bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The decree of inclusive education and its potential for irritation for the educational system—A system‐theoretical conceptualization of the relationship between education and politics
Authors: Lindacher Tanja
Published: September 2024

The starting point of the argument is the assumption that the decree of inclusive education in Germany has received considerable impetus from national and international political developments, especially through the adoption of the Salamanca Statement and Framework for Action on Special Needs Education in 1994 and the ratification of the United Nations' Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2009. The immense pressure for reform, which is triggered by education policy's expectations, essentially means that the decree of inclusive education can be interpreted as an irritation for the specific constitution of the educational system. Against the background of the potential for irritation in the decree of inclusive education, it is shown to what extent the educational system recognizes differences in the sense of irritation and to what extent these are relevant when it observes its relationship to politics. The theoretical work of the article provides important information on how the relationship between education and politics can be conceptualized based on a concrete semantic context such as the decree of inclusive education.
Physicochemical, Structural, and Functional Properties of Cacahuacintle Maize Starch
Authors: López‐Vázquez Diana Edith , Lobato‐Calleros Consuelo , Hernández‐Rodríguez Landy , Aguirre‐Mandujano Eleazar , Alvarez‐Ramirez José , Vernon‐Carter Eduardo Jaime
Published: September 2024

Maize is a valuable source of starch, but many genotypes still have not yet been studied. Thus, an ongoing research topic is to evaluate the physicochemical, structural, and functional properties of these understudied genotypes, such as is the case of the cacahuacintle maize genotype. Two cacahuacintle maize varieties MA1 and MA2, endogenous to the State of Mexico but from different locations, are used for obtaining maize starch (MS1 and MS2) and compared to a commercial normal maize starch (CS). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) reveals that CS granules have polyhedral shape, while those for MS1 and MS2 are semi‐spherical. Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectra shows that the three starches exhibit the characteristic peaks of polysaccharides but display differences in the hydrated and ordered structures. X‐ray analysis reveals that all the starches have Type A pattern, but have different crystallinities, ranging from 21.07% to 25.37%. MS1 and MS2 exhibit higher values of solubility, swelling power, and water retention capacity compared to CS, but the latter has superior oil‐holding capacity. MS1 and MS2 have higher resistant starch fraction content than CS. The results show that cacahuacintle maize starch has a good application potential as an additive in food products.
Seismic performance of reinforced concrete stairs with new sliding support
Authors: Zhang Zheng , Cong Shuping , Zhang Yangang , Chen Yongtao
Published: September 2024

Cast‐in‐suit stairs and precast stairs were damaged seriously during many earthquakes in recent years. Stairs with new sliding support were put forward in order to avoid the failure of stairs, landing slab in the half floor was divided into two parts and sliding support was placed between stair beam and landing slab. Down‐scaled model of stairs with new sliding support was produced, and reversed cyclic loading test was conducted to investigate the failure mode, hysteretic behavior, ductility, stiffness degradation and energy dissipation. The failure mode was crushing damage of frame column and stair components remained intact. The new sliding support had good working properties and landing slab separated from stair beam under the pull condition. In addition, seven finite element models of staircase were developed to investigate the seismic performance of staircase, and seven finite element models of frame structure were developed to investigate the effect of stairs on the seismic performance of main structure. Lateral stiffness of the staircase was asymmetrical affected by common stairs, so torsional deformation of staircase was large, and stairs with new sliding support had no effect to the lateral stiffness of staircase. Compared with frame structure, the natural period of vibration decreased approximately by 5% and the first vibration mode also changed direction when common stairs was considered, the natural period of vibration and the first vibration mode were not change when sliding support was adopted. Stairs were not damaged and did not affect the seismic performance of main structure when new sliding support was used.
Acoustic telemetry yields stock membership clues for Coho Salmon harvested in coastal fisheries
Authors: Henslee Luke H. , Ivanoff Renae , Liller Zachary W. , Westley Peter A. H. , Seitz Andrew C.
Published: September 2024

Objective

Estimates of Pacific salmon Oncorhynchus spp. stock composition in coastal fishery harvests are needed to balance fishing opportunities against conservation. Catch partitioning in some small-scale fisheries can be hindered by insufficient resolution of modern stock classification tools (e.g., genetic stock identification).

Methods

We used acoustic telemetry to investigate the stock composition of commercial landings in the Norton Sound district of Alaska by mimicking local fisheries to capture and tag 578 Coho Salmon O. kisutch in the contiguous Shaktoolik and Unalakleet commercial subdistricts over two seasons.

Result

In total, 341 individuals that were last detected in demarcated spawning areas were assigned to a stock of origin based on putative natal site fidelity. Sex, location of capture, and timing of capture were predictors of stock membership. Models that were fitted to commercial harvest data from the project years (2020 and 2021) estimated that 32.9% of the Shaktoolik subdistrict catch was Shaktoolik stock, 51.5% was Unalakleet stock, and the remainder consisted of other transitory stocks. Conversely, 86.7% of landed Coho Salmon in the Unalakleet subdistrict were Unalakleet stock, whereas the Shaktoolik stock and transitory stocks made up less than 10%, respectively.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that coastal salmon fisheries in Norton Sound have access to a variable mixture of stocks whose unique characteristics can be leveraged to examine the effects of directed harvest effort on stock health and diversity.
Catalytic Hydrodeoxygenation of Phenols and Cresols to Gasoline Range Biofuels
Authors: Mohammed Ahmed A. , Tannous Joy H.
Published: September 2024

Unlike fossil fuels, biomass has oxygen amounts exceeding 10 wt%. Hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) is a crucial step in upgrading biomass to higher heating value liquid fuels. Oxygen removal has many challenges due to the complex chemistry and the high reactivity leading to irreversible catalyst deactivation. In this study, the focus is on the catalytic HDO of aromatic oxygen‐containing model compounds in biomass: phenols and cresols. In the current work, literature on catalytic HDO of phenols using molecular hydrogen is reviewed, with a focus on non‐nickel‐based mono‐ and bi‐metallic catalysts, as nickel‐based catalysts were reviewed elsewhere. In addition, the catalytic HDO of m‐cresol using molecular hydrogen is examined. This review also addresses the use of hydrogen donors for the HDO of phenols and cresols. The operating conditions, catalysts, products, and yields are summarized to find the catalyst with promising activity and high selectivity toward aromatics. A critical review of the reactions that successfully led to HDO is presented and research gaps related to the HDO of phenols and cresols are highlighted. The conclusions provide potential successful catalyst combinations that can be used for HDO of phenols, cresols, and liquid aromatic hydrocarbons.
Multichannel Lanthanide‐Doped Nanoprobes for Serodiagnosis and Therapy
Authors: Liu Yuxin , Wei Zheng
Published: September 2024

In this account, we will highlight recent progress in the development of multichannel lanthanide‐doped (MC−Ln) nanoprobes for highly efficient serodiagnosis and therapy, with a particular focus on our own work. First, we first provide a classification of the types of MC−Ln nanoprobes based on the contained type and number of signals. The merits of different types of nanoprobes and the reason using lanthanides are elucidated. Then, we provide an overview of the current uses of MC−Ln nanoprobes in serodiagnosis and therapy, focusing on the strategic exploration to improve the diagnostic and therapeutic performance from different perspectives. Finally, we present a prospective outlook on the future development and potential issues of next‐generation MC−Ln nanoprobes. We hope that this timely account will update our understanding of MC−Ln and similar nanoprobes for bioapplications and provide helpful references for the state‐of‐the‐art tools for serodiagnosis and therapy.
Synergistic effects of epoxidized isosorbide linolenate (EGLA‐ISB): A novel bio‐based heat stabilizer for enhanced mechanical and thermal performance of PVC
Authors: Han Yu , Luo Wei , Sun Shiyan , Weng Yunxuan , Zhang Caili
Published: September 2024

Heat stabilizers are additives that are used to stabilize the chemical and physical properties of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) during high temperature processing and use. It is able to resist thermal degradation, prevent color change, maintain mechanical properties, and eliminate acid gas (HCl). Organometallic salts, such as zinc stearate (ZnSt2) and calcium stearate (CaSt2), are commonly used as heat stabilizers. There are not as many reports on bio‐based heat stabilizers. The effectiveness of a synthetic bio‐based molecule, epoxidized isosorbide linolenate (EGLA‐ISB), as a heat stabilizer for PVC was investigated in this article, and its performance was compared to the commonly used CaSt2/ZnSt2 heat stabilizers. The thermal stability of PVC films was observed to be higher when EGLA‐ISB was combined with epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) as the plasticizer. The PVC/30ESO/2EGLB‐ISB sample exhibited an initial decomposition temperature of 283.8°C and a minimal mass loss of 0.3% after a 120‐minute isothermal heat loss test at 200°C, indicating improved thermal stability. The incorporation of EGLA‐ISB into PVC films enhances mechanical properties through synergistic plasticization and stabilization, addressing the dispersibility issues of CaSt2/ZnSt2 that can diminish PVC's strength. The optical properties of PVC samples incorporating EGLA‐ISB are also superior. The plastics industry can move toward a more environmentally friendly and sustainable direction through the development of bio‐based heat stabilizers.

Highlights

EGLA‐ISB/ESO boosts PVC thermal stability.

EGLA‐ISB enhances PVC's mechanical properties.

EGLA‐ISB PVC shows superior optical performance.

EGLA‐ISB advances sustainable PVC industry.
Fossil fuel industry influence in higher education: A review and a research agenda
Authors: Hiltner Sofia , Eaton Emily , Healy Noel , Scerri Andrew , Stephens Jennie C. , Supran Geoffrey
Published: September 2024

The evolution of fossil fuel industry tactics for obstructing climate action, from outright denial of climate change to more subtle techniques of delay, is under growing scrutiny. One key site of ongoing climate obstructionism identified by researchers, journalists, and advocates is higher education. Scholars have exhaustively documented how industry‐sponsored academic research tends to bias scholarship in favor of tobacco, pharmaceutical, food, sugar, lead, and other industries, but the contemporary influence of fossil fuel interests on higher education has received relatively little academic attention. We report the first literature review of academic and civil society investigations into fossil fuel industry ties to higher education in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. We find that universities are an established yet under‐researched vehicle of climate obstruction by the fossil fuel industry, and that universities' lack of transparency about their partnerships with this industry poses a challenge to empirical research. We propose a research agenda of topical and methodological directions for future analyses of the prevalence and consequences of fossil fuel industry–university partnerships, and responses to them.

This article is categorized under:

Social Status of Climate Change Knowledge > Climate Science and Decision Making

Climate, Nature, and Ethics > Ethics and Climate Change

Social Status of Climate Change Knowledge > Sociology/Anthropology of Climate Knowledge

Social Status of Climate Change Knowledge > Climate Science and Social Movements
Analysis of thermal non‐equilibrium model on the Ree–Eyring nanofluid flow influenced by an inclined magnetic field
Authors: Zhang Yan , Ramzan Muhammad , Shahmir Nazia , Alshahrani Saad , Kadry Seifedine , Alroobaea Roobaea
Published: September 2024

This research seeks to explore the behavior of Ree–Eyring nanofluid over an extended surface influenced by an inclined magnetic field within a permeable medium. The local thermal non‐equilibrium between the particle, liquid, and solid phases is represented by a three‐temperature model. The problem is addressed numerically using bvp4c code in MATLAB software. The findings are displayed in the format of tables and graphs. The study shows that higher values of the interface heat transfer parameter led to a decrease and increase in the fluid phase and solid phase Nusselt number, respectively. The velocity and concentration distributions decrease with increasing porosity coefficient. Nevertheless, the fluid phase temperature distribution shows an opposing trend. Furthermore, increasing the non‐Newtonian fluid parameter leads to a raise in the surface drag coefficient.
The Use of Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone to Manage Intraspecific Agonism in a Coalition of Male Lions (Panthera leo)
Authors: Picone Stacie L. , Sherman Wilson C. , Sadler Ryan A. , France Nathaniel R. , Herman Alex , Kinzley Colleen , Minier Darren E.
Published: September 2024

While housing nonbreeding all‐male social groups of African lion (panthera leo) is a necessary part of managing this polygynous species ex situ, resulting intraspecific agonistic behavior can negatively impact animal welfare and guest experience, undermining two primary objectives of modern zoological gardens. Improvest is a gonadotropin releasing factor analog‐diphtheria toxoid conjugate marketed for temporary immunological castration which has proven successful in reducing aggression in other zoo‐housed species. To the authors' knowledge, the use of this technique has not been described in male African lions; reticence to use GnRH agonists may stem from concern about phenotypic effects (mane loss) and zoo visitor perception. We describe the use of Improvest in conjunction with other management changes to manage agonism in a coalition of African lions (3.0) housed at the Oakland Zoo. Daily agonism scores were calculated via animal care staff records, fecal testosterone levels were measured, and monthly photos were taken to monitor phenotypic changes. While agonism scores varied seasonally in three pretreatment years, a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in the frequency of agonistic behavior began within 2 months of initial treatment. Two lions showed testosterone suppression within 2 months of receiving the first vaccine, while the third showed suppression beginning in the period 4 months after the first vaccine. Mane loss occurred in all three lions, and time to mane regrowth varied between individuals. Improvest, combined with other management strategies, decreased overall fecal testosterone and intraspecific agonism in these lions, and may be an effective tool in other male coalitions.
Aharonov–Casher Theorems for Dirac Operators on Manifolds with Boundary and APS Boundary Condition
Authors: Fialová M.
Published: September 2024

The Aharonov–Casher theorem is a result on the number of the so-called zero modes of a system described by the magnetic Pauli operator in $$\mathbb {R}^2$$

R

2

. In this paper we address the same question for the Dirac operator on a flat two-dimensional manifold with boundary and Atiyah–Patodi–Singer boundary condition. More concretely we are interested in the plane and a disc with a finite number of circular holes cut out. We consider a smooth compactly supported magnetic field on the manifold and an arbitrary magnetic field inside the holes.
Approximation by Subsequences of Matrix Transform Means of Some Two-Dimensional Rectangle Walsh–Fourier Series
Authors: Blahota István , Gát György
Published: September 2024

In the present paper we discuss the rate of the approximation by the matrix transform of special partial sums of some two-dimensional rectangle (decreasing diagonal) Walsh-Fourier series in $$L^p(G^{2})$$

L
p

(

G
2

)

space ($$1\le p <\infty $$

1
≤
p
<
∞

) and in $$C(G^{2})$$

C
(

G
2

)

. It implies in some special case "Equation missing"norm convergence. We also show an application of our results for Lipschitz functions. At the end of the paper we show the most important result, the almost everywhere convergence theorem. We note that T summation is a common generalization of the following known summation methods Cesàro, Weierstrass, Riesz and Picar and Bessel methods.
Fludrocortisone dose–response relationship in septic shock: a randomised phase II trial
Authors: Walsham James , Hammond Naomi , Blumenthal Antje , Cohen Jeremy , Myburgh John , Finfer Simon , Evans David , Peake Sandra , Kruger Peter , McCullough James , Johnk Loki , Ghelani Dhaval , Billot Laurent , Shan Sana , Meyer Jason , Rajbhandari Dorrilyn , Koch Carolyn , Bellomo Rinaldo , Burrell Louise M. , Young Morag , Roberts Michael , Mackenzie Lorraine , Medley Gregory , Dalton Joshua , Venkatesh Balasubramanian
Published: September 2024

Background

The combination of intravenous hydrocortisone and enteral fludrocortisone may reduce mortality in patients with septic shock. The optimal dose and reliability of absorption of fludrocortisone in critically ill patients are unclear.

Methods

In a multi-centre, open label, phase II randomized clinical trial, intravenous hydrocortisone alone or in combination with one of three doses of enteral fludrocortisone (50 µg, 100 µg or 200 µg daily) for 7 days was compared in patients with septic shock. The primary outcome was time to shock resolution. We conducted pharmacokinetic studies to assess absorption.

Results

Out of 153 enrolled patients, 38 (25%) received hydrocortisone alone, 42 (27%) received additional 50 µg, 36 (24%) received 100 µg and 37 (24%) received 200 µg fludrocortisone. Plasma concentrations of fludrocortisone were detected in 97% of patients at 3 h-median (interquartile range [IQR]) 261 (156–334) ng/L. There was no significant difference in the time to shock resolution between groups with median (IQR) of 3 (2.5–4.5), 3 (2–4), 3 (2–6) and 3 (2–5.5) days in the hydrocortisone alone, 50 µg, 100 µg and 200 µg fludrocortisone groups, respectively. The corresponding 28-day mortality rates were 9/38 (24%), 7/42 (17%), 4/36 (11%) and 4/37 (11%), respectively. There were no significant differences between groups with respect to, recurrence of shock, indices of organ failure or other secondary outcomes.

Conclusions

Enteral fludrocortisone resulted in detectable plasma fludrocortisone concentrations in the majority of critically ill patients with septic shock, although they varied widely indicating differing absorption and bioavailability. Its addition to hydrocortisone was not associated with shorter time to shock resolution.
Will humans ever become conscious? Jiddu Krishnamurti’s thought about AI as a fresh perspective on current debates
Authors: Tubali Shai
Published: September 2024

In 1980, the 85 year-old mystic and thinker Jiddu Krishnamurti (1895–1986), having been introduced to the subject of artificial intelligence by computer scientists, became engrossed in the challenge posed to the human mind by the prospect of the machine taking over its processes and faculties. What makes Krishnamurti’s angle worthy of separate discussion is that it accentuates not social and cultural ramifications, but a mostly overlooked potential philosophical and psychological crisis. As a thinker and mystic whose life work entirely centred on the transformation of the human mind, Krishnamurti worried that an insufficiently cultivated mind that had been employed merely for material and mechanical purposes would be perfectly imitable and thus replaceable by computers and other machines. Thus, our main concern should not be machines attaining humanlike minds, but people having machinelike minds. I argue that the particular dimension of the AI–mind encounter elucidated by Krishnamurti can significantly broaden the field of the philosophy of artificial intelligence. Firstly, Krishnamurti’s investigation further problematizes the field by handing us the question: ‘If the machine can take over everything man can do, and do it still better than us, then what is a human being?’ Accordingly, he demonstrates, deploying phenomenological observations, various ways in which human thought is worryingly computational and machinelike. Secondly, since Krishnamurti’s approach is transformative and arguably soteriological, he offers intriguing ways in which we could consider the inherently nonmechanical yet unactualized faculties of the mind. Since Krishnamurti’s observations involve an insight into the present condition of the mind and a potential active response to this condition, they have some pertinence to both the primary discourse in the field – the interrelations between artificial intelligence and aspects of human cognition – and the emerging discussion of meaningfulness in life in the face of AI.
Hot extrusion of SiCp/Al-Cu composites: optimizing mechanical properties through microstructural control
Authors: Wąsik Anna , Leszczyńska-Madej Beata , Noga Piotr
Published: September 2024

The solid-state processing and utilization of light-metal-based composites align with green policies by reducing the weight of components and employing lower processing temperatures compared to traditional metallurgical methods. This study explores the incorporation of SiC particles at concentrations of 5 and 10 wt.% into an Al4Cu matrix through powder mixing, compaction at 235 MPa, hot extrusion, and sintering at 600 °C in a nitrogen atmosphere. The resulting microstructure, hardness, compressive strength, and flexural strength of the composites were evaluated. During extrusion, the composite underwent plastic deformation, leading to cracking and fragmentation of the SiC particles within the matrix. Therefore, evenly distributed reinforcing particles with a diameter much smaller than the originally introduced ceramic particles were observed. Recrystallization also occurred, with Al2Cu precipitates forming on grain boundaries and nanosized Al2O3 oxides observed in porous areas and at matrix-reinforcement interphase boundaries. The composite containing 5 wt.% SiC exhibited the highest compressive strength of 305 MPa, while the composite with 10 wt.% SiC achieved the highest flexural strength of 889 MPa. However, non-deformable SiC particles crack before reaching maximum strength due to stress concentration at their sharp edges, initiating microcracks in the matrix. Microstructural analysis further revealed that SiC particles tend to crack during hot extrusion, reducing their effectiveness in stress transfer. The hardness remained constant at 78 HV1, irrespective of SiC content. These findings demonstrate that the addition of SiC particles significantly enhances the mechanical properties of Al4Cu composites, making them promising materials for lightweight and high-strength applications.
Trace formulas and inverse spectral theory for generalized indefinite strings
Authors: Eckhardt Jonathan , Kostenko Aleksey
Published: September 2024

Generalized indefinite strings provide a canonical model for self-adjoint operators with simple spectrum (other classical models are Jacobi matrices, Krein strings and $2\times 2$
2
×
2
canonical systems). We prove a number of Szegő-type theorems for generalized indefinite strings and related spectral problems (including Krein strings, canonical systems and Dirac operators). More specifically, for several classes of coefficients (that can be regarded as Hilbert–Schmidt perturbations of model problems), we provide a complete characterization of the corresponding set of spectral measures. In particular, our results also apply to the isospectral Lax operator for the conservative Camassa–Holm flow and allow us to establish existence of global weak solutions with various step-like initial conditions of low regularity via the inverse spectral transform.
A comprehensive and longitudinal evaluation of the different populations of lymphoid and myeloid cells in the peripheral blood of patients treated with chemoradiotherapy for head and neck cancer
Authors: von der Grün Jens , Broglie Martina , Guckenberger Matthias , Balermpas Panagiotis
Published: September 2024

Background

Immunotherapy provided significant survival benefits for recurrent and metastatic patients with head and neck cancer. These improvements could not be reproduced in patients treated with curative-intent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) and the optimal radio-immunotherapy (RIT) concepts have yet to be designed. Exploration and analysis of the pre-therapeutic immune status of these patients and the changes occurring during the treatment course could be crucial in rationally designing future combined treatments.

Methods

Blood samples were collected from a cohort of 25 head and neck cancer patients treated with curative-intended (C)-RT prior to therapy, after the first week of treatment, and three months after treatment completion. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) or all nucleated blood cells were isolated and analyzed via flow cytometry.

Results

At baseline, patients showed reduced monocyte and lymphocyte counts compared to healthy individuals. Although overall CD8+ T-cell frequencies were reduced, the proportion of memory subsets were increased in patients. Radiotherapy (RT) treatment led to a further increase in CD8+ effector memory T-cells. Among myeloid populations, tumor-promoting subsets became less abundant after RT, in favor of pro-inflammatory cells.

Conclusion

The present study prospectively demonstrated a complex interplay and distinct longitudinal changes in the composition of lymphocytic and myeloid populations during curative (C)-RT of head and neck cancer. Further validation of this method in a larger cohort could allow for better treatment guidance and tailored incorporation of immunotherapies (IT) in the future.
Influence of Mo doping on the structural, Raman scattering, and magnetic properties of NiO nanostructures
Authors: Khalaf A. , Saghir Rayane , Abdallah A. M. , Noun M. , Awad R.
Published: September 2024

In this work, the Ni1-xMoxO, (x = 0.000, 0.025, 0.050, 0.075, 0.100, and 0.150) nanoparticles were prepared employing the coprecipitation method. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed that all the samples have a face-centered cubic (FCC) structure with no secondary phases by the effect of the Mo-doping. The Mo-dopants yielded smaller crystallites, reaching a size of 9 nm with x = 0.150. The transmission electron microscope (TEM) images revealed agglomerated NiO nanoparticles with nearly spherical shapes varied to elliptical-like shapes upon increasing Mo concentration. The energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) confirmed the purity of the synthesized samples. The XPS analysis confirmed the valence states of the presented elements in the samples as Ni2+, Ni3+, Mo6+, and O2− ions. The XPS detected the reduction of the nickel and oxygen vacancies, by studying the ratio of Ni2+/Ni3+ and lattice oxygen (OL) to vacant oxygen (OV) peaks. The Raman analysis demonstrated the active vibrational modes of NiO, for all the samples, along with stretching Mo = O bonds for the doped samples. The Photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy was employed to study the near band edge and deep level emissions, giving insight to the defect levels within the band gap. The PL affirmed the decrease of the oxygen vacancies upon Mo-doping. Besides, the magnetic hysteresis measurements at room temperature revealed the superparamagnetic contribution embedded in the antiferromagnetic matrix of NiO. The magnetization was tuned by Mo doping concentration, where it affected the saturation magnetization, coercivity, and remnant magnetization. Mo dopant can modify the magnetic property of NiO nanoparticles and can be a potential candidate in biomedical field and data storage applications.

Graphical Abstract
Non-surgical treatment of residual periodontal pockets using sodium hypochlorite/amino acid gel and cross-linked hyaluronic acid—a 9-month pilot randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Benyei Laura , Friedmann Anton , Ostermann Thomas , Diehl Daniel
Published: September 2024

Objectives

This pilot randomized controlled clinical trial compares the clinical outcome obtained in persistent periodontal pockets during 9-month follow-up of supportive periodontal step 4 treatment performed by either combining subgingival instrumentation with adjunctively used sodium hypochlorite/amino acid gel and crosslinked hyaluronic acid (xHyA) or subgingival instrumentation alone.

Materials and methods

Study protocol is registered under NCT06438354 at Clinicaltrials.gov. Patients seeking further therapy after completed step 2 non-surgical periodontal treatment underwent either repeated subgingival instrumentation with adjunctive application of sodium hypochlorite/amino acid gel and crosslinked hyaluronic acid (group A) or repeated subgingival instrumentation alone (group B). One calibrated investigator performed the treatment sequence in both groups accordingly. Subgingival instrumentation of the residual pockets was carried out under local anaesthesia using hand- and ultrasonic instruments, as well as air polishing in both groups. Patients were instructed to continue oral hygiene without any restriction. At 3-month re-evaluation treatment was repeated accordingly at sites with persistent 5 mm probing depth and BoP + . Clinical attachment level (CAL), pocket probing depth (PPD), gingival recession (GR), and bleeding on probing (BoP) were recorded at baseline (T1), 3- (T2) and 9-month (T3) post-op, with CAL as a primary outcome measure.

Results

In total 52 patients (20 females and 32 males, mean age 58.4 ± 2.4 years) presenting with 1448 sites which required further periodontal treatment were enrolled. Both groups exhibited homogeneity in terms of age, gender, smoking habit, initial number of sites, and BOP. At 9-month evaluation, PD reduction and CAL gain showed significant differences between the test and control group, favouring the adjunctive treatment. GR tended to exhibit more recovery in the test group compared to the control group. Although BOP frequency effectively reduced in both groups, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups.

Conclusion

Within the limits of the study, the present data indicates that, during subgingival instrumentation of persistent pockets, the adjunctive usage of sodium hypochlorite/amino acid gel and xHyA sufficiently improves the clinical outcomes. The continuous improvement of CAL in association with the GR scores observed in group A, indicates that sites subjected to adjunctive treatment may indicate a tendency for a regenerative response to treatment within the 9-month follow-up period.
A theory of spawning habitat selection in anurans
Authors: Goto Minoru , Ikeda Hiroshi , Takimoto Gaku
Published: September 2024

Field and experimental evidence shows that anuran adults selecting spawning habitats make flexible, context-dependent choices based on multiple biotic and abiotic factors. Despite the empirical evidence, few formal theories explain the context-dependent selection of spawning habitats by anurans. To fill this gap, we develop a mathematical model to analyze the interacting effects of multiple biotic and abiotic factors on anuran spawning habitat selection. Our model considers the effects of habitat quality (e.g., resource levels, heterospecific predator abundances, and other abiotic conditions), spawning timing within a reproductive season, strength of conspecific competition among juveniles, and strength of conspecific predation of early hatching on late hatching juveniles. The model predicts that while early-spawning adults generally favor better-quality habitats, late-spawning adults may not necessarily prefer better-quality habitats. Predation of late-hatching juveniles by early-hatching juveniles promotes the avoidance of better-quality habitats by late-spawning adults. Stronger competition among juveniles of the same developmental age increases the preference of late-spawning adults toward better-quality habitats. These predictions are in broad agreement with empirical evidence. Our model demonstrates that the tension between habitat quality and negative conspecific interactions among juveniles drives the context-dependent selection of spawning habitats by anuran adults.
Connection between higher order measures of risk and stochastic dominance
Authors: Pichler Alois
Published: September 2024

Higher order risk measures are stochastic optimization problems by design, and for this reason they enjoy valuable properties in optimization under uncertainties. They nicely integrate with stochastic optimization problems, as has been observed by the intriguing concept of the risk quadrangles, for example. Stochastic dominance is a binary relation for random variables to compare random outcomes. It is demonstrated that the concepts of higher order risk measures and stochastic dominance are equivalent, they can be employed to characterize the other. The paper explores these relations and connects stochastic orders, higher order risk measures and the risk quadrangle. Expectiles are employed to exemplify the relations obtained.
Improved multi-strategy adaptive Grey Wolf Optimization for practical engineering applications and high-dimensional problem solving
Authors: Yu Mingyang , Xu Jing , Liang Weiyun , Qiu Yu , Bao Sixu , Tang Lin
Published: September 2024

The Grey Wolf Optimization (GWO) is a highly effective meta-heuristic algorithm leveraging swarm intelligence to tackle real-world optimization problems. However, when confronted with large-scale problems, GWO encounters hurdles in convergence speed and problem-solving capabilities. To address this, we propose an Improved Adaptive Grey Wolf Optimization (IAGWO), which significantly enhances exploration of the search space through refined search mechanisms and adaptive strategy. Primarily, we introduce the incorporation of velocity and the Inverse Multiquadratic Function (IMF) into the search mechanism. This integration not only accelerates convergence speed but also maintains accuracy. Secondly, we implement an adaptive strategy for population updates, enhancing the algorithm's search and optimization capabilities dynamically. The efficacy of our proposed IAGWO is demonstrated through comparative experiments conducted on benchmark test sets, including CEC 2017, CEC 2020, CEC 2022, and CEC 2013 large-scale global optimization suites. At CEC2017, CEC 2020 (10/20 dimensions), CEC 2022 (10/20 dimensions), and CEC 2013, respectively, it outperformed other comparative algorithms by 88.2%, 91.5%, 85.4%, 96.2%, 97.4%, and 97.2%. Results affirm that our algorithm surpasses state-of-the-art approaches in addressing large-scale problems. Moreover, we showcase the broad application potential of the algorithm by successfully solving 19 real-world engineering challenges.
Beyond the textbook: A year-long exploration of VODcasts in EFL education
Authors: Mekheimer Mohamed A.
Published: September 2024

This study explored the efficacy of video podcasts (VODcasts) in fostering whole-language learning among college EFL students. Employing a quasi-experimental design with pre-tests, post-tests, and a control group, the research compared the effects of a one-year remedial instruction program. The experimental group received instruction incorporating authentic video materials and dramatized literary works alongside their regular curriculum. Conversely, the control group received the same instruction with traditional audio materials. The results revealed statistically significant advancements in all language skills (listening comprehension, reading comprehension, speaking fluency, and written composition) for the VODcast group compared to the control. These findings suggest the potential of video-based instruction (vodcasting) utilizing authentic video content as a valuable tool for EFL classrooms, promoting holistic language development in college-level learners.
A case study of students’ and teachers’ attitudes towards BYOD and its use within their history classrooms
Authors: Chilton David , Wilson Kim , Dutton Janet
Published: September 2024

In recent years, laptop and ‘Bring Your Own Device’ (BYOD) programs have become an integral part of teaching and learning in many Australian schools. For history teachers, the presence of BYOD in the classroom potentially provides the opportunity to align two key teaching goals: historical research skills; and information, communication and technology (ICT) skills. However, there is a dearth of literature that focuses on BYOD for history teaching and learning. This paper reports on the findings of a case study examining Year 9 students’ (13-15-year-olds) and teachers’ attitudes towards the uses of BYOD in their history classes. The findings are from a larger study that examined the way that BYOD was being used for the teaching and learning of historical research skills online. This study uses reflexive thematic analysis to analyse student questionnaires where students reflected on their learning and attitudes. Teachers completed questionnaires and participated in semi-structured interviews. This study has found that the presence of BYOD has heightened an underlying constructivist approach to history teaching. Both students and teachers greatly value the access that BYOD provides for student-centred historical inquiry, as well as valuing BYOD as a perceived labour saver. However, participants seemed to underestimate the role that BYOD is playing in narrowing students’ understanding of history to facts about the past. Despite the limits of its small sample size, this case study has important implications for history educators, which are discussed.
Persistent declines in sightings of manta and devil rays (Mobulidae) at a global hotspot in southern Mozambique
Authors: Venables Stephanie K. , Rohner Christoph A. , Flam Anna L. , Pierce Simon J. , Marshall Andrea D.
Published: September 2024

Mobulid rays are among the most vulnerable of chondrichthyans to overexploitation by fisheries due to their low population growth rates. In locations where catch data are lacking, long-term sightings data can provide valuable insight to infer population trends and status. We recorded underwater sighting data of reef manta rays (Mobula alfredi), oceanic manta rays (M. birostris), and shorthorned pygmy devil rays (M. kuhlii) between 2003 and 2023 in the waters off Praia do Tofo in the Inhambane Province, southern Mozambique, one of the major global hotspots for these rays. We modelled sightings data using a hierarchical generalised linear mixed model framework to account for a suite of environmental variables when examining temporal trends. Raw trend models including only ‘year’ as a predictor showed a 99% decline in sightings of reef manta rays, a 92.5% decline in oceanic manta ray sightings, and an 81.3% decline in devil ray sightings over the 20-year study period. The declining trends persisted for reef and oceanic manta rays once a suite of temporal and environmental variables were accounted for, indicating that the declines were driven by external factors not tested in the models. For shorthorned pygmy devil rays, models that incorporated environmental variables did not retain year as a significant predictor and showed a reduced overall decline in sightings of 36.5%. This indicates that the tested predictors were responsible for approximately half of the observed decline. Anthropogenic factors, particularly fisheries mortality, are likely to have played a significant role in the declining sightings of these three Threatened species. Improved conservation and management measures at a national and international level are critical to prevent further declines, which may otherwise lead to localised extinction.
Effects of cold seawater pre-treatments on induction of early sexual maturation and sperm production in European eel (Anguilla anguilla)
Authors: Ferrão L. , Morini M. , González-Lopéz W. A. , Gallego V. , Felip A. , Pérez L. , Asturiano J. F.
Published: September 2024

To induce sexual maturation in captivity, eels rely on hormonal treatments, but this process is costly and time-consuming. As an alternative, different types of conditioning, also referred as pre-treatment, have been assessed to ease hormonal treatment response. Recent studies have shown that migrating eels experience a wide range of temperatures, varying from 12 °C at night to as low as to 8 °C during the day. Therefore, this study evaluates the effects of low-temperature (10 °C) seawater pre-treatments of different durations (2 and 4 weeks) on male eel reproduction. The eye, gonadosomatic and hepatosomatic indexes from control (without thermic seawater pre-treatment) and pre-treated fish were measured. Blood and testis samples were also collected for sex steroid and histology analysis, respectively. Eels pre-treated for 2 weeks demonstrated increased progestin levels, comparing with the control group. Eels pre-treated for 4 weeks showed significantly higher gonadosomatic index and elevated androgens and estradiol levels in comparison with the remaining groups. In eels pre-treated for 2 and 4 weeks, there was an increase in the proportion of spermatogonia type B cells compared to undifferentiated spermatogonia type A, a differentiation process that was not observed in the control group. Cold seawater pre-treatment induced early sexual maturation, including steroid production, which consequently stimulated biometric changes and increased spermatogonia differentiation. Following the pre-treatments, eels started receiving standard hormonal treatment (with recombinant human chorionic gonadotropin at 20 °C). Pre-treated males started to spermiate earlier than the control group. In some treatment weeks, pre-treated individuals registered higher values of sperm density, motility, and kinetic parameters. Moreover, an economic evaluation was carried out relating the investment made in terms of hormone injections with the volume of high-quality sperm obtained from each experimental group. The low temperature pre-treatments demonstrated their economic effectiveness in terms of hormone treatment profitability, increasing the production of high-quality sperm in the European eel. Thus, this in vivo study suggests that cold seawater pre-treatment may increase sensitivity to the hormone applied during standard maturation treatment.
An Affect “That Shudders Me”: An Approach to Husserl’s Phenomenology of Joy
Authors: Summa Michela
Published: September 2024

In the texts collected in the second volume of the Studien zur Struktur des Bewusstseins, Husserl extensively discusses experiences of joy (Freude). By considering Husserl’s examples related to joy not as mere illustrations, but as a guiding thread for the identification of experiential structures, this article shows how these examples are not only significant for the general theory of intentionality of affective and emotional non-objectifying acts, but also provide valuable insights into the specific phenomenon of joy itself. Specifically, the article demonstrates how the distinction between joy, sensory pleasure, and liking provides insights into the intentional structure of joy as a responsive affect. On the basis of these distinctions, the article raises the normative question about the appropriateness of affective and emotional responses. It argues that the appropriateness of joy should be assessed from two perspectives: in relation to the value that justifies an affective response and in relation to a personal motivational nexus. From the former perspective, joy can be normatively assessed. However, when only considering the latter perspective, joy cannot be assessed according to objective normative standards. Finally, building on these findings, the article explores how the phenomenology of joy and motivation may be connected to the specific experience of depth and discusses the role of joy for a phenomenological investigation of the personal self.
Modified nanosphere lithography: application to the fabrication of ordered arrays of gold nanopyramids
Authors: Salinas-Fuentes Cecilia , Hernández-Zanabria Angélica , Cheang-Wong Juan-Carlos , Kudriavtsev Yuriy
Published: September 2024

In this work a modified approach to improve the capabilities of nanosphere lithography was performed to obtain ordered arrays of gold nanopyramids that can be used as Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) substrates. Specifically, shadow sphere lithography in combination with nanosphere lithography was used to fabricate metallic nanostructures of different sizes starting from the same mask of silica microspheres. An extensive study of the obtained samples with scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy and Raman characterizations confirms that indeed this modification of the standard nanosphere lithography is an excellent candidate to produce ordered arrays of Au nanopyramids with good control on their geometric properties. Rhodamine 6G dye was used as a probe molecule to test our SERS substrates. These features can be used in turn to optimize the SERS substrates for several potential applications. Remarkably, it is shown that by this simple technique one can achieve enhancement factors and detection capabilities of dyes that are comparable with those obtained by using more sophisticated techniques as proposed recently in the literature.
Differences in Executive Functioning for children with additional learning needs and Autism Spectrum Disorder or Attachment Disorder
Authors: Davies Joanna , Keasley Rob , Reed Phil
Published: September 2024

This study explored overlaps in diagnosis and characteristics of children (9–16 years old) with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attachment Disorder (AD) as they related to Executive Function (EF) to determine whether differences in EF would differentiate between the two conditions. A sample of 79 pupils with comorbid learning disabilities was examined in terms of their clinical diagnoses and psychometric traits, as well as on four EF tasks (WCST, Hungry Donkey, Stroop, and Tower of London). 25% of the sample met clinical diagnostic criteria for both ASD and AD, and a similar overlap was noted when using psychometric assessments. Little difference between the EF performances of individuals with ASD and AD was noted. There was slightly better AD performance on cold EF tasks requiring attentional shifting, and slightly better performance for ASD on hot tasks requiring inhibition. However, these differences would be of limited use in differentiating between the conditions for a learning-disabled population.