bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Phase I Trial of Trebananib, an Angiopoietin 1 and 2 Neutralizing Peptibody, Combined with Pembrolizumab in Patients with Advanced Ovarian and Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Huffman Brandon M. , Rahma Osama E. , Tyan Kevin , Li Yvonne Y. , Giobbie-Hurder Anita , Schlechter Benjamin L. , Bockorny Bruno , Manos Michael P. , Cherniack Andrew D. , Baginska Joanna , Mariño-Enríquez Adrián , Kao Katrina Z. , Maloney Anna K. , Ferro Allison , Kelland Sarah , Ng Kimmie , Singh Harshabad , Welsh Emma L. , Pfaff Kathleen L. , Giannakis Marios , Rodig Scott J. , Hodi F. Stephen , Cleary James M.
Published: September 2024

Ovarian cancers and microsatellite stable (MSS) colorectal cancers are insensitive to anti–programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) immunotherapy, and new immunotherapeutic approaches are needed. Preclinical data suggest a relationship between immunotherapy resistance and elevated angiopoietin 2 levels. We performed a phase I dose escalation study of pembrolizumab and the angiopoietin 1/2 inhibitor trebananib (NCT03239145). This multicenter trial enrolled patients with metastatic ovarian cancer or MSS colorectal cancer. Trebananib was administered intravenously weekly for 12 weeks with 200 mg intravenous pembrolizumab every 3 weeks. The toxicity profile of this combination was manageable, and the protocol-defined highest dose level (trebananib 30 mg/kg weekly plus pembrolizumab 200 mg every 3 weeks) was declared the maximum tolerated dose. The objective response rate for all patients was 7.3% (90% confidence interval, 2.5%–15.9%). Three patients with MSS colorectal cancer had durable responses for ≥3 years. One responding patient’s colorectal cancer harbored a POLE mutation. The other two responding patients had left-sided colorectal cancers, with no baseline liver metastases, and genomic analysis revealed that they both had KRAS wild-type, ERBB2-amplified tumors. After development of acquired resistance, biopsy of one patient’s KRAS wild-type ERBB2-amplified tumor showed a substantial decline in tumor-associated T cells and an increase in immunosuppressive intratumoral macrophages. Future studies are needed to carefully assess whether clinicogenomic features, such as lack of liver metastases, ERBB2 amplification, and left-sided tumors, can predict increased sensitivity to PD-1 immunotherapy combinations.
Avaliações de fãs em portais sobre audiovisual: uma crítica semiespecializada?
Authors: Greco Clarice , Pontes Enoe Lopes
Published: September 2024

This study aims to reflect on the notion that fans, as they are engaged consumers with in-depth knowledge about the works and artists they admire, can constitute an instance of television critique. Following the classifications of Wolton and Greco of specialized critique and popular critique, we propose a third category: that of the fan as a semi-specialized critic. This theoretical-argumentative reflection aims to discuss concepts in the field of critique focused on television narratives and lists portals that grant autonomy and a certain power to members of fandoms so they can quantitatively and qualitatively evaluate media products.
Crítica da Narrativa Seriada
Authors: Serelle Marcio , Soares Rosana de Lima
Published: September 2024

Editorial da edição 35 / número 18
Tropeçar no morto — Mário de Sá-Carneiro visto por Eduardo Lourenço
Authors: Vasconcelos Ricardo
Published: September 2024

This article revisits the central elements of Eduardo Lourenço’s thought on the poet of
Indícios de Oiro. To do so, I consider particularly two essays by Lourenço, namely “Suicidária Modernidade” (1990) and “A Poesia de Orpheu” (2015). If in “Suicidária Modernidade” Lourenço reflects on how Sá-Carneiro’s suicide came to be inscribed in the ​​Portuguese literary Modernity, in “A Poesia de Orpheu” Lourenço revisits the idea of ​​Sá-Carneiro as modern essentially due to a clownish self-representation. In the latter essay, Lourenço describes the poet as having a late romantic personality and departing from a symbolist language, and as someone who dramatizes a gap between a desire to achieve a somewhat diffuse Beyond and a real life in which this desire never materializes. In his analysis, Lourenço highlights the relevance of Sá-Carneiro’s last poems in the subversion of some of his imagined roles, from that of the King to that of the Jester. Still, as I demonstrate, Lourenço gives little value to some aspects of the most innovative language of Sá-Carneiro, namely his use of the immediate elements of the modern society as metaphors for the self, which leads him not to recognize the way Sá-Carneiro’s language, very directly, helped Fernando Pessoa become more modern himself.
O tráfego nas fotografias
Authors: Sekula Allan , Coelho Andre Leite
Published: September 2024

Escrito na fase inicial da carreira do artista e pesquisador estadunidense Allan Sekula, O tráfego nas fotografias (1981) é um ensaio que investiga e problematiza a noção de linguagem universal atribuída à fotografia. Segundo uma abordagem materialista-histórica, o autor analisa a função política desempenhada pelos discur- sos estéticos e científicos atrelados ao meio fotográfico, dentro dos quais a noção de universalidade cumpre uma função de dominação cultural e econômica que tem como fundamentos ideológicos a família nuclear patriarcal, a lógica de consumo capitalista e o imperialismo.
Patient-Specific Myocardial Infarction Risk Thresholds From AI-Enabled Coronary Plaque Analysis
Authors: Miller Robert J.H. , Manral Nipun , Lin Andrew , Shanbhag Aakash , Park Caroline , Kwiecinski Jacek , Killekar Aditya , McElhinney Priscilla , Matsumoto Hidenari , Razipour Aryabod , Grodecki Kajetan , Kwan Alan C. , Han Donghee , Kuronuma Keiichiro , Flores Tomasino Guadalupe , Geers Jolien , Goeller Markus , Marwan Mohamed , Gransar Heidi , Tamarappoo Balaji K. , Cadet Sebastien , Cheng Victor Y. , Achenbach Stephan , Nicholls Stephen J. , Wong Dennis T. , Chen Lu , Cao J. Jane , Berman Daniel S. , Dweck Marc R. , Newby David E. , Williams Michelle C. , Slomka Piotr J. , Dey Damini
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND:

Plaque quantification from coronary computed tomography angiography has emerged as a valuable predictor of cardiovascular risk. Deep learning can provide automated quantification of coronary plaque from computed tomography angiography. We determined per-patient age- and sex-specific distributions of deep learning–based plaque measurements and further evaluated their risk prediction for myocardial infarction in external samples.

METHODS:

In this international, multicenter study of 2803 patients, a previously validated deep learning system was used to quantify coronary plaque from computed tomography angiography. Age- and sex-specific distributions of coronary plaque volume were determined from 956 patients undergoing computed tomography angiography for stable coronary artery disease from 5 cohorts. Multicenter external samples were used to evaluate associations between coronary plaque percentiles and myocardial infarction.

RESULTS:

Quantitative deep learning plaque volumes increased with age and were higher in male patients. In the combined external sample (n=1847), patients in the ≥75th percentile of total plaque volume (unadjusted hazard ratio, 2.65 [95% CI, 1.47–4.78];
P
=0.001) were at increased risk of myocardial infarction compared with patients below the 50th percentile. Similar relationships were seen for most plaque volumes and persisted in multivariable analyses adjusting for clinical characteristics, coronary artery calcium, stenosis, and plaque volume, with adjusted hazard ratios ranging from 2.38 to 2.50 for patients in the ≥75th percentile of total plaque volume.

CONCLUSIONS:

Per-patient age- and sex-specific distributions for deep learning–based coronary plaque volumes are strongly predictive of myocardial infarction, with the highest risk seen in patients with coronary plaque volumes in the ≥75th percentile.
Longitudinal Impacts of High Versus Low Greenness on Cardiovascular Disease Conditions
Authors: Brown Scott C. , Aitken William W. , Lombard Joanna , Parrish Abraham , Dewald Julius R. , Nardi Maria I. , Mantero Alejandro M. A. , Metalonis Sarah W. , Szapocznik José
Published: September 2024

Background

Greenness—or vegetative presence—has been identified as a factor in chronic disease. The present study examines the longitudinal relationship between objective measures of greenness at the residential block level and incidence of 6 cardiovascular disease conditions.

Methods and Results

Analyses examined the impact of consistently high versus consistently low “precision” greenness at the Census block level on the 5‐year incidence of cardiovascular disease conditions, including acute myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, ischemic heart disease, stroke/transient ischemic attack, and hypertension, among 229 034 US Medicare beneficiaries in Miami‐Dade County, Florida, USA. Zero‐inflated Poisson regression was used to model the odds of developing any new cardiovascular disease and number of new cardiovascular disease conditions based on greenness tertiles computed across 2011 and 2016 Normalized Difference Vegetation Index values, adjusting for individual age, sex, race, ethnicity, baseline cardiovascular disease conditions, neighborhood income, and walkability in 2011 and 2016. When compared with individuals consistently in the low greenness tertile in 2011 and 2016, those consistently in the high greenness tertile in 2011 and 2016 had a 9% lower odds of having any new cardiovascular conditions (odds ratio [OR], 0.91 [95% CI, 0.84–0.99];
P
=0.021).

Conclusions

Over a 5‐year period, consistently high greenness, when compared with consistently low greenness, was associated with lower odds of any new cardiovascular disease conditions. Identifying the role of greenness exposure in such a small geographic area, the Census block on which the older adult resides, allows for more precise, strategic decisions on where additional trees can be added—by selecting at‐risk blocks rather than entire neighborhoods for tree‐planting interventions.
Diagnostic Potential of Combined Photoplethysmography and Ankle‐Brachial Index in Peripheral Arterial Disease: A Duplex Ultrasonography‐Based Comparative Study
Authors: Huang Han‐Luen , Chang Chia‐Hsiu , Lo Men‐Tzung , Lin Chen
Published: September 2024

Background

Although ankle‐brachial index (ABI) and photoplethysmography (PPG) have also shown adequate sensitivity in detecting peripheral arterial disease, their diagnostic performance is less reliable in asymptomatic cases or those with high atherosclerotic cardiovascular risks.

Methods and Results

We evaluated 130 participants using ABI, PPG, and duplex ultrasonography, diagnosing 65 with peripheral arterial disease. From the PPG, we derived 2 parameters: PPG amplitude ratio of the lower‐to‐upper extremities (PPG
ratio
) and the PPG amplitude of the lower extremity (PPG
amp
). Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and the area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were calculated for PPG parameters and ABI, and their combination of both methods. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression assessed the prognostic potential of these parameters. ROC analysis revealed optimal cutoff values in diagnosing peripheral arterial disease were 0.417 for PPG
ratio
and “58” for PPG
amp
. Both PPG
ratio
and PPG
amp
demonstrated significantly higher sensitivities, 78.4% and 75.7%, respectively, compared with 55.9% for ABI <0.9 (
P
<0.05). The areas under the ROC curves of combination models, including model 1 (ABI <0.9 and PPG
ratio
), model 2 (ABI <0.9 and PPG
amp
), and model 3 (ABI <0.9, PPG
ratio
, and PPG
amp
), exhibited improved performance with areas under the ROC curves of 0.922, 0.922, and 0.931 (all
P
<0.01) compared with ABI alone (area under the ROC curve, 0.822). Additionally, the PPG parameters, both alone and combined with ABI, were associated with major adverse cardiac events and all‐cause mortality after adjusting for other relevant factors.

Conclusions

On the basis of duplex ultrasonography, combining ABI and PPG markedly improves peripheral arterial disease diagnosis in high‐risk individuals compared with either method alone and provides crucial insights into major adverse cardiac events and all‐cause mortality risks.
Association Between Stroke Lesion Size and Atrial Fibrillation Detected After Stroke: An Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Klammer Markus G. , Reimann Laura , Richter Oskar , Lieschke Simone , Stengl Helena , Hellwig Simon , Ganeshan Ramanan , Schöls Maximilian , Nelde Alexander , Meisel Christian , Villringer Kersten , Nolte Christian H. , Endres Matthias , Scheitz Jan Friedrich
Published: September 2024

Background

Atrial fibrillation detected after stroke (AFDAS) is considered to be a distinct entity influenced by cardiogenic and neurogenic factors. We hypothesized that patients with AFDAS have larger stroke lesions than patients without atrial fibrillation (AF) and with known AF (KAF).

Methods and Results

Consecutive patients with magnetic resonance imaging–confirmed acute ischemic stroke admitted to a university hospital between October 2020 and January 2023 were prospectively registered. We categorized patients as AFDAS, no AF or KAF upon hospital discharge. We manually segmented diffusion‐weighted imaging lesions to determine lesion volume. We analyzed 1420 patients (median age, 78; 47.2% women, median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, 3; median hospital stay, 5 days). Of these, 81 had AFDAS (5.7%), 329 had KAF (23.2%) and 1010 had no AF (71.1%). Lesion volume was larger in patients with AFDAS (median, 5.4 mL [interquartile range, 1.0–21.6]) compared with patients with no AF and KAF (median, 0.7 [interquartile range,0.2–4.4] and 2.0 [interquartile range,0.3–11.1] mL, respectively; both
P
<0.001). Lesion volume was independently associated with AFDAS compared with no AF (adjusted odds ratio, 1.37 [95% CI, 1.20–1.58] per log mL) and KAF (adjusted odds ratio, 1.22 [95% CI, 1.07–1.41] per log mL). Patients in the highest lesion volume quartile (>6.5 mL) were more likely to be diagnosed with AFDAS compared with the lowest quartile (<0.22 mL, 13.6% versus 2.1%; adjusted odds ratio, 5.88 [95% CI, 2.30–17.40]). These associations were more pronounced when excluding 151 patients with nonembolic lesion pattern and similar when excluding 199 patients with KAF on oral anticoagulation.

Conclusions

Larger stroke lesions were independently associated with AFDAS diagnosis during index stroke hospitalization highlighting a potential neurogenic contribution to AFDAS pathogenesis.
Deep Learning Virtual Contrast‐Enhanced T1 Mapping for Contrast‐Free Myocardial Extracellular Volume Assessment
Authors: Nowak Sebastian , Bischoff Leon M. , Pennig Lenhard , Kaya Kenan , Isaak Alexander , Theis Maike , Block Wolfgang , Pieper Claus C. , Kuetting Daniel , Zimmer Sebastian , Nickenig Georg , Attenberger Ulrike I. , Sprinkart Alois M. , Luetkens Julian A.
Published: September 2024

Background

The acquisition of contrast‐enhanced T1 maps to calculate extracellular volume (ECV) requires contrast agent administration and is time consuming. This study investigates generative adversarial networks for contrast‐free, virtual extracellular volume (vECV) by generating virtual contrast‐enhanced T1 maps.

Methods and Results

This retrospective study includes 2518 registered native and contrast‐enhanced T1 maps from 1000 patients who underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance at 1.5 Tesla. Recent hematocrit values of 123 patients (hold‐out test) and 96 patients from a different institution (external evaluation) allowed for calculation of conventional ECV. A generative adversarial network was trained to generate virtual contrast‐enhanced T1 maps from native T1 maps for vECV creation. Mean and SD of the difference per patient (ΔECV) were calculated and compared by permutation of the 2‐sided
t
test with 10 000 resamples. For ECV and vECV, differences in area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for discriminating hold‐out test patients with normal cardiovascular magnetic resonance versus myocarditis or amyloidosis were tested with Delong's test. ECV and vECV showed a high agreement in patients with myocarditis (ΔECV: hold‐out test, 2.0%±1.5%; external evaluation, 1.9%±1.7%) and normal cardiovascular magnetic resonance (ΔECV: hold‐out test, 1.9%±1.4%; external evaluation, 1.5%±1.2%), but variations in amyloidosis were higher (ΔECV: hold‐out test, 6.2%±6.0%; external evaluation, 15.5%±6.4%). In the hold‐out test, ECV and vECV had a comparable AUC for the diagnosis of myocarditis (ECV AUC, 0.77 versus vECV AUC, 0.76;
P
=0.76) and amyloidosis (ECV AUC, 0.99 versus vECV AUC, 0.96;
P
=0.52).

Conclusions

Generation of vECV on the basis of native T1 maps is feasible. Multicenter training data are required to further enhance generalizability of vECV in amyloidosis.
Effects of Locus Coeruleus Activation on n-Back Performance and Frontoparietal Activity
Authors: Negelspach David , Alkozei Anna , Huskey Alisa , Killgore William D. S.
Published: September 2024

Previous studies have linked working memory capacity to restricted hemodynamic responses within critical nodes of the frontoparietal network. Emerging evidence suggests a potential role of the locus coeruleus (LC) in modulating activation of key regions essential for working memory function. This study investigated this hypothesis by examining changes in BOLD signal within the LC and cortex during a parametrically designed verbal working memory task (n-back). fMRI revealed load-dependent task activation, with maximum activation of presumed LC neurons positively correlating with working memory capacity. Furthermore, increased hemodynamic responses in the superior parietal lobes and dorsolateral pFC corresponded with the magnitude of LC activation near working memory capacity limits. An exploratory functional connectivity analysis suggests improvements in working memory performance rely on negative functional connectivity between the LC and cortical regions not primarily involved in task completion. On the basis of previous evidence, this association may represent inhibitory input from cortical regions, enabling phasic bursts of activity from LC neurons, thereby facilitating enhanced cortical activation. This result may also indicate noradrenergic suppression of cortical regions that are not crucial for task completion, leading to enhanced network efficiency. These findings suggest a mechanism by which the LC may improve verbal working memory performance by facilitating enhanced activation in regions critical for visual working memory capacity and active maintenance, potentially enhancing network efficiency.
Incorporating costs and benefits to the evaluation of uncertain research results: Applications to cancer research funding
Authors: Zhuang Han , Acuna Daniel E.
Published: September 2024

Correctness is a key aspiration of the scientific process, yet recent studies suggest that many high-profile findings may be difficult to replicate or require considerable evidence for verification. Proposals to fix these issues typically ask for tighter statistical controls (e.g., stricter p-value thresholds or higher statistical power). However, these approaches often overlook the importance of contemplating research outcomes’ potential costs and benefits. Here, we develop a framework grounded in Bayesian decision theory that seamlessly integrates cost-benefit analysis into evaluating research programs with potentially uncertain results. We derive minimally acceptable prestudy odds and positive predictive values for cost and benefit levels. We show that tolerance to inaccurate results changes dramatically due to uncertainties posed by research. We also show that reducing uncertainties (e.g., by recruiting more subjects) may have limited effects on the expected benefit of continuing specific research programs. We apply our framework to several types of cancer research and their funding. Our analysis shows that highly exploratory research designs are easily justifiable due to their potential benefits, even when probabilistic models suggest otherwise. We discuss how the cost and benefit of research could and should always be part of the toolkit used by scientists, institutions, or funding agencies.
Future Role of Digital Platform of Community Policing in Malawi
Authors: Kumwenda David , Tembo Mavuto , Ahmad Zubair , Mphande Chrispin , Kaunda Dorah , Chazema Thokozani , Kumwenda Allan
Published: September 2024

Internet evolution and digital platform popularity have revolutionized citizens participation in public security administration. However, digital platform ecosystem and functionality remains underexplored. Study examines the future role of digital platform for citizens participation in community policing in Malawi. Within frame work of exploratory sequential mixed methods, focus group discussion interviews purposively selected four groups of 10 respondents each, and used interview guide for data collection. Survey randomly sampled 432 households using Yamene (1969) formular to distribute structured questionnaires for data collection. Interviews were written on script then coded, later grouped into sub themes and finally into themes which corresponded to research questions aided by NVivo application. The survey was analyzed through SPSS version 20 to come up with descriptive statistics. Using pragmatics philosophical paradigm, broken window, democratic participation and social-disorganization theories, the study revealed that citizens may be encouraged to participate on digital platform in community policing by; (a) providing training to citizens on digital crime prevention and safety measures, (b) offering incentives or rewards to citizens who participate in neighborhood safety and security digital initiatives, (c) using social media and other digital platforms to raise awareness and encourage citizen participation, (d) creating more opportunities for citizen-police collaboration and dialogue through social media. Multinominal logistic regression shows gender may have impact on the future role of digital platform of community policing; (i) gain communications between police and community, (ii) detect a wider variety of insecurities (Transparency), (iii) promote the effective use of limited resources, (iv) move beyond the customary bureaucratic procedures at p=.017, (v) gain participation of women, minorities, and vulnerable population at p=.459, (vi) contribute to empowerment of the community at p=.003. Solutions to challenges of digital platform of community policing use are; (1) awareness (Sensitization) Campaign, (2) capacity building on the usage of ICT tools, (3) make available ICT merchant selling and maintenance points, (4) usage of Solar Powered ICT and (5) Place coordinated governance mechanisms. While previous scholars have argued that digital platform has allowed formal and non-formal wide participation, as well as increase transparency and accountability to police officers in handling policing issues and empowering citizens to take part in security of their times. Current revelation points that harnessing and promotion of digital platform gives chance to revolution for transformation that may influence accountability of public security administration to provide quality public services for better life to the challenges of the time.
Effect of Integrated Application of Vermicompost and Inorganic Fertilizers on Yield and Yield Components of Bread Wheat in Adami Tulu Jido Kombolcha District of East Showa Zone, Ethiopia
Authors: Workineh Mekonnen , Kitila Kasahun
Published: September 2024

A field experiment was conducted at Adami Tulu Agricultural Research Center during 2022 cropping season to evaluate the responses of vermin compost and inorganic fertilizers on bread wheat (Triticum aestivum). The experiment consists of eight treatments: T1= Control (without fertilizer), T2=50% RNP+4t/ha VC, T3= 50% RNP+ 8t/ha VC, T4=100% RNP, T5= 4t/ha VC, T6= 8t/ha VC, T7= 100% RNP+ 4t/ha VC, T8=100% RNP+8t/ha VC. The result revealed that grain yield affected by combined application of these two fertilizes. There are gradual changes in some major soil parameters have statistically affected by combined application of vermin compost and inorganic fertilizer. Accordingly maximum grain yield (4596.3kg/ha) was recorded from T2 where 50% recommended NP+4t/ha VC where as the lowest grain yield (2109.3kg/ka) was from control plot. Lastly partial budget analysis was also calculated to determine best treatment combination for future farther use. Accordingly maximum net benefit (155,870.50ETB) was obtained from T2 where 50% recommended NP+4t/ha VC was combined. Therefore this treatment was used as best treatment combination for this area, for this crop, it needed for large scale soil fertility management and increasing land productivity.
Factors Influencing the Adoption of Green Practices: A Case of Five Selected Shopping Malls in Lusaka District
Authors: Natasha Chirwa
Published: September 2024

There is growing recognition for the need for eco-friendly commercial buildings. However, there exists a significant gap between the potential for developing them and the actual implementation. Zambia faces the tangible impacts of climate change, such as droughts and floods, while the uptake of green initiatives remains sluggish. Environmental degradation, worsened by the absence of green initiatives, threatens ecosystems, biodiversity, and the overall health of the planet. Recognizing the urgent need for change, there is a growing consensus that economic growth should no longer be pursued at the expense of environmental degradation. Yet, despite the abundance of opportunities to develop and implement green practices, various stakeholders have not fully embraced these options. This study delved into the factors influencing green practice adoption, focusing on five prominent shopping malls in Lusaka district, Zambia. A mixed methods approach was adopted, and involved 25 purposively selected respondents that attended a questionnaire uploaded via google forms and semi-structured in-depth interviews. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS while content analysis was adopted for qualitative data. The study found a positive correlation between perceived benefits of green practices and willingness to adopt green practices. However, the study showed a disconnect between knowledge of climate change effects and adoption of green practices, which meant that the choice to implement green practices was not influenced by the knowledge of the consequential effects of climate change. This study findings underscore the importance of the educational knowledge on the benefits green implementation and government incentives had in fostering green practice adoption within commercial establishments. While the study provides valuable insights into the dynamics of green practice adoption in the context of Lusaka district, limitations and potential biases underscore the need for further research in this area.
Modern Drip Irrigation Technology on Tomato and Head Cabbage Production and Its Economic Feasibility at Misrak Silti District, Siltie Zone, Ethiopia
Authors: Abebo Mulugeta , Bekele Tagesse , Wabela Kedrala , Ahmed Mohammed
Published: September 2024

In Ethiopia various techniques were applied to improve on-farm irrigation water management under surface irrigation, especially on furrow irrigation system for last many years, however, it was very difficult to achieve threshold limit of water use efficiency, wisely use of scarce water resources in irrigated field, crop water productivity, precisely controlled application of irrigation water to plant roots, uniform water delivery to all plants, crop yield and its quality, regulate flow, deliver optimum crop water requirement, field water losses, groundwater withdrawal and save labor. It is great practical significance and series of measures using drip irrigation system to solve mentioned problems in irrigated field, because the irrigated agriculture is largest water-consuming sector in this area. This study was aimed to demonstrate drip irrigation technology, prove its economic feasibility and create skills of farmers and extension experts on implementation of the drip system on tomato (Galila 555) and head cabbage (Copen Hagen) productions within groundwater source area on Balo koriso main station in Misrak Silti woreda, Siltie zone, southern Ethiopia. The activity was done for four consecutive years (2019 to 2022 G. C) on fixed plot of 2500 square meter area in collaboration with Agricultural Research Institute and Techno serve project. During demonstration all the costs were considered to economic feasibility including initial investment cost. The study found that the use of drip irrigation saved 3690 m3/ha of water compared with use of furrow irrigation. This saved water may irrigate additional 2ha area of land by drip irrigation. This study also revealed that, a net income of 313066.04 ETB/ha in single irrigation season was obtained using modern drip irrigation technology. The farmers and local experts recognized noticeable saving water, fuel cost, irrigating time and labour, good crop performance from demonstrated drip irrigation system and shown interest to use the technology abundantly. Therefore, scaling up locally manageable drip irrigation system around the study area through comprehensive training of farmers and supportive staffs and allowing sufficient local market for drip kits and incentives or loan will be economically feasible and affordable to increase income and saves irrigation water.
Propagation from Meteorological to Hydrological Drought considering Nonstationarity in the Luanhe River Basin: Spatiotemporal Pattern and Driving Factors
Authors: Dai Meng , Feng Ping , Huang Shengzhi , Li Jianzhu , Huang Qiang , Gao Yuejiao , Zheng Xudong , Cheng Liwen , Wang Hanye , Guo Wenwen
Published: September 2024

Under the joint effects of climate change and human activities, the assumption of the stationarity of hydrological series has been overturned, which is of great significance in the field of hydrology. However, the current research on drought propagation is generally based on the assumption of sequence stationarity, in which related results may be biased. To this end, the Generalized Additive Models for Location, Scale, and Shape (GAMLSS) model was used to construct a time-varying drought index. The seasonal propagation characteristics from meteorological to hydrological drought were examined based on conditional probability. The dynamic change of propagation characteristics was explored by utilizing the moving window, and the driving factors were revealed by using the variable importance in projection. The Luanhe River basin, which has a fragile ecological environment, was selected as a case study. The results indicated that 1) using a time-varying drought index was more reasonable than using a stationary assumption, and the latter relatively easily underestimated the propagation time, especially in summer; 2) drought propagation in summer and autumn was faster than that in spring and winter, and the propagation time showed a significant downward trend; 3) the trigger threshold (absolute value) of meteorological drought in spring was significantly higher than that in other seasons, and hydrological drought was more likely to be triggered by meteorological drought in autumn and winter; and 4) the precipitation P, decreasing runoff R, and increasing evaporation E were the main factors affecting the seasonal propagation characteristics. The findings of this study are of great significance for water resource management and further understanding of drought propagation mechanisms.
The perspectives of Māori on community treatment orders: A thematic analysis
Authors: Kirikiri Arahia , Young Greg , Beaglehole Ben , Newton-Howes Giles
Published: September 2024

Aim:

To understand the themes for Māori subjected to compulsory community treatment orders.

Background:

The Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act 1992 has been utilised in Aotearoa New Zealand for more than three decades. Despite Māori having higher rates of being subject to community treatment orders, there is little research examining their perspectives of its benefits and harms.

Methods:

Thematic analysis of a purposive sample of Māori in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand.

Results:

Five themes were developed. Māori described community treatment orders as restrictive and stigmatising. Some Māori described being poorly informed of the structures surrounding the use of community treatment orders and saw it as a mechanism to circumvent information-giving regarding treatment. Counterbalancing these, Māori described community treatment orders as mandating support and saw them as a mechanism to access care. Finally, some described their compulsory treatment status as unimportant and irrelevant.

Conclusions:

Thematic analysis identified five clear themes from interview participants. Conceptualisation of community treatment orders was largely negative, although Māori acknowledged that being subject to community treatment orders demanded more support from services. Themes of stigma and restriction are common in the literature, however, conception of the use of community treatment orders to bypass consent is novel. The literature describes community treatment orders as providing support, however, in this study, the interpretation suggests a need to lose personal autonomy to receive care, a potentially ‘slippery slope’ towards a two-tier type service. These findings remind services of the importance of attending to cultural elements of care, being clear around the process of consent. In terms of policy, weaving in cultural understanding appears to be important from an Indigenous perspective.
Monumental Women: Commemoration, Vocation, and Irish Migration at Notre Dame
Authors: Cummings Kathleen Sprows
Published: September 2024

Headlines about memorials tend to skew toward the negative, emphasizing the removal of controversial monuments. Yet there is a substantial generative aspect to conversations about representation in public landscapes. In my case, paying more attention to public landscapes at my home institution led to new insights about the history of the Sisters of the Holy Cross at the University of Notre Dame, founded by the Congregation of Holy Cross near South Bend, Indiana, in 1842. Framed around a discussion of Catholic sisters’ invisibility in Notre Dame’s campus architecture, this article centers on a ‘questing’ trip Holy Cross superior Mother Angela Gillespie took to Ireland in 1873 in search of new members. It examines what precipitated Gillespie’s journey, what the subsequent arrival of some 40 postulants portended for Catholic America, and what themes and approaches it might suggest for the larger historical study of Catholic sisters at a pivotal historiographical moment.
Are We Worse Off After Policy Repeals? Evidence from Two Green Policies
Authors: Puranam Dinesh , Kim Sungjin , Hong Jihoon , Che Hai
Published: September 2024

Implementation of public policies sometimes results in spillover effects on nontargeted outcomes. When policy makers repeal these policies due to industry pressure and community resistance, do the spillover effects from the policy persist after a repeal? Specifically, the authors ask (1) whether these spillovers induced by policy, when present, carry on after a repeal (i.e., become “carryovers”); (2) how these carryovers evolve over the short and medium term; and (3) what benefit thresholds the policy must meet to offset spillovers during implementation and carryovers after repeal. To address these questions, the authors examine two pro-environment policies that were later repealed: a ban on single-use plastic grocery bags and the imposition of a fee. They find that the increase in trash bag sales, which began during policy implementation, persisted for several months after repeal. A break-even analysis suggests that the net effect on plastic bag savings is likely positive even after repeal. Only modest reductions in grocery bag use would be needed to break even, suggesting a favorable outcome for the environment. This study alerts policy makers and firms to potential carryovers from policy repeals that can persist well after a repeal.
Jacketed telemetry in rats: a novel non-invasive method for cardiorespiratory phenotyping during treadmill exercise
Authors: Tanguy Stéphane , Cambier Agathe , Fontana-Pires Leandro , Flenet Timothé , Eynard Charles , Fontecave-Jalon Julie , Gumery Pierre-Yves , Boucher François
Published: September 2024

The development of alternative methods for monitoring cardiorespiratory function without restraint or surgical implantation is attracting growing interest for both ethical and scientific reasons. For this purpose, a new non-invasive jacketed telemetry tool consisting in a radio device maintained in a jacket worn by the animal was previously developed to improve cardiorespiratory monitoring. It allows simultaneous monitoring of cardiac activity by surface electrocardiagram, respiratory function by respiratory inductive plethysmography, and locomotor activity by accelerometry. However, this tool has only been validated under conditions of low/intermediate activity levels or in anesthetized animals. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of using this system in the challenging conditions of an exertion protocol. Male Wistar rats ( n = 10, 8–9 weeks old) were subjected to an incremental treadmill exercise protocol including speed levels from 5 to 40 cm s−1 separated by 30-s breaks. Heart rate (HR) and minute ventilation (assessed by minute volume; MV) were continuously monitored. At the end of each running level and during the 30-s breaks, HR and MV showed a significant increase compared to resting values. They returned to the baseline within 60 min of post-exercise recovery. Overall, our results demonstrated (i) the ability of the animal to run while wearing the device and (ii) the ability of the device to reliably monitor cardiorespiratory adaptation to treadmill exercise despite significant mechanical disturbances. In conclusion, this study highlights the possibility of non-invasively monitoring cardiorespiratory functional variables that were previously unattainable under conditions of high activity in freely moving animals.
The Relationships Between Reaction Time Scores and False Start Penalties of Offensive Linemen in the National Football League (NFL)
Authors: Bowman James K. , Krywaruczenko Daniel , De Flon Brandon G. , Boone R. Thomas
Published: September 2024

Each year in the United States, many factors are considered in the National Football League’s draft process, including scouting reports, interviews, medical tests, and measures of players’ strength, speed, anthropometry, and personality. Recently, an increased emphasis has been placed on players’ psychometrically measured cognitive abilities. Historically, offensive linemen have been excluded from NFL research, since they do not have individual performance statistics. In this study, we attempted to fill that research gap by investigating correlates of offensive linemen’s measured vigilance/impulsivity. We obtained archival player data from 85 offensive linemen in the years from 2014–2021 prior to each of these players’ NFL draft. We then used false start penalties per game (FSPG) as an index of their vigilance/impulsivity (and general success) on the field, and we related those values to Reaction Time tests through hierarchical multiple regression analyses. After controlling for draft placement, these players’ higher accuracy on a Choice Reaction Time task accounted for a statistically significant percentage of the variance associated with their FSPG statistics. We discuss the practical utility for player development of these and other cognitive assessments now used in the NFL.
Exploring Dimensions of Adult Drug Treatment Courts Related to Successful Completion
Authors: Gonzales Taylor A. , Cho Ahram
Published: September 2024

Drug court programs were introduced in 1989 to reduce incarceration of people with drug-related offenses by integrating substance use treatment into court settings. Previous research has demonstrated drug court programs reduce recidivism, particularly among individuals who successfully complete the program. While much of the existing research is dedicated to examining characteristics of program participants related to graduation and recidivism, little is known about program characteristics associated with effective drug courts. This study identifies characteristics of effective drug courts by examining the effect of various program characteristics (e.g., type and length of treatment, supervision, drug screening results, and punishment) on program completion, net of individual characteristics, legally relevant factors, and mental health history. Administrative data of 357 participants admitted to an adult drug court program in a small city between 2008 and 2018 were utilized. Policy implications are put forth as are directions for future research.
Routine Losses, Continuous Improvement, and Warming Oceans: Risk and Uncertainty on Chile’s Aquaculture Frontier
Authors: Thomas Eric H.
Published: September 2024

For several decades, proponents of aquaculture have framed the industry as a critical element of the emerging blue economy. In Aysén, Chile, however, environmental crises have undermined the industry’s claims to sustainability. Invoking “continuous improvement,” aquaculture operators manage ecological, economic, and political risks. This requires shared understandings of risk and uncertainty in which some sources of harm can be mitigated while others are unpredictable consequences of environmental variability. Uncertainty therefore becomes a corporate social technology for blunting criticism of the industry. However, uncertainty also shapes how those overseeing the industry perceive their role within Chile’s development project.
Cycles, Breakthroughs, and Histories of Ecological Change: 1949 or 1972?
Authors: Muscolino Micah S.
Published: September 2024

These reflections on Stevan Harrell’s An Ecological History of Modern China evaluate the book in relation to existing historiography of the ecological transformations that have accompanied China’s development since the founding of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). After outlining the theoretical underpinnings of Harrell’s history of modern China as a “system of social-ecological systems” and his revisionist periodization of PRC history in terms of the “adaptive cycle,” the commentary contrasts Harrell’s central arguments with those advanced in earlier studies. Interpretative differences relate to whether 1949 constituted a watershed in China’s ecological history or a continuation of longer-term environmental trends, and the significance of the PRC’s acquisition of technology for synthetic fertilizer plants after rapprochement with the United States in 1972 in making it possible for China to replenish its nutrient-depleted soils, increase agricultural productivity, and overcome environmental constraints that limited economic growth. Despite bringing unprecedented economic prosperity, as Harrell shows, that growth has decreased ecological resilience and increased vulnerability. The commentary concludes by asking how Harrell’s arguments might be reconciled with alternative understandings of modern China’s ecological and environmental history.
Impacts of Backcalculation Software Selection on Airport Flexible Pavements Using the Aircraft Classification Rating/Pavement Classification Rating Method
Authors: Chaves José Wémenson Rabelo , Oliveira Francisco Heber Lacerda de
Published: September 2024

From November 2024, the aircraft classification rating/pavement classification rating (ACR/PCR) method will be accepted by civil aviation authorities to notify the bearing capacity of airport pavements. Structural characteristics are necessary to calculate the parameters relating to this method, such as the modulus of elasticity which, in the case of existing pavements, can be obtained by backcalculation. However, the results of this procedure may vary depending on the type of method and algorithms used to minimize adjustment errors between the deflection basins adopted in the software. Given the above, this article aims to evaluate whether the choice of backcalculation software affects the resistance classification and admissibility of aircraft on airport pavements using the ACR/PCR method based on the backcalculated elastic moduli. The elastic modulus values of the materials from two runways were backcalculated using BAKFAA, BackCAP, BackMedina, and ELMOD software, and then used to calculate the PCR. The results of the backcalculation showed differences in the elastic moduli obtained by the software, mainly in the subgrade. It was found that the backcalculation software used can limit the type of aircraft and the runway resistance. Therefore, the choice of software for backcalculation of deflection basins can influence the results of the ACR/PCR method because of divergences in determining the resistance of the pavement’s bearing capacity and the admissibility of aircraft operations in the analyzed structures.
Prediction of Undrained Shear Strength Utilizing a Hybrid Stacking Model Enhanced by Bayesian Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Chenghang , Chen Mingyue
Published: September 2024

Undrained shear strength serves as one of the crucial indicators for analyzing the strength and assessing the stability of clay. To enhance the predictive capability of undrained shear strength, we introduced a hybrid stacking model, the KSMRX, which leverages the Bayesian optimization algorithm. Comparative analyses against base models revealed that the KSMRX model significantly enhanced prediction accuracy, elevating it from 51.3% to 72.5%. This substantial improvement underscored the efficacy of our approach in predicting drained shear strength. Moreover, when compared with the prediction accuracies of 15 other hybrid models, the KSMRX hybrid stacking model consistently demonstrated superior performance. Therefore, this study not only presents a novel and more convenient computational approach, facilitating the acquisition of highly accurate geotechnical parameters, but also serves as a reference for the implementation of geotechnical engineering projects.
Spatial analysis to identify unauthorized municipal solid waste disposal sites in rural areas of southern Mexico
Authors: De la Rosa-Belmonte Shirley Jhoanna , Palafox-Juárez E Betzabeth , Torrescano-Valle Nuria , Sánchez-Sánchez Joan Alberto , López-Martínez Jorge Omar
Published: September 2024

The management of solid waste in rural areas of developing countries faces significant challenges due to economic constraints and irregular human settlements. These factors often lead to the creation of unauthorized disposal sites, which pose risks to human health, ecosystems and the economy. Remote sensing and geographic information system techniques provide a means to understand the complex issues associated with inadequate municipal solid waste (MSW) disposal. This study aimed to identify unauthorized disposal sites in the rural areas of southern Quintana Roo, Mexico, by examining land surface temperature (LST) and vegetation indices as potential indicators of unauthorized final disposal sites (FDSs). The findings reveal that 13% of the study areas have a high, moderate or low probability of hosting unauthorized disposal sites. Additionally, 3 authorized final disposal sites (FDSs) were confirmed, and 20 unauthorized sites were identified. LST and the normalized difference vegetation index were effective in detecting unauthorized sites, as these areas exhibited higher temperatures and less vigorous vegetation compared to adjacent areas. The results provide valuable insights into the issues associated with inadequate waste disposal in rural areas and offer information that can help optimize MSW management and mitigate its environmental and health impacts.