Subject-specific Values Research Articles

ПРОБЛЕМА ЦЕННОСТНО ОБРАЗУЮЩЕГО ОСНОВАНИЯ

The level of modern discussion of the problem of the values of human existence, contradictions between certain value systems, the choice of modern value priorities, and so on leaves much to be desired. Values are put into circulation “like a shot from a pistol” without selection, without discussion of their nature, sources and grounds. They are often approached as self-understood phenomena and a simple enumeration prevails in their presentation, varying somewhat depending on the tastes and theoretical preferences of the authors of value systems. The article makes an attempt at phenomenological reduction, “bracketing” any set of subject-specific values for axiological identifi cation of the intentionality of value consciousness, its energy-loving component, as a value-forming foundation, which is found as a “double overcoming”, as an axiologically signifi cant variant of the social negation of negation.

American Society of Biomechanics Journal of Biomechanics Award 2022: Computer models do not accurately predict human muscle passive muscle force and fiber length: Evaluating subject-specific modeling impact on musculoskeletal model predictions

Musculoskeletal models are valuable for studying and understanding the human body in a variety of clinical applications that include surgical planning, injury prevention, and prosthetic design. Subject-specific models have proven to be more accurate and useful compared to generic models. Nevertheless, it is important to validate all models when possible. To this end, gracilis muscle–tendon parameters were directly measured intraoperatively and used to test model predictions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the benefits and limitations of systematically incorporating subject-specific variables into muscle models used to predict passive force and fiber length. The results showed that incorporating subject-specific values generally reduced errors, although significant errors still existed. Optimization of the modeling parameter “tendon slack length” was explored in two cases: minimizing fiber length error and minimizing passive force error. The results showed that using all subject-specific values yielded the most favorable outcome in both models and optimization cases. However, the trade-off between fiber length error and passive force error will depend on the specific circumstances and research objectives due to significant individual errors. Notably, individual fiber length and passive force errors were as high as 20% and 37% respectively. Finally, the modeling parameter “tendon slack length” did not correlate with any real-world anatomical length.

Improved reproducibility for myocardial ASL: Impact of physiological and acquisition parameters.

To investigate and mitigate the influence of physiological and acquisition-related parameters on myocardial blood flow (MBF) measurements obtained with myocardial Arterial Spin Labeling (myoASL). A Flow-sensitive Alternating Inversion Recovery (FAIR) myoASL sequence with bSSFP and spoiled GRE (spGRE) readout is investigated for MBF quantification. Bloch-equation simulations and phantom experiments were performed to evaluate how variations in acquisition flip angle (FA), acquisition matrix size (AMS), heart rate (HR) and blood relaxation time ( ) affect quantification of myoASL-MBF. In vivo myoASL-images were acquired in nine healthy subjects. A corrected MBF quantification approach was proposed based on subject-specific values and, for spGRE imaging, subtracting an additional saturation-prepared baseline from the original baseline signal. Simulated and phantom experiments showed a strong dependence on AMS and FA ( >0.73), which was eliminated in simulations and alleviated in phantom experiments using the proposed saturation-baseline correction in spGRE. Only a very mild HR dependence ( >0.59) was observed which was reduced when calculating MBF with individual . For corrected spGRE, in vivo mean global spGRE-MBF ranged from 0.54 to 2.59mL/g/min and was in agreement with previously reported values. Compared to uncorrected spGRE, the intra-subject variability within a measurement (0.60mL/g/min), between measurements (0.45mL/g/min), as well as the inter-subject variability (1.29mL/g/min) were improved by up to 40% and were comparable with conventional bSSFP. Our results show that physiological and acquisition-related factors can lead to spurious changes in myoASL-MBF if not accounted for. Using individual and a saturation-baseline can reduce these variations in spGRE and improve reproducibility of FAIR-myoASL against acquisition parameters.

The formation of subject-specific values as a two-step process: Self-concepts mediate the relation between achievement and values

Within the framework of a generalized internal/external frame of reference model, influences of social and dimensional comparisons of academic achievement on the formation of subject-specific values (or related constructs) are empirically well documented for secondary school students. Furthermore, a wide range of theories also hypothesize an effect of subject-specific self-concepts on values. Accordingly, prior studies suggested a mediating effect of self-concepts on the achievement–value relationship. However, these studies have been limited to two school subjects or exclusively math and science subjects. Based on data from N = 1,339 ninth- through twelfth-grade students, we extended prior research by relating students’ grades in mathematics, physics, social studies, German, English, and the second foreign language to value scores in these subjects; subject-specific self-concepts were included as mediators. Our results support the hypothesis of a full mediation of the relationship between grades and values through self-concepts. Additional analyses showed a comparable fit between a mediation model with direct paths from grades to values and a mediation model without these direct paths. We discuss which subject-specific self-concepts are the most important mediators for the achievement–value relationship and the importance of self-concepts for forming values above grades.

Joint modeling of longitudinal change of fasting blood sugar and systolic blood pressure with survival time to death among hypertension patients

Hypertension is a universal public health challenge and a leading modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease and death. It is also called high blood pressure, described by two measured quantities systolic blood pressure (SBP) 140 mmHg or greater and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) 90 mmHg or greater. As the result, this study aims to use the joint model application to identify the factors that affect longitudinal changes in fasting blood sugar, SBP, and survival time to death of hypertension patients and their associations admitted to the Arba Minch General Hospital. We considered a total of 354 random samples of hypertension patients who had under follow-up at Arba Minch general hospital from January 2012 to February 2020. Among 2330 hypertension patients under follow-up, 354 were selected with a simple random sampling technique, and data was collected from the patient’s medical cards. After evaluating the longitudinal data with a linear mixed model and the baseline data with Cox proportional models, the joint models of both sub-models were assessed in R software version 4.2. According to the findings, the association between longitudinal changes (FBS, SBP, and time to death in hypertension patients was statistically significant. Ages, place of residence, lifestyle change, stages of hypertension, blood cholesterol level, related diseases, adherence to treatment, family history of hypertension patients, and DBP at baseline were associated factors that affect survival time and longitudinal measurement of FBS and SBP of the patients. The computed association parameters revealed subject-specific values. The subject-specific linear time slope of FBS and SBP was negatively related to the hazard rate of time to death of hypertension patients in Arba Minch general hospital. To reduce the risk of hypertension in patients, health professionals, governmental organizations, and non-governmental organizations must promote the implementation of community-based screening programs for early detection of hypertension.

Congestive Heart Failure Patients’ Pulse Rate Progression and Time to Death at Debre Tabor Referral Hospital, Ethiopia

Background. Heart failure is a progressive condition marked by worsening symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, exhaustion and lethargy, fluid retention with swelling of the legs and abdomen, and a reduced ability to exercise. As a result, this study aims to use a joint model application to determine the joint risk factors of longitudinal change in pulse rate and time to death of congestive heart failure patients and their association admitted to a hospital. Methods. A retrospective study was undertaken on congestive heart failure patients admitted to the Debre Tabor Referral Hospital from January 2016 to December 2019. A statistical joint modeling strategy was employed to match the repeated biomarker pulse rate and a survival outcome at the same time. A total of 271 patients with congestive heart failure were chosen. Data were analyzed with R statistical software via joineRML. Results. According to the findings, the association between longitudinal changes in pulse rate and time to death in heart failure patients is statistically significant. Sex, residence, left ventricular injection fraction, New York Heart Association class, and diabetes mellitus were all found to be significant risk factors for congestive heart failure patients’ short survival time to death. Age, sex, residence, hypertension, left ventricular injection fraction, congestive heart failure, diabetes mellitus, tuberculosis, and etiology were all significant contributors in pulse rate progression. Conclusion. The computed association parameters revealed subject-specific values. The subject-specific linear time slope of PR measurement was positively related to the hazard rate of time to death of CHF patients in the study area. To reduce the risk level of CHF, health professionals, governmental organizations, and nongovernmental organizations must promote and allocate a suitable amount of budget for the treatment of CHF patients.

Recommendation for the minimum number of steps to analyze when performing the uncontrolled manifold analysis on walking data

The uncontrolled manifold (UCM) analysis quantifies the extent to which co-variation among a set of variables facilitates consistent performance by partitioning variance in those variables into two components then calculating their normalized difference (i.e., the synergy index). Although UCM-derived measures are thought to depend on the number of data points analyzed, the minimum number needed to reasonably approximate true values of these measures is unknown. For each of two performance variables related to mechanical stability of gait, we evaluated changes in UCM-derived measures when increasing the number of analyzed points, here steps. Fourteen older adults walked on a treadmill while motion capture tracked movement. For each subject, n steps (where n = 2–99) were randomly sampled from the first 100, then used to calculate UCM-derived variables. For each subject, variables were expressed as a percent of the subject-specific value with n = 100 and averaged across 50 simulations. For each n, 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated from group data. The minimum number of steps to “reasonably approximate” a variables was defined as the value of n for which the lower CI was >90% of the value with n = 100. Regardless of performance variable, reasonable approximations of the synergy index were attained with n = 16 steps, whereas n = 50 steps were needed for each of the variance components However, the differences between using 16 steps and 50 steps were small. Collecting 15–20 steps is recommended for a reasonable approximation of the synergy indices considered herein, particularly when data collection is constrained to a limited number of steps.

Biomechanics of the soft-palate in sleep apnea patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome

Highly compliant tissue supporting the pharynx and low muscle tone enhance the possibility of upper airway occlusion in children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The present study describes subject-specific computational modeling of flow-induced velopharyngeal narrowing in a female child with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) with OSA and a non-OSA control. Anatomically accurate three-dimensional geometries of the upper airway and soft-palate were reconstructed for both subjects using magnetic resonance (MR) images. A fluid-structure interaction (FSI) shape registration analysis was performed using subject-specific values of flow rate to iteratively compute the biomechanical properties of the soft-palate. The optimized shear modulus for the control was 38 percent higher than the corresponding value for the OSA patient. The proposed computational FSI model was then employed for planning surgical treatment for the apneic subject. A virtual surgery comprising of a combined adenoidectomy, palatoplasty and genioglossus advancement was performed to estimate the resulting post-operative patterns of airflow and tissue displacement. Maximum flow velocity and velopharyngeal resistance decreased by 80 percent and 66 percent respectively following surgery. Post-operative flow-induced forces on the anterior and posterior faces of the soft-palate were equilibrated and the resulting magnitude of tissue displacement was 63 percent lower compared to the pre-operative case. Results from this pilot study indicate that FSI computational modeling can be employed to characterize the mechanical properties of pharyngeal tissue and evaluate the effectiveness of various upper airway surgeries prior to their application.

Social Observation Increases Functional Segregation between MPFC Subregions Predicting Prosocial Consumer Decisions

Although it is now well documented that observation by others can be a powerful elicitor of prosocial behaviour, the underlying neural mechanism is yet to be explored. In the present fMRI study, we replicated the previously reported observer effect in ethical consumption, in that participants were more likely to purchase social products that are sold to support people in need than non-social products when being observed by others. fMRI data revealed that the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC) encoded subject-specific value parameters of purchase decisions for social and non-social products, respectively, under social observation. The ACC showed strong functional coupling with the amygdala and the anterior insula when participants in the observation condition were making purchases of social versus non-social products. Finally, ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) activity predicted faster reaction time and increased prosocial behavior during decisions to purchase social versus non-social products, regardless of social observation. The present findings suggest that subregions of the mPFC, namely the dmPFC, ACC, and vmPFC, are hierarchically organized to encode different levels of decision values from the value of context-sensitive reputation to that of internalized prosociality.

A holokauszt oktatása Kelet-Közép-Európában, középiskolában használatos tankönyvek tükrében

The criteria of and research approaches to textbook analysis are manifold and diversified. The present study is based on the methodological foundations of comparative textbook analysis as it is typologized by Wiater (2003), and it focuses on one specific segment (the Holocaust), examining how oral history, personal narratives and relevant digital online content appear in teaching history. Our paper presents a microlevel analysis, specifically addressing textbook content, an approach fundamentally rooted in educational sociology. Our main questions focus on how textbooks used in Central Eastern Europe (Poland, Hungary, Serbia, Slovakia and Ukraine) support history teaching with respect to civic education and subject specific value transfer, and what congruence there is regarding video content available through ICT and the new challenges of teaching the screenager generation.

CSF contamination-invariant statistics in conventional diffusion-weighted MRI of the fornix

The goal of this paper is to develop a method for assessment of microstructural properties of the fornix in conventional (low resolution, single non-zero b-value) diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) data. For this purpose, a bi-tensor model, comprising of an isotropic and an anisotropic diffusion compartment, was fitted to the diffusion-weighted images. Two subject-specific constraints were studied to solve the ill-posedness of the parameter estimation at a single (non-zero) b-value, namely by fixating the mean diffusivity (MD) or the axial diffusivity (AxD) of the anisotropic compartment. The bi-tensor statistics were compared to conventional diffusion statistics using simulated fiber bundles with different diameters and using fornix segmentations of 577 elderly subjects. Based on simulated fiber bundles, the anisotropy (FA) estimated by the bi-tensor model did not become biased with decreasing fiber bundle diameter, unlike conventional diffusion statistics such as FA and MD estimated by the single tensor model. In the population-based study, the bi-tensor tissue fraction decreased significantly with age, suggesting an increase of free water. The FA estimated by the bi-tensor model decreased with age, but this relation was not significant when the subject-specific values to which MD or AxD were constrained were added as covariates in the regression analysis. The distinction of an isotropic and an anisotropic diffusion compartment may allow a more sophisticated analysis of the fornix based on conventional DW-MRI data.

Quantifying Achilles tendon force in vivo from ultrasound images

This study evaluated a procedure for estimating in vivo Achilles tendon (AT) force from ultrasound images. Two aspects of the procedure were tested: (i) accounting for subject-specific AT stiffness and (ii) accounting for changes in the relative electromyographic (EMG) intensities of the three triceps surae muscles. Ten cyclists pedaled at 80rpm while a comprehensive set of kinematic, kinetic, EMG, and ultrasound data were collected. Subjects were tested at four crank loads, ranging from 14 to 44Nm (115 to 370W). AT forces during cycling were estimated from AT length changes and from AT stiffness, which we derived for each subject from ultrasound data and from plantar flexion torques measured during isometric tests. AT length changes were measured by tracking the muscle-tendon junction of the medial gastrocnemius (MG) relative to its insertion on the calcaneus. Because the relative EMG intensities of the triceps surae muscles varied with load during cycling, we divided subjects׳ measured AT length changes by a scale factor, defined as the square root of the relative EMG intensity of the MG, weighted by the fractional physiological cross-sectional areas of the three muscles, to estimate force. Subjects׳ estimated AT forces during cycling increased with load (p<0.05). On average, peak forces ranged from 920±96N (14Nm, 115W) to 1510±129N (44Nm, 370W). For most subjects, ankle moments derived from the ultrasound-based AT strains were 5–12% less than the net ankle moments calculated from inverse dynamics (r2=0.71±0.28, RMSE=8.1±0.33Nm). Differences in the moments increased substantially when we did not account for changes in the muscles׳ relative EMG intensities with load or, in some subjects, when we used an average stiffness, rather than a subject-specific value. The proposed methods offer a non-invasive approach for studying in vivo muscle-tendon mechanics.

Assessing multimedia/multipathway exposures to inorganic arsenic at population and individual level using MERLIN-Expo

In this study, we report on model simulations performed using the newly developed exposure tool, MERLIN-Expo, in order to assess inorganic arsenic (iAs) exposure to adults resulting from past emissions by non-ferrous smelters in Belgium (Northern Campine area). Exposure scenarios were constructed to estimate external iAs exposure as well as the toxicologically relevant As (tAs, i.e., iAs, MMA and DMA) body burden in adults living in the vicinity of the former industrial sites as compared to adults living in adjacent areas and a reference area.Two scenarios are discussed: a first scenario studying exposure to iAs at the aggregated population level and a second scenario studying exposure at the individual level for a random sub-sample of subjects in each of the three different study areas. These two scenarios only differ in the type of human related input data (i.e., time-activity data, ingestion rates and consumption patterns) that were used, namely averages (incl. probability density functions, PDFs) in the simulation at population level and subject-specific values in the simulation at individual level.The model predictions are shown to be lower than the corresponding biomonitoring data from the monitoring campaign. Urinary tAs levels in adults, irrespective of the area they lived in, were under-predicted by MERLIN-Expo by 40% on average. The model predictions for individual adults, by contrast, under-predict the biomonitoring data by 7% on average, but with more important under-predictions for subjects at the upper end of exposure. Still, average predicted urinary tAs levels from the simulations at population level and at individual level overlap, and, at least for the current case, lead to similar conclusions. These results constitute a first and partial verification of the model performance of MERLIN-Expo when dealing with iAs in a complex site-specific exposure scenario, and demonstrate the robustness of the modelling tool for these situations.

Dealing With Longitudinal Data

Dealing With Longitudinal Data

Embodied subjectivity: The impact of reflexive engagement with personal narrative upon the values of trainee primary art teachers

Abstract This research explores the relationship between reflexive engagement with personal narrative, and the refinement and development of value systems amongst trainee primary art teachers. Work generated during a critical studies module was gathered and analysed chronologically to isolate and interpret any moments of reflexivity associated with the use of personal narrative. This was compared with the conclusions drawn by students in their final essays to identify whether such reflexive activity had supported the articulation of subject specific values. The study revealed that reflexive activity can significantly broaden students’ understanding of the value of art and design, however, most students are unable to connect their newly refined values with any proposed actions for change. The report concludes by highlighting the difficulties associated with the swift ‘interpellation’ of student teachers in primary settings, recommending that values-led practice in art and design is supported in a practical, skills-based way by training providers.

Parameter optimization of logistic regression classifiers

Logistic regression (LR) classifiers have been used successfully in the single-trial analysis of EEG data, especially in tasks of perceptual decision-making [1,2], but heuristics govern the choices for classifier parameters, such as window size (δ). Furthermore, no rigorous definition exists as to the number of epochs (N) of either class that would allow sufficient classifier training before testing using leave-one-out cross-validation. Here, we attempt to address these issues by exploring this discrete parameter space with the aid of a genetic algorithm. In doing so, we draw preliminary conclusions on both subject-specific and subject-general trends of these classifiers. To establish a baseline for comparison, we utilize EEG data from a previous study using LR to classify neural response to a two-choice forced-decision face vs. car visual task [1]. In this study, a window size (δ) of 60 ms was used to segment epochs for classification. Other studies using this technique also employ a comparable window size [2,3], even though δ has the potential to drastically affect classifier training and performance. Similarly, the number of epochs used to train the classifier can greatly affect its performance, a number too low causing an insufficient number of points through which a dividing hyperplane can be found. Recognizing the dependence of classifier performance on these discrete parameters, we use a genetic algorithm to explore the δ vs. N design space. In doing so, we track an objective function whose value depends on maximizing an epoch window’s leave-one-out Az (area under receiveroperating characteristic) value while decreasing its variability (determined from bootstrapping), which increases with a low number of epochs. Once converging to subjectspecific values of δ* and N*, we then test the classifier solution for statistical significance using the false discovery rate across all windows [4], as there are approximately E/ 2δ* multiple comparisons for an E milliseconds epoch with 50% window overlap. First, minimizing our objective function with N held constant at its maximum, we find that δ* can be tuned in a subject-specific way and we find on average a 3.7 ± 1.1% improvement in maximum Az from that of the earlier study. Second, we vary δ (δ I [5, 6, ..., 149, 150]ms) and N (N I [10, 11, ..., Nmax-1, Nmax] ) simultaneously and converge using a genetic algorithm (6-bit resolution, 36-member population, 0.7 crossover probability, 0.7/ (population size) mutation probability, [5]) to a subjectspecific δ* and N*. In each subject but one we find that N* < Nmax and that δ* is a subject-specific parameter that differs from the heuristics offered by previous work. Finally, on a group level, we find that the components of our objective function exhibit distinct variation with respect to δ and N, with an epoch’s maximum Az optimizing for low N and low δ, while its Az variability minimizes for high N and maximizes for low N, nearly irrespective of δ.

Bayesian model of Snellen visual acuity.

A Bayesian model of Snellen visual acuity (VA) has been developed that, as far as we know, is the first one that includes the three main stages of VA: (1) optical degradations, (2) neural image representation and contrast thresholding, and (3) character recognition. The retinal image of a Snellen test chart is obtained from experimental wave-aberration data. Then a subband image decomposition with a set of visual channels tuned to different spatial frequencies and orientations is applied to the retinal image, as in standard computational models of early cortical image representation. A neural threshold is applied to the contrast responses to include the effect of the neural contrast sensitivity. The resulting image representation is the base of a Bayesian pattern-recognition method robust to the presence of optical aberrations. The model is applied to images containing sets of letter optotypes at different scales, and the number of correct answers is obtained at each scale; the final output is the decimal Snellen VA. The model has no free parameters to adjust. The main input data are the eye's optical aberrations, and standard values are used for all other parameters, including the Stiles-Crawford effect, visual channels, and neural contrast threshold, when no subject specific values are available. When aberrations are large, Snellen VA involving pattern recognition differs from grating acuity, which is based on a simpler detection (or orientation-discrimination) task and hence is basically unaffected by phase distortions introduced by the optical transfer function. A preliminary test of the model in one subject produced close agreement between actual measurements and predicted VA values. Two examples are also included: (1) application of the method to the prediction of the VAin refractive-surgery patients and (2) simulation of the VA attainable by correcting ocular aberrations.

Electromyographic study of the anterior cruciate ligament–hamstrings synergy during isometric knee extension

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the role the hamstrings group may play in augmenting passive articular mechanisms during activity in which anterior drawer force may detrimentally affect the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Nine male subjects performed non-weight-bearing isometric knee extension at 10% increments of maximum voluntary contraction (MVC). Electromyographic (EMG) signals were detected and recorded from the vastus lateralis, vastus medialis oblique, vastus medialis longus, and the long head of the biceps femoris. The EMG signals were rectified and integrated over 1000 ms and normalized to subject-specific values. The data were subjected to a repeated-measures analysis of variance. The results demonstrated that expected significant increases in quadriceps excitation accompanied increases in knee extensor torque. Hamstrings excitation was not found to change significantly (total change = 3.4%). It was concluded that functionally adequate knees do not require posterior drawer force in excess of that provided passively by articular structures.

A method for determining the blood pressure in the pulmonary artery: Westermark, N.: Acta. Radiol. 26:302 (No. 3), 1946

This study evaluated a procedure for estimating in vivo Achilles tendon (AT) force from ultrasound images. Two aspects of the procedure were tested: (i) accounting for subject-specific AT stiffness and (ii) accounting for changes in the relative electromyographic (EMG) intensities of the three triceps surae muscles. Ten cyclists pedaled at 80 rpm while a comprehensive set of kinematic, kinetic, EMG, and ultrasound data were collected. Subjects were tested at four crank loads, ranging from 14 to 44 N m (115 to 370 W). AT forces during cycling were estimated from AT length changes and from AT stiffness, which we derived for each subject from ultrasound data and from plantar flexion torques measured during isometric tests. AT length changes were measured by tracking the muscle-tendon junction of the medial gastrocnemius (MG) relative to its insertion on the calcaneus. Because the relative EMG intensities of the triceps surae muscles varied with load during cycling, we divided subjects׳ measured AT length changes by a scale factor, defined as the square root of the relative EMG intensity of the MG, weighted by the fractional physiological cross-sectional areas of the three muscles, to estimate force. Subjects׳ estimated AT forces during cycling increased with load (p<0.05). On average, peak forces ranged from 920±96 N (14 N m, 115 W) to 1510±129 N (44 N m, 370 W). For most subjects, ankle moments derived from the ultrasound-based AT strains were 5–12% less than the net ankle moments calculated from inverse dynamics (r2=0.71±0.28, RMSE=8.1±0.33 N m). Differences in the moments increased substantially when we did not account for changes in the muscles׳ relative EMG intensities with load or, in some subjects, when we used an average stiffness, rather than a subject-specific value. The proposed methods offer a non-invasive approach for studying in vivo muscle-tendon mechanics.