bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spatial perspectives on student profiling to inform open distance e-learning (ODeL) in various geographical contexts: a case study from the Global South
Authors: Carow Sanet , Schmitz Peter , Pretorius Rudi 
Published: June 2023

AbstractSustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 underpins the other SDGs and emphasizes the importance of increasing access to inclusive, equitable, quality education. Equitable and inclusive access to education remains a pressing issue in many parts of the world, especially in the Global South. Developments and challenges experienced in the Global South have increased awareness of the potential of open distance e-learning to increase access to higher education. This potential has to be considered from the perspective of the digital divide. Analyzing student data can play an important role in obtaining insights into students' lives to improve the quality of the educational services provided.This paper aims to reflect on the use of spatial statistics in compiling a profile of the students registered for a Geography module at the University of South Africa. This paper has two objectives. The first is to specify the broad student profile in terms of the geographical location of students. The second objective is to reflect on the lifeworlds of the students in the different clusters and the challenges they may face in successfully completing their studies. Four representative student profiles could be compiled using lifestyle data. Marked differences in lifestyle factors between the four identified profile types were observed. These may directly impact students' ability to progress with their studies.
God and Paul Kahn (A Note on Political Theology)
Authors: Baranger Denis 
Published: June 2023

AbstractPaul Kahn has offered a fascinating account of the role of political theology in the field of law, through an exploration of some core concepts of the discipline. This article explores the nature of Kahn’s undertaking through a comparison with Carl Schmitt. The conclusion is that, rather than actual theology, Kahn’s “political theology” is a valuable form of legal anthropology anchored in an exploration of our legal culture.
Young People's Attitudes towards Democracy and Political Participation: Evidence from a Cross-European Study
Authors: Fernández Guzmán Grassi Eva , Portos Martín , Felicetti Andrea 
Published: June 2023

AbstractSome scholars warn about democratic disaffection of young people potentially leading to processes of ‘democratic deconsolidation’. Conversely, others interpret young people's preference for non-conventional forms of participation as a manifestation of democratic renewal. We surveyed respondents from nine European countries and analysed differences in attitudes of opposition to democracy across age groups and how these preferences shape political mobilization. Our findings show that the youngest adult group is no less supportive of liberal democracy than older age groups. Second, although attitudes of opposition towards democracy decrease political mobilization, this association is independent of age. Thus, young people's critical views of democracy rarely translate into apathy for democracy. Finally, our results provide insights into intra-generational democratic attitude differences by showing how young people's individual attributes are likely to crystallize into different value configurations and patterns of democratic engagement over time but within specific contexts.
The Use of Sovereignist Claims in Election Campaigns in France and Italy: Different Twins?
Authors: Carrieri Luca , Conti Nicolò 
Published: June 2023

AbstractIn this article we examine the phenomenon of the use of sovereignist claims, not only by nationalist or populist leaders but also by actors who would not normally fall into these categories. We zoom in on two different cases: France and Italy. Through an analysis of Twitter we examine the discourse of the political leadership in election campaigns. We document some interesting commonalities, as well as some differences, concerning the emphasis on sovereignist claims. We produce an account of the patterns of use of sovereignist issues, we identify which parties/leaders have been the main promoters of sovereignist claims and how their competitors have responded to this challenge. Finally, we analyse the main drivers of sovereignist party discourses. Through regression analysis we show how, both in France and in Italy, the sovereignist supply has been influenced by ideology and citizens' demands.
Obituary: Professor Thomas James Fahy, FRCPsych
Authors: Kelly Brendan D. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractProfessor Thomas James Fahy, consultant psychiatrist, who died on 9 January 2023, made substantial contributions to the development of psychiatry, medical teaching, psychiatric research, and post-graduate training in Ireland, England, and the United States. He was a Foundation Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists and Founder Chairman of the Irish Psychiatric Training Committee. He served as Professor of Psychiatry at University College Galway from 1975 to 2001 and also served on the Medical Council and Medical Research Council, among other bodies. Professor Fahy’s research interests included depressive symptomatology, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, head injury, suicide, and electroconvulsive therapy. He was a compassionate doctor, an inspiring teacher, a witty speaker, and a superb ambassador for psychiatry in Ireland and beyond.
Bone marrow sparing RapidArc treatment in locally advanced rectal cancer – can it reduce haematological toxicity?
Authors: Joy Sheena , Aaron Judith , Joseph Jenny , Thomas Biju P. , Joseph Johny K. , Tom Jose 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Context:
Haematological toxicities are seen in rectal cancer patients receiving concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) with capecitabine.

Aims:
To compare dose volume histogram (DVH) parameters and acute haematological toxicities using RapidArc with or without bone marrow constraints for rectal cancer patients receiving pelvic chemoradiation as part of curative treatment.

Setting and designs:
This is a prospective randomised controlled study including patients with rectal cancer initiated on chemoradiation. Patients were stratified into two arms, bone marrow sparing (BMS) arm and non-bone marrow sparing arm (NBMS).

Materials and methods:
DVH parameters and weekly toxicity data were collected. Grade 2 or more anaemia, leucopenia, neutropenia, or thrombocytopenia, any blood transfusions, colony-stimulating factor injection, platelet transfusions were considered as an event in acute haematological toxicity (HT).

Statistical analysis:
Independent t-test was used to compare quantitative parameters, and Mann–Whitney U-test was used for ordinal parameters between groups.

Results:
A total of 43 patients were enrolled. Bone marrow constraints were achieved without compromising the target coverage. There was a significant reduction in the bone marrow dose with BMS technique (p < 0·05). A 16·7% reduction in the HT (33·3% versus 50%) and a 21·9% reduction in the grade 2 or more anaemia (19% versus 40·9%) were noted in the BMS arm when compared to NBMS arm, though not statistically significant. However, in the preoperative setting, a significant reduction in grade 2/more anaemia (7·1% versus 41·1%, p = 0·035) was noticed in the BMS arm.

Conclusions:
Pelvic BMS radiotherapy may benefit patients receiving chemoradiation for locally advanced carcinoma rectum as part of curative treatment.
Houston, we have a problem…or do we? The trajectory of astrobioethics and Indigenous thought
Authors: Mackay Ried 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundAt the 2022 meeting of the American Society for Bioethics and Medical Humanities, a new affinity group was formed: astrobioethics. This is the branch of bioethics for space exploration, extraterrestrial environments and possible extraterrestrial organisms. Bioethics has traditionally operated from Western/Global North dominated thought structures and it is difficult to introduce alternative frameworks. However, astrobioethics is forming and is primed to include alternative frameworks, such as pre-Columbian Indigenous American philosophy/ethics and Global South frameworks and knowledge.MethodsThe methods utilized include Indigenous research methodologies and standpoint, an overview of Indigenous American philosophy/ethics, and reflection on how this may impact astrobioethical considerations of space exploration.Discussion and ConclusionsIndigenous philosophies and ethics consider space exploration and its associated risks and impacts on potential extraterrestrial lifeforms, systems and environments. The nuances of using terms like ‘colonization’ are considered and the paper concludes by considering how Méxica philosophical concepts and the four main Indigenous pragmatic dimensions can interact with established bioethical principles to guide future space exploration.
The place of the relative at the time of the announcement of cancer progression: BABEL – a mixed-methods study
Authors: Ingrand Isabelle , Laurent Estelle , Lecomte Thierry , Cojocarasu Oana , Egreteau Joëlle , Aleba Albert , Hureaux José , Colombat Philippe , Gyan Emmanuel , Bourgeois Hugues 
Published: June 2023

AbstractObjectivesThis study aims to explore the place of the relative in these triadic consultations and how this influences communication.MethodsA mixed-methods research strategy was used. Triadic consultations for the announcement of cancer progression were recorded and following the 3 participants completed questionnaires comprising mirror-items. Recordings and answers were further investigated in a few semi-structured interviews. Comparison of quantitative responses (questionnaires) used Wilcoxon’s test for matched series. Qualitative analyses (consultations, interviews) used grounded theory. Patients were over 18, followed for cancer in palliative phase, excluding brain tumors and malignant hemopathies, and presented renewed disease progression. Relatives were over 18 and authorized by the patient to participate.Results47 consultations (audio-recordings, answers to questionnaires) and 12 interviews conducted separately with 4 triads were collected. Half the relatives, while remaining in the background, nevertheless contributed to the discussion. For patients, the presence of a relative was considered beneficial and for oncologists it facilitated the announcement. However, symptoms perceived as intimate or private appeared difficult to express for some patients, and for relatives, prognosis was a difficult subject to broach. Although their relationship with time and their expectations may differ, patients and relatives found consultations positive. Oncologists appeared to underestimate the patient’s level of understanding (P<0.001) and perceptions of the seriousness of the disease (P=0.009) but not those of relatives. They did not evaluate the relative’s state of health and check what the dyad had retained.Significance of resultsTraining via simulation sessions should be adapted to communication involving relatives.
Social Worldviews Predict the General Factor of Paranormal and Generic Conspiracist Beliefs
Authors: Grigoryev Dmitry , Gallyamova Albina 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Even though wide access to any warranted information in the modern age, the problem of unfounded belief is still relevant, since these beliefs often lead to negative consequences (e.g., vaccination refusal, homeopathic treatment, etc.). The aim of this study was testing the relationship of social worldviews with paranormal beliefs and conspiracy beliefs. We assumed dimensionality hypothesis based on functional standpoint that there should be a general factor (underlying all the domains of paranormal beliefs and generic conspiracist beliefs), which has associations with the social worldviews as well. Derived our analysis from the survey of 228 participants (Mage = 30.6, SD = 11.7), we found that (a) the structure of paranormal and generic conspiracist beliefs can be described by a bifactor model; (b) the general factor of paranormal and generic conspiracist beliefs in the bifactor model was positively associated with global belief in just world and dangerous worldview; (c) paranormal beliefs were positively associated with global belief in just world and negatively associated with competitive worldview; (d) generic conspiracist beliefs were positively associated with dangerous worldview, competitive worldview, and zero-sum game belief; (e) contrary to our hypotheses, there was no evidence for any negative association of paranormal beliefs with dangerous worldview or zero-sum game belief and for any negative association of generic conspiracist beliefs with global belief in just world. We claim that the unfounded beliefs can be of some functional nature, demonstrating a connection with social worldviews, which opens up new perspectives for considering this problem within the framework of social psychology.
Regional Mapping of Small‐Scale Equatorial Ionospheric Irregularities Using Swarm Echo Satellite Measurements
Authors: Mohandesi Ali , Knudsen David J. , Skone Susan , Langley Richard B. , Yau Andrew W. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractWe propose a novel approach to produce regional maps of small‐scale scintillation‐causing irregularities using a single satellite. To construct the maps, we employ several ionospheric GPS indices, including total electron content, high‐resolution ROTI, and S4, calculated from the Swarm Echo GPS Attitude, Positioning, and Profiling Experiment Occultation (GAP‐O) receiver with its antenna pointed upward. GAP‐O's high‐sample‐rate observations enable irregularities as small as 320 m to be resolved. We present two case studies in which we compare the maps with in situ measurements of irregularities and simultaneous vertical TEC maps obtained from the ground. In situ measurements of net current onto the external surface of the Imaging and Rapid‐scanning Ion Mass Spectrometer sensor on board Swarm Echo were utilized to quantify plasma density fluctuations. Then, we apply the method to synthetic data to illustrate the efficacy of the method. Modeling results show that the irregularity maps can determine the horizontal geo‐locations of small‐scale irregularities, though with significant uncertainties in the cross‐track direction (east‐west). As Swarm Echo traverses different altitudes, these maps provide additional information on the altitudinal distribution of plasma fluctuations. This technique facilitates a better understanding of the morphology of scintillation‐causing irregularities, which are challenging to map from ground‐based receiver arrays alone.
Charge transport and near-infrared emission properties of semiconducting polymers
Authors: Michinobu Tsuyoshi 
Published: June 2023

AbstractResearch on semiconducting polymers is an interdisciplinary field that requires a wide range of knowledge ranging from polymer syntheses to electronics applications. Clarifying the correlations between chemical structures and physical properties leads to a better understanding of these materials. To find suitable application fields, it is necessary to repeatedly prepare polymer samples with slightly different chemical structures and evaluate their physical properties. The author’s group started their research with the aim of developing high-performance semiconducting polymers that exhibited high charge carrier mobilities in thin film transistors, and this has recently been expanded to polymers that emit light in the near-infrared region.
Phenotypic effects of genetic variants associated with autism
Authors: Rolland Thomas , Cliquet Freddy , Anney Richard J. L. , Moreau Clara , Traut Nicolas , Mathieu Alexandre , Huguet Guillaume , Duan Jinjie , Warrier Varun , Portalier Swan , Dry Louise , Leblond Claire S. , Douard Elise , Amsellem Frédérique , Malesys Simon , Maruani Anna , Toro Roberto , Børglum Anders D. , Grove Jakob , Baron-Cohen Simon , Packer Alan , Chung Wendy K. , Jacquemont Sébastien , Delorme Richard , Bourgeron Thomas 
Published: June 2023

AbstractWhile over 100 genes have been associated with autism, little is known about the prevalence of variants affecting them in individuals without a diagnosis of autism. Nor do we fully appreciate the phenotypic diversity beyond the formal autism diagnosis. Based on data from more than 13,000 individuals with autism and 210,000 undiagnosed individuals, we estimated the odds ratios for autism associated to rare loss-of-function (LoF) variants in 185 genes associated with autism, alongside 2,492 genes displaying intolerance to LoF variants. In contrast to autism-centric approaches, we investigated the correlates of these variants in individuals without a diagnosis of autism. We show that these variants are associated with a small but significant decrease in fluid intelligence, qualification level and income and an increase in metrics related to material deprivation. These effects were larger for autism-associated genes than in other LoF-intolerant genes. Using brain imaging data from 21,040 individuals from the UK Biobank, we could not detect significant differences in the overall brain anatomy between LoF carriers and non-carriers. Our results highlight the importance of studying the effect of the genetic variants beyond categorical diagnosis and the need for more research to understand the association between these variants and sociodemographic factors, to best support individuals carrying these variants.
Decoupling of scandium and rare earth elements in organic (nano)particle-rich boreal rivers draining the Fennoscandian Shield
Authors: Klimpel Franziska , Bau Michael 
Published: June 2023

AbstractOnly few datasets on scandium (Sc) and rare earths and yttrium (REY) in rivers are available and the behaviour of Sc in the hydrosphere is poorly understood. We determined Sc and REY concentrations in the dissolved fraction of twelve boreal rivers in Sweden, which show low conductivity, circumneutral pH and elevated dissolved organic carbon (DOC). Scandium concentrations vary between 189 and 1170 pmol/l and are at the high end of the range reported for rivers worldwide. Unusually high Sc concentrations in the Dalsälven and Västerdalälven could be tracked to the Vanån, a tributary to the headwaters of the latter. Increasing Sc with increasing DOC and Yb concentrations suggest that organic ligands play a major role in the distribution of Sc. The REYSN patterns are similar for all rivers (except the Västerdalälven) and are slightly light REY-depleted with negative Ce and Eu anomalies, and positive Y anomalies. These patterns appear to be a general feature of freshwater draining the Fennoscandian Shield into the Baltic Sea for at least the past 28 years. Our results clearly demonstrate that Sc and REY are fractionated in river waters relative to their crustal source and that they should not be discussed jointly as “REE”.
The construction of mine water recycling performance evaluation index system under the Internet of Things environment
Authors: Lei Mingzhe , Li Yang , Zhou Ning , Zhao Yue 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThe utilization rate of water resources of mines in China is still relatively low. The evaluation of mine water recycling has practical guiding significance for the planning, positioning, development, and construction of groundwater in today’s society. This article constructs an evaluation system for mine water recycling based on the key performance index (KPI) via the Internet of Things and big data platforms. This system evaluates the recycling status of mine water. First, the micro-seismic monitoring system and the hydrological dynamic detection system are deployed in work. The installation and debugging methods are compared to meet the monitoring requirements. Second, the filtered clear water is used for equipment cooling and firefighting dust removal at the mining face through the constant pressure supply pump. The excess clear water is discharged to the surface. Finally, 16 indicators are screened from four dimensions to construct a key KPI mine water evaluation system for evaluation and optimization. The results demonstrate that the first mine water monitoring system runs well and is fully functional, achieving the expected goal. The utilization rate evaluation score has increased yearly, from 3.05 points in 2016 to 3.39 points in 2020. However, the per capita utilization rate score still needs improvement. It is essential to improve the rationality of development and utilization.
Discovery of long non-coding RNAs in Aspergillus flavus response to water activity, CO2 concentration, and temperature changes
Authors: Davati Nafiseh , Ghorbani Abozar 
Published: June 2023

AbstractAlthough the role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in key biological processes in animals and plants has been confirmed for decades, their identification in fungi remains limited. In this study, we discovered and characterized lncRNAs in Aspergillus flavus in response to changes in water activity, CO2 concentration, and temperature, and predicted their regulatory roles in cellular functions. A total of 472 lncRNAs were identified in the genome of A. flavus, consisting of 470 novel lncRNAs and 2 putative lncRNAs (EFT00053849670 and EFT00053849665). Our analysis of lncRNA expression revealed significant differential expression under stress conditions in A. flavus. Our findings indicate that lncRNAs in A. flavus, particularly down-regulated lncRNAs, may play pivotal regulatory roles in aflatoxin biosynthesis, respiratory activities, cellular survival, and metabolic maintenance under stress conditions. Additionally, we predicted that sense lncRNAs down-regulated by a temperature of 30 °C, osmotic stress, and CO2 concentration might indirectly regulate proline metabolism. Furthermore, subcellular localization analysis revealed that up-and down-regulated lncRNAs are frequently localized in the nucleus under stress conditions, particularly at a water activity of 0.91, while most up-regulated lncRNAs may be located in the cytoplasm under high CO2 concentration.