bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In vitro fertilization and long-term child health and development: nationwide birth cohort study in Japan
Authors: Matsumoto Naomi , Mitsui Takashi , Kadowaki Tomoka , Mitsuhashi Toshiharu , Hirota Tomoya , Masuyama Hisashi , Yorifuji Takashi
Published: November 2024

The aim of this study is to compare long-term health outcomes between IVF-conceived children and non-IVF-conceived children in Japan, in the context of strong recommendation for single embryo transfer. Using data from a nationwide birth cohort linked with perinatal database, this study analyzed 2140 children born in Japan in May 2010. It compared child health and development outcomes up to 9 years of age between IVF-conceived and non-IVF-conceived children (binary exposure). A Poisson regression with robust variance to estimate the risk ratios for the association between IVF and various long-term child health and developmental outcomes. After adjusting for confounding factors, no significant differences were observed between IVF-conceived and naturally conceived children for most outcomes, including hospitalization, obesity, and developmental milestones. IVF-conceived children showed a slightly lower risk of attention problems at 8 years (adjusted Risk Ratio [aRR]: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.53–1.00). In subgroup analyses, IVF-conceived term children and singletons demonstrated reduced risk of cognitive delays at 5.5 years (aRR: 0.31, 95% CI: 0.10–0.96 and aRR: 0.37, 95% CI: 0.14–0.98, respectively).

Conclusion: In this Japanese cohort, IVF conception was not associated with adverse long-term health or developmental outcomes. These findings provide reassurance about the safety of IVF, particularly in the context of single embryo transfer policies. Further research is needed to explore specific IVF protocols and subgroups.

What is known:
• Long-term health and developmental outcomes of IVF-conceived children remain inconsistent across studies and populations, despite the widespread use of this technology.

What is new:
• A nationwide population-based cohort study in Japan did not show adverse effects of IVF on long-term child health and development through age 9.
• These findings provide reassurance about the safety of IVF, while indicating the need for careful monitoring in specific subgroups such as preterm and multiple births.
In vivo assessment of pediatric kidney function using multi-parametric and multi-nuclear functional magnetic resonance imaging: challenges, perspectives, and clinical applications
Authors: De Mul Aurélie , Schleef Maxime , Filler Guido , McIntyre Christopher , Lemoine Sandrine
Published: November 2024

The conventional methods for assessing kidney function, such as glomerular filtration rate and microalbuminuria, provide only partial insight into kidney function. Multi-parametric and multi-nuclear functional resonance magnetic imaging (MRI) techniques are innovative approaches to unraveling kidney physiology. Multi-parametric MRI includes various sequences to evaluate kidney perfusion, tissue oxygenation, and microstructure characterization, including fibrosis—a key pathological event in acute and chronic kidney disease and in transplant patients—without the need for invasive kidney biopsy. Multi-nuclear MRI detects nuclei other than protons. 23Na MRI enables visualization of the corticomedullary gradient and assessment of tissue sodium storage, which can be particularly relevant for personalized medicine in salt-wasting tubular disorders. Meanwhile, 31P-MRS measures intracellular phosphate and ATP variations, providing insights into oxidative metabolism in the muscle during exercise and recovery. This technique can be useful for detecting subclinical ischemia in chronic kidney disease and in tubulopathies with kidney phosphate wasting. These techniques are non-invasive and do not involve radiation exposure, making them especially suitable for longitudinal and serial assessments. They enable in vivo evaluation of kidney function on a whole-organ basis within a short acquisition time and with the ability to distinguish between medullary and cortical compartments. Therefore, they offer considerable potential for pediatric patients. In this review, we provide a brief overview of the main imaging techniques, summarize available literature data on both adult and pediatric populations, and examine the perspectives and challenges associated with multi-parametric and multi-nuclear MRI.

Graphical Abstract
Provision of supportive care by an NGO in the face of a dual challenge: cancer and wartime
Authors: Hamama L , Kuperman S , Bar-Doron M , Hamama-Raz Y
Published: November 2024

Purpose

In this study, we explored the work of Halasartan (Stop Cancer), an Israeli nongovernmental organization (NGO) and unique social support network for cancer patients and survivors aged 18–44, during a war period. Drawing on the conservation of resources (COR) theory, we examined whether self-efficacy, social support, psychological distress, and participation in activities that were geared toward alleviating the war situation at Time 1 (T1) would predict engagement in such activities at Time 2 (T2).

Methods

A longitudinal design with two time-points was used, and NGO members completed self-report questionnaires. At T1, the cohort comprised 250 members (cancer patients/ survivors); at T2, there were 213. However, only 90 NGO members completed the questionnaires at both time-points.

Results

A significant reduction in psychological distress was observed over time among participants engaged in the NGO’s activities, but no differences were observed in participants’ self-efficacy or social support. Moreover, participation in NGO activities during wartime at T2 was predicted by biological sex (female), lower self-efficacy, and participation in NGO activities at T1.

Conclusion

Halasartan (Stop Cancer) played a pivotal role in offering a sense of normalcy, community, and support to young-adult cancer patients and survivors during a period of war. The study underscores the essential nature of NGO activities tailored to the unique needs of this demographic, particularly in times of crisis. A broader implementation of such supportive interventions to enhance the well-being of vulnerable populations is suggested.
Airway management in pediatrics: improving safety
Authors: Zimmermann Lea , Maiellare Federica , Veyckemans Francis , Fuchs Alexander , Scquizzato Tommaso , Riva Thomas , Disma Nicola
Published: November 2024

Airway management in children poses unique challenges due to the different anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology across the pediatric age span. The recently published joint European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care-British Journal of Anaesthesia (ESAIC-BJA) neonatal and infant airway management guidelines provide recommendations and suggestions to support clinicians in deciding the best strategy. These guidelines represent a framework with the most recent and up-to-date evidence, from the initial assessment to the management of normal and difficult airways up to the extubation phase. However, such guidelines have intrinsic limitations due to the lack of supporting evidence in various fields of airway management. Pediatric institutions should adopt guidelines after careful internal review according to the local circumstances, including caseload, equipment and expertise. The current narrative review focused on providing references and practical tips on pediatric airway management, which is still not completely elucidated. Moreover, the authors put particular emphasis on the influence of human factors on the overall success of tracheal intubation, the incidence of complications, and the outcomes for patients.
Identification of heterozygous mutations of ABCC8 gene responsible for maturity-onset diabetes of the young with exome sequencing
Authors: Liu Yanxia , Ren Shuxin , Zhu Chaofeng , Chen Sufang , Zhang Huijuan , Zhang Juan , Li Jianhua , Jiang Yanyan
Published: November 2024

Background

Although the MODY12 subtype, caused by ABCC8 mutations, is rare, it is highly sensitive to sulfonylureas. The identification of ABCC8 mutations in patients clinically diagnosed with MODY has the ability to contribute to the precise management of diabetes.

Methods

Genetic analysis of two families with MODY were conducted using whole-exome sequencing (WES) and Sanger sequencing. The spatial structures of the mutant proteins were constructed using MODELLER and PyMOL software to provide further evidence of pathogenicity.

Results

The heterozygous missense mutations V357I and R1393H in ABCC8 were found in probands of two unrelated MODY pedigrees, which co-segregated with the hyperglycemic phenotypes in these two pedigrees. Detection of the V357I mutation enabled the proband of family A to successfully transfer from insulin to sulfonylurea (SU). After 3 months of follow-up for the SU trial, the HbA1c level of proband A improved from 12.4% at the initial diagnosis to 7.20%. Proband B was treated with insulin because of pregnancy and poor islet function. In silico analysis indicated that the R1393H mutation resulted in a longer hydrogen bond distance to L1389 and cleavage of carbon-hydrogen bonds to V1395, A1390, and L1389.

Conclusions

We have described two pathogenic missense mutations in ABCC8 in Chinese families with MODY. Our findings support the heterogeneity in the clinical features of MODY12 caused by ABCC8 mutations.
Influence of Different Conditions on the Sorption of Potentially Toxic Elements by Selected Sorbents: A Review
Authors: Ďuricová Anna , Prepilková Veronika , Salva Jozef , Mordáčová Martina , Schwarz Marián , Samešová Dagmar , Vanek Miroslav , Veverková Darina , Poništ Juraj
Published: November 2024

Information about how different conditions affect the course of sorption is variously scattered and needs to be consolidated. The paper primarily focuses on identifying the optimal sorption conditions for acid and neutral mine drainages. In this review, key parameters were assessed, including temperature, pH level, sorbent dose, initial metal concentrations, and sorption duration. This overview also includes a comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of selected types of sorbents. The sorption of many metals tends to be optimal at circumneutral pH values. The adsorptive capacity decreases with an increase in temperature for exothermic processes, whereas it increases in the case of an endothermic one. Increasing the initial concentration has a positive effect on adsorption until the sorbent is fully saturated, leading to a plateau in adsorption capacity. The knowledge gained from this research extends the spectrum of the potential sorption applications, especially in the processes of recovering the metals and sorbents by desorption.
Cohort and gender differences in the association between childlessness and social exclusion in old age
Authors: Sauter Julia , Precupetu Iuliana , Aartsen Marja
Published: November 2024

Social exclusion (SE) and its detrimental health outcomes are a key concern in European policies. This study investigates whether childless older adults face a higher risk of SE compared to those with children, how these potential differences have evolved, and whether SE among childless older men differs from that experienced by childless older women. Children are perceived in most cultures as an insurance of social integration in old age. Delayed childbearing and falling birth rates in Western countries have raised concerns about the old age of those who remain childless and reach the last decades of their lives more socially excluded. The exclusionary risks of not having children may be gendered and different across time, but research on this topic is underdeveloped. The analysis utilizes data from the first (2002) and ninth (2018) rounds of the European Social Survey (ESS), focusing on participants aged between 65 and 74. The study reveals that childless older adults have fewer social meetings and engage in fewer social activities than parents. Findings are robust concerning time and gender, as the disadvantage of not having children compared to those with children is similar over time and for men and women. The results highlight that childless older adults face an elevated risk of SE.
Perspectives of Young People on Social Media-Based Sexuality Education Using a Feminist Approach in China: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Ma Yexuan , Chen Sikky Shiqi , Eleanor Holroyd , Wong William Chi Wai
Published: November 2024

The feminist approach to sexuality education challenges and changes power dynamics and inequalities embedded within sexuality, while social media serves as a tool for building online communities and raising awareness about feminist issues. Adopting a feminist approach to sexuality education, particularly through social media platforms, remains largely unexplored and underdeveloped. In China, where traditional sex education is often limited and stigmatized, sexuality has been influenced by a complex interplay of traditional gender norms, evolving social attitudes, and state intervention. The aim of this study was to evaluate both sex educators and their online followers’ perceptions of the implementation of social media-based sexuality education using a feminist approach in China. Semi-structured online interviews were carried out with 10 educators and 18 young followers, followed by thematic analysis using NVivo. The findings indicated that social media-based sexuality education using a feminist approach might be used to help disrupt oppressive norms about gender and sexuality and foster a positive attitude toward women’s sexuality. Chinese online sex educators strategically avoided the term “feminism” and creatively evaded censorship and spread their messages in alignment with government policies while advocating for gender equality. However, participants also highlighted the existence of barriers, including internal conflicts, gender imbalances, social stigmatization, and political constraints, which needed to be addressed in order to effectively implement this approach.
Students’ Perceptions of Factors Contributing to a Happy School Environment in Iran
Authors: Arbabi Khatereh , Yeh Christine Jean , Sangkar Parvaneh Rahmati
Published: November 2024

Background

School is not only a place for acquiring academic skills but also a social environment where students develop emotional abilities and awareness. Prioritizing well-being in schools can foster confidence, satisfaction, and emotional awareness among students, contributing to their lifelong success and mental health.

Objective

This research hypothesizes that students will emphasize the importance of individual choice, autonomy, and enjoyment in school, along with a desire for more meaningful activities beyond academics. The study aims to investigate adolescents' perceptions of a happy school and the strategies they believe are effective for fostering this environment.

Method

Employing a purposive sampling approach, the researchers conducted indepth, semi-structured qualitative interviews involving 41 middle and high school students in Iran to explore their perspectives on the factors contributing to their happiness within an educational setting. Through phenomenological data analysis, four principal themes and thirteen subcategories emerged.

Result

The main themes
included: (1) Enhancing overall health; (2) Creating schools with collaborative decisionmaking;
(3) Fostering a love of learning; (4) Supporting joy and well-being in school.

Conclusions

The identified themes provide new, valuable insights for improving
school climate, particularly in relation to student happiness and promoting positive
mental health and optimal performance among students.
Preschool Teachers’ Beliefs About, and Practices of, Online Teaching during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Role of Psychological Distress and Professional Identity
Authors: Liu Jichen , Li Hao , Zhang Xiao , Zhang Zizai
Published: November 2024

The COVID-19 outbreak posed significant challenges for teachers by forcing them to move from face-to-face teaching to online teaching. Against this background, teachers’ beliefs about, and practices of, online teaching became particularly important because they might influence teachers’ teaching effectiveness and children’s learning. However, little is known about the factors affecting teachers’ beliefs about, and practices of, online teaching during COVID-19. This study examined the associations of psychological distress and professional identity with perceived value of online courses and perceived quality of online teaching among 127 Chinese preschool teachers during COVID-19. Results showed that depression and loneliness were negatively associated with perceived value of online courses and perceived quality of online teaching, respectively, while professional identity was positively associated with both. Our findings highlight the unique roles of psychological distress and professional identity in shaping preschool teachers’ beliefs about, and practices of, online teaching during COVID-19. Policymakers should establish effective policies and guidelines to protect preschool teachers’ mental well-being and help alleviate their psychological distress, particularly depression and loneliness, in times of unforeseen disasters such as the pandemic. School leaders and teacher training professionals should prioritize professional identity as a crucial part of preschool teachers’ professional development during the COVID-19 outbreak.
New technologies in the case law of the Court of Justice – lessons learnt and lessons to be learnt
Authors: Szpunar Maciej
Published: November 2024

The article identifies the most important legal challenges related to new technologies on the basis of the existing case law of the Court of Justice. The author analyses how these experiences make us re-examine established legal concepts. The discussion focuses on issues such as the principle of territoriality, the protection of personal data, the role of the Internet platform, and liability for infringements committed via the internet. In addition, the author seeks to identify what challenges still lie ahead for courts and legislators.
E-commerce ecosystems as catalysts for sustainability: A multi-case analysis
Authors: Wulfert Tobias , Woroch Robert , Strobel Gero , Schoormann Thorsten , Banh Leonardo
Published: November 2024

Single organizations encounter intricate challenges in meeting the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on their own and thus are increasingly concerned with forming ecosystems. This is also the case in the e-commerce domain. It is assumed that particularly focal actors of such ecosystems have the power to foster initiatives towards more sustainability. We conducted an embedded multi-case study with 135 initiatives collected from three types of e-commerce ecosystems to uncover what sustainability goals are addressed by different ecosystem participants. This paper’s analysis explores (1) what sustainability initiatives are reported from focal actors and differences depending on a specific type of ecosystem, (2) dependencies between SDGs within the initiatives, and (3) the degree of involvement of other ecosystem actors and how they contribute to certain SDGs. Our work synthesizes existing initiatives towards sustainable development to give orientation and impulses for practice and academia as well as outlines avenues for future research at the intersection of ecosystems and sustainability.
Understanding Adult’s Experiences and Perceptions of How to Maintain Physical Activity: A Systematic Review and Qualitative Synthesis
Authors: Madigan Claire D. , Grimmett Chloe , Sweet Shane N. , Daley Amanda J. , Kettle Victoria E. , Phillips Bethan , Graham Henrietta E.
Published: November 2024

Background

Many adults do not meet physical activity recommendations for optimal health, and this is often because people find it difficult to maintain physical activity in the long term. This study focuses on identifying and synthesising factors that may influence the maintenance of physical activity in adults with and without known health conditions.

Method

A systematic review and qualitative synthesis using thematic analysis was conducted. Four databases (MEDLINE, SPORT Discus, APA, and Web of Science) were systematically searched for studies published from inception to February 2023 that included qualitative data about people’s experiences of maintaining physical activity.

Results

A total of 9337 abstracts were screened and 68 studies from 14 countries were included. Six main themes were identified: (1) influence of others (e.g. four forms of social support, accountability); (2) contextual and environmental influences (e.g. cost and access of physical activity, weather); (3) health-related influences (e.g. reflexivity about how physical activity improves health conditions, weight control); (4) making it work (e.g. flexibility, prioritising exercise); (5) habits; and (6) psychological processes (e.g. enjoyment, identifying as a physically active person).

Conclusion

People who maintained their participation in physical activity found it enjoyable, prioritised it, and integrated it into their daily routine. Participants were motivated to continue being physically active when they realised the benefits for their health. Social support, in particular companion support, was a key component facilitating continued engagement. Findings specific to maintenance of physical activity included reflexivity of how physical activity benefited health, flexibility, and identifying as a physically active person.
Productivity effects of agroecological practices in Africa: insights from a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Romero Antonio Miriam E. , Faye Amy , Betancur-Corredor Bibiana , Baumüller Heike , von Braun Joachim
Published: November 2024

Scholars have proposed agroecology as a promising method for promoting sustainable and socially just agricultural production systems. However, the extent to which agroecological practices will generate the yields required to ensure sufficient food globally remains unclear. This notion is particularly true in the context of Africa, where agricultural productivity is low but levels of hunger and malnutrition are high. To address this knowledge gap, this article undertakes a systematic review of empirical studies to assess the overall status of agroecology-related research in Africa. Using descriptive and meta-analytical methods, we evaluate empirical evidence on the effect of agroecological practices on land and labour productivity. Our analysis of 501 peer-reviewed articles reveals that the body of agroecology-related literature in Africa has been growing in the past 10 years from approximately 10 to more than 70 studies per annum before and after 2014, respectively, with a strong focus on East Africa, particularly Kenya. The majority of the reviewed studies relate to but do not mention agroecology in the title or abstract. Thus, solely relying on studies that use the term may introduce bias and overlook valuable research contributions to the field. The meta-analysis could identify 39 agronomic studies with 392 observations in which agroecological practices were compared to monocrop systems (defined as plots where similar plants grow alongside each other simultaneously and sequentially from one season to the next) with or without inputs as the control groups. The meta-analysis indicates that agroecological practices are associated with a positive and significant difference in land productivity, compared to that for monocrop systems especially so when monocrops are grown without inputs. However, the size and direction of yield differs by practice, crop, climatic factor, soil property and type of control.
Multimodal heterogeneous graph fusion for automated obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome diagnosis
Authors: Wang Haoyu , Qiu Xihe , Li Bin , Tan Xiaoyu , Huang Jingjing
Published: November 2024

Polysomnography is the diagnostic gold standard for obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS), requiring medical professionals to analyze apnea-hypopnea events from multidimensional data throughout the sleep cycle. This complex process is susceptible to variability based on the clinician’s experience, leading to potential inaccuracies. Existing automatic diagnosis methods often overlook multimodal physiological signals and medical prior knowledge, leading to limited diagnostic capabilities. This study presents a novel heterogeneous graph convolutional fusion network (HeteroGCFNet) leveraging multimodal physiological signals and domain knowledge for automated OSAHS diagnosis. This framework constructs two types of graph representations: physical space graphs, which map the spatial layout of sensors on the human body, and process knowledge graphs which detail the physiological relationships among breathing patterns, oxygen saturation, and vital signals. The framework leverages heterogeneous graph convolutional neural networks to extract both localized and global features from these graphs. Additionally, a multi-head fusion module combines these features into a unified representation for effective classification, enhancing focus on relevant signal characteristics and cross-modal interactions. This study evaluated the proposed framework on a large-scale OSAHS dataset, combined from publicly available sources and data provided by a collaborative university hospital. It demonstrated superior diagnostic performance compared to conventional machine learning models and existing deep learning approaches, effectively integrating domain knowledge with data-driven learning to produce explainable representations and robust generalization capabilities, which can potentially be utilized for clinical use. Code is available at https://github.com/AmbitYuki/HeteroGCFNet.
A dynamic preference recommendation model based on spatiotemporal knowledge graphs
Authors: Fan Xinyu , Ji Yinqin , Hui Bei
Published: November 2024

Recommender systems are of increasing importance owing to the growth of social networks and the complexity of user behavior, and cater to the personalized needs of users. To improve recommendation performance, several methods have emerged and made a combination of knowledge graphs and recommender systems. However, the majority of approaches faces issues like overlooking spatiotemporal features and lacking dynamic modeling. The former restricts the flexibility of recommendations, while the latter renders recommendations unable to adapt to the changing interests of users. To overcome these limitations, a novel dynamic preference recommendation model based on spatiotemporal knowledge graphs (DRSKG), which captures preferences dynamically, is proposed in this paper. Constructed by knowledge graphs, the model integrates spatiotemporal features and takes into account the dynamic preferences of users across various temporal, spatial, and situational contexts. Therefore, DRSKG not only describes the spatiotemporal characteristics of user behaviors more accurately but also models the evolution of dynamic preferences in spatiotemporal changes. Massive experiments demonstrate that the proposed model exhibits significant recommendation enhancement compared with the traditional one, achieving up to 7% and 5% improvements in terms of Precision and Recall metrics, respectively.
A characterization of ramification groups via jet algebras
Authors: Marques Sophie , Pagano Luigi
Published: November 2024

We present a functorial method to define ramification groups, identifying them as inertia groups of an induced action on composite jet algebras. This framework lays the foundation for defining higher ramification groups for actions involving group schemes. To achieve this, we introduce Taylor maps within the category of commutative unitary rings at prime ideals of an $$R$$
R
-algebra and compute their kernels for algebras of finite type over a field with separably generated residue fields.
Development of an electrochemically approximated simulation model and a hardware substitution cell approach for thermal management battery system tests
Authors: Lorbeck Roland , Fruehwirth Christian
Published: November 2024

Battery tests require a high degree of safety-related preparation and constant monitoring of the operating parameters to guarantee the smooth running of tests without incidents or exceptional events such as a thermal runaway. As the handling before, during, and especially after the tests is relatively complex and sometimes just as costly, it is important to reduce these risks and costs as well as to find an alternative to conventional battery tests. Such an approach is being developed by the T-cell project of the Institute of Thermodynamics and Sustainable Propulsion Systems at Graz University of Technology, founded by the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG). A thermal substitution cell, which resembles a battery cell on the outside, is to reflect the surface temperature distribution of a chemical cell without there being any cell chemistry inside the substitution cell. Rather, the interior should not be part of the observation and the thermal requirements should be provided by an internal heating option. Such a measurement approach requires, among other things, a control and regulation unit, without which it would not be possible to transfer the thermal behavior of a battery cell to the substitution cell. Together with the electronic structure of the substitution cell and a circuit environment including a battery simulation model established at a later date, this control/regulation module forms an overall package that considerably facilitates investigations at cell, module, and pack level by substitution of a certain amount of cells using system symmetry advantages. A suitable simulation model was constructed and parameterized for this purpose from an electrochemical and a thermal network. As a first step, the data, which were partly determined empirically but also derived from real cell measurements in the literature, were adapted to the requirements of the simulation environment, so that the real cell used could be simulated thermally in principle. The simulation observations represent the state of the art of the model and are continuously improved by measurements carried out at the institute, thus building up the overall system in more detail.
»Darum fordre ich diese Freiheit für alle Frauen.« Louise Otto-Peters’ Forderungen im 19. Jahrhundert
Authors: Pfäffle Anna
Published: November 2024

Der Beitrag untersucht, mit welchen sprachlichen Mitteln die Mitbegründerin der ersten deutschen Frauenbewegung, Louise Otto-Peters, im 19. Jahrhundert Forderungen für die Frauenbewegung formulierte. Anhand ihrer Texte in zwei von ihr (mit-)herausgegebenen Zeitschriften wird die deontische Stärke ihrer Forderungen analysiert. Dabei wird gezeigt, dass Louise Otto-Peters in ihren früheren Texten deontisch stärkere Formulierungen wählte. In späteren Texten, die unter restriktiveren Bedingungen entstanden, nutzte sie tendenziell schwächere Muster. Diese Entwicklung wird u. a. als Folge der politischen Zeitumstände interpretiert.
Proton acceleration driven by relativistic femtosecond Laguerre–Gaussian lasers
Authors: Wang Wenpeng
Published: November 2024

With the advancement of ultra-intense and ultra-short laser technology, lasers have achieved new parameters in femtosecond (10–15 s) and petawatt (1015 W) ranges. Ion acceleration driven by these lasers has become a prominent research area. However, most research still relies on traditional Gaussian lasers, posing challenges in enhancing the low divergence angle, high flux, and high collimation of ion beams. This paper reviews a novel laser mode—the Laguerre–Gaussian (LG) laser in the relativistic domain. LG lasers feature a hollow intensity distribution and angular momentum, offering centripetal force and phase modulation at the axis center, reducing particle beam divergence and enabling focused acceleration. High-quality proton beams driven by ultra-intense, ultra-short LG lasers have promising applications in proton therapy, fast ignition in inertial confinement fusion, proton imaging, particle injection in accelerators, and astrophysics.
Prediction ability in bilingual individuals: an eye tracking study with younger and older adults
Authors: Ribu Ingeborg Sophie , Simonsen Hanne Gram , Norvik Monica , Lehtonen Minna , Murstad Jeanett , Theimann Ane , Nygreen Thomas , Goral Mira
Published: November 2024

Studies with monolingual speakers show that people predict upcoming linguistic elements during sentence processing. Linguistic prediction behavior has been found to be less consistent in studies with bilingual individuals performing in their non-native language and in neurotypical older monolingual adults. The present study utilized an eye-tracking paradigm to investigate whether bilingual younger and older neurotypical individuals predict upcoming nouns in sentences that include constraining verbs, and if they do so both in their first language (L1) and in their second language (L2). Data were analyzed from 44 Norwegian-English proficient bilingual adults; 27 younger (20–35 years, mean age 27) and 17 older adults (54–81 years, mean age 64) who completed the eye-tracking experiment in each of the two languages, as well as cognitive and linguistic tests. The results demonstrated similar prediction abilities in L1 and L2 for both the younger and older participants on sentences with constraining verbs. Older adults predicted slower than younger adults. Participants’ working memory span and language proficiency did not explain prediction performance; cognate status of the stimuli partially did. The study adds to the relatively sparse existing data on prediction abilities in bilingual people and in older individuals.
Studies of Colletotrichum species causing cowpea anthracnose in Nigeria reveal two first-time reports globally
Authors: Dada Adenike O. , Dania Victor O. , Oyatomi Olaniyi A. , Abberton Michael , Ortega-Beltran Alejandro
Published: November 2024

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) is an important multipurpose crop in various countries in sub-Saharan Africa. However, cowpea production is affected by cowpea anthracnose disease (CAD). In Nigeria, Colletotrichum lindemuthianum and C. destructivum have been described as causal agents of CAD based on morphological features. Such characterization is unreliable because many similarities among and within Colletotrichum spp. exist. In the current study, Colletotrichum spp. were isolated from leaves showing CAD symptoms collected in farmers’ fields across four states in Nigeria. Isolates were characterized using morphological keys, severity scores in detached leaf assays, and sequencing of the ITS, ACT, GADPH, TUB, ApMat, and CAL genes. Two species, C. chrysophilum and C. siamense, were identified after comparing multigene sequences. Morphological characteristics and disease symptoms were very similar for both species. However, severity scores varied among and within species. Both C. chrysophilum and C. siamense are reported for the first time as causal agents of CAD across the globe. The accurate diagnosis of organisms causing CAD in the studied region will allow developing effective management strategies.
Topological Analysis of U.S. City Demographics
Authors: Kauba Jakini Auset , Weighill Thomas
Published: November 2024

We apply persistent homology, the main method in topological data analysis, to the study of demographic data. Persistence diagrams efficiently summarize information about clusters or peaks in a region’s demographic data. To illustrate how persistence diagrams can be used for exploratory analysis, we undertake a study of the 100 largest U.S. cities and their Black and Hispanic populations. We use our method to find clusters in individual cities, determine which cities are outliers and why, measure and describe change in demographic patterns over time, and roughly categorize cities into distinct groups based on the topology of their demographics. Along the way, we highlight the advantages and disadvantages of persistence diagrams as a tool for analyzing geospatial data.
Socio-economic risk assessment of the setback zone in beaches threatened by sea level rise induced retreat (Peloponnese coast- Eastern Mediterranean)
Authors: Karditsa Aikaterini , Poulos Serafeim E.
Published: November 2024

Beaches play a pivotal role in supporting the socio-economic sector, particularly within the 'Sun, Sea, and Sand' (3S) tourism model. Valued for their ecosystem services, these coastal landforms are among the most dynamic and vulnerable environments, facing significant pressure from various climate challenges, which is further intensified by extensive anthropic exploitation. Their sustainable use is intrinsically linked to balancing the 3Ps: Planet, People, and Profit. To address the need for protection and sustainable utilization of coastal areas, the European Union has introduced the Protocol on Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) in the Mediterranean, specifically recommending in Article 8(2) the establishment of a setback buffer zone where permanent constructions are prohibited. This paper explores the application of risk mapping in the context of coastal setback policies, focusing on their effectiveness in managing beach retreat and adapting to climate change, particularly rising sea levels. The study examines selected beach areas in Peloponnese, Greece, influenced by various socio-economic factors. Through this analysis, the paper aims to contribute to the discourse on coastal management strategies that balance environmental sustainability with socio-economic benefits.
Increasing data sharing and use for social good: Lessons from Africa’s data-sharing practices during the COVID-19 response
Authors: Amutorine Morine , Lawrence Neil , Montgomery Jessica
Published: November 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the critical need for timely data and information to aid interventions and decision-making. Efforts by different actors resulted in various data-driven initiatives, constituting experiences of deploying data in the COVID-19 response and valuable lessons that can advance the sharing and use of data for social good beyond COVID-19. This commentary highlights key case studies detailing the experiences and lessons of those who implemented data science solutions for the COVID-19 response, as well as findings from 74 data-centric COVID-19 interventions. These interventions demonstrated successful data access strategies, productive intervention processes, and effective stakeholder engagement, all of which present potential pathways to overcoming data access obstacles across Africa. Additionally, this study also briefly explores three areas for action (i.e., institutions, people, and platforms) that can inform future policy development to increase data sharing for societal benefit in the long term.
Analysis of Disparities in the Initial Health Care Response to the February 2023 Earthquakes in Turkey and Syria
Authors: Santarisi Abeer , Hertelendy Attila J. , Issa Fadi , Franc Jeffrey , Woodward Christina , Mathew Dana , Noel Jacob , Curtis Timothy J. , Miller Eric D. , Agubosim Chinonso , Kenyon Van , Boasi Ryan , AlShaikh Eman , Voskanyan Amalia , Ciottone Gregory R.
Published: November 2024

Objectives

This study analyzes disparities in initial health care responses in Turkey and Syria following the 2023 earthquakes.

Methods

Using Humanitarian Data Exchange, Crude Mortality Rates (CMR) and injury rates in both countries were calculated, and temporal trends of death tolls and injuries in the first month post- catastrophe were compared. World Health Organization (WHO) Flash Appeal estimated funding requirements, and ratios of humanitarian aid personnel in Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams per population from ReliefWeb and MAPACTION data were used to gauge disparities.

Results

56 051 096 individuals were exposed, with Turkey having 44 million vs 12 million in Syria. Turkey had higher CMR in affected areas (10.5 vs. 5.0 per 10,000), while Syria had higher CMR in intensely seismic regions (9.3 vs. 7.7 per 1,000). Turkey had higher injury rates (24.6 vs. 9.9 per 10 000). Death and injury rates plateaued in Syria after 3 days, but steadily rose in Turkey. Syria allocated more funding for all priorities per population except health care facilities’ rehabilitation. Turkey had 219 USAR teams compared to Syria’s 6, with significantly more humanitarian aid personnel (23 vs. 2/100,000).

Conclusions

Significant disparities in the initial health care response were observed between Turkey and Syria, highlighting the need for policymakers to enhance response capabilities in conflict-affected events to reduce the impact on affected populations.

Narrative Abstract

The 2023 Turkish-Syrian earthquakes, the most devastating in the region since 1939, heightened challenges in Syria’s health care system amid ongoing conflict, disrupting Gaziantep’s humanitarian aid supply route. The initial health care responses post-earthquakes in Turkey and Syria were analyzed through a descriptive study, where Crude Mortality Rates (CMR) and injury rates during the first week were calculated. The World Health Organization’s funding priorities and the ratio of humanitarian aid personnel in Urban Search and Rescue teams per population were assessed. Turkey had 4-fold higher earthquake exposure and experienced higher CMR and injuries per population, while Syria had higher CMR in intensely seismic regions. Temporal trends showed plateaued death and injury rates in Syria within 3 days, while Turkey’s continued to increase. Syria required more funding across nearly all priorities while Turkey had more humanitarian aid personnel per population. Significant health care response disparities were observed, emphasizing the imperative for policymakers to enhance initial responses in conflict-affected events.
All Kronecker coefficients are reduced Kronecker coefficients
Authors: Ikenmeyer Christian , Panova Greta
Published: November 2024

We settle the question of where exactly do the reduced Kronecker coefficients lie on the spectrum between the Littlewood-Richardson and Kronecker coefficients by showing that every Kronecker coefficient of the symmetric group is equal to a reduced Kronecker coefficient by an explicit construction. This implies the equivalence of an open problem by Stanley from 2000 and an open problem by Kirillov from 2004 about combinatorial interpretations of these two families of coefficients. Moreover, as a corollary, we deduce that deciding the positivity of reduced Kronecker coefficients is

${\textsf {NP}}$

-hard, and computing them is

${{{\textsf {#P}}}}$

-hard under parsimonious many-one reductions. Our proof also provides an explicit isomorphism of the corresponding highest weight vector spaces.
Shared experiences, shared support: A qualitative study on the importance of relatability in interpersonal relationships for youth mental health in South Africa
Authors: Henry Junita , Azariah Fredric , Hughsam Matt , Skeen Sarah , Tomlinson Mark , Busakhwe Chuma , Mokoena Khotso , Mudaly Almaaz , Sinha Moitreyee , Laurenzi Christina
Published: November 2024

Adolescence is a critical developmental period marked by significant changes, increasing the risk of mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. Understanding how youth engage with mental health resources is essential. This study explored the role of interpersonal relationships—including peer-to-peer, adult-youth, parent, teacher and mentor relationships, and interactions with mental health professionals—in shaping youth mental health engagement and identified factors influencing these relationships. Using a phenomenological qualitative design, youth researchers (YRs) and youth advisors (YAs) were engaged throughout the research process. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with South African youth aged 14–24 years. The study highlighted the significance of peer relationships, particularly relatability, as key in youth mental health support. Family relationships had a mixed role, with factors like lack of mental health literacy, age differences, and cultural norms hindering effective communication and support. By understanding the dynamics of these relationships, this study emphasizes the need for targeted interventions that harness social support. Enhancing the quality of relationships and promoting positive social bonds can protect against mental health problems. Addressing gaps in support by recognizing and supporting peer-to-peer engagement is essential. Findings provide valuable insights for designing strategies to promote mental well-being among youth, particularly in resource-constrained settings.
A “Para-University” on the Road toward Self-Governance: The Basque Studies Society and Autonomy, 1918-1936
Authors: Anduaga Aitor
Published: November 2024

In the United States and Europe, para-university institutions have often been viewed as postsecondary institutions that satisfy some needs not addressed by universities. Such para-universities might be technical institutes or research centers affiliated with a parent university and/or a nation-state. In stateless nations, however, para-universities have acquired certain characteristics that, compared with nation-states, distinguish them in their rationale and development. In the Basque Country of Spain, the Basque Studies Society—an institution not born from, or linked to, any parent university—sought to unite the promotion of science and indigenous culture with a demand for educational and political autonomy. The Basque case reveals instructive contrasts that separate para-university practice from that of its European and American counterparts. This article analyzes para-university practice and activities during the first two decades of the Basque Studies Society (1918-1936). With its emphasis upon political autonomy as well as the absence of an established nation-state and the lack of a university that served as a base, this case study challenges traditional conceptions of the para-university in its essence and praxis.
What Makes History Nobel Prize Worthy? Claudia Goldin and the Relevance of History of Education
Authors: Westberg Johannes
Published: November 2024

In 2023, Claudia Goldin received the Nobel Prize for her groundbreaking research in economics. In this article, I use Goldin’s research to reflect on the role of history of education in academic research. I argue that Goldin’s remarkable achievement underscores the need for historians of education to reach a wider disciplinary audience in the humanities and social sciences. Goldin’s success lies not in isolating her focus to a subfield, but in connecting historical research to wider concerns in the discipline of economics. Goldin’s research thus reminds us of the skills required of historians of education: to understand the research interest and terminology of other research fields, and to use historical methods to address the key problems that those research fields explore. That is, we need to learn how to apply historical methods to what are essentially nonhistorical problems.