bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Means and ways of engaging, communicating and preserving local soil knowledge of smallholder farmers in Central Vietnam
Authors: Huynh Ha T. N. , Lobry de Bruyn Lisa A. , Knox Oliver G. G. , Hoang Hoa T. T. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractIncreasing interest in farmers’ local soil knowledge (LSK) and soil management practice as a way to promote sustainable agriculture and soil conservation needs a reliable means to connect to it. This study sought to examine if Visual Soil Assessment (VSA) and farmer workshops were suitable means to engage, communicate and preserve farmers’ LSK in two mountainous communes of Central Vietnam. Twenty-four farmers with reasonable or comprehensive LSK from previously studied communes were selected for the efficacy of VSA and farmer workshops for integrating LSK into a well-accepted soil assessment tool (VSA). In field sites chosen by the farmers, VSA was independently executed by both farmers and scientists at the same time. Close congruence of VSA scores between the two groups highlighted that farmers could competently undertake VSA. Farmers’ VSA score was compared with their perception of field’s soil quality. For the majority of farmers’ perception of soil quality was consistent to their VSA score (62.5%), while the remainder perceived their soil quality was lower than their VSA score. For most farmers their assessment of soil quality using VSA valued their LSK, and the two measures were well aligned. Soil colour and presence or vulnerability to erosion were common soil characteristics mentioned by farmers and affected the final VSA score. Farmers’ participation in VSA and workshops strengthen farmers’ confidence in their LSK and provided guidance on the impact of their soil management on soil improvement and conservation.
The contestations of diversity, culture and commercialization: why tissue culture technology alone cannot solve the banana Xanthomonas wilt problem in central Uganda
Authors: Mulugo Lucy , Kibwika Paul , Kyazze Florence Birungi , Bonaventure Aman Omondi , Kikulwe Enoch 
Published: March 2022

AbstractSeveral initiatives by the Government of Uganda, Research Institutes and CGIAR centers have promoted the use of tissue culture (TC) banana technology as an effective means of providing clean planting material to reduce the spread of BananaXanthomonaswilt (BXW) but its uptake is still low. We examine factors that constrain uptake of tissue culture banana planting materials in central Uganda by considering the cultural context of banana cultivation. Data were collected using eight focus group discussions involving 64 banana farmers and 10 key informant interviews and subjected to thematic analysis. Results showed that banana cultivars in the study communities were important for food, cultural practices and medicine. Cultivars supplied through TC were based on commercial considerations focusing on market value and household income and insufficient attention was given to their cultural importance. Farmers regard banana from TC planting material to be incompatible with their tastes and preferences for traditional food and drinks, culture and medicine. Furthermore, the plantlets are perceived as complicated to use, and farmers report requiring more knowledge and information on how to plant and maintain the plantlets on-farm. In these aspects, TC planting material does not align with cultural values linked to societal welfare. Future efforts aimed at controlling pests and diseases would benefit from more location-specific and holistic approaches that integrate cultural dimensions alongside planting material hygiene, quality and vigor.
Three-year follow-up of de-escalated axillary treatment after neoadjuvant systemic therapy in clinically node-positive breast cancer: the MARI-protocol
Authors: van Loevezijn Ariane A. , van der Noordaa Marieke E. M. , Stokkel Marcel P. M. , van Werkhoven Erik D. , Groen Emma J. , Loo Claudette E. , Elkhuizen Paula H. M. , Sonke Gabe S. , Russell Nicola S. , van Duijnhoven Frederieke H. , Vrancken Peeters Marie-Jeanne T. F. D. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Purpose
In clinically node-positive (cN+) breast cancer patients, evidence supporting response-guided treatment after neoadjuvant systemic therapy (NST) instead of axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) is increasing, but follow-up results are lacking. We assessed three-year axillary recurrence-free interval (aRFI) in cN+ patients with response-adjusted axillary treatment according to the ‘Marking Axillary lymph nodes with Radioactive Iodine seeds’ (MARI)-protocol.

Methods
We retrospectively assessed all stage II–III cytologically proven cN+ breast cancer patients who underwent the MARI-protocol between July 2014 and November 2018. Pre-NST axillary staging with FDG-PET/CT (less- or more than four suspicious axillary nodes; cALN < 4 or cALN ≥ 4) and post-NST pathological axillary response measured in the pre-NST largest tumor-positive axillary lymph node marked with an iodine seed (MARI-node; ypMARI-neg or ypMARI-pos) determined axillary treatment: no further treatment (cALN < 4, ypMARI-neg), axillary radiotherapy (ART) (cALN < 4, ypMARI-pos and cALN ≥ 4, ypMARI-neg) or ALND plus ART (cALN ≥ 4, ypMARI-pos).

Results
Of 272 women included, the MARI-node was tumor-negative in 56 (32%) of 174 cALN < 4 patients and 43 (44%) of 98 cALN ≥ 4 patients. According to protocol, 56 (21%) patients received no further axillary treatment, 161 (59%) received ART and 55 (20%) received ALND plus ART. Median follow-up was 3.0 years (IQR 1.9–4.1). Five patients (one no further treatment, four ART) had axillary metastases. Three-year aRFI was 98% (95% CI 96–100). The overall recurrence risk remained highest for patients with ALND (HR 4.36; 95% CI 0.95–20.04, p = 0.059).

Conclusions
De-escalation of axillary treatment according to the MARI-protocol prevented ALND in 80% of cN+ patients with an excellent three-year aRFI of 98%.
Is It Possible to Estimate Spanish Missing Person’s Forced and Fatal Outcomes Cases Using Socio-demographic Data? Gender, Age and Nationality
Authors: García-Barceló Néstor , Córcoles Miguel Ángel Alcázar , Menéndez Javier Revuelta , Woolnough Penny , Álvarez José Luis González 
Published: March 2022

AbstractAlthough research on missing persons has globally increased during the past few years, most of the studies conducted have focused on the description of socio-demographic and situational factors associated with this phenomenon. The aim of this study is to explore in-depth the relation between missing person’s socio-demographic factors and missing person’s typology and outcomes. A full 1-year sample of police recorded missing persons (n = 24,284) was extracted from the Spanish ‘Missing Persons and Unidentified Human Remains (PDyRH)’ system and a multivariate statistical approach was used. The findings of this research show that, although nationality and gender are mainly important from a descriptive level, age is the socio-demographic variable that better classifies the typology and outcome of missing person cases. These findings suggest that age is a modulating variable of this phenomenon. Thus, there is a need for the conduction of research for each specific age group focused on identifying psychosocial, criminological and geographical risk factors which could explain missing person case outcomes from a multifaceted approach. Considering previous research in the field, the findings of this research are mostly consistent with these previous studies and entail different implications, both at prevention level and in the scope of police investigations.
The efficacy of a computer-adaptive reading program on grade 5 students’ reading achievement scores
Authors: Campbell Laurie O. , Howard Cassandra , Lambie Glenn W. , Gao Xueying 
Published: March 2022

AbstractReading in upper-elementary grades includes comprehending complex texts and learning disciplinary-specific vocabulary. This study aims to determine the effects of a computer-adaptive supplementary reading program on fifth-grade students’ reading achievement. Using propensity score matching to create equivalent groups of 450 students for both control and intervention groups (N = 900), a quasi-experimental design was employed to examine changes in fifth-grade students’ overall, comprehension, vocabulary, reading achievement scores who used this program as compared to those who did not. Students from eight school districts and 108 schools in a Southeastern state were matched based on demographics and initial reading ability, and the Title I status of their schools. Students in the intervention group received at least 30 min per week of supplemental computer-adaptive reading instruction between the months of September and May. Mean differences between pre- and post-test scores identified that students in the intervention group utilizing a computer adaptive reading curriculum had statistically significant higher gains than students in the control group on their overall reading, vocabulary, and reading comprehension scores with small effect sizes. The findings support the use of a supplemental computer adaptive reading program for improving overall reading and reading comprehension outcomes among these fifth-grade students.
Anticipating technical car sequencing rules in the master production scheduling of mixed-model assembly lines
Authors: Krueger Thorben , Koberstein Achim , Bittner Norbert 
Published: March 2022

AbstractIn this paper, we propose a new linear programming-based approach that enables the consideration of technical car sequencing rules in the master production scheduling of mixed-model assembly lines at a much higher level of detail than previous approaches. To this end, we investigate certain interdependencies of car sequencing rules, which have largely been neglected, both in practice and in the research literature. We illustrate the existence and impact of these interdependencies and show that they induce additional implicit constraints, which can be represented by linear inequalities and incorporated into linear optimization models for master production scheduling. In a numerical study, we evaluate the approach and show, that it can significantly reduce sequencing violations compared to existing approaches.
Current international research into cellulose as a functional nanomaterial for advanced applications
Authors: Eichhorn S. J. , Etale A. , Wang J. , Berglund L. A. , Li Y. , Cai Y. , Chen C. , Cranston E. D. , Johns M. A. , Fang Z. , Li G. , Hu L. , Khandelwal M. , Lee K.-Y. , Oksman K. , Pinitsoontorn S. , Quero F. , Sebastian A. , Titirici M. M. , Xu Z. , Vignolini S. , Frka-Petesic B. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThis review paper provides a recent overview of current international research that is being conducted into the functional properties of cellulose as a nanomaterial. A particular emphasis is placed on fundamental and applied research that is being undertaken to generate applications, which are now becoming a real prospect given the developments in the field over the last 20 years. A short introduction covers the context of the work, and definitions of the different forms of cellulose nanomaterials (CNMs) that are most widely studied. We also address the terminology used for CNMs, suggesting a standard way to classify these materials. The reviews are separated out into theme areas, namely healthcare, water purification, biocomposites, and energy. Each section contains a short review of the field within the theme and summarizes recent work being undertaken by the groups represented. Topics that are covered include cellulose nanocrystals for directed growth of tissues, bacterial cellulose in healthcare, nanocellulose for drug delivery, nanocellulose for water purification, nanocellulose for thermoplastic composites, nanocellulose for structurally colored materials, transparent wood biocomposites, supercapacitors and batteries.
Flow Experiences Across Adulthood: Preliminary Findings on the Continuity Hypothesis
Authors: Tse Dwight C. K. , Nakamura Jeanne , Csikszentmihalyi Mihaly 
Published: March 2022

AbstractFlow experience is a psychological state characterized by simultaneous absorption, concentration, and enjoyment. Examining the change and continuity of the flow experience––an optimal state that contributes to well-being––is critical to the understanding of the lifelong trajectory of human flourishing. Nevertheless, to date there has been no systematic investigation of the relationship between age and flow experiences across adulthood. Developmental models of flow experiences suggest the continuity hypothesis that people are motivated to sustain a high level of flow experiences as long as conditions permit. We conducted two studies to investigate flow experiences among adults of different ages. Study 1 (N = 1,162; age range 30–80) used longitudinal data from the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) project, investigating the changes in flow experiences at work over a 10-year span. Study 2 (N = 393; age range 20–82) was an online survey that examined age-related differences in flow experiences. Both studies revealed minimal relationships between age and flow experiences. Post-hoc analyses revealed no significant moderating effect of common demographics including gender, race, and education on the age–flow relationship. Taken together, these studies elucidate the “flow profile” in adulthood that is consistent with the continuity hypothesis. We discuss relations of the findings to the literature on flow experiences and well-being.
A novel framework for brain tumor detection based on convolutional variational generative models
Authors: Salama Wessam M. , Shokry Ahmed 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBrain tumor detection can make the difference between life and death. Recently, deep learning-based brain tumor detection techniques have gained attention due to their higher performance. However, obtaining the expected performance of such deep learning-based systems requires large amounts of classified images to train the deep models. Obtaining such data is usually boring, time-consuming, and can easily be exposed to human mistakes which hinder the utilization of such deep learning approaches. This paper introduces a novel framework for brain tumor detection and classification. The basic idea is to generate a large synthetic MRI images dataset that reflects the typical pattern of the brain MRI images from a small class-unbalanced collected dataset. The resulted dataset is then used for training a deep model for detection and classification. Specifically, we employ two types of deep models. The first model is a generative model to capture the distribution of the important features in a set of small class-unbalanced brain MRI images. Then by using this distribution, the generative model can synthesize any number of brain MRI images for each class. Hence, the system can automatically convert a small unbalanced dataset to a larger balanced one. The second model is the classifier that is trained using the large balanced dataset to detect brain tumors in MRI images. The proposed framework acquires an overall detection accuracy of 96.88% which highlights the promise of the proposed framework as an accurate low-overhead brain tumor detection system.
Darwinian standard model of physics obtains general relativity
Authors: Lori Nicolas 
Published: March 2022

AbstractA Darwinian perspective of the standard model of physics (SMP) quantum fields (QFs) is proposed, called the physics-cell (PC) approach. Because Darwinian evolution is not deterministic, the PC approach allows for the violation of the charge-parity-time symmetry. In the PC approach, the SMP laws are contained in the PCs which receive and emit QFs through the PCs’ outer surface which is necessarily constrained by Bekenstein’s surface-information limit. The establishment of gauge invariance-compatible communication protocol-agreements between the PCs obtains an average correlation of QFs that is equivalent to an asymmetric metric tensor with the symmetric component being equivalent to general relativity and the anti-symmetric component being very small but still large enough to allow for enough ex-nihilo mass-creation to explain dark matter. Based on experimental data, the PC minimum-size is $$1.5\cdot 10^{-31}$$

1.5
·

10

-
31

m which is similar to the scale at which the grand unified theory force convergence occurs. Plus, the cosmological constant energy density is equal to the energy density of the discreteness-correction QF alterations that constitute the dark energy and are caused by the finiteness of the PC time-step which equals $$5.0\cdot 10^{-40}$$

5.0
·

10

-
40

s, hence obtaining a PC maximum information processing rate of $$6.6\cdot 10^{47}$$

6.6
·

10
47

qubit/s. Moreover, the PC approach obtains that the minimum mass for black holes is $$2.1 \cdot 10^{9}$$

2.1
·

10
9

larger than the maximum mass for which the no-hiding theorem can apply and that the maximum capacity for quantum computers is about $$29.0 \cdot 10^{12}$$

29.0
·

10
12

qubit.
Effect of dynamic contact angle variation on spontaneous imbibition in porous materials
Authors: Bianchi Janetti Michele , Janssen Hans 
Published: March 2022

AbstractWe investigate the influence of contact angle variations on spontaneous imbibition of moisture in porous materials. While the contact angle is typically assumed constant when modelling the moisture transfer in porous media, experimental findings put this assumption into question. It has been shown that during imbibition the contact angle notably rises with increasing meniscus velocity. This phenomenon resultantly affects the moisture retention curve, the relation linking the local capillary pressure to the local moisture saturation, which in turn impacts the imbibition rate and moisture distribution. This study investigates these dynamic effects via a pore network technique as well as a continuum approach. It is shown that the impacts of pore-scale contact angle variations on the imbibition process can be reproduced at the continuum scale through a modified moisture retention curve including a dynamic term. Complementarily a closed-form equation expressing the dynamic capillary pressure in terms of local saturation and saturation rate is derived. The continuum approach is then finally employed to predict measured moisture saturation profiles for imbibition in Berea sandstone and diatomite found in literature, and a fair agreement between simulated and measured outcomes is observed.
Measuring Stigma Towards People with Opioid Use Problems: Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the Opening Minds Provider Attitudes Towards Opioid-Use Scale (OM-PATOS)
Authors: Knaak Stephanie , Patten Scott , Stuart Heather 
Published: March 2022

AbstractMany countries are experiencing an ongoing opioid crisis characterized by high rates of opioid use problems, overdose, poisoning, and death. Stigma has been identified as a central problem for seeking and receiving quality services from health providers and first respondents. The Mental Health Commission of Canada developed a scale that could be used to measure stigma in this population, as no such scale currently exists. This paper provides the results of psychometric testing of this new scale, known as the Opening Minds Provider Attitudes Towards Opioid-Use Scale (OM-PATOS), using exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory (CFA) factor analysis. EFA findings showed a 15 item 2-factor solution, with subscales of ‘attitudes’ (6 items) and ‘behaviours/motivation to help’ (9 items). The confirmatory factor analysis provided some preliminary confirmation of the factor structure suggested by the exploratory analyses, but further research with larger samples is needed to fully confirm the factor structure. Overall, results support the use of the 15-item scale with health professionals and first responders, with factors used for descriptive value rather than as calculated subscales until further research can be completed.
Epistemic stability and epistemic adaptability: interdisciplinary knowledge integration competencies for complex sustainability issues
Authors: Horn A. , Urias E. , Zweekhorst M. B. M. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractGlobal sustainability challenges transcend disciplines and, therefore, demand interdisciplinary approaches that are characterized by cross-disciplinary collaboration and integration across disciplines. In accordance with this need for interdisciplinary approaches, sustainability professionals have been reported to require interdisciplinary competencies. Although the necessity of interdisciplinary competencies is generally agreed upon, and there has been extensive research to understand competencies for interdisciplinarity, there is still no comprehensive understanding of how individual competencies shape the ability to integrate knowledge across disciplines. Therefore, based on empirical research and literature review, we propose a novel framework to understand competencies for interdisciplinarity. The empirical data were collected through written reflection and interviews with 19 students in the context of an interdisciplinary master’s course. We describe four typical behaviours—naïve, assertive, accommodating, and integrative. Based on these behavioural typologies, we define two sets of competencies that collaborators require to engage in interdisciplinary knowledge integration: Epistemic Stability (ES) and Epistemic Adaptability (EA). ES competencies are the competencies to contribute one’s own academic knowledge, such as theoretical and methodological grounding in one’s own field and confidence, and EA competencies are the competencies to engage with academic knowledge contributed by others, such as curiosity, openness and communicative skills. Our findings show that interdisciplinary knowledge integration requires ES and EA competencies. Our framework for interdisciplinary competencies offers insights for revising and designing more interventions to prepare (future) professionals for interdisciplinary work on sustainability issues, providing insights on criteria for assessment, management, and training.
The Ethical Self in the Later Foucault: the Question of Normativity
Authors: Rae Gavin 
Published: March 2022

AbstractMichel’s Foucault’s later work has been the subject of much critical interest regarding the question of whether it provides a normative stance that prescribes how the self ought to act. Having first outlined the nature of the debate, I engage with Foucault’s comparative analysis of the ethical systems of ancient Greeks and Christianity to show that he holds that the former maintains that the ethical subject was premised not on adherence to a priori rules as in Christianity, but from and around an on-going process of practical experimentation. From this, Foucault goes on to describe the practices through which the self acted to make and re-make itself, which leads to the question of whether such descriptions also contain prescriptions as to how the self should act. I argue that they do contain a prescriptively normative stance, but in a very specific sense. Rather than delineating the specific ethical commitments we should adopt, Foucault takes off from the example of the ancient Greeks to insist that individuals should adopt an indeterminate orientating principle based on absolute openness to each context, with this principle given content through a context-specific, spontaneous, on-going, and inherently individual, albeit socially situated, process of practical experimentation. The result is a highly original account of normativity that makes individuals absolutely responsible for themselves and their ethical activities in each moment.