bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifying Facilitators and Barriers to Implementation of AI-Assisted Clinical Decision Support in an Electronic Health Record System
Authors: Finkelstein Joseph , Gabriel Aileen , Schmer Susanna , Truong Tuyet-Trinh , Dunn Andrew
Published: September 2024

Recent advancements in computing have led to the development of artificial intelligence (AI) enabled healthcare technologies. AI-assisted clinical decision support (CDS) integrated into electronic health records (EHR) was demonstrated to have a significant potential to improve clinical care. With the rapid proliferation of AI-assisted CDS, came the realization that a lack of careful consideration of socio-technical issues surrounding the implementation and maintenance of these tools can result in unanticipated consequences, missed opportunities, and suboptimal uptake of these potentially useful technologies. The 48-h Discharge Prediction Tool (48DPT) is a new AI-assisted EHR CDS to facilitate discharge planning. This study aimed to methodologically assess the implementation of 48DPT and identify the barriers and facilitators of adoption and maintenance using the validated implementation science frameworks. The major dimensions of RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance) and the constructs of the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) frameworks have been used to analyze interviews of 24 key stakeholders using 48DPT. The systematic assessment of the 48DPT implementation allowed us to describe facilitators and barriers to implementation such as lack of awareness, lack of accuracy and trust, limited accessibility, and transparency. Based on our evaluation, the factors that are crucial for the successful implementation of AI-assisted EHR CDS were identified. Future implementation efforts of AI-assisted EHR CDS should engage the key clinical stakeholders in the AI tool development from the very inception of the project, support transparency and explainability of the AI models, provide ongoing education and onboarding of the clinical users, and obtain continuous input from clinical staff on the CDS performance.
Navigating heme pathways: the breach of heme oxygenase and hemin in breast cancer
Authors: Consoli Valeria , Sorrenti Valeria , Gulisano Maria , Spampinato Mariarita , Vanella Luca
Published: September 2024

Breast cancer remains a significant global health challenge, with diverse subtypes and complex molecular mechanisms underlying its development and progression. This review comprehensively examines recent advances in breast cancer research, with a focus on classification, molecular pathways, and the role of heme oxygenases (HO), heme metabolism implications, and therapeutic innovations. The classification of breast cancer subtypes based on molecular profiling has significantly improved diagnosis and treatment strategies, allowing for tailored approaches to patient care. Molecular studies have elucidated key signaling pathways and biomarkers implicated in breast cancer pathogenesis, shedding light on potential targets for therapeutic intervention. Notably, emerging evidence suggests a critical role for heme oxygenases, particularly HO-1, in breast cancer progression and therapeutic resistance, highlighting the importance of understanding heme metabolism in cancer biology. Furthermore, this review highlights recent advances in breast cancer therapy, including targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and novel drug delivery systems. Understanding the complex interplay between breast cancer subtypes, molecular pathways, and innovative therapeutic approaches is essential for improving patient outcomes and developing more effective treatment strategies in the fight against breast cancer.
Sequential model identification with reversible jump ensemble data assimilation method
Authors: Huan Yue , Lin Hai Xiang
Published: September 2024

In data assimilation (DA) schemes, the form representing the processes in the evolution models are pre-determined except some parameters to be estimated. In some applications, such as the contaminant solute transport model and the gas reservoir model, the modes in the equations within the evolution model cannot be predetermined from the outset and may change with the time. We propose a framework of sequential DA method named Reversible Jump Ensemble Filter (RJEnF) to identify the governing modes of the evolution model over time. The main idea is to introduce the Reversible Jump Markov Chain Monte Carlo (RJMCMC) method to the DA schemes to fit the situation where the modes of the evolution model are unknown and the dimension of the parameters is changing. Our framework allows us to identify the modes in the evolution model and their changes, as well as estimate the parameters and states of the dynamic system. Numerical experiments are conducted and the results show that our framework can effectively identify the underlying evolution models and increase the predictive accuracy of DA methods.
Mesoscopic structure of the stock market and portfolio optimization
Authors: Zema Sebastiano Michele , Fagiolo Giorgio , Squartini Tiziano , Garlaschelli Diego
Published: September 2024

The idiosyncratic and systemic components of market structure have been shown to be responsible for the departure of the optimal mean-variance allocation from the heuristic ‘equally weighted’ portfolio. In this paper, we exploit clustering techniques derived from Random Matrix Theory to study a third, intermediate (mesoscopic) market structure that turns out to be the most stable over time and provides important practical insights from a portfolio management perspective. First, we illustrate the benefits, in terms of predicted and realized risk profiles, of constructing portfolios by filtering out both random and systemic co-movements from the correlation matrix. Second, we redefine the portfolio optimization problem in terms of stock clusters that emerge after filtering. Finally, we propose a new wealth allocation scheme that attaches equal importance to stocks belonging to the same community and show that it further increases the reliability of the constructed portfolios. Results are robust across different time spans, cross sectional dimensions and set of constraints defining the optimization problem.
“The joy of being a cause” versus “the pleasure of finding things out”: subalternity and Bildung in higher education engineering and physics
Authors: Kjelsberg Ronny
Published: September 2024

This paper will discuss the concepts of Bildung, subalternity, and physics- and engineering education and where these topics intersect and interact with one another. A central part of the concept of Bildung is educating citizens—active participators in society. At the same time, a central characteristic of subaltern groups is that their voices are not heard in society. If subaltern groups thus can be recruited into a Bildung-oriented education, their subalternness can over time be challenged, and the groups can be included as equals within society. In the study, 728 physics and bachelor engineering students are asked via a questionnaire about their motivation for their education choice to chart the potential for Bildung-oriented education within these fields. The responses are sorted through a thematic analysis. As this paper will show, the social background—class structure—differs significantly between physics- and bachelor engineering students, as do their motivations. These data along with documentation from previous research showing working-class students’ predisposition toward STEM disciplines facilitate the possibility of sketching possible paths toward Bildung for these students that at the same time can lift subaltern groups and make their voices heard.
Evaluation of a novel central venous access port for direct catheter insertion without a peel-away sheath
Authors: Iguchi Toshihiro , Kawabata Takahiro , Matsui Yusuke , Tomita Koji , Uka Mayu , Umakoshi Noriyuki , Okamoto Soichiro , Munetomo Kazuaki , Hiraki Takao
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study retrospectively evaluated the feasibility and safety of implanting a newly developed central venous access port (CV-port) that allows catheter insertion into a vein without the use of a peel-away sheath, with a focus on its potential to minimize risks associated with conventional implantation methods.

Materials and methods

All procedures were performed using a new device (P-U CelSite Port™ MS; Toray Medical, Tokyo, Japan) under ultrasound guidance. The primary endpoint was the implantation success rate. The secondary endpoints were the safety and risk factors for infection in the early postprocedural period (< 30 days).

Results

We assessed 523 CV-port implantations performed in a cumulative total of 523 patients (240 men and 283 women; mean age, 61.6 ± 13.1 years; range, 18–85 years). All implantations were successfully performed using an inner guide tube and over-the-wire technique through 522 internal jugular veins and one subclavian vein. The mean procedural time was 33.2 ± 10.9 min (range 15–112 min). Air embolism, rupture/perforation of the superior vena cava, or hemothorax did not occur during catheter insertion. Eleven (2.1%) intraprocedural complications occurred, including Grade I arrhythmia (n = 8) and subcutaneous bleeding (n = 1), Grade II arrhythmia (n = 1), and Grade IIIa pneumothorax (n = 1). Furthermore, 496 patients were followed up for ≥ 30 days. Six early postprocedural complications were encountered (1.1%), including Grade IIIa infection (n = 4), catheter occlusion (n = 1), and skin necrosis due to subcutaneous leakage of trabectedin (n = 1). These six CV-ports were withdrawn, and no significant risk factors for infection in the early postprocedural period were identified.

Conclusion

The implantation of this CV-port device demonstrated comparable success and complication rates to conventional devices, with the added potential benefit of eliminating complications associated with the use of a peel-away sheath.
The Jacobi Operator on $$(-1,1)$$ and Its Various m-Functions
Authors: Gesztesy Fritz , Littlejohn Lance L. , Piorkowski Mateusz , Stanfill Jonathan
Published: September 2024

We offer a detailed treatment of spectral and Weyl–Titchmarsh–Kodaira theory for all self-adjoint Jacobi operator realizations of the differential expression$$\begin{aligned} \tau _{\alpha ,\beta } =&- (1-x)^{-\alpha } (1+x)^{-\beta }(d/dx) \big ((1-x)^{\alpha +1}(1+x)^{\beta +1}\big ) (d/dx), \\&\alpha , \beta \in {\mathbb {R}}, \, x \in (-1,1), \end{aligned}$$τα,β=-(1-x)-α(1+x)-β(d/dx)((1-x)α+1(1+x)β+1)(d/dx),α,β∈R,x∈(-1,1),in$$L^2\big ((-1,1); (1-x)^{\alpha } (1+x)^{\beta } dx\big )$$L2((-1,1);(1-x)α(1+x)βdx),$$\alpha , \beta \in {\mathbb {R}}$$α,β∈R. In addition to discussing the separated boundary conditions that lead to Jacobi orthogonal polynomials as eigenfunctions in detail, we exhaustively treat the case of coupled boundary conditions and illustrate the latter with the help of the general$$\eta $$η-periodic and Krein–von Neumann extensions. In particular, we treat all underlying Weyl–Titchmarsh–Kodaira and Green’s function inducedm-functions and revisit their Nevanlinna–Herglotz property. We also consider connections to other differential operators associated with orthogonal polynomials such as Laguerre, Gegenbauer, and Chebyshev.
Effects of lenvatinib on glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides and estimated cardiovascular risk in patients with advanced thyroid cancer
Authors: Acitelli E. , Verrienti A. , Sponziello M. , Pecce V. , Minicocci I. , Macera M. , Barp S. , Lucia P. , Grani G. , Durante C. , Maranghi M.
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Multitarget kinase inhibitors (MKIs) are effective options in the treatment of cancer, significantly increasing the progression-free survival (PFS) of many tumors. Data about severity and prevalence of metabolic adverse events is scarce and may be significant in patients with a better survival. The aim of this study was to investigate glucose and lipids values of patients treated with lenvatinib. Secondary aims included evaluating changes in the estimated risk of cardiovascular disease and the relationship between metabolic alterations and tumor response to therapy.

Methods

A retrospective pilot study on 29 patients with advanced differentiated thyroid cancer was conducted. Clinical and biochemical characteristics were collected at the day of therapy initiation and follow up. The 10-year risk of cardiovascular disease was estimated with the SCORE2 and SCORE2-OP algorithms. Tumor burden change was assessed according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST).

Results

No differences in glucose values were observed. A significant increase in total cholesterol (208 ± 41 versus 245 ± 67 mg/dl), triglycerides (112 [interquartile range, 58–326] versus 157 [78–296] mg/dl), calculated LDL cholesterol (128 [66–204] versus 140 [81–308] mg/dl) and cardiovascular risk was observed from baseline to follow up. Furthermore, these parameters increase progressively with increasing tumor response to therapy.

Conclusions

Despite limitations, this study shows an association between the use of lenvatinib and the development of lipid alterations in patients with advanced thyroid cancer. However, further investigation is necessary for a more comprehensive understanding of the adverse metabolic profile of MKIs.
Which Natural Wetland Characteristics Could be Used in Creating Temporary Wetlands?
Authors: Nummi Markéta , Nummi Petri , Holopainen Sari , Davranche Aurélie , Sigdel Uma , Arzel Céline
Published: September 2024

Temporary wetlands have mostly been disregarded in freshwater habitat regulation (with noticeable exceptions such as turloughs) leading to their global degradation despite their high value in terms of diverse ecosystem services. Wetland creation may be used to mitigate this habitat loss. In this review, we compiled information on the ecological features of temporary wetlands based on 45 scientific publications. We identified seven types of natural temporary wetlands to be emulated in wetland construction and their restoration in the Northern Hemisphere, with hydroperiod lengths ranging from less than one month in ephemeral ponds to multi-year floods. We highlight the biodiversity associated with various hydroperiods, and show that different organisms use different temporary wetland types. We give examples of how temporary wetland creation has been used for biodiversity enhancement and list characteristics of created temporary wetlands. Colonization of the newly created temporary wetlands by aquatic macroinvertebrates and amphibians was rapid, but species compositions differed from reference sites. Finally, we provide management recommendations for creating temporary wetlands to support high biodiversity. We highlight the importance of hydroperiod management, creating banks with gradual slopes, enhancing macrophyte vegetation and fish absence to promote biodiversity in created temporary wetlands. Monitoring and ongoing management practices are discussed as tools for ensuring management targets in the long term. For example, performing partial or full drawdowns at temporary wetlands with long multi-year hydroperiods are discussed. On the landscape level, we recommend planning a network of well-connected heterogeneous wetlands with different hydroperiods to enhance colonization and dispersal, and thereby biodiversity.
$$A_p$$ weights on nonhomogeneous trees equipped with measures of exponential growth
Authors: Ottazzi Alessandro , Santagati Federico , Vallarino Maria
Published: September 2024

This paper aims to study$$A_p$$Apweights in the context of a class of metric measure spaces with exponential volume growth, namely infinite trees with root at infinity equipped with the geodesic distance and flow measures. Our main result is a Muckenhoupt Theorem, which is a characterization of the weights for which a suitable Hardy–Littlewood maximal operator is bounded on the corresponding weighted$$L^p$$Lpspaces. We emphasise that this result does not require any geometric assumption on the tree or any condition on the flow measure. We also prove a reverse Hölder inequality in the case when the flow measure is locally doubling. We finally show that the logarithm of an$$A_p$$Apweight is in BMO and discuss the connection between$$A_p$$Apweights and quasisymmetric mappings.
Projections in the J-sums of Banach spaces
Authors: González Manuel , Pello Javier
Published: September 2024

We study some families of projections in the J-sums of Banach spaces $$J(\Phi )$$

J
(
Φ
)

and $${\hat{J}}(\Phi )$$

J
^

(
Φ
)

introduced by Bellenot. As an application, we show that, under some conditions, $$J(\Phi )$$

J
(
Φ
)

and $${\hat{J}}(\Phi )$$

J
^

(
Φ
)

are subprojective, i.e., every closed infinite-dimensional subspace of either of them contains a complemented infinite-dimensional subspace.
Sticky Brownian motions on star graphs
Authors: Bonaccorsi Stefano , D’Ovidio Mirko
Published: September 2024

This paper is concerned with the construction of Brownian motions and related stochastic processes in a star graph, which is a non-Euclidean structure where some features of the classical modeling fail. We propose a probabilistic construction of the Sticky Brownian motion by slowing down the Brownian motion when in the vertex of the star graph. Later, we apply a random change of time to the previous construction, which leads to a trapping phenomenon in the vertex of the star graph, with characterization of the trap in terms of a singular measure $$\varPhi $$
Φ
. The process associated to this time change is described here and, moreover, we show that it defines a probabilistic representation of the solution to a heat equation type problem on the star graph with non-local dynamic conditions in the vertex that can be written in terms of a Caputo-Džrbašjan fractional derivative defined by the singular measure $$\varPhi $$
Φ
. Extensions to general graph structures can be given by applying to our results a localisation technique.
Let’s talk about SEX
Authors: Lammers Rianne J. M. , de Wall Liesbeth L. , Jansen Sanne , Quaedackers Josine S. L. T.
Published: September 2024

Samenvatting

In dit artikel bespreken we fertiliteit en seksuele aspecten van diverse (kinder)urologische aandoeningen, namelijk hypospadie, spina bifida en blaasextrofie-epispadie. Hypospadie is een zeer veel voorkomende aandoening, waarbij mannelijke patiënten met een ernstigere, proximale hypospadie problemen kunnen ervaren op seksueel vlak. Ongeveer 10% van hen meldt problemen met erectie en ejaculatie. De tevredenheid over het seksuele leven lijkt in het algemeen vergelijkbaar met die onder mannen zonder hypospadie. Spinabifidapatiënten zijn seksueel actief en hebben net zoveel seksueel verlangen als de algemene bevolking. Fertiliteit is in het algemeen wat verminderd. Vrouwelijke patiënten moeten rond de zwangerschap een aangepaste dosering foliumzuur gebruiken. Urine- en fecale incontinentie zijn belangrijke negatieve factoren voor seksueel welbevinden. Blaasextrofie-epispadie is erg zeldzaam en de complexiteit van deze aandoening maakt zorgtransitie en langetermijnfollow-up noodzakelijk. De uitgebreide reconstructies geven in diverse levensfasen kans op problemen. Het cosmetisch aspect van de penis is vaak een blijvend punt van onvrede, omdat deze ondanks reconstructie korter en breder is dan gemiddeld. Ook is urologische inmenging bij zwangerschaps- en partusbegeleiding bij een vrouw met blaasextrofie wenselijk. In het algemeen geldt voor al deze aandoeningen dat er behoefte is aan goede voorlichting en begeleiding. Het liefst proactief, dus geïnitieerd door de behandelaar, en met laagdrempelige toegang tot psychologische en/of seksuologische begeleiding.
The state of Louisiana’s freshwater commercial fishery: a study of fishermen’s attitudes towards fishing and their future
Authors: Bonatakis Lauren , Pasco Tiffany , Lively Julie A.
Published: September 2024

As an important contributor to Louisiana’s economy, the commercial freshwater fisheries have been the subject of growing attention in recent years by resource managers as the industry appears to be on the brink of collapse. Fewer participants are entering the field, fish buyers and processors are closing, and market prices remain stagnant. To better understand this industry, we conducted a study to characterize the commercial freshwater fisheries in Louisiana including the fishermen, the fishing operations, the effort across the state, local knowledge on management issue and barriers and opportunities for the future of the industry. We completed structured interviews at fish houses across Louisiana. The average full-time fisherman was 56 years old with about 34 years of commercial fishing experience, and catfish (Ictaluridae spp.) and buffalo (Ictobius spp.) appear to be the most sought-after finfish; however, this slightly differs by region. Overall, this study provides in-depth insight into the trends, problems, and successes of Louisiana’s freshwater commercial fisheries. This information will allow managers and other groups like cooperative extension to identify and design opportunities for the industry and utilize their information in management across the state.
Past body shaming experiences and food and alcohol disturbance in young adults: indirect effects via psychological distress
Authors: Di Tata Daniele , Bianchi Dora , Rossi Franca , Fatta Laura Maria , Sette Stefania , Laghi Fiorenzo
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study investigated the associations between retrospective reports of body image victimization (i.e. body shaming) perpetrated by peers and by parents during childhood or adolescence, and food and alcohol disturbance (FAD) in young adulthood, considering the possible mediating role of psychological distress (i.e. subthreshold symptoms of anxiety and depression).

Methods

The study involved 1624 young adults aged between 18 and 30 (69% women), who completed an online survey.

Results

Our findings revealed that participants who reported more frequent body image victimization episodes during childhood and adolescence exhibited higher levels of psychological distress and, in turn, higher scores of FAD in young adulthood.

Conclusions

This result represents a novel contribution to understanding the psychological correlates of FAD in youths. Limitations and implications are discussed.

Level of evidence Level V, descriptive study.
La sessualità nei disordini ipofisari
Authors: Alfaroli Chiara , Ravelli Serena Anna , Maseroli Elisa
Published: September 2024

Sommario

La sessualità è una componente importante della salute generale e della qualità della vita in entrambi i sessi. L’ipofisi ha un ruolo cruciale nel regolare innumerevoli funzioni vitali, tra cui la funzione riproduttiva e sessuale. Per questo motivo una disregolazione, sia in eccesso che in difetto, degli ormoni ipofisari o alterazioni metaboliche associate ad alcune patologie ipofisarie, possono facilmente compromettere la sfera della sessualità. Nonostante i disturbi endocrini vengano spesso citati nella patogenesi della disfunzione sessuale sia nel maschio che nella femmina, la letteratura su questi argomenti è carente, soprattutto per quanto riguarda il genere femminile. La presente rassegna ha lo scopo di riassumere le nostre conoscenze sulla prevalenza, le caratteristiche e i meccanismi patologici delle disfunzioni sessuali nei principali disturbi ipofisari, analizzando le evidenze disponibili nell’ipogonadismo ipogonadotropo, nelle condizioni caratterizzate da livelli di prolattina alterati, nell’acromegalia, nel deficit di ormone della crescita, nell’ipercortisolismo e nell’ipocortisolismo, declinandoli per genere ed evidenziando in molti casi la scarsità dei dati a riguardo.
A Distance-Based Approach to Fuzzy Cognitive Maps Using Pythagorean Fuzzy Sets
Authors: Bozdag Erhan , Kadaifci Cigdem
Published: September 2024

Fuzzy Cognitive Maps (FCMs) have been attracting researchers from a wide application area due to being easy to apply and interpret. Since its proposal, the method has been improved to satisfy the diverse needs of practitioners such as solving different types of problems and representing particular types of uncertainty. The classical FCMs depend highly on the decision-maker judgments and the uncertainty inherent in the judgments deserves significant attention. Although there are several fuzzy extensions integrated into FCMs, the uncertainty caused by the lack of knowledge, the hesitancy of decision makers, and also the limited capacity of humans to deal with pre-defined rules should be considered. To address this issue, a new distance-based approach integrating Pythagorean Fuzzy Sets and FCMs is proposed. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time this extension is integrated into FCMs. Besides allowing to represent the uncertainty until the end of the calculations, the new approach offers decision makers an easier and more flexible way to assess the strength of existing causal relationships. To provide a comparison between the proposed approach and the classical FCMs, two real-life applications are selected as case studies.
Iron Chloride Vapor Treatment for Leaching Platinum Group Metals from Spent Catalysts
Authors: Taninouchi Yu-ki , Sunagawa Kohei , Okabe Toru H. , Nakano Hiroaki
Published: September 2024

An efficient and environmentally friendly recovery of platinum group metals (PGMs) from secondary sources is necessary to ensure a sustainable supply of PGMs. In this study, contact with FeCl2 vapor in the presence of metallic Fe was investigated as a useful pretreatment for leaching PGMs from spent automobile catalysts. Fe-PGM alloys were efficiently formed when Pt, Pd, and Rh wires and Rh2O3 powder were subjected to FeCl2 vapor treatment at 1050 K (777 °C) for approximately 40 min. Further, the leachability of the PGMs in spent automobile catalyst samples increased after a similar vapor treatment was applied. When the pulverized spent catalyst sample without pretreatment was leached with aqua regia at 333 K (60 °C) for 60 min, 88% of Pt, 91% of Pd, and 37% of Rh were extracted. Meanwhile, after vapor treatment at 1050 K, 98% of Pt, 97% of Pd, and 87% of Rh were extracted under the same leaching conditions. Thus, the pretreatment with FeCl2 vapor, followed by leaching, is a feasible and effective technique for recovering PGMs from spent catalysts.

Graphical Abstract
Control of Cyanobacterial Algal Blooms and Soluble Reactive Phosphorus Using PAK-27 and Phoslock®
Authors: Akther Fahima , Cutright Teresa J.
Published: September 2024

Cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (cHABs) can pose a threat to human health and aquatic ecosystems when they release cyanotoxins in water. This research used samples from two northeastern reservoirs in Ohio and assessed (i) the effectiveness of two PAK-27 dosages, (ii) the potential interference of natural organic matter (NOM) on PAK-27 effectiveness, and (iii) the ability of Phoslock® to adsorb phosphorus released during cell lysis to prevent future bloom formation. PAK-27 was applied in either a quarter (15 mg) or full (58 mg) dose in 1.6 L. Two sets of jars were amended with 200:1 Phoslock®:phosphorus 24 h after PAK-27 application to assess the adsorption of phosphorus released upon cell lysis. A final set of jars was amended with 5 mg NOM to evaluate if NOM would interfere with PAK-27 effectiveness. Quarter and full doses of PAK-27 significantly decreased total phycocyanin content within 2 days of application (p < 0.05). However, the addition of 5 mg NOM influenced nutrient availability and algal response. All jars that received algaecide had increased extracellular microcystin levels (p < 0.05). Although Phoslock® adsorbed soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP), jars treated with only PAK-27 or amended with 5 mg NOM reduced more SRP than Phoslock®.

Graphical Abstract
Can 5 Minutes of Finger Actions Boost Creative Incubation?
Authors: Christensen Julia F. , Muralikrishnan R. , Münzberg Marco , Castaño Manias Bilquis , Khorsandi Shahrzad , Vessel Edward A.
Published: September 2024

Previous studies suggest that the activation of the motor system – either via action, motor imagery, or brain stimulation – may increase subsequent performance on divergent thinking tasks (e.g., the alternate uses task; AUT). We tested this idea in a within-subjects design by administering the AUT using four different target objects and four different 5-min incubation tasks that differed in terms of arm and finger movements. In between-subjects designs, 0-back incubation has been shown to yield more creative responses than rest. Additionally, we included two new incubations that both involved arm actions, but differed in the amount of finger actions (Iranian dance, ballet dance). Incubation tasks involving finger actions (Iranian dance, 0-back) were predicted to increase creativity for objects that are typically manipulated with the fingers. There was a main effect of object. Alternate uses given to the paperclip were rated as more creative than those given to the other objects. With our within-subjects design, we could not replicate the previously described difference between 0-back and rest incubations. However, hypothesis-driven comparisons showed that, although the interaction of object and incubation was not significant, Iranian dance yielded more creative usages for paperclip than for sheet of paper, cup and brick, and all other incubations yielded more creative usages for paperclip than for brick. Iranian dance also generated marginally more creative usages than ballet. Our results suggest that if the hypothesized effects exist, they are likely to be small. Overall, AUT performance seems more influenced by the AUT object than by type of incubation.
Some remarks about the Morse index for convex Hamiltonian systems
Authors: Amadori Anna Lisa
Published: September 2024

We investigate the (linearized) Morse index of solutions to Hamiltonian systems, with a focus on convex Hamiltonian functions and sign-changing radial solutions. For strongly coupled systems, we describe the profile of the radial solutions and give an estimate of their Morse index.
Maximal co-ancillarity and maximal co-sufficiency
Authors: Battey H. S.
Published: September 2024

The purpose of this exposition is to provide some new perspectives on conditional inference through a notional idealised separation within the minimal sufficient statistic, allowing a geometric account of key ideas from the Fisherian position. The notional idealised separation, in terms of an ancillary statistic and what I call a maximal co-ancillary statistic, provides conceptual insight and clarifies what is sought from an approximate conditional analysis, where exact calculations may not be available. A parallel framework applies in the Fisherian assessment of model adequacy. Both aspects are discussed and illustrated geometrically through examples.
Quantum visual feature encoding revisited
Authors: Nguyen Xuan-Bac , Nguyen Hoang-Quan , Churchill Hugh , Khan Samee U. , Luu Khoa
Published: September 2024

Although quantum machine learning has been introduced for a while, its applications in computer vision are still limited. This paper, therefore, revisits the quantum visual encoding strategies, the initial step in quantum machine learning. Investigating the root cause, we uncover that the existing quantum encoding design fails to ensure information preservation of the visual features after the encoding process, thus complicating the learning process of the quantum machine learning models. In particular, the problem, termed the “Quantum Information Gap” (QIG), leads to an information gap between classical and corresponding quantum features. We provide theoretical proof and practical examples with visualization for that found and underscore the significance of QIG, as it directly impacts the performance of quantum machine learning algorithms. To tackle this challenge, we introduce a simple but efficient new loss function named Quantum Information Preserving (QIP) to minimize this gap, resulting in enhanced performance of quantum machine learning algorithms. Extensive experiments validate the effectiveness of our approach, showcasing superior performance compared to current methodologies and consistently achieving state-of-the-art results in quantum modeling.
The moderating role of human capital training and development in the relationship between smart administrative governance, smart technical governance, and sustainable development in Saudi non-profit institutions
Authors: Al-Mekhlafi Abdul-Wasea Abdul-Ghani Saif , Al-Mekhlafi Hameed Abdul-Ghani , Al-Kahtani Shaker M. , Abdelmahmod Murtada Khalid Abdalla
Published: September 2024

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether smart administrative governance (SAG) and smart technical governance (STG) affect sustainable development (SD). Importantly, it explores the moderating effect of human capital training and development (HCTD) on the relationship of SAG and STG to SD. To this end, data was gathered from a sample of 318 respondents from Nonprofit organizations in Saudi Arabia and analyzed using PLS-SEM via SmartPLS. The findings demonstrated that SAG positively affects SD, while STG has no effect on SD. Moreover, HCTD directly and favorably affects SD. Importantly, HCTD negatively moderates the relationship between STG and SD. In contrast, HCTD does not moderate the relationship between STG and SD. Overall, this study contributes to the literature by providing a nuanced understanding of how to enhance SD in nonprofit organizations by highlighting the distinct roles of SAG and STG. Hence, this study enriches the literature on governance and sustainability and has implications for both practitioners and policymakers.
Accumulated melanin in molds provides wavelength-dependent UV tolerance
Authors: Onoda Yushi , Nagahashi Miharu , Yamashita Michiyo , Fukushima Shiho , Aizawa Toshihiko , Yamauchi Shigeharu , Fujikawa Yasuo , Tanaka Tomotake , Kadomura-Ishikawa Yasuko , Ishida Kai , Uebanso Takashi , Mawatari Kazuaki , Blatchley Ernest R. , Takahashi Akira
Published: September 2024

Fungal contamination poses a serious threat to public health and food safety because molds can grow under stressful conditions through melanin accumulation. Although ultraviolet (UV) irradiation is popular for inhibiting microorganisms, its effectiveness is limited by our insufficient knowledge about UV tolerance in melanin-accumulating molds. In this study, we first confirmed the protective effect of melanin by evaluating the UV sensitivity of young and mature spores. Additionally, we compared UV sensitivity between spores with accumulated melanin and spores prepared with melanin biosynthesis inhibitors. We found that mature spores were less UV-sensitive than young spores, and that reduced melanin accumulation by inhibitors led to reduced UV sensitivity. These results suggest that melanin protects cells against UV irradiation. To determine the most effective wavelength for inhibition, we evaluated the wavelength dependence of UV tolerance in a yeast (Rhodotorula mucilaginosa) and in molds (Aspergillus fumigatus, Cladosporium halotolerans, Cladosporium sphaerospermum, Aspergillus brasiliensis, Penicillium roqueforti, and Botrytis cinerea). We assessed UV tolerance using a UV-light emitting diode (LED) irradiation system with 13 wavelength-ranked LEDs between 250 and 365 nm, a krypton chlorine (KrCl) excimer lamp device, and a low pressure (LP) Hg lamp device. The inhibition of fungi peaked at around 270 nm, and most molds showed reduced UV sensitivity at shorter wavelengths as they accumulated pigment. Absorption spectra of the pigments showed greater absorption at shorter wavelengths, suggesting greater UV protection at these wavelengths. These results will assist in the development of fungal disinfection systems using UV, such as closed systems of air and water purification.

Graphical abstract
Characterizations and soft star-operations of soft fractional ideals on integral domains
Authors: Sikander Fahad , Mir Tasaduk Rashid , Abbasi M. Yahya
Published: September 2024

The Molodtsov-conceived concept of soft sets provides a robust mathematical approach for managing uncertainty. This study explores the positive outcomes resulting from the application of soft set theory techniques, paving the way for innovative research methodologies in soft multiplicative ideal theory. The paper delves into the operations that lead to themselves within the realm of undeniable soft fractional ideals. Introducing the notion of soft star-ideals, we illustrate the construction of a complete lattice derived from the collection of all soft star-operations on integral domains. Furthermore, we provide characterizations for pseudo-principal domains, principal ideal domains, and greatest common divisor domains in relation to soft star-operations of undeniable soft fractional ideals.
Insulator Defect Detection Based on the CDDCR–YOLOv8 Algorithm
Authors: Jiang Tingyao , Hou Xuan , Wang Min
Published: September 2024

Insulator defect detection is a critical aspect of grid inspection in reality, yet it faces intricate environmental challenges, such as slow detection speed and low accuracy. To address this issue, we propose a YOLOv8-based insulator defect detection algorithm named CDDCR–YOLOv8. This algorithm divides the input insulator images into multiple grid cells, with each grid cell responsible for predicting the presence and positional information of one or more targets. First, we introduce the Coordinate Attention (CA) mechanism module into the backbone network and replace the original C2f module with the enhanced C2f_DCN module. Second, improvements are made to the original upsampling and downsampling layers in the neck network, along with the introduction of the lightweight module RepGhost. Finally, we employ Wise-IoU (WIoU) to replace the original CIoU as the loss function for network regression. Experimental results demonstrate that the improved algorithm achieves an average precision mean (mAP @ 0.5) of 97.5% and 90.6% on the CPLID and IPLID data sets, respectively, with a frame per second (FPS) of 84, achieving comprehensive synchronous improvement. Compared to traditional algorithms, our algorithm exhibits significant performance enhancement.
Investigating the Role of Political Messaging on Preferences for Local Food Products in the United States
Authors: Liu Jianhui , Kassas Bachir , Lai John
Published: September 2024

This study investigates whether wording a promotional marketing message as originating from the US government vs. the US president impacts consumers’ responsiveness to the message. Using a discrete choice experiment, it examines consumer responsiveness to President Biden’s order promoting domestic production. Results indicate that consumers are willing to pay a premium for domestically produced tomatoes, with variations based on political affiliations and product attributes like organic labeling and farm employment practices. However, findings on the significance of information treatment effects are mixed, suggesting that consumer responsiveness is unaffected by wording the message as originating from a broad political body vs. a specific politician.
Regression with Archaeological Count Data
Authors: Codding Brian F. , Brewer Simon C.
Published: September 2024

Archaeological data often come in the form of counts. Understanding why counts of artifacts, subsistence remains, or features vary across time and space is central to archaeological inquiry. A central statistical method to model such variation is through regression, yet despite sophisticated advances in computational approaches to archaeology, practitioners do not have a standard approach for building, validating, or interpreting the results of count regression. Drawing on advances in ecology, we outline a framework for evaluating regressions with archaeological count data that includes suggestions for model fitting, diagnostics, and interpreting results. We hope these suggestions provide a foundation for advancing regression with archaeological count data to further our understanding of the past.
A non-linear unsteady vortex-lattice method for rotorcraft applications
Authors: Cocco A. , Savino A. , Colli A. , Masarati P. , Zanotti A.
Published: September 2024

The present work aims to extend the capabilities of DUST, a mid-fidelity aerodynamic solver developed at Politecnico di Milano, for the aerodynamic simulation of rotorcraft applications. With this aim, a numerical element was implemented in the solver obtained by a coupling between the potential unsteady vortex lattice method and viscous aerodynamic data of aerofoil sections available from two-dimensional high-fidelity computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations or experimental wind-tunnel tests. The paper describes the mathematical formulation of the method as well as a validation of the implementation performed by comparison with both high-fidelity CFD simulation results and experimental data obtained over aerodynamics and aeroelastic fixed-wing benchmarks. Then, the method was used for the evaluation of the aerodynamic performance of two rotorcraft test cases, i.e. the full-scale proprotor of the XV-15 tiltrotor operating in different flight conditions and two propellers in tandem with overlapping disks. Simulation results comparison with high-fidelity CFD and data from wind tunnel tests highlighted the potentialities and advantages of the implemented approach to be used for the design and investigation of rotorcraft configurations characterised by consistent viscosity effects.
Optimal avoidance strategy based on nonlinear approximate analytic solution of non-cooperative differential game
Authors: Zhao S.J. , Zhang H.R. , Lyu R. , Yang J. , Xue C.C.
Published: September 2024

This study examines the pursuit-evasion game involving unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), with a specific focus on the scenario of N-pursuers-one-escapee. The primary objective is to develop an optimal strategy for the escapee when the pursuers possess superior capabilities. To obtain this objective, we conduct the following study. Firstly, to enhance realism, a non-cooperative differential game model is formulated, incorporating multiple motion characteristics, including aerodynamics, overloading, and imposed constraints. Secondly, the end-value performance index is subsequently converted to an integral one, simplifying the solution process of the Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman (HJB) equation. An iterative method is utilised to determine the covariates using the Cauchy initial value problem, and its convergence and uniqueness are established. The optimal avoidance strategy is subsequently derived from the covariates. Finally, the superiority of the proposed strategy is validated through simulation experiments and compared to three advanced optimal avoidance strategies. A total of 1,000 anti-jamming simulation experiments are conducted to verify the robustness of the proposed strategy.
Child growth and refugee status: evidence from Syrian migrants in Turkey
Authors: Demirci Murat , Foster Andrew D. , Kırdar Murat G.
Published: September 2024

This study examines disparities in health and nutrition among native and Syrian refugee children in Turkey. To understand the need for targeted programs addressing child well-being among the refugee population, we analyze the Turkey Demographic and Health Survey (TDHS) – which provides representative data for a large refugee and native population. We find no evidence of a difference in infant or child mortality between refugee children born in Turkey and native children. However, refugee infants born in Turkey have lower birthweight and age-adjusted weight and height than native infants. When we account for a rich set of birth and socioeconomic characteristics that display substantial differences between natives and refugees, the gaps in birthweight and age-adjusted height persist, but the gap in age-adjusted weight disappears. Moreover, the remaining gaps in birthweight and anthropometric outcomes are limited to the lower end of the distribution. The observed gaps are even larger for refugee infants born before migrating to Turkey, suggesting that the remaining deficits reflect conditions in the source country before migration rather than deficits in access to health services within Turkey. Finally, comparing children by the country of their first trimester, we find evidence of the detrimental effects of stress exposure during pregnancy.
Selecting only the best and brightest? An assessment of migration policy selectivity and its effectiveness
Authors: Rayp Glenn , Ruyssen Ilse , Standaert Samuel
Published: September 2024

This paper introduces a new set of comprehensive and cross-country-comparable indexes of migration policy selectivity. Crucially, these reflect the multidimensional nature of the differential treatment of migrants. We use these indexes to study the evolution of migration policy selectivity and estimate how they affect migration flows. Combining all publicly available and relevant data since WWII, we build three composite indexes that identify selectivity in terms of skills, economic resources and nationality. First, we use these to characterize migration policies in 42 countries between 1990 and 2014. Second, we examine the relationship between the selectivity of migration policy and migration flows. Each of the three dimensions of migration policy is found to correlate strongly and significantly with both the size and structure of migration flows.
The Effect of Health-Related Media Messages on Fear and Uncertainty about the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Çal Ayşe , Kabataş Yıldız Mukerrem , Aydın Avci İlknur
Published: September 2024

Objective

This study was conducted to investigate individuals’ perceptions of media messages about the COVID-19 pandemic and the effect of these messages on their fear and uncertainty.

Methods

Data for this descriptive correlational study were collected between October and November 2020. A total of 653 individuals living in Turkey provided online survey data by completing a Personal Information Form, the Pandemic Uncertainty Scale, and the COVID-19 Pandemic Fear Scale.

Results

The mean age of the participants was 52.1 ± 12.6, and 79.9% were female. It was found that 27.9% of participants “always” followed COVID-19 news in the media, and 41.3% “often” followed COVID-19-related news. Participants’ COVID-19 fear (24.46 ± 8.07) and uncertainty (55.35 ± 8.63) scores were moderate and correlated.

Conclusions

Level of trust in mass media was found to affect uncertainty about the pandemic. As level of trust in mass media increased, uncertainty about the pandemic decreased. Appropriate measures must be identified and adopted for effective and safe media use in situations posing massive and significant health threats such as COVID-19.
Decision Making in a Strategic Medical Command and Control Team During the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Case Study
Authors: Pettersson Jenny , Prytz Erik , Friberg Marc , Björnqvist Anton , Berggren Peter , Frisk Jessica , Jonson Carl-Oscar
Published: September 2024

Objective

To achieve resilience in the response of a major incident, it is essential to coordinate major processes and resources with the aim to manage expected and unexpected changes. The coordination is partly done through timely, adequate, and resilience-oriented decisions. Accordingly, the aim of the present paper is to describe factors that affected decision-making in a medical command and control team during the early COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

This study used a qualitative method in which 13 individuals from a regional public healthcare system involved in COVID-19 related command and control were interviewed. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

Results

The factors affecting decision-making in medical command and control during early COVID-19 pandemic were grouped into 5 themes: organization, adaptation, making decisions, and analysis, as well as common operational picture.

Conclusions

The present study indicated that decision-making in medical command and control faces many challenges in the response to pandemics. The results may provide knowledge about disaster resilience and can be utilized in educational and training settings for medical command and control.