bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Concentration of Uranium in Groundwater and its Health Effects around the Indira Gandhi Super Thermal Power Project in Jharli, Haryana, India
Authors: Priyanka  , Dahiya Sunita
Published: February 2025

Contamination of uranium in ground water is topic of concern now a days across the world as the ground water is the primary source in rural and urban parts of India. Burning coal in thermal power projects is one of the several actions that might discharge uranium into the environment. These efforts unintentionally raised the Technically Enhanced Natural Radioactivity (TENR) levels of natural radionuclides and their radiation levels in the surroundings. The most significant sources of electricity produced are thermal power projects. But the environmental effects of these industrial operations cause questions.  This study examines the uranium concentration in groundwater around the Power Plant and its health effects on nearby populations. High uranium content in drinking water can seriously compromise your health. This is so because uranium is radioactive and can cause nephrotoxicity and higher cancer risk. Groundwater samples were gathered and examined within a 0 to 4 kilometer range from many locations surrounding the water plant.  Finding the degree of Uranium contamination is the aim of the project and LED fluorimetery technique is used. In terms of radiation and chemistry as well, uranium is a well-known dangerous element. The USEPA labeled uranium a carcinogen in 1991 and urged that drinking water should contain no uranium.  With an average of 47.59 µg/L, the uranium content ranged from 2.64 to 201.9 µg/L. Average of 1.18 Bq/L, the activity concentration (Ac) ranged from 0.06 to 5.07 Bq/L. The average LADD range of 0.05/4.00 µg/kg/day was observed.  The findings of this study helps in assessing public health and radiological risks and mainly asseses water quality with major implications towards environmental health. The study helps in evaluation of contamination risks including health risks like kidney damage and cancer.
Analysis of Artificial Intelligence Policies for Higher Education in Europe
Authors: Stracke Christian M. , Griffiths Dai , Pappa Dimitra , Bećirović Senad , Polz Edda , Perla Loredana , Di Grassi Annamaria , Massaro Stefania , Prifti Skenduli Marjana , Burgos Daniel , Punzo Veronica , Amram Denise , Ziouvelou Xenia , Katsamori Dora , Gabriel Sonja , Nahar Nurun , Schleiss Johannes , Hollins Paul
Published: February 2025

This paper analyses 15 AI policies for higher education from eight European countries, drawn from individual universities, from consortia of universities and from government agencies. Based on an overview of current research findings, it focuses the comparison of different aspects among the selected AI policies. The analysis distinguishes between four potential target groups, namely students, teachers, education managers and policy makers. The paper aims at contributing to the further development and improvement of AI policies for higher education through the identification of commonalities and gaps within the existing AI policies. Moreover, it calls for further and in particular evidence-based research to identify the potential and practical impact of AI in higher education and highlights the need to combine AI use in (higher) education with education about AI, often called as AI literacy.
Mechanically Trained Calcium Alginate Ionic Hydrogels for Enhanced Abdominal Wall Defect Repair
Authors: Li Zijian , Dong Wenpei , Ren Jing , Gao Wenli , Cao Leitao , Gu Yan , Ling Shengjie
Published: January 2025

Abdominal wall defects, often caused by trauma, infection, or tumor resection, pose significant clinical challenges, typically leading to organ protrusion and chronic pain. Current repair materials like polypropylene (PP) and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) meshes offer mechanical stability but can trigger foreign body reaction, leading to visceral adhesions and inflammation. While calcium alginate ionic hydrogels (CAIHs) present a biocompatible alternative, but lack the mechanical strength needed for abdominal wall defects repair. This work develops a two perpendicular directions mechanically trained CAIH (PDMT‐CAIH) by cyclic stretching, enhancing its mechanical properties and stability without introducing any additional chemical elements. In vitro and in vivo assessments show that PDMT‐CAIH supports cell proliferation, promotes tissue regeneration, and significantly reduces visceral adhesion formation compared to PP meshes. Additionally, PDMT‐CAIH demonstrates superior resistance to degradation, maintaining structural integrity over time. These findings highlight PDMT‐CAIH as a promising, safer alternative for abdominal wall repair, reducing complications and improving clinical outcomes without the need for chemical additives.
Non‐Fused Conjugated Oligomer with Manipulated Intermolecular Charge Transfer for Highly Efficient Near‐Infrared Phototheranostics of Cancer
Authors: Lee Ka‐Wai , Zhang Chuang , You Yu‐Chi , Wan Yingpeng , Guan Zhiqiang , Tan Ji‐Hua , Wang I‐Hsiang , Zhang Jinfeng , Wong Ken‐Tsung , Lee Chun‐Sing
Published: January 2025

Near‐infrared (NIR) phototheranostics, combining photoacoustic imaging (PAI) and photothermal therapy (PTT), show great promise for cancer diagnosis and treatment. Organic molecules are excellent photothermal agents (PTAs) due to their strong NIR absorption and biodegradability. Typically, achieving good NIR response involves using fused‐ring backbones, which require complex synthesis and yield lower production. In this work, 2F nanoparticles (NPs) are reported as an organic phototheranostic agent with high NIR responses, synthesized in just two simple steps with an 87% production yield for efficient PAI‐guided PTT of cancer. Unlike traditional fused‐ring structures, 2F is formed by joining donor and acceptor moieties with simple carbon–carbon bonds, simplifying synthesis and increasing yield. Although isolated 2F molecules have lower NIR absorption, forming NPs shifts the absorption peak from 708 to 808 nm, achieving NIR absorption comparable to state‐of‐the‐art phototheranostics. This shift is due to significant charge transfer between dimers, forming a single‐component charge‐transfer complex with improved NIR absorption, as shown by absorption spectra and theoretical studies. Finally, 2F NPs demonstrate successful PAI‐guided PTT of cancer under NIR excitation with strong anti‐tumor performance. This work provides valuable insight into achieving both high synthesis yield and excellent photophysical performance in PTAs, advancing the development of PTT.
Homogenizing the Halogen Distribution via a Multifunctional Fluorine‐Containing Additive Toward High‐Performance Inverted Wide‐Bandgap Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Li Jiawen , Zhu Shaofeng , Yin Chunyang , Chen Cong , Yuan Jun , Zhao Haifeng , Gong Hongkang , Yang Bo , Zheng Ding , Xing Guoqiang , Zhao Dewei , Yu Junsheng , Bai Sai
Published: January 2025

Wide‐bandgap perovskite solar cells, which are essential for tandem photovoltaics, easily suffer from open‐circuit voltage (VOC) losses due to challenges in suppressing halogen heterogeneity and defect‐related nonradiative recombination in the active layers. Herein, a multifunctional fluorine‐containing additive of 8‐pentafluorobenzyloxy quinoline (8‐PFBQ) is explored to modulate the crystallization and defect properties of wide‐bandgap (1.67 eV) perovskites, enhancing both efficiency and operational stability of ensuing solar cells. It is demonstrated that the quinoline group of 8‐PFBQ can strongly coordinate with the lead ions and the fluorinated benzyl group effectively interacts with the organic halides through anion‐π and hydrogen bonding interactions simultaneously. These synergistic effects improve crystal quality and composition homogeneity, holistically reducing defects in the perovskite active layers. The resulting wide‐bandgap solar cells achieve a champion power conversion efficiency of 22.22%, featuring a high VOC of 1.243 V and a two‐fold enhancement in the operational stability. This work presents an alternative strategy for defect management in wide‐bandgap perovskites, offering insights for advancements in both single‐junction and tandem photovoltaics.
Nepenthes‐Inspired Squeal Noise Reducing Elastomer with Stabilized Friction‐Induced Self‐Excited Vibration
Authors: Zhang Bowen , Yang Kang , Yu Xinping , Zhang Jiayan , Dong Zhichao , Fang Ruochen , Jiang Lei
Published: January 2025

The squealing noise generated by vehicle wipers has increasingly become a primary factor affecting driving safety and comfort. However, adjusting structure and wettability in wet environments to solve the friction‐induced squeal noise of wiper blades remains a challenge. Here, inspired by the effective liquid retention and stable interface formation achieved through surface microstructural grooves in Nepenthes, a superhydrophilic elastomer material with a groove array is prepared. This material effectively retains liquid and establishes a stable, slippery surface. It reduces self‐excited vibrations caused by friction, resulting in a decrease in squeal noise from 80 to 45 decibels(dB). This research not only presents a series of low‐noise elastomers, but also provides a new design strategy to reduce friction‐noise in fields such as engines, wiper blades, and oil‐lubricated bearings.
A Sustained H2/Fluorouracil‐Releasing Suppository for High‐efficacy and Low‐Toxicity Hydrogenochemotherapy of Colon Cancer
Authors: Chen Danyang , Wu Zuan , Xia Chao , Yang Haiyan , Ding Wenjiang , He Qianjun
Published: January 2025

To attenuate the intestinal toxicity of chemotherapeutic drugs from rectal suppositories and enhance their chemotherapeutic outcome is greatly significant, but maintains a challenge. In this work, a new strategy of local synergistic hydrogenochemotherapy is proposed to attenuate side effects and enhance therapeutic efficacy based on the anti‐cancer selectivity and normal cells‐protecting effect of H2, and construct a novel anti‐cancer formulation of rectal suppository (5‐FU/CSN@FAG) by fatty acid glycerides (FAG) encapsulating 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU, a first‐line drug for colorectal cancer treatment) and cerium silicide nanoparticles (CSN) with a sustained hydrolytic H2 release behavior which is synchronous with 5‐FU release. The 3‐week treatment with the suppository once a day can not only completely eradicate colon tumors without tumor recurrence after suppository administration withdrawal, but also efficiently protect the intestinal tract from chemotherapeutic damage. Mechanistically, H2 generated by CSN reduces the toxicity of 5‐FU to normal cells in the intestinal tract by scavenging over‐expressed reactive oxygen species and correcting energy metabolism, and also assists 5‐FU to promote the apoptosis of colon tumor cells by inhibiting their respiration through a CO signaling pathway. High biosafety and therapeutic validity endow the developed suppository with a high potential for clinical translation.
Linear Dielectric Polymers with Ferroelectric‐Like Crystals for High‐Temperature Capacitive Energy Storage
Authors: Chen Jie , Wu Chao , Deng Jingyu , Zhou Ying , Liu Fei , Shi Kunming , Jiang Pingkai , Huang Xingyi
Published: January 2025

Achieving optimal capacitive energy storage performance necessitates the integration of high energy storage density, typical of ferroelectric dielectrics, with the low polarization loss associated with linear dielectrics. However, combining these characteristics in a single dielectric material is challenging due to the inherent contradictions between the spontaneous polarization of ferroelectric dielectrics and the adaptability of linear dielectrics to changes in the electric field. To address this issue, a linear isotactic sulfonylated polynorbornene dielectric characterized by ferroelectric‐like crystals has been developed. The sulfonyl dipoles in the ferroelectric‐like crystals are oriented in the same direction, thereby enabling this polymer to exhibit a considerable dielectric constant (7.5) at room temperature. Notably, when the operating temperature surpasses the polymer's glass transition temperature (Tg ≈ 140 °C), its dielectric constant rises to 12 with just minor changes in the dissipation factor. At 150 °C, 90% efficiency of the discharge energy density reaches as high as 6.76 J cm−1 under a low electric field of 320 MV m−1, which is ten times that of the state‐of‐the‐art, high‐temperature, capacitor‐grade polyetherimide. The enhancement of high‐temperature capacitive performance, achieved by utilizing the crystallinity of isotactic polymers to form a polar structure, presents a new perspective for the design of high‐temperature dielectric polymers.
Fracture Fusion on Fast‐Forward: Locally Administered Deferoxamine Significantly Enhances Fracture Healing in Animal Models: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Müller Daniel , Klotsche Jens , Kosik Magdalena B. , Perka Carsten , Buttgereit Frank , Hoff Paula , Gaber Timo
Published: January 2025

Fractures, with a yearly incidence of 1.2%, can lead to healing complications in up to 10% of cases. The angiogenic stimulant deferoxamine (DFO) is recognized for enhancing bone healing when administered into the fracture gap. This systematic review with meta‐analysis investigates the effect of local DFO application on bone healing in rat and mouse models. EMBASE, MEDLINE (PubMed), and Web of Science are systematically searched in January 2024. The study is prospectively registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024492533), and the SYRCLE tool is used to assess study quality and risk of bias. Outcome values contain the primary endpoint bone volume fraction (BV/TV) as well as the secondary endpoints bone volume, tissue volume, bone mineral density, trabecular separation, trabecular thickness, vessel formation and the mechanical properties, assessed by µCT, angiography and mechanical strength tests. Out of 21 included studies, 18 qualify for meta‐analysis, involving 539 animals. DFO‐treated groups exhibit significantly higher BV/TV values (p < 0.0001) compared to controls, with similarly significant improvements in secondary outcomes. These findings highlight the substantial benefit of DFO in promoting bone healing, especially after radiotherapy. Rapid clinical implementation is recommended to help patients at high risk of fracture healing complications.
Design Strategies for Practical Zinc‐Air Batteries Toward Electric Vehicles and beyond
Authors: Shinde Sambhaji S. , Kim Sung‐Hae , Wagh Nayantara K. , Lee Jung‐Ho
Published: January 2025

Zinc‐air batteries (ZABs) offer promising forthcoming large‐scale high‐density storage systems and the cost‐effectiveness of electrode materials, specifically in solid‐state and liquid electrolytes. However, the uncontrolled diffusion and utilization of irreversible zinc components and cell design principles limit practical applications with severe capacity fade and interfacial reactions. In this perspective article, the aim is to shed lights on the underlying mechanisms of solid electrolytes and interfaces alongside the current status and prospective research insights. Formulations of ampere‐hour (Ah)‐scale cylindrical/pouch cells are discussed for 100–500 Wh kg−1 cell‐level energy metrics under realistic operations. The electrode/electrolyte interface dynamics, scale‐up readiness, testing protocols, and key performance metrics are also suggested for transforming lab‐scale research into practical production.
Promoting dignity and autonomy in NSLP and WIC: Lessons learned from the success of SNAP
Authors: Gundersen Craig
Published: January 2025

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as the Food Stamp Program) is by far the largest of food assistance programs in the U.S. Given its size, there is an expectation it should succeed and an extensive literature has demonstrated its success in improving the well‐being of recipients across numerous dimensions. Its success and popularity is due to many factors but what is especially important is its promotion of the dignity of recipients and allowing for the autonomy of recipients' choices. In contrast, two other well‐known food assistance programs run by the USDA, the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), have imposed hurdles to the goals of dignity and autonomy which have led to many potential participants foregoing benefits. This article begins with a review of each of these three programs. After this review, I discuss how the lessons learned from the success of SNAP can be leveraged by NSLP and WIC.
Transition Behavior of Cellulose Nanocrystal Networks Induced by Nanoconfined Water
Authors: Liu Siyuan , Xu Dan , Cai Chenyang , Zhang Xizhou Cecily , Andreas Loren B. , Wang Zengbin , Song Qun , Wang Jiaxiu , Picu Catalin R. , Zhang Kai
Published: January 2025

Hydrogen bonding (HB) is essential for the mechanical properties of cellulose‐based materials. However, the plastification of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) caused by the transition of HB in the presence of water is still insufficiently understood. In this work, the rigid–soft transition of nanoconfined chains in non‐ordered regions of CNC surfaces is quantitively described by comparing their strain behaviors with amorphous cellulose. Moreover, this softening (referred to as the “hydro‐glass transition”) with increasing relative humidity (RH) is explored, and a threshold RH value (RHt) is identified to characterize the transition. The phenomenon is attributed to the monolayer to multilayer adsorption and eventually capillary condensation of water molecules in wedged mesopores of the CNC films. This triggers a rapid transition of HB from cellulose–cellulose to cellulose–water type in the vicinity of RHt. The hydro‐glass transition is promoted by higher temperatures, for example, RHt at 65 °C decreases to 50%. In addition, the presence of surface groups with lower acid dissociation constant (comparing SO3− and OH/COO− moieties) also accelerates this hydro‐glass transition process. Thus, a detailed understanding of the thermodynamic changes in hydrogen‐bonded nanoconfined polymer chains in the presence of humidity, with implications for developing nanomaterials with RH‐controlled properties, is provided.
A reinforcement learning methodology to hierarchical sliding‐mode surface H∞$$ {H}_{\infty } $$ control of nonlinear systems via a dynamic event‐triggered mechanism
Authors: Wang Tengda , Karimi Hamid Reza , Wang Huanqing , Xu Ning , Li Lun , Zhao Xudong
Published: January 2025

This paper addresses the problem of a hierarchical sliding mode surface (HSMS)
control design for nonlinear systems via a dynamic event‐triggered mechanism. Initially, the HSMS containing the system states is constructed to enhance the system's response rate and robustness. By assigning a cost function associated with the HSMS, such an
control problem is equivalently transformed into a zero‐sum game problem, where the control policy and the exogenous disturbance are treated as two players with opposite interests. Afterwards, a novel dynamic event‐triggered mechanism is designed, where the triggering condition depends on HSMS variables. To solve the corresponding event‐triggered Hamilton–Jacobi–Isaacs equation, a single‐critic reinforcement learning algorithm is developed, which removes the error generated by approximating the actor network in the actor‐critic network. According to the Lyapunov stability theory, all signals of the considered system are strictly proved to be bounded. Finally, the validity of the proposed control method is demonstrated through simulations of a tunnel diode circuit system and a mass‐spring‐damper system.
Linear Matrix Inequality‐based design of distributed proportional‐integral‐derivative for the output consensus tracking in heterogeneous high‐order multi‐agent systems
Authors: Lui Dario Giuseppe , Petrillo Alberto , Santini Stefania
Published: January 2025

This article addresses the cooperative output consensus tracking problem for high‐order heterogeneous multi‐agent systems via a distributed proportional‐integral‐derivative (PID)‐like control strategy and proposes two novel control methodologies for the tuning of the control gains, which do not require any assumption and/or limitation on agent system modeling. By extending the static output feedback (SOF) paradigm to distributed domain, the asymptotic stability problem for the overall MAS composed of
agents is revisited into
decoupled stabilization problems to be solved. Then, by exploiting the Lyapunov and matrix theory, the typical SOF bilinear matrix inequality (BMI)‐based stability conditions are recast into
feasible linear matrix inequality (LMI)‐based ones, whose solutions allow finding the proper values of the PID control gains ensuring the achievement of the cooperative task. In doing so, the proposed procedures reduce the computational effort required for the control design, hence providing a greater attraction for a wider range of practical engineering applications. The scalability and the adaptability of the proposed control methodology in solving an alternative cooperative control problem in the presence of multiple leaders, that is, the output containment task, are also analytically investigated. Numerical simulations confirm the effectiveness of the theoretical derivations.
Dynamic connectivity maintenance problems in networks of multi‐agent systems via nearest neighbor‐based methods
Authors: Zhu Hua‐Yu , Mao Weijie
Published: January 2025

Connectivity maintenance is crucial for the real‐world deployment of multi‐agent systems, as it ultimately allows the agents to communicate, coordinate, and perform tasks in a collaborative way. In this paper, a new problem called the dynamic connectivity maintenance problem is considered, which aims to model the scenario where part agents have already broken away from the original communication range but still could be communicated by the other agents. To this end, nearest neighbor‐based methods are proposed in this paper to ensure that the graphs of multi‐agent systems have a spanning tree at all times. Considering that it takes time during the dynamic connectivity maintenance process, this paper also considers the impact of non‐uniform time‐varying time delays on communication and obtains a solution to the gain under the maximum time delay through the Lyapunov method when achieving a consensus. A new approach based on a chain‐type transformation to investigate the consensus problem is proposed. Some sufficient conditions are established. Finally, the developed approaches are validated through a simulation of unmanned surface vessels and a task of autonomous driving truck fleet.
Adult Wilms Tumor With Inferior Vena Cava Thrombus on an Incomplete Duplex Collecting System Ureter Fissus Proximalis Managed at a Tertiary Hospital in Tanzania: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Alexandre Amini Mitamo , Lori Joseph Martin , Mtaturu Gabriel F. , Sensa Victor Patrick , Nsato Sylvia Bedas , Mbezi Mariam Athumani , Nyongole Obadia V. , Mkony Charles A.
Published: January 2025

Wilms' tumor (WT), also known as nephroblastoma, is a malignant embryonal kidney tumor composed of embryonic cells and is the most prevalent tumor among children, but isolated cases occur infrequently in the adult population. Adult WT is defined according to the criteria of Kilton, Matthews, and Cohen, which comprise age above 15 years and histological patterns characteristic of WT. We report a case of an adult WT with venous thrombus on an incomplete duplex collecting system. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of adult WT with such a presentation. A 28‐year‐old female patient presented to our department with a 4‐month history of right flank pain and flank mass and was diagnosed by abdominal contrasted CT to have a right renal tumor with tumor thrombi in the renal vein and the inferior vena cava. The CT scan also revealed a bilateral duplex collecting system with a partial (ureter fissus proximalis) on the tumor side and a complete duplex system on the contralateral side. Right radical nephrectomy with complete tumor thrombectomy via venacavotomy was performed successfully. Histopathological examination of the specimen revealed a triphasic nephroblastoma with immunohistochemistry confirmation. Postoperatively, adjuvant chemotherapy was initiated. The increasing incidence of non‐syndromic WT cases associated with duplex collecting systems suggests a potential shared pathogenesis, necessitating further research.
Mapping the Terrain: Strategies for Building Effective University Financial Planning Programs
Authors: Heymann Ronald , Schnusenberg Oliver , Timmerman Inga
Published: January 2025

This paper explores factors influencing the success of financial planning programs in higher education. It can be used as a guide in the development of a financial planning program. Using a mixed methods approach, the study combines a comprehensive survey of past and present CFP‐Board registered program directors and in‐depth qualitative insights from the authors' own experiences. The survey encompasses demographics, competition participation, job placement, and perceived administrative support. Key elements of a successful program such as curriculum design, student engagement activities, diversity initiatives, faculty recruitment, and institutional support are discussed. Experiential learning opportunities, outreach efforts for diverse talent, and networking events emerge as critical factors in a successful program. Insights from program directors emphasize the importance of ongoing curriculum development aligned with professional trends, interdisciplinary perspectives, and real‐world case studies. Challenges include resource constraints and faculty staffing. The findings offer insights for program directors, faculty, students, administrators, and other professional designation programs to enhance program quality, diversity, and impact, serving the needs of students and the broader community. The findings provide an outline for other professional programs (i.e., CFA or CPA) in how to design, implement, and run a successful program.
Bambara groundnut [Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.] genetic diversity and population structure assessed through next‐generation sequencing technologies: Restriction‐site‐associated DNA sequencing
Authors: Baloyi Nsovo H. , Voster Alvera A. , Swanepoel Pieter
Published: January 2025

The importance of underutilized crops in the diversification of diets for both humans and animals, among other uses, has been highlighted in literature in recent times. Underutilized crops are especially important because of their potential to provide nutrient‐packed, climate‐resilient, and sustainable farming practices. One such crop is Bambara groundnut [Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc], whose genetic potential has not been afforded sufficient research attention. For most of the rural areas in Sub‐Saharan Africa, it is a great source of food and income and is most valued for its nutrient richness and ability to thrive in marginal land. However, farmers grapple with the lack of high agronomic quality seeds where production of the crop is concerned. The aim of this study was to establish an easy basis for selecting seeds that are of favorable agronomic potential by assessing whether a singular characteristic (seed coat color) was sufficient to group landraces. Restriction‐site‐associated DNA (RAD) sequencing was used for the first time to assess the genetic variations and/or similarities in 48 Bambara groundnut landraces. The findings revealed that there are two populations that are genetically variable among the chosen 48 landraces; however, these variations were not as a result of a singular morphological attribute. Therefore, farmers cannot use coat color alone to select for landraces that are of better agronomic quality.
Responsible Entrepreneurship and Social Legitimacy in Turbulent and Demanding Market Environments
Authors: Adomako Samuel , Tran Mai Dong
Published: January 2025

This article explores the effect of responsible entrepreneurship on social legitimacy and contingent factors influencing this relationship. While research on responsible entrepreneurship is expanding, studies addressing the boundary conditions affecting its impact on legitimacy are scarce. Moreover, little is known about how these dynamics operate in markets characterized by high customer demandingness and turbulence, particularly in emerging economies. We extend legitimacy theory by proposing a model that examines the impact of responsible entrepreneurship on social legitimacy and the moderating roles of customer demandingness and market turbulence on this linkage. Using time‐lag survey data from 231 firms in Vietnam, we find that responsible entrepreneurship positively influences social legitimacy. Furthermore, this relationship is amplified under high levels of customer demandingness, where customers expect firms to demonstrate ethical and socially responsible behaviors. Similarly, market turbulence strengthens the impact of responsible entrepreneurship on social legitimacy by making responsible practices more visible and impactful in addressing societal and environmental challenges. Our findings contribute to the literature by advancing the understanding of responsible entrepreneurship's role in legitimacy building, particularly in demanding and dynamic market environments. This study provides nuanced insights for entrepreneurs and policymakers seeking to enhance corporate legitimacy through socially responsible practices.
Efficacy of peroral endoscopic myotomy for improving sleep problems in patients with achalasia
Authors: Ohmiya Toshihiro , Shiwaku Hironari , Okada Hiroki , Shiwaku Akio , Hasegawa Suguru
Published: January 2025

Objectives

Achalasia is an esophageal motility disorder of unknown etiology. However, no studies have determined the populations in which sleep problems occur and whether they are improved by peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM). We investigated the rate of sleep problems assessed by GERD‐Q (AGQ) in achalasia patients, evaluated whether POEM improves these issues, and identified factors associated with sleep improvement after POEM.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the data of patients who were diagnosed with achalasia and who underwent POEM at a single institution between March 2016 and December 2020. We examined the Eckardt symptom score and the GERD‐Q before and 3 months after POEM to assess the presence of sleep problems (AGQ) and other symptoms. The univariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with sleep problem (AGQ) improvement after POEM.

Results

A total of 177 patients were included. The average age was 52.6 ± 17.2 years. Preoperatively, dysphagia (172 [97.2%]), regurgitation (123 [69.5%]), sleep problems (AGQ; 110 [62.1%]), chest pain (102 [57.6%]), and weight loss (83 [46.9%]) were observed. Before POEM, 62.1% of patients experienced sleep problems (AGQ) compared with 9.6% after POEM (p < 0.0001). Postoperative dysphagia and regurgitation were significant factors determining whether patients continued to experience sleep problems (AGQ) after POEM.

Conclusions

Sleep problems (AGQ) were the third most common symptom in > 60% of patients with achalasia. Improving dysphagia and regurgitation using the POEM procedure improved sleep problems (AGQ).
Multiple Dimensions Define Thresholds for Population Resilience of the Eastern Oyster, Crassostrea virginica
Authors: La Peyre Megan K. , Wang Hongqing , Sable Shaye E. , Wu Wei , Li Bin , Comba Devin , Perez Carlos , Bates Melanie , Swam Lauren M.
Published: January 2025

A species' distribution depends on its tolerance to environmental conditions. These conditions are defined by a minimum, maximum, and optimal ranges of single and combined factors. Forays into environmental conditions outside the minimum or maximum tolerance of a species (i.e., thresholds) are predicted to have large effects on a species' population and may help predict population resilience in the face of changing conditions. Here, we explore ecological thresholds for an important fisheries species and ecosystem engineer, Crassostrea virginica (eastern oyster). In coastal Louisiana, extreme freshwater inputs from rivers and precipitation events impact estuarine salinity, which is a key driver of oyster population dynamics. Using daily salinity and monthly oyster abundance monitoring data across Louisiana estuaries, we explore low salinity exposure threshold levels for oysters. Two statistical approaches were applied, with each model highlighting a different operational definition of a threshold: random forest models identified a threshold as an abrupt change in the oyster abundance‐ salinity relationship, while Bayesian models identified an increased probability of oyster abundance dropping below a critical threshold, defined here as less than 50% of the 5‐year mean. All model results indicate oysters in coastal Louisiana experience low salinity exposure thresholds, defined as the number of consecutive summer days of salinity levels less than 5. However, actual number of days and salinity threshold differed by statistical approach, oyster life stage, and estuary highlighting the multiple dimensions defining ecological thresholds. While thresholds are considered important benchmarks to inform management and assess population or ecosystem vulnerability, our results reveal the need to carefully relate threshold definition to management goals and to acknowledge that thresholds may be highly context dependent.
Deer Browsing Increases Stem Slenderness and Crown Irregularity and Modifies the Effects of Light Gradients on Architecture of Forest Tree Saplings
Authors: Cacciatori Cecilia , Gazda Anna , Bodziarczyk Jan , Foremnik Kacper , Madalcho Aklilu B. , Maciejewski Zbigniew , Pielech Remigiusz , Tomski Andrzej , Zięba Antoni , Zwijacz‐Kozica Tomasz , Szwagrzyk Jerzy
Published: January 2025

Browsing by ungulates is commonly assumed to target the upper parts of sapling crowns, leading to reduced vertical growth or even growth cessation. However, the extent to which browsing induces shifts in resource allocation toward lateral growth remains unclear. This study explores the impact of browsing intensity (BI) and light availability on the architectural traits of six temperate tree species, focusing on height‐diameter ratio (H/D), crown slenderness (CL/CW), and crown irregularity (CI) across sapling height classes. Browsing pressure and architectural responses varied across height groups, reflecting diverse adaptive strategies. BI was weakly but negatively correlated with sapling height, indicating that even tall saplings (> 2 m) experience browsing, particularly in the lower crown. H/D consistently increased with BI across all height classes, with stronger effects in medium and tall saplings. Light influenced H/D differently between browsed and unbrowsed saplings: unbrowsed saplings showed reduced H/D only under high light conditions, while browsed saplings exhibited consistent reductions regardless of light levels. CL/CW was negatively but insignificantly affected by BI. Light increased CL/CW in unbrowsed saplings across all height classes but decreased it in browsed short and medium saplings, suggesting a ‘pruning’ effect of browsing that altered competition dynamics. Species‐specific analysis of Fagus sylvatica revealed an increase in CL/CW with BI, reflecting unique adaptive responses. CI increased significantly with BI across all height classes, with the strongest effects in medium and tall saplings. Light reduced CI in browsed short saplings but had inconsistent effects on unbrowsed individuals. Variation partitioning showed that light explained most variation in H/D and CL/CW for shorter saplings, while BI predominantly influenced CI in taller ones. By integrating the effects of browsing and light, this study provides insights into juvenile tree adaptations and resilience under ecological stressors, advancing our understanding of tree growth strategies in challenging environments.
What does the fox select? Spatial ecology of Rocky Mountain red fox during peaks and troughs of human recreation
Authors: Burkholder Emily N. , Stephenson John , Hegg Sarah , Gustine David , Holbrook Joseph D.
Published: January 2025

Understanding animal behavior at the population level can be challenging, especially in the presence of intraspecific variation in behavioral tactics. Individuals within a population often vary with respect to resource exploitation and use, which may be associated with individual states (e.g., male or female) or extrinsic variation (e.g., temporal variation in food). Explicitly accounting for interindividual variation can aid ecological insights, especially for species that exhibit high behavioral flexibility. Here, we evaluated how seasonal fluctuations in resources influenced individual‐level habitat use and selection of Rocky Mountain red fox (Vulpes vulpes macroura) within Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming. Rocky Mountain red fox is a high‐elevation subspecies of the common red fox (Vulpes vulpes), and native to North America. From 2016 to 2021, we captured and GPS‐collared 18 individuals (11 males, 7 females) and evaluated spatiotemporal shifts in home range characteristics and habitat selection. We observed high individual variation in home range size, with generally larger home ranges in the winter months ( = 72.92 km2 [minimum convex polygon—MCP], 83.65 km2 [Kernel], 27.20 km2 [Local Convex Hull]) than in the summer ( = 22.23 km2 [MCP], 23.01 km2 [Kernel], 11.11 km2 [Local Convex Hull]). Similarly, we observed substantial individual variation in habitat selection across environmental gradients. Some foxes altered their selection for habitat types between summer and winter indicating behavioral plasticity with respect to seasonal resources. Distance to human features was the primary driver for habitat selection for both seasons across foxes, and on average, foxes had stronger selection for human features in the summer. These findings might indicate some foxes are concentrating on the temporal and spatial resource pulse of anthropogenic food, while others exhibited more natural tactics. Our work advanced the spatial ecology of Rocky Mountain red fox, identified variation in space use tactics associated with humans and natural resources among red foxes in a heavily recreated area, and demonstrated how human activity can influence the spatial behavior of a carnivore within a national park.
Elevational ranges of pioneer marsh species are site specific and likely shaped by different abiotic and biotic factors
Authors: Steinigeweg Charlotte S. , Siebeneicher Ole J. , Schröder Boris , Kleyer Michael , Lõhmus Kertu , Löbel Swantje
Published: January 2025

Salt marshes are dynamic systems whose landscape structure and resilience to disturbance depend on bio‐geomorphological interactions. The ecological niches of salt marsh plants are asserted to be organized along an elevational gradient, determining the impact of abiotic factors such as soil aeration, flooding, and salinity, which generate the typical salt marsh zonation. In the foremost (pioneer) zone, vegetation must cope with nonoptimal environmental conditions due to strong impacts of hydrodynamic forces and sedimentation and is threatened by climate change–induced sea level rise or increased storminess. To test the hypothesis that species have different elevational ranges, which are shaped by local abiotic conditions and biotic interactions, salt marsh species occurrences and covers were recorded along 65 seaward–landward transects at two study sites on the back‐barrier island Spiekeroog in the German Wadden Sea, differing in topography, site age, and history. Elevations were extracted from a digital terrain model. Zero‐inflated beta regression models demonstrated that species occurrence and cover are mediated by elevation in a species‐specific manner. The fast colonizer Salicornia procumbens occurred foremost at the lowest elevations, followed by the pioneer species Spartina anglica and Salicornia europaea. The higher marsh species Limonium vulgare, Atriplex portulacoides, and Spergularia spp. occurred at higher elevations, indicating varying species' vulnerability to local abiotic factors. Furthermore, the individual cover of species was negatively related to the total cover of other species, possibly indicating that species‐specific elevational ranges are further modified by interspecific interactions. Especially, the cover of the ecosystem engineer Sp. anglica mostly had negative effects on individual species cover, although positive effects on the cover of Sa. europaea at the eastern site. Our results provide insights into plant species responses and interactions under highly dynamic conditions in the foremost marsh zone. Knowledge about species‐specific responses to their abiotic and biotic environment is an important prerequisite for modeling and predicting future ecosystem shifts in salt marshes under climate change.
Living in fear: How experience shapes caribou responses to predation risk
Authors: Derguy Laurie , Leblond Mathieu , St‐Laurent Martin‐Hugues
Published: January 2025

Wild prey can reduce predation risk by avoiding areas used by their predators. As they get older, individuals should be able to fine‐tune this avoidance based on their increased experience with predation risk. Such learning mechanisms are expected to play a key role in how individuals cope with risk during their life, particularly in altered landscapes where human disturbances have created habitat conditions distinct from those of the past. We studied the role of experience on the avoidance of risky areas by boreal caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) in a system where they are under high predation pressure from gray wolves (Canis lupus) and black bears (Ursus americanus). Using telemetry data collected on 28 caribou, 31 wolves, and 12 bears, we investigated whether caribou adjusted their level of predator avoidance with passing monitoring years, a proxy of increasing experience. We observed an increase in the avoidance of areas suitable to wolves (during two study periods) and bears (during all study periods) with passing years. Periods during which caribou did not adjust their behavior toward wolves (winter and calving) were characterized by persistent—potentially innate—avoidance. Our results suggest that, in most circumstances, caribou became more efficient at avoiding areas selected by their predators as they gained experience. Future work should attempt to demonstrate whether such tactics are heritable; if so, our results would suggest that, given time, caribou living in disturbed environments would have the potential to adapt to changing levels of risk. This would give hope for the conservation of caribou, a species at risk in Canada, provided levels of risk do not surpass the limits of their behavioral plasticity.
Unveiling Landscape‐Level Drivers of Freshwater Biodiversity Dynamics
Authors: Eastwood Niamh , Watson Arron , Zhou Jiarui , Orsini Luisa
Published: January 2025

Human activities severely impact biodiversity, particularly in freshwater lakes. These habitats provide critical ecosystem services and, at the same time, suffer from river inflow, agricultural runoff, and urban discharge. DNA‐based techniques are preferred for monitoring biodiversity due to their effectiveness. However, pinpointing the causes of biodiversity decline across landscapes poses challenges due to the complex interactions between biodiversity and environmental drivers. In this study, we used an explainable multimodal machine learning approach that can integrate different types of data, such as biological, chemical, and physical data, to discover potential causes of biodiversity dynamics. This is done by identifying relationships between environmental drivers—plant protection products, physico‐chemical parameters and typology‐ and community biodiversity changes in 52 lake ecosystems. By analyzing benthic and pelagic lake communities, we found significant correlations between biodiversity and environmental drivers, such as plant protection products. Furthermore, our analysis allowed us to identify factors within these drivers responsible for biodiversity dynamics. Specifically, insecticides and fungicides were identified as the most important factors, followed by 43 physico‐chemical factors, including many heavy metals. Our holistic, data‐driven approach provides insights into large‐scale biodiversity changes and could inform conservation efforts and regulatory interventions to protect biodiversity from pollution.
Prevalence of Plasmid‐Mediated Fluoroquinolone Resistance Genes in Pseudomonas aeruginosa Among Patients at Aleppo University Hospital, Syria
Authors: Shanan Roula , Yousef Nihad , Balid M. Emad , Tahan Zaher S.
Published: January 2025

Background

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a significant opportunistic pathogen, especially in hospital‐acquired infections, with plasmid‐mediated fluoroquinolone resistance posing a major healthcare threat. This research aimed to isolate fluoroquinolone‐resistant P. aeruginosa from patients at Aleppo University Hospital, assess the prevalence of fluoroquinolone resistance, confirm molecular identity, identify plasmid‐associated resistance genes, and investigate virulence factors.

Methods

A total of 430 samples were collected from patients and cultured on selective media for identification. Molecular confirmation was achieved through PCR techniques. Various media were used to assess virulence factors and antibiotic resistance while also investigating the prevalence of resistance‐related genes.

Results

The study identified 29 fluoroquinolone‐resistant P. aeruginosa isolates. These strains exhibited complete resistance to penicillins and all four generations of cephalosporins while remaining 100% sensitive to colistin. Notably, both hemolysin and gelatinase production rates were found to be 100%, and 48.2% of the isolates formed strong biofilms. The aac(6′)‐Ib gene was present in 72.4% of the isolates, the qnrS gene in 44.8%, and the qnrB gene in 13.7%. Additionally, 37.8% of the isolates contained two types of resistance genes, while 62% had one type. Importantly, all resistant isolates (100%) possessed at least four virulence factors.

Conclusion

The findings indicate a prevalence of plasmid‐associated fluoroquinolone resistance genes in the studied isolates. It is recommended to rationalize fluoroquinolone use to preserve their effectiveness against multidrug‐resistant strains.
HLA‐matched related peripheral blood stem cell and bone marrow transplantation with RIC regimens yield comparable outcomes for adult AML
Authors: Mitsuyoshi Takaya , Arai Yasuyuki , Kondo Tadakazu , Kawata Takahito , Hirabayashi Shigeki , Tanaka Masatsugu , Mori Yasuo , Doki Noriko , Nishida Tetsuya , Kotani Takeharu , Ogata Masao , Tabayashi Takayuki , Eto Tetsuya , Sawa Masashi , Imada Kazunori , Kanda Junya , Ichinohe Tatsuo , Atsuta Yoshiko , Yanada Masamitsu
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Understanding differences in clinical outcomes between PBSCT and BMT is important, and this study compared outcomes of HLA‐matched related PBSCT and BMT using reduced‐intensity conditioning (RIC) in adult acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients.

Methods

Data from 402 patients who underwent either PBSCT (n = 294) or BMT (n = 108) between 2000 and 2022 were analyzed using the Japanese nationwide registry database. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS), and secondary endpoints included disease‐free survival (DFS), non‐relapse mortality (NRM), and GVHD.

Results

Results indicated no significant difference in 3‐year OS (44.6% for PBSCT vs. 46.9% for BMT, HR 1.173, P = 0.299) and DFS (42.1% vs. 41.8%, HR 1.073, P = 0.639). PBSCT was more beneficial for avoiding relapse (20.3% vs. 12.4%, HR, 0.715, P = 0.059). However, PBSCT was associated with higher NRM (20.3% vs. 12.4%, HR 1.801, P = 0.025) due to more frequent, chronic GVHD (HR 1.889, P = 0.035). Subgroup analysis did not reveal specific patient groups that benefited more from PBSCT or BMT. Incidence of extensive chronic GVHD and NRM has improved in PBSCT recipients in recent years (2014–2022).

Conclusions

We conclude that related PBSCT with RIC regimens offers comparable prognosis to BMT for adult AML patients. Further optimization of prophylactic strategies for chronic GVHD is required to improve outcomes after PBSCT.