mdpi-ai/citelens huggingface dataset:
The geo domain: a review on the conceptualization of geographical and geopolitical entities
Field: PSYCHOLOGY

Investigating how people represent the natural environment and abstract it into geographical (e.g., mountain) and geopolitical (e.g., city) categories is pivotal to comprehending how they move and interact with the places they inhabit. Yet, the conceptualization of geographical and geopolitical domains has received scant attention so far. To deal with that, we reviewed 50 articles tackling this topic. Most studies have focused on assessing the universality of these concepts—especially geographical ones—mainly using free-listing and ethnophysiographic methods. Current perspectives tend to favor a non-universalistic characterization of these kinds of concepts, emphasizing their high cross-linguistic and cross-cultural variability, especially when compared to other semantic domains. Since geographical and geopolitical features are not pre-segmented by nature, the role of categories imposed by humans is crucial for these concepts. Significantly, their variability does not only depend on “cross” differences: evidence suggests that the cognitive demand requested by the task, idiosyncratic characteristics of individuals such as expertise level, and the typology of inhabited environments are further factors impacting the conceptual flexibility of these domains. Exploring the factors influencing our understanding of geographical and geopolitical categories can provide valuable insights for instructing effective communication policies to enhance sustainable development and address ecological emergencies, taking into consideration diverse cultural backgrounds within different populations.
Emotional intelligence impact on academic achievement and psychological well-being among university students: the mediating role of positive psychological characteristics
Field: PSYCHOLOGY

The main objective of this study is to examine the relationship of emotional intelligence with psychological well-being and academic achievement through positive psychological characteristics among university students in China. The study was conducted with postgraduate and undergraduate students. The integration of emotional intelligence theory and positive psychological theory was used in this study. The introduced framework included emotional intelligence as the main independent variable, self-efficacy, motivation, and resilience as three mediators, and psychological well-being and academic achievement as two dependent variables. A survey was conducted among 518 students, and structural equation modelling was used to analyse the data. The study found that emotional intelligence was positively related to positive psychological characteristics, psychological well-being, and academic achievement, and the effects were stronger among postgraduate students. Also, positive psychological characteristics, which include self-efficacy, motivation, and resilience, mediate the relationship between emotional intelligence and psychological well-being and academic achievement, and the relationship was stronger among postgraduate students. Proper coping strategies and mechanisms can be helpful to improve both psychological well-being and academic achievement at the same time among university students.
The development of mathematics expectancy﻿-value profiles during the secondary–tertiary transition into STEM fields
Field: EDUCATION

Background: To master the secondary–tertiary transition into fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), academic self-beliefs play a pivotal role, especially those related to learning mathematics. The framework of expectancy-value theory has been used widely in primary and secondary education and partly in tertiary education to assess the self-beliefs of students in terms of expectancy of success and perceived value of mathematics. Based on this framework, we measured how the intrinsic value, the attainment value, the utility value, and the cost of learning mathematics as well as the expectancy of success when learning mathematics developed during the secondary–tertiary transition of students into STEM fields. Data were collected in a quantitative repeated-measures questionnaire study with two measurement points (measurement point 1: n = 710, measurement point 2: n = 487, listwise: n = 409). We conducted a latent profile analysis to identify the prevalent patterns of mathematics self-beliefs, called profiles, at each of the two measurement points. We studied the relation of these profiles to prior education, achievement at school, and achievement at university. By performing a latent transition analysis, we determined the probabilities of transitioning from the initial profiles to the posterior profiles. Results: Our analysis revealed four distinct prevalent profiles at each measurement point, ranging from highly favorable (i.e., high expectancy, high value, low cost) to highly unfavorable with respect to learning mathematics. The profiles with favorable manifestations remained stable over time, while those with undesirable manifestations deteriorated further. We observed a sharp increase in cost across all profiles. Prior achievement correlated strongly with profile membership. Conclusions: The expenditure of time and energy increased sharply during the secondary–tertiary transition, independently of the students’ initial motivational patterns. The perceived utility of mathematics for potential future careers was shown to be a significant source of motivation. The role of mathematics in future careers should thus be made visible in university teaching. Keeping the detrimental development of initially undesirable motivational profiles in mind, university teachers should create ample opportunities for students to gain a sense of accomplishment.
Music performance anxiety: development and validation of the Portuguese music performance anxiety scale
Field: PSYCHOLOGY

Several studies have developed and validated specific scales to understand, identify and confirm research hypotheses associated with music performance anxiety (MPA). These scales mostly assess behavioral, cognitive, and physiological factors. There is currently no original MPA assessment tool for higher music education in Continental Portuguese, which suggests a research gap. The aim of this study was to determine if the Portuguese Music Performance Anxiety Scale (PoMPAS), developed for this research, is a valid and reliable measure of MPA for the context of higher education in Portugal. The total sample was N = 414 (166 male, 245 female, and three without gender identification). The development of this scale was based on a three-dimensional model (behavioral, cognitive, and physiological), following the theoretical models of Salmon (1990) and Osborne and Kenny (2005). Confirmatory factor analysis of the PoMPAS suggested a good fit in a three-dimensional model with 27 items. The internal consistency values proved appropriate, showing good Cronbach’s alphas (between α = 0.81 and α = 0.90). The McDonald’s Omega also demonstrated good consistency (between ω = 0.81 and ω = 0.90). The PoMPAS is a reliable tool to measure the impact of MPA, with good psychometric qualities, specifically for the Portuguese higher music education context.
Targeting CD73 limits tumor progression and enhances anti-tumor activity of anti-PD-1 therapy in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Field: ONCOLOGY

Background & aims: Patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) respond poorly to immune checkpoint blockades (ICBs). In this study, we aimed to dissect the potential mechanisms underlying poor response to ICBs and explore a rational ICB-based combination therapy in iCCA. Methods: scRNA-seq dataset GSE151530 was analyzed to investigate the differentially expressed genes in malignant cells following ICBs therapy. RNA-seq analysis and western blot assays were performed to examine the upstream and downstream signaling pathways of CD73. Subcutaneous tumor xenograft models were utilized to investigate the impact of CD73 on iCCA growth. Plasmid AKT/NICD-induced spontaneous murine iCCAs were used to explore the therapeutic efficacy of CD73 enzymatic inhibitor AB680 combined with PD-1 blockade. Time-of-flight mass cytometry (CyTOF) was conducted to identify the tumor-infiltrating immune cell populations and their functional changes in murine iCCAs treated with AB680 in combination with PD-1 antibody. Results: scRNA-seq analysis identified elevated CD73 expression in malignant cells in response to ICBs therapy. Mechanistically, ICBs therapy upregulated CD73 expression in malignant cells via TNF-α/NF-κB signaling pathway. In vivo studies revealed that CD73 inhibition suppressed the growth of subcutaneous tumors, and achieved synergistic depression effects with gemcitabine and cisplatin (GC). Adenosine produced by CD73 activates AKT/GSK3β/β-catenin signaling axis in iCCA cells. CD73 inhibitor AB680 potentiates anti-tumor efficacy of PD-1 antibody in murine iCCAs. CyTOF analysis showed that AB680 combined with anti-PD-1 therapy promoted the infiltration of CD8+ T, CD4+ T cells, and NK cells in murine iCCAs, while simultaneously decreased the proportions of macrophages and neutrophils. Moreover, AB680 combined with anti-PD-1 significantly upregulated the expression of Granzyme B, Tbet and co-stimulatory molecule ICOS in infiltrating CD8+ T cells. Conclusions: CD73 inhibitor AB680 limits tumor progression and potentiates therapeutic efficacy of GC chemotherapy or anti-PD-1 treatment in iCCA. AB680 combined with anti-PD-1 therapy effectively elicits anti-tumor immune response.
Exploring the role of disciplinary knowledge in students’ covariational reasoning during graphical interpretation
Field: EDUCATION

Background: This study investigates undergraduate STEM students’ interpretation of quantities and quantitative relationships on graphical representations in biology (population growth) and chemistry (titration) contexts. Interviews (n = 15) were conducted to explore the interplay between students’ covariational reasoning skills and their use of disciplinary knowledge to form mental images during graphical interpretation. Results: Our findings suggest that disciplinary knowledge plays an important role in students’ ability to interpret scientific graphs. Interviews revealed that using disciplinary knowledge to form mental images of represented quantities may enhance students’ covariational reasoning abilities, while lacking it may hinder more sophisticated covariational reasoning. Detailed descriptions of four students representing contrasting cases are analyzed, showing how mental imagery supports richer graphic sense-making. Conclusions: In the cases examined here, students who have a deep understanding of the disciplinary concepts behind the graphs are better able to make accurate interpretations and predictions. These findings have implications for science education, as they suggest instructors should focus on helping students to develop a deep understanding of disciplinary knowledge in order to improve their ability to interpret scientific graphs.
Disparities in prevalence of screening/monitoring in children with intellectual and developmental disabilities: culturally sensitive provider can mitigate effects
Field: EDUCATION

Introduction: About one in six children in the US, about 17% of the population, have one or more intellectual or developmental disabilities. Increases in disability due to neurodevelopmental or mental health conditions have increased by 21% in the last decade. Early intervention based on developmental screening and provider-initiated monitoring can significantly improve long-term health and cognitive outcomes. This paper assesses whether differences in receipt of developmental screening or monitoring are associated with access to a high-quality primary care medical home and having a provider who shows sensitivity to a family’s customs and values among neurotypical children and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).Methods: We used cross-sectional data from the National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH) from 2017 to 2019. The NSCH is a nationally representative, parent-completed annual survey of children under 18. Children between 9 months and 5 years with IDD (n = 2,385) and neurotypical children (n = 20,200) were included in the analysis.Results: Uptake of developmental screening/monitoring in neurotypical children and children with IDD conditions was associated with belonging to minority race/ethnic backgrounds, specifically Black, Asian, and AIAN/NHPI, and single-parent households with lower incomes, being publicly insured or uninsured and not having access to a high-quality medical home. Weighted regression models showed that the odds of neurotypical children receiving developmental monitoring/screening were 53% higher when their healthcare provider always or usually demonstrated cultural sensitivity to the family’s values and customs (OR 1.53, 95% CI, 1.08–2.18, p < 0.05). For children with IDD, the odds of receipt of monitoring/screening increased by 2.1 times when the provider always/usually demonstrated an understanding of the family’s cultural norms (95% CI, 0.99–4.43, p = 0.053). Being female was significantly associated with a lack of screening/surveillance (OR 0.73, 95% CI, 0.58–0.91, p < 0.05).Discussion: With the rising prevalence of children with IDD conditions, early identification of developmental delays and subsequent access to interventions are crucial steps in supporting children and children with IDD to receive preventive care, services, and reduce disparities in accessing quality care. Implementing culturally sensitive approaches can be a low-cost and effective intervention in improving rates of provider-initiated monitoring and parent-completed screening.
Imaging and Metabolic Diagnostic Methods in the Stage Assessment of Rectal Cancer
Field: ONCOLOGY

Rectal cancer (RC) is a prevalent malignancy with significant morbidity and mortality rates. The accurate staging of RC is crucial for optimal treatment planning and patient outcomes. This review aims to summarize the current literature on imaging and metabolic diagnostic methods used in the stage assessment of RC. Various imaging modalities play a pivotal role in the initial evaluation and staging of RC. These include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and endorectal ultrasound (ERUS). MRI has emerged as the gold standard for local staging due to its superior soft tissue resolution and ability to assess tumor invasion depth, lymph node involvement, and the presence of extramural vascular invasion. CT imaging provides valuable information about distant metastases and helps determine the feasibility of surgical resection. ERUS aids in assessing tumor depth, perirectal lymph nodes, and sphincter involvement. Understanding the strengths and limitations of each diagnostic modality is essential for accurate staging and treatment decisions in RC. Furthermore, the integration of multiple imaging and metabolic methods, such as PET/CT or PET/MRI, can enhance diagnostic accuracy and provide valuable prognostic information. Thus, a literature review was conducted to investigate and assess the effectiveness and accuracy of diagnostic methods, both imaging and metabolic, in the stage assessment of RC.
Enhancing the Performance of Vocational Education in the Digital Economy with the Application of Fuzzy Logic Algorithm
Field: AI

Vocational education improves the skill and efficiency of students/learners in addition to their regular courses. Within a short period of such courses, the performance has to be improved for providing professional development. In this article, the fuzzy-based performance improvement validation method (FPIVM) is introduced. This method excels in analyzing the performance of instructor-centered vocational education improvements for varied learners. In this process, the differential performance between various training and learning sessions is identified for identifying the gap in skill improvement. The fuzzy process operates using continuous intervals for performance measures based on instructor and learner scores. This is synchronized based on the existing learner’s skill and the instructor’s efficiency in meeting the vocational course study level. In particular, the fuzzification over the independent (learner and trainer) skill score is updated for new intervals. Such skill scores are classified as high or low compared to the previous outcomes. This improves the change in instructor or mode of education for successive sessions. Thus, the quality and performance of the sessions are retained unanimously for providing better outcomes. The outcomes are revised after each session for sustaining a high learning score regardless of student density.
Military Values, Military Virtues, and Vulnerable Narcissism among Cadets of the Swiss Armed Forces—Results of a Cross-Sectional Study
Field: PSYCHOLOGY

Background: For military leaders, military values and virtues are important psychological prerequisites for successful leadership and for ethical and moral military behavior. However, research on predictors of military values and virtues is scarce. Given this background, we investigated whether Organizational Citizenship Behavior (OCB), resilience, and vulnerable narcissism might be favorably or unfavorably associated with military values and virtues, and whether vulnerable narcissism could moderate the association between the OCB-by-resilience-interaction, and military virtues. Methods: A total of 214 officer cadets (mean age: 20.75 years; 96.8% males) of the Swiss Armed Forces (SAF) volunteered to take part in this cross-sectional study. They completed a booklet of self-rating scales covering dimensions of military values and military virtues, OCB, resilience, and vulnerable narcissism. Results: Higher scores for military virtues were associated with higher scores for military values, OCB, and resilience, and with lower scores for vulnerable narcissism. Multiple regression models showed that higher scores for OCB and resilience were associated with military values and virtues. Vulnerable narcissism moderated the association between military virtues, and the OCB-by-resilience-interaction: the higher the vulnerable narcissism, the more the OCB-by-resilience-interaction was associated with lower scores for military virtues. Conclusions: Among cadets of the SAF, the associations between military values, military virtues, OCB, and resilience were highly intertwined, while vulnerable narcissism appeared to attenuate the association between military virtues, OCB, and resilience.
Skin Lesion Prediction and Classification Using Innovative Modified Long Short-Term Memory-Based Hybrid Optimization Algorithm
Field: AI

Identification of pigmented skin lesions is necessary for the detection of severe diseases associated with the skin organ, notably malignancy. Accurate skin cancer diagnosis can be improved with the use of image detection approaches and computer classification skills. Therefore, this research work plans to perform skin lesion prediction and classification using a novel deep learning methodology. Initially, the data related to the skin lesion are gathered from the ISIC dataset. After collecting the images, the pre-processing is performed using hair removal and filtering hair removed images via median filtering. These pre-processed images undergo segmentation process accomplished using the U-Net method. Next, the features are extracted from these segmented images with the help of color features, and texture features by GLCM and RGB histogram features. These extracted features undergo the prediction phase that is accomplished using the MLSTM model, in which the parameter optimization is done by the nature inspired novel hybrid metaheuristic algorithm referred as SC-STBO algorithm with the consideration of accuracy maximization and RMSE minimization as the major fitness for the objective function. If the predicted output is returned as the presence of skin lesion, the same novel MLSTM model classifies the final skin lesion output into seven types, such as Vascular Lesions, Melanocytic Nevi, Melanoma, Dermatofibroma, Benign Keratosis-like Lesions, BCC, and Actinic Keratoses, respectively. Seven groups of skin diseases can be identified early thanks to the suggested effort, which can then be tested and properly handled by medical professionals. With an accuracy of 0.9931, the recommended methodology clearly outperforms traditional techniques. Similarly, the suggested methodology clearly beats the conventional methods, with a recall of 0.9825.
Attending to STEM education in servingness at Hispanic-serving institutions: a systematic review of more than a decade of scholarship
Field: EDUCATION

Background, context, and purpose of the study: Enrolling over 60% of all Latinx undergraduate students, Hispanic-serving institutions (HSIs) are poised to play a critical role in diversifying and strengthening Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education and the STEM workforce. However, how HSIs serve STEM students is not well understood. Accordingly, guided by Garcia et al. (Review of Educational Research 89:5–745, 2019) multidimensional servingness framework, we conducted a systematic review of the research on STEM education within the HSI context. By attending to STEM education in conversations around how HSIs may serve Latinx students and their campus communities, our ultimate aim is to improve STEM education particularly at HSIs and advance STEM servingness more broadly. Results, main findings: Through our systematic review of STEM education research at HSIs, we identified (under)studied components of servingness and gaps within this literature base. Specifically, among the 128 qualifying articles, nearly two-thirds focused on student outcomes but overlooked institutions’ organizational context, raising questions about the effect(iveness) of the studied interventions. Additionally, we identified three thematic gaps in this literature: ghosting the HSI context (i.e., relying on HSIs as research sites without considering the unique HSI context); ghosting Latinx culture (i.e., decentering Latinx students and the Latinx community’s sociocultural aspects and assets), and ghosting people and places (i.e., under-examining certain student populations like Latino men in STEM and places like Hispanic-serving community colleges). Ultimately, our study extends the field’s understanding of servingness by attending to STEM education within the context of HSI institutions. Conclusions, brief summary, and potential implications: By systematically reviewing studies on STEM education at HSIs, we identified (under)studied components of servingness and patterned gaps within this literature. In doing so, we highlight opportunities to advance STEM servingness at HSIs through future research, policy, and practice. Collectively, these avenues hold the promise of improving STEM education and diversifying the STEM workforce.