bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mapping mental models through an improved method for identifying causal structures in qualitative data
Authors: Kenzie Erin S. , Wakeland Wayne , Jetter Antonie , Lich Kristen Hassmiller , Seater Mellodie , Davis Melinda M. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractQualitative data are commonly used in the development of system dynamics models, but methods for systematically identifying causal structures in qualitative data have not been widely established. This article presents a modified process for identifying causal structures (e.g., feedback loops) that are communicated implicitly or explicitly and utilizes software to make coding, tracking, and model rendering more efficient. This approach draws from existing methods, system dynamics best practice, and qualitative data analysis techniques. Steps of this method are presented along with a description of causal structures for an audience new to system dynamics. The method is applied to a set of interviews describing mental models of clinical practice transformation from an implementation study of screening and treatment for unhealthy alcohol use in primary care. This approach has the potential to increase rigour and transparency in the use of qualitative data for model building and to broaden the user base for causal‐loop diagramming.
Changes in wildlife agency trust and perceived risks before and after the discovery of chronic wasting disease in North Dakota
Authors: Vaske Jerry J. , Miller Craig A. , Parent Chad J. , Bahnson Charlie S. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractUsing a pre−post chronic wasting disease (CWD) natural experiment, we compared deer hunters' perceived trust in the North Dakota Game and Fish (NDGF) Department and perceived CWD risks to wildlife and humans before and after the discovery of the disease in the state. We obtained data from 2 mail surveys. One study was conducted in 2004 (n = 855, response rate = 43%) when CWD had not been detected in North Dakota; the second was conducted in 2021 (n = 3,242, response rate = 29%) after the disease was known to exist in the state. We hypothesized that when compared to the 2021 hunters, the 2004 hunters would (1) be more trusting of the NDGF's management of CWD, (2) perceive more risk to deer, and (3) perceive more risk to humans. All 3 hypotheses were supported. Hunters expressed greater trust in NDGF information regarding CWD (Cohen's d = 0.173, P < 0.001), higher levels of risk to deer (d = 0.433, P < 0.001), and higher levels of risk to humans in 2004 than in 2021 (d = 0.730, P < 0.001).
Comparison of Xrn1 and Rat1 5′ → 3′ exoribonucleases in budding yeast supports the specific role of Xrn1 in cotranslational mRNA decay
Authors: Pérez‐Ortín José E. , Jordán‐Pla Antonio , Zhang Yujie , Moreno‐García Jorge , Bassot Claudio , Barba‐Aliaga Marina , de Campos‐Mata Leire , Choder Mordechai , Díez Juana , Piazza Ilaria , Pelechano Vicent , García‐Martínez José 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and most eukaryotes carry two 5′ → 3′ exoribonuclease paralogs. In yeast, they are called Xrn1, which shuttles between the nucleus and the cytoplasm, and executes major cytoplasmic messenger RNA (mRNA) decay, and Rat1, which carries a strong nuclear localization sequence (NLS) and localizes to the nucleus. Xrn1 is 30% identical to Rat1 but has an extra ~500 amino acids C‐terminal extension. In the cytoplasm, Xrn1 can degrade decapped mRNAs during the last round of translation by ribosomes, a process referred to as “cotranslational mRNA decay.” The division of labor between the two enzymes is still enigmatic and serves as a paradigm for the subfunctionalization of many other paralogs. Here we show that Rat1 is capable of functioning in cytoplasmic mRNA decay, provided that Rat1 remains cytoplasmic due to its NLS disruption (cRat1). This indicates that the physical segregation of the two paralogs plays roles in their specific functions. However, reversing segregation is not sufficient to fully complement the Xrn1 function. Specifically, cRat1 can partially restore the cell volume, mRNA stability, the proliferation rate, and 5′ → 3′ decay alterations that characterize xrn1Δ cells. Nevertheless, cotranslational decay is only slightly complemented by cRat1. The use of the AlphaFold prediction for cRat1 and its subsequent docking with the ribosome complex and the sequence conservation between cRat1 and Xrn1 suggest that the tight interaction with the ribosome observed for Xrn1 is not maintained in cRat1. Adding the Xrn1 C‐terminal domain to Rat1 does not improve phenotypes, which indicates that lack of the C‐terminal is not responsible for partial complementation. Overall, during evolution, it appears that the two paralogs have acquired specific characteristics to make functional partitioning beneficial.
Consistency of eight-dimensional supergravities: anomalies, lattices and counterterms
Authors: Lao Bing-Xin , Minasian Ruben 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
We reexamine the question of quantum consistency of supergravities in eight dimensions. Theories with 16 supercharges suffer from the anomalies under the action of its discrete modular groups. In minimally supersymmetric theory coupled to Yang-Mills multiples of rank l with the moduli space given by SO(2, l)/(U(1) × SO(l)), the existence of a counterterm together with the requirement that its poles and zeros correspond to the gauge symmetry enhancement imposes nontrivial constraints on the lattice. The counterterms needed for anomaly cancellation for all cases, that are believed to lead to consistent theories of quantum gravity (l = 2, 10, 18), are discussed.
One-loop quantization of Euclidean D3-branes in holographic backgrounds
Authors: Gautason Friðrik Freyr , van Muiden Jesse 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
In this note we analyze the semi-classical quantization of D3-branes in three different holographic backgrounds in type IIB string theory. The first background is Euclidean AdS5 with S1× S3 boundary accompanied with a twist to preserve supersymmetry. We work out the spectrum of fluctuations around the classical D3-brane configuration, compute its one-loop partition function, and match to the non-perturbative correction to the superconformal index of $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 SYM. We then study Euclidean D3-branes in the Pilch-Warner geometry dual to the IR Leigh-Strassler fixed point of $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1* with the aim to find non-perturbative corrections to its index. Finally we study Euclidean D3-branes in the non-geometric $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 J-fold background which is dual to the gauging of the 3D Gaiotto-Witten SCFT.
Transmural cross-sectional findings and bowel damage assessment in preclinical Crohn’s disease: a case-control study
Authors: Rodríguez-Lago Iago , Aduna Marta , Ramírez de la Piscina Patricia , Merino Olga , Carrascosa Juan , Higuera Rebeca , Maíz Ainara , Zapata Eva , Cabriada José Luis , Barreiro-de Acosta Manuel 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Crohn’s disease (CD) is a progressive disorder leading to cumulative bowel damage. The Lémann index is a validated tool that can help in monitoring the progression of the disease and evaluating the effectiveness of different therapies. Our aim was to describe the main radiological findings in incidentally diagnosed CD and to evaluate bowel damage in this subgroup compared to patients diagnosed at later stages.

Methods
Patients with an incidental diagnosis of CD during the colorectal cancer screening program were compared to controls with a CD cohort diagnosed after symptomatic onset and matched 1:1 by disease extent. All cross-sectional examinations were centrally read, performing a descriptive analysis of the main findings and calculation of Lémann index.

Results
Thirty-eight patients were included: 19 with preclinical CD (median age 55 years (IQR, 54–62), 53% male, 74% non-smokers; 74% B1 and 26% B2) and 19 matched-controls with symptomatic CD. In those with preclinical CD, the most frequent transmural findings on MRE were contrast enhancement (79%), wall thickening (79%), followed by lymphadenopathy (68%), edema (42%), and increased vascularity (42%). Among those with strictures, controls showed a higher rate of preestenotic dilation (100% vs. 0%, p = 0.01). Bowel damage assessment revealed no statistically significant differences in the Lémann index between preclinical CD and controls (p = 0.95). A statistically significant higher score in the colonic/rectum score was observed (p = 0.014).

Conclusion
Patients with preclinical CD demonstrate similar radiological findings and degree of bowel damage as new-onset symptomatic CD.
Case management-based post-stroke care for patients with acute stroke and TIA (SOS-Care): a prospective cohort study
Authors: Barlinn Kristian , Winzer Simon , Helbig Uwe , Tesch Falko , Pallesen Lars-Peder , Trost Heike , Pfaff Nastasja , Klewin Sandy , Schoene Daniela , Bodechtel Ulf , Schwarze Jens , Puetz Volker , Siepmann Timo , Rosengarten Bernhard , Reichmann Heinz , Schmitt Jochen , Barlinn Jessica 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
The high incidence of stroke recurrence necessitates effective post-stroke care. This study investigates the effectiveness of a case management-based post-stroke care program in patients with acute stroke and TIA.

Methods
In this prospective cohort study, patients with TIA, ischemic stroke or intracerebral hemorrhage were enrolled into a 12-month case management-based program (SOS-Care) along with conventional care. Control patients received only conventional care. The program included home and phone consultations by case managers, focusing on education, medical and social needs and guideline-based secondary prevention. The primary outcome was the composite of stroke recurrence and vascular death after 12 months. Secondary outcomes included vascular risk factor control at 12 months.

Results
From 11/2011 to 12/2020, 1109 patients (17.9% TIA, 77.5% ischemic stroke, 4.6% intracerebral hemorrhage) were enrolled. After 85 (7.7%) dropouts, 925 SOS-Care patients remained for comparative analysis with 99 controls. Baseline characteristics were similar, except for fewer males and less frequent history of dyslipidemia in post-stroke care. At 12 months, post-stroke care was associated with a reduction in the composite endpoint compared to controls (4.9 vs. 14.1%; HR 0.30, 95% CI 0.16–0.56, p < 0.001), with consistent results in ischemic stroke patients alone (HR 0.32, 95% CI 0.17–0.61, p < 0.001). Post-stroke care more frequently achieved treatment goals for hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, BMI and adherence to secondary prevention medication (p < 0.05).

Conclusions
Case management-based post-stroke care may effectively mitigate the risk of vascular events in unselected stroke patients. These findings could guide future randomized trials investigating the efficacy of case management-based models in post-stroke care.
An experimental evaluation of deep reinforcement learning algorithms for HVAC control
Authors: Manjavacas Antonio , Campoy-Nieves Alejandro , Jiménez-Raboso Javier , Molina-Solana Miguel , Gómez-Romero Juan 
Published: June 2024

AbstractHeating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are a major driver of energy consumption in commercial and residential buildings. Recent studies have shown that Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) algorithms can outperform traditional reactive controllers. However, DRL-based solutions are generally designed for ad hoc setups and lack standardization for comparison. To fill this gap, this paper provides a critical and reproducible evaluation, in terms of comfort and energy consumption, of several state-of-the-art DRL algorithms for HVAC control. The study examines the controllers’ robustness, adaptability, and trade-off between optimization goals by using the Sinergym framework. The results obtained confirm the potential of DRL algorithms, such as SAC and TD3, in complex scenarios and reveal several challenges related to generalization and incremental learning.
The age pattern of the gender gap in mortality: stylized evidence across COVID-19 pandemic times
Authors: Apicella Giovanna , Navarro Eliseo , Requena Pilar , Sibillo Marilena 
Published: June 2024

AbstractOne of the most known gaps between genders relate to survival prospects. The longer life expectancy of women implies greater longevity and morbidity risks and thus involves different needs between genders in silver ages, e.g., health care costs. In this paper, we uncover stylized evidence about the age pattern of the gender gap in mortality, by showing “facts” that are consistently verified in both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 situations. We thus capture the general shape of the relationship between male and female mortality rates as it evolves with age. We target the ratio of male to female mortality rates, namely the Gender Gap Ratio (GGR). By means of a graduation technique, we show that the GGR evolution over age follows, for all the nations under study, the same pattern, consisting in a systematic interchange between increasing and decreasing trends within specific age intervals. In other terms, the GGR has an almost stylized shape, with distinct age-specific components, in terms of its slope and curvature.
Bird nesting boxes as a specific artificial microenvironment increasing biodiversity of mites from the suborder Uropodina (Acari: Mesostigmata): a case study of Bory Tucholskie National Park
Authors: Błoszyk Jerzy , Wendzonka Jacek , Kulczak Marta , Lubińska Karolina , Napierała Agnieszka 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBory Tucholskie National Park, founded in 1996, is one of the most recently established national parks in Poland, and therefore, has not been thoroughly examined yet. The authors of the current study present results of their research concerning communities of mites from the suborder Uropodina (Acari: Mesostigmata), inhabiting bird nesting boxes within the area of Bory Tucholskie National Park. The mite community comprises two nidicolous species, i.e. Leiodinychus orbicularis (C.L. Koch, 1839) and Chiropturopoda nidiphila (Wiśniewski and Hirschmann 1993). The former is a species characteristic of various types of nests, as well as nesting boxes, where it is usually the eudominant species. The latter is an extremely rare and scarce species of Uropodina, known thus far from woodpeckers’ hollows. The population of L. orbicularis in the analysed communities in the realm of Bory Tucholskie National Park has been estimated to be over 6,000 specimens, and in the case of Ch. nidiphila - over 400 specimens.
Examining the Fraternal Birth Order Effect and Sexual Orientation: Insights from an East European Population
Authors: Fořt Jakub , Kunc Benjamin , Valentova Jaroslava Varella , Bártová Klára , Hudáčová Kateřina 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe development of human sexual orientation remains a complex and multifaceted subject. It is often studied but its origins continue to elude us. In this preregistered study, our primary objective was to demonstrate the fraternal birth order effect (FBOE), which assumes a higher prevalence of older brothers in gay men than in their straight counterparts and which has also been recently recorded in lesbian women. Our second aim was to explore any potential impact of the FBOE on anal-erotic role orientation (AERO), both in gay and straight men. Our study sample included 693 gay men, 843 straight men, 265 lesbian women, and 331 straight women from Czechia and Slovakia. Employing a conventionally parameterized logistic regression model, we substantiated the FBOE among both gay men (OR = 1.35 for maternal older brothers) and lesbian women (OR = 1.71). These outcomes were confirmed by a more nuanced parameterization recently proposed by Blanchard (2022). Nonmaternal older brothers did not exhibit a significant influence on their younger brothers’ sexual orientation. Contrary to some earlier reports, however, our data did not establish the FBOE as exclusive to gay men with the receptive AERO. Furthermore, our observations indicated a lower offspring count for mothers of gay men compared to mothers of straight men. Emphasizing the positive FBOE outcomes, we acknowledge the need for caution regarding the various options that can be used to estimate the familial influences on sexual orientation.
Home Learning Environment and Screen Time Differentially Mediate the Relationship Between Socioeconomic Status and Preschoolers’ Learning and Behavioural Profiles
Authors: Bonifacci Paola , Compiani Diego , Vassura Chiara , Affranti Alexandra , Peri Benedetta , Ravaldini Viola , Tobia Valentina 
Published: June 2024

AbstractEnvironmental variables related to the home context, including home literacy and numeracy, screen exposure and Socioeconomic Status (SES) are potential risks or protective factors for children’s academic achievements and behaviour. The present multi-informant study aims to contribute to this issue by investigating SES’s direct and indirect relationships in early learning (i.e., literacy, numeracy, and cognitive) and behavioural skills within a large sample of young children. One parent and one teacher for each of 1660 preschoolers filled out a questionnaire investigating SES, tablet and TV use, home learning activities, behavioural problems/strengths (parents’ questionnaire), and children’s learning skills and behaviour (teachers’ questionnaire). Results of path analysis showed that tablet time and home learning environment mediate the effect of SES on early learning as assessed by teachers; as for the home learning environment, it was also a mediator of the relationship between SES and behavioural problems. Implications of these results for research in the field and educational policies are discussed.
Effects of AR mathematical picture books on primary school students' geometric thinking, cognitive load and flow experience
Authors: Wu Juan , Jiang Huiting , Long Lifei , Zhang Xueying 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAs an important branch of mathematics, geometry plays a very significant role in developing students’ thinking, but many students need to improve their geometric thinking abilities, especially in understanding graphics and forms. Therefore, it is worthwhile to explore techniques and methods for developing students’ geometric thinking, and Augmented Reality (AR) technology can visualize geometric objects to enhance mathematic learning. This study designed an interactive mathematical picture book by utilizing AR technology, and used a quasi-experimental setting to compare the effects of three different reading materials, including AR mathematical picture books, mathematical picture books and mathematical texts. Eighty-three fourth-grade students at an elementary school in China were divided into three groups to participate in the experiment. The effects on primary school students were measured in terms of geometric thinking level, cognitive load and flow experience. The quantitative findings indicated that after reading the AR mathematical picture book, students’ geometric thinking levels 0–3 were significantly improved (p < 0.05). Moreover, compared with the other two groups, the students who finished reading the AR mathematical picture book scored significantly higher in geometric thinking and flow experience and significantly lower in cognitive load. Analysis of the semi-structured interviews showed that students enjoyed using AR mathematical picture books and felt that it resulted in a better flow experience and lower cognitive load. As a result, this research indicates that AR mathematical picture book has a significant role in increasing students’ geometrical thinking, and provide a successful teaching case for the application of AR/VR in the classroom.
Using eye tracking to support professional learning in vision-intensive professions: a case of aviation pilots
Authors: Hämäläinen Raija , De Wever Bram , Sipiläinen Katriina , Heilala Ville , Helovuo Arto , Lehesvuori Sami , Järvinen Miitta , Helske Jouni , Kärkkäinen Tommi 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIn an authentic flight simulator, the instructor is traditionally located behind the learner and is thus unable to observe the pilot’s visual attention (i.e. gaze behaviour). The focus of this article is visual attention in relation to pilots’ professional learning in an Airbus A320 Full Flight Simulator. For this purpose, we measured and analysed pilots’ visual scanning behaviour during flight simulation-based training. Eye-tracking data were collected from the participants (N = 15 pilots in training) to objectively and non-intrusively study their visual attention behaviour. First, we derived and compared the visual scanning patterns. The descriptive statistics revealed the pilots’ visual scanning paths and whether they followed the expected flight protocol. Second, we developed a procedure to automate the analysis. Specifically, a Hidden Markov model (HMM) was used to automatically capture the actual phases of pilots’ visual scanning. The advantage of this technique is that it is not bound to manual assessment based on graphs or descriptive data. In addition, different scanning patterns can be revealed in authentic learning situations where gaze behaviour is not known in advance. Our results illustrate that HMM can provide a complementary approach to descriptive statistics. Implications for future research are discussed, including how artificial intelligence in education could benefit from the HMM approach.
Unlocking student engagement and achievement: The impact of leaderboard gamification in online formative assessment for engineering education
Authors: Cigdem Harun , Ozturk Mustafa , Karabacak Yusuf , Atik Nuri , Gürkan Serkan , Aldemir Mevlana Halit 
Published: June 2024

AbstractEffectively engaging learners in an online learning environment is a crucial component of instructional design that contributes to improving performance. Gamification, a contemporary instructional strategy, seeks to integrate game elements such as leaderboards into non-game contexts with the aim of increasing learner engagement and performance. This quasi-experimental study explores the impact of integrating leaderboards as a gamification element into formative assessment on learner achievement and engagement in an engineering course. Conducted over eight weeks in the Mechatronics Technology Department of a public university in Türkiye, the study involved 159 s-year engineering students. Using a pretest-posttest control group design, the intervention included a pre-test in the first week, six weeks of instruction and formative online assessment, and a post-test in the final week. Analyzing the data using descriptive and inferential statistics, the results of the study show a positive correlation between the incorporation of a leaderboard as a gamification element into formative assessment procedures within an online platform and improved learner achievement and engagement. However, it is noted that gamification may not sustain learners’ long-term attention. Therefore, instructors are advised to carefully consider time and retention concerns when designing or adopting gamified learning opportunities.