bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clozapine-associated adverse drug reactions in 38,349 psychiatric inpatients: drug surveillance data from the AMSP project between 1993 and 2016
Authors: Bleich Lene , Grohmann Renate , Greil Waldemar , Dabbert Dominik , Erfurth Andreas , Toto Sermin , Seifert Johanna
Published: August 2024

Clozapine is a second-generation antipsychotic drug that offers superior treatment results in patients with schizophrenia but is also associated with significant risks. This study analyzes data on pharmacotherapy with clozapine and the associated adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in an inpatient setting including 38,349 patients. Data about the use of clozapine and reports of severe ADRs within the period 1993–2016 were obtained from the multicentered observational pharmacovigilance program “Arzneimittelsicherheit in der Psychiatrie” (AMSP). In total, 586 severe clozapine-associated ADRs were documented (1.53% of all patients exposed). Patients aged ≥65 years had a higher risk of ADRs than patients aged <65 years (1.96 vs. 1.48%; p = 0.021). Significantly more ADRs were attributed to clozapine alone (396; 67.6% of all 586 ADRs) than to a combination with other drugs. The most frequent ADRs were grand mal seizures (0.183% of all 38,349 patients exposed), delirium (0.180%), increased liver enzymes (0.120%), and agranulocytosis (0.107%). We detected 24 cases (0.063%) of clozapine-induced extrapyramidal symptoms, of which 8 (0.021%) were attributed to clozapine alone. Five ADRs resulted in death (0.013%): 2 due to agranulocytosis (41 cases total) (mortality = 4.88%) and 3 due to paralytic (sub)ileus (16 cases) (mortality = 18.75%). The median dose of clozapine in all patients treated was 300 mg/day, in patients who developed ADRs 250 mg/day. The main risk factor for an ADR was pre-existing damage of the affected organ system. Overall, the results of this study highlight the importance of alertness—especially of frequently overlooked symptoms—and appropriate monitoring during treatment with clozapine, even at low doses.
Serial visual reversal learning in captive black-handed spider monkeys, Ateles geoffroyi
Authors: Dorschner Jules , Hernandez Salazar Laura Teresa , Laska Matthias
Published: August 2024

Recent research suggests that socio-ecological factors such as dietary specialization and social complexity may be drivers of advanced cognitive skills among primates. Therefore, we assessed the ability of 12 black-handed spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi), a highly frugivorous platyrrhine primate with strong fission-fusion dynamics, to succeed in a serial visual reversal learning task. Using a two-alternative choice paradigm we first trained the animals to reliably choose a rewarded visual stimulus over a non-rewarded one. Upon reaching a pre-set learning criterion we then switched the reward values of the two stimuli and assessed if and how quickly the animals learned to reverse their choices, again to a pre-set learning criterion. This stimulus reversal procedure was then continued for a total of 80 sessions of 10 trials each. We found that the spider monkeys quickly learned to reliably discriminate between two simultaneously presented visual stimuli, that they succeeded in a visual reversal learning task, and that they displayed an increase in learning speed across consecutive reversals, suggesting that they are capable of serial reversal learning-set formation with visual cues. The fastest-learning individual completed five reversals within the 80 sessions. The spider monkeys outperformed most other primate and nonprimate mammal species tested so far on this type of cognitive task, including chimpanzees, with regard to their learning speed in both the initial learning task and in the first reversal task, suggesting a high degree of behavioral flexibility and inhibitory control. Our findings support the notion that socio-ecological factors such as dietary specialization and social complexity foster advanced cognitive skills in primates.
Student’s reported satisfaction at University: the role of personal characteristics and secondary school background
Authors: Li Ian W. , Jackson Denise , Koshy Paul
Published: August 2024

Widening participation and improving outcomes for under-represented and disadvantaged groups in higher education are part of the strategic agenda of governments across the globe. A critical aspect of this challenge is enhancing the experience of students from such backgrounds. However, there is relatively limited evidence on the effects of student background, including social and geographical disadvantage and secondary education preparation, on self-reported student experience. This study addressed this topic in the Australian context using data from the annual Student Experience Survey (2016–2020 waves) with linkage to administrative records for 24,292 students from seven higher education institutions. This included data on secondary schools’ administration, resourcing, and socio-economic status from the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority. Binary logistic regression models were estimated on eight measures of self-reported student satisfaction, and a measure of dropout risk. Students from equity groups, particularly those with a disability or from non-English speaking backgrounds, were found to have lower levels of student satisfaction in aspects of their higher education experience and higher risk of dropout. Those from non-government schools (privately funded) reported higher levels of student satisfaction. Off-campus study was associated with poorer satisfaction but lower risk of dropout, while being engaged in some online study was associated with better satisfaction. The findings indicate the need for better university support for equity group students and signal potential responses through university study design, such as incorporating online study options, and addressing issues faced by students studying off-campus, to improve student outcomes.
A Cryogenic Testbed for Polarization Modulators and Cryogenic Mechanisms
Authors: Columbro F. , de Bernardis P. , Coppolecchia A. , Marchitelli E. , Masi S. , Occhiuzzi A.
Published: August 2024

We developed a cryogenic facility to assess the performance of different types of cryogenic mechanisms. The facility can host very large (up to $$\sim {1}\,\hbox {m}^{3}$$

∼
1

m
3

) and heavy (up to $$\sim {30}\,\hbox {kg}$$

∼
30

kg

) instrumentation, cooled down below 10 K. The operation of moving components can be visually monitored by means of two webcams looking inside the 4 K volume. In addition a large number of electrical feedthroughs (444 lines) allow the operation of a set of hall and capacitive sensors to measure both the magnetic field, the position of moving devices with an accuracy of tens of microns and their temperatures with an accuracy of few $$\%$$
%
. We present the results of the first tests on a large aperture (500 mm diameter) superconducting magnetic bearing for the SWIPE/LSPE experiment currently under test.
Implicit Low-Rank Riemannian Schemes for the Time Integration of Stiff Partial Differential Equations
Authors: Sutti Marco , Vandereycken Bart
Published: August 2024

We propose two implicit numerical schemes for the low-rank time integration of stiff nonlinear partial differential equations. Our approach uses the preconditioned Riemannian trust-region method of Absil, Baker, and Gallivan, 2007. We demonstrate the efficiency of our method for solving the Allen–Cahn and the Fisher–KPP equations on the manifold of fixed-rank matrices. Our approach allows us to avoid the restriction on the time step typical of methods that use the fixed-point iteration to solve the inner nonlinear equations. Finally, we demonstrate the efficiency of the preconditioner on the same variational problems presented in Sutti and Vandereycken, 2021.
The P-ideal dichotomy, Martin’s axiom and entangled sets
Authors: Guzmán Osvaldo , Todorcevic Stevo
Published: August 2024

We build a model of the P-ideal ichotomy (PID) and Martin’s axiom for ω1 ($${\rm MA}_{{\omega}_1}$$

MA

ω

1

) in which there is a 2-entangled set of reals. In particular, it follows that the Open Graph Axiom or Baumgartner’s axiom for ω1-dense sets are not consequences of $${\rm PID} + {\rm MA}_{{\omega}_1}$$

PID

+

MA

ω

1

. We review Neeman’s iteration method using two type side conditions and provide an alternative proof for the preservation of properness.
Defect in Migration of HSPCs in Nox-2 Deficient Mice Explained by Impaired Activation of Nlrp3 Inflammasome and Impaired Formation of Membrane Lipid Rafts
Authors: Bujko Kamila , Adamiak Mateusz , Konopko Adrian , Chumak Vira , Ratajczak Janina , Brzezniakiewicz-Janus Katarzyna , Kucia Magdalena , Ratajczak Mariusz Z.
Published: August 2024

NADPH oxidase 2 (Nox2), a superoxide-generating enzyme, is a source of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that regulate the intracellular redox state, self-renewal, and fate of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs). Nox2 complex expressed on HSPCs associated with several activated cell membrane receptors increases the intracellular level of ROS. In addition, ROS are also released from mitochondria and, all together, are potent activators of intracellular pattern recognition receptor Nlrp3 inflammasome, which regulates the trafficking, proliferation, and metabolism of HSPCs. In the current study, we noticed that Nox2-deficient mice, despite the increased number of HSPCs in the bone marrow (BM), show hematopoietic defects illustrated by delayed recovery of peripheral blood (PB) hematopoietic parameters after sublethal irradiation and mobilize fewer HSPCs after administration of G-CSF and AMD3100. Moreover, Nox2-deficient HSPCs engraft poorly after transplantation into normal syngeneic recipients. To explain these defects at the molecular level, we hypothesized that Nox2-KO decreased ROS level does not efficiently activate Nlrp3 inflammasome, which plays a crucial role in regulating the trafficking of HSPCs. Herein, we report Nox2-deficient HSPCs display i) defective migration to major chemoattractant, ii) impaired intracellular activation of Nlrp3 inflammasome, and iii) a defect in membrane lipid raft (MLRs) formation that is required for a proper chemotactic response to pro-migratory factors. We conclude that Nox2-derived ROS enhances in Nlrp3 inflammasome-dependent manner HSPCs trafficking by facilitating MLRs assemble on the outer cell membranes, and defect in Nox2 expression results in impaired activation of Nlrp3 inflammasome, which affects HSPCs migration.

Graphical Abstract
Synthesis of silica-chitosan nanocomposite for the removal of pharmaceuticals from the aqueous solution
Authors: Gencer Balkis B. , Aksu A. , Ersoy Korkmaz N. , Taskin O. S. , Celen C. , Caglar Balkis N.
Published: August 2024

Diclofenac, ibuprofen, and carbamazepine are commonly used in medicine, and they have been frequently detected in aquatic environments. Since they cannot be fully treated in treatment plants and can threaten the lives of aquatic life, effective treatment methods are needed to remove they from wastewater and contaminated waters. The removal of these compounds from synthetic seawater was investigated by utilizing the super adsorbent property of silica-chitosan nanocomposite material synthesized using domestic chitosan. 1.25% (w/w), 2.5% (w/w), and 5% (w/w) silica-chitosan nanocomposite were prepared by the sol–gel method. Silica-chitosan nanocomposites were characterized by Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer (XRF), thermogravimetric analyses (TGA), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area analysis. FTIR and XRF spectrums show that silica-chitosan composite formation has successfully been obtained since Si% is measured 77.26 in XRF and Si–O-Si groups on 1100 cm−1 in FTIR. The most successful synthesized nanocomposite was 2.5% (w/w) silica-chitosan aerogel. The adsorbent capacities were demonstrated at pH 5, 7, and 8.5 of 1561, 1445, and 1610 mg/g for carbamazepine; 395, 340, and 390 mg/g for diclofenac; 1649, 1553, and 1773 mg/g for ibuprofen, respectively. The ideal pH for the simultaneous removal of these three compounds in water was 8.5. Among these three pharmaceutical compounds, carbamazepine is the most efficiently (89.3%) removed from synthetic seawater. Adsorption isotherms were suitable with Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models and adsorption kinetics proceeds were fitted well with a pseudo-second-order kinetic model of silica-chitosan nanocomposite for all pharmaceutical compounds (R2 > 0.9742).
Datenbasierte Entscheidungsfindung trifft Digitalisierung – Einblicke in die prozesshafte unterrichtliche Nutzung digitaler Lerndaten durch Grundschullehrkräfte
Authors: Hase Alina , Kuhl Poldi
Published: August 2024

Grundschullehrkräfte begegnen in ihrem Unterrichtsalltag einer großen Heterogenität. Die individuellen Lernbedürfnisse der Schüler:innen zu identifizieren und dafür passende Lösungen zu finden, kann für Lehrkräfte herausfordernd sein. Digitale Lernplattformen können hierbei Unterstützung bieten: Werden digitale Lernplattformen zum Üben im Unterricht eingesetzt, stehen der Lehrkraft anschließend vielfältige Daten über den Lernprozess ihrer Schüler:innen zur Verfügung. Aus den gewonnenen Informationen können sie Individualisierungs- und Differenzierungsmaßnahmen ableiten. Die Nutzung von Daten für Entscheidungen im Schul- und Unterrichtskontext, wird in der Forschung zur datenbasierten Entscheidungsfindung (data-based decision making) genauer betrachtet. So existieren bereits Ansätze, wie die Nutzung von Daten zur Entscheidungsfindung zirkulär und prozesshaft modelliert werden kann. Für den deutschsprachigen Kontext ist die prozesshafte Nutzung digitaler Daten zur Unterrichtsgestaltung jedoch noch weitgehend unerforscht. Mit diesem Beitrag wird eine explorative Studie vorgestellt, die Erkenntnisse zu der Frage beiträgt, wie Lehrkräfte Daten aus digitalen Lernplattformen weiterführend für ihre Unterrichtsgestaltung nutzen und wie diese Nutzung entlang des Kreislaufes der datenbasierten Entscheidungsfindung beschrieben werden kann. Die Beantwortung der Forschungsfrage erfolgt auf Grundlage eines qualitativen Forschungsdesigns mit einer Methodentriangulation aus Interviews, Lautem Denken und Beobachtungen. Dabei zeigt sich, dass die Nutzung von Daten aus digitalen Lernplattformen durch Grundschullehrkräfte entlang der fünf Schritte der datenbasierten Entscheidungsfindung beschrieben werden kann. So werden auch interindividuelle Unterschiede zwischen den Lehrkräften sichtbar. Einige Lehrkräfte betrachten nur die Daten, die von der Lernplattform in einem Dashboard zur Verfügung gestellt werden, ohne diese weiter zu verwenden. Andere Lehrkräfte interpretieren die Daten und ziehen hieraus Konsequenzen für ihre weitere Unterrichtsgestaltung. Die Erkenntnisse aus den Interviews, dem Verfahren des Lauten Denkens sowie der Unterrichtsbeobachtungen werden miteinander verzahnt und diskutiert. Abschließend werden Implikationen für die Bildungspraxis und -forschung abgeleitet.
Structural Racism and HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Use in the Nationwide US: A County-Level Analysis
Authors: Shi Fanghui , Mi Tianyue , Li Xiaoming , Ning Huan , Li Zhenlong , Yang Xueying
Published: August 2024

Background

Structural racism contributes to geographical inequalities in pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) coverage in the United States (US). This study aims to investigate county-level variability in PrEP utilization across diverse dimensions of structural racism.

Methods

The 2013–2021 nationwide county-level PrEP rate and PrEP-to-need ratio (PNR) data were retrieved from AIDSVu. PrEP rate was defined as the number of PrEP users per 100,000 population, and PNR was defined as the ratio of PrEP users to new HIV diagnoses per calendar year. Linear mixed effect regression was employed to identify associations of county-level structural racism (e.g., structural racism in housing and socioeconomic status) with PrEP rate and PNR on a nationwide scale of the US.

Results

From 2013 to 2021, the mean PrEP rate and PNR increased from 3.62 to 71.10 and from 0.39 to 10.20, respectively. Counties with more structural racism in housing were more likely to have low PrEP rates (adjusted β =  − 5.80, 95% CI [− 8.84, − 2.75]). Higher PNR was found in counties with lower structural racism in socioeconomic status (adjusted β =  − 2.64, 95% CI [− 3.68, − 1.61]). Regionally, compared to the Midwest region, counties in the West region were more likely to have higher PrEP rate (adjusted β = 30.99, 95% CI [22.19, 39.80]), and counties in the South had lower PNR (adjusted β =  − 1.87, 95% CI [− 2.57, − 1.17]).

Conclusions

County-level structural racism plays a crucial role in understanding the challenges of scaling up PrEP coverage. The findings underscore the importance of tailored strategies across different regions and provide valuable insights for future interventions to optimize PrEP implementation.
Tips for Harnessing the Educational Potential of Tumor Boards for Medical Students
Authors: Lawson McLean Aaron , Lawson McLean Anna C. , Hartinger Stefanie , Hammersen Jakob , Drescher Robert , Schuldt Salome , Senft Christian , Mäurer Matthias , Kamp Marcel A. , Mäurer Irina
Published: August 2024

This paper explores the underutilized educational potential of tumor boards as a platform for medical student education. Acknowledging the complexity and multidisciplinary nature of tumor boards, we propose 12 strategic interventions aimed at integrating undergraduate medical students into these meetings to enhance their learning experience. These strategies emphasize active student engagement, critical analysis, patient interaction, reflective practice, and the integration of digital learning tools, with a focus on fostering an in-depth understanding of team-based, patient-focused oncology care. The approach advocates for the inclusion of medical students in tumor board discussions, not merely as observers but as active participants, thereby providing them with a unique, real-world learning environment. By doing so, the paper argues for the significant benefits of such involvement, including improved understanding of evidence-based practice, patient-centered care, ethical considerations, and the dynamics of interprofessional collaboration. This integrated educational model aims to prepare future physicians with the competencies necessary for effective participation in interdisciplinary healthcare teams, highlighting the importance of experiential learning in the context of oncology and beyond. The strategies outlined in this paper offer a roadmap for medical educators seeking to enhance the educational value of tumor boards and contribute to the development of a collaborative, informed, and empathetic oncology workforce.
Tropical adic spaces I: the continuous spectrum of a topological semiring
Authors: Friedenberg Netanel , Mincheva Kalina
Published: August 2024

Toward building tropical analogues of adic spaces, we study certain spaces of prime congruences as a topological semiring replacement for the space of continuous valuations on a topological ring. This requires building the theory of topological idempotent semirings, and we consider semirings of convergent power series as a primary example. We consider the semiring of convergent power series as a topological space by defining a metric on it. We check that, in tropical toric cases, the proposed objects carry meaningful geometric information. In particular, we show that the dimension behaves as expected. We give an explicit characterization of the points in terms of classical polyhedral geometry in a follow-up paper.
Environmental Restoration of Contaminated Sediment and Soils: The Role of Organic Amendments in PAH Remediation
Authors: Beljin Jelena , Đukanović Nina , Rončević Srđan , Isakovski Marijana Kragulj , Maletić Snežana
Published: August 2024

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous; persistent environmental pollutants generated mostly during the incomplete combustion of organic materials. Because of the dangers that bioavailable PAH fraction pose to receptors, the necessity of the site, the degree of exposure, and the potential for toxicity, remediation of PAH-contaminated locations is crucial. Recent findings suggest that organic amendments, such as compost, manure, and cover crops, play a crucial role in improving soil/sediment health by increasing organic matter content, enhancing structure, fostering beneficial microbial activity, and removing the pollutants. Moreover, they contribute to nutrient cycling and retention, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers, and mitigating their adverse effects on the environment. In summary, it is considered that organic amendments offer promising solutions for sustainable remediation, restoration, and agriculture practise, promoting soil/sediment health and productivity while reducing environmental impacts. However, there remains a critical gap in understanding the effects of these materials, their preparation and application into the environment on groundwater quality, and their long-term impacts on sediment, water, and soil quality. This review paper aims to identify future research directions and open further questions based on what has been published so far in this area.

Graphical Abstract
Digital Experiences of Mathematical Cognitive Functions in Learning the Basic Concepts of General Topology
Authors: Albano Giovannina , Antonini Samuele , Miranda Annamaria
Published: August 2024

This paper aims at defining and exploring design principles in a distance technological setting for an educational activity for mathematics undergraduate students, devoted to the construction of basic concepts in general topology, the promotion of problem-solving processes, the development of metacognitive aspects, and, in general, the development of the students’ mathematical identity. The design exploits the production of examples and investigation of variations and invariants, exploration of problems and generation of conjectures, and an extension intertwining of the ‘inside-out’ model from the Digital Interactive Storytelling in Mathematics with the Thinking Classroom model at university education. We present a didactic activity based on the identified design principles and discuss the preliminary results of a pilot carried out with fifty mathematics undergraduate students, attending their second year of the mathematics degree.
Blade-Coated Porous 3D Carbon Composite Electrodes Coupled with Multiscale Interfaces for Highly Sensitive All-Paper Pressure Sensors
Authors: Zheng Bowen , Guo Ruisheng , Dou Xiaoqiang , Fu Yueqing , Yang Bingjun , Liu Xuqing , Zhou Feng
Published: August 2024

Flexible and wearable pressure sensors hold immense promise for health monitoring, covering disease detection and postoperative rehabilitation. Developing pressure sensors with high sensitivity, wide detection range, and cost-effectiveness is paramount. By leveraging paper for its sustainability, biocompatibility, and inherent porous structure, herein, a solution-processed all-paper resistive pressure sensor is designed with outstanding performance. A ternary composite paste, comprising a compressible 3D carbon skeleton, conductive polymer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate), and cohesive carbon nanotubes, is blade-coated on paper and naturally dried to form the porous composite electrode with hierachical micro- and nano-structured surface. Combined with screen-printed Cu electrodes in submillimeter finger widths on rough paper, this creates a multiscale hierarchical contact interface between electrodes, significantly enhancing sensitivity (1014 kPa−1) and expanding the detection range (up to 300 kPa) of as-resulted all-paper pressure sensor with low detection limit and power consumption. Its versatility ranges from subtle wrist pulses, robust finger taps, to large-area spatial force detection, highlighting its intricate submillimeter-micrometer-nanometer hierarchical interface and nanometer porosity in the composite electrode. Ultimately, this all-paper resistive pressure sensor, with its superior sensing capabilities, large-scale fabrication potential, and cost-effectiveness, paves the way for next-generation wearable electronics, ushering in an era of advanced, sustainable technological solutions.
Dynamic topic modelling for exploring the scientific literature on coronavirus: an unsupervised labelling technique
Authors: Guillén-Pacho Ibai , Badenes-Olmedo Carlos , Corcho Oscar
Published: August 2024

The work presented in this article focusses on improving the interpretability of probabilistic topic models created from a large collection of scientific documents that evolve over time. Several time-dependent approaches based on topic models were compared to analyse the annual evolution of latent concepts in the CORD-19 corpus: Dynamic Topic Model, Dynamic Embedded Topic Model, and BERTopic. Then COVID-19 period (December 2019–present) has been analysed in greater depth, month by month, to explore the evolution of what is written about the disease. The evaluations suggest that the Dynamic Topic Model is the best choice to analyse the CORD-19 corpus. A novel topic labelling strategy is proposed for dynamic topic models to analyse the evolution of latent concepts. It incorporates content changes in both the annual evolution of the corpus and the monthly evolution of the COVID-19 disease. The generated labels are manually validated using two approaches: through the most relevant documents on the topic and through the documents that share the most semantically similar label topics. The labelling enables the interpretation of topics. The novel method for dynamic topic labelling fits the content of each topic and supports the semantics of the topics.
Cross-species substitution matrix comparison of Tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV) with medicinal plant isolates
Authors: Arif Muhammad
Published: August 2024

The main objective of this study was to estimate and compare substitution matrixes of nucleotide frequencies for Tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV) with recently identified begomoviral isolates from two medicinal false daisy (Eclipta prostrata) and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) plants. The ToLCNDV has become a significant limitation to vegetables production in many countries. A polymerase chain reaction was conducted to conserve the existence of begomoviral infection. The acquired amplicon was amplified using primers appropriate to the sequence in order to retrieve the full genome. The sequence analysis has confirmed the presence of ToLCNDV in symptomatic plants. The complete genome sequence having a 2.6–2.7 kb entire genome of ToLCNDV was obtained. An investigation of the phylogenetic and evolutionary history has verified the connection between this virus and other closely related viruses. The available nucleotide frequencies of codon regions (A, T/U, C, G) with newly isolates revealed 20–28% substitution matrixes. There was a minimal difference of nucleotide frequencies’ with already submitted database of this virus. Substitution matrixes, which quantify the probability of nucleotide substitutions evolving over a period of time, offer valuable information about mutation patterns and the forces driving evolution. This comparative analysis enhanced the comprehension of the genetic diversity of ToLCNDV and its possible consequences on medicinal plants. It also assisted in the formulation of efficient control measures and the preservation of begomoviruses in medicinal plant biodiversity. The information presented here is highly valuable for understanding the ToLCNDV biology and epidemiology, and it would also assist in disease management in the future.
Opportunities and limitations for social justice in Germany’s climate adaptation policy
Authors: Teebken Julia
Published: August 2024

In the quest for (more) effective adaptation, demands are rising in adaptation policy practitioners to address systemic injustices. In practice, however, adaptation incrementalism dominates, i.e. small-scale, reactive solutions, especially as it relates to addressing vulnerable populations. Germany is exemplary of these tensions. Little research investigates the larger context factors which impede the root causes of vulnerability from being addressed, how to transition away from incrementalism, and the role environmental agencies can play in this. Applying historical materialist policy analysis, the article follows a three-step approach which examines context, actors, and processes. The context analysis demonstrates how effective means for social redistribution were reduced since the mid-1980s in Germany’s capitalist welfare state. This corresponds with heightened social vulnerability to climate change. The actor landscape is diversifying. In the past, social policy actors (and tasks) were underrepresented but are becoming more important. The policy process indicates a greater focus on vulnerable populations. Yet, the understanding of the structural root causes of peoples’ vulnerability and financial resources of the policy field remain limited. This corresponds with informatory instruments of shallow depth. An improved root cause analytic coupled with new alliances and policy mixes are a good starting point towards greater social justice in adaptation.
Reflections from Chinese and Japanese Physicians on Medical Disputes
Authors: Xu Hua , Ruan Yining , Okita Taketoshi , Tabata Masao , Kadooka Yasuhiro , Asai Atsushi
Published: August 2024

Physician–patient disputes are a major problem in healthcare. Physician–patient conflicts, workplace violence, and direct involvement in disputes have a significant negative impact on the well-being of physicians. China and Japan have similar cultures but differing healthcare systems. The present study aimed to examine and compare the experiences and perceptions of Chinese and Japanese physicians regarding medical disputes. Qualitative descriptive content analysis was performed for 18 cases from each country to assess the major issues involved in each case and their impact on the physicians. Common issues in medical disputes for both countries included monetary motives of patients and/or families, violence/threats from patients and/or families, the inability of patients and/or families to understand the risk of complications, and the uncertainties of medicine. The serious impact of medical disputes on the mental health and professionalism of physicians was also an issue shared by physicians of both countries. There were, however, differences in the magnitude and frequency of these issues between the two countries. Pre-existing distrust of physicians among patients and/or families was noted only by Chinese physicians, and insufficient information disclosure by physicians was noted only by Japanese physicians. In conclusion, there were similarities and differences between the two countries in the perceptions of physicians regarding medical disputes. Our analysis revealed differing healthcare situations due to cultural and institutional differences as well as universal problems intrinsic to medicine. Based on our results, we propose several key principles to improve the physician–patient relationship.
Intelligent path planning for civil infrastructure inspection with multi-rotor aerial vehicles
Authors: Nguyen Lanh V. , Le Trung H. , Torres Herrera Ignacio , Kwok Ngai M. , Ha Quang P.
Published: August 2024

This paper presents the development of algorithms for high-level control and intelligent path planning of multi-rotor aerial vehicles (MAVs) in the tasks of inspecting civil infrastructure. After revisiting the multicopter modeling, we describe the hierarchy of high-level control for MAVs and develop optimization algorithms for generating optimal paths and enabling automatic flight during inspection tasks, making use of the digital twin technology. A co-simulation framework is then established to simulate and evaluate inspection mission scenarios, integrating these essential components. Real-world examples from built infrastructure illustrate this concept. An advantage of this approach is its ability to rigorously test, validate, verify, and evaluate MAV operations under abnormal conditions without requiring physical implementation or field tests. This significantly reduces testing efforts throughout the development cycle, ensuring optimal cooperation, safety, smoothness, fault tolerance, and energy efficiency. The methodology is validated through simulations and real-world inspection of a monorail bridge.
Post-COVID-19 recovery and geriatric rehabilitation care: a European inter-country comparative study
Authors: van Tol Lisa S. , Lin Tiangao , Caljouw Monique A. A. , Cesari Matteo , Dockery Frances , Everink Irma H. J. , Francis Bahaa N. , Gordon Adam L. , Grund Stefan , Matchekhina Luba , Bazan L. Mónica Perez , Topinková Eva , Vassallo Mark A. , Achterberg Wilco P. , Haaksma Miriam L. ,   on behalf of the EU-COGER consortium
Published: August 2024

Purpose

There is variation in organization of geriatric rehabilitation across Europe. The purpose of this study was to describe the selection criteria for referral to geriatric rehabilitation, care provided, and recovery trajectories of post-COVID-19 patients referred to geriatric rehabilitation in Europe.

Methods

This observational cohort study included 723 patients in 59 care facilities for geriatric rehabilitation across 10 countries. Patient data were collected from medical records on admission to geriatric rehabilitation (between September 2020 and October 2021), discharge, 6 weeks and 6 months follow-up. The primary and secondary outcomes were recovery in daily functioning (Barthel Index) and Quality of Life (EQ-5D-5L) from admission to discharge. These were examined using linear mixed models with two levels (measurements nested in patients) and country as an independent variable. Random intercept and random linear slope parameters were added when they improved model fit. A survey about organization of geriatric rehabilitation for post-COVID-19 patients was filled out by country coordinators and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inductive coding of answers to open questions.

Results

Patients had a mean age of 75.7 years old and 52.4% were male. Many countries used various combinations of the selection criteria, such as functional status, age, frailty, Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment, comorbidities, and cognitive impairments. Most patients received physiotherapy (88.8%) and occupational therapy (69.7%), but there was substantial variance between countries in the percentages of patients that received protein or calorie enriched diets, oxygen therapy, and other treatment components. In all countries, patients showed recovery in daily functioning and quality of life, although there was variation in between countries in rate of recovery. Daily functioning seemed to increase most rapidly in the Czech Republic, Germany, and Russia. The steepest increases in quality of life were seen in the Czech Republic, Germany, and Spain.

Conclusion

Post-COVID-19 patients showed recovery during geriatric rehabilitation, albeit at variable rates. The observed variation may be explained by the heterogeneity in selection criteria and care provided. This study highlights the need for harmonization of measurements in geriatric rehabilitation order to perform explanatory research and optimize geriatric rehabilitation throughout Europe to ensure optimal patient recovery.
Seed Priming Boosts Plant Growth, Yield Attributes, Seed Chemical and Antioxidant Composition in Lentil under Low-Phosphorus Field Conditions
Authors: Ceritoglu Mustafa , Erman Murat , Çığ Fatih
Published: August 2024

Although legumes can meet nitrogen requirements via symbiotic nitrogen fixation, they must acquire phosphorus from the rhizosphere through their roots. Additionally, the fixation of phosphorus with various cations in soils reduces its availability, thereby decreasing its effectiveness and increasing production costs. This study was conducted during the 2021-22 and 2022-23 growing seasons to investigate the effects of seed pre-treatment (priming) and phosphorus doses on plant growth, yield attributes, and seed chemical composition in lentil at Siirt, Türkiye. Six seed priming treatments and four phosphorus doses were used in the study. The research was laid out in split-plot randomized complete block design with four replications. According to the results, phosphorus fertilizer increased seed yield, but there was no statistical difference between 15 and 60 kg P2O5 ha− 1. Seed priming had a synergistic effect, allowing for higher seed yield when combined with phosphorus fertilizer, especially silicon priming resulting in high seed yield even at low phosphorus fertilizer doses. This result also indicated that seed priming improved phosphorus efficiency. The highest seed yield and net income were obtained by 6 kg P2O5 ha− 1 with silicon priming treatment. Moreover, seed priming with salicylic acid, beneficial bacteria and silicon boosted growth and yield attributes, and seed chemical composition. Silicon priming increased the total antioxidant content in seeds while salicylic acid priming provided opportunities for both the increase of total antioxidants and phenolics. In conclusion, seed priming is an easy-to-implement and economical method for reducing phosphorus fertilizer and an effective way for higher profitability in lentil cultivation.
The impact of manganese on vascular endothelium
Authors: Oliveira-Paula Gustavo H. , Martins Airton C. , Ferrer Beatriz , Tinkov Alexey A. , Skalny Anatoly V. , Aschner Michael
Published: August 2024

Manganese (Mn) is an essential trace element involved in various physiological processes, but excessive exposure may lead to toxicity. The vascular endothelium, a monolayer of endothelial cells within blood vessels, is a primary target of Mn toxicity. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the impact of Mn on vascular endothelium, focusing on both peripheral and brain endothelial cells. In vitro studies have demonstrated that high concentrations of Mn can induce endothelial cell cytotoxicity, increase permeability, and disrupt cell–cell junctions through mechanisms involving oxidative stress, mitochondrial damage, and activation of signaling pathways, such as Smad2/3-Snail. Conversely, low concentrations of Mn may protect endothelial cells from the deleterious effects of high glucose and advanced glycation end-products. In the central nervous system, Mn can cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and accumulate in the brain parenchyma, leading to neurotoxicity. Several transport mechanisms, including ZIP8, ZIP14, and SPCA1, have been identified for Mn uptake by brain endothelial cells. Mn exposure can impair BBB integrity by disrupting tight junctions and increasing permeability. In vivo studies have corroborated these findings, highlighting the importance of endothelial barriers in mediating Mn toxicity in the brain and kidneys. Maintaining optimal Mn homeostasis is crucial for preserving endothelial function, and further research is needed to develop targeted therapeutic strategies to prevent or mitigate the adverse effects of Mn overexposure.

Graphical Abstract
Diverse biological communities promote SOM molecular diversity and compositional transformations during natural fallow stage in paddy fields
Authors: Gao Guozhen , Li Pengfa , Liu Ming , Cui Jian , Wu Meng , Li Zhongpei
Published: August 2024

Monoculture cultivation patterns in agro-ecosystems only provide less varied soil organic matter (SOM) molecules of plant origin. Whether and how the natural fallow stage between cultivation seasons facilitates the restoration of SOM molecular diversity and mitigates the adverse impacts of constant cropping pattern is elusive. Here, we utilized FT-ICR-MS, UHPLC-MS/MS, and high-throughput sequencing to investigate the biological change processes in SOM molecular composition under cultivation and fallow status in a long-farmed paddy field. Our study showed that SOM molecular diversity increased by 45.70%–85.36% in fallow stage compared to rice cultivation season. SOM molecular diversity was positively correlated with bacterial diversity and root exudate molecular diversity, and negatively correlated with fungal diversity. Notably, root exudate molecular diversity accounted for 48.48% of the variation in SOM molecular diversity. The increased SOM molecular diversity in fallow stage was attributed more to the diverse plant-produced molecules than the microbe-consumed molecules. Plant species turnover resulted in the conversion of root exudate components to Organoheterocyclic compounds and Organic acids/derivatives from rice planting stage to fallow stage. Recruited microbes were dominated by Basidiomycita, Ascomycota, Acidobacteria, Chloroflexi and Proteobacteria, resulting in the transformation from carbohydrates, lipid-like SOM molecules to lipid-like and lignin-like SOM molecules. Both field and microcosm experiments confirmed that root exudates are the main source of SOM molecules, and are influenced by the soil microbial community. This study provides solid evidence that fallow status in agro-ecosystems provides explosion of biodiversity and counteracts the negative effects of long-term monoculture cultivation on SOM diversity.

Graphical Abstract
Advancements and applications of lightweight structures: a comprehensive review
Authors: Hassan Hogr Z. , Saeed Najmadeen M.
Published: August 2024

Lightweight structures comprise of actual pieces or segments that give the crucial ability to function while weighing less than other possibilities as well. The aerospace industry invented this particular branch of expertise, which is sometimes referred to as lightweight engineering or lightweight construction. This paper focuses on how lightweight structures are developed and applied in the field of structural engineering which is essential to achieving the high standards and breakthroughs of modern science. Comparison is made depending on different types of lightweight materials such as titanium alloys, shape memory alloys, magnesium, aluminum alloys, and wood composites, benefits, and applications of each type of material are discussed. Recent technologies and innovations in the field of lightweight design are performed including deployable and morphing structures, 3D printing, embedded sensors and actuators, and advanced joining technologies. Moreover, research is also being done on these structure types of evolution, uses, and significance, as well as their design techniques and innovations. Truss, tensegrity, pantographic, cable, origami, and sandwich structures are identified by explaining their properties and working mechanisms. The usage of several lightweight structures in the fields of aerospace, robotics, civil engineering, architecture, automotive, and biomedicine is examined in this paper. Additionally, the comparison is made between the application of tensegrity, truss, pantographic, and sandwich structures in aircraft applications in detail, while the importance of shape morphing and deploying of pantographic and origami structures is explained in the field of aerospace and robotics. In addition, different types of bridge structures and architecture are mentioned according to applications of suspension cables, stayed cables truss structures, and tensegrity techniques. Furthermore, the paper covers the improvement of computational and numerical techniques in the analysis and design of lightweight structures including the force method, dynamic relaxation method, and finite element method (FEM), trends in optimization techniques and their applications are included mentioned sequential quadratic programming (SQP) and interior point optimization, with applications on different types of lightweight structures. Also, perspectives and future directions of lightweight design through sustainability and smart construction are taken into account, importance of lightweight design in the form of environment and innovation is clearly supported.
Combustion characteristics of sustainable aviation fuels in a scaled-down afterburner test rig
Authors: Bae J. , Chaudhuri S. , Canteenwalla P. , Yun S.
Published: August 2024

This study investigates the combustion characteristics (lean blowoff (LBO), flashback, and combustion instability) of sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) using a two-staged combustor arranged in tandem. The combustor consists of a first (main) burner with an axial swirler and a second burner (afterburner) with a V-gutter bluff-body. The main burner utilises a constant flow rate of CH4/Air as reactants, while the afterburner operates on the combustion product from the first burner, additional dilution air, and one of the six liquid test fuels (Jet-A, A-2, C-1, C-5, C-9, and JP-8/HRJ) as reactants. When test fuels with higher derived cetane number (DCN) are used in the afterburner, it is observed that LBO occurs at lower afterburner global equivalence ratios (
${\phi _{af}}$
). This is due to the smaller chemical time scale of those test fuels, which enables the flame to be sustained under higher flow speeds. This is consistent with the results of previous studies. Additionally, this study shows that flashback also occurs at lower equivalence ratio for test fuels with higher DCN. This is a new finding and can be explained in a similar way to LBO. As the operating conditions approach the LBO or exceed flashback limits, the reactivity of shear layer also decreases, creating favourable conditions for them to occur. Moreover, for test fuels with low DCN (C-1 and C-5), blowoff occurs instead of flashback as
${\phi _{af}}$
increases. This can be attributed to the stronger pressure perturbation resulting from combustion instability in these flames compared to others. It demonstrates a stronger correlation between the pressure perturbation and the heat release rate fluctuation for C-1 and C-5 than that of other test fuels at the same equivalence ratio. In conclusion, it was found that test fuels with higher DCN have advantages in terms of LBO and stability, however, they are more prone to flashback.
A fast phase calibration method for a liquid crystal microwave phased array antenna assisted by neural network
Authors: Yan Qianying , Huang Yanwei , Zhang Wenzhao , Hou Xin , Zhang Mengqing , Wang Xiangru , Liang Feng
Published: August 2024

Liquid crystal microwave phased arrays (LC-MPAs) are regarded as an ideal approach to realize compact antennas owing to their advantages in cost, size, weight, and power consumption. However, the shortcoming in low radiation deflection efficiency has been one of LC-MPAs’ main application limitations. To optimize the steering performance of LC-MPAs, it is essential to model the channel imperfections and compensate for the phase errors. In this paper, a phase error estimation model is built by training a neural network to establish a nonlinear relationship between the near-field phase error and the far-field pattern, hence realizing fast calibration for LC-MPAs within several measured patterns. Simulations and experiments on a 64-channel, two-dimensional planar antenna were conducted to validate this method. The results show that this method offers precise phase error estimations of 3.58° on average, realizes a fast calibration process with several field-measured radiation patterns, and improves the performances of the LC-MPA by approximately 4%–10% in deflection efficiency at different steering angles.