self-efficacy and parents’ contributions to the strength of the home-school partnership. Implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.
A genotype–phenotype approach to discriminate Central European spelt landraces from modern wheat-spelt intercrosses in the Swiss context
Authors: Stefan Laura , Sanchez-Martin Javier , Kurth Thomas , Keller Beat , Herren Gerhard , Krattinger Simon G. , Strebel Silvan , Ampuero Kragten Silvia , Camp Karl-Heinz , Levy Häner Lilia
Published: August 2024

Marketed as a healthier alternative to bread wheat, spelt (Triticum aestivum ssp. spelta) is in increasing demand from consumers and bakers in Switzerland. The Swiss spelt landscape is currently dominated by two varieties—Ostro and Oberkulmer Rotkorn—considered as references for Swiss “typical” spelt. However, these two varieties are rather old and deliver low yields; the market therefore needs improved spelt varieties with higher agronomic potential while keeping the essential attributes of typical spelt. As spelt and winter wheat can be interbred, modern spelt varieties often result from crosses between the two. It has therefore become increasingly difficult to distinguish between typical spelt and modern wheat-spelt intercrosses. This project aims to clarify the phenotypic distinction between typical spelt and modern wheat-spelt intercrosses in the Swiss context. To do this, we performed field trials with 50 spelt varieties, including typical and modern cultivars from Switzerland and Central Europe. We measured agronomic, rheological and nutritional parameters of each variety. In addition, these cultivars were genotyped using a 25 K Illumina Wheat SNP array. This allowed us to identify which phenotypic parameters were associated with genetic proximity to typical spelt. Swiss typical spelt varieties were characterized by highly extensible doughs, later phenology, low harvest index, high thousand kernel weights, and lower Zeleny/protein ratio. By linking phenotypic characteristics, easily measurable in fields, to the underlying genetic information of each variety, these results will help to better classify spelt varieties in Switzerland and pave the way for more clarity and transparency on the Swiss spelt market.
The geography of wild American ginseng in North Carolina, USA: a comparative study of four capability analysis methods
Authors: Khademian Mehrnaz , Bunch Rick
Published: August 2024

Wild American ginseng is the root component of a family of plants called Panax, and it grows mainly in the understory of the eastern deciduous forests in North America. The growing market for wild American ginseng in Asia along with the scarcity of this plant in the wild due to rising illegal harvest have been simultaneously pushing up the price of American ginseng in the market, increasing incentives further for illegal harvest of this soon-to-be-extinct species. This paper studies the geography of wild American ginseng to identify the spatial distribution of the suitable habitat of this plant in the wild and provides advice on what conditions are required and what regions are suitable for cultivating it in farms, introducing an alternative to the wild American ginseng to decrease the harvesting pressure on its wild counterpart. By employing four popular geospatial methods, including the Binary Screening method, the Ordinal Ranking method (both Graduated Screening and Addition-of-Factors methods), and the Weighted Linear Combination method, this paper carries out a capability analysis and mapping for wild American ginseng in North Carolina (NC). After building the models, they are validated by using the data of the known locations of wild American ginseng plants in NC. Developing these models helps in gaining a more comprehensive understanding of where the plant naturally grows and sheds light on how government agencies can more effectively and more efficiently plan for law enforcement activities to better protect this plant from illegal harvest. The general pattern of our results suggests that western NC counties such as Jackson, Haywood, Transylvania, Henderson, Cherokee, and Ash are some of the most suitable geographical areas for wild American ginseng to grow. The results of our model validation analysis, along with the comparison of our models' predictions to the observed occurrences of wild American ginseng in nature, indicate that the Binary Screening method’s predictions align with almost 96% of the reported observations in nature. This suggests that the influential natural factors necessary for wild American ginseng are more of complementary factors to each other than being substitutes, meaning that they all must exist in the environment for it to grow, and it could not be that the lack of one natural factor can be compensated by the abundance of another natural factor.
Specificity of Episodic Future Thinking in Adolescents: Comparing Childhood Maltreatment, Autism Spectrum, and Typical Development
Authors: Lau-Zhu A. , Chan C. , Gibson D. , Stark E. , Wang J. , Happé F. , Stacey J. , Cooper M.
Published: August 2024

Maltreatment and autism can be associated with overlapping difficulties across functional domains (e.g., social, emotional, and sensory) and high rates of mental health problems. A cognitive approach focussing on affect-laden cognition, here on episodic future thinking (FT), could help inform cognitive assessments and adapt psychological interventions. Three groups of adolescents (N = 85), (i) maltreatment (n = 28), (ii) autism (n = 29), and (iii) typical development without maltreatment/autism (TD; n = 28), matched in age (10–16 years old), sex (assigned at birth), and socioeconomic status, completed a newly adapted online Autobiographical Future Thinking Test. As predicted, the maltreatment group generated significantly fewer specific future events relative to the TD group, however, the number of specific future events did not significantly differ between the autism and the other groups. Exploratory analyses showed that lower FT specificity was significantly associated with more depressive (but not anxiety) symptoms across the three groups. These findings shed light on the cognitive profiles of both maltreatment and autism during adolescence and signal FT as a potential therapeutic target for adolescents with these developmental differences. Our study lays the foundation for additional comparisons of maltreatment-related presentations versus autism with improved designs and a broader set of cognitive and clinical domains.
Neural Network Design for a Curved Kicking Mechanism with Obstacle Avoidance in RoboCup Small Size League (SSL)
Authors: B. Azevedo Francisco A. , C. Leão Guilherme P. , Maximo Marcos R. O. A.
Published: August 2024

At the RoboCup, a robotics soccer tournament, the Small Size League (SSL) is one of its leagues. The thought of a mechanism in this league that could perform unpredictable kicks and passes inspired study into both the physical mechanism required to do it and the algorithms needed to make the most of it.By introducing new ideas and utilizing a Deep Neural Network, this work contributes by improving a prior algorithm that aims to carry out a real-time inversion of the non-linear ordinary differential equation (ODE) that models the ball’s path in order to determine the parameters to hit a target with a curved kick mechanism (DNN). New techniques are also presented. The two suggested DNN achieved accuracy levels of more than 92% in the outcomes of simulation runs in MATLAB.
Towards Semantic Interoperability: An Information Model for Autonomous Mobile Robots
Authors: Zager Marvin , Sieber Christoph , Fay Alexander
Published: August 2024

The collaboration among autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), and/or unmanned surface vehicles (USVs), significantly enhances their capabilities by enabling them to tackle more complex tasks exceeding those of individual robots. However, to fully exploit this collaboration, a common understanding of exchanged information—referred to as semantic interoperability—is crucial. Achieving semantic interoperability between these robots requires a deep understanding of relevant information and its underlying structure. To address this challenge, this paper presents a platform- and technology-independent information model developed specifically for AMRs. This model aims to facilitate collaboration by structuring information in a way that ensures semantic interoperability. The paper outlines the model's development process, beginning with a structured consolidation of information from pertinent scientific literature, resulting in a foundational framework for representing knowledge and semantics within the domain of AMRs. The practical application of the information model is demonstrated through a use case involving multiple AMRs. Additionally, the paper provides insights into the employed methodology, emphasizing the significance of systematic literature reviews and collaboration with practitioners to refine and validate the model. It also discusses theoretical and practical implications, addressing potential limitations encountered during the research.
Characteristics of Patients in Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT) Who Have Difficulties in Emotion Regulation
Authors: Potik David , Adelson Miriam , Schreiber Shaul , Peles Einat
Published: August 2024

Disturbances in emotion regulation among opioid users receiving methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) was reported in a few small studies. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of patients in MMT with impaired emotion regulation. We studied a cross-sectional sample of 121 patients by means of the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS). Data on clinical, sociodemographic and addiction variables were reviewed, including results of random observed urine testing for opioids, alcohol, cocaine, cannabis, and benzodiazepine (BDZ). The prevalence of a high DERS score (> 90) was 39%. Characteristics associated with high DERS scores (logistic regression model) were benzodiazepine misuse and 20 years of opioid use before admission to MMT. Among the subscales, IMPULSE and STRATEGIES were independently related to substance use (logistic regression). Greater cocaine usage was also more prevalent only in univariate analyses. The DERS score correlated inversely with years of education among patients with negative urine test. The DERS subscale score for AWARENESS was lower in females than in males as among patients with suicide attempts or involvement in physical violence. Since the IMPULSE and STRATEGIES scores predict drug use, these aspects of emotional regulation should be targeted first in third-wave cognitive-behavioral intervention in MMT.
Stochastic Augmented Lagrangian Method in Riemannian Shape Manifolds
Authors: Geiersbach Caroline , Suchan Tim , Welker Kathrin
Published: August 2024

In this paper, we present a stochastic augmented Lagrangian approach on (possibly infinite-dimensional) Riemannian manifolds to solve stochastic optimization problems with a finite number of deterministic constraints. We investigate the convergence of the method, which is based on a stochastic approximation approach with random stopping combined with an iterative procedure for updating Lagrange multipliers. The algorithm is applied to a multi-shape optimization problem with geometric constraints and demonstrated numerically.
Second Order Dynamics Featuring Tikhonov Regularization and Time Scaling
Authors: Csetnek Ernö Robert , Karapetyants Mikhail A.
Published: August 2024

In a Hilbert setting we aim to study a second order in time differential equation, combining viscous and Hessian-driven damping, containing a time scaling parameter function and a Tikhonov regularization term. The dynamical system is related to the problem of minimization of a nonsmooth convex function. In the formulation of the problem as well as in our analysis we use the Moreau envelope of the objective function and its gradient and heavily rely on their properties. We show that there is a setting where the newly introduced system preserves and even improves the well-known fast convergence properties of the function and Moreau envelope along the trajectories and also of the gradient of Moreau envelope due to the presence of time scaling. Moreover, in a different setting we prove strong convergence of the trajectories to the element of minimal norm from the set of all minimizers of the objective. The manuscript concludes with various numerical results.
On the relationship between word reading ability and spelling ability
Authors: Treiman Rebecca , Hulslander Jacqueline , Willcutt Erik G. , Pennington Bruce F. , Olson Richard K.
Published: August 2024

The goal of the present study was to test theories about the extent to which individual differences in word reading align with those in spelling and the extent to which other cognitive and linguistic skills play different roles in word reading and spelling. Using data from 1,116 children ranging from 8 to 17 years, we modeled word reading and spelling as latent traits with two measures of each skill to reduce measurement error. The models also included five skills that have been theorized to relate differentially to reading and spelling: phonemic awareness, working memory, rapid automatized naming, arithmetic, and vocabulary. The latent-trait correlation for reading and spelling was very high, 0.96, although significantly less than perfect. Vocabulary correlated more strongly with reading (0.64) than spelling (0.56), but the correlations of the other skills with reading and spelling did not differ significantly. Breaking down the sample by age, we found a significantly higher latent-trait correlation between reading and spelling in the younger half (r = .98) than in the older half (r = .94). This difference may reflect the fact that the words on reading and spelling tests are more different from one another at older ages. Our results suggest that word reading and spelling are one and the same, almost, but that spoken vocabulary knowledge is more closely related to reading than to spelling.
Does firm-level political risk influence earnings management?
Authors: Gupta Jairaj , Kushwaha Narendra Nath , Li Xia , Ebrahimi Tahera
Published: August 2024

This study diverges from mixed findings in the literature on political uncertainty and earnings management by reporting a significant positive association between the firm-level political risk (FLPR) measure proposed by Hassan et al. (Q J Econ 134(4):2135–2202, 2019) and both accrual-based and real earnings management. This aligns with the predictions of agency theory and the political cost hypothesis, indicating that firms exposed to higher political risk are more prone to heightened earnings manipulation. Additionally, we find that in the face of increased political risk, firms tend to substitute accrual-based earnings management with real earnings management, which is relatively harder to detect. This study further identifies a non-linear ‘U’-shaped association between FLPR and both accrual-based and real earnings management, suggesting significant manipulation at both low and high political risk levels, with the least manipulation at a moderate level. This non-linear association is primarily observed in firms that are smaller in size, pay lower abnormal compensation to their CEOs and are less likely to be monitored by lenders. Thus, emphasising the role of external monitoring mechanisms in driving the non-linear association between FLPR and earnings management.
Religious Buildings, Cultures, Spatiality: New Urban Narrations Between Semiotics and an Intercultural Application of Law
Authors: Samorè Ilaria
Published: August 2024

In a society marked by transnational migration and religious globalization, spatial factors are assuming a central role in the understanding of social relations. This is most prominent in urban areas, where the coexistence of culturally and religiously diverse subjects imposes a forced sharing of territory. Starting from a study of the semiotic concept of the city, the contribution aims first of all to explore the claimed right of the other to use public space through the creation of aedes sacrae. It will show how the construction of a place of worship of a ‘minority’ religion can alter the pre-existing urban geography, leaving its imprint on space. Through a brief examination of the Italian constitutional jurisprudence on the so-called “anti-mosque” legislation, the paper will also outline a semantically relational conception of the religious building, offering a starting point for a rethinking of spatial organisation. An intercultural application of law is then needed insofar as the aim is towards a non-hegemonic polyphonic rewriting of urban territory.
Periods and Frequency Drifts of Groups of the Decimetric Spikes in Two Solar Flares
Authors: Karlický Marian , Dudík Jaroslav , Rybák Ján
Published: August 2024

We studied the radio emission occurring as narrowband decimetric spikes observed during the 10 May 2022 and 26 August 2022 flares. In the radio spectra, these spikes were distributed in groups that occurred quasi-periodically with the periods 5.1 s in the 10 May 2022 flare and 9.1 s in the 26 August 2022 flare. In some parts of these groups, even subgroups of spikes distributed with the quasi-periods of 0.19 s (10 May 2022 flare), and 0.17 s and 0.21 s (26 August 2022 flare) were found. Some of these subgroups even drifted to higher or lower frequencies, which was observed for the first time. At the time of the dm-spikes observation, a pair of reconnecting loops are identified in the SDO/AIA EUV observations of the 10 May 2022 flare, one of which is interpreted as belonging to a small erupting filament. We propose that these loops reconnect in the dynamic quasi-periodic regime (the period 0.19 s) and this reconnection is modulated by an oscillation of one of the interacting loops (the period 5.1 s). Accelerated electrons from this process are trapped in reconnecting plasma outflows, and thus the drifting groups of spikes are generated. The 26 August 2022 flare is a complex event with several systems of bright loops; nevertheless, it also shows a disintegrating erupting filament similar to the 10 May 2022 flare, meaning that the dm-spikes are likely generated by similar reconnection processes.
Realism and the detection of dark matter
Authors: Vaynberg Eugene
Published: August 2024

A number of philosophers claim that realism about dark matter in cosmology is unwarranted because there has been no empirical confirmation of a dark matter particle. This demand is misguided. I argue that we should take the theoretical concept of dark matter as described in our best cosmological model (ΛCDM) at face value. Since there is no theoretical or nomological requirement that dark matter be a particle, we should better assess the implications of dark matter detection via gravitational lensing. The result is that realism about dark matter is a viable position.
Seeking a reflective equilibrium in the face of disagreement
Authors: Tersman Folke
Published: August 2024

How is someone who seeks a reflective equilibrium to respond upon learning that others disagree with her? Regrettably, not much attention has been devoted to that question despite the extensive general discussion about the epistemic significance of disagreement that has taken place in recent years. This paper helps fill the lacuna by exploring possible connections between the relevant bodies of literature. More specifically, I claim that how users of the method of reflective equilibrium should respond to disagreement is crucial to the assessment of the method. According to a common objection, it is flawed because it may lead competent and rational inquirers to arrive at widely divergent and inconsistent equilibria. What I argue is that defensible assumptions about the significance of disagreement permit an advocate of the method to resist that objection.
Quantum field theory and the limits of reductionism
Authors: Adlam Emily
Published: August 2024

I suggest that the current situation in quantum field theory (QFT) provides some reason to question the universal validity of ontological reductionism. I argue that the renormalization group flow is reversible except at fixed points, which makes the relation between large and small distance scales quite symmetric in QFT, opening up at least the technical possibility of a non-reductionist approach to QFT. I suggest that some conceptual problems encountered within QFT may potentially be mitigated by moving to an alternative picture in which it is no longer the case that the large supervenes on the small. Finally, I explore some specific models in which a form of non-reductionism might be implemented, and consider the prospects for future development of these models.
Gaming the system mediates the relationship between gender and learning outcomes in a digital learning game
Authors: Baker Ryan S. , Richey J. Elizabeth , Zhang Jiayi , Karumbaiah Shamya , Andres-Bray Juan Miguel , Nguyen Huy Anh , Andres Juliana Maria Alexandra L. , McLaren Bruce M.
Published: August 2024

Digital learning games have been increasingly adopted in classrooms to facilitate learning and to promote learning outcomes. Contrary to common beliefs, many digital learning games can be more effective for female students than male students in terms of learning and affective outcomes. However, the in-game learning mechanisms that explain these differences remain unclear. In the current study, we re-analyze three retrospective data sets drawn from three studies conducted in different years. These data sets, which involved 213, 197, and 287 students, were collected from a digital learning game that teaches late elementary and middle school students decimal concepts. We re-analyzed these data sets to understand how female and male students differ in the rates of gaming the system, a behavioral measure that reflects a form of disengagement while playing the game. Rates of gaming the system are compared between female and male students within each of the game’s two core instructional activities (i.e. problem-solving and self-explanation) as well as tested in a game vs. non-game condition. We found that female students game the system significantly less than male students in the self-explanation step in the game condition, in all three studies. This difference in the rates of gaming mediates the relationship between gender and learning outcomes, a pattern in which female students tend to learn more than male students, across all three studies. These results suggest that future design iterations of the game could focus on reducing gaming behaviors for male students, which might improve learning outcomes for female students as well. Understanding gender-based differences in game behaviors can inform future game design to promote better learning outcomes for all students.
SARS-CoV-2 exposure in hunting and stray dogs of southern Italy
Authors: Ferrara Gianmarco , Pagnini Ugo , Montagnaro Serena
Published: August 2024

Evidence of exposure to the pandemic SARS-CoV-2 has been described in numerous animal species, including pets, which are predisposed to coming into contact with this virus due to their close relationship with owners. It has been accepted that dogs are poorly susceptible to this virus and that seroconversion, rather than shedding, occurs following infection, which can occur directly through contact with infected owners or indirectly through environmental contamination. In this study, the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 was evaluated in apparently health hunting and stray dogs of Campania region, southern Italy (sampled in September 2023). A total of 5/112 (4.5%) animals tested seropositive using two different commercial ELISAs. Stray animals had greater exposure than hunting dogs. The feces and blood of each animal were tested with a real-time PCR targeting the nucleocapsid and ORF1ab coding sequences. No animal tested positive in molecular investigations, indicating a past exposure without active infection at the time of sampling.
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius: epidemiological changes, antibiotic resistance, and alternative therapeutic strategies
Authors: Nocera Francesca Paola , De Martino Luisa
Published: August 2024

Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is a major opportunistic bacterial pathogen that belongs to the skin and mucosal microbiota of the dog. Since its global emergence around 2006, multidrug - methicillin-resistant S. pseudintermedius (MRSP) clones have become endemic worldwide. MRSP strains pose a significant threat to animal health and make antimicrobial therapy difficult due to their typical multidrug resistance phenotypes. The difficulty to treat MRSP infections using the current antimicrobials licensed for veterinary use has intensified research efforts to develop new treatment strategies and alternative anti-infective approaches to conventional antimicrobial therapy. The present narrative review outlines the latest changes in the epidemiology of MRSP with focus on the geographical distribution variability and antimicrobial resistance profiles in the main MRSP lineages. It also provides an overview of the effectiveness of currently available antimicrobials and the status of anti-infective alternatives to conventional antimicrobials.

Recent studies have reported notable changes in the population structure of MRSP, with the emergence of new epidemic lineages, such as ST258, ST123, ST496, and ST551 in European countries and ST45, ST181, ST258, ST496 in non-European countries, which partly or totally replaced those that were initially prevalent, such as ST71 in Europe and ST68 in the US. Due to methicillin resistance often associated with the resistance to a broader number of antimicrobials, treating canine MRSP skin infection is challenging. Several alternative or supplementary treatment options to conventional antibiotics, especially for topical treatment, such as a novel water-soluble hydroxypyridinone-containing iron-chelating 9 kDa polymer (DIBI), antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), nanoparticles, and bacteriophages seem to be particularly interesting from a clinical perspective.
Patient preference of level I, II and III sleep diagnostic tests to diagnose obstructive sleep apnoea among pregnant women in early to mid-gestation
Authors: Clements Frances , Vedam Hima , Chung Yewon , Marshall Nathaniel S. , Melehan Kerri , Hennessy Annemarie , Makris Angela
Published: August 2024

Purpose

There is a paucity of data on preferences for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) diagnostic tests during pregnancy. Simple test completion rates fail to capture patient preference or experience of completing sleep diagnostic tests. We assessed preference, ease of use, convenience, and the repeatability of level I, II and III sleep diagnostic tests, using questionnaires, in pregnant women in early to mid-gestation.

Methods

Pregnant women with signs or symptoms of OSA, or at high risk of cardiometabolic disorders of pregnancy completed level I, II and III sleep studies by 24 weeks gestation. Participants then completed a questionnaire to rank test preference. Additional questionnaires assessed ease of use, convenience, and acceptability to repeat test, using 5-point Likert scale questions, yes/no response and optional linked text fields.

Results

Of fifty-two consented participants, 43 completed any questionnaire (mean age 32.7 ± 5.4 years, BMI 32.7 ± 5.4, median gestation at Level I polysomnography (PSG) of 14.2 weeks (interquartile range (IQR) 13.5–17.6)). Of the 29 respondents who completed test ranking questionnaire, level III was the preferred test ((n = 21 / 29, 75%)), followed by level 1 (n = 6 / 29, 20.7%) and level II (n = 2 / 29, 7.1%) (p for diff < 0.001). Level III was reported the easiest test (very easy to complete) (n = 16, 51.6%), followed by level I(n = 10, 33.3%), and level II (n = 9, 9.1%) (p for diff < 0.001)). Level III was reported most convenient test (very convenient to complete) (n = 16, 51.6%), followed by level I (n = 4, 13.3%) and level II (n = 4, 13.3%) (p for diff < 0.001)). Level III was reported most acceptable to repeat (very acceptable to repeat) (n = 13, 41.9%), followed by level I (n = 3, 10.0%) and level II (n = 3, 10.0%) (p for diff < 0.001)).

Conclusion

Pregnant women being assessed for OSA by 24 weeks gestation preferred to undertake level III sleep studies and found level III easier to use, more convenient and most acceptable to repeat than Level I and II studies. Given autonomy is an important principle, patient preference of sleep diagnostic tests should be taken into consideration in sleep clinical services and research involving pregnant women.
An assessment of latrine front-end characteristics and associated surface E. coli indicated faecal contamination in rural Fiji
Authors: Adhikari Sabita , Anthony Shylett , Baleinamau Ponipate , Coriakula Jeremaia , Daurewa Thompson , Devi Rachel , Gavidi Sikeli , Horwitz Pierre , Hunter Erin C. , Jenkins Aaron , Jupiter Stacy , Lalamacuata Maria , Mailautoka Kinikoto , Mangubhai Sangeeta , Naivalu Kelera , Naivalulevu Timoci , Naivalulevu Vilisi , Nasim Nabeela , Naucunivanua Sikeli , Negin Joel , van Nimwegen Paul , Ratu Anaseini , Ravoka Mereia , Tukana Andrew , van de Vossenberg Jack , Wilson Donald , Thomas Jacqueline
Published: August 2024

In Fiji, 90% of the population has access to basic sanitation; however, there are still persistent health risks from endemic faecal-oral diseases such as typhoid fever. There is a need to assess the contribution of existing sanitation facilities in the faecal pathogen transmission pathway. This study was conducted as part of a larger planetary health study across 29 rural communities within five river catchments. This specific research aimed to characterise latrine front-ends, both infrastructure and usage behaviour, and to assess the faecal contamination levels on various frequently contacted latrine surfaces in rural Fiji. A sanitation survey, along with observation and latrine swab sampling, was conducted in households over three phases: baseline (n = 311) (Aug–Dec 2019), endline (n = 262) (Jun–Sep 2022) and an in-depth front-end study (n = 12) (Oct–Nov 2022). Of 311 households, almost all had pedestal-type latrines, predominately cistern-flush (83%), followed by pour-flush (13%), and then hole-type (pit) latrines (4%). Washable latrine floors had significantly higher E. coli densities (6.7 × 102 CFU/25 cm2) compared to non-washable floors (1.3 × 102 CFU/25 cm2) (p = 0.05), despite washable floors indicating improved latrines. The in-depth front-end analysis found that moist latrine surfaces had significantly elevated E. coli densities (1.2 × 103 CFU/25 cm2) compared to the dry ones (14.3 CFU/25 cm2) (p < 0.001), highlighting the importance of maintaining dry latrine surfaces. Latrine floors and mid-walls were the most frequently contaminated surfaces, emphasising the need to clean and disinfect these surfaces. Only 46% of the households reported always using soap for handwashing after defecation, exacerbating the risk of transmitting faecal pathogens. This study highlights that latrine cleanliness and hygiene are as crucial as latrine infrastructures for the effective disruption of faecal pathogens transmission during latrine use.
Navigating the Nexus of Bioethics and Geopolitics: Implications for Global Health Security and Scientific Collaboration
Authors: Klimovich-Mickael Alexandra , Sacharczuk Mariusz , Mickael Michel Edwar
Published: August 2024

Bioethics plays a pivotal role in guiding ethical decision-making within the realm of medical research and healthcare. However, the influence of geopolitics on bioethical considerations, particularly regarding bioweapons research, remains an underexplored area. This study delves into the uncharted territory of how international political interests can intersect with bioethical principles, potentially shaping collaborative efforts and global health policies related to bioweapons research. Through a hypothetical scenario involving a hypothetical pathogen, a collaborative effort between unspecified countries, we examine the implications of such cooperation on global health governance, with a specific focus on bioweapons research. Ethical dilemmas surrounding responsible research, potential risks and benefits, equitable distribution of findings, and biosafety measures are explored. This analysis underscores the importance of transparent and responsible practices in bioweapons research amidst geopolitical tensions. By striking a balance between national interests and international solidarity, we advocate for robust bioethical frameworks to navigate such collaborations for the collective well-being of humanity and to mitigate potential risks associated with bioweapons research.
Entamoeba histolytica in Different Water Sources of Niğde Province of Turkey
Authors: Candan Cemal , Karatepe Mustafa , Karatepe Bilge
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study was carried out to determine the presence of Entamoeba histolytica in water sources of Niğde province in Turkey, between June and November 2021.

Methods

A total of 90 water samples were taken from 15 different water sources (drinking water, well water, spring water, wastewater and dam water) every month and the presence of E. histolytica antigens in the samples was examined by ELISA.

Results

The positivity for E. histolytica was determined in 7 (7.7%) of 90 samples. While no antigens were found in any of the samples in June and September, E. histolytica was positive for three samples (20%) in July, one sample (6.6%) in August and October and two samples in November (13.3%). One of 24 dam samples (4.1%), 1 of 12 wastewater samples (8.3%), 1 of 12 well samples (8.3%), and 4 of 24 fountain samples (16.6%) that examined by ELISA were found positive. On the other hand, none of the examined 18 spring samples were positive. In addition, 4 (8.8%) of 45 samples that examined in summer and 3 (6.6%) of 45 samples that examined in autumn were detected positive by using ELISA. Entamoeba histolytica positivity in samples was statistically insignificant in terms of months, water resources and seasons (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

As a result, the presence of E. histolytica, which is an important public health problem in water sources, was determined for the first time in Niğde province of Türkiye with this study.