bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection and Partial Characterization of Polerovirus and Luteovirus Isolates Associated With Lentil and Chickpea in Ethiopia
Authors: Ademe Anteneh , Kumari Safaa G. , Moukahel Abdulrahman , Alemu Tesfaye , Abraham Adane , Aynewa Yetsedaw , Guadie Demsachew , Ahmed Seid
Published: February 2025

The partial nucleotide sequence of the coat protein (CP) gene of Ethiopian isolates of chickpea chlorotic stunt virus (CpCSV, genus Polerovirus), beet western yellows virus (BWYV, genus Polerovirus), and soybean dwarf virus (SbDV, genus Luteovirus) was determined from lentil and chickpea plants showing yellowing, stunting, and reddening symptoms. Comparative sequence analysis of CpCSV isolates obtained from five chickpea and five lentil isolates showed 94.9%–100% and 91.9%–98.7% nucleotide sequence identity with each other and with the reference isolates, respectively. One CpCSV isolate from chickpea (MZ043728) showed a close relationship with isolates of the serotype II while the remaining nine isolates were closely related to isolates belonging to serotype I. Sequence identities of three chickpea BWYV isolates varied from 93.3% to 100% with the reference isolates, and one of them (MZ043727) displayed 100% nucleotide identity with previously reported lentil stunt virus (LStV, genus Polerovirus). The chickpea isolates MZ043725 and MZ043726 appear to be identical to each other, whereas the other isolate (MZ043727) was identical to previously identified LStV isolate. The nucleotide sequence of three Ethiopian SbDV isolates had a lower identity with GenBank isolates and their phylogenetic analysis showed that they are clustered separately from the rest of the reference isolates indicating that they are the most divergent. This result generates essential information for further research on legume viruses in Ethiopia. In addition, a detailed study should be conducted in the future to understand the prevalence of LStV and determine the potential yield losses associated with the virus in Ethiopia.
Global existence of mild solutions for 3D stochastic Boussinesq system in Besov spaces
Authors: Sun Jinyi , Li Ning , Yang Minghua
Published: February 2025

The paper is concerned with the three‐dimensional stochastic Boussinesq system driven by an additive white noise, describing the motion of viscous incompressible fluids with density stratification phenomenon in the rotational framework. By striking new balances between the smoothing effects of the Laplacian dissipation and dispersion effects caused by the Coriolis force and density stratification, we prove existence and uniqueness of global mild solutions to the three‐dimensional stochastic Boussinesq system for arbitrarily large initial data and stochastic external forces in Besov spaces, provided that the stratification parameter is large enough. Our results can be regarded as a generalization of [Math. Nachr. 290(2017), 613–631] and [Indiana Univ. Math. J. 66(2017), 2037–2070].
Interfacially Assembled Fluorescent Nanofilm for Ultra‐Sensitive Formic Acid Detection via Hydrogen Bonding Affinity and Recognition
Authors: Huang Linxuan , Gao Xinxiang , Mao Xinyao , Ullah Ishfaq , Zhou Zhijie , Hussain Ejaz , Xiao Yinghui , Peng Haonan , Fang Yu
Published: February 2025

High‐performance film‐based sensors are key innovations driving advancements in sensing technologies. An ultra‐sensitive formic acid sensor based on a polymer fluorescent nanofilm synthesized via interfacial assembly using a tetraphenylethylene derivative functionalized with aldehyde and hydroxyl groups is reported. These groups promote imine bond formation and enhance selectivity. The nanofilm, prepared through dynamic condensation with 4,4′‐diaminodiphenyl ether at the air‐DMSO interface, exhibits excellent luminescence, flexibility, and tunable surface topography. Its bright fluorescence is primarily due to the aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) property and hydrogen bonding interactions within the film structure. Imines serve as recognition sites for formic acid, where weak hydrogen bonding alters the electronic environment of the imine groups, blocking proton donors (─OH) and promoting non‐radiative decay, leading to selective fluorescence quenching. The sensor achieves an ultra‐low detection limit of 550 ppt, a rapid response time of 0.3 s, and excellent reversibility. It also demonstrates high selectivity for formic acid over other VOCs, making it suitable for real‐time monitoring. Additionally, the nanofilm's multimodal sensing capabilities, including responses to HCl and NH3, highlight its potential for diverse environmental and industrial applications.
A User‐Customizable Hybrid Framework for Targeted Medical Decision‐Making
Authors: Sava M. Gabriela , Vargas Luis G. , May Jerrold H. , Limeri Linda , Dolan James G.
Published: February 2025

Targeted medical decision‐making is a current strategy for addressing the heterogeneity in the patient population, especially when patients' preferences are included in the decision‐making process. In this paper, we propose a user‐customizable hybrid framework that can be adjusted at the patient group level to target a medical decision process. Our framework provides a flexible design, capable of balancing the gain from the reduction of provider time against the cost of prediction inaccuracy resulting from group customization. The framework combines a descriptive process, used to group the patients based on preference‐based subjective features, with a predictive process, which uses objective features to match a new patient with a group. We illustrate our approach by applying it to the colorectal cancer‐screening problem. The provider chooses what level of trade‐off is appropriate, as a function of the acceptable error level. The group customization process allows decision makers to better allocate scarce resources, by potentially shortening the time‐consuming process of modelling patients' preferences using individualised stability analysis. The proposed framework might be applied, with minor changes, to various medical decisions, or even to broader provider‐user scenarios, in which targeted decision‐making that includes user preferences is advantageous.
Should Manufacturer Adopt Cross‐Brand Trade‐In Strategy in Cooperation With Recycling Platform?
Authors: Zheng Bin , Li Sijie , Xiao Wenli
Published: February 2025

This study explores whether manufacturers should independently implement same‐brand trade‐ins or collaborate with recycling platforms for cross‐brand trade‐ins within a concurrent sale and resale framework. In the former strategy, trade‐ins are restricted to manufacturers' branded products, while the latter imposes no such limitations. Our findings reveal that manufacturers prefer cross‐brand trade‐ins due to factors such as reduced market share, high collection costs, or product durability. Interestingly, manufacturers with sufficiently low market share benefit from cross‐brand trade‐ins, irrespective of collection costs. From a market perspective, same‐brand trade‐ins are advantageous when used‐product durability is relatively high; otherwise, cross‐brand trade‐ins are more effective.
The RNA‐Binding Protein IGF2BP1 Marks Germ Cells but Is Dispensable for Mouse Fertility
Authors: Wang Shu , Wu Shan , Tang Jinyan , Chen Yuan , Zhang Yiyun , Long Wenwu , Wu Xin
Published: February 2025

Insulin‐like growth factor 2 mRNA binding protein 1 (IGF2BP1) is a key reader of N6‐methyladenosine modifications that regulate target mRNA stability in eukaryotic cells; however, its role in germ cells has never been explored. Here, we analyzed the spatiotemporal expression of IGF2BP1 and revealed that it was present not only in oocytes of the mouse ovary but also in ZBTB16‐positive undifferentiated spermatogonia in the mouse testis. Coimmunoprecipitation and fluorescence staining revealed that IGF2BP1 interacted with TRIM71, a regulator of spermatogonia differentiation, but that its expression was unaffected in the testes of Trim71 knockout mice. We also show that IGF2BP1 colocalized with components of the mRNA processing body (P‐body), including DDX6 and EDC4. However, contrary to our expectations, using VASA (DDX4)‐Cre‐mediated conditional knockout mice, we found that germ cell‐specific knockout of Igf2bp1 did not seem to affect the fertility of male or female mice. Further analysis revealed that spermatogenesis and ZBTB16‐positive undifferentiated spermatogonia numbers in the testes of mutant mice remained unchanged and that there were no obvious changes in testicular morphology or cell subpopulations. In summary, although IGF2BP1 is preferentially expressed in germ cells, its function in germ cells may be dispensable.
Unveiling Prescribing Patterns: A Systematic Review of Chronic Opioid Prescriptions After Head and Neck Cancer Surgeries
Authors: Karki Sabin , Stephanian Brooke , Ramirez Mirian , Moore Michael G. , Campbell David A. , Chen Diane W. , Sim Michael W. , Yesensky Jessica A. , Mantravadi Avinash , Farlow Janice L.
Published: February 2025

Objective

This study aims to review opioid prescribing changes for pain management in head and neck cancer (HNC) surgery patients, given the recent focus on Enhanced Recovery After Surgery protocols.

Data Sources

MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL, covering 1998 to 2023.

Review Methods

We selected studies that evaluated opioid prescribing patterns post‐major HNC surgery in various settings, including tertiary care hospitals and community hospitals. Primary outcomes considered were prevalence and patterns of opioid use post‐surgery, as well as related outcomes such as chronic use and side effects.

Results

Of 1278 abstracts, 24 studies involving 17,027 patients from the United States, China, and Canada met inclusion criteria. Quality was assessed using the MINORS scale, with an average score of 9.9 for non‐comparative studies and 20.0 for comparative studies. Persistent opioid use post‐surgery, defined as ongoing prescriptions 90 days after treatment, was noted in 15.4% to 64% of patients. Two studies reported adverse events, with up to 16% of patients experiencing side effects. Risk factors for chronic use included preoperative opioid use, tobacco use, higher cancer stage, adjuvant treatment, and demographic factors. Correlations were found between larger opioid prescriptions and shorter survival in advanced cancers. There was notable variability in patient‐reported pain control.

Conclusion

Persistent opioid use post‐HNC surgery is common, with variable efficacy and risk of adverse effects. Tailoring pain management to individual risk factors and focusing on multimodal analgesia could reduce the risks of continued opioid use. Future prospective studies are required to identify optimal pain management strategies.
Eustachian Tube Dysfunction in Adhesive Otitis Media: Obstructive Versus Patulous Types
Authors: Bae Seong Hoon , Cheon Tae Uk , Il Cho Sung , Nam Gi‐Sung
Published: February 2025

Objective

Understanding the distinct subtypes of adhesive otitis media (AdOM) is crucial for appropriate treatment such as balloon Eustachian tuboplasty (BET), particularly in distinguishing between patulous and obstructive Eustachian tube (ET) function. Nevertheless, AdOM caused by patulous Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) remains underexplored. This study aims to describe the detailed characteristics and define the patulous type of AdOM associated with patulous ETD (PET).

Study Design

A prospective cohort study.

Setting

A total of 62 ears of patients diagnosed with AdOM, PET, and traumatic perforation were included from a tertiary referral center (university hospital).

Methods

Obstructive–AdOM, patulous–AdOM, PET, and a control group with traumatic perforation patients underwent endoscopic examinations, completed symptom questionnaires, and had passive ET opening pressure evaluated using a modified inflation–deflation test following tympanostomy tube insertion.

Results

Patulous–AdOM was identified in 43% of the patients and was characterized by significantly lower median opening pressures (222 daPa) than those in patients with obstructive–AdOM (400 daPa) and PET (below 100 daPa). Habitual sniffing was reported in 92.3% of patients with patulous–AdOM, and reduced mastoid pneumatization was observed in both the patulous and obstructive subtypes.

Conclusion

Accurate differentiation between patulous–AdOM and obstructive–AdOM is essential because BET may exacerbate symptoms in patients with patulous characteristics. A comprehensive evaluation of ET function is critical before initiating treatment, underscoring the need for tailored approaches to manage AdOM.
Resistance welding process for glass fiber‐reinforced polypropylene composite joints: Parameter optimization and performance assessment
Authors: Cheng Xiangrong , Su Guiyang , Du Bing , Long Wanling , Liu Jingwei , Feng Tengwen , Chen Liming
Published: February 2025

Thermoplastic composites are extensively utilized in aircraft, transportation, medical, and various other sectors due to their superior damage tolerance, ease of repair, and consistent processing capabilities. This work focuses on glass fiber reinforced polypropylene composite (GF/PP) composites, specifically the preparation of GF/PP resistance welding single‐lap joints. The optimization aim was the single lap shear strength, and the optimal combination of process parameters was identified through orthogonal testing and response surface methodology as a welding current of 16.7 A, welding pressure of 20 N, and welding time of 75.6 s. Subsequently, the resistance welding process was assessed regarding thermal parameters, mechanical properties, and failure interfaces. The results indicate that the resistance welded joint, under optimal parameters, exhibits a shear strength of 6.656 ± 0.475 MPa, achieving 84% of the benchmark value for hot compression. Its primary failure mode is characterized by a combination of adhesive failure and interlayer damage within the heating element. As the energization time increases, the LSS rises to a maximum peak and subsequently declines, with the maximum shear strength occurring during the reduction in welding displacement.

Highlights

Combining orthogonal experimental design with response surface methodology.

Quantification of process parameter‐mechanical property connections.

Welded joints can produce 6.656 shear strength, 84% of the norm for hot pressing.

Resistance‐welded joints have peak shear strength when displacement is reduced.
Preparation of High‐Fidelity Entangled Cat States with Composite Pulses
Authors: Gu Ge‐Ge , Li Dong‐Sheng , Chen Ye‐Hong , Huang Bi‐Hua , Xia Yan
Published: February 2025

A protocol is proposed for the preparation of high‐fidelity entangled cat states with composite pulses. The physical model contains two Kerr‐nonlinear resonators and a cavity. By properly designing the parameters, each Kerr‐nonlinear resonator is confined in the cat‐state subspace and the entangled cat states can be generated efficiently. Composite two‐photon drives are introduced with multiple amplitudes and frequencies to improve the fidelity of the entangled cat states in the presence of parameter errors. The performance of the protocol is estimated by taking into account the parametric errors and decoherence. Numerical simulation results show that, the protocol is robustness to timing error, detuning error, and decoherence. It is hoped that the protocol may provide a method for preparing stable entangled cat states.
Synergistic Hydrophilic and Electrostatic Induction for Liquid Photonic Crystals of Poly (Acrylic Acid)‐block‐Polystyrene Colloidal Nanospheres From RAFT‐Mediated Emulsion Polymerization
Authors: Zhang Xu , Wang Zhujun , Huang Yi , Teo Nicholas Kai Shiang , Mo Yexi , Hsia Tina , Guo Jianjun , Shao Min , Shao Jianzhong , Thang San H.
Published: February 2025

Liquid Photonic Crystals (LPCs) represent a distinctive category of photonic materials that merges the ordered structure of colloidal photonic crystals with the dynamic nature of liquids, allowing for flexibility in tuning their assembly and optical properties in response to external stimuli. However, the requirement of high solid content and high stability of these LPCs continue to pose a significant challenge in their controlled synthesis, efficient assembly, and system stabilization. Herein, highly charged poly (acrylic acid)‐b‐polystyrene (PAA‐b‐PS) colloidal nanospheres are synthesized using RAFT‐mediated emulsion polymerization. Under the hydration and electrostatic interactions induced by selected polymeric inducers, PAA‐b‐PS colloidal nanospheres with a uniform carboxylate anion surface are synthesized, capable of forming iridescent LPCs at an overall low solid content (20 wt%) containing localized areas of high solid content. Furthermore, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), one of the polymeric inducers, undergoes photosensitive modification to facilitate the digital light processing (DLP) 3D printed LPCs hydrogel models. This strategy offers innovative approaches for the synthesis, assembly, and 3D‐printed LPC materials, promising applications in smart displays, sensory systems, and optical devices.
Triphenylamine‐Based Porous Organic Polymers with High Porosity: their High Carbon‐Dioxide Adsorption and Proton‐Conductivity Emergence
Authors: Okubo Kohei , Kitajima Showa , Kasai Hitoshi , Oka Kouki
Published: February 2025

Amorphous porous organic polymers (POPs) feature high specific surface area and chemical and thermal stability; therefore, they are applied in various fields. It is previously reported that chemical polymerization using iodine as an oxidant enables the synthesis of amorphous POPs without impurities. In this study, an iodine‐based chemical polymerization method is employed to maximize the specific surface area of polytriphenylamine, a typical amorphous POP. Furthermore, 1,3,5‐tris[4‐(diphenylamino)phenyl]benzene, a monomer with three triphenylamine moieties connected by a benzene core, is used to increase the number of reaction points and construct a rigid structure. The resulting poly[1,3,5‐tris[4‐(diphenylamino)phenyl]benzene] (pTTPA) exhibited a high specific surface area. Using 200 equivalents of iodine resulted in a pTTPA with the largest Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) specific surface area (2134.6 m2 g−1) among previously reported triphenylamine‐based amorphous POPs, and demonstrated a high CO2 adsorption capacity (3.31 mmol g−1 at 25 °C). Furthermore, pTTPA exhibited significant water–vapor adsorption when the BET specific surface area reached 1500 m2 g−1, leading to the emergence of proton conductivity (e.g., 4.33 × 10−6 S cm−1 at 95% RH and 90 °C). The findings demonstrate that iodine‐based chemical polymerization enables the maximization of the porosity of amorphous POPs and the development of proton conductivity within them.
A systematic review on microplastic contamination in marine sediment and water of Asia: Concentration, characterization, and polymeric risk assessment
Authors: Doshi Mahima , Rabari Vasantkumar , Trivedi Jigneshkumar
Published: February 2025

Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous in the marine environment and harmful for biodiversity. This review was based on 311 studies published on various online platforms published between 2006 and 2024 on MP contamination in marine sediment and water in different countries of Asia. The research highlights an increasing trend in MP contamination studies, with China and India. Analytical techniques for sample collection, digestion, flotation, and polymer identification are discussed. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) emerged as the preferred method for polymer identification. The maximum MP contamination in marine sediments was recorded at Taiwan and Indonesia, while the maximum MP contamination in marine water was recorded in China, Malaysia, and India. The fiber was the most dominant shape. The 1–2 mm and 500 μ—1 mm‐sized MPs having blue color were found dominantly. The pollution indices revealed a very high risk of MP contamination in all the Asian countries.

Practitioner Points

China and India are the leading in publications on MP contamination studies.

Common tools used are steel scoop/spatula/shovel for sediment, nets for water.

FTIR is the preferred method for polymer identification.

Highest MP in sediment of Indonesia and in water of China, Malaysia, and India.

Dominant MP shape: fiber; size 1–2 mm and 500 μ–1 mm, blue color.
CRISPR for the High School Classroom
Authors: Wollert David
Published: February 2025

What You Will Learn in This Chapter

With the unraveling of the mechanism for CRISPR-Cas systems in Streptococcus pyogenes in 2012, the application of the basic knowledge to gene editing revolutionized life science research. The newest gene technology method brings with it the promise of new cures for genetic diseases, bringing us ever closer to truly personalized medicine. It’s a fascinating and potentially controversial topic that will capture the interest of your high school students. Fortunately, there are now plenty of CRISPR-related resources available, including wet-labs that allow students to actually perform CRISPR gene editing in the classroom. Many (perhaps most) high school budgets, however, may not be in a position to purchase and implement expensive lab kits. To meet this need, there are also a variety of free and inexpensive resources to introduce CRISPR in the classroom. The goal of this chapter is to introduce you to CRISPR (also called CRISPR-Cas9) and direct you to some resources for teaching CRISPR to your high school students.
CRISPR in Drosophila
Authors: Vishal Kumar , Van Zant Jeffrey L. , Cripps Richard M.
Published: February 2025

What You Will Learn from This Chapter

This chapter describes specific techniques plus general curricular approaches to performing CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing in Drosophila in a classroom environment. We present several different scenarios for performing CRISPR in Drosophila, that can be adapted depending upon the length of time available for the class, and the technology available to the instructor and students.
The Multicultural Almanac as a Pedagogical Tool in Religious Education
Authors: Jonsson Linda
Published: February 2025

The Swedish syllabus for primary school, from preschool class to year 3 (F–3), states that ‘Teaching in religion should aim at helping the pupils to develop knowledge of religions and other outlooks on life in their own society and in other parts of the world’ (Skolverket, Läroplan för grundskolan, förskoleklassen och fritidshemmet, Lgr22 [Curriculum for the compulsory school, preschool class and the leisure-time centre], 2022, p. 188). The headings in the syllabus – Living together, Living in the neighbourhood, Living in the world and Exploring reality – indicate that the learning should start with the close and familiar, but it is also be about what we experience as foreign and unknown. In many Swedish classrooms in the lower grades, the calendar/almanac is a natural starting point for the school day. Using the almanac the teacher draws the pupils’ attention to the day of the week and date. The following chapter, taking an intercultural pedagogical and lifeworld-oriented approach, will reason about whether a multicultural almanac as a pedagogical tool can contribute to the pupils seeing themselves as a part of a larger whole. The chapter concludes with some pedagogical implications for an enriching Religious Education (RE) based on the multicultural almanac as a pedagogical tool. The almanac serves as a contribution to creating a sustainable classroom community in diversity and for Education for Sustainable Development (ESD).
Are All Immigrants Equally Healthy? Examining the Healthy Immigrant Paradox Across Age Groups and Education Levels in Spain
Authors: Solé-Auró Aïda
Published: February 2025

Immigration has changed the demographic composition and social structure of many Western European countries, which has increased interest in how immigrants age. This chapter examines the health of immigrants versus Spanish-born for individuals aged ≥30 years old using cross-sectional Spanish data from 2014 and 2020. I used descriptive and multivariate models to examine the association between migration status and health outcomes (e.g., chronic health conditions, self-perceived health, Global Activity Limitation Indicator, cognitive impairment, smoking, and overweight). In particular, I explored how the association between immigration status and health varies according to age groups and education levels. I further investigated two separate interactions: the interaction between immigration status and education on health and the interaction between immigration status and age on health. My findings support the existence of the healthy immigrant paradox in Spain, wherein both short- and long-term immigrants generally have much better health conditions than Spanish-born. Considering the diversity of the immigrant population in terms of their countries of origin and educational attainment, future research should focus on understanding the role of educational selectivity in contributing to the observed health inequalities among the considered outcomes over the life course.
The effect of Ukrainian refugees on the local labour markets: the case of Czechia
Authors: Postepska Agnieszka , Voloshyna Anastasiia
Published: February 2025

Following the Russian Federation’s invasion of Ukraine on

$$24^{th}$$

24

th

February 2022, over a quarter of the Ukrainian population became displaced. Czechia emerged as a key destination, granting temporary protection to approximately 433,000 Ukrainians by the end of 2022, thus sheltering the highest per capita number of Ukrainian refugees worldwide. The swift enactment of the ‘Lex Ukraine Act’ granted the refugees unrestricted access to the labour market. This led to a notable increase in the number of legally employed Ukrainians and expanded Czechia’s workforce. Using individual micro-level data from 16 waves of the Labour Force Sample Survey (LFSS), collected between the

$$1^{\text {st}}$$

1

st

quarter of 2019 and the

$$4^{\text {th}}$$

4

th

quarter of 2022, we examine the short-term impact of the influx of the Ukrainian refugees into the workforce on the labour market outcomes of locals in Czechia. Incorporating several empirical strategies, including a two-way fixed effects model (TWFE), extensions to the canonical difference-in-differences (DiD) estimator, and matching on selective characteristics of individuals/districts and pre-treatment trends, we find consistent evidence that the influx of refugees had no economically meaningful impact on employment, unemployment, or inactivity rates within the local population, regardless of gender, educational level, or industry. Most importantly, we find consistent evidence of an increase in weekly working hours among local females in treated districts. This increase is primarily driven by workers with secondary education employed in the most affected sectors.
Paving the way towards predistribution: a study on the introduction of a land value tax
Authors: Olea Jesús , Hoyos David , García-Enríquez Javier
Published: February 2025

This paper explores the potentiality of implementing a land value tax (LVT) aimed at displacing the existing taxes on real estate and partially the taxes on personal income as a first step towards the implementation of an ecological tax reform. The LVT is simulated in the context of Bizkaia, a Spanish province with fiscal autonomy. A hedonic price model allowing for spatial correlation is used to estimate the tax base and collection capacity. Following Lyons’ (2012) approach, we set as a collection objective the amount derived from the shift of all taxes on real estate and the income tax returns of nearly 75% of the population representing the lowest taxable bases and calculate the average tax per square metre for the whole territory. Then, the proposed LVT is applied proportionally to the site value for each property according to different zones. We find that a proportional rate of 1.05% on the land value would be sufficient in order to carry out the proposed tax displacement. Our findings suggest that focusing tax systems on the predistribution of income rather than on its redistribution may well set fiscal policy on the path towards a sustainable and fair economy.
New Variants of Arithmetic Quantum Ergodicity
Authors: Humphries Peter , Thorner Jesse
Published: February 2025

We establish two new variants of arithmetic quantum ergodicity. The first is for self-dual

$$\textrm{GL}_2$$

GL
2

Hecke–Maaß newforms over

$$\mathbb {Q}$$

Q

as the level and Laplace eigenvalue vary jointly. The second is a nonsplit analogue wherein almost all restrictions of Hilbert (respectively Bianchi) Hecke–Maaß cusp forms to the modular surface dissipate as their Laplace eigenvalues grow.
Development and validation of the PACPN: Parents’ Attitudes Towards Crying Pediatricians and pediatric Nurses questionnaire
Authors: Foijer M. , Spek B. , de Vos M. A. , Verhagen A. A. E. , Aris-Meijer J. L.
Published: February 2025

Crying by healthcare professionals in the medical setting is a common but understudied phenomenon. We aimed to develop a questionnaire which measures the attitudes of parent towards crying pediatricians and pediatric nurses. We assessed reliability and validity in a group of parents of children who are living with, have died from or survived a life-limiting or life-threatening-condition. The development of the PACPN was based on modification of an existing questionnaire and expert input. In a cross-sectional-design, we assessed reliability and validity for both pediatricians and pediatric nurses. Dimensionality was assessed using principal component analysis (PCA). Cronbach’s alphas were calculated for each subscale. For construct validity, participants were asked to rate an additional question regarding the goal to measure parents’ attitudes towards crying pediatricians/pediatric nurses. We hypothesized that a higher score would have a strong positive correlation with the total score of the PACPN. At the end of the questionnaire, participants were asked to rate and comment the completeness. The developed 25-item questionnaire was completed by 116 parents. The PCA revealed two dimensions: (1) family’s circumstances; (2) personal circumstances of the pediatrician/pediatric nurse. Internal consistency was good (pediatricians, .81–.93; pediatric nurses, .83–.93). The hypothesis regarding construct validity was confirmed (Spearman’s rho = .71–.75). The completeness score was 7.7 (min–max 1–10, SD = 1.51).

Conclusion: The PACPN showed good internal consistency and some degree of construct validity. We assume that by adding some items with nuance to the situation and the degree of crying the completeness of the questionnaire will improve.

What is Known:
• 
Crying by HCPs in the medical setting, such as the hospital is common but HCPs have different attitudes towards this. • A questionnaire on crying physicians and nurses is available for assessing HCPs attitudes.

What is New:
• 
The PACPN questionnaire is a simple tool for assessing parents’ attitudes towards crying pediatricians and pediatric nurses. • The PACPN showed good internal consistency and some degree of construct validity.
Gradient flow solutions for porous medium equations with nonlocal Lévy-type pressure
Authors: Foghem Guy , Padilla-Garza David , Schmidtchen Markus
Published: February 2025

We study a porous medium-type equation whose pressure is given by a nonlocal Lévy operator associated to a symmetric jump Lévy kernel. The class of nonlocal operators under consideration appears as a generalization of the classical fractional Laplace operator. For the class of Lévy operators, we construct weak solutions using a variational minimizing movement scheme. The lack of interpolation techniques is ensued by technical challenges that render our setting more challenging than the one known for fractional operators.
Optimization analysis of stiffness and natural frequency of unidirectional and randomly oriented short fiber-reinforced composite materials
Authors: Onyibo Emmanuel Chukwueloka , Gazioglu Aysegul , Abulibdeh Mohammad , Osman Osman Mohamed , Huwail Turki Bin , Alkhatib Mohammed , Aburemeis Amr , Razavi Seyedalireza , Sahmani Saeid , Safaei Babak
Published: February 2025

In this study, numerical and analytical techniques including finite element analysis (FEA), rule of mixture (ROM), and Halpin–Tsai model were used to study the effects of the fiber volume fraction (FVF) on the vibrational responses of microscale unidirectional (UD) and random short fiber-reinforced (RSFR) finite element (FE)-modeled composite unit cells. It was found that as the FVF increases, so do the strength, resistance to deformation (stiffness), and natural frequency of the fiber-reinforced composite. However, such improvements have also shown to cause an increase in the overall mass of the composites, due to higher FVFs, and therefore, resulting in the exhibition of an early fiber–matrix debonding potential. The results of the simulation showed that the optimal dynamic stability was attained for a FVF of 0.3, and the maximum resistance to deformation with respect to stiffness-to-mass ratio was achieved for a FVF of 0.2. These results highlight the importance of selecting optimum FVFs for achieving the best balance between the desired performance (stiffness-to-mass) and mechanical properties of unidirectional fiber-reinforced composites (UD-FRC) and RSFR composites. Also, the harmonic loading capabilities of the hybrid composites having optimized FVFs were equally investigated.
Elucidating the relationship between aquifer heterogeneity and thermal dispersivity using stochastic heat transport simulations
Authors: Molnár Bence , Lenkey László , Pedretti Daniele , Mádl-Szőnyi Judit , Galsa Attila
Published: February 2025

Homogeneous parametrization of aquifer properties is conventionally adopted due to data limitations and computational constraints, where the determination of effective model parameters and consideration of heterogeneity remains a key challenge. In this study, numerical simulations were developed to investigate the effect of heterogeneity on groundwater heat transport processes (conduction, dispersion and advection), and elucidate the relationship between aquifer heterogeneity and thermal dispersivity (α
L). A simple finite element model was developed to simulate the operation of a geothermal system within a closed heterogeneous aquifer using stochastic permeability realizations. Sensitivity analysis revealed how the α
L value is affected by (1) the scale of heterogeneity (R), (2) the distance between the well pair (L), and (3) the Darcy flux (q
in). The effective permeability of the medium was found to continuously decrease as R increases; however, cold water reaches the outflow side faster through the high-conducting channels; thus, the thermal breakthrough time decreases in heterogeneous media. Calibrated αL values allowed homogeneous models to accurately fit the breakthrough curves obtained from the heterogeneous simulations. Increase in both R and L corresponded to higher α
L, but R remained the dominant parameter. Modification of the Péclet number revealed that the thermal conduction weakens, yet does not remove, the effect of heterogeneity or α
L. It is concluded that well-calibrated α
L values are necessary for accurate predictions of heat transport processes in groundwater flow systems. This study provides guidance on the estimation of the longitudinal α
L value for use in numerical modelling of practical geothermal problems.
Prolonged time to breast cancer surgery and the risk of metastasis: an explorative simulation analysis using epidemiological data from Germany and the USA
Authors: Hölzel D. , Schlesinger-Raab A. , Schubert-Fritschle G. , Halfter K.
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Growing breast cancer is associated with an inherent risk of metastasis. If surgical treatment of breast cancer is delayed, the prognosis worsens with increasing tumor size. This justifies the search for a safe time interval between diagnosis and surgery.

Methods

The 2022 population-based data on incidence and the time interval to initial surgery for the United States (U.S.) and Germany are used. Tumor growth and initiation of metastases can be calculated using public data on hormone receptor status, volume doubling time, and tumor size-dependent relative survival. Our assumptions are based on an initial 19.8 mm mean tumor size. 15-year BC-specific mortality in both countries is assumed to be 19.6% without surgical delay. Volume doubling time stratified by hormone receptor status, assumed to be continuous may differ by a factor of 2.4.

Results

The U.S. and Germany report 287,850/71,375 new breast cancers for the year 2022 and 2019. If tumor removal is delayed by 8 weeks, mortality rate increases by 2.25/4.79% (HR + /HR−) as estimated by our model. The currently reported mean delay in the U.S. and Germany of 33.7/26.0 days or 4.8/3.7 weeks, respectively, would lead to an estimated 4,676/918 additional BC deaths or a 1.6/1.2% rise in the 15-year BC-specific mortality rate.

Conclusions

This study offers reasonable evidence that confirmed cases of breast cancer should be prioritized and treated according to hormone receptor status and tumor size as soon as possible. Effective screening measures should be followed by timely treatment.
Evaluation of a Positive Psychological Intervention to Reduce Work Stress among Rural Community Health Workers in India: Results from a Randomized Pilot Study
Authors: Bondre Ameya P. , Singh Spriha , Singh Abhishek , Ranjan Aashish , Khan Azaz , Sharma Lochan , Bari Dinesh , Teja G Sai , Verma Laxmi , Jolly Mehak , Pandit Payal , Sharma Radhika , Dangi Ritu , Ahuja Romi , Nayak Sneha Rani , Agrawal Surbhi , Agrawal Jyotsna , Mehrotra Seema , Shidhaye Rahul , Bhan Anant , Naslund John A. , Hollon Steve D. , Tugnawat Deepak
Published: February 2025

Efforts to reduce work stress among frontline health workers in India, namely the rural Accredited Social Health Activists or ‘ASHAs’ (resident women, lay health workers) have predominantly emphasized on ‘extrinsic’ variables (e.g., financial incentives, or enhanced supervision), with little consideration of ‘intrinsic’ factors like the wellbeing of ASHAs themselves or building their abilities in managing work stress. ‘Character-strengths’ based positive psychological interventions have shown improvements in work wellbeing and engagement, but these findings have been largely observed in the Global North, with no experimental studies in India. This study is a pilot randomized controlled trial where rural ASHAs were allocated to receive regular supervision by their supervisors appointed by the health system (control arm), or a character-strengths based coaching intervention in addition to regular supervision (intervention arm). The intervention included a residential workshop and follow-on weekly individual telephonic coaching support. We aimed to examine the preliminary effectiveness of the intervention on happiness of ASHAs using the Authentic Happiness Inventory (primary outcome). At 3-month follow-up, ASHAs in the intervention arm showed higher total happiness scores (n = 30, Mean = 83.6; SD = 13.32) than ASHAs in the control arm (n = 31, Mean = 76.32; SD = 13.16), with a significant between-arm difference (Cohen’s d: 0.55). Secondary outcomes (e.g., burnout, motivation) showed non-significant between-arm differences at follow-up. We conducted telephone-interviews of ASHAs to gather their experiences of the intervention and used thematic analysis to assess its feasibility and acceptability. This study critically contributes to inform the ways by which rural frontline workers can use character-strengths to improve work wellbeing in low-resource settings.
Effects of gamma ray sources and irradiation doses on the haploidization frequency of citron watermelon (Citrullus lanatus var. citroides)
Authors: Kurtar Ertan Sait , Metin Deniz , Atakul Zeliha , Kal Ünal , Seymen Musa , Takcı Enes , Yılmaz Hatice Nur , Alan Ali Ramazan , Toprak Fevziye Çelebi
Published: February 2025

Drought is widely regarded as the most significant abiotic stressor affecting modern agricultural production. Sweet watermelon (Citrullus lanatus var. lanatus), one of the world’s most cultivated vegetable species, lacks drought resistance and must be grown in dry and semi-arid regions by grafting on tolerant rootstocks. Citron watermelon (Citrullus lanatus var. citroides) is well known for its high drought tolerance and has excellent potential as a watermelon rootstock. There is a high demand for novel citron watermelon cultivars with rootstock potential. Doubled haploid (DH) technology enables the breeding of genetically uniform and fully homozygous plants in a single generation. However, no research has been conducted on the haploidization of citron watermelon using the irradiated pollen technique. The current study aimed to determine the efficiency of gamma-ray sources (Cobalt: Co60 and Cesium: Cs137), irradiation doses (200, 250, and 300 Gy of Co60; 100, 150, 200, and 250 Gy of Cs137), and genotypes (11 citron watermelon lines) on the production of pure citron lines via the irradiated pollen technique (parthenogenesis). The embryos were grown on MS medium supplemented with 0.4 mg/L indole-3-butyric acid. Stomatal observations and flow cytometry were used to conduct ploidy studies on 3–4 weeks old parthenogenic plantlets. The Co60 treatments yielded eight haploid and two mixoploid plants, while the Cs137 treatments yielded 14 haploid and one mixoploid. These findings demonstrated that gamma rays from both radiation sources were effective in parthenogenic embryo induction, and Cs137 was discovered to be a reliable alternative to conventional Co60.
The impact of synchronous online discussions and online flipped learning on student engagement and self-regulation among preliminary undergraduates in a basic math course
Authors: Yorganci Serpil
Published: February 2025

Flipped learning has been recognized as a promising pedagogical model for methodological progress in educational environments. Studies have shown the effectiveness of flipped learning when used with appropriate educational technologies and learning strategies. On the other hand, comprehensive guidance is required to combine this pedagogical model with new technologies. The current study investigates how discussion tools integrated into online flipped learning environments affect students’ engagement and self-regulation. Participants targeted for this study consisted of 121 first-year students randomly assigned to one of four experimental conditions formed by a 2 (synchronous online discussions vs. asynchronous online discussions) × 2 (online flipped learning vs. online learning) factorial pretest/post-test design. The results revealed that there was a significant interaction effect between the online flipped learning approach and synchronous online discussions on behavioral and cognitive engagement. While no interaction effects on self-regulation between the learning approach and online discussions were found, the results revealed that the online flipped learning approach and synchronous online discussions separately increased self-regulation. The findings contribute to the online flipped learning approach by adding a new perspective, namely synchronous online discussions, and thereby proposing a new interactive learning experience for a more engaging and deeper exploration of online learning. The implications of designing an online flipped learning environment with synchronous online discussion tools are discussed.
Enhanced Pathogen Control Through Thymol and Carvacrol Nanoemulsions: A Microfluidization Approach
Authors: Ozogul Yesim , Karsli Gokcem Tonyali , Yazgan Hatice , Kuley Esmeray , Oztop Halil Mecit , Ozogul Fatih , Esatbeyoglu Tuba
Published: February 2025

Nanoemulsions based on bioactive compounds have a lot of potential as antibacterial agents in the food sector due to high solubility and bioavailability. Current research was designed to investigate the impacts of NE containing thymol and carvacrol on foodborne pathogens. NE were developed by emulsifying thymol and/or carvacrol with Tween 80 using microfluidization technique. The NE were characterized to determine their droplet size distribution, zeta potential, and polydispersity index, stability, viscosity, and morphology of NE by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The antimicrobial activity of the NE was assessed against specific foodborne pathogens (Salmonella Paratyphi A, Campylobacter jejuni, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus faecalis), using agar well diffusion, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) methods. While thymol NE incorporating sunflower oil produced smaller droplet sizes, NE produced spherical droplets that were nanoscale. The NE demonstrated remarkable stability throughout a 60-day period of storage at 4 °C. Carvacrol NE demonstrated the most effective suppression against the pathogenic bacteria tested, with inhibition values greater than 30.00 mm against E. faecalis and C. jejuni. For P. aeruginosa, the MIC value of carvacrol NE was 12.5 mg/mL, while for S. Paratyphi A, E. faecalis, and C. jejuni, it was 50 mg/mL. Apart from C. jejuni and P. aeruginosa, bactericidal concentration was > 100 mg/mL for all bacteria. As a result, carvacrol NE was observed to be more effective as an antimicrobial agent for food preservation and has potential applications in various food products to improve shelf life and safety.
The Affective Semiosis of the Hypoglycemic Symptom in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Cleves-Valencia Juan José , Roncancio-Moreno Mónica , Branco Angela Uchoa
Published: February 2025

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) involves a complex treatment because its daily management requires patients to maintain a delicate balance to avoid the symptomatic discomfort of hypoglycemia. Although hypoglycemia has been studied from a biomedical perspective, there is limited research related to the meaning construction and affective regulation processes associated with it. The present study aims to understand the affective-semiotic processes involved in the hypoglycemic symptom of T1DM by analyzing its dynamic organization and affective-semiotic regulation. Methodologically, an idiographic perspective was chosen through the microgenetic analysis of in-depth interviews in a case study. The main results indicate that the initial sensation of physical discomfort is merely the starting point of a wider semiotic network that hyper-generalizes and expands itself towards broader aspects of life and identity. Life projections, whether short- or long-term, are mediated by the fear of the symptom, which, in turn, can shape one´s perception of life priorities in life and involves the potential to shape one’s future in terms of the ability to maintain health. It is proposed that the hypoglycemic symptom, as a set of experiences with the capacity to destabilize the individual, should be considered in order to: (a) Evaluate how each one is affected through affective-semiotic fields of meaning directly linked to the perception of oneself as a subject, (b) Reduce the uncertainty associated with the body’s vulnerability and contingency and, (c) Foster a greater personal empowerment with respect to the disease.