bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Knowing What One Likes: Epistemicist Solution to Faultless Disagreement
Authors: Tarnowski Maciej 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
In this paper, I argue that the phenomenon of faultless disagreement for predicates of taste may be fruitfully explained by appealing to the vagueness of predicates of taste and the epistemicist reading of vagueness as defended by Timothy Williamson (1994). I begin by arguing that this position is better suited to explain both the “faultless” and “disagreement” intuition. The first is explained here by appealing to the necessary ignorance of the predicate’s boundaries and a plausible account of constitutive norms of taste assertions, while the second by insisting on classical, absolutist semantics for judgments containing predicates of taste. Furthermore, I analyze the arguments against the reading of taste predicates as vague based on the alleged epistemic privilege concerning one’s taste and on the lack of definite cases. Responding to these objections, I develop a plausible account of constitutive norms of taste assertions, comment on the assumed epistemic privilege concerning taste ascriptions and provide a more detailed account of sources of the vagueness of predicates of personal taste, which I dub “super-vagueness.”
11C-Methionine uptake in meningiomas after stereotactic radiotherapy
Authors: Jeltema Hanne-Rinck , van Dijken Bart R. J. , Tamási Katalin , Drost Gea , Heesters Mart A. A. M. , van der Hoorn Anouk , Glaudemans Andor W. J. M. , van Dijk J. Marc C. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Objective
11C-Methionine positron emission tomography (MET-PET) is used for stereotactic radiotherapy planning in meningioma patients. The role of MET-PET during subsequent follow-up (FU) is unclear. We analyzed the uptake of 11C-Methionine before and after stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) in patients with a complex meningioma and investigated if there was a difference between patients with progressive disease (PD) and stable disease (SD) during FU.

Methods
This retrospective study investigates 62 MET-PETs in 29 complex meningioma patients. Standardized uptake value (SUV)max and SUVpeak tumor-to-normal ratios (T/N-ratios) were calculated, comparing the tumor region with both the mirroring intracranial area and the right frontal gray matter. The difference in 11C-Methionine uptake pre- and post-SRT was analyzed, as well as the change in uptake between PD or SD.

Results
Median (IQR) FU duration was 67 months (50.5–91.0). The uptake of 11C-Methionine in meningiomas remained increased after SRT. Neither a statistically significant difference between MET-PETs before and after SRT was encountered, nor a significant difference in one of the four T/N-ratios between patients with SD versus PD with median (IQR) SUVmax T/NR front 2.65 (2.13–3.68) vs 2.97 (1.55–3.54) [p = 0.66]; SUVmax T/Nmirror 2.92 (2.19–3.71) vs 2.95 (1.74–3.60) [p = 0.61]; SUVpeak T/NR front 2.35 (1.64–3.40) vs 2.25 (1.44–3.74) [p = 0.80]; SUVpeak T/Nmirror 2.38 (1.91–3.36) vs 2.35 (1.56–3.72) [p = 0.95].

Conclusions
Our data do not support use of MET-PET during FU of complex intracranial meningiomas after SRT. MET-PET could not differentiate between progressive or stable disease.
Operational taxonomy of farmers' towards circular bioeconomy in regional level
Authors: Papadopoulou Christina-Ioanna , Chatzitheodoridis Fotios , Loizou Efstratios , Jurga Piotr 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe concept of the bioeconomy holds great promise for promoting green growth and competitiveness across Europe through the use of renewable biological resources, such as plant and animal biomass, while adhering to the principles of circularity. Despite its introduction by the European Commission in 2015, little effort has been made to define or describe what exactly a circular bioeconomy entails. In the case of Greece in particular, however, the survival of the region of Western Macedonia appears to be highly dependent on sustaining its agricultural activity by incorporating elements related to this crucial sector of the economy. In order for this agricultural transformation to be effective, bio-economic practices relevant to crop production and appropriate alternative management practices must be universally implemented at all levels. To achieve this, it was necessary to collect questionnaires from 412 farmers in the region for analysis purposes, and to classify their responses based on k-means cluster analysis, which later formed these systematic groups: modernists, early adopters and latecomers. Evaluation of these categories revealed a variety of factors, such as age and income, that significantly influenced their attitudes towards adopting bioeconomy farming practices and related circularity principles. Overall, understanding these challenges opens the door for policy decisions aimed at supporting the development of sustainable rural areas.
“No, I Won't Do That.” Assertive Behavior of Robots and its Perception by Children
Authors: Maj Konrad , Grzybowicz Paulina , Kopeć Julia 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis paper contributes to the understanding of child-robot interaction through the investigation of child interactions with and anthropomorphization of humanoid robots when manipulating robot-related variables such as behavior and gender. In this study, children observe a robot demonstration in a classroom setting, during which the robot showcases either assertive or submissive behavior and is attributed a gender, either robot-female or robot-male. Afterwards, participant anthropomorphization is measured using the Attributed Mental States Questionnaire (AMS-Q). Results suggest that when prompted to select a response directed at the robot, children used significantly more commanding phrases when addressing the assertively behaving robot when compared to the submissively behaving robot. Further, younger children ages 7–9 anthropomorphize robots at a higher degree than older children 10–12 and assertive behavior from the robot lead to higher rates of anthropomorphization. Results also suggest that children are more likely to respond to female robots in an imperative way than male robots. This widened understanding of child perception of and interaction with humanoid robots can contribute to the design of acceptable robot interaction patterns in various settings.
Pan-cancer analysis for the prognostic and immunological role of CD47: interact with TNFRSF9 inducing CD8 + T cell exhaustion
Authors: Liang Hongxin , Zheng Yong , Huang Zekai , Dai Jinchi , Yao Lintong , Xie Daipeng , Chen Duo , Qiu Hongrui , Wang Huili , Li Hao , Leng Jinhang , Tang Ziming , Zhang Dongkun , Zhou Haiyu 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Purpose
The research endeavors to explore the implications of CD47 in cancer immunotherapy effectiveness. Specifically, there is a gap in comprehending the influence of CD47 on the tumor immune microenvironment, particularly in relation to CD8 + T cells. Our study aims to elucidate the prognostic and immunological relevance of CD47 to enhance insights into its prospective utilities in immunotherapeutic interventions.

Methods
Differential gene expression analysis, prognosis assessment, immunological infiltration evaluation, pathway enrichment analysis, and correlation investigation were performed utilizing a combination of R packages, computational algorithms, diverse datasets, and patient cohorts. Validation of the concept was achieved through the utilization of single-cell sequencing technology.

Results
CD47 demonstrated ubiquitous expression across various cancer types and was notably associated with unfavorable prognostic outcomes in pan-cancer assessments. Immunological investigations unveiled a robust correlation between CD47 expression and T-cell infiltration rather than T-cell exclusion across multiple cancer types. Specifically, the CD47-high group exhibited a poorer prognosis for the cytotoxic CD8 + T cell Top group compared to the CD47-low group, suggesting a potential impairment of CD8 + T cell functionality by CD47. The exploration of mechanism identified enrichment of CD47-associated differentially expressed genes in the CD8 + T cell exhausted pathway in multiple cancer contexts. Further analyses focusing on the CD8 TCR Downstream Pathway and gene correlation patterns underscored the significant involvement of TNFRSF9 in mediating these effects.

Conclusion
A robust association exists between CD47 and the exhaustion of CD8 + T cells, potentially enabling immune evasion by cancer cells and thereby contributing to adverse prognostic outcomes. Consequently, genes such as CD47 and those linked to T-cell exhaustion, notably TNFRSF9, present as promising dual antigenic targets, providing critical insights into the field of immunotherapy.
Deep genotyping reveals specific adaptation footprints of conventional and organic farming in barley populations—an evolutionary plant breeding approach
Authors: Schneider Michael , Ballvora Agim , Léon Jens 
Published: May 2024

AbstractSustainable food production for a growing world population will pose a central challenge in the coming decades. Organic farming is among the feasible approaches to achieving this goal if the yield gap to conventional farming can be decreased. However, uncertainties exist to which extend—and for which phenotypes in particular—organic and conventional agro-ecosystems require differentiated breeding strategies. To answer this question, a heterogeneous spring barley population was established between a wild barley and an elite cultivar to examine this question. This initial population was divided into two sets and sown one in organic and the other in conventional managed agro-ecosystems, without any artificial selection for two decades. A fraction of seeds harvested each year was sown the following year. Various generations, up to the 23th were whole-genome pool-sequenced to identify adaptation patterns towards ecosystem and climate conditions in the allele frequency shifts. Additionally, a meta-data analysis was conducted to link genomic regions’ increased fitness to agronomically related traits. This long-term experiment highlights for the first time that allele frequency pattern difference between the conventional and organic populations grew with subsequent generations. Further, the organic-adapted population showed a higher genetic heterogeneity. The data indicate that adaptations towards new environments happen in few generations. Drastic interannual changes in climate are manifested in significant allele frequency changes. Particular wild form alleles were positively selected in both environments. Clustering these revealed an increased fitness associated with biotic stress resistance, yield physiology, and yield components in both systems. Additionally, the introduced wild alleles showed increased fitness related to root morphology, developmental processes, and abiotic stress responses in the organic agro-ecosystem. Concluding the genetic analysis, we demonstrate that breeding of organically adapted varieties should be conducted in an organically managed agro-ecosystem, focusing on root-related traits, to close the yield gap towards conventional farming.
Efficient prediction of tidal turbine fatigue loading using turbulent onset flow from Large Eddy Simulations
Authors: Mullings Hannah , Amos Lindsey , Miller Calum , Ouro Pablo , Stallard Tim 
Published: May 2024

AbstractTo maximise the availability of power extraction from a tidal stream site, tidal turbines need to be able to operate reliably when located within arrays. This requires a thorough understanding of the operating conditions, which include turbulence, velocity shear due to bed proximity and roughness, ocean waves and due to upstream turbine wakes, over the range of flow speeds that contribute to the loading experienced by the devices. High-fidelity models such as Large Eddy Simulation (LES) can be used to represent these complex flow conditions and turbine device models can be embedded to predict loading. However, to inform micro-siting of multiple turbines with an array, the computational cost of performing multiple simulations of this type is impractical. Unsteady onset conditions can be generated from the LES to be used in an offline coupling fashion as input to lower-fidelity load prediction models to enable computationally efficient array design. In this study, an in-house Blade Element Momentum (BEM) method is assessed for prediction of the unsteady loads on the turbines of a floating tidal device with unsteady inflow developed with the in-house LES solver DOFAS. Load predictions are compared to those obtained using the same unsteady inflow to the commercial tool Tidal Bladed and from an Actuator Line Model (ALM) embedded in the LES solver. Estimates of fatigue loads differ by up to 3% for mean thrust and 11% for blade root bending moment for a turbine subject to a turbulent channel flow. When subjected to more complex flows typical of a turbine wake, the predictions of rotor thrust fatigue differ by up to 10%, with loads reduced by the inclusion of a pitch controller.
Degradation and inhibition kinetics of phenanthrene by Alcaligenes ammonioxydans, [VITRPS2] strain isolated from petroleum-contaminated soil
Authors: Sumathi K. , Manian Rameshpathy 
Published: May 2024

AbstractPhenanthrene, a common three-ring polyaromatic hydrocarbon [PAH], originates from sources like grilled meals, tobacco, crude oil, coal tar, and automobile exhaust. Recognized as a hazardous PAH, it is often targeted for bioremediation due to its sustainability and potential for full mineralization. In this study, we focus on biodegrading phenanthrene using the strain Alcaligenes ammonioxydans [VITRPS2], isolated from petroleum-contaminated soil. At 5 mg/ml, degradation occurred at a rate constant of 0.0181/day, with half-life values of 2.7 and 4.49 according to first and second-order kinetics, respectively. Employing a one-factor-at-a-time [OFAT] approach, we optimized biodegradation conditions within Luria–Bertani [LB] media. Under optimal conditions—pH 8.0, 8% inoculum concentration, and 37 °C incubation over seven days—the strain achieved maximal growth with phenanthrene as the sole carbon source. It exhibited a degradation efficiency of up to 72% for phenanthrene under these conditions. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry [GC–MS] analysis revealed principal metabolites of the breakdown pathway, including salicylic acid, catechol, and various phthalic acid derivatives. This underscores the strain's potential for remediating environments polluted by PAH metabolites, showcasing its remarkable capability for complete phenanthrene degradation.
Graphical abstract
Strategic principles for co-existence in a multinodal world
Authors: Womack Brantly 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIn realist international relations theory, world order is assumed to be a vertical structure ordered by relative power, with the hegemon, or the contest of hegemons, at its apex. Power is viewed as the ability to coerce, and security lies in the avoidance of defeat. But the proportional changes in the globalized economy of this century have created a new reality, one in which effective pursuit of one’s own national interest is more complex than compelling or submitting. Differences in relative power and capabilities still matter, and differences in situations create conflicts of interests. But the horizontal dimension of continuing interaction among autonomous actors is more important than the vertical dimension of unilateral imposition. Without hegemony, states have agency, but they face greater uncertainty. The diplomatic calculus of each state is to pursue its national interests, but a major component of this pursuit lies in reducing uncertainty. Strategy for a post-hegemonic multinodal world stresses the complex ecology of action, the importance of relationships, the utility of partnerships, the encouragement of common interests, and the problems of conducting limited conflicts. These are principles of strategic prudence relevant to the global matrix of asymmetric international relationships.
Exploring public knowledge on technical vocational education in Ghana
Authors: Adams Abubakar-Zagoon , Intsiful Emmanuel , Zagoon-Sayeed Haruna 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe study examined the public’s knowledge of Technical and Vocational Education (TVET) in the Ayawaso-West Municipality, located in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Qualitative methods were employed to investigate the societal understanding of TVET, utilizing key informant interviews and focus group discussions. A purposive sampling technique was employed to select thirty-six (36) participants. Key informant interviews involved twelve individuals, consisting of ten parents and two school personnel. Additionally, three focus group discussions were conducted, with eight students participating in each group. Data was analysed through the lens of Solomon Eliot Asch’s theory of impression formation, which centres on beliefs and information availability. The limited public information and beliefs surrounding TVET serve as the foundation for downgrading the subsector. As the theory suggests, societal or public actions are based on the beliefs and information available to them. The results revealed two main themes: awareness and misconceptions regarding TVET. It was further revealed that while people are familiar with TVET and understand its importance, there exist misconceptions that TVET is only intended for specific groups within society. The study recommends that the government should actively engage in public awareness campaigns to highlight the significance of TVET.
Rahmenbedingungen der Primärversorgung in Deutschland, Norwegen, Großbritannien, den Niederlanden und Italien – eine Übersicht
Authors: Linde Klaus , Bayer Robert , Gehrmann Jan , Jansky Bianca , Zimmermann-Sigterman Kirsten , Engl Adolf , Föll Jens , Wapler Peter , Schneider Antonius 
Published: May 2024

Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund
Die Gesundheitssysteme und mit ihnen die Ausgestaltung der hausärztlichen Versorgung unterscheiden sich in den einzelnen europäischen Ländern erheblich. Ziel des vorliegenden Beitrags ist die vergleichende Darstellung der Rahmenbedingungen der Primärversorgung in Deutschland, Großbritannien, Italien, den Niederlanden und Norwegen.

Methoden
Der Vergleich beruht primär auf den International Health Care System Profiles des Commonwealth Fund aus dem Jahre 2020, ergänzt durch publizierte Analysen einzelner Länder, internationale Befragungen und Vergleiche sowie publizierte Berichte von Hausärzt:innen über das Arbeiten in anderen Ländern.

Ergebnisse
Gemessen am Bruttosozialprodukt hat Deutschland die höchsten Gesundheitsausgaben, die Zahl der Krankenhausbetten ist mit Abstand am höchsten, gleichzeitig ist auch die Liegedauer vergleichsweise lang. Die unmittelbaren Rahmenbedingungen für die Primärversorgung unterscheiden sich in vieler Hinsicht deutlich zwischen den einzelnen Ländern, z. B. im Hinblick auf die Gatekeeper-Funktion, das Vergütungssystem, die Praxisgröße und die Teamzusammensetzung. Internationale Befragungen zeigen, dass die mittlere Wochenarbeitszeit und die Zahl der Patientenkontakte in Deutschland mit Abstand am höchsten sind. Die Arbeitszufriedenheit ist in Deutschland und aktuell in Großbritannien geringer als in den anderen Ländern.

Diskussion
Unser Vergleich verdeutlicht die zum Teil massiven Unterschiede in den betrachteten Ländern. Mehrere Indikatoren sprechen dafür, dass die Rahmenbedingungen der Primärversorgung in Deutschland trotz der insgesamt hohen Gesundheitsausgaben im internationalen Vergleich nicht besonders günstig sind.
Initiation of interdisciplinary prevention rounds: decreasing CLABSIs in critically ill children
Authors: Linam Matthew , Wannemacher Lisette , Hawthorne Angela , Calamaro Christina , Spafford Patrick , Walson Karen 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Objective:
Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) harm children. Insertion and maintenance bundles have significantly reduced CLABSIs, but infections still occur. The objective was to develop bedside infection prevention (IP) rounds and evaluate their impact on CLABSI rates.

Methods:
This quality improvement project was initiated sequentially in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) of a large academic children’s hospital. IP rounds, interdisciplinary discussions led by the hospital epidemiologist and unit nursing leader with the bedside nurse, occurred weekly for patients with central lines. Discussions included strategies to optimize line maintenance and identify and mitigate patient-specific infection risks. Concerns and recommendations were communicated with the clinician. CLABSIs were identified by prospective surveillance using standard definitions. The change in CLABSIs over time was analyzed using days-between-events charts (g chart).

Results:
IP rounds included 3,832 patients in the NICU and 1,322 patients in the PICU. Opportunities were identified to reduce line access and protect the dressing from contamination. The average days between CLABSIs in the NICU increased from 41 days to 54 days after IP rounds began. The longest time between CLABSIs was 362 days. In the PICU, the average days between CLABSIs increased from 53 to 91 days. The longest time between CLABSIs was 398 days.

Conclusion:
IP rounds reduced CLABSIs in the NICU and PICU by reinforcing best practices, encouraging proactive strategies, and fostering communication between members of the healthcare team.
Does tail docking prevent Cochliomyia hominivorax myiasis in sheep? A six-year retrospective cohort study
Authors: Barros Giuliano Pereira de , Hötzel Maria José , da Silva Marceli Carvalho , Avilés Laura Lívia Arias , Bricarello Patrizia Ana 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Tail docking is a husbandry practice widely incorporated in sheep farms around the world. It is an irreversible mutilation that impairs animal welfare, both immediately and in the longer term. The defence of tail docking as a practice is centred around the perception that doing so contributes to the promotion of local hygiene, allowing the use of the wool, facilitating reproductive management and reducing the chances of myiasis, a disease caused by the invasion of blowfly larvae in the tissues of warm-blooded animals. However, current understanding of farm animal welfare questions the need to maintain practices such as tail docking. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of tail docking on the incidence of Cochliomyia hominivorax myiasis in sheep in an experimental flock in Brazil during a six-year retrospective cohort study. Relative risk, odds ratio and incidence rate ratio were the association measures adopted. A total of 4,318 data-points were collected and supplied the analytical model. Tail docking did not decrease the risk and, on the contrary, was found to increase the chances of sheep being affected by myiasis. The results support the hypothesis that tail docking is not a protective factor against the occurrence of myiasis and further fuel calls for a rethink of tail docking being deployed as a blanket measure in the prevention of myiasis in sheep.