bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Augmented Reality Solution for the Positive Behaviour Intervention and Support
Authors: Farella Mariella , Arrigo Marco , Tosto Crispino , Taibi Davide , Seta Luciano , Chifari Antonella , Goei Sui Lin , Pronk Jeroen , Mangina Eleni , Denaro Paola , Dhrami Doriana , Chiazzese Giuseppe
Published: September 2022

The spread of Augmented Reality (AR) and the recent technological developments, provide innovative techniques and tools that show a growing potential in education. One of the pilots of the European Horizon 2020 project ARETE (Augmented Reality Interactive Educational System) aims to investigate and evaluate for the first time the introduction of an AR solution to support a behavioral lesson in schools where the Positive Behaviour Intervention and Support (PBIS) methodology is adopted. Specifically in this paper, we describe the architectural design and implementation of a PBIS-AR application as a component of the ARETE ecosystem. It describes the functionality of the system and the teaching process that the AR solution will support.
Constraining super-light sterile neutrinos at Borexino and KamLAND
Authors: Chen Zikang , Liao Jiajun , Ling Jiajie , Yue Baobiao
Published: September 2022

Abstract

The presence of a super-light sterile neutrino can lead to a dip in the survival probability of solar neutrinos, and explain the suppression of the upturn in the low energy solar neutrino data. In this work, we systematically study the survival probabilities in the 3+1 framework by taking into account of the non-adiabatic transitions and the coherence effect. We obtain an analytic equation that can predict the position of the dip. We also place constraints on the parameter space of sterile neutrinos by using the latest Borexino and KamLAND data. We find that the low and high energy neutrino data at Borexino are sensitive to different regions in the sterile neutrino parameter space. In the case with only θ01 being nonzero, the 8B data sets the strongest bounds at $$ \Delta {m}_{01}^2 $$
∆

m
01
2

≈ (1.1 ∼ 2.2)$$ \Delta {m}_{21}^2 $$
∆

m
21
2

, while the low energy neutrino data is more sensitive to other mass-squared regions. The lowest bounds on $$ \Delta {m}_{01}^2 $$
∆

m
01
2

from the pp data can reach 10−12 eV2 because of the coherence effect. Also, due to the presence of non-adiabatic transitions, the bounds in the range of 10−9 eV2 ≲ $$ \Delta {m}_{01}^2 $$
∆

m
01
2

≲ 10−5 eV2 become weaker as $$ \Delta {m}_{01}^2 $$
∆

m
01
2

or sin2 2θ01 decreases. We also find that in the case with only θ02 or θ03 being nonzero, the low energy solar neutrino data set similar but weaker bounds as compared to the case with only θ01 being nonzero. However, the bounds from the high energy solar data and the KamLAND data are largely affected by the sterile mixing angles.
Time of self-harm presentations to hospital emergency departments: a scoping review
Authors: Evoy David Mc , Clarke Mary , Joyce Mary
Published: September 2022

Background

The time at which a self-harm presentation occurs has been shown to be a significant factor as to whether a patient receives a psychiatric assessment or not, which may benefit the patient’s future care. This scoping review sought to identify studies that report on the peak time of day for self-harm presentations to hospital Emergency Departments (EDs). This could help hospital managers to properly allocate the appropriate services for self-harm patients when they are needed the most.

Methods

A scoping review of the literature from the year 2000 until 30th June 2021 was carried out using the PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and the Cochrane library databases.

Results

There were 22 studies that were included for data extraction. The findings from 20 of these studies indicate that self-harm presentations tend to occur outside of working hours (09:00–17:00, Monday to Friday). The majority of studies found that the peak time for self-harm presentations was in the hours before and after midnight.

Conclusions

While this scoping review identified a satisfactory number of studies for data extraction, examination of time of day of presentation was a secondary outcome across most studies. Given that the majority of studies focused on adult samples, further research is necessary to investigate peak times for other age cohorts. More research on this topic is also needed in low- and middle-income countries. Consideration should be given to ensure that the necessary resources to treat hospital presenting self-harm are allocated outside of typical working hours.
Triboelectric surface field strength of wood after brushing
Authors: Leiter Lena Maria , Myna Roman , Frömel-Frybort Stephan , Liebner Falk , Wimmer Rupert
Published: September 2022

Mechanical friction causes electrical surface charges on wooden surfaces. In this research, triboelectric activation of solid wood surfaces was investigated by using a wood brushing machine. The extent of activation and the potential influence of machine parameters, or the influence of various wood species are questions so far unanswered. The electrical surface field strengths were continuously detected by means of an electric field meter. Machine settings, such as feed rate and brush pressure, have been varied to better understand the effects on the resulting surface charges. Data showed that nylon and tynex brushes lead to strong positive electric surface field strengths while natural fibers lead to less positive surface field strengths. In contrast, steel wire brushes showed negative electrical field strengths for oak wood, slightly positive field strengths for beech wood and stronger positive field strengths for softwoods. Overall, the tendency that a higher brush pressure led to higher recorded electrical surface field strengths while a faster feed rate reduced the field strengths was observed. As these findings were influenced by wood species and brushing materials, a better understanding of specific triboelectric interactions is essential for future applications. Tailoring surface charges can be an asset for new technical applications, such as chemistry-free primer treatments prior to wood coating.
On Enriques-Fano threefolds and a conjecture of Castelnuovo
Authors: Martello Vincenzo
Published: September 2022

Let $$W\subset \mathbb {P}^{13}$$

W
⊂

P

13

be the image of the rational map defined by the linear system of the sextic surfaces of $$\mathbb {P}^3$$

P

3

having double points along the edges of a tetrahedron. Let $$\mathcal {L}$$
L
be the linear system of the hyperplane sections of W. It is known that a general $$S\in \mathcal {L}$$

S
∈
L

is an Enriques surface. The aim of this paper is to study the sublinear system $$\mathcal {L}_{\bullet }\subset \mathcal {L}$$

L
∙

⊂
L

of the hyperplane sections of W having a triple point at a general point $$w \in W$$

w
∈
W

. We will show that a general element of $$\mathcal {L}_{\bullet }$$

L
∙

is birational to an elliptic ruled surface and that the image of W via the rational map defined by $$\mathcal {L}_{\bullet }$$

L
∙

is a cubic Del Pezzo surface $$\Delta \subset \mathbb {P}^3$$

Δ
⊂

P

3

with 4 nodes. Interestingly, this fact appears to be related to a conjecture of Castelnuovo.
Most degenerative cervical myelopathy remains undiagnosed, particularly amongst the elderly: modelling the prevalence of degenerative cervical myelopathy in the United Kingdom
Authors: Grodzinski Ben , Stubbs Daniel J. , Davies Benjamin M.
Published: September 2022

Background

Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) is a poorly recognised form of spinal cord injury which arises when degenerative changes in the cervical spine injure the spinal cord. Timely surgical intervention is critical to preventing disability. Despite this, DCM is frequently undiagnosed, and may be misconstrued as normal ageing. For a disease associated with age, we hypothesised that the elderly may represent an underdiagnosed population. This study aimed to evaluate this hypothesis by comparing age-stratified estimates of DCM prevalence based on spinal cord compression (SCC) data with hospital-diagnosed prevalence in the UK.

Methods

We queried the UK Hospital Episode Statistics database for admissions with a primary diagnosis of DCM. Age-stratified incidence rates were calculated and extrapolated to prevalence by adjusting population-level life expectancy to the standardised mortality ratio of DCM. We compared these figures to estimates of DCM prevalence based on the published conversion rate of asymptomatic SCC to DCM.

Results

The mean prevalence of DCM across all age groups was 0.19% (0.17, 0.21), with a peak prevalence of 0.42% at age 50–54 years. This contrasts with estimates from SCC data which suggest a mean prevalence of 2.22% (0.436, 2.68) and a peak prevalence of 4.16% at age > 79 years.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first study to estimate the age-stratified prevalence of DCM and estimate underdiagnosis. There is a substantial difference between estimates of DCM prevalence derived from SCC data and UK hospital activity data. This is greatest amongst elderly populations, indicating a potential health inequality.
The effect of rugby training on indirect markers of gut permeability and gut damage in academy level rugby players
Authors: Chantler Sarah , Griffiths Alex , Phibbs Padraic , Roe Gregory , Ramírez-López Carlos , Davison Glen , Jones Ben , Deighton Kevin
Published: September 2022

Purpose

To assess indirect markers of intestinal endothelial cell damage and permeability in academy rugby players in response to rugby training at the beginning and end of preseason.

Methods

Blood and urinary measures (intestinal fatty acid binding protein and lactulose:rhamnose) as measures of gastrointestinal cell damage and permeability were taken at rest and after a standardised collision-based rugby training session in 19 elite male academy rugby players (age: 20 ± 1 years, backs: 89.3 ± 8.4 kg; forwards: 111.8 ± 7.6 kg) at the start of preseason. A subsample (n = 5) repeated the protocol after six weeks of preseason training. Gastrointestinal symptoms (GIS; range of thirteen standard symptoms), aerobic capacity (30–15 intermittent fitness test), and strength (1 repetition maximum) were also measured.

Results

Following the rugby training session at the start of preseason, there was an increase (median; interquartile range) in intestinal fatty acid binding protein (2140; 1260–2730 to 3245; 1985–5143 pg/ml, p = 0.003) and lactulose:rhamnose (0.31; 0.26–0.34 to 0.97; 0.82–1.07, p < 0.001). After six weeks of preseason training players physical qualities improved, and the same trends in blood and urinary measures were observed within the subsample. Overall, the frequency and severity of GIS were low and not correlated to markers of endothelial damage.

Conclusions

Rugby training resulted in increased intestinal endothelial cell damage and permeability compared to rest. A similar magnitude of effect was observed after six weeks of pre-season training. This was not related to the experience of GIS.
Efficacy of sodium bicarbonate ingestion strategies for protecting blinding
Authors: Gurton William H. , Matta Guilherme G. , Gough Lewis A. , Hurst Philip
Published: September 2022

Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) is a widely researched ergogenic aid, but the optimal blinding strategy during randomised placebo-controlled trials is unknown. In this multi-study project, we aimed to determine the most efficacious ingestion strategy for blinding NaHCO3 research. During study one, 16 physically active adults tasted 0.3 g kg−1 body mass NaHCO3 or 0.03 g kg−1 body mass sodium chloride placebo treatments given in different flavour (orange, blackcurrant) and temperature (chilled, room temperature) solutions. They were required to guess which treatment they had received. During study two, 12 recreational athletes performed time-to-exhaustion (TTE) cycling trials (familiarisation, four experimental). Using a randomised, double-blind design, participants consumed 0.3 g kg−1 body mass NaHCO3 or a placebo in 5 mL kg−1 body mass chilled orange squash/water solutions or capsules and indicated what they believed they had received immediately after consumption, pre-TTE and post-TTE. In study one, NaHCO3 prepared in chilled orange squash resulted in the most unsure ratings (44%). In study two, giving NaHCO3 in capsules resulted in more unsure ratings than in solution after consumption (92 vs 33%), pre-TTE (67 vs. 17%) and post-TTE (50 vs. 17%). Administering NaHCO3 in capsules was the most efficacious blinding strategy which provides important implications for researchers conducting randomised placebo-controlled trials.
Experience of office-based haematologists and oncologists with outpatient psycho-social support services for cancer patients with and without migration background in Germany
Authors: Riccetti Nicola , Hempler Isabelle , Hermes-Moll Kerstin , Heidt Vitali , Walawgo Thomas , Singer Susanne
Published: September 2022

Purpose

We compared the perception of office-based haematologists and oncologists regarding the availability of outpatient psycho-social support services (PSSS) for patients with cancer and a migration background, as well as their different experiences with these services.

Methods

Data were collected via an online survey addressing the doctors’ socio-demographic characteristics and their perception of-and experience with PSSS. The association between socio-demographic characteristics of the doctors and their experiences with PSSS was tested using Pearson’s chi-squared test and Kruskal–Wallis test.

Results

A total of 55 doctors were included in this study. More than three doctors in four reported non-sufficient presence of PSSS in foreign languages in their region; one in two reported that the services for patients with migration background should be improved. Most doctors reported missing PSSS in Turkish and Arabic in their region.

Doctors with less experience referred patients more often to PSSS hosted in patients’ associations (75% vs 25%; p = 0.02), than doctors with more experience. Doctors working in larger cities referred patients less often to PSSS in cancer counselling centres (12% vs 88%; p = 0.01), than doctors working in small or middle-large cities. Male doctors were more satisfied with the network of PSSS’ providers, than female doctors (mean score = 2.8 vs 2.2; p = 0.05).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that efforts should be made for a higher regional availability of overall and specific PSSS for non-German speaking patients (especially for Turkish- and Arabic-speaking patients). The experience with PSSS was associated with the doctors’ work experience and gender, as well as the location of the practice.
Body surface area-based kidney length percentiles misdiagnose small kidneys in children with overweight/obesity
Authors: Marzuillo Pierluigi , Carreras-Badosa Gemma , Martínez-Calcerrada José-María , Guarino Stefano , Palma Pier Luigi , Petrone Delfina , Miraglia del Giudice Emanuele , Bassols Judit , López-Bermejo Abel
Published: September 2022

Background

We evaluated the diagnostic performance of height-, age- and body surface area (BSA)-based kidney length (KL) percentiles in the identification of at least one small kidney (KL < 3rd) and in the prediction of reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and/or elevated blood pressure (BP) in children with and without overweight (OW)/obesity(OB).

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, 744 apparently healthy children (mean age 8.3 years) were recruited in a primary care setting. Clinical data were collected, and serum creatinine and KL were measured. Height-, age- and BSA-based percentiles of KL were calculated and the association of at least one small kidney per subject with reduced eGFR and/or elevated BP was explored by logistic regression.

Results

Two hundred fifty-seven out of seven hundred forty-four (34.5%) subjects were OW/OB and 127 (17.1%) had reduced eGFR or elevated BP. In separate analyses in children with OW/OB, the KL percentiles calculated on the basis of BSA were lower compared with height- and age-based KL percentiles. Consequently, the prevalence of a small kidney was significantly higher when evaluating percentiles of KL based on BSA compared with other percentiles. In logistic regression analysis, a small kidney was significantly associated with reduced eGFR and/or elevated BP only when using height-based KL percentiles. The KL percentiles according to BSA for the ideal weight (iBSA) showed similar performance compared with height-based percentiles. No differences in the diagnostic performance of different percentiles were found in children with normal weight.

Conclusions

BSA-based percentiles underestimate KL in children with OW/OB. In these subjects, the use of height-based or iBSA-based percentiles should be preferred.

Graphical abstract
Taurine protects R28 cells from hypoxia/re-oxygenation-induced damage via regulation of mitochondrial energy metabolism
Authors: Lu Wei , Yang Yuting , Gao Shunxiang , Wu Jihong , Sun Xinghuai
Published: September 2022

Oxidative-induced damage and hypoxia/re-oxygenation (H/R) injury are common causes of irreversible visual impairment. The goals of this study were to explore the effects of taurine on R28 cells under the two damage models and the underlying mechanisms. Low doses of taurine supplementation promoted cell viability, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), SOD levels, ATP contents and attenuated cytotoxicity and intracellular ROS generation of the R28 cells under the two kinds of damage. The expression level of GTPBP3, a mitochondrial-tRNA (mt-tRNA) modification enzyme that catalyzes the taurine involved modification, was decreased under the two damage and taurine could reverse the reduction. After knocking down GTPBP3, the R28 cells become vulnerable to damage. The viability, cytotoxicity, MMP and intracellular ROS level of knockdown cells changed more obviously under the H/R injury than those of control cell. We also found that knockdown of GTPBP3 significantly decreased mitochondrial energy metabolism by measuring the oxidative respiration rate by the Seahorse XFe24 extracellular flux analyzer. The protection of low doses of taurine disappeared on knockdown R28 cells, indicating that GTPBP3 is crucial in the protection mechanisms of taurine. However, the impacts of the reduction of GTPBP3 level can be reversed by relatively high doses of taurine, implying the protection effects of taurine were dose-dependent, and there were more complicated mechanisms remain to be explored. This study explored a new mechanism of the neuroprotective effects of taurine, which depend on the GTPBP3-mediated taurine modification of mt-tRNAs and the promotion of mitochondrial energy metabolism.
Implementation of screening criteria for inflammatory bowel disease in patients with spondyloarthritis and its association with disease and endoscopic activity
Authors: Gutiérrez-Sánchez Jaiber , Parra-Izquierdo Viviana , Flórez-Sarmiento Cristian , Jaimes Diego Alejandro , De Ávila Juliette , Bello-Gualtero Juan Manuel , Ramos-Casallas Alejandro , Chila-Moreno Lorena , Pacheco-Tena César , Beltrán-Ostos Adriana , Chalem-Choueka Philippe , Bautista-Molano Wilson , Romero-Sánchez Consuelo
Published: September 2022

There is little literature on the implementation of screening criteria for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA). This study aimed to apply IBD screening criteria in a group of patients with SpA without IBD diagnosis and correlate them to endoscopic findings and disease activity. A total of 82 patients with SpA were included. The IBD screening test and ileocolonoscopy with digital chromoendoscopy with magnification and histological analysis were performed. The data were analysed with Chi-square test/Fisher’s exact test and multiple correspondence analysis. The major screening criteria found in 48.7% of the patients were associated with a history of infection (p = 0.037). Rectal bleeding was associated with the diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis, acute inflammation, enthesitis and tissue architecture alteration in the ileum (p < 0.050). Diarrhoea was associated with a higher disease activity score (p = 0.02). Minor screening criteria were associated with painful inflammatory joint (p = 0.05), high disease activity score (p = 0.001) and high calprotectin levels (p = 0.050). Abdominal pain (36.9%) was associated with axial/peripheral compromise (p = 0.017), inflammatory back pain (p = 0.01), enthesitis (p = 0.021), higher disease activity score (p = 0.023) and acute ileum inflammation (p = 0.046). Diarrhoea of 4 weeks and abdominal pain were the most prevalent major and minor screening criteria, respectively, being related to early manifestations of inflammatory bowel compromise and higher disease activity score. This screening test grants a chance of opportune referral of SpA patients from rheumatology to gastroenterology.
Exploring the relationships between first impressions and MMI ratings: a pilot study
Authors: Klusmann Dietrich , Knorr Mirjana , Hampe Wolfgang
Published: September 2022

The phenomenon of first impression is well researched in social psychology, but less so in the study of OSCEs and the multiple mini interview (MMI). To explore its bearing on the MMI method we included a rating of first impression in the MMI for student selection executed 2012 at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany (196 applicants, 26 pairs of raters) and analyzed how it was related to MMI performance ratings made by (a) the same rater, and (b) a different rater. First impression was assessed immediately after an applicant entered the test room. Each MMI-task took 5 min and was rated subsequently. Internal consistency was α = .71 for first impression and α = .69 for MMI performance. First impression and MMI performance correlated by r = .49. Both measures weakly predicted performance in two OSCEs for communication skills, assessed 18 months later. MMI performance did not increment prediction above the contribution of first impression and vice versa. Prediction was independent of whether or not the rater who rated first impression also rated MMI performance. The correlation between first impression and MMI-performance is in line with the results of corresponding social psychological studies, showing that judgements based on minimal information moderately predict behavioral measures. It is also in accordance with the notion that raters often blend their specific assessment task outlined in MMI-instructions with the self-imposed question of whether a candidate would fit the role of a medical doctor.
New algorithm for checking Pareto optimality in bimatrix games
Authors: Kicsiny Richárd , Varga Zoltán
Published: September 2022

Bimatrix games have had theoretical importance and important applications since the very beginning of game theory to date. Pareto optimal strategy vectors represent a reasonable and frequently applied solution concept (basically in the cooperative approach). Particularly, it often arises whether a non-cooperative solution can be improved in cooperative sense, i.e. it is Pareto optimal or not. However, in concrete cases it may be hard to determine the Pareto optimal strategy vectors or at least check the Pareto optimality of a given strategy vector. In the present paper, the Pareto optimality of the strategy pairs in general n × m ($$n = 2,3, \ldots$$

n
=
2
,
3
,
…

; $$m = 2,3, \ldots$$

m
=
2
,
3
,
…

) bimatrix games is studied. First of all an elementary proof is provided for a theorem, which makes the proposed Pareto optimality checking algorithm simpler. Then a nonlinear transform is proposed, which makes the algorithm even more convenient in the important case of 2 × 2 bimatrix games (and for certain other cases). Two numerical examples present the practical applicability of the checking algorithm. The problem of 2 × 2 bimatrix games can be solved even by hand. For larger games, numerous computational tools are available in the practice to apply the checking algorithm in exact or at least approximate way.
Influence of nonlinear spatial distribution of stress and strain on solving problems of solid mechanics
Authors: Zhang Chunyu , Wang Biao
Published: September 2022

The stress and the strain should be defined as statistical variables averaged over the representative volume elements for any real continuum system. It is shown that their nonlinear spatial distributions undermine the classical framework of solid mechanics and may cause non-ignorable errors to the solutions. With considering the high-order gradients of the stress and the strain, a two-step solution scheme is proposed to compensate for the influence. Through a revisit to three simple but typical problems, i.e., the hole size-dependence of the fracture strength of perforated plates, the indentation depth-dependence of the measured elastic modulus by micro-indentation tests, and the tensile necking of metallic materials as well as hyperelastic materials, the effect of the nonlinear spatial distribution of stress and strain on solving these problems is illustrated. The observed size effect and the instability of deformation can be quantitatively explained if the effect is properly considered by the proposed method.
Effects of an attached functionally graded layer on the electromechanical behaviors of piezoelectric semiconductor fibers
Authors: Fang Kai , Li Nian , Li Peng , Qian Zhenghua , Kolesov V. , Kuznetsova I.
Published: September 2022

In this paper, we propose a specific two-layer model consisting of a functionally graded (FG) layer and a piezoelectric semiconductor (PS) layer. Based on the macroscopic theory of PS materials, the effects brought about by the attached FG layer on the piezotronic behaviors of homogeneous n-type PS fibers and PN junctions are investigated. The semi-analytical solutions of the electromechanical fields are obtained by expanding the displacement and carrier concentration variation into power series. Results show that the antisymmetry of the potential and electron concentration distributions in homogeneous n-type PS fibers is destroyed due to the material inhomogeneity of the attached FG layer. In addition, by creating jump discontinuities in the material properties of the FG layer, potential barriers/wells can be produced in the middle of the fiber. Similarly, the potential barrier configuration near the interface of a homogeneous PS PN junction can also be manipulated in this way, which offers a new choice for the design of PN junction based devices.
Advancing quality and health management practices in extensive shrimp (Penaeus monodon) farming in Bangladesh
Authors: Alam S. M. Nazmul
Published: September 2022

This study used a random selection of 150 extensive shrimp farms in three areas in Bangladesh (Paikgacha, Dacope, and Chokoria) and questionnaires to examine the quality, hygiene, and sanitation practices that farmers used to satisfy national and international concerns. The majority (95.67%) of farmers in all three sites did not examine the quality of the hatchery-bred post larvae (PL) and felt that the hatchery used chemicals or antibiotics in producing PL and supplied under-aged PL (below PL15), resulting in significant mortality when released onto the farms. The majority of farmers (83.3%) performed a visual inspection, examining shrimp size, weight, and disease symptoms before harvesting. Farmers in Chokoria were better aware of the need of inspecting quality features (growth, disease, weight, and shell) before harvesting than farmers in Dacope and Paikgacha. Farmers frequently neglected the icing of caught shrimp at the request of the buyer. To reduce losses, they took action when collected shrimp exhibited indicators of low quality, such as the presence of spots (43.3%), fragile shells (37.3%), and accidental debris (88.7%). Shrimp producers also enhanced their quality standards by using 100% plastic crates to transport shrimp and by improving working surfaces (92%) to wash, sort, and sell the collected shrimp, and building sanitary restrooms (100%) at a safe distance from the farms. Farmers believed that new laws had forced them to enhance safety, hygiene, and sanitation standards in order to decrease the poor quality image of Bangladesh shrimp held by international buyers, despite higher operating expenses and lower profitability.
An approach to assess and adjust for the influence of multicollinear covariates on metabolomics association patterns—applied to a study of the associations between a comprehensive lipoprotein profile and the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance
Authors: Kvalheim Olav M. , Rajalahti Tarja , Aadland Eivind
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Comprehensive lipoprotein profiling using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy of serum represents an alternative to the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Both adiposity and physical (in)activity associate to insulin resistance, but quantification of the influence of these two lifestyle related factors on the association pattern of HOMA-IR to lipoproteins suffers from lack of appropriate methods to handle multicollinear covariates.

Objectives

We aimed at (i) developing an approach for assessment and adjustment of the influence of multicollinear and even linear dependent covariates on regression models, and (ii) to use this approach to examine the influence of adiposity and physical activity on the association pattern between HOMA-IR and the lipoprotein profile.

Methods

For 841 children, lipoprotein profiles were obtained from serum proton NMR and physical activity (PA) intensity profiles from accelerometry. Adiposity was measured as body mass index, the ratio of waist circumference to height, and skinfold thickness. Target projections were used to assess and isolate the influence of adiposity and PA on the association pattern of HOMA-IR to the lipoproteins.

Results

Adiposity explained just over 50% of the association pattern of HOMA-IR to the lipoproteins with strongest influence on high-density lipoprotein features. The influence of PA was mainly attributed to a strong inverse association between adiposity and moderate and high-intensity physical activity.

Conclusion

The presented covariate projection approach to obtain net association patterns, made it possible to quantify and interpret the influence of adiposity and physical (in)activity on the association pattern of HOMA-IR to the lipoprotein features.
Diet quality, sleep and quality of life in Parkinson’s disease: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Dunk Danielle , Mulryan Philip , Affonso Sean , O’Keeffe Gerard W. , O’Keeffe Majella , Sullivan Aideen M.
Published: September 2022

Background

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterised by motor and non-motor symptoms that impact quality of daily life, including diet and sleep. However, relatively little is known about dietary intake and quality in people with PD (PwP). Lifestyle factors, and how they relate to diet, are also insufficiently understood.

The aims of this study were to investigate dietary intake and quality, sleep and quality of life in PwP, and to explore the relationships between these factors.

Methods

Forty-five community-dwelling participants with PD (n = 45) were recruited to this cross-sectional study through the Cork Parkinson’s Association, Ireland. Dietary intake was assessed using the EPIC food frequency questionnaire, and diet quality was assessed using the Healthy Diet Indicator. Dietary intakes were compared to Irish RDAs for adults > 65 years. Sleep duration and quality were subjectively measured using the PD Sleep Scale and Pittsburgh sleep quality index and objectively measured by actigraphy in a subset of participants (n = 27). QOL was measured using the validated PDQ-39 questionnaire.

Results

Energy intake in PwP was significantly higher than that of the general population (2013 vs 1755 kcal/d, p = 0.01), despite their lower mean BMI (25.9 vs 27.7 kg/m2, p = 0.02). Intakes of carbohydrate, protein and fruits and vegetables were significantly higher in PwP compared to recommended and population intakes (all p < 0.01), but fibre intake was significantly lower than recommended (17.3 vs 25 g/d, p$$\le$$
≤
0.05). Seventy-eight percent of participants had poor dietary quality, and poor sleep quality was associated with poor QOL.

Conclusions

Carbohydrates, protein, fruit and vegetable intakes were greater in PwP than population norms, but overall diet quality was low. Interventions to improve dietary and lifestyle factors may improve health and QOL in PwP.
Approximation Approach to the Fractional BVP with the Dirichlet Type Boundary Conditions
Authors: Marynets Kateryna , Pantova Dona
Published: September 2022

We use a numerical-analytic technique to construct a sequence of successive approximations to the solution of a system of fractional differential equations, subject to Dirichlet boundary conditions. We prove the uniform convergence of the sequence of approximations to a limit function, which is the unique solution to the boundary value problem under consideration, and give necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of solutions. The obtained theoretical results are confirmed by a model example.
Novel benzylidene benzofuranone analogues as potential anticancer agents: design, synthesis and in vitro evaluation based on CDK2 inhibition assays
Authors: Pai Aravinda , B.S. Jayashree
Published: September 2022

The classical anticancer agents do not have their efficacy on inhibiting the G2 phase of the cell cycle. There are a very few reports available on drugs that work at G2 phase. Flavopiridol is one such drug candidate. In the current study, we sought to make analogues of flavopiridol. Still, the conditions used during their synthesis were unfavourable for the formation of flavopiridol and led to the generation of benzofuranones. In the present work, a new series of benzylidene benzofuranones were designed, synthesized and evaluated for their antioxidant, anti-colorectal cancer activity. Molecular docking, MMGBSA and molecular dynamics studies were conducted to assess their binding affinity at the active site of CDK2. Based on the cytotoxicity exhibited by test compounds, the compound NISOA4 (from isopropyl series) was further selected for mechanistic anticancer studies on HCT 116 cell lines. The compound selected was evaluated by comet assay, DNA fragmentation assay, cell cycle analysis, apoptosis detection by annexin FITC, semi-quantitative RTPCR based gene expression studies and FRET assay on the target CDK2/Cyclin A. Compound NISOA4 exhibited marked olive moments in comet assay studies. The apoptotic DNA fragmentation for compound NISOA4 demonstrated a marked change in the DNA fragmentation. The compound exhibited cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase at both the test concentrations. Apoptosis induction was observed at both the test concentrations and the compound was found to be a potent proapoptotic agent. It exhibited marked inhibition for the CDK2 gene expression and did not show any effect on CyclinA gene expression. However, the compound NISOA4 along with other analogues showed appreciable inhibition for the CDK2/Cyclin A target enzyme.
Climate change in the Catalan Pyrenees intersects with socioeconomic factors to shape crop diversity and management
Authors: Blanch-Ramirez Joana , Calvet-Mir Laura , Aceituno-Mata Laura , Benyei Petra
Published: September 2022

Most studies on climate change’s impacts on agriculture focus on modeling techniques based on large-scale meteorological data, while few have investigated how farmer’s perception of climate change’s impacts can affect crop diversity and crop management practices, especially in industrialized contexts. To fill this gap, we conducted 24 semi-structured interviews in a study site located in the Catalan Pyrenees. Our results show for the first time in an industrialized context that farmers perceive multiple interrelated climate change impacts on local agroecosystems. For instance, snowfall and freeze events have decreased, which respondents associated with the increase of pests and diseases affecting both wild flora and cultivated plants. Similarly, changes in precipitation patterns lead to a perceived decrease in useful rain for agriculture. Farmers are also reporting changes in their management practices, such as increased irrigation or use of pesticides, which respond to these climatic factors but also to changes in the crops that are cultivated. Crop diversity is in decline in the area both at the species and landrace levels, especially in rainfed fields. This is mainly driven by socioeconomic factors such as agricultural abandonment or access to commercial seeds, although climate change factors such as increased pests or decreased rainfall can have an impact. Despite the crop diversity losses found, many landraces have been maintained, mainly due to their cultural value, and also new crop species have been introduced, which are now viable due to the increase in temperature. Although we focused on a specific case study, we found several trends that are also present in other contexts. Therefore, the results of this research are relevant at a global scale since they show that climate change is affecting mountain agroecosystems in industrialized contexts and may affect more drastically both agrobiodiversity and crop management practices in agroecosystems worldwide.
Is it the Sermon or the Choir? Pastoral Support, Congregant Support, and Worshiper Mental Health
Authors: Acevedo Gabriel A. , DeAngelis Reed T. , Farrell Jordan , Vaidyanathan Brandon
Published: September 2022

Background

Although religious involvement tends to be associated with improved mental health, additional work is needed to identify the specific aspects of religious practice that are associated with positive mental health outcomes. Our study advances the literature by investigating how two unique forms of religious social support are associated with mental health.

Purpose

We explore whether support received in religious settings from fellow congregants or religious leaders is associated with participants’ mental health. We address questions that are not only of interest to religion scholars, but that may also inform religious leaders and others whose work involves understanding connections between religious factors and psychological outcomes within religious communities.

Methods

We test several hypotheses using original data from the “Mental Health in Congregations Study (2017–2019)”, a survey of Christian and Jewish congregants from South Texas and the Washington DC area (N = 1882). Surveys were collected using both paper and online surveys and included an extensive battery of religious and mental health measures.

Results

Congregant support has more robust direct associations with mental health outcomes than faith leader support. Increased congregant support is significantly associated (p < 0.001) with fewer symptoms of psychological distress (β = − 0.168), anxiety (β = − 0.159), and anger (β = − 0.190), as well as greater life satisfaction (β = 0.269) and optimism (β = 0.283). However, faith leader support moderates these associations such that congregant support is associated with better mental health only in cases where faith leader support is also high. When leader support is low, congregant support and mental health are not associated.

Conclusions and Implications

At the conceptual level, our study adds to an extensive literature on the relationship between religious social support and mental health. Additionally, our work may provide important insights to religious leadership in terms of communications strategies, services, and resources that might enhance overall congregant mental health and well-being.
Can Multi-Label Classifiers Help Identify Subjectivity? A Deep Learning Approach to Classifying Cognitive Presence in MOOCs
Authors: Hu Yuanyuan , Donald Claire , Giacaman Nasser
Published: September 2022

This paper investigates using multi-label deep learning approach to extending the understanding of cognitive presence in MOOC discussions. Previous studies demonstrate the challenges of subjectivity in manual categorisation methods. Training automatic single-label classifiers may preserve this subjectivity. Using a triangulation approach, we developed a multi-label, fine-tuning BERT classifier to analyse cognitive presence to enrich results with state-of-the-art, single-label classifiers. We trained the multi-label classifiers on the MOOC discussion messages that were categorised into the same phase of cognitive presence by the expert coders, and tested the best-performing classifiers on the messages that the coders categorised into different phases. The results suggest that multi-label classifiers slightly outperformed the single-label classifiers, and the multi-label classifiers predicted the discussion messages as either one category or two adjacent categories of cognitive presence. No messages were tagged as non-adjacent categories by the multi-label classifier. This is an improvement compared to manual categorisation by our expert coders, who obtained non-adjacent categories and even three categories of cognitive presence in one message. In addition to the fully correct prediction, parts of messages were partially correctly predicted by the multi-label classifier. We report an in-depth quantitative and qualitative analysis of these messages in the paper. The automatic categorisation results suggest that the multi-label classifiers have the potential to help educators and researchers identify research subjectivity and tolerate the multiplicity in cognitive presence categorisation. This study contributes to extending the literature on understanding cognitive presence in MOOC discussions.
Expert consensus on prophylactic treatment of hereditary angioedema
Authors: Greve Jens , Kinaciyan Tamar , Maurer Marcus , Dillenburger Barbara , Recke Andreas , Schöffl Clemens
Published: September 2022

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a chronic, genetic condition which severely impacts those afflicted with intermittent recurrent vascular edema in mucosal and submucosal tissue or in the dermis and subcutis. These swellings adversely impact the wellbeing of patients, both physically and emotionally. Depending on the location, patients present to doctors in a range of disciplines, and not infrequently misdiagnoses occur, such as appendicitis or an allergy, with subsequent incorrect treatment. An HAE attack can also be life-threatening if larynx is affected. However, medications for treating the more common mast cell-induced angioedema are not effective in HAE. Correct diagnosis of the condition, which often first appears in childhood or adolescence, is therefore essential for effective treatment. De novo mutations where the family history is negative are particularly challenging here. However, a range of new treatment options can help HAE patients by preventing attacks and alleviating the burden of the disease. In this review, we summarize the symptoms experienced by patients with HAE as a result of their condition, but also as a result of misdiagnoses and incorrect treatments, as well as the role of preventive treatment (long-term prophylaxis) in improving the quality of life of those affected and their families. In addition, we provide specific information about how HAE can be detected at an early stage in order to be able to refer patients to experts as soon as possible. With reference to the recommendations of the updated WAO/EAACI guidelines (2022), we argue for a stronger role for long-term prophylaxis and the promotion of modern, patient-centered management of HAE using patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) to manage quality of life and the burden of the disease.
Greatest common divisors of shifted primes and Fibonacci numbers
Authors: Jha Abhishek , Sanna Carlo
Published: September 2022

Let$$(F_n)$$(Fn)be the sequence of Fibonacci numbers and, for each positive integerk, let$${\mathcal {P}}_k$$Pkbe the set of primespsuch that$$\gcd (p - 1, F_{p - 1}) = k$$gcd(p-1,Fp-1)=k. We prove that the relative density$$\varvec{r}({\mathcal {P}}_k)$$r(Pk)of$${\mathcal {P}}_k$$Pkexists, and we give a formula for$$\varvec{r}({\mathcal {P}}_k)$$r(Pk)in terms of an absolutely convergent series. Furthermore, we give an effective criterion to establish if a givenksatisfies$$\varvec{r}({\mathcal {P}}_k) > 0$$r(Pk)>0, and we provide upper and lower bounds for the counting function of the set of suchk’s. As an application of our results, we give a new proof of a lower bound for the counting function of the set of integers of the form$$\gcd (n, F_n)$$gcd(n,Fn), for some positive integern. Our proof is more elementary than the previous one given by Leonetti and Sanna, which relies on a result of Cubre and Rouse.
Fundamentalism and rigorism in Orthodox Christianity: the case of contemporary Russia
Authors: Koellner Tobias
Published: September 2022

Since the last socialist years and especially the end of the Soviet Union, the importance of Orthodox Christianity has greatly increased in contemporary Russia. Religion is once again an integral part of public life, plays a major role for identity issues and is entangled with the political sphere in a variety of ways. In addition, it is important to underline that within Orthodox Christianity the fundamentalist circles are gaining ground and have a growing influence on society as a whole. Here a specific feature of Orthodox Christianity is visible, which emphasizes continuity with the early Christian Church. This is a very orthodox content of fundamentalism which is called rigorism and indicates that Orthodox Christianity perceives itself as the only legitimate heir of the Apostolic Church. For this reason, special emphasis is laid on preserving this tradition. Specifically, this is illustrated in this article, which is based on two ethnographic field studies in the Russian Federation, by describing the conflict of a company with a monastery and by referring to so-called “traditional moral values” and their relation to family issues. Traditional moral values are becoming increasingly important in the area of the family. Although there are convergences with other conservative religious communities outside the Russian Federation, joint efforts remained problematic and are rejected until today, especially by fundamentalist groups within the Russian Orthodox Church. As a result, a number of goals and aims could not be implemented despite ideological convergences and the rejection of the dominant liberal model.
Vibrations of a Bridge with Random Structural Irregularities Under Random Traffic Load and a Probabilistic Structural Degradation Assessment Approach
Authors: Eberle Robert , Oberguggenberger Michael
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Dynamic loads like traffic make bridges vibrate. Especially for bridges with a large span, vibrations have a significant impact on their structural stability and durability. Due to material defects, fatigue and other influences, a bridge typically has random structural irregularities, which affect its dynamic response. In this work, an effective mathematical approach is presented to study the dynamic response of a model single span slender beam bridge, in the presence of random structural irregularities. In addition, an approach to assess the structural degradation of a bridge is presented.

Methods

The slender beam bridge is modelled as an Euler-Bernoulli beam and the random structural irregularities are considered by random fields in the bending stiffness and the mass per unit length. As an illustrative example, the vibrations of a model road bridge are investigated for randomly crossing vehicles. After Monte Carlo experiments with and without random structural irregularities the vibrations and mechanical stresses of the bridge are determined and analysed.

Results

The study shows statistically significant variations in the most dominant frequencies with and without random structural irregularities.

Conclusion

The influence of the random irregularities on the structural stability status of a bridge may not be negligible. The probability of a serious structural degradation in the bridge can be assessed by means of a binomial logistic model. The developed approach enables a better understanding of the vibrations and structural status of bridges, taking into account random structural irregularities and random traffic.