bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dual‐acting mechanism of microbial corrosion inhibition by ginger extract against nitrate‐reducing bacteria in a nutrient‐deficient environment
Authors: Lakshmi Amaravathi Nagendra , Pasupulety Lata , Zaki Mohamed Ibrahim , Bhuyan Angira Devi
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the efficacy of ginger extract (GE) as a green corrosion inhibitor in the petrochemical industry, specifically targeting microbial corrosion in carbon steel pipes utilized for river water coolant systems. The nutrient‐deficient conditions coupled with the presence of nitrate‐reducing bacteria (NRB) within these pipelines facilitate microbiologically influenced corrosion, wherein bacteria directly interact with the metal to harvest electrons for metabolic processes. Our findings indicate that GE inhibits microbial corrosion through dual mechanisms: significantly reducing biofilm formation and adsorbing onto the metal surface.

Biofilm inhibition was assessed through both qualitative and quantitative assessments, employing light microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) to visualize and confirm the suppression of biofilm development by NRB in the presence of GE. Electrochemical techniques, including electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and polarization measurements, demonstrated that GE achieved an inhibition efficiency nearing 95%. Further analysis via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and adsorption studies corroborated the effective adsorption of GE on carbon steel, highlighting the importance of concentration and immersion time in performance outcomes. Notably, elevated concentrations of GE were found to enhance inhibitory effects, with a 7‐day exposure period yielding optimal surface coverage. These results establish GE as a promising and environmentally friendly alternative for mitigating microbial corrosion in industrial applications.

Practitioner Points

The presence of nitrate‐reducing bacteria (NRB) and a nutrient‐starved environment are commonplace in the coolant pipes carrying water and can cause severe damage to carbon steel pipes.

Ginger extract (GE), an inexpensive green corrosion inhibitor, can be a potent microbial corrosion inhibitor in petrochemical industries.

The high efficiency (95%), achieved with ginger extract (GE), is due to its dual‐acting mechanism:

It inhibits the formation of bacterial biofilm on the surface of carbon steel by providing a non‐conducive environment for bacterial growth.

The components of GE get adsorbed over the surface of carbon steel and hence prevent bacterial attachment.

An optimal concentration of 0.5 g/L GE was required to exhibit high efficiency (95%), which can be achieved on 7 days of exposure of carbon steel to GE, in the presence of NRB in a nutrient‐starved environment.
Wastewater quality evaluation in terms of wastewater quality index using hybrid constructed wetland for treatment of dairy and municipal wastewater
Authors: Krishna Singh K. , Rakesh Vaishya C.
Published: February 2025

The world's most pressing problem is water shortage, which is made worse by fast industrialization and urbanization, especially in places like India where untreated effluent presents serious threats to human health and the environment. In order to treat dairy and municipal wastewater, this study assesses the efficacy of a two‐stage hybrid constructed wetland (CW) system. The WWQI is the primary focus of this evaluation over a range of mixing ratios. Before and after treatment, many physicochemical parameters were examined, including pH, total suspended solids (TSS), chemical oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), total phosphorus (TP), ammonia nitrogen (), and nitrate nitrogen (). The hybrid CWs system dramatically lowers pollutant concentrations, according to the results, with combinations containing higher amounts of MWW showing the best results. The WWQI values, which change from “unfit for any uses” in untreated DWW to “excellent” quality in treated MWW, show these advancements. The results highlight the potential of hybrid CWs as an effective and sustainable wastewater treatment method, especially when it comes to maximizing the proportion of dairy to municipal wastewater. This study adds to our knowledge of efficient wastewater treatment techniques and highlights the significance of incorporating eco‐friendly technologies to tackle water scarcity issues.

Practitioner Points

Hybrid Constructed Wetlands (HCWs) are effective in removing TSS, BOD, COD, TP, ammonia nitrogen, and nitrate nitrogen from dairy and municipal wastewater.

On the basis of HCWs performance determine the Wastewater Quality Index (WWQI) for four different ratio proportions of dairy and municipal wastewater.

This index is more useful for water quality status determination and treated water reuse for various purposes.

This also benefits sustainable treatment technology and contributes to achieving SDGs.
Understanding the Preamble, Objectives and Principles of the BBNJ Agreement: A Focus on the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits of Marine Genetic Resources
Authors: Gottlieb Hiroko Muraki , Kachelriess Daniel , Slobodian Lydia
Published: February 2025

An effective implementation of the Part II of The Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement) will require understanding the relevance of the legal interpretation tools referenced in the treaty text, as well as those intentionally not included (e.g., Vienna Convention on Law of Treaties). The Agreement’s Part II provides a new framework of information and benefit sharing of Marine Genetic Resources of areas beyond national jurisdiction and associated Digital Sequence Information and Traditional Knowledge. This chapter for the edited collection “Decoding Marine Genetic Resource Governance under the BBNJ Agreement” explores the three types of interpretation tools used in the Agreement: (1) preamble, (2) objectives (general and subject matter specific) and (3) principles. Each legal tool plays an important and distinct role in providing insights to the negotiators’ intent with a focus on Part II of the Agreement. The chapter urges stakeholders to understand the overall objective of the BBNJ Agreement, compromises made during the negotiations, and moreover, the innovative approaches employed in reaching consensus. Remembering and honoring the negotiators’ efforts to emphasize the “how” in operationalizing benefit sharing could avoid prolonged discussions that could delay effectively implementing the obligations to protect the largest ecosystem of the Earth.
Fuelling the Brunei Darussalam Economy: Opportunities for Islamic Financial Services
Authors: Besar Hairul Azrin
Published: February 2025

Since the establishment of the first bank in Brunei Darussalam, the banking industry has assumed its traditional role as a place of safekeeping, investment and clearing of financial transactions. During the 1980s banks served corporations as remittance institutions and Brunei’s window to settle international trade. The late 1990s and early 2000s marked a change of culture in the banking industry where banks were considered as a source of credit, contributing to the growth of personal debt and a source of funds to businesses. This chapter examines the historical development of banking in the country and the rise of Islamic finance in the 1990s. Ideally, Islamic finance, with its strict requirement of syariah compliance, emphasises the relationship between the respective transactions and its economic substance, which influences the economic development of the country significantly. With this premise, the study investigates the opportunities of Islamic financial instruments in contributing to the growth of Brunei’s economy. The movement towards a fair and inclusive financial structure through the offering of Islamic social financial instruments such as waqf and zakat is also scrutinised.
Leading through Performance Management in the Brunei Darussalam Public Sector
Authors: Said Thuraya Farhana
Published: February 2025

Brunei Darussalam has been undergoing significant changes as it takes on national and international challenges, particularly in diversifying its economy. These changes have provoked the need for a shift in the style and methods of government administration. In order to accomplish these reforms, performance management was initiated, falling under the umbrella of new public management. The primary goal of performance management is to improve performance by setting individual and team goals that are aligned with National Development Plans and Wawasan Brunei 2035 (Brunei Vision 2035). Performance management practices, such as strategic planning, balanced scorecards and key performance indicators, have been integrated into public sector organisations in order to measure the attainment or otherwise of objectives and targets achieved. However, aligning goals with the different levels of management within public sector organisations has proved to be a multifaceted and non-linear process as organisations have historically diverse and complex roles and strategic goals. Despite performance management being perceived as a solution to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the public sector, it is necessary to understand how this practice, developed in a Western context, can be implemented for improvement in developing countries like Brunei, especially with different political and institutional systems that might constrain its implementation. This chapter provides insights into how performance management was introduced and implemented within Brunei’s public sector, and assesses the extent to which it has brought about intended changes in the organisations, that is whether performance management was implemented ceremonially or instrumentally.
Exploring the Potential of Community-based Agritourism in Brunei Darussalam
Authors: Chin Wei Lee , Musa Siti Fatimahwati Pehin Dato
Published: February 2025

The purpose of this chapter is to explore the potential of community-based agritourism in Brunei Darussalam. Agritourism is developing across Southeast Asia as an important form of tourism. However, it is not integrated into Brunei’s national tourism framework as in other Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states where there are designated areas for agritourism to be developed and assistance for the local farming community. This study applies a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis to leverage the strengths and opportunities, rectify the weaknesses and overcome the threats of community-based agritourism in Brunei. A total of 23 respondents—volunteers, government officials and farm owners from three small farms in remote villages—were interviewed. This study reveals that community-based agritourism has led to positive impacts in four main facets—economic, environmental, sociocultural and educational—all of which greatly benefit farm owners, villagers, farmers and local youth. Although agritourism farms struggle from internal and external disadvantages such as funding deficiencies and small-scale production, those problems can be eased with more support from public and relevant organisations to secure the operations of farms. Grassroots initiatives can achieve state-wide significance if incorporated into the nation-building strategy as supporting a growing sector.
Spawning and larval development of the mesophotic octocoral Swiftia exserta in aquaria
Authors: Johnstone Julia W. , Jenkins William G. , Jankiewicz Mackenzy , Quigley Jonathan M. , Frometa Janessy , Salgado Enrique , Higgins Ben , Demopoulos Amanda W. J. , Gardner Christopher L. , Etnoyer Peter J. , Benson Kristopher G.
Published: February 2025

The 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill injured mesophotic and deep-sea environments over a vast area. In order to restore mesophotic and deep-sea coral species impacted by the spill, information on fundamental ecosystem processes such as reproduction is needed. During expeditions in 2021 and 2022, fragments of the mesophotic octocoral Swiftia exserta were collected from the northern Gulf of Mexico and transported to aquaria at federal facilities in South Carolina, Florida, and Texas. In fall of 2021 and 2022, several of these fragments spawned in captivity, providing an opportunity to learn about their reproduction and inform future restoration activities. Broadcast spawning occurred on 19 and 20 October, 2021, and on 20 days from 29 September to 7 November, 2022. These spawning events permitted detailed observations of spawning behavior and timing, and yielded over 2,400 oocytes. Individual spawns were preceded by a distinctive “spawning posture” in the polyps, lasting between five minutes and two hours, and may have been cued by light. Swiftia exserta larvae settled and developed at comparable rates to other broadcast spawning octocorals, becoming swimming planulae by three days post spawn (dps) and starting to settle by 14 dps. These observations represent the first such records for S. exserta and, more broadly, for any mesophotic coral in the Gulf of Mexico, providing important insights for the restoration of these species. This investigation lays the foundation for future work to explore the influences of seasonal environmental variables, such as light and temperature, on spawning and reproductive seasonality in this species.
Sphingosine kinase 1 inhibition aggravates vascular smooth muscle cell calcification
Authors: Razazian Mehdi , Bahiraii Sheyda , Jannat Isratul , Tiffner Adéla , Beilhack Georg , Levkau Bodo , Voelkl Jakob , Alesutan Ioana
Published: February 2025

Medial vascular calcification is common in chronic kidney disease patients and linked to hyperphosphatemia. Upon phosphate exposure, intricate signaling events orchestrate pro-calcific effects in the vasculature mediated by vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Sphingosine kinase 1 (SPHK1) produces sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) and is associated with complex effects in the vascular system. The present study investigated a possible involvement of SPHK1 in VSMC calcification. Experiments were performed in primary human aortic VSMCs under pro-calcific conditions, with pharmacological inhibition or knockdown of SPHK1 or SPNS2 (a lysolipid transporter involved in cellular S1P export), as well as in Sphk1-deficient and wild-type mice treated with cholecalciferol. In VSMCs, SPHK1 expression was up-regulated by pro-calcific conditions. Calcification medium up-regulated osteogenic marker mRNA expression and activity as well as calcification of VSMCs, effects significantly augmented by co-treatment with the SPHK1 inhibitor SK1-IN-1. SK1-IN-1 alone was sufficient to up-regulate osteogenic signaling in VSMCs during control conditions. Similarly, the SPHK1 inhibitor PF-543 and SPHK1 knockdown up-regulated osteogenic signaling in VSMCs and aggravated VSMC calcification. In contrast, co-treatment with the SPNS2 inhibitor SLF1081851 suppressed osteogenic signaling and calcification of VSMCs, effects abolished by silencing of SPHK1. In addition, Sphk1 deficiency aggravated vascular calcification and aortic osteogenic marker expression in mice after cholecalciferol overload. In conclusion, SPHK1 inhibition, knockdown, or deficiency aggravates vascular pro-calcific signaling and calcification. The reduced calcification after inhibition of S1P export suggests a possible involvement of intracellular S1P, but further studies are required to elucidate the complex roles of SPHKs and S1P signaling in calcifying VSMCs.
Cytolethal distending toxin-producing Escherichia coli clinical isolates from Mexican children harbor different cdt types causing CDT-induced epithelial pathological phenotypes
Authors: Huerta-Cantillo Jazmin , Chavez-Dueñas Lucia , Zaidi Mussaret Bano , Estrada-García Teresa , Navarro-Garcia Fernando
Published: February 2025

Cytolethal distending toxins (CDTs), encoded by cdtABC genes, have DNase activity leading to cellular and nuclear distention, resulting in actin remodeling, irreversible cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of target cells. PCR cdt-positive Escherichia coli strains have been isolated from children with diarrhea worldwide. However, toxin production and biological activity of cdt
+ strains are rarely confirmed. Here, we characterized the biological activity of cdt
+
E. coli of clinical isolates from Mexican children with severe diarrhea and its relationship with the harbored cdt type. Ten isolates from seven patients containing cdt
+
E. coli, one isolate from a patient containing cdt

−

E. coli, and a prototype CDT-producing E. coli were used to determine the harbored cdt-type, cell distention, actin remodeling and cell cycle arrest on epithelial cells. Three isolates harbored cdt type I, one type II, two type III, two type IV and two simultaneously type II and III. Lysates from eight cdt
+
E. coli isolates caused cell distention, actin cytoskeletal remodeling and cell cycle arrest but two isolates from the same patient harboring simultaneously cdt type II/III did not. The cdt genes were necessary and enough to cause the cytolethal distending pathology. Mutants in cdtAB

I

C (O86:H34 strain; cdt-I) and cdtAB

II

C (isolate; cdt-II) were complemented by cdtAB

II

C genes and both recovered the CDT-induced phenotypes. Transformation of E. coli BL21 by cdtAB

II

C genes caused this cytolethal distending pathology. These data indicate that cdt + E. coli isolates are potentially dangerous bacteria to cause serious epithelial cell damage and cell death to aggravate childhood diarrhea.
Recycling the recyclers: strategies for the immobilisation of a PET-degrading cutinase
Authors: Fritzsche Stefanie , Popp Marcus , Spälter Lukas , Bonakdar Natalie , Vogel Nicolas , Castiglione Kathrin
Published: February 2025

Enzymatic degradation of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) represents a sustainable approach to reducing plastic waste and protecting fossil resources. The cost efficiency of enzymatic PET degradation processes could be substantially improved by reusing the enzymes. However, conventional immobilisation strategies, such as binding to porous carriers, are challenging as the immobilised enzyme can only interact with the macromolecular solid PET substrate to a limited extent, thus reducing the degradation efficiency. To mitigate this challenge, this work compared different immobilisation strategies of the PET-degrading cutinase ICCGDAQI. Immobilisation approaches included enzyme fixation via linkers to carriers, the synthesis of cross-linked enzyme aggregates with different porosities, and immobilisation on stimulus-responsive polymers. The highest degradation efficiencies were obtained with the pH-responsive material Kollicoat®, where 80% of the initial enzyme activity could be recovered after immobilisation. Degradation of textile PET fibres by the cutinase-Kollicoat® immobilisate was investigated in batch reactions on a 1 L-scale. In three consecutive reaction cycles, the product yield of the released terephthalic acid exceeded 97% in less than 14 h. Even in the fifth cycle, 78% of the maximum yield was achieved in the same reaction time. An advantage of this process is the efficient pH-dependent recovery of the immobilisate after the reaction, which integrates seamlessly into the terephthalic acid recovery by lowering the pH after hydrolysis. This integration therefore not only simplifies the downstream processing, but also provides a cost-effective and resource-efficient solution for both enzyme reuse and product separation after PET degradation, making it a promising approach for industrial application.
The incidence of acute kidney injury in very-low-birth-weight infants treated early with caffeine
Authors: Tzvi-Behr Shimrit , Schlesinger Noam , Ben-Shalom Efrat , Frishberg Yaacov , Kasirer Yair
Published: February 2025

Background

Acute kidney injury (AKI) in neonates is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, longer hospitalization, and a higher risk for future kidney damage. Caffeine treatment has reportedly been associated with a decreased AKI occurrence. However, previous studies lack uniformity regarding dosage and timing of administration. This study aimed to assess AKI incidence in very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) preterm infants (< 1500 g) treated with early high-dose caffeine and to identify risk factors associated with AKI.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of VLBW preterm infants admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the Shaare Zedek Medical Center between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2019. All VLBW infants born < 32 weeks of gestation were treated with a standardized caffeine regimen (20 mg/kg bolus; in the first hour of life, maintenance 10 mg/kg/day). Maternal and infant data including clinical, demographic, and laboratory measurements were retrieved from electronic medical records.

Results

Of 311 VLBW infants admitted, all had adequate serum creatinine and urine output data. Of 301 patients included for analysis, 41 (14%) were diagnosed with AKI, while only 12/301 (4%) were diagnosed during the first week of life. Sixteen infants (5%) had > 1 AKI episode. Seven (7/41, 17%) had AKI stage 1 and seventeen infants (17/41, 42%) had stages 2 and 3. In univariate analysis, sepsis, patent ductus arteriosus, necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), and hemodynamic instability during the first week of life were more prevalent in the AKI group. Infants with AKI were born with lower birth weights, at earlier gestational weeks, and had lower APGAR and higher CRIB II scores. NEC was the only significant risk factor associated with AKI in multivariate analysis. They also had a higher risk for bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), longer hospitalization, and higher mortality rate.

Conclusions

The incidence of AKI in a cohort of VLBW infants universally treated early with caffeine was 14%, while only 4% had AKI during the first week. Infants with AKI had worse outcomes (BPD and mortality) and longer hospitalization.

Graphical abstract
Seroepidemiology (2018–2024) and epidemic spread of an emerging human parvovirus B19 genotype 1 (subtype 1a2) variant in Hungary, 2023/2024
Authors: Tóth Fruzsina , Moser Tímea , Boros Ákos , Balázs Benigna , Takáts Károly , Pankovics Péter , Reuter Gábor
Published: February 2025

An unusually large number of human parvovirus B19 (B19V) infections were reported in European countries in 2023/2024, but the genetic background of this B19V epidemic strain is unknown. In this study, there was a larger number of confirmed B19V infections (five in 2021, eight in 2023, and 59 in 2024) and higher IgG seroprevalence (41.4% in 2022 and 54.3% in 2024) in Transdanubia, Hungary, in 2024 compared to 2018-2023. A B19V genotype 1a2 variant (prototype, 1338/HUN/2024, PQ155933) with common and unique nucleotide insertions in the untranslated regions of the genome and nonsynonymous and synonymous mutations in the coding region (NS1 and VP1) could be responsible to the ongoing B19V epidemic in Europe.
Towards the interoperability of scholarly repository registries
Authors: Baglioni Miriam , Pavone Gina , Mannocci Andrea , Manghi Paolo
Published: February 2025

The enactment of Open Science relies on scholarly repositories that make research products findable and accessible, while scholarly repository registries maintain authoritative metadata and persistent identifiers (PIDs) to help researchers and infrastructure providers discover and access needed repositories. However, the proliferation of repositories targeting different research products (e.g., publications, data, and software) or serving specific disciplines has led to the creation of multiple registries whose scope is not mutually exclusive. Such a fragmented landscape poses significant concerns regarding authoritativeness, disambiguation, and coverage for scholarly communication service and infrastructure providers who consume content from these registries. These providers must either limit their focus to a single registry or manage complex data fusion strategies to integrate diverse repository profiles from various sources. While favouring the existence of a plurality of registries, this paper advocates for their interoperability, which is essential to eliminate the aforementioned barriers and enable their full, unambiguous utilisation. We analyse the data models of four prominent registries—FAIRsharing, re3data, OpenDOAR, and ROAR—and classify their properties and overlap. We provide a crosswalk between their data models and suggest a common data model shared across the examined registries to pave the way toward interoperability. As a means of validation, we include a coverage evaluation of the proposed data model.The paper adopts a pragmatic approach towards scholarly registry interoperability and suggests a common metadata model to foster the exchange of information across these platforms. The purpose of the paper is to serve as a cornerstone, initiating and engaging the community in discussions surrounding the interoperability of scholarly repository registries.
On fault-tolerant Boolean functions in proteinoids–ZnO colloids
Authors: Raeisi Kheirabadi Noushin , Mougkogiannis Panagiotis , Fortulan Raphael , Roberts Nic , Chiolerio Alessandro , Adamatzky Andrew
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the computational properties of ZnO colloids in combination with proteinoid microspheres within an unconventional computing framework. We propose a method for creating flexible and fault-tolerant logic gates utilising this colloidal system. The colloidal matrix receives binary strings with an electrical impulse representing a logical “True” and its absence representing a “False”. Electrical responses are recorded, and Boolean functions are extracted. This nano-bio hybrid of ZnO colloids and proteinoids has the potential to power next-generation unconventional computing systems that can adapt to changing environments, paving the way for novel nano-bio hybrid computing architectures.
A Call to Analyze Sex, Gender, and Sexual Orientation in Psychopathology Research: An Illustration with ADHD and Internalizing Symptoms in Emerging Adults
Authors: Hartung Cynthia M. , Lefler Elizabeth K. , Abu-Ramadan Tamara M. , Stevens Anne E. , Serrano Judah W. , Miller Emily A. , Shelton Christopher R.
Published: February 2025

We have historically ignored sex/gender and conducted sex- and gender-neutral psychopathology research. There is a clear need to analyze potential differences and similarities between individuals with various sexes, genders, and sexual orientations in psychopathology research. Specifically, we need to stop ignoring sex, gender, and sexual orientation, conduct analyses that go beyond the binary, and analyze these important variables for generalizability even when the primary research question is not about sex, gender, and sexual orientation. In the current study we examined ADHD and internalizing symptoms in a community sample to compare different ways to analyze data and better understand differences and similarities across groups. We predicted that a richer understanding of sex/gender differences would emerge when we compared sex and gender minority (SGM) participants to cisgender heterosexual women (CHW) and men (CHM) rather than conducting binary analyses. Emerging adults (N = 2,938; ages 18–29 years) completed an online survey, responding to demographic items, as well as ADHD and internalizing symptoms. Binary analyses using biological sex and gender identity yielded no differences in ADHD symptoms, and the expected female preponderance in internalizing symptoms. However, when analyzed across three groups, individuals in the SGM group reported higher levels of ADHD and internalizing symptoms compared with the other two groups. Notably, no differences emerged for internalizing symptoms across CHW and CHM when the SGM group was included. This is compelling evidence that analyzing sex, gender, and sexual orientation more systematically and precisely in psychopathology research is warranted.
Electrochemical Determination of Capsaicin at A Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes/CuO Nanocomposite Modified Platinum Electrode
Authors: Pooe Onkarabile G. , Elugoke Saheed E. , Uwaya Gloria E. , Fayemi Omolola E.
Published: February 2025

Herein, electrochemical detection of capsaicin (CAP) in sauce and rub samples at a Pt electrode modified with copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) incorporated with functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (fMWCNTs) was reported. The spectroscopic and microscopic characterization of CuO NPs, fMWCNTs and CuO/fMWCNTs nanocomposite with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) spectroscopy confirmed that CuO/fMWCNTs was prepared from the nanomaterials. Electrochemical characterization of the bare Pt, the fMWCNTs-modified Pt, the CuO NP-modified Pt (Pt-CuO) and the CuO/fMWCNTs composite modified Pt (Pt-CuO/fMWCNTs) electrodes revealed that the Pt-CuO/fMWCNTs exhibited the best electron transfer capabilities. The limit of detection (LOD) and the linear range of CAP at Pt-CuO/fMWCNTs were 0.0881 and 0.357–2.73 µM, respectively. The proposed sensor offered outstanding percentage recovery of 106 and 102% when applied to the electroanalysis of CAP in spiked sauce and rub samples, respectively. Pt-CuO/fMWCNTs also retained about 88% of its initial current response when subjected to 25 cyclic voltammetry (CV) scans in the presence of CAP.
Unlocking Success: The Benefits of Utilizing the School Librarian Evaluation Instrument
Authors: Hill D. Laverne , Morin Heather , Frilot Holly , Fiester Herb , Nobles Kathy D. , Dreger Kelly C.
Published: February 2025

Exemplary public school library programs need to have measures in place to determine overall effectiveness. The quality of the school library program is dependent on the effectiveness of the school librarian. Given the uncertainty of the role of school librarians and the inadequacy of evaluations for them, we present a practical solution for these issues in the form of the School Librarian Evaluation Instrument (SLEI). Administrators from 11 schools implemented the SLEI to change the dynamics of their school library programs and improve the performance of school librarians. The research team reviewed relevant standards, work samples and perceptions of administrators to determine strengths of the SLEI. Data from the self-assessment and the formative and summative forms indicated the SLEI provided the necessary guidance, alignment, versatility and outcomes that administrators were looking for to produce transformative, comprehensive changes to their programs. Substantive, standardized feedback was given to the participating school librarians in order to facilitate improvements over time. The findings of this action research study are of interest to those who want to know how to improve school library programs in U.S. schools as well as leadership opportunities of school librarians.
Multi-modal dataset creation for federated learning with DICOM-structured reports
Authors: Tölle Malte , Burger Lukas , Kelm Halvar , André Florian , Bannas Peter , Diller Gerhard , Frey Norbert , Garthe Philipp , Groß Stefan , Hennemuth Anja , Kaderali Lars , Krüger Nina , Leha Andreas , Martin Simon , Meyer Alexander , Nagel Eike , Orwat Stefan , Scherer Clemens , Seiffert Moritz , Seliger Jan Moritz , Simm Stefan , Friede Tim , Seidler Tim , Engelhardt Sandy
Published: February 2025

Purpose Federated training is often challenging on heterogeneous datasets due to divergent data storage options, inconsistent naming schemes, varied annotation procedures, and disparities in label quality. This is particularly evident in the emerging multi-modal learning paradigms, where dataset harmonization including a uniform data representation and filtering options are of paramount importance.

Methods DICOM-structured reports enable the standardized linkage of arbitrary information beyond the imaging domain and can be used within Python deep learning pipelines with . Building on this, we developed an open platform for data integration with interactive filtering capabilities, thereby simplifying the process of creation of patient cohorts over several sites with consistent multi-modal data.

Results In this study, we extend our prior work by showing its applicability to more and divergent data types, as well as streamlining datasets for federated training within an established consortium of eight university hospitals in Germany. We prove its concurrent filtering ability by creating harmonized multi-modal datasets across all locations for predicting the outcome after minimally invasive heart valve replacement. The data include imaging and waveform data (i.e., computed tomography images, electrocardiography scans) as well as annotations (i.e., calcification segmentations, and pointsets), and metadata (i.e., prostheses and pacemaker dependency).

Conclusion Structured reports bridge the traditional gap between imaging systems and information systems. Utilizing the inherent DICOM reference system arbitrary data types can be queried concurrently to create meaningful cohorts for multi-centric data analysis. The graphical interface as well as example structured report templates are available at https://github.com/Cardio-AI/fl-multi-modal-dataset-creation.
Obstacles to in-service Chinese high school mathematics teachers’ implementation of mathematical modelling in classrooms: an empirical investigation of teachers’ perspectives
Authors: Yang Xinrong , Li Xiaoshuang , Deng Zhuojun , Kaiser Gabriele
Published: February 2025

This mixed-method study uses interviews and an online questionnaire to investigate the obstacles that hinder teachers’ implementation of mathematical modelling in everyday classrooms in China. Thirty high school mathematics teachers were interviewed, and 200 teachers completed an online questionnaire regarding their perceived obstacles. We identified six critical obstacle groups: missed opportunities to learn mathematical modelling education in professional development and/or teacher education; students’ lack of knowledge and interests; lack of examples in textbooks; lack of suitable teaching materials; non-favourable curricula tradition and school policies; and a strong traditional focus on examination culture. The obstacles identified and their relationship to and role in current in-service teachers’ practices are explored and interpreted from a sociocultural perspective considering, among other factors, the significance of central examinations in China and the historical prevalence of pure, structurally oriented mathematics in school.
Significant Wave Height Cluster Analysis to Understand the Spatial Variation of Ocean Waves in Low Energy Systems
Authors: Baghbani Ramin , Linhoss Anna , Osorio Raúl J. , Shahidzadehasadi Mehrzad
Published: February 2025

Understanding spatial variation in ocean waves is critical for erosion planning and infrastructure projects. The study is aimed at (1) performing a cluster analysis to categorize the wave statistics over space and (2) determining the important drivers affecting spatial variations of wave statistics in a low energy, fetch limited environment. In this study, 29 wave gauges were deployed in Back Bay Biloxi, Mississippi. Raw pressure and processed wave height were clustered using two algorithms: Euclidian and Dynamic Time Warping. The Euclidean algorithm was applied to raw and processed data. However, due to the computationally expensive nature of Dynamic Time Warping, this algorithm could not be used on raw pressure data and was only applied to processed wave data. Therefore, three combinations of distance algorithms and data were compared: (1) Euclidean algorithm on raw pressure data, (2) Euclidean algorithm on processed wave height data, and (3) Dynamic Time Warping algorithm on processed wave height data. The results showed similar clustering for Euclidean and Dynamic Time Warping on processed data, with most gauges falling into one cluster. Results from this study reveal that the dendrogram trees of the Euclidean and Dynamic Time Warping algorithms on processed data are similar, where most of the wave gauges fall in one cluster. Conversely, the Euclidian algorithm on the raw pressure data distributed the wave gauges more evenly between the clusters. Additionally, the Euclidean algorithm on the raw pressure data showed that water depth significantly affects wave clustering.
Water-soluble dye staining of the flap nutrient artery and its perforator branch in cadavers embalmed using saturated salt solution and urea methods: does demonstration using a dye-stained cadaver increase a trainee’s level of skill acquisition?
Authors: Araki Yutaro , Oda Yuzuka , Kitagawa Mikitaka , Aoki Kohei , Komiya Takako , Kikuchi Mamoru , Shirai Takayuki , Kawata Shinichi , Itoh Masahiro , Matsumura Hajime
Published: February 2025

Cadaveric surgical training (CST) can safely improve surgical skill. Recently, various innovations have made surgical training more realistic. Saturated salt solution (SSS) and urea methods are useful for plastic surgery training, because they better preserve the color and texture of soft tissues than formalin fixation (FA). Microvessels are invisible to the naked eye, and in this study, we visualized skin perforators by injecting dye into the flaps of nutrient vessels during hand and foot surgery. During each CST session, the instructor used three cadavers for demonstration. From 2017 to 2021, these cadavers were not stained, whereas from 2022 to 2023, the cadavers were stained to enhance the visualization of nutrient and perforating vessels. We compared the self-rated skill gains of participants who observed demonstrations on unstained cadavers from 2017 to 2021 and participants who observed demonstrations on stained cadavers from 2022 to 2023. Among 36 participants from the 2022–2023 group, 28 rated the staining of nutrient vessels and perforating branches as adequate. Of 32 participants, 29 preferred the use of dyed cadavers during training. Trainee skill increase for the digital artery flap, reverse digital artery flap, and dorsal metacarpal artery perforator flap was significantly higher in 2022–2023 (with stained cadavers) than in the earlier course without stained cadavers. SSS-fixed and urea-treated cadavers combined with vascular staining may be useful training models for flap elevation.
The Impact of Composition on the Photoelectrochemical Performance of Molybdenum-Modified Tungsten Oxide in Acidic Media
Authors: Sharma Lalita , Minhová Macounová Kateřina , Nebel Roman , Krtil Petr
Published: February 2025

The efficiency of photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting is considerably controlled by the recombination of photogenerated electron/hole charge carriers at the interface. Herein, the correlation between composition and photoelectrochemical activity is studied by utilizing molybdenum-modified tungsten oxide electrodes. Molybdenum tungsten mixed oxides (Mo
x
W1−x
O3) were synthesized by spray-freeze/freeze-drying approach by varying x from 0 to 1 and studied as a photoanode. The structural changes after Mo substitution in tungsten oxide (Mo
x
W1−x
O3; 0 ≤ x ≤ 1.0) were observed as a function of the composition. In binary oxides, monoclinic structure (ℽ-phase) was observed until Mo substitution (x) reached 0.2. A coexistence of both monoclinic and orthorhombic phases was observed for x varying from 0.2 to 0.8. All synthesized n-semiconducting materials were photoelectrochemically active in water splitting under the acidic condition of HClO4. The highest PEC activity was observed for the sample with low Mo content (x = 0.05) for which the narrowest band gap was determined. The overall activity decrease encountered for Mo-rich materials can be related to a higher tendency to photoinduced proton insertion facilitated by rhombohedral structure. The insight into the mechanism was determined by differential electrochemical mass spectrometry (DEMS). Oxygen (m/z 32) and hydrogen peroxide (m/z 34) were identified as main products. The material with small variation in compositions (x = 0.05) significantly influenced catalytic activity and selectivity, highlighting the importance of the material’s design.

Graphical Abstract
A Reductive Account of Mindfulness as Metacognitive Control
Authors: Lange Victor
Published: February 2025

Mindfulness is a large research field, involving disciplines such as philosophy, cognitive psychology, psychiatry, neuroscience, and Buddhist studies. Despite this widespread interest, one question remains unanswered: Is there a psychological capacity that is essential to mindfulness and which demarcates mindfulness from most other mental activities? The most promising idea is that mindfulness is a special form of metacognitive control. Yet, I argue that current proposals on how to conceptualize such metacognitive control fail. Instead, I propose a novel account of the metacognitive control of mindfulness, drawing on the idea of so-called metacognitive goals. This account allows us to make sense of the explicit self-awareness and self-regulation involved in mindfulness and to separate mindfulness from exercises of more ordinary cognitive control. According to this account, metacognitive control is only a necessary and not a sufficient condition for mindfulness. Finally, I argue that the account motivates two theses on the nature of mindfulness, namely that we can reduce the metacognitive control of mindfulness to other psychological capacities and that this control is a form of mental action.
Exploring the mediating role of the non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (NHHR) in the association between obesity and sleep-disordered breathing
Authors: Cui Ying , Cheng Ziyi
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Exploring novel mediators affecting the relationship between obesity and sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is necessary. This study aimed to explore the mediating role of the non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (NHHR) in the association between body mass index (BMI) and SDB using data from the 2015–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) cycles.

Methods

Total 7639 participants were included. SDB was defined based on the self-reported frequency of snoring, snorting, or excessive daytime sleepiness. The BMI and NHHR were calculated based on height and weight measurements and laboratory data, respectively. Weighted multivariate logistic and linear regression analyses were conducted to examine the associations, and restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis was used to assess dose–response relationships. Mediation analysis was performed to evaluate the NHHR’s role in the BMI–SDB association. Subgroup analyses were performed to assess differences across various populations.

Results

SDB symptoms were observed in 51.05% of participants. Higher BMI was significantly associated with increased SDB risk. RCS analysis revealed a nonlinear relationship between BMI and SDB. Subgroup analyses indicated a positive correlation between BMI and SDB was stronger among nonhypertensive participants. NHHR was positively associated with BMI and SDB. Mediation analysis showed that the NHHR explained 5.44–8.12% of the BMI–SDB association.

Conclusions

BMI is a critical factor in the risk of SDB, and the NHHR partially mediates this relationship. BMI and cholesterol levels should be managed to mitigate the SDB risk.

Level of evidence

Level V—cross-sectional observational study.
Effect of keyhole and lack-of-fusion pores on the anisotropic microstructure and mechanical properties of PBF-LB/M-produced CuCrZr alloy
Authors: Beygi Nasrabadi Hossein , Klotz Ulrich E. , Tiberto Dario , Vafaeenezhad Hossein , Mishurova Tatiana , Skrotzki Birgit
Published: February 2025

Due to the high reflectance and heat conductivity of copper and its alloys, the processing window for laser-based powder bed fusion (PBF-LB/M) processing of high-density copper components fundamentally overlaps with conduction and keyhole melting zones, resulting in the emergence of certain pores in the structure of printed parts. The present research aims to study how the development of process-induced lack-of-fusion or keyhole porosities during the PBF-LB/M process can affect the anisotropic microstructure and mechanical properties of the produced copper alloys. For this purpose, several samples were produced utilizing a similar CuCrZr-feedstock composition but varied process parameters from different areas of the PBF-LB/M processing window, specifically at laser powers of 300 W and 380 W which define the boarders of the conduction and keyhole regimes. X-ray computed tomography (XCT) revealed that the 300-W and 380-W samples achieved relative densities of 98.88% and 99.99%, respectively, with elongated lack-of-fusion pores forming at 300 W and semi-spherical keyhole pores at 380 W. Microstructural analyses employing scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) demonstrated strong anisotropy in different build directions of the samples, owing to the growth of long columnar grains with intense < 101 > orientation along the build directions. Here, the emergence of different types of pores can cause competition between the epitaxial growth of columnar grains and the heterogeneous nucleation of new grains on the layers’ interfaces, thereby significantly varying the grain size, preferred orientation, crystallographic texture, and microstructural anisotropy of the samples. Furthermore, compression tests and nanoindentation measurements of the printed alloys in the longitudinal and transverse directions revealed that the 300 W and 380 W samples exhibited compressive strength anisotropies of 0.061 and 0.072, and average nanoindentation hardness values of 1.3 GPa and 1.5 GPa, respectively. The orientation of elongated lack-of-fusion porosities perpendicular to the loading axis was identified as the most damaging factor, significantly reducing mechanical performance compared to the uniformly distributed keyhole pores.
Hungarian university students’ perceptions of plagiarism
Authors: Fajt Balázs , Schiller Emese
Published: February 2025

Academic dishonesty and plagiarism have been a serious problem worldwide in academia. This study examines Hungarian university students’ attitudes towards and perceptions about plagiarism in higher education, utilizing the quantitative research paradigm (n = 607). The paper investigates the potential significant differences in terms of gender, scholarship status, employment, note-taking habits, academic aspirations, and the importance of meeting teachers’ expectations. The findings indicate that males, non-working students, and those focused on good grades are more likely to justify plagiarism and perceive its severity differently. Correlations among these scales and background variables were also analysed. The answers to open-ended questions yielded themes such as the complexity of plagiarism rules, fear of severe penalties, and the need for better education and awareness. The pedagogical implications of the study are the importance of nuanced approaches to address academic dishonesty, suggesting tailored educational interventions and clearer guidelines to mitigate plagiarism.