bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drought Adaptation and Responses of Stipa krylovii Vary Among Different Regions: Evidence From Growth, Physiology, and RNA‐Seq Transcriptome Analysis
Authors: Gong Ziqing , Qu Zehang , Liu Yulin , Wang Tao , Fan Baijie , Ren Anzhi , Gao Yubao , Zhao Nianxi
Published: January 2025

In the context of global climate change, exploring how plant adaptation and responses to drought vary among different regions are crucial to understanding and predicting its geographic distribution. In this study, to explore the drought adaptation and responses of the dominant species in the semi‐arid Eurasian Steppes and their differences among the different regions in terms of growth, physiology, and RNA‐seq transcriptome, Stipa krylovii was chosen as the study material, and a seed source (three regions: eastern, middle, and western regions) × soil moisture treatment (three treatments: control, light drought, and heavy drought) two‐factor experiment was conducted. (1) Four growth traits for individuals from the western region were significantly lower than those from the other two regions. By Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) functional enrichment analysis on gene expressions of individuals from each treatment, unique enriched pathways were found under heavy drought. (2) The decrease in the number of tillers with the increasing drought was much lower for individuals from the western region than those from the other two regions. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of individuals from the eastern, middle, and western regions between heavy drought versus control were 4887, 1900, and 4896. By KEGG functional enrichment analysis, individuals from the eastern and middle regions mainly regulated energy metabolism and metabolism of other amino acids; and those from the western region mainly regulated biosynthesis of other secondary metabolites and carbohydrate metabolism. (3) Clustering analysis based on gene expressions separated the western region from the other two regions under the same drought treatment. This study indicates that drought adaptation and responses of S. krylovii vary among different regions, especially between individuals from the western region and the other two regions. These findings are essential to understanding the adaptive evolution of population and germplasm resource protection for this important species.
Sexual dimorphic effects of a keystone predator on prey communities
Authors: Davenport Jon M. , Babineau Alan M. , Sloan Reese K. , Groesbeck Autumn , Montazeri Ali J. , Ramey Maxwell
Published: January 2025

The importance of trait variation has long been recognized in ecological and evolutionary research. The divergence of sexually dimorphic traits (e.g., body size, morphology, behavior, etc.) is primarily attributed to sexual selection, and sexual dimorphism can have consequences for diets and habitat use. Recent evidence for one aquatic predator species (adult newts; Notophthalmus viridescens) suggests that trait differences and habitat partitioning between the sexes may be important in structuring zooplankton communities. However, newts are known to increase amphibian diversity within pond communities via keystone predation. Yet, no data are available on differentiating potentially sexually dimorphic effects of newts on larval amphibian communities. Thus, we conducted a series of mesocosm experiments to determine the effects of sexual dimorphism of adult newts on larval amphibian communities. Based on previous work with newts and zooplankton, we hypothesized that male and female newts would have differing effects on prey communities. We found that female newts consumed one prey species more than male newts did and no newt treatments. There were no differences between the sexes in prey consumption of another prey species. Size at metamorphosis was greater in the presence of newts (either male or female) for wood frogs and in the presence of female newts for spotted salamanders in comparison with no newt treatments. Our findings indicate that sexual dimorphism within a known keystone predator can have differential effects on prey. Indeed, our results indicate that while the effects of predators on one response (survival) can differ between sexes, the impacts on another response (prey fitness; measured as size at metamorphosis) were similar. Our research to understand the effects of sexual dimorphism is timely as sex ratios of predators may become skewed in nature due to anthropogenic change. If intraspecific differences exist via top‐down effects, then downstream impacts on prey communities may go unnoticed.
Anti‐GAD65 musicogenic epilepsy: Bilateral and independent mesial temporal seizures revealed by foramen ovale electrodes
Authors: Di Giacomo Roberta , Maccanti Giulia , Gnatkovsky Vadym , Vatti Giampaolo , Parente Annalisa , Dominese Ambra , Sebastiano Davide Rossi , Doniselli Fabio Martino , Andreetta Francesca , Stabile Andrea , Deleo Francesco , Pastori Chiara , Battaglia Giulia , Duran Dunja , Didato Giuseppe , Del Sole Angelo , Rizzi Michele , de Curtis Marco
Published: January 2025

Musicogenic epilepsy (ME) is characterized by seizures triggered by music. The epileptogenic focus in this rare reflex epilepsy is often in the temporal lobe, although the precise localization is still unclear. A correlation between ME and the presence of GAD65 antibodies indicates a potential immunological pathogenic mechanism. We evaluated a 32‐year‐old woman with drug‐resistant temporal lobe epilepsy as a candidate for epilepsy surgery. In the absence of clear clinical lateralizing signs, video‐EEG monitoring with intracranial electrodes inserted through the foramen ovale was performed to record from the amygdalo‐hippocampal regions. The foramen ovale electrodes revealed bilateral, asynchronous, and independent seizure onsets in the mesial temporal regions triggered by music. Testing for GAD65 antibodies confirmed high‐titer positivity. The efficacy of epilepsy surgery in antiGAD65‐positive ME patients remains limited. We highlight the use of semi‐invasive recording with foramen ovale electrodes in ME, as it can reveal bilateral seizures of mesial origin that contraindicate surgery and support the consideration of immunotherapy options.

Plain Language Summary

Musicogenic epilepsy is a type of epilepsy in which music triggers seizures. Our understanding of its origin and cause is still limited. We assessed a patient with music‐induced seizures to see if surgery was an option. Since noninvasive tests before surgery were not clear, we used a minimally invasive method with electrodes inserted through a small opening in the skull called the foramen ovale to record the seizures. Thus, we found that the seizures started independently from both temporal lobes, contraindicating epilepsy surgery. We also found high levels of GAD65 antibodies indicating an immunological pathogenic mechanism.
Do Price Jumps Matter in Volatility Forecasts of US Treasury Futures?
Authors: Zhang Xueer , Hung Jui‐Cheng , Chiu Chien‐Liang
Published: January 2025

This study investigates volatility forecasts in the US Treasury futures market and emphasizes the importance of price jumps across various maturities under moderate and sharp interest rate rising scenarios. We assess out‐of‐sample forecasting performance not only with statistical method but economic method based on a volatility timing strategy. Our findings indicate that models including price jumps specifications exhibit substantial enhancements in both evaluation methods over the entire out‐of‐sample period, particular for the period of sharp interest rate rising. Our results are robust to nonparametric jump tests used in this study, transaction costs, and portfolio rebalancing method.
Assessing longitudinal prenatal knowledge and skills retention among community birth attendants enrolled in a novel school
Authors: Bellon Margot , Brody Annalie , Parker Mahdia , Mendoza Ana Leticia , Hernandez Sasha , Clarke Rachel D. , Shirazian Taraneh , Oliveira Jessica B.
Published: January 2025

Objective

Guatemala has one of the highest rates of maternal mortality in Central America. A total of 60% of births in Guatemala are attended by traditional Mayan birth attendants, or comadronas. Their prevalence in these communities makes them a valuable resource to bridge home births with safe prenatal care. The objective of this study was to evaluate a low‐cost prenatal care training program for Guatemalan comadronas with the goal of improving maternal health outcomes in the region.

Methods

In this retrospective longitudinal cohort study, we examined the knowledge retention of comadronas enrolled in a 12‐month prenatal care training program known as the School of PowHER (SOP). Recruited from the Lake Atitlán region of Guatemala by Saving Mothers, 501(c)(3) and the Guatemalan Ministry of Health, comadronas participated in a four‐month didactic curriculum followed by a nine‐month clinical curriculum. Pre‐ and post‐tests were administered to assess learning outcomes over the study's duration (2014–2022), and test results were evaluated to assess the effectiveness of the SOP.

Results

A total of 123 women were recruited and enrolled in all eight graduating classes of the SOP from 2014, 2016–2019, and 2021–2022. An average, statistically significant improvement in didactic and clinical pre‐ and post‐test scores was found across all years analyzed.

Conclusion

The SOP is a low‐cost, culturally appropriate, community‐based model that empowers comadronas through knowledge and skill acquisition to improve local maternal health outcomes. This program proves effective at not only teaching comadronas prenatal health information and clinical skills, but also at promoting long‐term retention of these skills.
Cell death: The underlying mechanisms of photodynamic therapy for skin diseases
Authors: Li Haoxin , Shen Jingjie , Zheng Chunfu , Zhu Ping , Yang Hong , Huang Yixiao , Mao Xinru , Yang Zhilu , Hu Guodong , Chen Yinghua
Published: January 2025

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has significant potential in the treatment of dermatological, oncological, and nonneoplastic conditions through the induction of cell death, immune regulation, antimicrobial effects, etc. However, the response of some patients is unsatisfactory, and there is a lack of an ideal protocol for multiple specific diseases (subtypes) to choose the proper photosensitizer (PS), light source, and dose. A thorough understanding of the underlying mechanism is integral to solving these problems, and cell death has gained much attention. In addition to apoptosis, autophagy, and necrosis, several novel cell death pathways, such as necroptosis, mitotic catastrophe, paraptosis and pyroptosis, have been reported in PDT treatment. The type of induced cell death depends on the dose of PDT, the subcellular location of PSs, and the regulation of signaling pathways. In addition, different types of cell death induced by the same type of PDT, such as apoptosis and autophagy, may interact with each other. Some types of cell death can also trigger immunogenic cell death (ICD), which can ignite an immune response against antigens derived from dying/dead cells and present improved antitumor effects. On the basis of these mechanisms, several strategies, such as targeted PSs, PDT combined with immunotherapy and ICD‐based vaccines, have been proposed to improve therapeutic efficacy. Future studies are needed to elucidate the relationship between cell death and therapeutic effects and to shed new light on the exploration of precise PDT for specific patients.
Reprogramming of Fatty Acid Metabolism in Acute Leukemia
Authors: Sokei Judith , Kanefsky Joice , Sykes Stephen M.
Published: January 2025

Fatty acids are essential biomolecules that support several cellular processes, such as membrane structures, energy storage and production, as well as signal transduction. Accordingly, changes in fatty acid metabolism can have a significant impact on cell behavior, such as growth, survival, proliferation, differentiation, and motility. Therefore, it is not surprising that many aspects of fatty acid metabolism are frequently dysregulated in human cancer, including in highly aggressive blood cancers such as acute leukemia. The aims of this review are to summarize the aspects of fatty acid metabolism that are specifically coopted in acute leukemia as well as current preclinical strategies for targeting fatty acid metabolism in these cancers.
Putting Nose into Reproduction: Influence of Nasal and Reproductive Odourant Signaling on Male Reproduction
Authors: Elango Kamaraj , Kekäläinen Jukka
Published: January 2025

Odourant receptors (ORs) are not restricted only to the nose, but also occur in many other organs and tissues, including the reproductive system. In fact, ORs are the most heavily expressed in testis than in any other extra‐nasal tissue. Accumulating evidence suggests that olfactory and reproductive systems are both structurally and functionally linked and that these interconnections can influence various aspects of reproduction. In this article, we first review our current understanding of these interconnections and then collate accumulated evidence on the presence of ORs in the male reproductive system and sperm cells. We then investigate the potential role of female reproductive tract odourants in sperm chemotaxis and selection. Finally, since the existing evidence especially for sperm odor sensing capability and its physiological function are controversial, we also review potential reasons for the controversy and propose some ways to resolve the debate. Collectively, we conclude that reproductive odourant signaling may play an important, although currently largely unclear role in many key processes directly related to male fertility. However, since we lack holistic understanding of the functional significance of ORs and odor sensing pathways of the male reproductive system, more empirical research is warranted.
Registered Nurses' Experience of Person‐Centred Care Through Digital Aids in Primary Care Setting During the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Kjällman Alm Annika , Hellzen Ove , Rising‐Holmström Malin
Published: January 2025

Aim

The aim of this study was to describe registered nurses' experience of person‐centred care through digital media during the COVID‐19 pandemic. The first wave of COVID‐19 took healthcare services worldwide by surprise and affected all levels of care. Registered nurses within primary care settings had to adjust to new meeting forums with patients and in collaborations with other organisations to transfer patients from hospital to home care in a safe and secure manner using digital aids.

Design

Interviews with 17 registered nurses within primary care settings were conducted. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using qualitative content analysis.

Methods

Qualitative using semi‐structured interviews.

Results

Digitalisation requires organisational changes, with four subcategories. The second category, digitalisation, facilitates person‐centred care, with two subcategories. Main findings showed digitalisation as a possibility to enhance person‐centred care to benefit the individual. The patients would have the possibility of obtaining professional care in their own home, enhancing the continuation of care. Digitalisation of primary care tasks demanded organisational changes of different kinds. This meant implementing innovative digital tools or artificial intelligence and developing a mental frame of mind that embraces new ways and activities to perform primary care through technology.

Public Contribution

Registered nurses saw enhancement of person‐centred care through digital media as something positive. However, they also voiced concerns that some patients, such as self‐damaging teenagers, new patients and multi‐sick patients, would be unsuitable for digital meetings. They also emphasised that the digitalisation of person‐centred care requires organisational changes. The study addressed the problems faced by the rapid conversion from traditional face‐to‐face care to digital care in the beginning of the COVID‐19 pandemic within a primary care setting. There is a need for continued education on best communication practices with a primary focus on person‐centred care. Since communication is key in the continuation of care, this needs to be addressed by both health centre management and educators.
Direct ink writing of piezoresistive isoprene rubber nanocomposites
Authors: Banks James D. , Emami Anahita
Published: January 2025

Despite the growing interest in flexible electronics and wearable sensors, research in piezoresistive polymer nanocomposites has stagnated in consideration of the polymer matrices, particularly in additive manufacturing (AM) applications. This research focuses on using a low‐molecular isoprene rubber (IR) as a matrix filled with carbonaceous nanoparticles conductive carbon black (CCB) and carbon nanotubes (CNT) to create piezoresistive sensors printed via direct ink writing (DIW). Using IR as a matrix not only provides an avenue for an alternate sensor matrix, but also offers a distinct advantage for retrofit sensor applications to other diene rubber substrates due to both the feedstock and substrate possessing the same vulcanization mechanism. Thereby, the rheological, mechanical, and piezoresistive properties of the IR nanocomposites are fully investigated, with emphasis on non‐ambient conditions (temperature and durability). In this work it is shown that while CCB exhibits a lower gauge factor (between 1.5 and 8) across all strain rates, strain ranges, and temperatures when compared to CNT compounds (gauge factors between 1.5 and 260), CCB compounds possess better linearity, less temperature deviation, and overall better performance under cyclic loading conditions. This is followed by demonstrations for real‐world applications, including the direct‐to‐product printing of a CCB strain gauge on a chloroprene rubber substrate.

Highlights

AM via DIW of piezoresistive isoprene sensors filled with conductive CB and multi‐wall carbon nanotubes.

Printed samples capable of achieving tensile strength >3.5 MPa.

CB sensors showed less sensitivity, but better durability and repeatability compared to carbon nanotube filled sensors.

Piezoresistive isoprene strain gauge printed on chloroprene substrate with direct adhesion.
Preparation and molecular dynamics simulation of natural rubber thermal conductive composites reinforced with boron nitride modified by a hyperbranched coupling agent
Authors: Qin Zhengying , Wang Linquan , Lin Xinfeng , Huang Lifeng , Wang Zhen , Li Zhenlu , Li Ziwei , Lu Shaorong
Published: January 2025

The applications of thermal interface material (TIM) based on boron nitride (BN)‐filled polymer composites are often constrained by weak interfacial interactions between BN and the polymer matrix. In this work, the hyperbranched polymer (H‐Si69) was synthesized by polycondensation on the surface of BN using a sulfur‐containing coupling agent. The coupling agent modified BN (g‐BN), and natural rubber (NR)/g‐BN composites were prepared with higher thermal conductivity and mechanical properties. The thermal conductivity (0.665 W/mK), tensile strength (19.78 MPa), and elongation at break (1091.8%) of the NR/g‐BN composites with a 19.6% volume fraction of g‐BN were 44.40%, 15.47%, and 29.56% higher than those of the NR/BN composites, respectively. Furthermore, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation was employed to calculate the binding energy, free volume fraction, solubility parameter, and mechanical properties of the composite system to explore the interfacial enhancement mechanism. The combined results of the experiments and MD simulation indicated that g‐BN exhibits strong interfacial interactions with the NR matrix, significantly improving the mechanical properties and thermal conductivity of the composites. This work provides a method to improve the compatibility of BN within the NR matrix, offering insight for the preparation of TIMs with high thermal conductivity for applications in electronic packaging devices.

Highlights

Boron nitride surface hyperbranched modification.

Natural rubber composites with high thermal conductivity and mechanical properties.

Interface enhancement mechanism was investigated by molecular dynamics simulation.
Synergistic Enhancement of Photocatalytic Degradation of Polyethylene Plastics by Ni Cocatalyst and Oxygen Vacancies Engineering TiO2 Nanosheets
Authors: Zhang Qi , Ge Aiwen , Xiao Sa , Zhu Chunyu , Li Xinpei , Zhang Wen , An Changhua
Published: January 2025

Due to the significant accumulation of plastic waste in the environment, the development of mild and effective plastic degradation technology is highly desirable. In this work, Ni clusters decorated TiO2 nanosheets with oxygen vacancies have been made through plasma treatment. The photocatalytic degradation of low‐density polyethylene (PE) has been investigated with the as‐prepared catalyst under simulated sunlight irradiation. During the photodegradation, the yield rates of CO2 and CO are 14.3 mg h−1 gcat−1 and 190 µg h−1 gcat−1, respectively, which were 4.3 times and 2.0 times higher than those of the pristine TiO2 and non‐treated catalyst. The related experimental results demonstrate that Ni and oxygen vacancies exert a synergistic enhancement role for the photocatalytic performance. The present study provides an avenue to obtain efficient and economical catalysts for the disinfection of plastic pollutants.
Efficient, One‐Pot, Green Syntheses of Analogues of 3,4‐Dihydro‐2H Pyrroles as Potential New Antifungal and Antibacterial Agents.
Authors: Sivaganesan Pooja , Ganesan Lavanya , VL Subiksha , Pal Suchetana , Dam Somasri , Sarkar Jit , Chaudhuri Saikat
Published: January 2025

An efficient method offering high convenience and sustainability, showcasing the potential for the green synthesis strategies has been developed. The protocol presents a straightforward, environmentally friendly approach for construction of substituted 3,4‐dihydro‐2H pyrroles in an aqueous ethanol that describes a one‐pot multistep reaction sequence, initiated with a Claisen–Schmidt Condensation, followed by the Michael addition of nitro methane to chalcone, next to line being reduction an intramolecular cyclization steps to yield the desired product in moderate to higher yields. Underscoring the effectiveness of the sequence, the biological activities has also been evaluated for the compounds. Preliminary studies indicating promising antibacterial and antifungal properties, make these compounds significant for further pharmaceutical development. The use of ethanol as a green solvent in the one‐pot pyrroline synthesis process underscores the importance of environmentally friendly solvents, significantly reducing the environmental impact and aligning with the principles of sustainable chemistry. The green synthetic strategy combined with the notable biological activities demonstrates the dual benefit of this research, contributing both to the field of green chemistry and to the therapeutic drug discovery.
Activation Mechanism of the H2 on Au6‐based Clusters From the Perspective of Chemical Bonding
Authors: Hu Yujie , Zhang Manli , Liu Qiman
Published: January 2025

Recently, there is an interesting report (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2020, 142, 13090–13101) on the photoinduced mechanism for the H2 dissociation studied through a simple Au6‐H2 model. However, the adsorption energy between the Au6 and H2 is only 0.25 eV, and the H─H bond length is only slightly longer. Based on the structural framework of the triangular Au6, we have investigated the adsorptions of H2 on the transition metals (TM = Ni, Cu, and Zn group elements) and revealed the differences in activation of H2 on TM atoms. The results confirm that the activation of H2 by the Au5Ni cluster is the best in terms of the stability and adsorption energy (0.89 eV), where the H─H stretching frequency also has a very obvious redshift compared with the free H2. The AIMD simulations show that the Au5Ni‐H2 maintains an excellent thermal stability even at 500 K. The density of states, molecular orbitals, NCI‐RDG, and bond order analyses indicate that the Ni∙∙∙H2 and Au∙∙∙H2 are rather strong, directly showing the bonding interactions. By studying H2 adsorptions on TM atoms, one can obtain fundamental insight into elementary steps that take place on catalytically active surfaces.
Dimensionality, Sensitivity and Specificity of Different Versions of the Shirom‐Melamed Burnout Questionnaire/Measure in Clinical and Non‐Clinical Populations
Authors: Sundström Anna E. , Nordin Maria , Nordin Steven , Neely Anna Stigsdotter , Gavelin Hanna Malmberg
Published: January 2025

The Shirom‐Melamed Burnout Questionnaire/Measure (SMBQ/SMBM) is a self‐report instrument frequently used for assessing degree of burnout and screening for stress‐related exhaustion disorder. The aim of the present study was three‐fold. First, to examine reliability and construct validity of different versions of SMBM with 6–22 items in a clinical context. Second, to examine the criterion validity by assessing sensitivity and specificity and determining clinical cut‐offs for these versions of the SMBM, and third to examine the prevalence of burnout in a general population and primary care sample using the proposed cut‐offs. Two Swedish samples were used for the first two purposes: a clinical sample of patients diagnosed with exhaustion disorder (n = 149), and a matched sample of healthy controls (n = 60). For the third purpose a sample from the general population (n = 3406), and a primary care clinical sample (n = 326) was used. The modified versions of the SMBM showed good internal consistency, construct validity, dimensionality and model fit on the clinical exhaustion disorder sample, as well as configural measurement invariance across clinical and non‐clinical samples. The sensitivity (94.6%–95.3%) and specificity (93.3%–95.0%) in identifying cases with exhaustion disorder based on the cut‐off of 4.0 for the 19‐, 16‐ and 11‐items versions, and on the cut‐off of 3.75 for the 6‐item version was high. The prevalence of burnout was 81.2% in the primary care sample and 16.6% in the general population sample. The findings indicate that the SMBM is a useful instrument for screening for exhaustion disorder and burnout.
Modifiable Psychological Mechanisms of Resilience Among UK Trainee and Newly Qualified Teachers
Authors: Wang Yun‐Han , Duncan Myanna , Young Katherine S. , Hirsch Colette
Published: January 2025

Teaching is identified as a stressful occupation, with elevated levels of burnout among the profession. Research suggests that resilience may buffer against stress and psychological distress and potentially be a useful resource for this occupational group. This research aimed to identify mechanisms associated with trainee teachers' resilience across time. Using the cognitive model of resilience, we examined interpretation bias and emotion regulation as cognitive mechanisms associated with resilience. The study investigated whether these cognitive processes have an association with trainee teachers' resilience during teacher training and in the first year as teachers in two 1‐year longitudinal online studies. Study 1 commenced before COVID‐19 pandemic (September 2019), but ended during ongoing pandemic‐related restrictions. Study 2 was conducted as a replication study, commenced during COVID‐19 (May 2020). Resilience, short‐term stress, chronic perceived stress, and cognitive mechanisms (interpretation bias, emotion regulation) were assessed at baseline (during teacher training), with resilience and short‐term stress monitored at the 8‐month and 13‐month follow‐ups. Across both studies, cross‐sectional and longitudinal relationships were found between perceived stress, cognitive mechanisms, and resilience. Positive interpretation bias predicted trainee teachers' resilience across time, suggesting that it is likely to be a good target for interventions to promote resilience.
The Governance of Industrial and Community Risk
Authors: Kringen Jacob
Published: January 2025

The issue of cohabitation between hazardous industries and surrounding communities generates a range of multifaceted challenges for risk governance. It involves a number of actors and decision-making processes as well as foundational questions related to the understanding and acceptability of risk. This chapter explores how these challenges are approached in Norway, focusing in particular on the role of regulatory regimes. The safety regime established for major-accident industries is outlined and selected case studies are included to illustrate the range and variety of challenges encountered in risk governance processes. These include procedural and epistemic as well as normative issues which require institutional frameworks that are constructed to balance different concerns.
Participatory Processes for Industrial Risk Management
Authors: Scolobig Anna
Published: January 2025

The engagement and empowerment of citizens as key actors of change and transformation are often advocated to co-develop effective solutions for disaster risk management, including for industrial risk. Evidence shows that participatory processes can improve knowledge quality, lead to the identification of new problem-solving options, decrease opposition, contribute to legitimizing decisions and increase the likelihood that risk reduction will be more effective, efficient and sustainable. Notwithstanding several successful examples, participatory processes face several methodological, theoretical and practical challenges. For example, there is a lack of generally accepted quality standards and of binding policy instruments promoting participation, as well as limited institutional commitment and availability of human/economic resources. By presenting selected cases in the industrial risk sector, this chapter discusses the enablers, barriers and limitations of these processes. It ends with some reflections on the future agenda to improve existing practices and research.
Folgerungen für die weiteren Analysen
Authors: Sehmer Julian
Published: January 2025

Die Ergebnisse der ersten Teilstudie motivieren die nachfolgenden Überlegungen zur Konkretisierung der Zielsetzung und zu Ableitungen für die weitere Konstruktion eines Arbeitsprogramms zur Rekonstruktion sozialer Normen in sozialpädagogischen Praxen als zweiter Teil der vorliegenden Studie.
Soziale Normen: eine erste Annäherung
Authors: Sehmer Julian
Published: January 2025

An dieser Stelle soll vor Beginn der zirkulär angelegten Analysen in den Kapiteln Dekonstruktion, Konstruktion und Rekonstruktion der Terminus soziale Normen näher bestimmt werden. Auch hier folgt diese Bestimmung allerdings insofern noch nicht abschließend, dass noch keine Einbettung in die theoretische Forschungsheuristik und die dabei genutzten Referenztheorien erfolgt. In diesem Sinne muss die Bestimmung auch hier noch unvollständig bleiben.
Polarized vision in the eyes of the most effective predators: dragonflies and damselflies (Odonata)
Authors: Cezário Rodrigo Roucourt , Lopez Vinicius Marques , Datto-Liberato Felipe , Bybee Seth M. , Gorb Stanislav , Guillermo-Ferreira Rhainer
Published: January 2025

Polarization is a property of light that describes the oscillation of the electric field vector. Polarized light can be detected by many invertebrate animals, and this visual channel is widely used in nature. Insects rely on light polarization for various purposes, such as water detection, improving contrast, breaking camouflage, navigation, and signaling during mating. Dragonflies and damselflies (Odonata) are highly visual insects with polarization sensitivity for water detection and likely also navigation. Thus, odonates can serve as ideal models for investigating the ecology and evolution of polarized light perception. We provide an overview of the current state of knowledge concerning polarized light sensitivity in these insects. Specifically, we review recent findings related to the ecological, morphological, and physiological causes that enable these insects to perceive polarized light and discuss the optical properties responsible for the reflection of polarized light by their bodies and wings. Finally, we identify gaps in the current research and suggest future directions that can help to further advance our knowledge of polarization sensitivity in odonates.
The effects of wall proximity on the turbulent flow field in a square duct structured with detached divergent ribs on one wall
Authors: Ruck Sebastian , Lorenzo Mercado Isaac
Published: January 2025

The effect of the wall proximity of detached

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60

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divergent ribs applied on one wall in a square duct on the turbulent flow field was investigated. Laser Doppler anemometry (LDA) measurements were conducted for different clearance-to-rib-height ratios in the range of 0.1–1.0 at a Reynolds number (based on the rib height and mean bulk velocity) of 5000. Mean velocities, Reynolds stresses, triple velocity correlations as well as skewness and kurtosis were determined and yield deep insights into the turbulent flow field. The results showed that a geometry-induced secondary fluid motion occurred above and below the rib. The variations in the highly three-dimensional flow field close to the ribs and the geometry-induced secondary flow motion with the clearance-to-rib-height ratio determined the development of the wall-bounded flows and separating shear layers. Large recirculation regions on the bottom duct wall were prevented by the fluid exiting the gap below the detached ribs and separated shear layers pivoted upward in lateral direction. With decreasing wall proximity, lower mean vertical flow velocities above the ribs and the increasing upward fluid flow originating from the flow in the gap attenuated an intense interaction of the separated shear layers with the wall-bounded flow within the inter-rib spacing. Since turbulent structures originated in the shear layers, distributions of high-order statistic moments depend strongly on the shear layer development. Reynolds stresses and triple velocity correlations increased in the direction of the side walls near the rib due to the lateral flow motion, and their peak regions moved away from the wall with increasing clearance-to-rib-height ratios.
Is there an association between lateral uterine localization of the placenta and pregnancy outcomes?
Authors: Schreiber Hanoch , Cohen Gal , Markovitch Ofer , Weitzner Omer , Farladansky-Gershnabel Sivan , Biron-Shental Tal , Kovo Michal
Published: January 2025

Purpose

To evaluate the association between lateral placentation and adverse perinatal outcomes, including rates of small for gestational age (SGA) neonates, hypertensive (HTN) disorders, and preterm delivery, as well as postpartum hemorrhage and retained placenta.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included all women with singleton pregnancies who underwent a trial of labor after reaching 24 weeks of gestation, at a single tertiary medical center, over a period of 6 years. The study group included women with lateral placentation. Controls were women with anterior, posterior, or fundal placentation. Power analysis indicated that 882 women in each group would be sufficient to detect an increased rate of the primary outcomes: preterm delivery, hypertensive disorders or SGA in the lateral placenta group. Secondary outcomes were Apgar score, cord pH and retained placenta.

Results

Overall, 1,817 (7.6%) women had lateral placenta and 21,991 (92.4%) anterior, posterior, or fundal placentation. No significant differences were observed between groups in the rates of hypertensive disorders, SGA or preterm birth. Lateral placentation was associated with a longer third stage of labor (11.1 ± 8.6 min vs. 10.4 ± 7.2 min, p = 0.001) and higher rate of retained placenta (5.7% vs. 4.2%, p = 0.002). Multivariate regression found that lateral placentation was independently associated with longer third stage of labor.

Conclusion

Lateral placentation was not associated with increased rates of hypertensive disorders, preterm birth or SGA infants. It was linked to a longer third stage of labor but without a significant impact on maternal or perinatal complications.
Enhancing intra-aural disease classification with attention-based deep learning models
Authors: Demircan Furkancan , Ekinci Murat , Cömert Zafer
Published: January 2025

Ear diseases are defined as pathological conditions that indicate dysfunction or abnormal function of the ear organ, which is part of the auditory system of living organisms that regulates hearing and balance functions. These diseases usually manifest as conditions that affect the internal components of the ear structure and can manifest themselves with symptoms such as hearing loss, ear pain, balance problems, and fluid accumulation in the ear. The accuracy of the diagnosis depends on expert knowledge and subjective opinion. This method is prone to human error. This study presents a novel computer-aided diagnosis system for otoscope images of ear diseases, utilizing a vision transformer-based feature extractor combined with machine learning classifiers to provide accurate second opinions for ENT specialists. For this purpose, a new model based on state-of-the-art vision transformer feature extractor and machine learning models is proposed. In the experimental study, the dataset, comprising 880 eardrum images categorized into four classes (CSOM, earwax, myringosclerosis, and normal), was split into training (70%), validation (10%), and testing (20%) subsets. Each image was preprocessed to 420 × 380 pixels to fit the input dimensions of the models. The vision transformer architecture was utilized for feature extraction, followed by classification using various machine learning algorithms including kNN, SVM, and random forest. As a result, the model using vision transformer feature extractor and k-nearest neighbors (kNN) algorithm achieved 99.00% accuracy. In this study, a deep learning-based and computer-aided diagnosis system, in other words, a computational model, was developed instead of the current human error-prone disease diagnosis method used by ear nose throat (ENT) specialists. The main purpose of the deep learning-based decision support system is to support the diagnosis process where expert knowledge is difficult to access and to provide an alternative opinion to the expert diagnosis.
Accuracy Controlled Schemes for the Eigenvalue Problem of the Radiative Transfer Equation
Authors: Dahmen Wolfgang , Mula Olga
Published: January 2025

The criticality problem in nuclear engineering asks for the principal eigenpair of a Boltzmann operator describing neutron transport in a reactor core. Being able to reliably design, and control such reactors requires assessing these quantities within quantifiable accuracy tolerances. In this paper, we propose a paradigm that deviates from the common practice of approximately solving the corresponding spectral problem with a fixed, presumably sufficiently fine discretization. Instead, the present approach is based on first contriving iterative schemes, formulated in function space, that are shown to converge at a quantitative rate without assuming any a priori excess regularity properties, and that exploit only properties of the optical parameters in the underlying radiative transfer model. We develop the analytical and numerical tools for approximately realizing each iteration step within judiciously chosen accuracy tolerances, verified by a posteriori estimates, so as to still warrant quantifiable convergence to the exact eigenpair. This is carried out in full first for a Newton scheme. Since this is only locally convergent we analyze in addition the convergence of a power iteration in function space to produce sufficiently accurate initial guesses. Here we have to deal with intrinsic difficulties posed by compact but unsymmetric operators preventing standard arguments used in the finite dimensional case. Our main point is that we can avoid any condition on an initial guess to be already in a small neighborhood of the exact solution. We close with a discussion of remaining intrinsic obstructions to a certifiable numerical implementation, mainly related to not knowing the gap between the principal eigenvalue and the next smaller one in modulus.
Rare cancer survivorship research funding at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), 2017 to 2023
Authors: Gallicchio Lisa , Mollica Michelle , Tesauro Gina , Doose Michelle , Guida Jennifer L. , Maher Molly E. , Tonorezos Emily
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Rare cancers are defined as those for which there are less than 15 cases per 100,000 in the population annually. While much progress in detection and treatment has been made over the past decade for many rare cancers, less progress has been made in understanding survivorship needs. The objective of this study was to characterize the National Institutes of Health (NIH) cancer survivorship grant portfolio focused on rare cancers and to identify gaps specific to this area of science.

Methods

Newly awarded grants focused on rare cancers in the NIH cancer survivorship research portfolio from Fiscal Year (FY) 2017 to FY2023 were identified. Grant characteristics were abstracted and described. In addition, the number of grants for each rare cancer type was mapped to current Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program incidence and relative survival rates.

Results

A total of 93 survivorship grants focused on one or multiple rare cancer types were funded from FY2017 to FY2023. Approximately 85% of these grants investigated one of four cancer types: leukemia, head & neck, ovarian and brain. Few grants focused on other rare cancer types, such as multiple myeloma (n = 5), testicular cancer (n = 3), rectal cancer (n = 1), thyroid cancer (n = 1), and cervical cancer (n = 0). About half of the grants (50.5%) were observational studies; 34.4% focused explicitly on pediatric cancer survivors.

Conclusions

Survivorship research for many rare cancer types is limited. This paucity of research is a barrier to the identification of survivorship needs and the development of interventions to address these needs.
Feeding behavior and preference of the invasive blue crab (Callinectes sapidus Rathbun, 1896) for Mediterranean native bivalves in mesocosm
Authors: Cabiddu Serenella , Addis Pierantonio , Palmas Francesco , Pusceddu Antonio , Solari Paolo , Pasquini Viviana
Published: January 2025

We investigated in mesocosm the feeding behavior and prey preference of the invasive blue crab Callinectes sapidus for different commercially exploited Mediterranean native bivalves. No-choice prey size and video-recorded prey-choice experiments were designed to test the following null hypotheses: (i) prey mortality do not vary when prey species are provided singularly nor with prey size; (ii) the predator does not have preferences when prey are provided simultaneously; (iii) manipulating, consuming, and handling times do not vary among prey species. We show that adult male C. sapidus individuals exhibit a cyclic feeding/resting behavior and a preference for Ruditapes decussatus, followed by Mytilus galloprovincialis and Cerastoderma glaucum. Based on our results, we anticipate that the preference of C. sapidus toward R. decussatus, one of the most important native commercial species in lagoons along the Italian coastline, could soon have consequences not only on the lagoons’ trophic webs, but also on the local economy.
Where are you heading to, Cannabis research?
Authors: Tarkowski Petr , Kopecký Pavel , Riboulet-Zemouli Kenzi , Frébort Ivo
Published: January 2025

Cannabis is one of the most widely grown multi-purpose crops. It has been at the center of scientific attention for many years, mainly due to its unique chemical composition. The strongest natural fibers possessing antibacterial properties can be obtained from plant stalks. Seeds contain oil with well-balanced fatty acids and seed meal is a good source of digestible protein. In addition, Cannabis plants produce secondary metabolites, including bioactive cannabinoids, terpenes, phenolic compounds, and alkaloids. Phytocannabinoids, predominantly produced in Cannabis, represent thoroughly studied class of the compounds with wide range of pharmacological activities. In addition, more than 40 jurisdictions have undertaken policy reforms to liberalize the use of Cannabis products for medical and/or non-medical adult use. An appropriate measures need to be taken to minimize the eventual negative impacts of Cannabis use. Evidence-based education in combination with proportionate sanctions is the only way to maximize the positive outcomes of Cannabis policy reforms. It is also crucial to secure microbial, chemical quality and safety of Cannabis products, likely via introducing international standards based on inter-laboratory validation. Finally, technical and ethical challenges associated with promising tools to improve the quality and yield of Cannabis production, such as in vitro-, new breeding techniques and polyploidy should be solved.
The definition of highly cited researchers: the effect of different approaches on the empirical outcome
Authors: Frietsch Rainer , Gruber Sonia , Bornmann Lutz
Published: January 2025

In 2001 onetime and since 2014 annually, Clarivate (and the former Thomson Reuters) has used publication and citation data to identify exceptional researchers—highly cited researchers (HCRs)—in nearly all disciplines. The approach used by Clarivate has not been without criticism. HCRs can be defined differently; the approach of Clarivate is one possibility among several others. HCRs can be identified by considering field-normalized citation rates or absolute numbers of citations; inclusion or exclusion of self-citations; full counting or fractional counting of publications; all authors, only corresponding authors or only first authors; short, long or varying citation windows; and short or long publication periods. In this study, we are interested in the effect different approaches have on the empirical outcomes. One may expect HCRs lists with large overlaps of authors, since all approaches are based on the same (bibliometric) data. As we demonstrated with five different variants of defining HCRs, the selection among these options has a significant influence on the sample of selected researchers and their characteristics that are thereby defined as highly cited. Some options have a stronger influence on the outcome than other options such as the length of the citation window or the focus on all authors versus only the corresponding author. Based on the empirical results of this study, we recommend that the user of HCR lists should always be aware of the influence these options have on the final lists of researchers.