Positive Elements Research Articles

Novel Steganographic Method Based on Hermitian Positive Definite Matrix and Weighted Moore–Penrose Inverses

In this paper, we describe the concept of a new data-hiding technique for steganography in RGB images where a secret message is embedded in the blue layer of specific bytes. For increasing security, bytes are chosen randomly using a random square Hermitian positive definite matrix, which is a stego-key. The proposed solution represents a very strong key since the number of variants of positive definite matrices of order 8 is huge. Implementing the proposed steganographic method consists of splitting a color image into its R, G, and B channels and implementing two segments, which take place in several phases. The first segment refers to embedding a secret message in the carrier (image or text) based on the unique absolute elements values of the Hermitian positive definite matrix. The second segment refers to extracting a hidden message based on a stego-key generated based on the Hermitian positive definite matrix elements. The objective of the data-hiding technique using a Hermitian positive definite matrix is to embed confidential or sensitive data within cover media (such as images, audio, or video) securely and imperceptibly; by doing so, the hidden data remain confidential and tamper-resistant while the cover media’s visual or auditory quality is maintained.

Metallo-supramolecular complexes enantioselectively target monkeypox virus RNA G-quadruplex and bolster immune responses against MPXV

Abstract Mpox viruses (MPXV) has emerged as a formidable orthopoxvirus, posing an immense challenge to global public health. Understanding the regulatory mechanisms of MPXV infection, replication and immune evasion will benefit the development of novel antiviral strategies. Despite the involvement of G-quadruplexes (G4s) in modulating infection and replication processes of multiple viruses, their roles in MPXV life cycle remain largely unknown. Here, we found a highly conservative and stable G4 in MPXV, which acts as a positive regulatory element for viral immunodominant protein expression. Furthermore, by screening 42 optically pure chiral metal complexes, we identified the Λ enantiomer of a pair of chiral helical compounds can selectively target mRNA G4 and enhance expression of the 39-kDa core protein encoded by the MPXV A5L gene. Mechanistically, RNA G4-specific helicase DHX36 inhibits A5L protein expression by unwinding G4. In contrast, MH3 Λ enhanced mRNA stability by specifically targeting G4 structures and subsequently increased protein expression. Furthermore, given the pivotal role of the 39-kDa core protein in activating immune responses and facilitating virion maturation, modulation of MPXV G4 folding by MH3 Λ exhibited inhibitory effects on MPXV replication through enhancing immune response. Our findings underscore the critical involvement of G4 in MPXV life cycle and offer potential avenues for developing antiviral drugs targeting G4.

A qualitative analysis of participant experience during an EEG-linked auditory targeted cognitive training exercise: Implications for implementation and protocol optimization

Auditory-based targeted cognitive training (ATCT) is an emerging adaptive neuroplasticity-based intervention. Previous studies have shown that electroencephalographic (EEG) biomarkers of auditory information processing assessed at the start of ATCT have predicted cognitive, clinical, and functional gains from a full 30–40 hour ATCT program, but participant attitudes related to coupling EEG to ATCT are not well-known. This study assessed stakeholder feedback related to EEG biomarker collection as part of ATCT to optimize future EEG-informed ATCT studies. Semi-structured interviews assessed attitudes of ATCT-naïve participants (n=50) living with a range of psychiatric disorders and cognitive function who underwent EEG assessment associated with a 1 hour ATCT exercise. A deductive approach was used to code the data and an iterative approach was employed to identify key emerging themes. Interview data yielded 62 unique themes related to EEG biomarker collection and ATCT. Qualitative analysis identified positive and negative elements of participants’ experience of EEG-informed ATCT as well as ways to streamline the EEG experience. Results suggest EEG-informed ATCT studies may be optimized using actionable improvements to current protocols leveraged from themes identified.

Student Perceptions of Project-Based Learning When Studying ‘Information Systems’ in an ICT Engineering Program: Taking Advantage of Active Learning

This article presents a case study on the way of teaching and learning the subject ‘Information Systems’ to ICT (Information and Communication Technology) engineering students, which is based on an active learning strategy implemented through a Project-Based Learning (PjBL) method, a practice that facilitates knowledge acquisition in addition to enhancing diverse learning outcomes such as teamwork, critical thinking, and analysis, or communication skills. This study aims to present the students’ perceptions once they have undertaken the whole subject, to better understand the different positive and negative elements associated with PjBL implementation according to their opinions. Students’ perceptions of PjBL were obtained through a survey utilizing the Bipolar Laddering (BLA) technique, which allows them to identify their experiences in terms of both beneficial and challenging aspects, as well as potential improvements to their experiences. On one hand, the most relevant findings on their PjBL experience assessed as positive are presented as follows: to work by themselves on a real project related to the working world; to be able to apply the theoretical topics explained during the class sessions; to have highly talented instructors; to experience a very dynamic and effective way of learning; to give a final presentation to their classmates and the instructors; and to work in groups. On the other hand, when analyzing the core negative perceptions, the following ones were highlighted by the surveyed students: undertaking just a single project; having an overly theoretical context; and having too much freedom, which could lead to confusion.

On a variant of extremal disconnectedness in locales and spaces

We study a variant of extremal disconnectedness in frames, defined by requiring that any two disjoint open sublocales should be separable by disjoint open sublocales each of which is the interior of some zero-sublocale. In spaces, this notion was recently introduced in [1] in order to study some properties of frames of z-ideals of rings of continuous functions. The point-free approach adopted here brings to the fore some topological results not considered in [1], such as that a dense z-embedded subspace of a Tychonoff space has this property if and only if the space containing it has the property. In [1], this was proved only for the embedding X ⊆ βX. We give a ring-theoretic characterization by defining a property of f-rings in a transparent manner which shows why the property should be defined the way we do. The property is that if two annihilator ideals meet trivially, then the annihilator of each of the annihilator ideals contains a positive element such that the sum of the two elements is a non-zerodivisor.

Traditional Self-Governing Institution of the Co Ho Sre People in Lam Dong in Current Social Life

The Co Ho Sre people, the largest local group within the Co Ho ethnic group, had a long-standing culture, highlighted by developed wet rice farming and stable settlements in their villages. The village of the Co Ho served as a traditional social organization with essential functions in organizing, managing, and operating the community regarding economy, society, culture, and ethnic consciousness in a context of low development. The traditional self-governing institution of the Co Ho village relied on customary laws and the prestige of the village chief to govern all activities within the village. Although there have been many changes in social management, the self-governing institution of the Co Ho Sre still retained many positive elements, playing an essential role in building the Co Ho Sre community in particular and minority ethnic communities in Lam Dong in general. The article applied synthesis and analysis methods along with survey and interview methods to reconstruct the traditional self-governing institution and evaluate its role in the current life of this ethnic group.

Self -Confidence in Young Athletes: A Protective Factor Against Perfectionism and Anxiety in Competitive Grassroots Sport.

Perfectionism includes various dimensions focused on different planes of psychological functioning, with both positive and negative elements that influence adaptation to the pursuit of achievement and personal satisfaction with efforts and their attainment. We examined participants' levels of perfectionism and the relationship between perfectionism and anxiety in young athletes, and we described the mediating factor of self-confidence as a determinant of sport performance. We utilized a non-experimental, descriptive, and transversal research design. A total of 263 Spanish young athletes (M age = 15.79years; SD = 1.07) who belonged to different sports clubs and engaged in different sports completed the Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (FMPS) and the Competitive Anxiety Inventory (CSAI-2R). Our results confirmed our belief that self-confidence was a protective factor for diminishing the negative relationships between perfectionism, anxiety, and sport performance. Regarding the predictive power of these variables, the construction of exaggerated achievement expectations (or personal standards) by combining functional and dysfunctional resources was reflected in cognitive anxiety (dysfunctional) and was mediated by self-confidence (functional). Application of these elements into training via well planned communication may allow coaches to enhance young athletes' resources for mental and behavioral adjustment toward their sporting goal. In addition, this training approach may underscore athletes' self-perceived competence and enhance their self-confidence.

The curious genealogy of the “executive state”: A critical review of the latest administrative reform in Greece

Abstract This article critically discusses the latest reform of the Greek administration system, which took the form of an Act establishing an “executive state.” It intends to make two contributions to the existing literature. First, it offers a critique of the executive state. Existing critiques generally focus on the bureaucratic concentration of powers in the office of the Prime Minister or the abandonment of positive elements found in previous reform attempts. However, they largely accept the reform as a technical response to the crisis. In contrast, this article presents a comprehensive critique that fully addresses the historic origins and contemporary significance of the notion and institutional forms of the executive state, revealing it as a political, rather than technical, measure that reflects deeper views about the relationship between the state, the economy, and society. Additionally, the article assesses the two main effects of this administrative reform—the centralization and depoliticization of policymaking—as manifestations of an authoritarian shift. The second contribution concerns the literature on authoritarian liberalism, which examines the authoritarian tendencies inherent in liberal forms and ideals. While several authors have explored the authoritarian tendencies of institutional reform in the face of crisis, this article seeks to explore the authoritarian phenomenon as part of a process of market capture and to examine its effects specifically on administrative law and structures. Ultimately, this article argues that administrative reform in Greece follows a rather sinister genealogy, and must be understood as an essential counterpart to the generalized and sustained attack on social and political rights following the dictates of the market.

Lattices of Logmodular Algebras

A subalgebra \mathcal{A} of a C^{*} -algebra \mathcal{M} is logmodular (resp. has factorization) if the set \{a^{*}a;\ \text{$a\in\mathcal{M}$ is invertible with $a,a^{-1}\in\mathcal{A}$}\} is dense in (resp. equal to) the set of all positive and invertible elements of \mathcal{M} . In this paper, we show that the lattice of projections in a (separable) von Neumann algebra \mathcal{M} whose ranges are invariant under a logmodular algebra in \mathcal{M} , is a commutative subspace lattice. Further, if \mathcal{M} is a factor then this lattice is a nest. As a special case, it follows that all reflexive (in particular, completely distributive CSL) logmodular subalgebras of type I factors are nest algebras, thus answering in the affirmative a question by Paulsen and Raghupathi (Trans. Amer. Math. Soc. 363 (2011) 2627–2640). We also give a complete characterization of logmodular subalgebras in finite-dimensional von Neumann algebras.

Regulatory insight for a Zn2Cys6 transcription factor controlling effector-mediated virulence in a fungal pathogen of wheat.

The regulation of virulence in plant-pathogenic fungi has emerged as a key area of importance underlying host infections. Recent work has highlighted individual transcription factors (TFs) that serve important roles. A prominent example is PnPf2, a member of the Zn2Cys6 family of fungal TFs, which controls the expression of effectors and other virulence-associated genes in Parastagonospora nodorum during infection of wheat. PnPf2 orthologues are similarly important for other major fungal pathogens during infection of their respective host plants, and have also been shown to control polysaccharide metabolism in model saprophytes. In each case, the direct genomic targets and associated regulatory mechanisms were unknown. Significant insight was made here by investigating PnPf2 through chromatin-immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and mutagenesis approaches in P. nodorum. Two distinct binding motifs were characterised as positive regulatory elements and direct PnPf2 targets identified. These encompass known effectors and other components associated with the P. nodorum pathogenic lifestyle, such as carbohydrate-active enzymes and nutrient assimilators. The results support a direct involvement of PnPf2 in coordinating virulence on wheat. Other prominent PnPf2 targets included TF-encoding genes. While novel functions were observed for the TFs PnPro1, PnAda1, PnEbr1 and the carbon-catabolite repressor PnCreA, our investigation upheld PnPf2 as the predominant transcriptional regulator characterised in terms of direct and specific coordination of virulence on wheat, and provides important mechanistic insights that may be conserved for homologous TFs in other fungi.

Debate: How much should nonspecialists be involved in mental health care for children and young people when resources are limited?

From the barber-surgeons of the Middle Ages to the digitally enabled clinical interventions of today, the role of nonspecialists in delivering accessible health care remains relevant and important. Their contribution in developing and supporting appropriate interventions and care pathways in the community can make a big difference for the overwhelming majority of children and young people with diagnosable mental health conditions who are not eligible for specialist treatment or do not seek help. Even if resources for specialist services were unlimited, there are independent benefits in involving nonspecialists in mental health care, albeit not without limitations and concerns. The natural shift over time in the boundaries of specialisms, the omnipresence and omnipotence of digital media in our lives and the vision of 'no wrong door' for service users, mean that it is not a question of whether, but of how, nonspecialists should be involved. We need to get past the point of considering them just as alternative providers of mental health interventions and services. Instead, they are best placed to protect children and young people's mental health through ubiquitous everyday actions, which counter the negative and maximise the positive elements in current practices, environments and interactions that influence families and communities.

Combining human perception and street accessibility to provide information for better street construction: a case study of Chengdu City, China

ABSTRACT High-quality street spaces have a positive impact on residents’ lives. Revealing the differences in human perception and walkability across street spaces can highlight priority areas for street quality enhancement and provide valuable insights that help urban managers make informed decisions. This study first utilised machine learning models (SegNet) to extract visual elements from street view images and collected volunteers’ ratings of six perceptual dimensions of street scenes. Subsequently, it employed random forest algorithms and spatial autocorrelation models to predict and analyse overall street perception. Furthermore, principal component analysis was used to consolidate the six perceptual scores, coupled with an analysis of street walkability, to identify streets that most required quality enhancement. Finally, correlation and regression analyses were conducted between human perception ratings and street visual elements. The results indicated that buildings positively influence perceptions of wealth, safety, liveliness, and beauty and are the most significant positive perception elements. Conversely, walls were the most significant negative perception elements. Additionally, trees positively impacted perceptions of liveliness and beauty. Lastly, streets categorised as “high walkable-low perception” exhibited a radial dispersion from the city centre. In conclusion, the findings of this study provide valuable insights for enhancing street-space quality in Chengdu and other cities.

Correlates of Peace: Religious Determinants of Interreligious Peace

ABSTRACT While the study of interreligious conflict is a growing field of research, interreligious peace lacks conceptualisation and empirical investigation. We propose a concept of interreligious peace that distinguishes between positive and negative elements as well as attitudinal and behavioural aspects. The resulting four-dimensional concept is operationalised with a dataset covering 170 countries between 1990 and 2014, showing considerable global variation. We then apply our concept by testing how religious ideas and norms, religious demography and state-religion institutions determine interreligious peace. Our analysis finds that the determinants of individual elements of interreligious peace differ considerably, emphasising the need for nuanced analyses.

Characteristics of positive feedback provided by UK health service users: content analysis of examples from two databases

BackgroundMost feedback received by health services is positive. Our systematic scoping review mapped all available empirical evidence for how positive patient feedback creates healthcare change. Most included papers did not...

The Contribution of Postoperative Analgesia Protocols to the Management of Acute Postoperative Pain in the OrthopedicTraumatology Surgery Department at Batna University Hospital

Introduction and Objectives. The existence of protocols was identified as a positive element for the quality of postoperative acute pain management. We conducted a survey aimed at evaluating the impact of postoperative analgesia protocols on the management of acute postoperative pain in the orthopedic-traumatology surgery department at Batna University Hospital. Methods. A descriptive and evaluative monocentric study was conducted with 5 doctors and 37 caregivers over three months in 2015 before the launch of the quality assurance approach, and over three months in 2017. This study aimed at evaluating the impact of postoperative analgesia protocols on the management of acute postoperative pain in the orthopedic-traumatology surgery department at Batna University Hospital. Qualitative and quantitative parameters were studied, and data analysis was performed using SPSS software. Results. The reevaluation audit showed that 4 out of 5 doctors and 91.9% of nurses confirmed the availability of standardized written protocols for postoperative analgesia and the diagnosis and treatment of complications within the orthopedic-traumatology surgery department at Batna University Hospital. Conclusion. The positive contribution of postoperative analgesia protocols to the management of acute postoperative pain within the orthopedic-traumatology surgery department at Batna University Hospital has been confirmed.

Understanding the Changes in Brain Activation When Viewing Products with Differences in Attractiveness.

Product design and attractiveness are pivotal factors that determine people's positive reactions when viewing a product and may eventually affect their purchasing choices. Comprehending how people assess product design is crucial. Various studies have explored the link between product attractiveness and consumer behavior, but these were predominantly behavioral studies that offered limited insight into the neural processes underlying perceptions of product attractiveness. Gaining a deeper understanding of these neural mechanisms is valuable, as it enables the formulation of more objective design guidelines based on brain activity, enhancing product appeal and, ultimately, spurring consumer purchases. In our study, we sought to (1) elucidate the neural network engaged when individuals evaluate highly attractive product images, (2) delineate the neural network activated during the evaluation of less attractive product images, and (3) contrast the differences in neural networks between evaluations of highly and less attractive images. We utilized fMRI to investigate the neural activation patterns elicited by viewing product images of varying attractiveness levels. The results indicated distinct neural activations in response to the two types of attractive images. Highly attractive product images elicited activity in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and the occipital pole, whereas less attractive product images stimulated the insula and the inferior frontal gyrus (IFG). The findings of this project provide some of the first insights of its kind and valuable insights for future product design, suggesting that incorporating more positive and rewarding elements could enhance product appeal. This research elucidates the neural correlates of people's responses to product attractiveness, revealing that highly attractive designs activate reward-related brain regions, while less attractive designs engage areas associated with emotional processing. These findings offer a neuroscientific basis for further studies on developing design strategies that align with consumers' innate preferences, potentially transforming product design and marketing practices. By leveraging this knowledge, designers can craft products that not only meet functional needs but also resonate more deeply on an esthetic level, thereby enhancing consumer engagement and purchase likelihood.

The Role of 25-OH Vitamin D in Alzheimer's Disease through Mendelian Randomization and MRI.

The mechanism underlying the relationship between Alzheimer's disease (AD) and minerals (serum calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, zinc), vitamins (25-OH vitamin D, vitamin A1 [retinol], B9 [folic acid], B12, C) is unclear. In a two-step Mendelian randomization analysis, the association between positive nutritional elements and 3935 MRI phenotypes was examined, and the mediation proportion was calculated. Horizontal pleiotropy and heterogeneity of Mendelian randomisation were assessed using MR-Egger, Cochran's Q test, MR-PRESSO. 25-OH vitamin D (p = 0.0019, OR = 0.6179, 95% CI = 0.4562-0.8368, IVW) is negatively associated with AD among 10 nutrients. The mediation proportion of the effect of vitamin D on AD mediated by IDP_dMRI_TBSS_L3_Superior_fronto-occipital_fasciculus_L was approximately 7.08%. Our results support 25-OH vitamin D as a causal protective factor for Alzheimer disease. It was found that the Superior_fronto-occipital_fasciculus_L may play a minimal mediating role.

Novel solutions to the midwifery retention crisis in England: an organisational case study of midwives’ intentions to leave the profession and the role of retention midwives

Problem/Background: Midwifery retention is a global issue, but less is known regarding what motivates midwives’ intention to stay or leave within individual organisations. In 2021, NHS England funded maternity organisations to employ retention midwives. To date, the impact of these roles has not been evaluated. Aim: To explore the views of midwives regarding their intentions to leave or stay within one English organisation and to provide insights into the perceived impact of the role of retention midwives. Methods: An instrumental case study was carried out in one organisation. Data a mixed methods survey (n=67/91) and interview data (n=7). Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics; qualitative data using thematic analysis. All data was synthesised together. Findings: The three themes included ‘Values-based tensions: The eroding role of the midwife’; ‘Discerning differences: Intentions to leave or stay’; ‘Retention midwives: Activities and impact’. Discussion: We found that there was a clear link between midwives’ intention to leave or stay and their workplace roles; specialist midwives were more likely to stay, report satisfaction, autonomy, and feel a sense of contribution or effectiveness in their role compared to those in other roles. The retention midwives were making a positive difference to midwives’ experience of the workplace. Conclusion: Midwives working within the same organisation have different experiences of their role and job satisfaction. Future work should consider applying the positive elements of the specialist roles to the wider midwifery workforce to enhance retention. The retention midwife role shows promise, but further evaluation is required.

Using the MAPS-Global Audit Tool to Assess the Influence of Microscale Built-Environment Attributes Related to Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior in Spanish Youth

Environmental factors have been identified as having a direct relationship with physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior. The main aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between microscale built-environment attributes and the levels of PA and sedentary behavior in young people. This study included 465 adolescents (55% girls) between 14 and 18 years from Valencia, Spain. Accelerometers and self-reported questionnaires were used to measure PA, including active commuting, and sedentary behavior, and the MAPS (Microscale Audit of Pedestrian Streetscapes)-Global tool was used for microscale variables. Mixed-effects regression models were used for data analysis. Higher levels of moderate-to-vigorous activity were identified when more positive elements were found in the street characteristics. Greater active commuting in the neighborhood had a positive relationship not only with more positive elements of land use and destinations but also with the overall score of the MAPS-Global tool. The sedentary levels were higher when higher levels of negative aesthetics and social characteristics were identified, and the participants were less sedentary when more bike facilities were observed. The main results of this study provide us with evidence of the relationship between the microscale variables of the built environment and both PA and sedentary behavior.

Visions of peace: Exploring how Scottish youth understand and define peace

AbstractIn this article, we report on a study that explored how young people in Scotland understand and define peace. A total of 59 young people aged 12–18, from three schools (independent, state Roman Catholic, and state non-denominational) participated in this study. The young people were asked to participate in a peace data walk and, after that, to draw or paint pictures of what peace means for them in their local community and beyond. We utilize a combination of Personal Meaning Mapping, visual content analytic procedures, and visual art coding scheme to analyse the pictures. We drew on Critical Peace Education as an overarching framework to approach data collection and on the Peace Education Curricular Analysis framework to examine the presence of positive peace elements in youth drawings/paintings. Previous research in different contexts suggests that youth find it difficult to conceptualize peace, whereas it appears to be easy to explain war and negative peace (i.e., absence of war). Previous research conducted in Scotland showed that the curriculum focused on the element of wellbeing, with many other positive peace elements being either absent or not well represented. By contrast, youth in our study showed a strong understanding of positive peace, with a particular emphasis on the following facets: peace zone, eco mind, wellbeing, peace bond, and social justice. In our conclusion, we discuss these findings in relation to Scottish education policies and ways of capitalizing on this method of engagement and overall findings to support youth learning about peace.