bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the effects of dexmedetomidine and propofol on the cardiovascular autonomic nervous system during spinal anesthesia: preliminary randomized controlled observational study
Authors: Joe Han Bum , Chae Yun Jeong , Song Seung Ho , Yi In Kyong 
Published: August 2023

AbstractSpinal anesthesia induces sympatholysis and is usually combined with dexmedetomidine or propofol which induce different hemodynamic changes. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect on autonomic nervous system between dexmedetomidine and propofol combined with spinal anesthesia. Patients aged 20–65 undergoing elective surgery under spinal anesthesia were randomly assigned to dexmedetomidine or propofol group. Heart rate variability (HRV) and hemodynamic variables were measured at four time points: T0, baseline; T1, 10 min after spinal anesthesia; T2, 10 min after sedative administration; and T3, 20 min after sedative administration. In 59 patients, dexmedetomidine and propofol groups had significantly different hemodynamic changes over time (time × group effect P < 0.001). The dexmedetomidine group had slower heart rate at T2 (P = 0.001) and higher blood pressures at T2 and T3 (P < 0.001) than the propofol group. Overall HRV dynamics showed a significant change over time from T0 to T3, but both groups exhibited similar trends. Compared to the baseline data within the group, the low frequency (LF) decreased in both groups but the decrease occurred at T2 in the propofol group and at T3 in the dexmedetomidine group. The high frequency (HF) increased at T2 and T3 only in the dexmedetomidine group. The LF/HF ratio decreased in the dexmedetomidine group at T3. Dexmedetomidine showed slower heart rate and higher blood pressure than propofol when combined with spinal anesthesia, however, dexmedetomidine and propofol exhibited similar trends in HRV dynamics. Compared with the baseline within each group, both agents decreased LF, but only dexmedetomidine increased HF and decreased in the LF/HF ratio significantly.
Using Relationship Development Intervention with Autistic Children and Their Families: The Experiences of RDI Consultants in Australia
Authors: McAuliffe Tomomi , Apps Brittany , Setchell Jenny 
Published: August 2023

AbstractCommunication and interaction in neurotypical environments can be challenging for autistic individuals, potentially disrupting the parent-child relationship. In Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) that facilitates improved interactions between autistic children and their parents, RDI Consultants play key roles in enabling parents to develop skills that support the parent-child relationship. Parents follow the guidance of the Consultants to build their capacities to model reciprocal communications with their autistic children. Given the significant role played by the Consultant, their perspectives should be explored. Two research questions were explored: 1) What are the lived experiences of RDI Consultants in delivering RDI to autistic children and their families? 2) What are RDI Consultants’ perspectives regarding the outcomes of engaging in RDI for autistic children and their families? Eleven RDI Consultants participated in semi-structured interviews to explore their experiences in using RDI. Interviews were conducted via Zoom. All interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed. Three main themes were produced: 1) RDI helps autistic children reach their potential; 2) Parents learn to embrace parenthood through RDI; and 3) Consultants form a team with parents. Overall, RDI was perceived to be beneficial in improving autistic children’s social engagement, such as parent-child interactions, as well as enhancing parenting experiences. The results add to and extend the existing evidence of RDI, which may provide families of autistic children and those professionals who are working with these families more therapeutic choices to consider. Future research implications for parents and health professionals involved in therapies are discussed.
Justifying Why Individuals Should Reduce Personal Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Developing the Argument of Integrity
Authors: von Allmen Kathrin 
Published: August 2023

AbstractHumans ought to do much more in order to remedy the severe harm caused by climate change. While there seems to be an overall consensus that governments and other national and international political agents need to resolve the problem, there is no agreement yet on the role and responsibility of individuals in this process. In this paper, I suggest an argument of integrity that offers strong pro tanto moral reasons for individuals to reduce their personal greenhouse gas emissions. Hourdequin (2010) has presented an argument of integrity to justify a corresponding obligation. In this paper, I argue that even though Hourdequin’s argument is appealing, it has important limitations. I advance the argument in light of the current literature so that it is not subject to these limitations and establishes an overall more comprehensive justification for why individuals ought to reduce their personal emissions.
Current Limit Avoidance Algorithms for DEMO Operation
Authors: di Grazia Luigi Emanuel , Frattolillo Domenico , De Tommasi Gianmaria , Mattei Massimiliano 
Published: August 2023

AbstractTokamaks are the most promising devices to prove the feasibility of energy production using nuclear fusion on Earth which is foreseen as a possible source of energy for the next centuries. In large tokamaks with superconducting poloidal field (PF) coils, the problem of avoiding saturation of the currents is of paramount importance, especially for a reactor such as the European demonstration fusion power plant DEMO. Indeed, reaching the current limits during plasma operation may cause a loss of control of the plasma shape and/or current, leading to a major disruption. Therefore, a current limit avoidance (CLA) system is essential to assure safe operation. Three different algorithms to be implemented within a CLA system are proposed in this paper: two are based on online solutions of constrained optimization problems, while the third one relies on dynamic allocation. The performance assessment for all the proposed solutions is carried out by considering challenging operation scenarios for the DEMO reactor, such as the case where more than one PF current simultaneously saturates during the discharge. An evaluation of the computational burden needed to solve the allocation problem for the various proposed alternatives is also presented, which shows the compliance of the optimization-based approaches with the envisaged deadlines for real-time implementation of the DEMO plasma magnetic control system.
Sub-exponentiality in Statistical Exponential Models
Authors: Trivellato Barbara 
Published: August 2023

AbstractImprovements in the study of nonparametric maximal exponential models built on Orlicz spaces are proposed. By exploiting the notion of sub-exponential random variable, we give theoretical results which provide a clearer insight into the structure of these models. The explicit constants we obtain when changing the law of Orlicz spaces centered at connected densities allow us to derive uniform bounds with respect to a reference density.
When computer science is not enough: universities knowledge specializations behind artificial intelligence startups in Italy
Authors: Colombelli Alessandra , D’Amico Elettra , Paolucci Emilio 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThis paper investigates the role of local knowledge specializations from universities in the artificial intelligence (AI) startup creation process. The empirical analysis is grounded in the Knowledge Spillovers Theory of Entrepreneurship. It provides evidence of the interplay between the presence of university knowledge specializations and the creation of AI startups located in Italian NUTS3 regions. More precisely, we analyze the mix of different types of university knowledge specializations able to foster the creation of AI startups, demonstrating that competencies in technological domains, such as computer science, need to be complemented with domains of applications for the emergence of AI technology. The findings indicate that the creation of AI startups is closely tied to the local knowledge present in the region. The article also proposes an empirical approach to identify and classify innovative startups operating in AI domains. Our work offers important implications for regional innovation policies and the management of AI in entrepreneurship.
Assessing impacts of mining on provisioning ecosystem services in a culturally diverse landscape of Western Cape York, Australia
Authors: Boldy Robyn , Annandale Mark , Erskine Peter D. , Sonter Laura J. 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Context
Mitigating the impacts of mining on biodiversity and ecosystem services (ES) is critical for maintaining human wellbeing in mineral-rich landscapes. Environmental assessments and mitigation plans almost always consider impacts on biodiversity, yet few extend to the individual ES valued by local communities. As a result, mine site management, rehabilitation, and compensation activities may fail to prevent the loss of some ES, particularly those valued by remote Indigenous communities.

Objectives
We seek to understand: (1) which ecosystems contain culturally significant plant species and where they are located in respect to mining areas; (2) whether areas containing large numbers of culturally significant plant species are protected under current environmental management plans focused on addressing biodiversity impacts, and; (3) which ES will be lost due to planned (and approved) future mining operations.

Methods
We consider a region rich in both natural capital and Indigenous culture–western Cape York Peninsula in northern Australia. We identify and map the distribution of ES that are both valued by local Indigenous communities and threatened by current and future bauxite mining including plants that have significant cultural value (e.g., for food and medicine), and compare them to areas currently protected from mining due to their biodiversity value.

Results
We find that open woodlands contain the highest number of culturally significant plant species (32 species) compared to other vegetation types in the region. However, despite this, open woodlands are the least protected vegetation type from mining operations under current management plans and regulatory requirements.

Conclusions
Our results illustrate the benefits ES provide for local Indigenous people, and that the areas set aside for biodiversity management will not compensate for expected ES losses. We discuss the need for a collaborative approach between industry, government, and Traditional Owners to capture and manage ES for local people throughout and beyond the mining lifecycle.
Least-action variational continuum description of Darcian permeation of liquids and gases through stone materials
Authors: Serpieri Roberto , Monaco Michelina 
Published: August 2023

AbstractWatertightness of natural or artificial stone materials, like trap rock or concrete, is a basic property for assessing durability of the built heritage to weathering exposure. Fundamental research of the past century has shown that a reliable experimental determination of intrinsic permeability in stone materials can be achieved by uniaxial water-permeation tests under open-flow conditions, together with the opportunity of employing air permeation tests in place of water-tests to obtain important additional information on a given stone material. Correlations of practical relevance in such laboratory applications, among inlet pressure, outlet pressure and flow rate, stem all from solutions to the general continuum modelling problem of the permeation through a non-deformable homogeneous filter of an incompressible or compressible fluid under stationary uniaxial conditions. The present study addresses such class of mechanical problems on a theoretical variational basis to infer general correlations of practical relevance in permeability testing with a specific consideration of applications in which air-permeability testing combined with use of thinner filters makes the hypothesis of isothermal process in the permeating gas not straightforwardly applicable.
The epistemic harms of empathy in phenomenological psychopathology
Authors: Spencer Lucienne , Broome Matthew 
Published: August 2023

AbstractJaspers identifies empathic understanding as an essential tool for grasping not the mere psychic content of the condition at hand, but the lived experience of the patient. This method then serves as the basis for the phenomenological investigation into the psychiatric condition known as ‘Phenomenological Psychopathology’. In recent years, scholars in the field of phenomenological psychopathology have attempted to refine the concept of empathic understanding for its use in contemporary clinical encounters. Most notably, we have Stanghellini’s contribution of ‘second-order’ empathy and Ratcliffe’s ‘radical empathy’. Through this paper, we reject the pursuit of a renewed version of ‘empathic understanding’, on the grounds that the concept is fundamentally epistemically flawed. We argue that ‘empathic understanding’ risks (1) error, leading to misdiagnosis, mistreatment and an overall misunderstanding of the experience at hand, (2) a unique form of epistemic harm that we call ‘epistemic co-opting’ and (3) epistemic objectification. To conclude, we propose that empathic understanding ought to be replaced with a phenomenological account of Fricker’s virtuous listening.
No, It Is Not All About Selective Exposure: Information Selection Strategies in Referendums
Authors: Zumofen Guillaume , Stadelmann-Steffen Isabelle , Bühlmann Marc 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThis article presents an in-depth understanding of information selection strategies in referendums. It builds on the theories of motivated reasoning, cognitive dissonance, information utility, and social identity to examine selective exposure in the context of referendums, and highlights how individuals select information, opting for either congruent and partisan (selective choice) or balanced and discrepant (enlightened choice) sources of information. Empirically, our study relies on two cross-sectional online surveys (N = 2,245; N = 735) that took place in a real referendum campaign on an Energy Act in Switzerland. We exposed respondents to different information contexts and measured whether they chose selectively or in an enlightened way. We conclude that individuals choose balanced or discrepant sources of information more frequently than the literature on selective exposure suggests. Moreover, attitude strength plays a twofold role: In a pre-campaign context, attitude strength motivates individuals’ enlightened choice; mid-campaign, however, it strengthens voters’ selective choice.
Propensity score methods to analyse attitudinal change during the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic within the African Country of Malawi
Authors: Dewick Paul , Liu Shuangzhe 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe objective of this study is to determine attitudinal changes within the African country of Malawi during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic between the months of May and June 2020. This study is relevant and will serve as a baseline that will allow for tracking attitudinal change throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. This will give insight to areas where extra resources, information, healthcare workers, and information can be applied to the Malawi population should a similar event occur. Propensity score methods are used for this study as it is a methodology that allows for making causal statements about treatment effects, known here as the participants attitudes to COVID-19. Both single level and multilevel propensity score modelling methods are undertaken as there is an identified need for multilevel modelling which was undertaken using a fixed effects approach. This study highlights that the multilevel modeling methodology used for any study be carefully assessed and not just be granted in using a random effects methodology. This study identifies the utility of propensity score methods in highlighting methodological issues of a survey study. Propensity score methods highlighted a large, unbalanced dataset that shows possible bias in the undertaking of the survey. Further, Featured Indicator Variables are created in aiding contextual effect modelling and the interpretation of the results. This study although limited to the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic within Malawi, serves as a baseline for longitudinal studies and interrupted time–series modelling. This study highlights determining attitudinal change, not only for Malawi but the methodology can be used for other countries in prediction, directing resources, information, health care workers, and services should a similar event occur.
Some Comments on Justice and Democracy
Authors: Dalbert Claudia 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIn this brief comment, the erosion of democracy will be analyzed from a justice motive perspective. Justice motive theory can help us to better understand the underlying processes that explain why this occurs. Moreover, justice motive theory provides us with hints about what can help stop this erosive process and to strengthen democracy. A key element is people’s feeling of being treated justly by others because this strengthens their motivation to behave justly by themselves, to invest in their own future, and to avoid rule-breaking, deviant behavior. Thus, politicians should take care that citizens feel treated justly. Consequently, it is a challenge for politicians to safeguard the transparency of the information base and the trade-off leading to a specific decision. Particularly when conflicts are expected, politicians should give voice to all parties affected by the decision to increase the likelihood that a decision will be a democratic one in the true sense, a decision in the interest of all citizens affected by it.
Novel expression system based on enhanced permeability of Vibrio natriegens cells induced by D,D- carboxypeptidase overexpression
Authors: Kormanová Ľubica , Levarski Zdenko , Minich Andrej , Varga Viktor , Levarská Lenka , Struhárňanská Eva , Turňa Ján , Stuchlík Stanislav 
Published: August 2023

AbstractVibrio natriegens is a fast-growing, non-pathogenic marine bacterium with promising features for biotechnological applications such as high-level recombinant protein production or fast DNA propagation. A remarkable short generation time (< 10 min), robust proteosynthetic activity and versatile metabolism with abilities to utilise wide range of substrates contribute to its establishment as a future industrial platform for fermentation processes operating with high productivity.D,D-carboxypeptidases are membrane-associated enzymes involved in peptidoglycan biosynthesis and cell wall formation. This study investigates the impact of overexpressed D,D-carboxypeptidases on membrane integrity and the increased leakage of intracellular proteins into the growth medium in V. natriegens. Our findings confirm that co-expression of these enzymes can enhance membrane permeability, thereby facilitating the transport of target proteins into the extracellular environment, without the need for secretion signals, tags, or additional permeabilization methods. Using only a single step IMAC chromatography, we were able to purify AfKatG, MDBP or Taq polymerase in total yields of 117.9 ± 56.0 mg/L, 36.5 ± 12.9 mg/L and 26.5 ± 6.0 mg/L directly from growth medium, respectively. These results demonstrate the feasibility of our V. natriegens based system as a broadly applicable extracellular tag-less recombinant protein producer.
The predictive ability of technical trading rules: an empirical analysis of developed and emerging equity markets
Authors: Rink Kevin 
Published: August 2023

AbstractWe investigate the predictability of leading equity indices of 23 developed and 18 emerging markets with a set of 6406 technical trading rules over up to 66 years. Using a state-of-the-art test for superior predictive ability to control for data snooping bias, we find in-sample evidence for technical heuristics with significant outperformance over a simple buy-and-hold strategy in the majority of markets. The proportion of heuristics with superior performance is much higher among emerging market indices, and the predictability diminishes drastically over time in all markets. In particular, markets turn unpredictable in the last years of our sample. Moreover, the results are very sensitive to the introduction of moderate transaction costs. An out-of-sample analysis shows that the performance of technical rules is not persistent in the sense that recently best-performing rules perform significantly worse than simple buy-and-hold strategies in the future. Overall, our results cast serious doubt on whether investors could have earned any excess profits using the broad range of considered technical trading rules.
Ultrasound-derived fat fraction for detection of hepatic steatosis and quantification of liver fat content
Authors: De Robertis Riccardo , Spoto Flavio , Autelitano Daniele , Guagenti Daniela , Olivieri Antonia , Zanutto Piero , Incarbone Greta , D’Onofrio Mirko 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Purpose
To compare ultrasound (US) and US-derived fat fraction (UDFF) with magnetic resonance proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF) for the detection of hepatic steatosis and quantification of liver fat content.

Materials and methods
Between October and December 2022, 149 patients scheduled for an abdominal MRI agreed to participate in this study and underwent MRI-PDFF, US and UDFF. Inclusion criteria were: (a) no chronic liver disease or jaundice; (b) no MRI motion artifacts; (c) adequate liver examination at US. Exclusion criteria were: (a) alcohol abuse, chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, or jaundice; (b) MRI artifacts or insufficient US examination. The median of 10 MRI-PDFF and UDFF measurements in the right hepatic lobe was analyzed. UDFF and MRI-PDFF were compared by Bland–Altman difference plot and Pearson’s test. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, accuracy, and area under the receiver-operator curve (AUC-ROC) of US and UDFF were calculated using an MRI-PDFF cut-off value of 5%. p values ≤ 0.05 were statistically significant.

Results
122 patients were included (61 men, mean age 60 years, standard deviation 15 years). The median MRI-PDFF value was 4.1% (interquartile range 2.9–6); 37.7% patients had a median MRI-PDFF value ≥ 5%. UDFF and MRI-PDFF had high agreement (p = 0.11) and positive correlation (⍴ = 0.81, p < 0.001). UDFF had a higher diagnostic value than US for the detection of steatosis, with AUC-ROCs of 0.75 (95% CI 0.65, 0.84) and 0.53 (95% CI 0.42, 0.64), respectively.

Conclusions
UDFF reliably quantifies liver fat content and improves the diagnostic value of US for the detection of hepatic steatosis.