bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Theoretischer Rahmen, zentrale Begriffe und Forschungsstand
Authors: Landherr Anna
Published: November 2023

In diesem Kapitel wird zunächst slow violence als zentrales Konzept innerhalb dieser Arbeit dargestellt, um den Forschungsgegenstand einzugrenzen und seine zentralen Elemente herauszuarbeiten. Von ihm ausgehend wird die bestehende Literatur und Forschung zu verschiedenen Mechanismen und Strukturen, die zur gesellschaftlichen Unsichtbarkeit dieser Form sozial-ökologischer Probleme führen, herausgearbeitet und dargestellt. Auf diese Weise wird einerseits die bestehende Forschungslücke, die anschließend empirisch bearbeitet wird, dargestellt und gleichzeitig werden jene Erklärungsansätze aufgeführt, die für meine Forschung relevant sind und später erneut aufgegriffen werden.
Fragestellung und Forschungsheuristik
Authors: Landherr Anna
Published: November 2023

Die unterschiedlichen, oben dargestellten Forschungslücken und im Besonderen die Arbeiten von und mit Sebastián Ureta stellen den Ausgangpunkt des Forschungsinteresses dar, das dieser Arbeit zugrunde liegt. Die Fragestellung dieses Vorhabens entspringt zudem vorwiegend aus eigenen Erkenntnissen und selbst erhobenen Daten zweier vorangegangener Untersuchungen. Zwischen 2014 und 2015 habe ich im Rahmen des Fondecyt-Projekts El desecho de Chile: Un análisis sociotécnico de las prácticas y políticas respecto del manejo de relaves mineros en el país, das von Sebastián Ureta geleitet wurde, zwei Teilprojekte durchgeführt.
Constructing Carrollian field theories from null reduction
Authors: Chen Bin , Liu Reiko , Sun Haowei , Zheng Yu-fan
Published: November 2023

Abstract

In this paper, we propose a novel way to construct off-shell actions of d-dimensional Carrollian field theories by considering the null-reduction of the Bargmann invariant actions in d +1 dimensions. This is based on the fact that d-dimensional Carrollian symmetry is the restriction of the (d + 1)-dimensional Bargmann symmetry to a null hypersurface. We focus on free scalar field theory and electromagnetic field theory, and show that the electric sectors and the magnetic sectors of these theories originate from different Bargmann invariant actions in one higher dimension. In the cases of massless free scalar field and d = 4 electromagnetic field, we verify the Carrollian conformal invariance of the resulting theories, and find that there appear naturally chain representations and staggered modules of Carrollian conformal algebra.
Soft gravitons in the BFSS matrix model
Authors: Miller Noah , Strominger Andrew , Tropper Adam , Wang Tianli
Published: November 2023

Abstract

BFSS proposed that asymptotically flat M-theory is dual to a large N limit of the matrix quantum mechanics describing N nonrelativistic D0-branes. Recent insights on the soft symmetries of any quantum theory of gravity in asymptotically flat space are applied to the BFSS matrix model. It is shown that soft gravitons are realized by submatrices whose rank is held fixed in the large N M-theory limit, rather than the usual linear scaling with N for hard gravitons. The soft expansion is identified with the large N expansion and the soft theorem becomes a universal formula for the quantum mechanical scattering of such submatrix excitations. This formula is shown to be the Ward identity of large type IIA U(1)RR asymptotic gauge symmetry in the matrix model, whose asymptotic boundaries are at future and past timelike infinity.
Axion inflation in the strong-backreaction regime: decay of the Anber-Sorbo solution
Authors: von Eckardstein Richard , Peloso Marco , Schmitz Kai , Sobol Oleksandr , Sorbo Lorenzo
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Axion inflation coupled to Abelian gauge fields via a Chern-Simons-like term of the form $$ \phi F\overset{\sim }{F} $$
ϕF

F
~

represents an attractive inflationary model with a rich phenomenology, including the production of magnetic fields, black holes, gravitational waves, and the matter-antimatter asymmetry. In this work, we focus on a particular regime of axion inflation, the so-called Anber-Sorbo (AS) solution, in which the energy loss in the gauge-field production provides the dominant source of friction for the inflaton motion. We revisit the AS solution and confirm that it is unstable. Contrary to earlier numerical works that attempted to reach the AS solution starting from a regime of weak backreaction, we perform, for the first time, a numerical evolution starting directly from the regime of strong backreaction. Our analysis strongly suggests that, at least as long as one neglects spatial inhomogeneities in the inflaton field, the AS solution has no basin of attraction, not even a very small one that might have been missed in previous numerical studies. Our analysis employs an arsenal of analytical and numerical techniques, some established and some newly introduced, including (1) linear perturbation theory along the lines of ref. [1], (2) the gradient expansion formalism (GEF) developed in ref. [2], (3) a new linearized version of the GEF, and (4) the standard mode-by-mode approach in momentum space in combination with input from the GEF. All these methods yield consistent results confirming the instability of the AS solution, which renders the dynamics of axion inflation in the strong-backreaction regime even more interesting than previously believed.
Recombinant protein delivery enables modulation of the phototransduction cascade in mouse retina
Authors: Asteriti Sabrina , Marino Valerio , Avesani Anna , Biasi Amedeo , Dal Cortivo Giuditta , Cangiano Lorenzo , Dell’Orco Daniele
Published: November 2023

Inherited retinal dystrophies are often associated with mutations in the genes involved in the phototransduction cascade in photoreceptors, a paradigmatic signaling pathway mediated by G protein-coupled receptors. Photoreceptor viability is strictly dependent on the levels of the second messengers cGMP and Ca2+. Here we explored the possibility of modulating the phototransduction cascade in mouse rods using direct or liposome-mediated administration of a recombinant protein crucial for regulating the interplay of the second messengers in photoreceptor outer segments. The effects of administration of the free and liposome-encapsulated human guanylate cyclase-activating protein 1 (GCAP1) were compared in biological systems of increasing complexity (in cyto, ex vivo, and in vivo). The analysis of protein biodistribution and the direct measurement of functional alteration in rod photoresponses show that the exogenous GCAP1 protein is fully incorporated into the mouse retina and photoreceptor outer segments. Furthermore, only in the presence of a point mutation associated with cone-rod dystrophy in humans p.(E111V), protein delivery induces a disease-like electrophysiological phenotype, consistent with constitutive activation of the retinal guanylate cyclase. Our study demonstrates that both direct and liposome-mediated protein delivery are powerful complementary tools for targeting signaling cascades in neuronal cells, which could be particularly important for the treatment of autosomal dominant genetic diseases.
Cordycepin delays postovulatory aging of oocytes through inhibition of maternal mRNAs degradation via DCP1A polyadenylation suppression
Authors: Li Chong , Zhu Ling , Liu Jun-Xia , Guo Jing , Xie Juan , Shi Chun-Meng , Sun Qing-Yuan , Huang Guo-Ning , Li Jing-Yu
Published: November 2023

Postovulatory aging leads to the decline in oocyte quality and subsequent impairment of embryonic development, thereby reducing the success rate of assisted reproductive technology (ART). Potential preventative strategies preventing oocytes from aging and the associated underlying mechanisms warrant investigation. In this study, we identified that cordycepin, a natural nucleoside analogue, promoted the quality of oocytes aging in vitro, as indicated by reduced oocyte fragmentation, improved spindle/chromosomes morphology and mitochondrial function, as well as increased embryonic developmental competence. Proteomic and RNA sequencing analyses revealed that cordycepin inhibited the degradation of several crucial maternal proteins and mRNAs caused by aging. Strikingly, cordycepin was found to suppress the elevation of DCP1A protein by inhibiting polyadenylation during postovulatory aging, consequently impeding the decapping of maternal mRNAs. In humans, the increased degradation of DCP1A and total mRNA during postovulatory aging was also inhibited by cordycepin. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that cordycepin prevents postovulatory aging of mammalian oocytes by inhibition of maternal mRNAs degradation via suppressing polyadenylation of DCP1A mRNA, thereby promoting oocyte developmental competence.
Cohomogeneity one manifolds with quasipositive curvature
Authors: Wulle Dennis
Published: November 2023

In this paper, we give a classification of cohomogeneity one manifolds admitting an invariant metric with quasipositive sectional curvature except for two 7-dimensional families. The main result carries over almost verbatim from the classification results in positive curvature carried out by Verdiani and Grove, Wilking and Ziller. Three main tools used in the positively curved case that we generalized to quasipositively curved cohomogeneity one manifolds are Wilking’s Chain Theorem, the classification of positively curved fixed point homogeneous manifolds by Grove and Searle and the Rank Lemma.
Acute effects of outdoor and indoor walking on cigarette cravings, withdrawal symptoms and affective response during temporary smoking abstinence
Authors: Schöttl Stefanie E. , Insam Kathrin , Frühauf Anika , Kopp-Wilfling Prisca , Holzner Bernhard , Kopp Martin
Published: November 2023

Rationale

Cigarette smoking is one of the leading preventable causes of premature death worldwide. There is evidence in the literature that brief exercise units indoors can improve well-being in temporarily abstinent smokers and reduce cigarette cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

Objective

Because exercise in natural environments showed enhanced psychological effects, the aim of our study was to examine the acute effects of outdoor exercise compared with indoor exercise on craving, withdrawal symptoms and affective response in temporarily abstinent smokers.

Methods

In a randomized controlled within-subject-design, temporarily abstinent smokers (N = 16) participated in three interventions lasting 10 min: outdoor walking (OUT-EX), indoor walking (IN-EX) and a sedentary control condition (CC). Self-reported cigarette craving, withdrawal symptoms and affective response were assessed pre-, mid-, post-interventions and at follow-up.

Results

In contrast to CC, OUT-EX and IN-EX significantly reduced cigarette cravings during and at the end of the intervention compared to pre-intervention, but not at 20 min follow-up. Cigarette withdrawal symptoms decreased significantly over time in all three groups, but no significant group differences were found. OUT-EX and IN-EX, but not CC, showed significantly improved affective valence at the end of the intervention and at follow-ups. Outdoor walking resulted in significantly lower cigarette cravings than indoor walking at the end of the intervention.

Conclusion

The study adds to existing evidence that short bouts of indoor or outdoor exercise can help reduce cigarette cravings and increase well-being in abstinent smokers. Further studies are needed to address the potential additional effect of outdoor exercise on craving, affective states and smoking cessation.
Rigorous pH measurement in non-aqueous solution: measurement method and reference values in ethanol
Authors: Bastkowski Frank , Heering Agnes , Uysal Emrah , Liv Lokman , Leito Ivo , Quendera Raquel , Ribeiro Luís , Deleebeeck Lisa , Snedden Alan , Nagy Dániel , Szilágyi Zsófia Nagyné , Camões Filomena , Anes Bárbara , Roziková Matilda , Stoica Daniela
Published: November 2023

The recently introduced unified pH ($${\mathrm{pH}}_{\mathrm{abs}}^{{\mathrm{H}}_{2}\mathrm{O}}$$

pH

abs

H
2

O

) concept enables rigorous pH measurements in non-aqueous and mixed media while at the same time maintaining comparability to the conventional aqueous pH scale. However, its practical application is hindered by a shortage of reference $${\mathrm{pH}}_{\mathrm{abs}}^{{\mathrm{H}}_{2}\mathrm{O}}$$

pH

abs

H
2

O

values. In order to improve this situation, the European Metrology Research Project (EMPIR) UnipHied (“Realisation of a UnipHied pH scale”) launched an interlaboratory comparison among highly experienced electrochemistry expert laboratories to assign the first such reference $${\mathrm{pH}}_{\mathrm{abs}}^{{\mathrm{H}}_{2}\mathrm{O}}$$

pH

abs

H
2

O

values by adopting an extensive statistical treatment of the reported measurement data: to phosphate buffer in water–ethanol mixture (50 wt% of ethanol) and ammonium formate buffer in pure ethanol. Two different measurement setups — one capable of being easily adopted in industrial applications — have been used to demonstrate the robustness of $${\mathrm{pH}}_{\mathrm{abs}}^{{\mathrm{H}}_{2}\mathrm{O}}$$

pH

abs

H
2

O

measurement. This is an important step towards wider adoption of the $${\mathrm{pH}}_{\mathrm{abs}}^{{\mathrm{H}}_{2}\mathrm{O}}$$

pH

abs

H
2

O

concept in practice, like liquid chromatography, biofuels analysis and electrocatalysis.
Back and front peripersonal space: behavioural and EMG evidence of top–down and bottom–up mechanisms
Authors: Cocchini Gianna , Müllensiefen Daniel , Platania Ruggero , Niglio Chiara , Tricomi Enrica , Veronelli Laura , Judica Elda
Published: November 2023

Previous studies have identified a ‘defensive graded field’ in the peripersonal front space where potential threatening stimuli induce stronger blink responses, mainly modulated by top–down mechanisms, which include various factors, such as proximity to the body, stimulus valence, and social cues. However, very little is known about the mechanisms responsible for representation of the back space and the possible role of bottom–up information. By means of acoustic stimuli, we evaluated individuals’ representation for front and back space in an ambiguous environment that offered some degree of uncertainty in terms of both distance (close vs. far) and front–back egocentric location of sound sources. We aimed to consider verbal responses about localization of sound sources and EMG data on blink reflex. Results suggested that stimulus distance evaluations were better explained by subjective front–back discrimination, rather than real position. Moreover, blink response data were also better explained by subjective front–back discrimination. Taken together, these findings suggest that the mechanisms that dictate blink response magnitude might also affect sound localization (possible bottom–up mechanism), probably interacting with top–down mechanisms that modulate stimuli location and distance. These findings are interpreted within the defensive peripersonal framework, suggesting a close relationship between bottom–up and top–down mechanisms on spatial representation.
Aberrant brain intra- and internetwork functional connectivity in children with Prader-Willi syndrome
Authors: Huang Zhongxin , Zhang Xiangmin , Yang Xinyi , Ding Shuang , Cai Jinhua
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) suffers from brain functional reorganization and developmental delays during childhood, but the underlying neurodevelopmental mechanism is unclear. This paper aims to investigate the intra- and internetwork functional connectivity (FC) changes, and their relationships with developmental delays in PWS children.

Methods

Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging datasets of PWS children and healthy controls (HCs) were acquired. Independent component analysis was used to acquire core resting-state networks (RSNs). The intra- and internetwork FC patterns were then investigated.

Results

In terms of intranetwork FC, children with PWS had lower FC in the dorsal attention network, the auditory network, the medial visual network (VN) and the sensorimotor network (SMN) than HCs (FWE-corrected, p < 0.05). In terms of internetwork FC, PWS children had decreased FC between the following pairs of regions: posterior default mode network (DMN) and anterior DMN; posterior DMN and SMN; SMN and posterior VN and salience network and medial VN (FDR-corrected, p < 0.05). Partial correlation analyses revealed that the intranetwork FC patterns were positively correlated with developmental quotients in PWS children, while the internetwork FC patterns were completely opposite (p < 0.05). Intranetwork FC patterns showed an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.947, with a sensitivity of 96.15% and a specificity of 81.25% for differentiating between PWS and HCs.

Conclusion

Impaired intra- and internetwork FC patterns in PWS children are associated with developmental delays, which may result from neural pathway dysfunctions. Intranetwork FC reorganization patterns can discriminate PWS children from HCs.

Registration number on the Chinese Clinical Trail Registry

ChiCTR2100046551.
Cross invariance, the Shapley value, and the Shapley–Shubik power index
Authors: Chen Chun-Ting , Juang Wei-Torng , Sun Ching-Jen
Published: November 2023

In this paper we propose a simple axiom which, along with the axioms of additivity (transfer) and dummy player, characterizes the Shapley value (the Shapley–Shubik power index) on the domain of TU (simple) games. The new axiom, cross invariance, demands payoff invariance on symmetric players across “quasi-symmetric games,” that is, games where excluding null players, all players are symmetric. Additionally, we demonstrate that the axiom of additivity can be replaced by a new axiom called strong monotonicity, or it can be completely dropped if a stronger version of cross invariance is employed. We also show that the weighted Shapley values can be characterized using a weighted variant of cross invariance. Efficiency is derived rather than assumed in our characterizations. This fresh perspective contributes to a deeper understanding of the Shapley value and its applicability.
Classification Under Partial Reject Options
Authors: Karlsson Måns , Hössjer Ola
Published: November 2023

In many applications there is ambiguity about which (if any) of a finite number N of hypotheses that best fits an observation. It is of interest then to possibly output a whole set of categories, that is, a scenario where the size of the classified set of categories ranges from 0 to N. Empty sets correspond to an outlier, sets of size 1 represent a firm decision that singles out one hypothesis, sets of size N correspond to a rejection to classify, whereas sets of sizes $$2,\ldots ,N-1$$

2
,
…
,
N
-
1

represent a partial rejection to classify, where some hypotheses are excluded from further analysis. In this paper, we review and unify several proposed methods of Bayesian set-valued classification, where the objective is to find the optimal Bayesian classifier that maximizes the expected reward. We study a large class of reward functions with rewards for sets that include the true category, whereas additive or multiplicative penalties are incurred for sets depending on their size. For models with one homogeneous block of hypotheses, we provide general expressions for the accompanying Bayesian classifier, several of which extend previous results in the literature. Then, we derive novel results for the more general setting when hypotheses are partitioned into blocks, where ambiguity within and between blocks are of different severity. We also discuss how well-known methods of classification, such as conformal prediction, indifference zones, and hierarchical classification, fit into our framework. Finally, set-valued classification is illustrated using an ornithological data set, with taxa partitioned into blocks and parameters estimated using MCMC. The associated reward function’s tuning parameters are chosen through cross-validation.
Trilateration Using Unlabeled Path or Loop Lengths
Authors: Gkioulekas Ioannis , Gortler Steven J. , Theran Louis , Zickler Todd
Published: November 2023

Let $$\textbf{p}$$
p
be a configuration of n points in $$\mathbb R^d$$

R
d

for some n and some $$d \ge 2$$

d
≥
2

. Each pair of points defines an edge, which has a Euclidean length in the configuration. A path is an ordered sequence of the points, and a loop is a path that begins and ends at the same point. A path or loop, as a sequence of edges, also has a Euclidean length, which is simply the sum of its Euclidean edge lengths. We are interested in reconstructing $$\textbf{p}$$
p
given a set of edge, path and loop lengths. In particular, we consider the unlabeled setting where the lengths are given simply as a set of real numbers, and are not labeled with the combinatorial data describing which paths or loops gave rise to these lengths. In this paper, we study the question of when $$\textbf{p}$$
p
will be uniquely determined (up to an unknowable Euclidean transform) from some given set of path or loop lengths through an exhaustive trilateration process. Such a process has already been used for the simpler problem of reconstruction using unlabeled edge lengths. This paper also provides a complete proof that this process must work in that edge-setting when given a sufficiently rich set of edge measurements and assuming that $$\textbf{p}$$
p
is generic.
Understanding Dysphagia Care in Pakistan: A Survey of Current Speech Language Therapy Practice
Authors: Akhtar Rohma N. , Behn Nicholas , Morgan Sally
Published: November 2023

Dysphagia affects individuals across all ages and has pervasive and potentially life-threatening consequences. Individuals with dysphagia are assessed and treated by speech and language therapists (SLTs), however, little attention has been paid to their practices in Pakistan. This study aimed to explore SLTs practices for dysphagia assessment, signs and symptoms observed during evaluation, and management strategies, alongside barriers and facilitators to service delivery in Pakistan. A 45-item survey was distributed to SLTs online. Responses were received from 101 participants and analyzed descriptively, and open-text responses were analyzed using content analysis. Results revealed that 65.3% SLTs worked across the lifespan, and most (79.4%) had dysphagia-related experience of five years or less. SLTs were an active workforce engaged with varying ages, disorders, and settings, yet dysphagia contributed to a small caseload percentage for most. Analyses found informal clinical exams were more frequently used than instrumental assessments. A variety of service provision facilitators were described, such as supportive teams and accessible resources, and responses about barriers revealed gaps in awareness, education, and guidance. This exploratory study presents novel and unexplored data which provides a deeper understanding of dysphagia-related care in Pakistan.
Ant colony optimization for Chinese postman problem
Authors: Sgarro Giacinto Angelo , Grilli Luca
Published: November 2023

This paper aims to solve the Chinese Postman Problem (CPP) using an Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) algorithm. In graph theory, the CPP looks for the shortest closed path that visits every edge of a connected undirected graph. This problem has many applications, including route optimization, interactive system analysis, and flow design. Although numerous algorithms aimed at solving CPP are present in the literature, very few meta-heuristic algorithms are proposed, and no ACO applications have been proposed to solve them. This paper tries to fill this gap by presenting an ACO algorithm that solves CPP (ACO-CPP). To prove its consistency and effectiveness, ACO-CPP is compared with a Genetic Algorithm (GA) and a recursive algorithm throughout three experiments: (1) recursive-ACO-GA comparisons over randomly generated graphs for the attainment of the global optimum; (2) ACO-GA statistical comparisons over specifically generated graphs; (3) recursive-ACO-GA comparisons by changing ACO hyperparameters over randomly generated graphs for the attainment of the global optimum. The experiments prove that the ACO-CPP algorithm is efficient and exhibits a consistency similar to GA when the number of possible solutions to explore is relatively low. However, when that number greatly exceeds those explored, ACO outperforms GA. This suggests that ACO is more suitable for solving problems with a CPP structure.
Prevalence of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Liu Lu , Wang Xuan , Du Shuangqing , Zhang Wei , Xue Yuqiang , Li Xi , Gao Tianci , Gao Yang , Wang Shaobiao , Chen Yaxuan
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study is a large-scale screening supported by government departments to investigate the prevalence of scoliosis in Shijiazhuang.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, all students underwent body posture evaluation and the Adam’s forward flexure test to examine the back, and also underwent radiographic evaluation when scoliosis was suspected.

Results

In total, 181,935 students participated in the research, of which 289 students were diagnosed with scoliosis, with a prevalence of 2.5%, significantly higher in female (3.01%) than in male children (1.63%) (P < 0.001). Most of the patients (79.5%) had a Cobb angle from 10° to 19°.The mean Cobb angle of scoliosis was positively associated with age. The prevalence of a single curve (75.4%) was significantly higher than double curves (23.2%) and triple curves (1.38%). The percentage of scoliosis in which the thoracolumbar segment was involved (46.4%) was significantly higher than that of the single thoracic scoliosis (31.8%) and single lumbar scoliosis (21.8%).

Conclusions

The prevalence of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in XXX was high (2.50%). It is necessary to strengthen the education of adolescent scoliosis, and improve the awareness and attention of social to scoliosis.

Level of Evidence

IV.
Dispersive solid phase extraction using a hydrophilic molecularly imprinted polymer for the selective extraction of patulin in apple juice samples
Authors: Cavaliere Chiara , Cerrato Andrea , Laganà Aldo , Montone Carmela Maria , Piovesana Susy , Taglioni Enrico , Capriotti Anna Laura
Published: November 2023

A molecularly imprinted polymer with a specific selectivity for patulin was successfully synthesized. The molecularly imprinted material was prepared using the two functional monomers dopamine and melamine and formaldehyde as the cross-linker. The resulting material possessed a large number of hydrophilic groups, such as hydroxyls, imino groups, and ether linkages. For the first time, uric acid was used as a dummy template for its structural similarity to patulin. Comprehensive characterization and detailed studies of the adsorption process were carried out via adsorption isotherms, while the rate-limiting steps were investigated using adsorption kinetics. Separation, determination, and quantification of patulin were achieved by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with both photodiode array detection and tandem mass spectrometry. The latter was applied to patulin confirmation in the analysis of real samples. The methodology was validated in 20 apple juice samples. The results showed that the developed hydrophilic molecularly imprinted polymer had high selectivity and specific adsorption towards patulin, with mean recoveries ranging between 85 and 90% and a relative standard deviation lower than 15%. The developed molecularly imprinted polymer exhibited good linearity in the range 1–100 ng mL−1 with coefficient of determination (R2) > 0.99. The limit of detection was 0.5 ng mL−1, and the limit of quantification was 1 ng g−1. The developed method showed a good purification capacity for apple juices due to its hydrophilic nature and the polar interactions established with the target analyte.

Graphical abstract
Psychoeducation versus psychoeducation integrated with yoga for family caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: de Araujo Edivaldo Lima , Rodrigues Marcos Rojo , Kozasa Elisa Harumi , Lacerda Shirley Silva
Published: November 2023

We evaluate and compare the effectiveness of two psychoeducation programs on the burden and quality of life of family caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease: one of psychoeducation alone and the other integrated with yoga. Forty-nine participants were randomly allocated to two groups, 25 to the psychoeducation integrated with yoga group (G1) and 24 to the psychoeducation group (G2). The programs took place online through Google Meet and consisted of eight weekly meetings, lasting 30 min for psychoeducation and 30 min for yoga. Participants were evaluated by the Burden Interview Scale (BI-Zarit), Quality of Life Scale in Alzheimer's Disease-Caregiver Version (CQOL-AD), Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), Mindfulness and Awareness Scale (MAAS) and a satisfaction survey. Both groups showed reduced overload according to the BI-Zarit scale (F(1) = 4.435, p = 0.041, η2p = 0.086) and improvement in the domains of physical health (F(1) = 4.881, p = 0.032, η2p = 0.094), memory (F(1) = 4.192, p = 0.046, η2p = 0.082) and money (F(1) = 4.862, p = 0.032, η2p = 0.094) in the CQOL-AD. We detected a significantly higher improvement of G1 in memory (F(1) = 4.192, p = 0.046 η2p = 0.082), money (F(1) = 7.147, p = 0.010, η2p = 0.132) and friends (F(1) = 4.828, p = 0.033, η2p = 0.093). The G1 when compared to the G2 did not demonstrate significant effects of the BI-Zarit, in the total scores CQOL-AD, MAAS and DASS-21. The study showed that both psychoeducation alone and integrated with yoga reduced the burden of family caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease, and that the integration of online yoga practice with psychoeducation potentiated the improvement only in some aspects of the quality of life and subjective perception of burden reduction.

Clinical trial registrationhttps://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/, identifier RBR-794593r, retrospectively registered.
Parameterizing the fluid forces on limpet shells in unidirectional flow
Authors: Walker Carley , Simeonov Julian , Adams Ian
Published: November 2023

Current parameterizations of the hydrodynamic forces on irregular particles consider some shape dependencies, but lack an explicit dependence on the orientation with respect to the flow. In this paper, we propose a new parameterization of the drag and lift forces acting on whole Limpet shells at arbitrary orientations with respect to the direction of flow through the linear regression of fluid forces against the velocity components in an object frame of reference. The fluid forces were estimated using boundary layer-resolving Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) simulations. We verified the accuracy of the shear stress transport (SST) $$k-\omega $$

k
-
ω

turbulence model on flat plates with varying angles of attack, and we achieved coefficients of determination versus existing data of approximately 0.95 for both the drag and lift coefficients. From the linear regression of our simulated force data, we developed a model as a function of 3-dimensional orientations to predict the hydrodynamic forces acting on a Limpet shell with coefficients of determination of 0.80 for normal forces and 0.51 for longitudinal forces.
Painful Dream of Motherhood: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study of Married Women with Ectopic Pregnancy in the Islamic Republic of Iran
Authors: Firouzabadi Seyed Ahmad , Shadman Setareh Sarshad , Rezasoltani Parvaneh , Vedadhir AbouAli
Published: November 2023

Ectopic pregnancy (EP) is a significant cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to explore the understanding and experience of women with EP in the Islamic Republic of Iran. This qualitative study carried out through a Heideggerian hermeneutic/interpretative phenomenological approach, using face-to-face semi-structured phenomenological interviews with twenty-five participants referred to a public maternity hospital in Rasht, Iran. Data were collected and analyzed using the seven-step analytical approach of Dickelman et al. (The NLN criteria of appraisal of baccalaureate programs: A critical hermeneutic analysis, NLN Press, 1989; Journal of Nursing Education. 32:245–250, 1993) to phenomenological studies. The results reveal how living in the shadow of Islamic Sharia Law in Iran turns EP into a trauma and creates a different experience and meaning of EP for each woman. In this view, multiple factors, including ‘family support’ and ‘faith in Islamic Sharia,’ have determined how married women experience sociocultural and psychological consequences of EP. These findings apply to women with EP in Iran. Given that EP is more than an anomalous pregnancy with socially culturally constructed suffering in the context of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Hence, policymakers and healthcare providers should consider a multidimensional approach to this devastating event in pregnancy and support and empower the women whose dream of motherhood is jeopardized and terminated by the experience of EP.
Preventing Job Burnout: Could Workplace Support Protect Maternal and Child Health Professionals Who Are Doing Public Health Equity Work?
Authors: Gilbert Carol , Johnson Marilyn , Karki Bibhusha , Lyons Kiara , Tibbits Melissa , Toure Drissa , Rookwood Aislinn C. , Abresch Chad
Published: November 2023

Purpose

To assess the potential of workplace support to protect public health equity workers against job burnout and to identify key workplace support components.

Description

This mixed-methods, explanatory sequential study analyzed survey and interview data collected between August 2020 and June 2021. Participants included governmental and non-governmental public health employees whose programs largely focus on Maternal and Child Health populations and who reported that their jobs involved working to reduce health inequities (“equity work”). Regression analysis tested the effect of emotional labor on job burnout, and whether workplace support modified that effect. Qualitative analysis of interview transcripts explored possible components of needed workplace support.

Assessment

Emotional labor was positively associated with job burnout (p < .001), and there was a significant negative interaction between emotional labor and workplace support, meaning workplace support appeared to reduce the effect of emotional labor on burnout (p = .036). Qualitative analysis identified four support components: peer-to-peer mentoring connections, workplace accommodations, engaged and empathetic supervision, and mental health resources.

Conclusion

Workplace support is associated with reduced job burnout for public health equity workers, especially those whose jobs involve high levels of emotional labor. Few public health employers are providing needed emotional supports for their equity workers, but certain supports appear to be helpful in reducing job burnout.
Hybrid vibration absorber for self-induced vibration suppression: exact analytical formulation for acceleration feedback control
Authors: Bartos Marcell , Habib Giuseppe
Published: November 2023

Hybrid vibration absorbers (HVAs) are an effective solution for vibration mitigation. They combine the passive vibration absorption mechanism of tuned mass dampers (TMDs) with feedback-controlled actuators, similar to active mass dampers. This enables them to overcome the performance of both systems in terms of vibration mitigation effectiveness and energy consumption, respectively. This study evaluates the vibration suppression capabilities of an HVA against self-excited oscillations. A single-degree-of-freedom host system encompassing a negative damping term is considered. First, the possibility of enhancing the stability properties of an optimally tuned TMD through a feedback controller is evaluated. The analysis shows that this approach cannot improve the absorber’s performance. Subsequently, simultaneous optimization of all the HVA parameters is considered. Our results reveal that this approach significantly enhances the system’s performance. All analysis is carried out analytically without resorting to approximations. Finally, the absorber is numerically applied to suppress friction-induced vibrations and galloping instabilities.
High-Precision Matching Algorithm for Multi-Image Segmentation of Micro Animation Videos in Mobile Network Environment
Authors: Su Yehui , Djenouri Youcef
Published: November 2023

In the mobile network environment, the accuracy of related image matching algorithms is affected by factors such as bandwidth uncertainty and channel interference, resulting in significant limitations in image feature matching. This article designs a high-precision matching algorithm for multi-image segmentation of micro animation videos in mobile network environments. Fully denoise micro animation video images using 2D High Density Discrete Wavelet Transform (HD-DWT), and apply fixed block count segmentation to process micro animation video images; Using Harris algorithm to complete image corner detection and obtain corner features of sub images; In the K-means clustering algorithm, SIFT feature vectors are divided into clusters and paired with the nearest neighbor cluster in another sub image to form a sub image matching pair, completing block based sub image matching; Combine all sub image matching results to obtain video image matching results, and use the Improved Random Sampling Consistency (RANCAS) algorithm to remove incorrect matching during the matching process, improving matching accuracy. The experimental results show that the designed algorithm can effectively reduce image noise, improve image quality, and generate a large number of matching pairs in mobile network environments. After the application of the designed algorithm, the production effect of micro animated videos in mobile networks can be significantly improved.
The Possible Role of Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor in Epilepsy
Authors: AlRuwaili Raed , Al-kuraishy Hayder M. , Al-Gareeb Ali I. , Ali Naif H. , Alexiou Athanasios , Papadakis Marios , Saad Hebatallah M. , Batiha Gaber El-Saber
Published: November 2023

Epilepsy is a neurological disease characterized by repeated seizures. Despite of that the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is implicated in the pathogenesis of epileptogenesis and epilepsy, BDNF may have a neuroprotective effect against epilepsy. Thus, the goal of the present review was to highlight the protective and detrimental roles of BDNF in epilepsy. In this review, we also try to find the relation of BDNF with other signaling pathways and cellular processes including autophagy, mTOR pathway, progranulin (PGN), and α-Synuclein (α-Syn) which negatively and positively regulate BDNF/tyrosine kinase receptor B (TrkB) signaling pathway. Therefore, the assessment of BDNF levels in epilepsy should be related to other neuronal signaling pathways and types of epilepsy in both preclinical and clinical studies. In conclusion, there is a strong controversy concerning the potential role of BDNF in epilepsy. Therefore, preclinical, molecular, and clinical studies are warranted in this regard.
Personality Comparison between Lethal and Non-lethal Intimate Partner Violence Perpetrators and Their Victims
Authors: Pineda David , Galán Manuel , Martínez-Martínez Ana , Andrés-Prades Pablo J. , García-Barceló Nestor , Carbonell Enrique J. , González-Álvarez José L.
Published: November 2023

Intimate partner violence against women (IPVAW) and femicide (intimate partner femicide, IPF), as a worldwide phenomenon, cannot be explained in a simple way. From an ecological point of view, there are individual factors contemplated. In the current studies, we consider personality as an individual factor to clarify what differentiates a non-lethal IPVAW situation from a femicide. Study 1 was designed to investigate the accuracy with which trained interviewers judged the personality of a group of IPVAW perpetrators during an interview. The target sample of study 1 was composed of 293 males who after being interviewed completed a measure of personality assessing the “Big Three” model of personality. The interviewers performed fairly accurate judgements about the personality of the target participants. Study 2 shows the differences in personality, using Eysenck’s personality model, between the IPF and IPVAW perpetrators and their victims. The total sample study 2 was formed of 551 participants distributed among IPF perpetrators, IPVAW perpetrators, and the victims of both groups. Differences in proportions were observed between both groups of perpetrators as well as between each group and their respective victims. With these findings, we propose personality as a femicide risk factor that should be taken into consideration by police officers and other practitioners when receiving an IPVAW report.
Involvement of Abscisic Acid and Jasmonic Acid Biosynthesis-related Genes in Cucurbita pepo L. Tolerance to Trace Metal Stress
Authors: Labidi Oumayma , Kouki Rim , Pérez-Clemente Rosa M. , Gómez-Cadenas Aurelio , Sleimi Noomene , Vives-Peris Vicente
Published: November 2023

Trace metal induced stress is an abiotic factor that limits crop yield, having the additional hazard of their accumulation along trophic chain. This fact supposes an emerging problem concerning the health of the population in the case of edible plants such as Cucurbita pepo (zucchini). Most of the plant physiological responses to this adverse situation are regulated by phytohormones, being abscisic acid (ABA) and jasmonic acid (JA) the most important ones, which biosynthesis comprises a key step in this hormone-mediated signaling. In this work, genes involved in ABA and JA biosynthesis have been searched in the zucchini genome, and their expression has been analyzed in leaves of adult plants subjected to Cd- or Ni-induced stress. The results showed the higher sensitivity of zucchini plants to Ni in comparison to Cd, with a higher phenotypic affection and a major decrease of total dry weight. The study of the expression of 12 target genes (5 related to JA biosynthesis and 7 related to ABA biosynthesis), allowed determining a similar genetic response in C. pepo to these metals. The results extend our knowledge of the role of phytohormones on trace metal stress tolerance. Among all the studied genes, the main ones involved in plant responses to trace metal stress were the ABA-related CpAAO3, CpZEP, and CpNCED4, as well as the JA-related CpLOX2, CpOPR3, CpAOS2, and CpJAR1. These results provide relevant information to be used in future breeding programs.
A 4-year study of bovine reproductive hormones that are induced by pharmaceuticals and appear as steroid estrogenic pollutants in the resulting slurry, using in vitro and instrumental analytical methods
Authors: Gubó Eduárd , Plutzer Judit , Molnár Tibor , Pordán-Háber Dóra , Szabó Lili , Szalai Zoltán , Gubó Richard , Szakál Pál , Szakál Tamás , Környei László , Bede-Fazekas Ákos , Kalocsai Renátó
Published: November 2023

The main objective of the research was to study the environmental “price” of the large-scale, milk production from a rarely known perspective, from the mapping of the estrogenic footprint (the amount of oestrus-inducer hormonal products, and the generated endoestrogens) in the resulting slurry in a dairy cow farm. These micropollutants are endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and can be dangerous to the normal reproductive functions even at ng/kg concentration. One of them, 17ß-estradiol, has a 20,000 times stronger estrogenic effect than bisphenol-A, a widely known EDC of industrial origin. While most studies on EDCs are short-term and/or laboratory based, this study is longitudinal and field-based. We sampled the slurry pool on a quarterly basis between 2017 and 2020. Our purpose was testing the estrogenic effects using a dual approach. As an effect-based, holistic method, we developed and used the YES (yeast estrogen screen) test employing the genetically modified Saccharomyces cerevisiae BJ3505 strain which contains human estrogenic receptor. For testing exact molecules, UHPLC-FLD was used. Our study points out that slurry contains a growing amount of EDCs with the risk of penetrating into the soil, crops and the food chain. Considering the Green Chemistry concept, the most benign ways to prevent of the pollution of the slurry is choosing appropriate oestrus-inducing veterinary pharmaceuticals (OIVPs) and the separation of the solid and liquid parts with adequate treatment methods. To our knowledge, this is the first paper on the adaptation of the YES test for medicine and slurry samples, extending its applicability. The adapted YES test turned out to be a sensitive, robust and reliable method for testing samples with potential estrogenic effect. Our dual approach was successful in evaluating the estrogenic effect of the slurry samples.

Graphical Abstract
Towards an integrated risk analysis security framework according to a systematic analysis of existing proposals
Authors: Santos-Olmo Antonio , Sánchez Luis Enrique , Rosado David G. , Serrano Manuel A. , Blanco Carlos , Mouratidis Haralambos , Fernández-Medina Eduardo
Published: November 2023

The information society depends increasingly on risk assessment and management systems as means to adequately protect its key information assets. The availability of these systems is now vital for the protection and evolution of companies. However, several factors have led to an increasing need for more accurate risk analysis approaches. These are: the speed at which technologies evolve, their global impact and the growing requirement for companies to collaborate. Risk analysis processes must consequently adapt to these new circumstances and new technological paradigms. The objective of this paper is, therefore, to present the results of an exhaustive analysis of the techniques and methods offered by the scientific community with the aim of identifying their main weaknesses and providing a new risk assessment and management process. This analysis was carried out using the systematic review protocol and found that these proposals do not fully meet these new needs. The paper also presents a summary of MARISMA, the risk analysis and management framework designed by our research group. The basis of our framework is the main existing risk standards and proposals, and it seeks to address the weaknesses found in these proposals. MARISMA is in a process of continuous improvement, as is being applied by customers in several European and American countries. It consists of a risk data management module, a methodology for its systematic application and a tool that automates the process.