bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Monte Carlo implementation of a Gaussian plume model for submersion dose calculation at short downwind distances
Authors: Lorenzon Tommaso , Bonforte Francesco , Codispoti Luca , Agosteo Stefano , Ferrarini Michele 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
In this article, the submersion dose due to a radioactive cloud of pollutants was evaluated at short downwind distances from an emission stack. The atmospheric transport of contaminants was modelled using the Gaussian plume model (GPM). The algorithm for dose computation and its hypotheses were analysed. Two relevant issues were discussed: the semi-infinite cloud approximation used for pre-calculated dose conversion factors and the lack of a radiation transport model for dose computation outside the radioactive cloud. The GPM-based software HotSpot and GENII V2.10 and a FLUKA Monte Carlo GPM implementation were compared in a scenario characterized by a low release height and two different simplified atmospheric conditions. Compared to FLUKA, HotSpot and GENII V2.10 results showed a significant dose overestimation inside the plume. Moreover, in extremely stable meteorological conditions, only the Monte Carlo code could detect the ground-level dose contribution from an overhead plume.
Comparison of calibration results for α, β surface contamination monitors
Authors: Mihailescu Liviu-Cristian , Glavič-Cindro Denis , Huikari Jussi , Javorník Andrej , Stanev Stanislav V 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Surface contamination monitors are used intensively in many facilities, like in the nuclear medicine departments for clearance measurements and decontamination and in decommissioning of nuclear installations. For a reliable use, all surface contamination monitors should have a valid calibration with traceability to the international standards. A comparison exercise for calibrations in terms of efficiency in 2π steradian for surface contamination monitors was organized between five dosimetry calibration laboratories, members of EURAMET (The European Association of National Metrology Institutes). Four β-beta radionuclide sources, Sr-90, Cl-36, Cs-137, Co-60, and one α-alpha source, Am-241, were used for calibrations during this exercise. Two transfer surface contamination monitors, one Canberra SABG 100 and one Berthold LB 124 with 100 cm2 and 343 cm2 effective area, respectively, were used. The monitors were circulated between the partners and were periodically returned to the pilot laboratory for stability checks. The efficiencies in 2π steradian measured by the participants do not fully agree for all sources and both detectors despite the fact that all laboratories used similar types of surface contamination sources and had proper traceability to primary standards for surface emission rate measurements. As no evident difference in measurements of surface emission rates is expected between the primary standard laboratories that calibrated the sources, it is very probable that the observed differences are mainly due to the calibration procedures used by each laboratory and that the measurement uncertainties of efficiency in 2π steradian are underestimated. This report presents the results of this pilot comparison for calibration of surface contamination monitors and stresses the need to organize similar generalized exercises. This report also identifies some gaps in procedures for calibration of surface contamination monitors.
The impact of institutional autonomy on higher education institutions in Europe
Authors: Painsi Patrick Wilhelm , Leitner Karl-Heinz , Rybnicek Robert 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This paper aims to evaluate the effect of institutional autonomy on higher education institutions (HEIs). The research question is whether increasing institutional autonomy leads to HEIs fulfilling three major missions with greater success. This study utilizes multiple sets of regression models, including multilevel hierarchical models, combining data from four sources for European HEIs, which includes variables on a state and institutional level. The three sets of regression models each estimate the effect of HEIs’ autonomy on their success in one of their missions. Although results indicate a good model fit, the effects of increasing HEI autonomy on the mission objectives appear mostly minor and even, in some cases, negative and therefore contradictory to the autonomy literature. A possible theoretical explanation question whether recent developments actually create additional autonomy or only shift autonomy among HEI actors without quantitative impact. A methodological explanation aims to stimulate further improvements and standardization of measurements.
Strong ties, strong homophily? Variation in homophily on sociodemographic characteristics by relationship strength
Authors: Kretschmer David , Leszczensky Lars , McMillan Cassie 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Social networks are segregated by sociodemographic characteristics such as gender, ethnicity, religion, and socioeconomic status. A key reason for this segregation is homophily, or people's preferences to associate with similar others. Homophily is documented for relationships of different strengths, ranging from marriage and close friendship to weaker acquaintanceships. But does sociodemographic homophily vary by relationship strength? While most researchers assume more pronounced sociodemographic homophily for strong than for weak relationships, theoretical expectations and empirical evidence are inconclusive. For instance, shared sociodemographic characteristics can come with joint experiences and identities that could facilitate the development of strong relationships. At the same time, however, matching personalities and attitudes may be necessary for forming strong relationships, so the superficial similarity that accompanies shared sociodemographic traits may only suffice for weak relationships. Based on these considerations, we test whether and how gender, ethnic, religious, and socioeconomic status homophily vary by relationship strength in over 600 school-based networks of more than 20,000 adolescents from Israel, England, Germany, the Netherlands, and Sweden. Using valued exponential random graph models, we find consistent evidence that strong tie homophily exceeds weak tie homophily. While adolescents are more likely to report strong ties with those who share their gender, ethnicity, religion, and socioeconomic status, homophily is less pronounced for weaker ties. Our finding suggests that it is crucial to consider the link between homophily and tie strength to understand the flow of information, resources, social support, and opportunities in social networks.
The causal effect of liberalizing legal requirements on naturalization intentions
Authors: Kosyakova Yuliya , Damelang Andreas 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This study investigates the multifaceted factors influencing immigrants’ naturalization intentions, with a primary focus on legal requirements and the implementation of naturalization laws. It distinguishes between different groups of non-citizens, such as refugees, European Union (EU) citizens, and non-EU citizens. Employing a vignette experiment among non-citizens in a large-scale representative data in Germany—the German Socioeconomic Panel (in 2022), the IAB-SOEP Migration Sample (in 2022), and the IAB-BAMF-SOEP Survey of Refugees in Germany (in 2021) (Total N = 6431)—the research empirically analyzes the effects of liberalizing legal requirements and the effects of more inclusive naturalization procedure on intentions to acquire German citizenship. This comparison, both for current versus liberalized requirements and less versus more inclusive naturalization procedures, offers a realistic scenario of how liberalization and inclusiveness impact naturalization intentions. The results reveal that liberalizing legal requirements, specifically dual citizenship availability and reduced waiting period, has a positive effect on naturalization intentions. Simultaneously, these effects differ between the three groups of non-citizens, particularly due to differences in the perceived benefits of naturalization. In contrast, a more inclusive naturalization procedure does not affect non-citizens’ naturalization intentions. These results underline the importance of citizenship policy for the naturalization intentions of non-citizens. However, the results also show nuanced reactions to liberalized requirements stressing the importance of group-specific cost–benefit considerations.
O009 Does exercise preserve fat free mass during rapid weight loss in overweight or obese men with obstructive sleep apnoea? A pilot study
Authors: Lowrie F , Machan E , Phillips C , Gordon C , Yee B 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Obesity is a major risk factor for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Very low energy diets (VLEDs) are effective for reducing weight but are associated with greater fat free mass (FFM) reduction than other energy-restricted diets. Exercise may protect against this, having been shown to reduce OSA severity independently of weight loss. We aimed to assess the feasibility and tolerability of VLED-induced rapid weight loss with or without functional exercise in overweight or obese men with OSA.

Methods
This open-label pilot randomised controlled trial recruited men aged 18-55 years with a BMI of ≥27kg/m2 and untreated moderate-to-severe OSA to VLED-only (VO) or VLED-plus-exercise (VEX) for 12 weeks. Both groups followed a VLED providing &lt;800kcal/day. The VEX group also participated in supervised functional exercise training at a commercial gym.

Results
Twenty men were recruited and completed the study, with one drop out from VEX. Significant AHI reductions were observed in both VO (n=9, -20.9 events/hr [95%CI -28.3 to -13.6]) and VEX (n=11, -15.4 events/hr [-26.0 to -4.7]). A total weight loss of -14.5kg [-17.5 to -11.5] and -9.3kg fat mass [-11.0 to -7.6] was achieved. FFM reduction occurred (-3.9kg [-5.5 to -2.3]), with a trend towards preservation in the VEX group.

Discussion
VLED, with or without exercise, proved feasible and well-tolerated and demonstrated positive outcomes in AHI and body composition variables. No between-group differences were observed in any outcomes, however the small reduction in FFM loss seen in the VEX group may suggest a potential mechanism for exercise to preserve FFM.
O044 Behaviour Sleep Interventions for the management of non-respiratory sleep issues in Children with Neurodisability
Authors: Fullwood K , Cooke E , Hunt-Toby B , Vanderleur M , Pride N , Waters K , Thorpe K , Chawla J 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Non-respiratory sleep issues affect 80% of children with neurodisability (ND) compared to 40% of typically developing children, resulting in reduced sleep and daytime dysfunction. Despite various behavioural interventions evaluated with varying success, there’s still a lack of clear evidence on the most effective approach to managing sleep in this population. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of existing sleep interventions for children with ND and their effectiveness to inform future development.

Method
This review adhered to Cochrane Library guidelines, encompassing studies of children and young people aged 2-18 years diagnosed with Neurodevelopmental Disorders (ND) and experiencing non-respiratory sleep issues as per DSM-5-TR or ICD criteria. A search across five databases and two trial registries was conducted, followed by screening for duplicates and eligibility, with data extraction and critical appraisal of included papers.

Results
55 papers were included. The majority of studies (69%) focused on children with ASD and/or ADHD, indicating a significant under-representation of other neurodisabilities. Some studies made adaptations to their interventions, primarily involving changes in language, visual examples, and increased repetition. The comparison of delivery format (online vs. in-person, group vs. individual) showed no significant difference. Higher intensity interventions demonstrated lower effectiveness. Sustained effects were observed for the first 3-6 months before diminishing.

Discussion
Most interventions led to some improvement in sleep issues, with a similar structure observed across programs. While this review identifies various sleep strategies and programs to address sleep problems, it highlights the necessity for higher quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to determine the most effective strategies.

Conclusion
This review offers one of the most extensive summaries of evidence regarding behavioural interventions for improving sleep in children with neurodisabilities.
P035 Good quality sleep is associated with initial encoding and long-term consolidation of memory in older adults
Authors: Akhtar N , Garfield V , Singh A , Soni R , Chakrawarty A , Tripathi M , Shankar Kaloiya G 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Ageing is one of the strongest and consistent factors which affect sleep. Poor quality sleep may be one of the initial presentations of poor cognitive decline in neurodegenerative disorders. In this study, we assess the association of changes in sleep quality with cognitive function in older adults.

Methods
54 participants between 50-80 years were recruited from geriatric clinic and community. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index Questionnaire (PSQI) and Indian Council of Medical research-Neuro Cognitive Toolbox (ICMR-NCTB) were used for assessing sleep quality and different cognitive domains.

Results
Mean age of the participants was 63 years (Male=49, Female=05). 25 were good sleepers (PSQI score ≤5) and 29 were poor sleepers (PSQI score &gt;5). PSQI global score was found to have a negative correlation with episodic memory (immediate recall score) (r=-0.38, p=0.004) and delayed recall score (r= -0.31, p=0.024) and significant positive correlation with attention and executive function measured with trail making test-B (TMT-B) (r=0.35, p=0.01). There was a significant difference between good and poor sleepers in immediate recall score (p=0.042) and trail making test-B (TMT-B) (p=0.002) but not for delayed recall score (p=0.115).

Conclusion
As sleep quality decreases, episodic memory performance also declines. The impact of poor sleep might be more pronounced on the ability to recall information immediately after it is presented than on the ability to recall information after a delay. This suggests addressing sleep quality could mitigate cognitive decline risks in older adults.
Citizenship and Level-Change Threat Effects on Sentencing
Authors: Holmes Bryan , Mears Daniel 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Historically, tests of the minority threat theory in criminal punishment have focused on racial/ethnic minority groups, and less on other marginalized groups such as non-citizens. This relative oversight of non-citizens is important because (1) recent decades have been witness to record increases in immigration, and (2) a prominent feature of contemporary American political discourse is the linking of immigrants to crime—in particular, to illegal drugs. In addition, the focus on immigration provides a compelling opportunity to extend minority threat theory by assessing an oft-neglected dimension of the theory—the joint salience of threat level and change. Using a merged dataset of federal drug sentences (2014 to 2019) and publicly available population information, we run a series of multi-level logistic and Poisson regression models to assess whether punishment differs for non-citizen and citizen drug defendants across areas of different foreign-born levels, changes, and level-change combinations. Some statistical, but never substantive, support for minority threat theory exists at incarceration. At sentence length, the preponderance of the evidence suggests that district sensitivity to foreign-born population growth is moderated by the baseline level of the foreign-born populace. Implications for theory and research are discussed.
Faith and Volunteering at Midlife: Variation by Religious Continuity, Discontinuity, or Initiation Since Childhood?
Authors: Upenieks Laura , Schafer Markus H 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Volunteer service is an integral part of civic life in America. Prior research consistently finds that highly religious people spend the most time volunteering, but few studies assess the role of religious stability and change through the life course. This study focuses on exposure to religiosity in childhood and the (dis)continuity of religiosity into adulthood, as well as cases where people become more or less religious as adults. Drawing on nationally representative longitudinal data from the MIDUS study (N = 3,025), our results suggest that childhood religiosity, in isolation, does not provide a sufficient account of adulthood volunteering. Rather, people raised in highly religious childhood homes volunteered several more hours per year than those from less religious homes only if they carried religious importance forward into midlife. Moreover, people sustaining high religiosity from childhood to adulthood reported slightly more total volunteering hours than those who decreased and increased their religious importance over time after adjusting for baseline hours of volunteering. Counterfactual mediation analyses suggest that religious attendance partially mediates each of these associations, highlighting the importance of religious communities in encouraging volunteerism.
Assessing multidimensional fidelity in a pilot optimization trial: A process evaluation of four intervention components supporting medication adherence in women with breast cancer
Authors: Green Sophie M C , Graham Christopher D , Collinson Michelle , Ow Pei Loo , Hall Louise H , French David P , Rousseau Nikki , Wilkes Hollie , Taylor Christopher , Raine Erin , Ellison Rachel , Howdon Daniel , Foy Robbie , Walwyn Rebecca E A , Clark Jane , Parbutt Catherine , Waller Jo , Buxton Jacqueline , Moore Sally J L , Velikova Galina , Farrin Amanda J , Smith Samuel G 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Adherence to adjuvant endocrine therapy in women with breast cancer is low. We conducted a 24-1 fractional factorial pilot optimization trial to test four intervention components supporting medication adherence [text messages, information leaflet, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), self-management website], in the preparation phase of the multiphase optimization strategy. Guided by the National Institute of Health Behavior Change Consortium fidelity framework, we investigated fidelity of design, training, delivery, receipt, and enactment of four intervention components. Women prescribed adjuvant endocrine therapy (n = 52) were randomized to one of eight experimental conditions comprised of combinations of the four intervention components (ISRCTN: 10487576). We assessed fidelity using self-report data (4 months post-randomization), trial data, ACT session observations, behavior change technique (BCT) coding, and interviews with participants (n = 20) and therapists (n = 6). Design: Each intervention component targeted unique behavior change techniques with some overlap. Training: All 10 therapists passed the competency assessment. Delivery: All leaflets (27/27) and website (26/26) details were sent, and ACT procedural fidelity was high (85.1%–94.3%). A median of 32.5/41 (range 11–41) text messages were delivered, but a system error prevented some messages being sent to 22 of 28 participants. Receipt: Most participants [63.0% (ACT, leaflet) to 71.4% (text messages)] read all or at least some of the intervention components they were randomized to receive. Enactment was reported most positively for ACT. All intervention components demonstrated adequate fidelity. We have provided an exemplar for assessing fidelity using the National Institute of Health Behavior Change Consortium framework in the preparation phase of multiphase optimization strategy.
Increasing the utility of epidemiologic studies as key evidence in chemical risk assessment
Authors: Schaefer Heather R , Vincent Melissa J , Burns Carol J , Lange Sabine S 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
The Society of Toxicology 2024 meeting assembled risk assessors, epidemiologists, and toxicologists to discuss the utility of integrating epidemiologic data into the derivation of reference values. Advantages of the use of epidemiologic evidence include (i) human relevance; (ii) increased likelihood that exposure levels are relevant to risk assessment; and (iii) incorporation of uncertainties attributed to co-exposures or other population-based considerations. The workshop panelists discussed the challenges of incorporating epidemiologic evidence due to uncertain exposure measurements, confounding, heterogeneity, and inherent study design limitations. Capturing uncertainty is a critical step. In summary, epidemiologic evidence can be a valuable tool for risk analysis. This workshop brief captures constructive considerations from practitioners in the field that can increase the utility of epidemiologic studies in chemical risk assessment and harmonize the approach for use in dose-response assessment that will ultimately reduce uncertainty related to chemical exposures.
Impact of artificial sunlight aging on the respiratory effects of polyethylene terephthalate microplastics through degradation-mediated terephthalic acid release in male mice
Authors: Ishihara Yasuhiro , Kajino Mizuo , Iwamoto Yoko , Nakane Tatsuto , Nabetani Yu , Okuda Tomoaki , Kono Maori , Okochi Hiroshi 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Microplastics are ubiquitous in the atmosphere, leading to human exposure through inhalation. Airborne microplastics undergo degradation due to sunlight irradiation, yet the respiratory risks associated with degraded microplastics remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the respiratory effects of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) degraded by artificial sunlight and created a transport and degradation model of PET for risk assessment. PET fibers were cut and subjected to artificial sunlight irradiation. Mice exposed to aged PET showed increased airway resistance induced by methacholine (MCh) inhalation, along with lung inflammation and neutrophil infiltration. Terephthalic acid (TPA) was continuously released from PET aged by artificial sunlight. Exposure to TPA also caused lung inflammation and enhanced airway resistance induced by MCh in mice. These findings indicate that aged PET can cause respiratory impairment via TPA release. A simple transport and degradation model was developed to quantitatively relate the abundance of aged PET produced in this study (i.e. 4,000 × 96 W m−2 h) and aged fractions of PET that can be generated in the atmosphere. Our results suggested 10% to 60% of PET was degraded as that produced in this study over sunny regions in summer, whereas only lower than 1% in high-latitude cities in Europe in winter. This study demonstrates the importance of considering the abundance of aged PET and further development of a transport and degradation model of PET to assess the risk of degraded PET in the atmosphere.
Human T-lymphotropic Virus infection among Quilombo communities in Central Brazil
Authors: Amianti Carolina , Bandeira Larissa M , Lima Lívia A , do Lago Bárbara V , Vallinoto Antonio C R , Motta-Castro Ana Rita C 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
This study estimated the sociodemographic characteristics and prevalence of Human T-lymphotropic Virus (HTLV) infection among Afro-Brazilians in the two largest remnant Quilombo communities in Mato Grosso do Sul State.

Methods
Participants were interviewed from October 2015 to October 2016. Blood samples were collected and screened for anti-HTLV-1/2 antibodies using a commercial ELISA kit.

Results
No positive results for HTLV-1/2 infection were detected among the 316 screened samples.

Conclusions
These findings provide additional information on the sociodemographic characteristics and HTLV status of Quilombos in Mato Grosso do Sul State.