bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Computational transformations of early childhood education: Pathways toward child‐centred computing in two educational change projects
Authors: Samuelsson Robin 
Published: November 2024

AbstractProgramming is becoming a key subject in early education globally, with surging problems of how computer science can become a subject for children of all ages and backgrounds. Problems of implementing new technologies in the old curricula have long been noted, and lately, concern over computer science education goals is often too narrow and skills‐based without concerns for the critical educational potential. This study follows the change process of two case preschool departments implementing programming with a floor robot across a seven‐month design process. Mixed analytical techniques based on activity theory are used to examine the tensions, conflicts and development of pedagogical alternatives. The studies show the strenuous change processes involving local transformations toward a child‐centred, inclusive early computer science education and development of projects centring making, children's exploration, tinkering and play as key parts of the learning process. It discusses how the considerable change processes enabled pedagogical solutions coherent with important concepts in computer programming and how computing education can build on child‐centred pedagogies through local adaptations and age‐appropriate designs.
Practitioner notesWhat is already known about this topic

Computer science and programming are becoming part of early education worldwide.
Less is known about how to implement computing with ever‐younger age groups, especially for those under three.
That technological change can be a strenuous change process building on societal, historical and educational tensions, requiring individual learning and organisational change.
What this paper adds

Two cases of change designing computing education for 1–2‐ and 3–5‐year‐olds.
Design processes raising critical questions about current standard childhood programming materials being resolved to enable a child‐centred computing education.
Challenges and potentials specific to early childhood in adopting computer science education.
Implications for practice and/or policy

Computing education challenges pedagogical notions, such as the role of failure in education.
Computing education can be developed for very young children. However, there are considerable critical challenges to resolve in developing a child‐centred approach.
Childhood fundamentals such as play‐based pedagogy can work synergistically with computer science activities, providing educational potential, also relevant for computer science education at large.
Ovarian Stimulation Effects on Ghrelin Secretion and Reproductive Potential
Authors: Beltramone Fernando , Estofán Patricia , Piccinali Noelia , Torres Pedro Javier , Ramírez Nicolás David , Cantarelli Verónica Inés , Ponzio Marina Flavia , Motrich Rubén Darío , Severgnini Mariano , Martini Ana Carolina 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTObjectiveFinely regulated Ghrelin (Ghrl) secretion is essential during early pregnancy, as infra or supraphysiologic levels can be detrimental. Since oestrogens stimulate Ghrl synthesis, ovarian stimulation (OS) might increase ghrelinemia, thus being detrimental for fertility. The aim of this work was to evaluate whether OS increases ghrelinemia and associates with maternal endocrine and immune biomarkers and reproductive success.DesignThe 97 women undergoing assisted reproduction were grouped as follows: OS: undergoing OS and fresh embryo transfer (n = 35); FET: undergoing frozen embryo transfer in a cycle different from that of OS (n = 25) and, OD: undergoing embryo transfer in oocyte donation cycles (n = 37). At embryo transfer day, several endocrine and immune biomarkers were assessed.ResultsOS patients showed significantly higher serum estradiol, progesterone and Ghrl, than those not stimulated. Patients that suffered miscarriage showed significantly lower concentrations of sex‐hormones, with a similar trend for Ghrl, that deserves further investigation. Moreover, OS patients showed decreased frequencies of circulating T cells and reduced ratios of uNK/NK cells, which significantly associated with serum levels of sex‐hormones. Besides, ROC curves identified cut‐off values predictive of clinical pregnancy and/or miscarriage for peripheral counts of uNK cells, T cells, and uNK/NK cells ratio.ConclusionsAs hypothesised, OS significantly increased serum Ghrl in correlation with sex‐hormone levels. These last, significantly associated with maternal immune response and reproductive outcome. Although Ghrl exhibited a similar profile, it did not reach statistical significance, indicating the need for further investigation. Additionally, the identification of maternal immunological cut‐off values holds significant clinical relevance.
Direct reprogramming of fibroblasts into spiral ganglion neurons by defined transcription factors
Authors: Huang Yuhang , Chen Zhen , Chen Jiang , Liu Jingyue , Qiu Cui , Liu Qing , Zhang Linqing , Zhu Guang‐Jie , Ma Xiaofeng , Sun Shuohao , Shi Yun Stone , Wan Guoqiang 
Published: November 2024

AbstractDegeneration of the cochlear spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) is one of the major causes of sensorineural hearing loss and significantly impacts the outcomes of cochlear implantation. Functional regeneration of SGNs holds great promise for treating sensorineural hearing loss. In this study, we systematically screened 33 transcriptional regulators implicated in neuronal and SGN fate. Using gene expression array and principal component analyses, we identified a sequential combination of Ascl1, Pou4f1 and Myt1l (APM) in promoting functional reprogramming of SGNs. The neurons induced by APM expressed mature neuronal and SGN lineage‐specific markers, displayed mature SGN‐like electrophysiological characteristics and exhibited single‐cell transcriptomes resembling the endogenous SGNs. Thus, transcription factors APM may serve as novel candidates for direct reprogramming of SGNs and hearing recovery due to SGN damages.
Adults aged 65 years and older in South Africa have a responsibility to vaccinate against influenza
Authors: Sarangarajan Ruach , Ewuoso Cornelius 
Published: November 2024

AbstractIn this article, we draw on the thinking about incompleteness and conviviality grounded in Afro‐communitarianism ethics from the Global South to argue that adults aged 65 years and above have a prima facie responsibility to vaccinate against influenza. Notably, adults aged 65 years and above have a duty of conviviality to act in ways that limit harm to them and others. This article is intrinsically valuable to promote epistemic justice, thereby contributing towards the decolonisation of the global healthcare system. Moreover, this project has social significance in contributing to mitigation efforts against future public health challenges associated with population ageing in resource‐limited developing African nations, wherein the impact of population transition will be felt most.
Characterisation of islet antibody‐negative type 1 diabetes mellitus in Indian children
Authors: Menon Jayakrishnan C. , Singh Pratibha , Archana Archana , Kanga Uma , Singh Preeti , Mittal Medha , Garg Atul , Seth Anju , Bhatia Vijayalakshmi , Dabadghao Preeti , Sudhanshu Siddhnath , Vishwakarma Ruchira , Verma Shivendra , Singh S. K. , Bhatia Eesh 
Published: November 2024

AbstractAimsIslet antibody‐negative type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) has not been well characterised. We determined the frequency of antibody‐negative T1DM and compared it with antibody‐positive T1DM in a cohort of north Indian children.MethodsIn a multi‐centre, prospective, observational study, 176 Indian children (age 1–18 years) were assessed within 2 weeks of diagnosis of T1DM. Antibodies against GAD65 (GADA), islet antigen‐2 (IA‐2A) and zinc transporter 8 (ZnT8A), were estimated using validated ELISA. HLA‐DRB1, DQA1 and DQB1 alleles were studied by Luminex‐based typing. Monogenic diabetes was determined by targeted next‐generation sequencing using the Illumina platform.ResultsAfter excluding 12 children with monogenic diabetes, GADA, IA‐2A and ZnT8A were present in 124 (76%), 60 (37%) and 62 (38%) o children, respectively, while 24 (15%) were negative for all antibodies. A single antibody (most frequently GADA) was present in 68 (41%) of children, while all three antibodies were found in 34 (21%). Islet antibody‐negative T1DM (n = 24, 15%) did not differ from antibody‐positive children in their clinical features, HbA1c or plasma C‐peptide, both at onset or after 1 year follow‐up (available in 62 children). The frequency of other organ‐specific antibodies or high‐risk HLA‐DR and DQ alleles were also similar. Children with a single islet antibody did not differ from those with multiple antibodies.ConclusionsThe frequency of various islet‐antibodies, in isolation and combination, differed considerably from studies among children of European descent with T1DM. Children with T1DM who were islet antibody‐negative were indistinguishable from those who were antibody‐positive.
Magnetic resonance imaging characterization of an α‐synuclein model of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Katrib Chirine , Hladky Hector , Timmerman Kelly , Durieux Nicolas , Dutheil Nathalie , Bezard Erwan , Devos David , Laloux Charlotte , Betrouni Nacim 
Published: November 2024

AbstractParkinson's disease (PD) is primarily characterized by three histological hallmarks: dopaminergic neuronal degeneration, α‐synuclein accumulation and iron deposition. Over the last years, neuroimaging, particularly magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has provided invaluable insights into the mechanisms underlying the disease. However, no imaging method has yet been able to translate α‐synuclein protein accumulation and spreading. Amongst the animal models mimicking the disease, the α‐synuclein rat, generated through the injection of human α‐synuclein, has been characterized in terms of behavioural and histological aspects but not thoroughly explored in MRI. The aim of this study is, therefore, to identify the radiological signature from several MRI sequences, while controlling for histological and behavioural characteristics. Rats were assessed for motor and cognitive functions over a 4‐month period. During this time, three MRI sessions, including both morphological and functional sequences, were conducted. Histological studies evaluated the three main hallmarks of PD. The progressive dopaminergic neurodegeneration and the spread of human α‐synuclein corresponded to the level of sensorimotor, attentional and learning deficits observed in this PD model. MRI analyses showed progressive structural abnormalities in the midbrain, diencephalon and several cortical structures, as well as a pattern of hyperconnectivity in the basal ganglia and cortical networks. The regions affected in imaging demonstrated the highest load of human α‐synuclein. This model's structural and functional MRI changes could serve as indirect indicators of α‐synuclein accumulation and its association with impaired non‐motor functions.
‘Shifting gears ain't easy’: Disciplinary resistances to perspective shifts in soil science and how to move forward
Authors: Baveye Philippe C. , Otten Wilfred , Young Iain 
Published: November 2024

AbstractOver the last decade, the fact that novel perspectives on various aspects of soils have remained strongly controversial long after they emerged, without any kind of consensus being reached about them, raises question about the underlying reasons for this phenomenon. The on‐going debate on the usefulness of aggregates to describe the functions of soils illustrates some of the key aspects of that question. Similar debates on other soil‐related issues also appear stalled, or have been for a long time and are only now moving forward. This might suggest a fundamental aversion to change, which when it gets overcome, only does so slowly. However, at the same time, somewhat surprisingly, researchers appear willing to quickly seize opportunities provided by new idea or novel perspectives on other topics. In that context, the objective of the present article is to analyse in detail what may cause such contrasting reactions to novelty. We consider, then ultimately dismiss, explanations based on how strongly or not novel perspectives have been actively promoted, on how access to suitable technology may impede or only slow down perspective shifts and on whether a recent theory of the ‘slowed canonical progress in large fields of science’ applies to the relatively small soil science community. Then, taking soil aggregates as a case in point, we come to realize that it is the extent to which a novel perspective mandates an interdisciplinary approach that determines whether or not it is adopted quickly. From that standpoint, we envisage a number of practical actions that could be taken to facilitate in the future the emergence in soil science of interdisciplinary research efforts, which we argue are absolutely essential to successfully tackle the enormous complexity of soils and to come up with satisfactory answers to the daunting environmental and food security problems we currently face in their management.
Assessment of haemophilic joints in a low‐resourced area using clinical tools: The effect of different types of prophylaxis
Authors: Youssry Ilham , El‐Taweel Rania , Seif Hadeel , Sami Rania , Okasha Karim , Taha Ebtehal , Haffar Assad , Elhady Marwa Abd 
Published: November 2024

AbstractIntroductionHaemophilic arthropathy (HA) is the most frequent complication in people with haemophilia (PWH). MRI is the gold standard to assess HA, however, there are limitations to its use in low‐resourced areas.AimPrimary; to compare clinical‐functional, laboratory, and ultrasonographic joint scores with MRI scores to determine a reasonable alternative to MRI. Secondary; to identify the effect of various replacement therapies on the degree of joint involvement.Material and methodFifty PWH with at least one affected joint, with or without inhibitors, and receiving either on‐demand treatment or secondary prophylaxis, were included. All participants had a joint assessment by clinical HJHS 2.1, functional FISH, HEAD‐US, and MRI DENVER scores. Also, serum COMP level was assessed by ELISA for the PWH and 50 healthy subjects as control.ResultsThe HJHS 2.1 scores had a significant positive correlation with HEAD‐US and the MRI DENVER scores. The FISH score had a significant negative correlation with HJHS 2.1, HEAD‐US, and MRI DENVER Scores. The serum COMP level was comparable between the PWH and the controls. The HEAD‐US score had a significant positive correlation with the MRI score. All of the joints’ scores for the PWH on Emicizumab prophylaxis showed significantly lower HJHS 2.1 and MRI DENVER scores but higher FISH score than the joint scores of the patients receiving other types of prophylaxis.ConclusionThe clinical‐functional joints assessment scores (HJHS 2.1, FISH) were objective tools that correlated significantly with the HEAD‐US and the Denver MRI scores. Emicizumab prophylaxis led to better joint status.
Effects of High Altitude and Diet on Gastric Disease Severity in Helicobacter pylori Infection in Peru
Authors: Requena David , Ribas Eduardo , Gilman Robert H. , Cabrera Lilia , Cok Jaime , Barriga‐Rivera Walter , Combe‐Gutiérrez Juan , Vargas‐Cardenas Gloria , Seidelmann Lisa , Miele Catherine H. 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTHelicobacter pylori is a bacterium that infects approximately half of the world's population, being more prevalent in low‐ and middle‐income countries. H. pylori can cause gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma, and gastric cancer, which is among the five most frequent cancers worldwide. Other factors such as a diet low in vegetables and high in processed red meat have been associated with gastric cancer. Here, we studied the effects of high altitude and diet on gastric disease severity in H. pylori infection in a multicenter cross‐sectional study in Peru (N = 343). We recruited people from villages with distinct eating habits (high meat consumption, mixed, and limited meat consumption diet) in the Andes (Puno), and compared them to people living at sea level with a mixed diet (Lima). H. pylori infection prevalence was higher at high altitude than at sea level. High altitude, diet, and age showed a significant correlation with the severity of gastric disease, whereas H. pylori infection and sex did not. However, high altitude was not found to be a risk factor for intestinal metaplasia, while diet and age were. At high altitude, a meat‐rich diet was associated with a higher incidence of metaplasia compared to a plant‐based diet. This study provides a comparison of communities living at high altitude with spontaneously different diets, showing that high processed red meat consumption is a risk factor for gastric disease. Further studies are needed to explain this phenomenon and its impact on the development and progression of gastric pathologies.
Beyond the Queue: Exploring Waiting Practices in the Stories of Patients With Breast Cancer
Authors: Akrouh Nada , Wehrens Rik , Scholtes Erna , van de Bovenkamp Hester 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundWaiting is an important topic in healthcare debates, mostly discussed in the form of waiting lists and waiting times. In this discourse, the experiential element of waiting stays hidden. Understanding the waiting experiences of patients can help to better understand healthcare waiting practices, which have a large impact on patients.MethodsWe performed a thematic analysis on 12 patients' books of women with breast cancer. We focused on the theme of waiting within these stories, through an abductive analysis.ResultsWe identified three themes within the waiting practices of patients with breast cancer: (1) Thickening of time, (2) contaminated time and (3) navigating time. The theme thickening of time highlights waiting moments where time is experienced as moving at a very slow pace with intense emotional impact. The theme of contaminated time highlights the waiting processes as an ongoing component of experiencing illness. The theme of navigating time highlights patients' temporal agency, showing their waiting work in the form of strategies for dealing with practical and emotional aspects of waiting.DiscussionThe waiting experiences of patients provide insights into the burden of waiting, which is partly connected to the way healthcare services are organised and the experience of illness. Understanding these multifaceted experiences of patients helps pinpoint areas for healthcare quality improvement.Patient or Public ContributionThe choice for the theme and approach of this research, waiting, was developed with a citizen science initiative of collecting patient stories.
Optimal design of deferred compensation for bank executives under agency conflicts
Authors: Gan Liu , Xu Mingyu , Tan Yingxian , Chen Linyue 
Published: November 2024

AbstractWe analyze the optimal design of deferred compensation for bank executives under agency conflicts in a continuous time model with a bank liability structure. Our model demonstrates that a well‐designed deferred compensation contract can effectively mitigate bank executives' asset substitution problem and significantly enhance the total value of the bank, which aligns with existing empirical studies. Moreover, we find that the motivation for bank executives to shift risk under deferred compensation is diminished when supervision is more stringent, the bank has greater market power, or the write‐down ratio of debt is lower.
Company‐Based Measures Securing Employment During the Pandemic in Germany
Authors: Pusch Toralf , Seifert Hartmut 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTThis article analyses measures agreed upon by management and works councils to secure jobs during the pandemic in Germany, based on a representative works and staff council survey. Monetary concessions are less common than measures relating to working hours. The implementation of these measures depends on economic conditions, collective bargaining and cooperative company relations, providing a framework for employment and investment commitments.
Community Nursing: A Time and Motion Study of Community Nurses' Work and Workload
Authors: Blay Nicole , Duffield Christine , Murray‐Parahi Pauline , Drennan Vari , Rowles Mick , Sousa Mariana S. 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTAimTo explore activities performed by community nurses in community health centre clinics and during home visits.DesignCross‐sectional, observational using time and motion technique. Data collected during lockdown in 2020.MethodsCommunity nurses' work in clinics and during home visits were observed and recorded. The purposefully designed data collection tool covered six categories (Administration, Communication, Direct care, Documentation, Indirect care and Other) and 35 activities relative to community nurses' work.ResultsEight hundred and ten complete timings were obtained. Community nurses' time was most often (86.5%) spent on Direct care, Communication, Documentation and Other activities. Patient education occurred more often in the home.ConclusionsThe type, frequency and time taken to complete community nursing activities provides insight into the community nurse role. Addressing inefficient practices such as documentation and travel could serve to improve workload.Reporting MethodAdheres to EQUATOR guideline STROBE for cross‐sectional studies.Patient or Public ContributionNo patient or public contribution.
Application of Computational Intelligence to Determine the Effect of Different Shear Bar Positions on Chopping Length and Specific Cutting Energy Consumption in the Chopping of Silage Sorghum
Authors: Sauk Hüseyin 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTFlail forage harvesting machines are disadvantageous compared to other silage machines because of the uneven length of the chop obtained, the low distribution of the appropriate chopping length in the entire chopped material, and the high energy consumption. This issue is tackled by employing artificial neural networks (ANN), which serve as versatile mathematical instruments capable of capturing data. In this article, six different knife peripheral speeds (KPS) and three different shear bar (SB) positions were tested to determine the combination of KPS and SB positions that increased the proportion of suitable chopping length (CL) for silage and decreased the specific cutting energy consumption (SCEC) among all chopped material. The results have shown that, depending on the increase in KPS, the average CL varied between 165.28, 127.30, 100.24, 83.55, 77.06, and 65.09 mm. Depending on no shear bar (), shear bar positioned parallel to the feed unit (), and shear bar positioned at an angle of 45° to the feed unit () the average CL was determined as 114.73, 99.65, and 94.88 mm, respectively. Depending on the increase in KPS, the SCEC values vary between 0.97, 1.49, 1.89, 2.20, 3.05, and 4.12 kWh t−1. Depending on , , and the SCEC values were determined as 1.64, 3.05, and 2.17 kWh t−1, respectively. The effects of KPS and SB positions on CL and SCEC were statistically very significant (p < 0.001). An ANN model with a 3‐(5‐5)‐1 architecture, utilizing a backpropagation learning algorithm, was developed to forecast SCEC. This model outperformed traditional statistical models and was constructed using data on KPS, SB, and CL. The ANN model exhibited the highest efficiency, outperforming the polynomial models. In this particular ANN model, key metrics such as coefficient of determination (R2), root mean square error (RMSE), and mean error (ε) (0.9970%, 0.0159%, and 3.86% respectively) are significantly positive. This research convincingly demonstrated the efficacy of ANN in accurately predicting SCEC, leveraging data on KPS, SB, and average CL.