bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Active methodologies in Higher Education: reasons to use them (or not) from the voices of faculty teaching staff
Authors: Idoiaga Mondragon Nahia , Beloki Nekane , Yarritu Ion , Zarrazquin Idoia , Artano Karmele
Published: December 2023

Teaching based on active methodologies emphasizes the importance of giving students a leading role in the learning process. With the implementation of the European Higher Education Area, universities have undergone a reform that significantly increased student involvement in the teaching–learning process. The University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) responded to this change by introducing its own educational model: IKD i3. The general objective of this research is to explore the effect of the IKD i3 strategy on the teaching staff of the UPV/EHU. The study aims to identify the active methodologies adopted by the teaching staff and the reasons behind the use (or not) of these methodologies. A total of 403 teachers participated in the study, and their opinions were gathered freely to accurately represent their viewpoints. The results reveal that teaching staff at the UPV/EHU utilize active methodologies, with the most frequent being problem-based learning, cooperative learning, and the case study method. The reasons for incorporating these methodologies vary and include both benefits for students and advantages related to teaching, while the rationale for not using active methodologies is based on the lack of training, time constraints, and having a large number of students. Interestingly, the teachers who expressed these arguments were primarily those who were not familiar with or actively participating in the IKD i3 educational model. We believe that while our findings validate the UPV/EHU’s IKD i3 educational model, they also highlight the importance of universities not only having an educational model but also fostering a culture that encourages the active engagement of teaching staff. This commitment is essential to effectively develop and implement such a model.
Understanding (in) formal health and wellbeing networks within higher education: a mixed-method social network perspective
Authors: Swindell Nils , Thomas Jennifer , Tree Jeremy , Hill Denise , Hudson Joanne , Stratton Gareth
Published: December 2023

In response to increasing concerns about the mental health and wellbeing of university students and staff, policy aims have shifted towards a ‘whole-university approach’ to mental health and wellbeing. This policy advocates for a culture wherein mental health and wellbeing are a key priority across all levels (individual, societal, environmental). Thereby, responsibility for mental health and wellbeing is distributed across the institution, requiring contributions from staff irrespective of whether mental health and wellbeing are central to their role. Consequently, boundaries of responsibility and expertise can be unclear, while individual and professional capacity and opportunity influence the consistency of support. Effective governance of the whole-university approach requires an understanding of the complex network of ‘actors’ in the wellbeing system to cohesively deliver strategic objectives. This mixed-methods case study of one Higher Education Institution (HEI) employed social network analysis (SNA) to identify network structures and connections between staff who promote mental health and wellbeing. Qualitative follow-up explored factors associated with network prominence, cohesion between the informal network and formal structures, and overall perceptions of the network. An informal network of 211 actors in the wellbeing system was identified, revealing disparities with formal governance structures. Prominence in the network was attributed to both extrinsic (e.g. workplace culture and leadership) and intrinsic (e.g. social rewards) factors, and was perceived to provide value by increasing cohesive and collaborative working. However, findings also indicate the need to raise awareness of the network and improve capacity for network membership and engagement.
“Maybe it was a shield, you know”: Exploring family language policy through the lens of perezhivanie
Authors: Vorobeva Polina , Leontjev Dmitri
Published: December 2023

The current study builds an argument for using Vygotskian perezhivanie as a theoretical perspective to explore the becoming and being of family language policy (FLP). We shift the focus from the three components constituting FLP – language beliefs or ideologies, language practices, and language planning or management – to the individual. Namely, we suggest focusing on the individuals who sift their explicit and implicit FLP decisions through their emotional lived experiences – perezhiviniya. The study draws on interviews with two single Russian-speaking mothers in Finland. It explores how they refract their experiences connected to language use (i.e., Finnish and Russian) through the prism of perezhivanie, focusing on individual dramatic events that shape family language policies. The analysis illustrates that participants attach different or even controversial, however, co-existing, meanings to their FLPs. Furthermore, it accentuates the non-linear nature of individuals’ development, and, as a result, the development of their FLP. Above all, tracing the two mothers’ development through the lens of perezhivanie allowed making visible the complex trajectories that led them, despite struggles and obstacles, to gain the volition to act and implement a bilingual language policy in their families.
Assessing the introduction of regional driverless demand-responsive transit services through agent-based modeling and simulation
Authors: Patricio Anne S. , Santos Gonçalo Gonçalves Duarte , Antunes António Pais
Published: December 2023

Demand-responsive transit systems are seen as a solution to improve the level of service and decrease the costs of providing transit to rural or low-demand areas. There are great expectations on the impact that driverless demand-responsive transit (DDRT) systems can have on a regional setting. Nevertheless, the application of DDRT in such type of setting has not been widely studied, in particular for scenarios where the system is an addition to the existing alternatives (as characteristic of the early diffusion stage of an innovation). This study provides an assessment of the early-stage operation of a regional DDRT system used by a small portion of the entire potential adopters. A methodological approach is built upon an agent-based model through which the daily operation of a DDRT system is simulated in detail. This approach is applied to a case study in Portugal considering scenarios varying in terms of several operational parameters, adoption rates (from 1 to 20%), and types of services (private versus shared rides). Results show that each vehicle in the DDRT system with shared rides could replace up to 13 private vehicles with a decrease in the vehicle-kilometers traveled of 1%. The DDRT system operation is profitable even with low adoption rates (starting from 2% for the system with shared rides). When considering the adoption rate of 5%, the system with shared rides is 54% more profitable than the one with private rides, but, from the perspective of travelers, shared rides lead to longer waiting times and detours.
Referendums, Initiatives, and Voters’ Accountability
Authors: el-Wakil Alice
Published: December 2023

Do democratic systems that include binding referendum and initiative processes violate a core principle of democracy, namely that legislators should be accountable? Some have argued that they do: these popular vote processes would grant the right to legislate to ordinary voters even though they cannot be held accountable—i.e., face possible consequences imposed by others for their actions and decisions. As a result, we should favor conventional representative systems over systems with popular vote processes. In this article, I analyze this ‘accountability objection’ to referendums and initiatives and the conception of voters as ‘legislators’ on which it relies and argue that it does not withstand scrutiny. I first demonstrate that there is no sound basis to characterize only voters in popular votes, and not voters in elections, as ‘legislators’. Therefore, the scope of the objection is broader than anticipated by its proponents: it cannot be consistently used to dismiss popular votes without also being fatal to elections. I then argue that voters’ lack of accountability is not fatal to either mass voting process. The institutional role of ordinary voters provides them with co-lawmaking powers; but these are not the kind of special powers that justify holding certain actors accountable in democratic systems. This does not exclude that voters have responsibilities. I close by highlighting that, compared to conventional representative systems, democratic systems including well-designed popular vote processes could offer voters more supportive conditions to meet such possible responsibilities.
An overview of the ecological roles of Mediterranean chondrichthyans through extinction scenarios
Authors: Fernández-Corredor Elena , Ouled-Cheikh Jazel , Navarro Joan , Coll Marta
Published: December 2023

Fisheries, climate change, and habitat degradation are triggering the depletion of marine animal populations worldwide. The ecological impacts of the extinction of keystone species such as chondrichthyans can be far-reaching along the entire food web. Here, we first reviewed the trophic ecology of the 81 chondrichthyan species of the Mediterranean Sea through a literature search. We then compared prey composition among chondrichthyan species considering their taxonomic group, body size, and habitat. Finally, we represented the Mediterranean meta-web, emphasizing the chondrichthyan groups, using a qualitative network approach, and tested the vulnerability of the food web to selective removals of threatened chondrichthyan species by applying different extinction scenarios. We found trophic data for 53 species, which highlights the need to complement current knowledge gaps for many species. Diet dissimilarities between chondrichthyan taxa were detected, mainly due to the consumption of crustaceans and cephalopods. We found that large chondrichthyan species had a major contribution to the trophic dissimilarity and the omnivory of the food web when compared to small and medium-sized species. Conservation efforts within the Mediterranean chondrichthyan community may be particularly important for this group, as high levels of omnivory could moderate the occurrence of trophic cascades, while high trophic similarity can lead to less diverse ecosystems. This study provides a first overview of the ecological role of chondrichthyans in the Mediterranean and highlights the urgent research needed to increase the knowledge about these key species in the Mediterranean marine food web.
A legacy of excellence: celebrating 40 years of the Diokno–Lapides essay contest
Authors: Chancellor Michael , Bartolone Sarah
Published: December 2023

The Diokno–Lapides Essay Contest was originally established in 1984 as the Jack Lapides Essay Contest on Urodynamic and Neurourology Research. Developed by Ananias Diokno to honor his mentor, Jack Lapides at the University of Michigan, it was funded by a grant from Marion Laboratories. The contest recognizes individuals doing outstanding work in neurourology and has been awarded yearly since 1985. Renamed the Diokno–Lapides Essay Contest in 2014, it has generated significant papers and discoveries in neurourology. Spanning 40 years, winners and other participants have attested to the contest’s influence on their careers and its opportunities for networking and mentorship across the global urology community.
Growth Performance and Biochemical Composition of Desmodesmus sp. Green Alga Grown on Agricultural Industries Waste (Cheese Whey)
Authors: Salah Asmaa , Sany Hoda , El-Sayed Abo El-Khair B. , El-Bahbohy Reham M. , Mohamed Heba I. , Amin Ayman
Published: December 2023

Agricultural industries produce vast amounts of liquid waste, which contains a significant concentration of nutrients. In the context of emphasizing the huge increase in population, climate changes, and pollution which results in depletion of fresh water resources, a sustainable solution for a greener future is needed. Wastewater treatment by the use of microalgae can mitigate a part of the problem by restoring water for irrigating agricultural crops. Little studies give insights on the physiological responses and ultrastructure of the Chlorophyta alga Desmodesmus sp. as it grows in cheese whey (CW). The algal strain was mixotrophically grown in a growth medium composed of CW only and CW supported with Bold’s basal medium (BBM) for 14 days. The potent response was observed with algal cultures fed by 15% CW enriched with 50% BBM. Fifteen percent CW in combination with 50% BBM significantly improved Desmodesmus sp. growth (303%), productivity (325%), and accumulation of cell metabolites, mainly lipids (3.89%), and carbohydrates (1.95%). On the contrary, protein and photosynthetic pigment (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoids) contents were higher in BBM than in all treatments. Fatty acid composition demonstrated that the predominantly accumulated fatty acids were palmitic (25.86%), oleic (35.31%), and linoleic acid (13.22%). In conclusion, Desmodesmus sp. can be a good candidate for phycoremediation when cultivated on CW, whereas it can reduce the nutrition costs and water demand of algal cultivation by 50% and 15%, respectively. Therefore, it may be an effective strategy for algal mass production in sustainable agricultural systems.
Source-to-sea, integrated water resources management, and integrated coastal management approaches: integrative, complementary, or competing?
Authors: Michels-Brito Adriane , Ferreira José Carlos , Saito Carlos Hiroo
Published: December 2023

Mitigation, adaptation, environmental protection, and sustainable development on the land and related water bodies are being promoted in a fragmented way. Integrated Water Resources Management and Integrated Coastal Management have been presented as a way to face these problems. The Source-to-sea approach has recently emerged proposing a new water governance and management framework. This research aimed to understand the Source-to-sea approach and identify its relationships and convergences with the approaches of Integrated Water Resources Management and Integrated Coastal Management and answer the question of whether they are integrative, complementary, or competitive. Content analysis was used as part of the investigation method so that it was possible to identify the intentions and perceptions of the concepts, principles, and dimensions adopted by each approach. The classification of elements resulted in 8 categories. Based on Leopold’s matrix, we created a base matrix to analyze the relationships between the approaches. The S2S approach integrates and, at the same time, complements Integrated Water Resources Management and Integrated Coastal Management. For the eight categories, Source-to-sea was fully committed to 6 of them. Integrated Water Resources Management was fully committed to 5 of them. And Integrated Coastal Management was fully committed to only 3 of them. The Source-to-sea approach brings new elements, revitalizes some methods, and strengthens the governance and management structure of freshwater and marine water resources, enabling a new vision in the continuum where Integrated Water Resources Management and Integrated Coastal Management are part of the process within a new perspective.
Pathways of Self-Determination: A Constructivist Grounded Theory Study of Slut-shaming Vulnerability in a Group of Young Adults
Authors: Urone Chiara , Passiglia Ginevra , Graceffa Giulia , Miano Paola
Published: December 2023

Slut-shaming is a sexual stigmatization that consists in a form of discrimination against those who do not respect gender stereotypes of external appearance and/or sexual behaviors and attitudes. Individuals may also be exposed to slut-shaming merely due to fortuitous elements unrelated to the sexual dimension. Slut-shaming is perpetrated through ostracism, rejection and sexual stigmatization and may have negative effects on psychophysical well-being. The primary aim of the present study is to explore the victimization of young adults through slut-shaming. A sample of thirty-six participants (aged 19–28) was recruited and focus groups and interviews were conducted to explore participants’ slut-shaming experiences. Constructivist grounded theory was employed to understand how young adults deal with slut-shaming and analyze sociocultural factors involved in slut-shaming dynamics. Several individual, social and cultural factors are involved in sexual stigmatization processes. A core set of 6 categories related to slut-shaming exposure was identified: exposure to slut-shaming, antecedents of slut-shaming, socio-cultural context facilitating slut-shaming, LGBTQIA + and slut-shaming, negative effects of slut-shaming, and reactions to slut-shaming. Results emphasized that, even if young adults showed a generally high level of awareness of sexual discrimination and stigmatization processes, slut-shaming victimization is not uniformly experienced by them. Young adults’ narratives seem to show conflicting feelings and thoughts regarding the possible strategies that could be employed to deal with slut-shaming exposure and pervasive internal and external forms of oppression.
Genotypic variation of tomato to AMF inoculation in improving growth, nutrient uptake, yield, and photosynthetic activity
Authors: Ullah Fazal , Ullah Habib , Ishfaq Muhammad , Khan Rahmatullah , Gul Syeda Leeda , Gulfraz Ashrit , Wang Chunwei , Zhifang Li
Published: December 2023

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) promote water and mineral nutrients uptake by plant roots, which can reduce the chemical fertilizer inputs in crop production. To gain better insight into the comparative effect of different strains of AMF in improving tomato performance at morphological and physiological levels, seedlings of two tomato cultivars (i.e., Better Boy and Roma) were inoculated with four strains of Glomus mosseae (i.e., HS 1–2, BEG 12, BEG 55, and BEG 54) under greenhouse conditions. Results showed that tomato growth and yield varied largely depending on the mycorrhizal strain and tomato cultivar, with wide variations in root colonization ranging from 5.30 to 78.63%. Overall, mycorrhization with BEG 54 showed significantly better tomato performance when compared to the BEG 55, HS 1–2 and BEG 12 strains. In the case of cultivars, Better Boy performed better than Roma cultivar in terms of growth, physiological traits, yield, and fruit quality. The highest plant height, dry matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, AMF colonization, yield, fruit juice, ascorbic acid, and titratable acidity contents were recorded in Better Boy cultivar while the highest stem diameter was found in Roma cultivar. Taken together, AMF colonization suggested a promising approach for large-scale tomato production by efficient absorption and utilization of nutrients, and encouraging plants’ symbiotic relationships with soil microorganisms.
Assessing sustainability of Chiang Mai urban development
Authors: Pongruengkiat Wiwat , Tippayawong Korrakot Y. , Aggarangsi Pruk , Pichayapan Preda , Katongtung Tossapon , Tippayawong Nakorn
Published: December 2023

Sustainable urban development is an increasingly important concept as cities around the world continue to grow and face challenges related to urbanization, including environmental degradation, social inequality, and economic instability. Chiang Mai is a rapidly growing city in Thailand that steers towards sustainability. In this work, we examine the state of sustainable urban development in Chiang Mai by analyzing various indicators, including transportation, waste management, air quality, and energy consumption. A multi-dimensional framework was used to assess the sustainability of Chiang Mai. Our analysis suggests that while Chiang Mai has made progress in some areas of sustainable urban development, such as promoting green transportation and waste reduction and reduction consumption, there are still many challenges to be addressed, particularly in air pollution, water management, transportation and energy consumption. We conclude by discussing the implications of our findings for policy makers, urban planners, and other stakeholders interested in promoting sustainable urban development. This study assesses Chiang Mai’s sustainability using a comprehensive set of 35 indicators. It was found that Chiang Mai has potential for sustainable development, but some indicators require improvement. The study presents guidelines for prioritizing sustainable development, improving air and water quality, promoting sustainable tourism, enhancing waste management, transportation management and energy consumption. This research provides alternative framework for evaluating cities and presents a valuable contribution to the field of sustainable urban development.
Use of Information Technology Systems for Regional Health Care Information-Sharing and Coordination During Large-Scale Medical Surge Events
Authors: Lee Clark J. , Kimball Michelle M. , Deussing Eric C. , Kirsch Thomas D.
Published: December 2023

Medical surge events require effective coordination between multiple partners. Unfortunately, the information technology (IT) systems currently used for information-sharing by emergency responders and managers in the United States are insufficient to coordinate with health care providers, particularly during large-scale regional incidents. The numerous innovations adopted for the COVID-19 response and continuing advances in IT systems for emergency management and health care information-sharing suggest a more promising future. This article describes: (1) several IT systems and data platforms currently used for information-sharing, operational coordination, patient tracking, and resource-sharing between emergency management and health care providers at the regional level in the US; and (2) barriers and opportunities for using these systems and platforms to improve regional health care information-sharing and coordination during a large-scale medical surge event. The article concludes with a statement about the need for a comprehensive landscape analysis of the component systems in this IT ecosystem.
Incidence and outcomes of hospital-associated respiratory virus infections by viral species
Authors: Petrie Joshua G. , Moore Riley , Lauring Adam S. , Kaye Keith S.
Published: December 2023

Background:

Although the incidence of hospital-associated respiratory virus infection (HARVI) is well recognized, the risk factors for infection and impact on patient outcomes are not well characterized.

Methods:

We identified a cohort of all inpatient admissions ≥24 hours duration at a single academic medical center from 2017 to 2020. HARVI were defined as respiratory virus detected in a test ordered after the 95th percentile of the virus-specific incubation period. Risk factors for HARVI were assessed using Cox proportional hazards models of the competing outcomes of HARVI and discharge. The associations between time-varying HARVI status and the rates of ICU admission, discharge, and in-hospital death were estimated using Cox-proportional hazards models in a competing risk framework.

Results:

HARVI incidences were 8.8 and 3.0 per 10,000 admission days for pediatric and adult patients, respectively. For adults, congestive heart failure, renal disease, and cancer increased HARVI risk independent of their associations with length of stay. HARVI risk was also elevated for patients admitted in September–June relative to July admissions. For pediatric patients, cardiovascular and respiratory conditions, cancer, medical device dependence, and admission in December increased HARVI risk. Lengths of stay were longer for adults with HARVI compared to those without, and hospital-associated influenza A was associated with increased risk of death. Rates of ICU admission were increased in the 5 days after HARVI identification for adult and pediatric patients. HARVI was not associated with length of stay or death among pediatric patients.

Conclusions:

HARVI is associated chronic health conditions and increases morbidity and mortality.
The flow around a stepped cylinder with turbulent wake and stable shear layer
Authors: Massaro D. , Peplinski A. , Schlatter P.
Published: December 2023

The turbulent external flow around a three-dimensional stepped cylinder is studied by means of direct numerical simulations with the adaptive mesh refinement technique. We give a broad perspective of the flow regimes from laminar to turbulent wake at

$Re_D=5000$

, which is the highest ever considered for this flow case. In particular, we focus on the intermediate Reynolds number

$Re_D=1000$

that reveals a turbulent wake coupled with a stable cylinder shear layer (subcritical regime). This flow shows a junction dynamics similar to the laminar

$Re_D=150$

, where no hairpin vortex appears around the edges, and just two horseshoe vortices are visible. A new stable vortex in the form of a ring, which coils around the rear area, is also identified. In the turbulent wake, the presence of three wake cells is pointed out: the large and small cylinder cells together with the modulation region. However, the modulation dynamics varies between the subcritical and turbulent regimes. A time-averaged, three-dimensional set of statistics is computed, and spatially coherent structures are extracted via proper orthogonal decomposition (POD). The POD identifies the (long-debated) connection between the N-cell and the downwash behind the junction. Furthermore, as the Reynolds number increases, the downwash phenomenon becomes less prominent. Eventually, a reduced-order reconstruction with the most energetically relevant modes is defined to explain the wake vortex interactions. This also serves as a valuable starting point for simulating the stepped cylinder wake behaviour within complex frameworks, e.g. fluid–structure interaction.
COMPARING ENVIRONMENTAL LAW SYSTEMS
Authors: Viñuales Jorge E.
Published: December 2023

This article revisits the overlooked field of comparative environmental law. It examines contributions to this field from the late 1960s to 2022, highlighting the methodologies proposed, their shortcomings, the main aspects and angles taken by the literature, and the curious lack of engagement by experts in comparative law proper with environmental law systems. On the basis of a structured examination of the literature, the article extracts four main aims or purposes that may guide this line of research: (i) clarifying the initial system by contrasting it with a foreign system; (ii) using the basic conceptual features of a known system to analyse and understand a foreign unknown system; (iii) evaluating and fine-tuning a system or an aspect thereof; and (iv) extracting analytical categories that can serve to map the entire field or areas of it.
Where Have All the IPOs Gone? Trade Liberalization and the Changing Nature of U.S. Public Corporations
Authors: Griffin Thomas P.
Published: December 2023

I show that a tariff policy change that increased trade with China led to a decline in U.S. public listing rates and elevated industry concentration. Consistent with heterogeneous firm models of trade, the shock impeded the entry and performance of small domestic manufacturers but did not adversely impact large multinationals. In addition, stock price reactions to the tariff policy change and threat of reversal imply that trade liberalization creates or destroys value depending on firm size. These findings suggest that recent trends in the U.S. public equity market are driven, in part, by fundamental changes in the global competitive landscape.
The unity of Christ in Cyril of Alexandria's Festal Letters
Authors: Morgan Jonathan
Published: December 2023

Cyril of Alexandria's Festal Letters are an underutilised source of his theology. Through them one can trace the development of his thought throughout the tumultuous years of his episcopacy. In this article, I draw attention to Cyril's ‘unitive’ Christology and the way he explains the incarnation to those under his pastoral care. Cyril employs key strategies informed by strong theological convictions to describe Christ as one subject who is fully divine and human.
Age-Friendly Communities: Are they also “Friendly” for Death, Dying, Grief, and Bereavement?
Authors: Brassolotto Julia , Banerjee Albert
Published: December 2023

The age-friendly movement aims to ensure that people can live healthy and meaningful lives as they age. It is committed to activity and inclusion, with policies, services, and structures that enable older adults to remain engaged in activities that they value. We suggest that there is further opportunity for communities to increase inclusion and reduce ageism by improving their “death-friendliness”. A death-friendly approach could lay the groundwork for a community in which people do not fear getting old or alienate those who have. To this end, we consider the merits of the compassionate communities framework which has emerged out of palliative care and critical public health. Compassionate communities focus on end-of-life planning, bereavement support, and improved understandings about aging, dying, death, loss, and care. The age-friendly and compassionate communities initiatives are complementary in their objectives but have not yet converged in practice. We suggest that they should.
Dietary assessment methods for measurement of oral intake in acute care and critically ill hospitalised patients: a scoping review
Authors: Ferguson Clare E. , Tatucu-Babet Oana A. , Amon Jenna N. , Chapple Lee-anne S. , Malacria Lauren , Myint Htoo Ivy , Hodgson Carol L. , Ridley Emma J.
Published: December 2023

Quantification of oral intake within the hospital setting is required to guide nutrition care. Multiple dietary assessment methods are available, yet details regarding their application in the acute care setting are scarce. This scoping review, conducted in accordance with JBI methodology, describes dietary assessment methods used to measure oral intake in acute and critical care hospital patients. The search was run across four databases to identify primary research conducted in adult acute or critical care settings from 1st of January 2000-15th March 2023 which quantified oral diet with any dietary assessment method. In total, 155 articles were included, predominantly from the acute care setting (n = 153, 99%). Studies were mainly single-centre (n = 138, 88%) and of observational design (n = 135, 87%). Estimated plate waste (n = 59, 38%) and food records (n = 43, 28%) were the most frequent assessment methods with energy and protein the main nutrients quantified (n = 81, 52%). Validation was completed in 23 (15%) studies, with the majority of these using a reference method reliant on estimation (n = 17, 74%). A quarter of studies (n = 39) quantified completion (either as complete versus incomplete or degree of completeness) and four studies (2.5%) explored factors influencing completion. Findings indicate a lack of high-quality evidence to guide selection and application of existing dietary assessment methods to quantify oral intake with a particular absence of evidence in the critical care setting. Further validation of existing tools and identification of factors influencing completion is needed to guide the optimal approach to quantification of oral intake in both research and clinical contexts.
Psychological aspects in unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP) witnesses
Authors: De la Torre Gabriel G.
Published: December 2023

In this study, we surveyed a total of 245 people about unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP), 93 who directly witnessed UAP. Paying special attention to the psychological impact of UAP, our study survey covered different aspects, including opinions on official UAP releases, the scientific approach to the phenomena and the search for extra-terrestrial intelligence. This study found that UAP had a clear psychological impact on witnesses, with a transformative effect, and a benign form of a non-pathological obsessive-like interest in the topic we defined as the UAP deep psychological engagement triad. This deep psychological engagement triad is characterized by UAP topic being present in a witness's mind daily, with a self-recognized interest and appreciation for the topic and a need to talk about UAP topic, not necessarily the event they experienced. UAP appear to have a very specific impact focused on extra-terrestrial aspects and the phenomena itself, which is experienced as a life-changing event by direct witnesses. These psychological aspects are quantitatively and qualitatively objectifiable, and further research is needed in this direction since all research efforts appear currently focused on the physical aspects of these phenomena.
A Hidden Cost: Estimating the Public Service Cost of Poverty in Ireland
Authors: Collins Micheál L.
Published: December 2023

Living life on a poverty income remains commonplace in most modern welfare states. A growing literature highlights the impact on individuals, families, and communities of poverty, costs that are both current to the experience and reflecting its scarring effects. A further cost, one that is frequently hidden, is the cumulative and recurring public expenditure associated with policy responses to poverty. These costs derive from the identification of poverty as a determining factor in the need for, and demand for, a wide range of public services. Estimating the nominal value of these costs, based on an assessment of public expenditure in one EU-15 state, Ireland, is the focus of this article. The findings establish annual costs of between €3bn-€7bn and highlight for all members of society, whether above or below the poverty line, the recurring public expenditure costs incurred by society as a result of poverty.
Scattered Attacks: The Collective Dynamics of Lone-Actor Terrorism
Authors: Malthaner Stefan , O’Connor Francis , Lindekilde Lasse
Published: December 2023

The proliferation of lone-actor terrorist attacks over the past decade has led to a rapidly expanding literature and a subfield of research. However, this research has only to a limited degree been brought into wider discussions on political violence and social movements. In the present article, we take up this synthetic challenge and argue the need to theorize the social and collective dynamics of lone-actor terrorism. The article proposes a novel analytical framework for understanding lone-actor terrorism. We provide a conceptualization that draws attention to the social embeddedness of terrorist lone-actor radicalization and the collective dynamic of lone-actor attacks. Our point of departure is the recurrent finding that lone-actor terrorists are in fact not that alone, and that their attacks tend to cluster in time and space. First, we propose to conceive of lone-actor radicalization as a relational pathway shaped by social ties and interactions with radical milieus/movements. Second, taking inspiration from Charles Tilly’s notion of “scattered attacks” as a pattern of dispersed, loosely coordinated collective violence, we suggest three complementary ways of analyzing these processes and their temporal and interactive dynamic. We argue that theorizing the social and collective dynamics of lone-actor political violence is not only about addressing an empirical puzzle (the abundance of social ties; the clustered pattern of violent attacks), but about analytically capturing an entirely different and potentially increasingly relevant logic of violent processes. Thereby, and paradoxically, the very notion of “lone actors” can help us to understand the social dynamics of collective political violence more generally.
A Model of Hourly Variations of the Near‐Earth Magnetic Field Generated in the Inner Magnetosphere and Its Induced Counterpart
Authors: Fillion M. , Chulliat A. , Alken P. , Kruglyakov M. , Kuvshinov A. , Schnepf Neesha
Published: December 2023

We present a new model of the near‐Earth magnetospheric field produced by electric currents in the inner magnetosphere and the associated induced magnetic field. The model is designed to track hourly variations of these fields and accounts for their local time asymmetries. It is built by applying spherical harmonic analysis to vector measurements from the ground observatory network at low and mid‐latitudes. The primary and induced fields are separated with an approach in the time domain that uses a a priori radially‐symmetric electric conductivity model of the Earth. The model coefficients are computed at one‐hour time steps between 1997 and 2022. This model is shown to be consistent to within a few nT with previously developed indices which track the magnetospheric ring current. It is also validated against data from the Swarm, CHAMP and Øersted satellites. The fit to satellite data is comparable to that of the CHAOS‐7.15 model for geomagnetically quiet times, and improved by up to 20% on some components for geomagnetically moderate and active times. We attribute these differences mostly to a better representation of local time asymmetries, both on average and during individual geomagnetic storms. This model can be used in various applications, such as investigating the properties of the magnetospheric field and its sources and separating the magnetospheric field from the fields of other sources in geomagnetic field modeling.
Want to be fit? Start with your mind! The role of the placebo effect in physical fitness in children: a preliminary systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Żegleń Magdalena , Kryst Łukasz , Bąbel Przemysław
Published: December 2023

Physical activity is crucial to prevent and reduce excess body mass. The placebo effect can influence the outcomes of fitness-related interventions; however, this topic has not yet been extensively investigated in children. Summarising the data on placebo effects in fitness-related interventions is essential to understand this problem better. A systematic review of PubMed, Cochrane, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, TripDatabase and Embase was carried out. A meta-analysis of the results of studies with comparable research plans was performed. There were significant differences, favouring the placebo intervention. At the final follow-up, the children in placebo groups had higher maximal heart rates, shorter recovery times, longer ergometry phases, running time and lower peak and average perceived exertion than the control. The placebo effect is present in fitness-related parameters in children, regardless of the Body Mass Index status. It is crucial, as for youth with excess body mass, it is difficult to be active, especially to show appropriate levels of motivation and involvement. Importantly, the benefits of the placebo were the strongest in the motivation/ engagement-related parameters and self-assessed exertion. Notably, the nocebo effect was not observed, which is advantageous when considering placebo interventions in practice.
Oral administration of Bifidobacterium breve improves anti-angiogenic drugs-derived oral mucosal wound healing impairment via upregulation of interleukin-10
Authors: Li Qingxiang , Li Yuke , Qiao Qiao , Zhao Ning , Yang Yuanning , Wang Lin , Wang Yifei , Guo Chuanbin , Guo Yuxing
Published: December 2023

Recent studies have suggested that long-term application of anti-angiogenic drugs may impair oral mucosal wound healing. This study investigated the effect of sunitinib on oral mucosal healing impairment in mice and the therapeutic potential of Bifidobacterium breve (B. breve). A mouse hard palate mucosal defect model was used to investigate the influence of sunitinib and/or zoledronate on wound healing. The volume and density of the bone under the mucosal defect were assessed by micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). Inflammatory factors were detected by protein microarray analysis and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The senescence and biological functions were tested in oral mucosal stem cells (OMSCs) treated with sunitinib. Ligated loop experiments were used to investigate the effect of oral B. breve. Neutralizing antibody for interleukin-10 (IL-10) was used to prove the critical role of IL-10 in the pro-healing process derived from B. breve. Results showed that sunitinib caused oral mucosal wound healing impairment in mice. In vitro, sunitinib induced cellular senescence in OMSCs and affected biological functions such as proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Oral administration of B. breve reduced oral mucosal inflammation and promoted wound healing via intestinal dendritic cells (DCs)-derived IL-10. IL-10 reversed cellular senescence caused by sunitinib in OMSCs, and IL-10 neutralizing antibody blocked the ameliorative effect of B. breve on oral mucosal wound healing under sunitinib treatment conditions. In conclusion, sunitinib induces cellular senescence in OMSCs and causes oral mucosal wound healing impairment and oral administration of B. breve could improve wound healing impairment via intestinal DCs-derived IL-10.
The nerve cells in gastrointestinal cancers: from molecular mechanisms to clinical intervention
Authors: Lyu Yang , Xie Fuda , Chen Bonan , Shin Wing Sum , Chen Wei , He Yulong , Leung Kam Tong , Tse Gary M. K. , Yu Jun , To Ka Fai , Kang Wei
Published: December 2023

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer is a formidable malignancy with significant morbidity and mortality rates. Recent studies have shed light on the complex interplay between the nervous system and the GI system, influencing various aspects of GI tumorigenesis, such as the malignance of cancer cells, the conformation of tumor microenvironment (TME), and the resistance to chemotherapies. The discussion in this review first focused on exploring the intricate details of the biological function of the nervous system in the development of the GI tract and the progression of tumors within it. Meanwhile, the cancer cell-originated feedback regulation on the nervous system is revealed to play a crucial role in the growth and development of nerve cells within tumor tissues. This interaction is vital for understanding the complex relationship between the nervous system and GI oncogenesis. Additionally, the study identified various components within the TME that possess a significant influence on the occurrence and progression of GI cancer, including microbiota, immune cells, and fibroblasts. Moreover, we highlighted the transformation relationship between non-neuronal cells and neuronal cells during GI cancer progression, inspiring the development of strategies for nervous system-guided anti-tumor drugs. By further elucidating the deep mechanism of various neuroregulatory signals and neuronal intervention, we underlined the potential of these targeted drugs translating into effective therapies for GI cancer treatment. In summary, this review provides an overview of the mechanisms of neuromodulation and explores potential therapeutic opportunities, providing insights into the understanding and management of GI cancers.
Examining the relationship of acetaminophen use during pregnancy with early language development in children
Authors: Woodbury Megan L. , Cintora Patricia , Ng Shukhan , Hadley Pamela A. , Schantz Susan L.
Published: December 2023

Background

Acetaminophen is the only analgesic considered safe for use throughout pregnancy. Recent studies suggest that use during pregnancy may be associated with poorer neurodevelopmental outcomes in children, but few have examined language development.

Methods

The Illinois Kids Development Study is a prospective birth cohort in east-central Illinois. Between December 2013 and March 2020, 532 newborns were enrolled and had exposure data available. Participants reported the number of times they took acetaminophen six times across pregnancy. Language data were collected at 26.5–28.5 months using the MacArthur-Bates Communicative Development Inventories (CDI; n = 298), and 36–38 months using the Speech and Language Assessment Scale (SLAS; n = 254).

Results

Taking more acetaminophen during the second or third trimester was associated with marginally smaller vocabularies and shorter utterance length (M3L) at 26.5–28.5 months. More acetaminophen use during the third trimester was also associated with increased odds of M3L scores ≤25th percentile in male children. More use during the second or third trimester was associated with lower SLAS scores at 36–38 months. Third trimester use was specifically related to lower SLAS scores in male children.

Conclusions

Higher prenatal acetaminophen use during pregnancy may be associated with poorer early language development.

Impact

Taking more acetaminophen during pregnancy, particularly during the second and third trimesters, was associated with poorer scores on measures of language development when children were 26.5–28.5 and 36–38 months of age.

Only male children had lower scores in analyses stratified by child sex.

To our knowledge, this is the first study that has used a standardized measure of language development to assess the potential impact of prenatal exposure to acetaminophen on language development.

This study adds to the growing body of literature suggesting that the potential impact of acetaminophen use during pregnancy on fetal neurodevelopment should be carefully evaluated.
The effects of glycemic index on prostate cancer progression in a xenograft mouse model
Authors: Galván Gloria Cecilia , Macias Everardo , Sanders Sergio , Ramirez-Torres Adela , Stock Shannon , You Sungyong , Riera Celine E. , Tamukong Patrick , Smith-Warner Stephanie A. , Genkinger Jeanine M. , Luthringer Daniel J. , Freeman Michael R. , Freedland Stephen J.
Published: December 2023

Background

Previously, we found low-carbohydrate diets slowed prostate cancer (PC) growth and increased survival vs. a Western diet in mice, by inhibiting the insulin/IGF-1 axis. Thus, we tested whether modifying carbohydrate quality to lower glycemic index (GI) without changing quantity results in similar benefits as with reduced quantity.

Methods

Male SCID mice injected with LAPC-4 cells were single-housed and randomized when their tumors reached 200 mm3 on average to a LoGI (48% carbohydrate kcal, from Hylon-VII) or HiGI Western diet (48% carbohydrate kcal, from sucrose). Body weight and tumor volume were measured weekly. Body composition was assessed 35 days after randomization. Blood glucose and serum insulin, IGF-1 and IGFBP3 were measured at study end when tumor volumes reached 800 mm3. We analyzed gene expression of mice tumors by RNA-sequencing and human tumors using the Prostate Cancer Transcriptome Atlas.

Results

There were no significant differences in tumor volume (P > 0.05), tumor proliferation (P = 0.29), and overall survival (P = 0.15) between groups. At 35 days after randomization, the LoGI group had 30% lower body fat (P = 0.007) despite similar body weight (P = 0.58). At sacrifice, LoGI mice had smaller livers (P < 0.001) and lower glucose (P = 0.15), insulin (P = 0.11), IGF-1 (P = 0.07) and IGF-1:IGFBP3 ratio (P = 0.05), and higher IGFBP3 (P = 0.09) vs. HiGI, although none of these metabolic differences reached statistical significance. We observed differential gene expression and pathway enrichment in mice tumors by diet. The most upregulated and downregulated gene in the LoGI group showed expression patterns more closely resembling expression in human benign prostate tissue vs. PC.

Conclusions

In this single mouse xenograft model, consuming a low GI diet did not delay PC growth or survival vs. a high GI diet despite suggestions of decreased activation of the insulin/IGF-1 pathway. These data suggest that improving carbohydrate quality alone while consuming a high carbohydrate diet may not effectively slow PC growth.