bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic diversity and phylogeography of the circumboreal peatland violets (Viola epipsila‐V. palustris complex, Violaceae) as inferred from non‐coding nuclear and chloroplast DNA regions
Authors: Żabicka Justyna , Migdałek Grzegorz , Marcussen Thomas , Sliwińska Elwira , Słomka Aneta , Mackiewicz Leszek , Kuta Elżbieta
Published: January 2025

The Pleistocene glaciation cycles are a major factor shaping plant genetic diversity, speciation and radiations, and current distribution ranges in the Northern Hemisphere. Case studies are important for improving our understanding of postglacial migration patterns in the Northern Hemisphere taxa in general. Here, we studied the circumboreal Viola epipsila‐V. palustris complex, whose taxonomy and patterns of variation are unclear, and phylogeography unknown, using non‐coding nuclear (ISSRs; inter simple sequence repeats) and chloroplast (cpDNA; trnS‐trnG and trnH‐psbA spacers) DNA regions. Our ISSR results separated five groups corresponding to V. epipsila, V. palustris, V. pluviae, V. suecica and hybrids (V. epipsila × V. palustris). These groups were also confirmed by the genome size of selected samples from each group. The ISSR results showed low within‐population genetic variation in V. epipsila, V. palustris, and V. pluviae as compared to V. suecica, which also has the widest distribution. The cpDNA data allowed us to infer postglacial migration routes and historical impact of gene flow between populations. A total of 13 haplotypes were identified across all species, with the largest number (eight) in European‐eastern Asian‐North American V. suecica. Five haplotypes were present in more than one taxon of the group. The low haplotype variation of European V. epipsila and V. palustris results from their status as glacial relicts. The cpDNA and ISSR phylogenies were congruent. The pattern of haplotype variation and distribution in the ranges of studied species indicates postglacial intercontinental migration of V. suecica across Beringia and V. palustris across the Atlantic.
Area of Residual Tumor Measurement After Preoperative Chemotherapy as an Objective and Quantitative Method for Predicting the Prognosis of Gastric Cancer: A Single‐Center Retrospective Study
Authors: Nagata Hiromi , Kinoshita Takahiro , Sakashita Shingo , Kojima Motohiro , Taki Tetsuro , Kuwata Takeshi , Yura Masahiro , Shitara Kohei , Ishii Genichiro , Sakamoto Naoya
Published: January 2025

Background

Pathological regression grade after chemotherapy evaluated by surgically resected specimens is closely related with prognosis. Since usefulness of measuring the area of the residual tumor (ART) has been reported, this study aimed to evaluate the utility of ART in predicting the prognosis of patients with gastric cancer (GC) who received preoperative chemotherapy.

Methods

This single‐center retrospective study examined the relationship between ART and survival outcomes. We included 92 patients who underwent preoperative chemotherapy followed by radical surgery for GC. Digital images were used to measure the ART in the largest pathological slice of each patient's surgical tumor specimen. We simply subclassified the patients as either ART‐0 (< 0.1 mm2 or carcinoma in situ) or non‐ART‐0 to compare the prognoses.

Results

Significant differences were noted in overall survival and recurrence‐free survival (RFS) between ART‐0 (n = 19) and non‐ART‐0 (n = 73). The survival curves were similar to those of major pathological response (MPR) (n = 24) or non‐MPR (n = 68), which are commonly used as surrogate endpoint presently. Multivariate analysis revealed ART and ypN independent prognostic factors for RFS. Survival curves stratified using ART and ypN to indicate risk grades (low‐, moderate‐, or high‐) were not significantly different from those stratified using the other three existing pathological regression grade systems and ypN.

Conclusion

ART‐based pathological assessment is a simple and useful method for predicting the prognosis in patients with GC who underwent radical surgery after chemotherapy.
Egalitarian random assignment
Authors: Duddy Conal
Published: January 2025

I argue that envy-freeness can obstruct fairness in the random assignment problem and I propose a new fairness criterion called even-handedness. Loosely speaking, a random assignment that maximises the position of the least advantaged agent is even-handed. Rules of random assignment that are stochastic-dominance efficient cannot be both even-handed and envy-free for groups of four or more. I define new rules called positive equality, prudent equality and balanced equality that are even-handed and stochastic-dominance efficient. The positive equality rule is envy-free for groups of three and average-envy-free for groups of any size. I present a general method of extending rules from the domain of strict preference to that of weak preference. That method is applicable to the equality rules, the serial rule and others. I also define a network flow algorithm for the positive equality rule.
A new database to guide reference material selection for dietary supplement and nutrition science
Authors: Kuszak Adam J. , Hosbas Coskun Sanem , Wise Stephen A.
Published: January 2025

Rigorous research on the health effects of dietary supplements and related nutritional interventions requires thorough chemical characterization of complex matrices for their composition of macro- and micronutrients, botanical phytochemicals, and potential contaminants. Reference materials (RMs) with metrologically traceable values for these specific properties are ideal analytical tools to ensure requisite chemical measurements are reliable. However, identifying and comparing appropriate RMs for studying dietary ingredients and their metabolites is challenging, creating a barrier to reproducible regulatory testing and research. To address this challenge, the Office of Dietary Supplements at the National Institutes of Health coordinated the development of a new publicly available Reference Materials Search Tool (https://odsrmst.od.nih.gov/) database featuring comprehensive data records and search and comparison functionality. The RMST significantly expands research capacities to discover and select fit for purpose reference materials for dietary supplement and related food and natural product chemical analysis.

Graphical Abstract
Is provisioning rate of parents and helpers influenced by the simulated presence of novel individuals?
Authors: D’Amelio Pietro B. , Carlson Nora V. , Tognetti Arnaud , Sentís Marina , Silva Liliana R. , Rybak Fanny , Covas Rita , Doutrelant Claire
Published: January 2025

Cooperative behaviour is widespread in animals and is likely to be the result of multiple selective pressures. A contentious hypothesis is that helping enhances the probability of obtaining a sexual partner (i.e., confers direct benefits through sexual selection). Under this hypothesis, cooperative behaviours may have evolved into a signal. Consequently, we would expect individuals to enhance cooperation when a potential mate is present, to signal their status and quality. We evaluated this possibility in the cooperatively breeding sociable weaver (Philetairus socius). We simulated the presence of different types of individuals using a playback to test whether the simulated presence of an unknown individual, possibly a potential mate, increases provisioning rate in two classes of cooperating birds : breeders and helpers. If the signal is the provisioning rate in itself we expected increased feeding rates of male helpers during the simulated presence of an unknown female. Contrary to our predictions, the simulated presence in the audience of an unknown individual did not influence the nestling provisioning rate of birds of any sex and class. From these results, we conclude that in this species the variation in provisioning rate is unlikely to be used as a signal in a sexual selection context. However, we also highlight the limitations of our methods and suggest improvements that future studies should incorporate when testing audience effects on cooperation.

Significance statement

Animals may cooperate to gain direct benefits, like attracting mates. This happens for example in humans. In species where cooperation leads to direct sexual benefits, when the appropriate audience is present, (i.e., a potential mate), helpers should enhance their cooperation. To determine whether helping to raise others’ young varies according to who is watching, we used playbacks to simulate the presence of unknown individuals of opposite sex (potential mates) while helpers were feeding young. Helping, quantified here as number of times food was brought to the chicks over an hour, was not affected by the simulated audience. We concluded that in sociable weavers variation in provisioning rate is unlikely to be a signal to obtain direct sexual benefits.
The single antegrade sling graft: a novel hamstring autograft technique for combined anterior cruciate ligament and anterolateral ligament reconstruction
Authors: Rabie Ahmed , Arafa Mohamed S. , Bahloul Mahmoud , Abdelbadie Ahmed
Published: January 2025

Introduction

As a result of increased incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in young athletes, there is a rise in the indications surgical ACL reconstruction procedures. The value of anterolateral ligament (ALL) reconstruction emerges as a proposed solution to prevent graft failures and improve stability in this high demanding category of patients. The purpose of this study is to present our experience with a novel hamstring auto-grafting technique, the single antegrade sling graft (SASG), for combined reconstruction of both ACL and ALL using autologous gracilis (GR) and semitendinosus (ST) grafts utilizing a single femoral tunnel and double tibial tunnels.

Materials and methods

From January 2020 to December 2021, 21 soccer players were operated utilizing the SASG technique, a modification of the technique of SANTI study group. Inclusion criteria were participating in pivoting sport, high-grade pivot shift examination (Grade 2–3), and evidence of a lateral femoral notch sign or Segond's fracture on preoperative imaging. Patients were assessed for 2 years postoperatively by Lachman’s test for anteroposterior laxity and pivot shift test for rotational laxity. The postoperative outcomes were assessed by Tegner-Lysholm and International knee documentation committee scores. Also, the postoperative complications such as stiffness, infection and graft failure were reported.

Results

21 male soccer players with a mean age 26.4 years were included in this study. After 2 years follow up there was a statistically significant improvement in the both post-operative functional scores, P value < 0.001. Fifteen patients (71.4%) could return to their preoperative sport activity level with no giving-way symptoms. Only one case of graft failure was reported in the follow up.

Conclusions

The single antegrade sling graft (SASG), for combined reconstruction of both ACL and ALL yielded good results in terms of stability and return to sports. The technique is reproducible, and results are comparable to the available published literature.
Predicting ALS informant distress from cognitive and behavioural change in people with ALS
Authors: Didcote Lyndsay , Vitoratou Silia , Al-Chalabi Ammar , Goldstein Laura H.
Published: January 2025

Background

The cognitive and behavioural changes that occur in around 50% of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) may significantly affect people around them, contributing to heightened burden, anxiety, and depression. Despite existing evidence linking behavioural impairment to caregiver distress, the role of cognitive impairment remains less clear, with mixed findings on its impact.

Methods

This study assessed the influence of cognitive and behavioural impairments in people with ALS on the distress of their nominated informants. The data were collected face-to-face and remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The cognitive and behavioural impairments were measured using established screening tools. Informants’ distress was evaluated through composite measures of burden, anxiety, and depression. Regression analyses were employed to determine the predictive value of cognitive and behavioural impairment on informant distress.

Results

A total of 98 ALS patients and 84 informants participated. Behavioural impairment predicted informant distress across various tools. In contrast, cognitive impairment was a less consistent predictor of informant distress across screening measures and did not significantly interact with behavioural impairment in predicting distress. Administration mode did not affect predictive relationships.

Conclusions

Behavioural impairment in ALS significantly predicts informant distress, with varying predictive power across different screening tools. Cognitive impairment also affects informant distress, but its impact is less substantial compared to behavioural factors. The interaction between cognitive and behavioural impairments did not significantly predict informant distress.
Cerebral vasculitis related to neurosarcoidosis: a case series and systematic literature review
Authors: Focke Jan K. , Brokbals Mosche , Becker Jana , Veltkamp Roland , van de Beek Diederik , Brouwer Matthijs C. , Westendorp Willeke F. , Kraemer Markus
Published: January 2025

Cerebral vasculitis is a rare but severe manifestation of neurosarcoidosis (NS) that has received little attention. The aim of the present study was to characterize clinical and diagnostic features as well as potential treatment strategies of cerebral vasculitis related to NS. We assessed 29 patients with cerebral vasculitis related to NS (15 female, mean age at time of diagnosis 45 years, SD = 11.85) among these were four new cases from our hospital records and 25 previously published cases from a systematic literature review. The demographic, clinical, and diagnostic features of those 29 patients with cerebral vasculitis related to NS were compared with a group of 73 NS patients without vasculitic involvement (37 female, mean age at time of diagnosis 47 years, SD = 14.79). Neurologic deficits and MRI abnormalities were significantly more frequent in cerebral vasculitis related to NS than in NS without vasculitic involvement. Patients with cerebral vasculitis related to NS significantly more often presented with headache, motor symptoms, and cognitive and/or behavioral changes. Non-neurologic manifestations of sarcoidosis did not significantly differ in character or frequency between both groups. Glucocorticoids in combination with methotrexate, cyclophosphamide, or infliximab were the most frequently used treatment strategies in cerebral vasculitis related to NS. Within the complex diagnostic work-up that is required in cerebral vasculitis related to NS sufficient angiographic imaging as digital subtraction angiography or MRI vessel wall imaging and tissue biopsy are of particular significance as they can detect vascular changes caused by inflammatory processes.
Balance recovery and its link to vestibular agnosia in traumatic brain injury: a longitudinal behavioural and neuro-imaging study
Authors: Hadi Zaeem , Mahmud Mohammad , Calzolari Elena , Chepisheva Mariya , Zimmerman Karl A. , Tahtis Vassilios , Smith Rebecca M. , Rust Heiko M. , Sharp David J. , Seemungal Barry M.
Published: January 2025

Background

Vestibular dysfunction causing imbalance affects c. 80% of acute hospitalized traumatic brain injury (TBI) cases. Poor balance recovery is linked to worse return-to-work rates and reduced longevity. We previously showed that white matter network disruption, particularly of right inferior longitudinal fasciculus, mediates the overlap between imbalance and impaired vestibular perception of self-motion (i.e., vestibular agnosia) in acute hospitalized TBI. However, there are no prior reports tracking the acute-longitudinal trajectory of objectively measured vestibular function for hospitalized TBI patients. We hypothesized that recovery of vestibular agnosia and imbalance is linked and mediated by overlapping brain networks.

Methods

We screened 918 acute major trauma in-patients, assessed 146, recruited 39 acutely, and retested 34 at 6 months. Inclusion criteria were 18–65-year-old adults hospitalized for TBI with laboratory-confirmed preserved peripheral vestibular function. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and migraine were treated prior to testing. Vestibular agnosia was quantified by participants’ ability to perceive whole-body yaw plane rotations via an automated rotating-chair algorithm. Subjective symptoms of imbalance (via questionnaires) and objective imbalance (via posturography) were also assessed.

Results

Acute vestibular agnosia predicted poor balance recovery at 6 months. Recovery of vestibular agnosia and linked imbalance was mediated by bihemispheric fronto-posterior cortical circuits. Recovery of subjective symptoms of imbalance and objective imbalance were not correlated.

Conclusion

Vestibular agnosia mediates balance recovery post-TBI. The link between subjective dizziness and brain injury recovery, although important, is unclear. Therapeutic trials of vestibular recovery post-TBI should target enhancing bi-hemispheric connectivity and linked objective clinical measures (e.g., posturography).
The aortic-vertebral distance is more associated with axial plane deformities than coronal and sagittal deformities in idiopathic scoliosis patients of Lenke types I and II.
Authors: Burger Joost A. , Becker Luis Alexander , Li Zhao , Wang Zhen , Schmidt Hendrik , Schömig Friederike , Pumberger Matthias
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Although idiopathic scoliosis is a common three-dimensional deformity, there is a lack of studies evaluating the associations between the aortic-vertebral distance (AVD) and spinal deformities in all planes. The study therefore aimed to evaluate how the coronal and sagittal curvature, vertebral rotation and aortic-vertebral angle (AVA) affect the AVD in idiopathic scoliosis.

Methods

The AVD, AVA, vertebral rotation and curve angles were measured on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging and radiographs in 46 patients who underwent posterior spinal fusion with pedicle screw instrumentation for idiopathic scoliosis Lenke types 1 and 2. Associations between variables were examined using correlation and multivariable regression analyses.

Results

A significant weak to strong correlation was found between the AVD and AVA, and the AVD and vertebral rotation (r = 0.315 to 0.712) within the thoracic curve. The sagittal kyphosis and coronal Cobb angles showed weak correlations with the AVD (r = -0.311 to 0.338). The regression model for the apical vertebral level, which included the four variables, explained 40% (R²=0.40) of the variation in AVD. AVA and vertebral rotation were significantly associated with AVD (p < 0.01 for each), together accounting for 34% (R²=0.34) of the variation.

Conclusion

The shortest distance from the aortic wall to the vertebral body wall is primarily influenced by vertebral rotation and the AVA within the thoracic curve. Thus, these factors need to be taken into consideration when planning pedicle screw placement especially in freehand techniques.
Eco-friendly sensing of hexavalent chromium ions via copper-doped carbon quantum dots: a fluorescent probe for water safety
Authors: Sudan Shubam , Kaushal Jyotsna , Singh Thakur Gurjeet , Mahmoud Mohamed H. , Alexiou Athanasios , Papadakis Marios , Fetoh Mohammed E. Abo-El , Batiha Gaber El-Saber
Published: January 2025

The hydrothermal synthesis is presented of copper-doped carbon dots (Cu-CDs) from citric acid, urea, and copper chloride, resulting in blue-fluorescent particles with stable emission at 438 nm when excited at 340 nm. Through comprehensive spectroscopic and microscopic characterization (FTIR, XPS, UV, and HRTEM), the Cu-CDs demonstrated remarkable stability across varying pH levels, ionic strengths, temperatures, and UV exposure. Notably, Cu-CDs exhibit ultra-sensitive and selective detection of hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] ions in aqueous environments driven by fluorescence quenching. The system showed a robust linear response to Cr(VI) in the 0–80 µM range, with an impressive limit of detection (LOD) of 0.186 µM, significantly lower than the WHO’s permissible limit of 0.96 µM. These findings position Cu-CDs as an effective tool for environmental monitoring and water safety applications.

Graphical Abstract
Impact of high-resolution land use data on numerical simulations of Colombo’s thermal environment during heatwaves
Authors: Thisara Sathsara K.L. , Kusaka Hiroyuki
Published: January 2025

Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) play a crucial role in the regional climate models, as they influence various physical processes interconnected with energy, mass, and atmospheric interactions. This study has examined the impact of high-resolution LULC data on the accuracy of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model with the Urban Canopy Model in capturing the thermal environment of the Colombo Metropolitan Region (CMR) during heatwaves (HWs). In the performed simulations we used four LULC datasets: USGS, MODIS30, MODIS15, and Esri (Sentinel2). Our investigation is the first application of the WRF model to study the thermal environment in a tropical city such as Colombo. This is also the first research investigation of HWs in the Sri Lanka context from the mesoscale viewpoint. Additionally, this is the first time high-resolution Esri land-use data have been used in a numerical model to examine the thermal environment. By evaluating the three HW cases, we compared the simulation outcomes with observational data from three meteorological stations in CMR. The results from numerical simulations revealed that the LU4 dataset provided the closest agreement with observed Land Surface Temperatures (LST). Daytime LSTs in urban areas peaked above 45 °C, while nighttime temperatures reached 30 °C in commercial zones. Coastal regions consistently exhibited lower temperatures, with daytime LSTs ranging from 40 to 45 °C and nighttime LSTs from 25 to 30 °C, compared to the urban cores. LU4 showed the closest alignment with Himawari satellite data, ensuring superior accuracy. Temperature anomaly analysis indicated that LU4 reduced daytime temperature anomalies by up to 2.5 °C and nighttime anomalies by 1.0 °C compared to other datasets. Statistical evaluations (R = 0.94 in Colombo) further highlight the importance of high-resolution LULC data for enhancing the accuracy of the WRF model in representing urban thermal environments.
Inventory optimisation in a two-echelon cold chain: Sustainable lot-sizing and shipment decisions under carbon cap emissions regulations
Authors: Sebatjane Makoena
Published: January 2025

Cold chains are a major source of carbon emissions because they make use refrigerated trucks and warehouses for distribution and storage of inventory. Consequently, inventory management in cold chains should prioritise both profitability and environmental sustainability. This paper optimises inventory in a cold chain system consisting of a single warehouse and retail outlet, responsible for storing and selling cold items, respectively. To maintain product quality and safety, these items must be transported and stored in temperature-controlled environments. Two inventory models for the proposed cold chain are formulated and compared under two distinct carbon emissions regulations, namely, cap-and-trade and cap-and-offset, using both financial and environmental metrics. The proposed models factor in carbon emissions from refrigerated trucks and warehouses used for transporting and storing cold inventory. This study examines both a numerical example and a real case study involving a frozen seafood supply chain. The numerical analysis reveals that cap-and-trade regulation is more effective in reducing environmental impact, leading to 4.4% lower carbon emissions compared to carbon cap-and-offset regulation. However, from an economic standpoint, carbon cap-and-offset regulation performs marginally better, generating a 1% higher profit. The study identifies three key factors that significantly influence both financial and environmental outcomes in the cold chain: truck capacity, fuel efficiency, and freezer performance. As a result, management can best improve profitability and reduce emissions in cold chain operations by focusing on optimising these critical elements.
Active guidance systems in maritime evacuations: optimizing the lifeboat allocation for cruise ships
Authors: Velez Andres , Wallace Stein W.
Published: January 2025

We study the evacuation of large cruise vessels under hazardous conditions. Based on a new sensor mesh technology, allowing wireless two-way communication also when electricity is lost, we propose an optimization-based procedure that provides real-time guidance to passengers. As a first step, we explore a lifeboat assignment procedure to illustrate some of the aspects linked to pedestrian evacuations on vessels and open the discussion for future work using operations research in a context where human behavior is part of the problem.
Analytic four-body limaçon choreography
Authors: Fernandez-Guasti Manuel
Published: January 2025

The trajectories and interaction forces of four bodies with equal masses are analytically described. The bodies follow a choreographic motion in a trisectrix limax periodic orbit without collisions. The curve is similar to a numerical curve of a folded figure of eight. The center of mass is fixed at the origin. The moment of inertia, the non-zero angular momentum as well as the kinetic and potential energies of the system are constant. The interaction forces are not Newtonian but linear attractive and repulsive forces along the lines joining the bodies. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first analytical solution to a four-body choreography in a curve other than the circle.
Shallow turbulent mixing layers in open-channel flows
Authors: Proust Sébastien , Cérino Bastien , Berni Céline , Nikora Vladimir I.
Published: January 2025

A mixing layer (ML) forms when two streams of different speeds or densities merge. MLs are ubiquitous in nature and can be often observed in the atmosphere, ocean, rivers, canals, lakes and reservoirs. This review paper focuses on the turbulent MLs developing in open-channel flows when the vertical size of the ML is smaller than its streamwise and spanwise dimensions. Such MLs are referred to as shallow MLs (SMLs). The SMLs often involve large-scale features such as quasi-two-dimensional coherent structures with a bed-normal axis, streamwise-oriented vortices, secondary currents, gravity currents, and bed-induced turbulent structures such as large- and very-large-scale motions. Considering various types of SMLs, we distinguish SMLs driven by (i) spanwise inhomogeneity of hydrodynamic parameters, (ii) lateral changes in flow resistance, and (iii) spanwise heterogeneity in fluid density. As SMLs and associated flow structures largely control transverse exchanges of various substances (e.g., sediments, pollutants, nutrients) and heat, the mixing of substances and thermal mixing are also addressed. Then, commonalities and differences among the various types of SMLs are identified. The paper is concluded with suggestions on future research efforts for advancing the knowledge on SMLs and capabilities for their predictions and control.
International students and everyday multiculturalism: rethinking ‘connection’ through mundane sites of encounter
Authors: Mittelmeier Jenna , Huang Daian , Xu Limanzi , Ozturk Mumine , Healey Karen Broadhurst
Published: January 2025

Dominant narratives of international students in the existing literature paint them as ‘missing’ or living ‘in parallel’ to their local communities, predominantly through evaluating the composition of their friendship networks. In this study, we query whether the use of a new conceptual framework can provide alternative explanations for these deficit framings. Using the lens of ‘everyday multiculturalism’, we explore instead how (international) students encounter, enact, and engage with multiculturalism in their local communities in more micro ways through banal acts of daily living. This has been developed through interviews with 41 international and home students across four cities in Germany, using a photo elicitation method and centring narrative storytelling. This study finds that micro sites of encounter, such as rubbish bins and bus rides, are symbolised by students as meaningful spaces of multicultural encounter and learning. We further reflect on how everyday multiculturalism holds a dual function as a site of experienced xenophobia and racism, as well as spaces where stereotypes are confirmed. Together this highlights the value of alternative conceptual frameworks for critiquing deficit framings of international students’ connections to multicultural societies by highlighting how they are multicultural society.
Using global sensitivity analysis to quantify the uncertainty of root reinforcement in vegetated slope stability
Authors: Xian Jiantang , Zhu Jun , Leung Anthony Kwan , Wu Chenguang , Feng Song , Zhang Jie
Published: January 2025

Aims

Variabilities of vegetation and soil cause uncertainty to the factor of safety (FoS) of unsaturated vegetated slopes, yet the significance of these variabilities on the uncertainty of FoS is unclear. This study aims to quantify the effect of the uncertainties of root reinforcement and soil hydromechanical properties to the uncertainty of the FoS.

Methods

The variance‐based global sensitivity analysis was adopted to evaluate how the variance of FoS of vegetated slopes can be apportioned by the variabilities of soil and root parameters. A copula theory was applied to model the correlation amongst the parameters.

Results

For slip depths shallower than 0.30 m, the major source of the variance of the FoS included the parameters that define root reinforcement, followed by the parameters of soil shear strength. The variation of transpiration‐induced soil suction had limited effect on the FoS variance under heavy rainfall. Taking into account the correlations amongst the parameters had minor influence on their contribution to the variance of the FoS.

Conclusions

We observed threshold slip depths, where the relative contribution of uncertainties in root and soil parameters on the FoS uncertainty underwent a transition. Root reinforcement for slips as deep as 0.60 m can provide reliable slope stabilisation effects.
Climate change impact on the viability of western sand lance during estivation in the Seto Inland Sea
Authors: Shibata Jun-ya , Sakai Yoichi , Nishijima Wataru
Published: January 2025

The western sand lance (Ammodytes japonicus) is a valuable fishery resource in the Seto Inland Sea. Although it survives through summer by estivating, it faces the threat of population decline as seawater temperature increases at an alarming rate due to climate change. We applied data from meta-analyses and laboratory analyses to inform a climate-linked model of predicted survival to determine the impact of climate change on the persistence of A. japonicus through the end of the century. Our results suggest that the mortality rate of A. japonicus during estivation increases with elevated water temperature, and the initial condition factor at the onset of estivation is critical to the survival of estivating A. japonicus. Furthermore, our results indicate that climate change will pose serious challenges to the persistence of the A. japonicus population in the Seto Inland Sea in the twenty-first century if climate change mitigation measures are not implemented and the environmental conditions that promote accumulation of energy reserves in A. japonicus prior to estivation are not improved.
Zur Bedeutung von Feedback für das Belastungserleben von Schüler:innen vor und während des Distanzunterrichts
Authors: Obermeier Ramona , Lenz Sonja , Helm Christoph
Published: January 2025

Konstruktives Lehrkräftefeedback erweist sich im Präsenzunterricht als förderlich für das Wohlbefinden der Lernenden. Auch für den Distanzunterricht während der COVID-Pandemie wird es als bedeutende psychologische Ressource zur Reduktion des Belastungserlebens vermutet. Feedback, das Schüler:innen an Lehrkräfte richten, hat ebenfalls Potenzial belastungsreduzierend zu wirken, wurde bislang im Distanzunterricht jedoch nicht erforscht. Um der Zunahme psychischer Belastungen der Schüler:innen während der COVID-Pandemie entgegenwirken zu können, kann eine regelmäßige positive Interaktion zwischen Lehrkräften und Schüler:innen besonders bedeutsam sein. Mixed-effects Modelle basierend auf einer Stichprobe von N = 1432 österreichischen Schüler:innen der Sekundarstufe zeigen, dass häufigeres Lehrkräftefeedback mit einer geringeren retrospektiv eingeschätzten Belastung von Schüler:innen während des Distanzunterrichts einhergeht. Die Möglichkeit für Schüler:innen, Feedback an Lehrkräfte zu richten, steht dagegen in keinem signifikanten Zusammenhang zu ihrem Belastungserleben. Die Studie unterstreicht die Bedeutung der Häufigkeit verschiedener Feedbackformen, die Lehrkräfte anwenden, für das Belastungserleben von Lernenden, nicht nur, aber besonders in herausfordernden Zeiten wie dem Distanzunterricht.
Probiotic characterisation of lactic acid bacteria isolated from pickles and their potential application as presumptive probiotic starter culture in cucumber pickles
Authors: Guney Damla , Başdoğan Miray Gizem Bingöl , Sengun Ilkin
Published: January 2025

This study aimed to isolate lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from traditional pickles, analyse their probiotic properties, identify them and evaluate their potential use in the production of cucumber pickles. The majority of the isolates (65) demonstrated survival at pH 3.0, while only three isolates exhibited this ability at pH 2.0. All isolates were resistant to 0.3% and 1% bile salts and survived at 1.5% (v/v) NaCl. However, the majority of isolates exhibited survival at 10% (v/v) NaCl (73 isolates), phenol (0.4%) (64 isolates), and pepsin (81 isolates) and pancreatin presence (78 isolates). The majority of the isolates demonstrated susceptibility to antibiotics and exhibited antimicrobial activities. Furthermore, some isolates demonstrated limited proteolytic and β-galactosidase activities, with the limited proteolytic activity being particularly beneficial for contributing to positive sensorial properties in this study. Following the evaluation of the probiotic test results, selected isolates were identified as Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Lactiplantibacillus pentosus, Levilactobacillus brevis, Lentilactobacillus parabuchneri and Pediococcus parvulus based on 16S rRNA sequence analysis. Cucumber pickles were then produced with presumptive probiotics (L. brevis T7, L. parabuchneri T10, L. plantarum T12, and P. parvulus T13) in both single and mixed cell forms, fermented for 15 days and stored at 4 °C for 5 weeks. The results demonstrated that cucumber pickles contained > 6 log CFU/g of presumptive probiotics at the end of fermentation. Sensory analysis results showed that cucumber pickles enriched with presumptive probiotics were acceptable compared to the negative control sample (spontaneously fermented). The findings also highlight the functional potential of the samples, with PS3 offering benefits for lactose-intolerant individuals and PS2 demonstrating antimicrobial activity. It is possible to offer cucumber pickles to consumers as an alternative probiotic product; however, further research is required to ascertain the viability of probiotics over an extended period.
Extracellular Matrix Alterations Due to Early-Life Adversity: Implications for Auditory Learning in Male Sprague–Dawley Rats
Authors: Mazi Aise Rumeysa , Karakoc Yunus , Demirtas Cumaali , Aykin Ugur , Yildirim Mehmet
Published: January 2025

This study aimed to investigate the impact of early childhood chronic stress on the development of the brain extracellular matrix (ECM) and how alterations in the ECM following early-life adversity (ELA) affect auditory learning and cognitive flexibility. ELA was induced through a combination of maternal separation and neonatal isolation in male Sprague–Dawley rats, and the success of the ELA model was assessed behaviorally and biochemically. A cortex-dependent go/no-go task with two phases was used to determine the impact of ELA on auditory learning and cognitive flexibility. The effects of the ECM on cognition were tested via the enzymatic removal of the ECM. The molecular structure of the adult ECM was examined via immunohistochemistry. ELA impaired initial auditory learning but did not significantly affect cognitive flexibility. Hyase injection into the auditory cortex (ACx) restored initial learning. ELA rats display a reduced perineural net (PNN) and parvalbumin + cell density. Our findings reveal that ELA induces significant alterations in the ECM within the ACx, accompanied by impaired initial auditory learning. Although PNN density is already lower in ELA rats, degrading the ECM facilitates the repair of auditory learning. A reduced PNN number in ELA rats fails to enhance learning unless supplemented with Hyase injection.
Pornography Consumption Among Young People: An Assessment of Parents’ and Teachers’ Training Needs
Authors: Vall-Castelló Berta , Grané-Morcillo Jaume , Lloberas-López-de-Sepúlveda Elena , Aznar-Martínez Berta , Lorente-De-Sanz Judith , Baroncelli Letizia , Pauncz Alessandra
Published: January 2025

Introduction

In Spain and Italy, it is estimated that childrens’ first contact with pornography can occur before the age of 10 years. Minors in this position lack the emotional tools necessary to analyze pornographic content critically. However, many adolescents do not discuss issues related to sexuality with their parents or teachers because they feel embarrassed or perceive those figures as insufficiently knowledgeable. This study analyzed the knowledge, attitudes, and awareness of parents and teachers regarding young people’s internet usage and pornography consumption and their preparedness to discuss sexuality and pornography with their children or pupils.

Methods

The participants (N = 142) included 74 parents (52.1%) and 68 teachers (47.9%) who were from Spain (51.7%) or Italy (48.3%). Two ad hoc questionnaires were used in this research.

Results

Compared to parents, teachers attributed higher levels of pornography consumption to young people. Parents and teachers expressed similar views regarding the adverse effects of pornography consumption. Discussing pornography with children was identified as challenging by parents (more than 1/3 of whom had never discussed this topic) and especially by teachers (half of whom had never discussed this issue). Few parents and teachers had received training in these issues; this lack was especially notable among Italian teachers.

Conclusions

These results highlight the need to increase the training provided to parents and teachers in these areas to improve children’s satisfaction with sexuality education programs.

Policy Implications

It is necessary to develop child-focused sexuality education programs that involve parents and teachers and range beyond an adult-centered agenda.
Mining and industrial processing wastes of phosphate rocks in Egypt: potentiality of rare earth elements
Authors: Abou El‑Anwar E. A. , Rashwan M. A. , Abd El Samee M. A. , Belal Z. L. , Salman S. A. , Seleem E. M. , Abdelwahab W. , Abd El-Shakour Z. , Kamal M. , Ahmed A. S.
Published: January 2025

Globally, Egypt ranked the eighth position in the production of phosphorus with about 5 million tons annually. Phosphate ore is considered one of the commonest sources of rare earth elements (REEs). Mining and industrial processes (beneficiation) of phosphate ore produce huge amounts of wastes in different sizes. The present study aims to evaluate the potentiality of the phosphate ore wastes as a source of rare earth elements (REEs). The study targeted some phosphate production sites in Egypt, including: Abu Tartur, West and East El-Sebaiya phosphate mines, in addition to the fertilizers factory in Assiut. The collected waste samples, during 2023, were analyzed in terms of mineralogical composition using XRD (X-Ray Diffraction) and chemical composition using XRF (X-Ray Fluorescence). The results of chemical analysis recorded the highest concentrations of Y, Ce, La, Nd, Sc, Sm, U, and Th in Abu Tartur waste samples, while the lowest concentrations were recorded in the fertilizers factory waste samples. These wastes contain higher concentrations of REEs than the Algerian and USA wastes. Furthermore, an enrichment of the mostly environmental hazardous elements As, Cr, Cd, Pb, and Se are detected in Abu Tartur and West and East El-Sebaiya. Thus, the wastes from the industry and mining processing of phosphate represented a vital economic source for the production of REEs. The use of wastes for production of trace and rare earth elements represents an economic and environmental add value for phosphate industry.
A systematic review of the transformation of Lake Beseka from brine to nearly fresh lake water
Authors: Abebe Yosef , Alemayehu Taye , Abebe Bizuneh Asfaw , Alamirew Tena , Teckola Beteley , Alemayehu Esayas
Published: January 2025

Anthropogenic and hydrogeological factors are detrimental factors on the then brine lake, Beseka. The lake is in a state of dramatic change in its nature. The aim of this systematic review is to identify knowledge gaps related to the change in water quality and its suitability for different uses. The study also assesses trends in Lake Beseka's (LB) water quality. Previously, it was believed that volcanic lakes were harmful to the environment and unusable for the welfare of humans, animals, and other living things. However, LB in Ethiopia is a special or uncommon case to leave doubt to this general believes. This assessment shows the rapid transformation of the lake’s waters to safer and usable one from its brine form. To evaluate the water quality of Lake Beseka, various parameters and techniques (indices) can be used. Between 1961 and 2021, the lake’s salinity decreased from 74100 to 2520 µS/cm (1,654 µS/cm in April, 2024). Other important Water Quality Index parameters that show sharp decline can be mentioned. Sodium content declined from 17,800 to 630 mg/L, chlorides declined from 5480 to 210 mg/L, and sulfates, declined from 4680 to 192 mg/L. Eutrophication-related lake issues are being evaluated. Large-scale water quality parameters demonstrate rapid alterations brought on by freshwater discharge into lakes, which may shed light on their use for livestock and crop production. Although it is not currently advised for use, it has demonstrated an unpredicted dilution trend and is getting close to the FAO standards. It is crucial to take into account options to lessen the effects of the adjacent Awash River by upgrading infrastructure and changing the lake's natural flow in order to address the issues with average water quantity. As a result, the Lake Beseka water source will continue to be a useful resource for many years to come. This study suggests that volcanic lakes, such as Lake Beseka, may be crucial in addressing future water security issues in the basin.
OMEGA-CATEGORICAL PSEUDOFINITE GROUPS
Authors: MACPHERSON DUGALD , TENT KATRIN
Published: January 2025

We explore the interplay between

$\omega $

-categoricity and pseudofiniteness for groups, and we conjecture that

$\omega $

-categorical pseudofinite groups are finite-by-abelian-by-finite. We show that the conjecture reduces to nilpotent p-groups of class 2, and give a proof that several of the known examples of

$\omega $

-categorical p-groups satisfy the conjecture. In particular, we show by a direct counting argument that for any odd prime p the (

$\omega $

-categorical) model companion of the theory of nilpotent class 2 exponent p groups, constructed by Saracino and Wood, is not pseudofinite, and that an

$\omega $

-categorical group constructed by Baudisch with supersimple rank 1 theory is not pseudofinite. We also survey some scattered literature on

$\omega $

-categorical groups over 50 years.
Populism and Democracy on the Individual Level: Building on, Yet Moving Beyond the Supply Side
Authors: Van Hauwaert Steven M. , Huber Robert A.
Published: January 2025

The connection between populism and democracy is widely researched. Most of the literature focuses on populist actors (e.g., parties, leaders, and governments) as it examines the intricacies of this relationship. Some of the resulting takeaways have become embedded firmly in scholarship and are currently considered accepted knowledge across the discipline. Scholars have only recently started focusing on the individual-level relationship between populism and democracy. As a result, our knowledge remains limited and is often based on the assumption that what holds for populist actors also will hold for populist citizens. The first part of this article briefly reviews the state of the art on the individual-level relationship between populism and democracy. Drawing from this review, we identify several theoretical and empirical gaps and limitations in the literature that future research should address. We conclude that contemporary scholarship has made important contributions, but more nuanced and targeted research is necessary to comprehensively understand the intricacies between populism and democracy on the individual level.
The influence of cross-speaker code-switching and language ability on inhibitory control in bilingual children
Authors: Hansen Emily , Slawny Caitlyn , Kaushanskaya Margarita
Published: January 2025

Prior work has yielded mixed findings regarding the relationship between language control and domain-general inhibitory control. Here, we tested the possibility that omnibus language ability would moderate the relationship between language control and inhibitory control in bilingual children. We tested 43 Spanish-English bilingual children (ages 4–5.92 years; 25 females). Children engaged in play-based interactions with their parent, and rates of cross-speaker switches (using a language different from one used by parent) indexed language control. Inhibitory control was measured via a non-verbal flanker task. Analyses revealed that higher frequency of cross-speaker code-switches was associated with better inhibitory control only for children with higher levels of language ability. For children with lower language skills, there was no association between switches and inhibitory control. These findings align with the literature linking cognitive control and language control in bilinguals and extend it to indicate that the strength of the language system constrains this link.
A Reliable Common-Sense Reasoning Socialbot Built Using LLMs and Goal-Directed ASP
Authors: ZENG YANKAI , RAJASEKHARAN ABHIRAMON , BASU KINJAL , WANG HUADUO , ARIAS JOAQUÍN , GUPTA GOPAL
Published: January 2025

The development of large language models (LLMs), such as GPT, has enabled the construction of several socialbots, like ChatGPT, that are receiving a lot of attention for their ability to simulate a human conversation. However, the conversation is not guided by a goal and is hard to control. In addition, because LLMs rely more on pattern recognition than deductive reasoning, they can give confusing answers and have difficulty integrating multiple topics into a cohesive response. These limitations often lead the LLM to deviate from the main topic to keep the conversation interesting. We propose AutoCompanion, a socialbot that uses an LLM model to translate natural language into predicates (and vice versa) and employs commonsense reasoning based on answer set programming (ASP) to hold a social conversation with a human. In particular, we rely on s(CASP), a goal-directed implementation of ASP as the backend. This paper presents the framework design and how an LLM is used to parse user messages and generate a response from the s(CASP) engine output. To validate our proposal, we describe (real) conversations in which the chatbot’s goal is to keep the user entertained by talking about movies and books, and s(CASP) ensures (i) correctness of answers, (ii) coherence (and precision) during the conversation—which it dynamically regulates to achieve its specific purpose—and (iii) no deviation from the main topic.