bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of the mucosal barrier system in maintaining gut symbiosis to prevent intestinal inflammation
Authors: Okumura Ryu , Takeda Kiyoshi
Published: November 2024

In the intestinal tract, where numerous intestinal bacteria reside, intestinal epithelial cells produce and release various antimicrobial molecules that form a complex barrier on the mucosal surface. These barrier molecules can be classified into two groups based on their functions: those that exhibit bactericidal activity through chemical reactions, such as antimicrobial peptides, and those that physically hinder bacterial invasion, like mucins, which lack bactericidal properties. In the small intestine, where Paneth cells specialize in producing antimicrobial peptides, the chemical barrier molecules primarily inhibit bacterial growth. In contrast, in the large intestine, where Paneth cells are absent, allowing bacterial growth, the primary defense mechanism is the physical barrier, mainly composed of mucus, which controls bacterial movement and prevents their invasion of intestinal tissues. The expression of these barrier molecules is regulated by metabolites produced by bacteria in the intestinal lumen and cytokines produced by immune cells in the lamina propria. This regulation establishes a defense mechanism that adapts to changes in the intestinal environment, such as alterations in gut microbial composition and the presence of pathogenic bacterial infections. Consequently, when the integrity of the gut mucosal barrier is compromised, commensal bacteria and pathogenic microorganisms from outside the body can invade intestinal tissues, leading to conditions such as intestinal inflammation, as observed in cases of inflammatory bowel disease.
Lipid storage myopathy associated with sertraline treatment is an acquired mitochondrial disorder with respiratory chain deficiency
Authors: Hedberg-Oldfors Carola , Lindgren Ulrika , Visuttijai Kittichate , Shen Yan , Ilinca Andreea , Nordström Sara , Lindberg Christopher , Oldfors Anders
Published: November 2024

Lipid storage myopathies are considered inborn errors of metabolism affecting the fatty acid metabolism and leading to accumulation of lipid droplets in the cytoplasm of muscle fibers. Specific diagnosis is based on investigation of organic aids in urine, acylcarnitines in blood and genetic testing. An acquired lipid storage myopathy in patients treated with the antidepressant drug sertraline, a serotonin reuptake inhibitor, has recently emerged as a new tentative differential diagnosis. We analyzed the muscle biopsy tissue in a group of 11 adult patients with muscle weakness and lipid storage myopathy which developed at a time when they were on sertraline treatment. This group comprise most patients with lipid storage myopathies in western Sweden during the recent nine-year period. By enzyme histochemistry, electron microscopy, quantitative proteomics, immunofluorescence of the respiratory chain subunits, western blot and genetic analyses we demonstrate that muscle tissue in this group of patients exhibit a characteristic morphological and proteomic profile. The patients also showed an acylcarnitine profile in blood suggestive of multiple acyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase deficiency, but no genetic explanation was found by whole genome or exome sequencing. By proteomic analysis the muscle tissue revealed a profound loss of Complex I subunits from the respiratory chain and to some extent also deficiency of Complex II and IV. Most other components of the respiratory chain as well as the fatty acid oxidation and citric acid cycle were upregulated in accordance with the massive mitochondrial proliferation. The respiratory chain deficiency was verified by immunofluorescence analysis, western blot analysis and enzyme histochemistry. The typical ultrastructural changes of the mitochondria included pleomorphism, dark matrix and frequent round osmiophilic inclusions. Our results show that lipid storage myopathy associated with sertraline treatment is a mitochondrial disorder with respiratory chain deficiency and is an important differential diagnosis with characteristic features.
A drama-based intervention to improve emotional intelligence in early childhood education
Authors: Armesto Arias Marta , Neira-Piñeiro M. del Rosario , Pasarín-Lavín Tania , Rodríguez Celestino
Published: November 2024

Emotional intelligence and drama-based intervention open up an innovative field in education. The current study describes the effectiveness of an innovative project based on the development of emotional intelligence through dramatization in Early Childhood Education. A total of 82 children range from 4 to 5 years old were divided into two groups: group A (N = 40) and group B (N = 42). The study was designed as a pre-post-follow-up experimental study and all children participated at different times. The evaluation of behavior and expression of emotions is carried out using three instruments, i.e., Preschool and Kindergarten Behavior Scales-Second Edition (PKBS-2), and two multimedia tests, i.e., Facially Expressed Emotion Labeling (FEEL test) and e-Motion 1.0. The results showed that the program met its objective and the children improved their inter- and intra-subject relationship problems, especially when it comes to reducing negative behaviors related to social skills. The program’s design and effectiveness make it suitable for improving emotional education in children aged 3 to 6.
Hodgkin lymphoma: the role of EBV plasma viral load testing in an HIV-endemic setting
Authors: Opie J. , Mohamed Z. , Chetty D. , Bailey J. , Brown K. , Verburgh E. , Hardie D.
Published: November 2024

South Africa has a high burden of human immune deficiency virus (HIV)-associated Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) which is typically Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infected, detected by histological stains. Circulating plasma EBV derived from apoptotic EBV infected tumour cells is a potential biomarker. This study aimed to evaluate the role of plasma EBV load testing in newly diagnosed HL patients and correlate pretreatment plasma EBV levels, HIV status and EBV tumour status with overall survival (OS). Untreated HL patients were prospectively included. Polymerase chain reaction measured EBV plasma viral loads. Kaplan–Meier curves with log-rank tests estimated the impact of HIV, EBV tumour status and plasma EBV viral loads on OS. Multivariable analysis was performed using a Cox proportional hazards model. Receiver operative characteristic curve analysis determined cutoff plasma EBV DNA levels with optimal sensitivity, specificity and concordance with tumour EBV status. The 68 patients included 21 (31%) HIV +ve and 33 (49%) EBV tumour +ve. EBV plasma ≥ 10 000 IU/ml (P = 0.008), EBV +ve tumour (P = 0.014), HIV +ve status (P = 0.009) and age ≥ 45 years (P = 0.018) predicted poorer OS on univariate analysis. Plasma EBV levels > 762 IU/ml had 89.29% sensitivity and 96.77% specificity for detecting EBV +ve HL. High plasma EBV levels ≥ 10 000 IU/ml, HIV +ve status and EBV tumour +ve status predicted poorer OS. Plasma EBV levels > 762 IU/ml predicted EBV +ve tumour status with high sensitivity and specificity. Plasma EBV viral DNA testing is a promising biomarker for EBV +ve HL.
A closer look at activity relationships to improve business process redesign
Authors: Andree Kerstin , Bano Dorina , Weske Mathias
Published: November 2024

Business process models serve as visual representations of the structured sequence of activities, or activity relationships, aimed at achieving specific organizational objectives. These models explicitly depict only a portion of the activity relationships, leaving other, so-called hidden relationships to be inferred through transitivity and domain knowledge. Because designers lack visibility into these hidden relationships, tasks associated with process redesign (BPR) are more challenging. BPR is a specialized area within business process management focused on modifying process behavior at the model level. While best practices have been introduced, explicit guidance for implementing them is currently lacking. This paper introduces an approach to delineate all possible relationships between any two activities within a BPMN diagram by considering a combination of existential and temporal dependencies. Furthermore, the proposed approach facilitates a detailed specification of change operations related to BPR and their consequential effects on activity relationships. We illustrate this by applying BPR strategies such as resequencing and parallelism to the use case of an order management system.
The green marine waste collector routing optimization with puma selection-based neighborhood search algorithm
Authors: Abdollahzadeh Benyamin , Javadi Hatef , Torağay Oğuz , Epicoco Nicola , Khodadadi Nima
Published: November 2024

Improper waste disposal by humans has created significant environmental issues in the marine ecosystem, including endangering aquatic life and accelerating the extinction of certain marine species. Due to the floating nature of the marine debris, the coordinates for collecting activities must be estimated in advance. In this article, GNOME software is used to estimate the coordinates of debris, and then a fleet of several ships is used to collect them. Also, a mixed integer linear programming model is presented for the routing optimization of debris collection fleets. The proposed optimization model formulates the objective function based on numerous factors, including labor cost, rent, and ship insurance, and considers constraints on fuel tank capacity, the time window, and the ship’s cargo capacity. A new hybrid algorithm combining the Puma algorithm and neighborhood search is proposed to address the problem. Metropolis acceptance is used in the simulated annealing algorithm to avoid the local optima and greedy selection. Numerical examples of the marine survey and the port of Rotterdam are used to test the proposed approach, which has been proven effective in several scenarios. Results achieved from the proposed hybrid method demonstrate considerable performance improvement in solving the problem. This approach has decreased total fuel and labor costs by 10–15% compared to conventional methods, with minimized time window violation reaching 25%. These results show a significant reduction in total operational costs with proper scheduling and route planning.
Cadmium availability in rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils in cacao farms in Santander, Colombia
Authors: Adarme-Duran C. A. , Ágreda J. , Brandão P. F. B. , Castillo E.
Published: November 2024

Current research has highlighted the need to understand the factors influencing cadmium (Cd) availability in cacao-growing soils to elucidate its presence in cacao beans (the raw material for chocolate). Although literature about this topic is increasing, few report the importance of rhizosphere soils on Cd dynamics. This study aimed to understand the changes in available Cd and its association with soil properties (pH, pseudo-total Cd, available Cd (Cd-DTPA), Ca, Mg, K, Na, soil organic carbon, P, Zn, urease activity, exchangeable acidity, and cation exchange capacity) considering rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils. Both soil types (51 samples of each, 102 in total) were collected from two Colombian cacao farms. The medians of pseudo-total Cd (1.86 mg kg−1) and Cd-DTPA (0.76 mg kg−1) were, respectively, about threefold and fourfold higher in rhizosphere compared to non-rhizosphere soils. Principal component analysis showed a clear distinction between rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils based on differences in soil properties, which explained the observed changes in available Cd when comparing both soil types. Soil organic carbon and Zn were important drivers of available Cd in rhizosphere soils. Spatial distribution analysis revealed a tendency of available Cd to cluster in rhizosphere soils, and indicated hotspots within each farm. These findings highlight the importance of rhizosphere soils for Cd diagnosis and monitoring, and for improving knowledge about Cd dynamics in the soil-Theobroma cacao L. system.
Overqualification Among Second-Generation Children of Immigrants in the Swedish Labour Market
Authors: Kim Wooseong
Published: November 2024

Research on the children of immigrants born in the host country (G2) consistently reveals disparities between their educational achievements and labour market outcomes compared to the majority population. This study provides new insights into understanding this disparity by examining patterns of overqualification—i.e., a downward educational mismatch—among the G2. Specifically, it explores 1) how overqualification patterns differ between the G2, foreign-born immigrants (G1), and the majority population and 2) how overqualification patterns vary across ten G2 ancestry groups compared to the majority population. Utilizing Swedish total population register data and linear probability models, this study estimates the probability of overqualification across different immigrant generations and ancestry groups, employing the Realised Matches method to measure overqualification. The results indicate that while G2 individuals have a lower probability of experiencing overqualification compared to G1, they face moderately higher probabilities of overqualification than the majority population—up to 19% higher. This disparity is particularly pronounced among G2 individuals with tertiary education and those of Iranian, Middle Eastern and North African, and Other Non-Western origins, with up to 39% higher probabilities. These findings suggest that G2 individuals, particularly those of non-Western origins, encounter significant challenges in translating their educational qualifications into commensurate employment within the Swedish labour market.
Some Remarks on Recent Approaches to Torsionful Non-relativistic Gravity
Authors: March Eleanor , Read James , Teh Nicholas J. , Wolf William J.
Published: November 2024

Over the past decade, the physics literature on torsionful non-relativistic gravity has burgeoned; more recently, philosophers have also begun to explore this topic. As of yet, however, the connections between the writings of physicists and philosophers on torsionful non-relativistic gravity remain unclear. In this article, we seek to bridge the gap, in particular by situating within the context of the existing physics literature a recent theory of non-relativistic torsionful gravity developed by philosophers Meskhidze and Weatherall (Philos Sci, https://doi.org/10.1017/psa.2023.136, 2023) we also discuss the philosophical significance of that theory.
The Structure of Paradoxes in a Logic of Sentential Operators
Authors: Walicki Michał
Published: November 2024

Any language $$\mathcal {L}$$
L
of classical logic, of first- or higher-order, is expanded with sentential quantifiers and operators. The resulting language $$\mathcal {L}^+\!$$

L

+

, capable of self-reference without arithmetic or syntax encoding, can serve as its own metalanguage. The syntax of $$\mathcal {L}^+$$

L

+

is represented by directed graphs, and its semantics, which coincides with the classical one on $$\mathcal {L}$$
L
, uses the graph-theoretic concepts of kernels and semikernels. Kernels provide an explosive semantics, while semikernels generalize this to situations where paradoxes do not lead to explosion, thus distinguishing them from contradictions. Paradoxes arise only at the metalevel due to specific interpretations of the operators, but they can be avoided: $$\mathcal {L}^+$$

L

+

can express paradoxes but remains free from them. For an expansion $$\mathcal {L}^+$$

L

+

of any FOL language $$\mathcal {L}$$
L
, with the non-explosive semantics, a complete reasoning system is obtained by extending Gentzen’s classical sequent calculus with two rules for the sentential quantifiers. Adding (cut) yields a complete system for the explosive semantics. The novel semantics and self-referential capabilities seem promising for a further extension of classical logic towards one capable also of consistently expressing its own syntax and truth theory.
Dental-dedicated magnetic resonance imaging in the follow-up of lower third molar removal
Authors: Fuglsig João M. C. E. S. , Sampaio-Oliveira Matheus , Spin-Neto Rubens
Published: November 2024

The objective is to present a dental-dedicated magnetic resonance imaging (ddMRI)-based follow-up of inferior third molar removal over 12 months. A 30-year-old female presented with recurrent pain and bleeding from her lower right third molar. With adding diagnostic information from a panoramic image, the tooth was referred for removal. The patient underwent ddMRI using a dental coil with a proton density (PD) weighed turbo spin echo (TSE) sequence and a PD-TSE-STIR with fat suppression to highlight possible inflammatory processes. The scans were performed pre-operatively, immediately post-operatively, and in a rigorous follow-up (weekly basis for the first 6 weeks, bi-weekly from 7 to 12 weeks, and once at 6 and 12 months post-operatively). Using ImageJ software, circular ROIs were selected in the extraction alveolus coronary, middle, and apical regions. Mean grey values (MGVs) and standard deviation (SD) were obtained. A trend of decreasing MGVs in the PD (TSE) pulse sequence was observed over time, irrespective of the root third. Considering the PD-STIR (TSE), no trend was observed. ddMRI is feasible in the follow-up assessment of inferior third molar removal. Further clinical trials with larger samples are needed to define the usability of follow-up with ddMRI, considering a potential added diagnostic value.
Dynamics of plastic debris and its density change between river compartments in the Tuul River system, Mongolia
Authors: Munkhbat Dolgormaa , Battulga Batdulam , Oyuntsetseg Bolormaa , Kawahigashi Masayuki
Published: November 2024

Plastic pollution in river environments has become an emerging global concern. However, the migration of plastic and changes in its properties between river compartments are less understood. This study demonstrates the plastic debris aging and the dynamics between floodplain, surface water, and sediment compartments of the Tuul River, Mongolia. Plastic occurrence is evaluated in terms of their abundance, size, shape, polymer type, and photodegradation in each compartment. Photodegradation stages were calculated using the carbonyl index (CI). Plastic abundance was 5.46 ± 3.53 items m−2 in the floodplain, 155 ± 100.7 items m−3 in the surface water, and 128.4 ± 76.3 items kg−1 in the sediment. Microplastics dominated in the size category in all compartments, while macro- and megaplastics were found only in the floodplain. Polyethylene and polypropylene dominated the surface water and sediment, while polystyrene was the predominant plastic in the floodplain. A positive correlation was found between the distributed polymer types in the surface water and sediment compartments. The similar composition in size and polymer type suggests vertical plastic migration from water to sediment. Although CI values showed that the plastic aging was significantly different between water and sediment (water, 0.61 ± 0.26, and sediment, 0.90 ± 0.68), the dominance of low-density plastics with high CI in the sediment suggests that the aged plastic density changed during the vertical transport in the river system.
Management of the soil environment using biochar and zeolite in various combinations: impact on soil condition and economical aspects
Authors: Kukowska Sylwia , Szewczuk-Karpisz Katarzyna
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Both biochars (BCs) and zeolites (Zs) are defined as soil conditioners affecting various parameters of soil environment. In most cases, BCs and Zs are characterized by well-developed specific surface area, high porosity, and excellent sorption properties, which is highly helpful in soil reclamation or conditioning. This literature review compares impact of BCs and Zs on the physicochemical properties of various soils as well as economic aspects of their synthesis.

Materials and methods

The review was prepared based on the articles published in the last 5 years (2018–2023). The articles were selected from the ScienceDirect® database using the keywords: ‘biochar/zeolite impact on soil physicochemical properties’, ‘biochar/zeolite impact on water retention of soil’ and ‘biochar/zeolite economic aspects’.

Results and discussion

Based on the available data, it can be stated that both BCs and Zs have good sorptive properties, which usually contributes to better growth of crops. Comparing them and choosing which one is more promising depends on the specific purpose and type of soil to which they are to be applied. BCs usage contributes mainly to providing organic matter and improving soil structure, while Zs enhance soil water retention. The profitability of BCs/Zs production depends largely on the precursor as well as the synthesis method.

Conclusions

Due to the fact that impact of synthetic Zs on the soil environment is much less frequently investigated than that of BCs, the research using Zs and various soil types is especially needed. In some cases, it is advisable to apply biochar (BC) and zeolite (Z) simultaneously. Combinations of these materials may provide benefits in soil structure, water retention, and fertility. Such mixed techniques should be investigated in the near future.
Mapping China’s influence at the United Nations
Authors: Lam Shing-hon , Fung Courtney J.
Published: November 2024

How do emerging powers secure international leadership posts? How do these international civil service positions contribute to an emerging power’s influence in multilateral institutions? Focusing on China as an emerging power in the UN system, we find that China forms coalitions with other weaker states to control leadership personnel appointments. We couple UN voting affinity data with under-utilized nationality-leadership data of the UN’s six principal organs’ departments and agencies. States with higher UN General Assembly voting affinity with China in turn secure a greater increase in UN leadership positions. We then investigate the effect of these bureaucratic leadership positions for China’s influence, scoping analysis to discourse (i.e. aligning liberal diplomatic discourse with PRC discourse). Applying text analysis methods to 54 UN departments against PRC-produced documentation, we show that China-friendly leadership positively correlates with the frequency of PRC-specific terms and PRC-reinterpreted words in its reports. Our findings illustrate that China wields influence in the UN system, i.e. the worldview of the international bureaucrats converges with their perceived principal, China. Our project advances research largely focused on United States and its allies’ influence in the multilateral system, and speaks to a limited literature on emerging power’s attempts to influence multilateral institutions.
Bone-marrow-based augmentation in rotator cuff repair—from microfracture to bone marrow aspirate concentrate
Authors: Rupp Marco-Christopher , Khan Zeeshan A. , Villarreal Juan , Verma Nikhil , Chahla Jorge
Published: November 2024

Rotator cuff tears are a major cause of shoulder dysfunction, and relatively high rates of rotator cuff re-tear persist despite surgical advancements, particularly in patients with poor biological healing potential. Bone-marrow-based augmentation techniques, specifically bone marrow stimulation (BMS) and bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC), have been introduced to enhance the biological environment at the repair site, potentially improving outcomes. Bone marrow stimulation, commonly achieved through microfracture, stimulates the release of growth factors and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from the bone marrow to promote tendon-to-bone integration. Although simple and cost-effective, clinical results for BMS augmentation in rotator cuff repair (RCR) are mixed, with most recent meta-analyses not demonstrating a clinically significant superiority over conventional RCR. Augmentation with BMAC offers a more sophisticated approach, concentrating MSCs and anti-inflammatory cytokines to directly enhance the healing process. Preclinical studies have shown promising results with BMAC augmentation, demonstrating improved tendon integrity and biomechanical strength. The existing clinical studies suggest BMAC may reduce re-tear rates and enhance tendon healing, although outcomes are not yet universally optimal. The current evidence highlights the potential of these techniques, particularly as a potential treatment option in biologically challenging cases. However, the variability in clinical outcomes underscores the need for further research to refine these methods and establish their role in routine clinical practice.
Hofer distance on Lagrangian links inside the disc
Authors: Trifa Ibrahim
Published: November 2024

We show that the set of Hamiltonian isotopies of certain unions of circles inside the disc is unbounded for the Hofer distance. The proof relies on a result by Francesco Morabito (Link Floer Homology and a Hofer Pseudometric on Braids. https://arxiv.org/abs/2301.08105, 2024) together with a standard argument of Michael Khanevsky (Geometric and topological aspects of Lagrangian submanifolds-intersections, diameter and Floer theory. PhD thesis. Tel-Aviv University, 2011).
What Makes Me Happy and what Worries Me? A Cross-national Comparison of Stressors and Resources for Stress Relief Among Youth
Authors: Wright Michaela , Reitegger Franziska , Veldin Manja , Vidmar Maša , Borzucka-Sitkiewicz Katarzyna , Gierczyk Marcin , Kowalczewska-Grabowska Katarzyna , Gasteiger-Klicpera Barbara
Published: November 2024

Numerous evidence-based programs aim to promote youth mental health. Unfortunately, however, they often fail to engage the target group and lack cultural sensitivity. The present study addresses these issues by using a participatory approach to look at variations of stressors and resources for stress relief among students (12-15 years) in three European countries. Two participatory workshops were conducted in three schools in Austria, Poland and Slovenia, with a total of 81 students participating in the first workshop, and 83 in the second. This study presents the findings derived from two distinct participatory activities wherein participants reported their stressors (Relevant Topics activity) and resources (Photovoice activity). Overall, the study revealed remarkable similarities in stressors and resources across the three countries, but differences were also identified. Stressors relating to interpersonal relationships, school, and self-concept were common themes. While concerns regarding health, future, and global issues were less frequently mentioned, they remained persistent across all countries, an indication of their growing relevance amid today’s multiple crises. Animals, sports, and relationships emerged as the most frequently reported resources. Creative arts and expression, music, and calm activities like reading, and spending time in nature were also frequently cited. Notably, engagement with digital devices or social media emerged neither as a common stressor nor as a notable personal resource. The findings will be used to inform the content development of a culturally sensitive digital mental health promotion program, covering salient topics comprehensively while ensuring diversity awareness.
Single-Step Hydrothermal Synthesis of HNO3 Exfoliated Graphite/Fe2O3 Composite for Methanol Oxidation in Acidic Media
Authors: Khan Shan Ahmed , Batool Aqsa , Salman Muhammad
Published: November 2024

Methanol has potential to replace conventional fuels. But its popularity is hindered by lower kinetics of electrode reactions, lower surface area, CO poisoning of catalysts, and higher cost of platinum-based catalysts. It is rare to find electrocatalysts for methanol oxidation in acidic media because its mechanism is not fully understood yet. In this research, HNO3 exfoliated graphite powder and iron oxide composites have been synthesized by facile, single-step hydrothermal method. This procedure replaces the long and hazardous route of synthesizing graphene oxide. These composites not only provide large surface area for electrode reactions but also utilize catalytic and electrical capabilities of graphene and iron synergistically. Samples were characterized with FTIR, XRD, and SEM analyses while electrocatalytic efficiencies were studied with cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Composites have shown remarkable efficiencies for oxidation of methanol in acidic media.

Graphical Abstract
A mini cutting-edge review of the levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and their health implications in some vegetables in Nigeria
Authors: Akwaowo Edidiong Samuel , Lawal Abib S. , Abugu Hillary Onyeka
Published: November 2024

Relevant research on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) concentrations and the health implications of the levels of PAHs in some vegetables in Nigeria were compiled using data obtained from a thorough review of contemporary literature between 2010 and 2023. Of the fifteen available studies on PAH in vegetables, around 67% of the studies sampled fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis). This could be a result of Fluted pumpkin being frequently used owing to its believed blood enrichment against anemia patients and having been shown to contain significant quantities of potassium and iron in its leafy vegetables and edible seeds. The vegetables with the highest PAHs concentrations followed the trend: Fluted pumpkin > African black pepper > Water leaf > Tomatoes > Others. Vegetables with high PAHs levels have been shown to contain less PAHs after being washed in distilled water and much less after being rinsed in a salt solution. This was mostly possible when the PAHs source(s) unto the vegetables were from dry depositions. The difference in PAHs concentration in the same type of vegetable from different locations revealed that there are different sources of PAHs to the vegetable in their respective locations. The potential for cancer risk and its impact on Nigerian health through continuous consumption of contaminated vegetables was evident. Therefore, vegetables are to be washed thoroughly before consumption at least to reduce the PAHs concentrations and in turn, its effects on man if such contaminated vegetables must be consumed.

Graphical Abstract
Nightly space use of African ungulates in zoos
Authors: Gübert Jennifer , Dierkes Paul W.
Published: November 2024

In addition to fulfilling the four main aims of zoos, namely conservation, education, research, and recreation, modern zoos must also ensure animal welfare. Enclosure design is a significant determinant of the extent to which animal needs are met, and thus of animal welfare. The majority of studies examining the impact of enclosure design on animal welfare in zoos have focused on the behavioral patterns and the enclosure use patterns of animals in outdoor enclosures during daylight hours. As animal’s behavior differs between day and night, it is likely that the nocturnal animal’s needs vary from those at daylight. This study focuses on nocturnal space use in the inside enclosures of the animals. Therefore, 50 individuals from 15 ungulate species belonging to the orders Cetartiodactyla and Perissodactyla were examined. In total, the data set comprises 25,938 h of video material from 2358 nights in 14 zoos. On the analyzed data, most individuals primarily use a small part of the indoor enclosure during night. Moreover, most animals have one, and some animals have two preferred lying places, which are almost always on bedding products. In a case study of okapis Okapia johnstoni in which different bedding products were provided to the individuals during the night, it was observed that each individual had a preferred bedding product, although the type differed between the individuals. Finally, environmental changes had only a minor impact on the space use. These observations may assist zoos in evaluating their housing conditions for African ungulates, which could potentially lead to enhanced animal welfare.
Lifting G-Valued Galois Representations when
$\ell \neq p$
Authors: Booher Jeremy , Cotner Sean , Tang Shiang
Published: November 2024

In this paper, we study the universal lifting spaces of local Galois representations valued in arbitrary reductive group schemes when

$\ell \neq p$

. In particular, under certain technical conditions applicable to any root datum, we construct a canonical smooth component in such spaces, generalizing the minimally ramified deformation condition previously studied for classical groups. Our methods involve extending the notion of isotypic decomposition for a

$\operatorname {\mathrm {GL}}_n$

-valued representation to general reductive group schemes. To deal with certain scheme-theoretic issues coming from this notion, we are led to a detailed study of certain families of disconnected reductive groups, which we call weakly reductive group schemes. Our work can be used to produce geometric lifts for global Galois representations, and we illustrate this for

$\mathrm {G}_2$

-valued representations.
Positive impact of a diagnostic stewardship intervention on syndromic panel ordering practices and inappropriate C. difficile treatment
Authors: Ilges Dan , Graf Erin H. , Grant Leah , Long Ashley , Siebeneck Eric , Seville Maria Teresa , Grys Thomas , Speiser Lisa J.
Published: November 2024

Objective:

Multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) panels for stool testing may be used to diagnose Clostridioides difficile, which can circumvent more appropriate targeted C. difficile testing, resulting in treatment of incidentally detected colonization. We sought to reduce C. difficile diagnosis via a gastrointestinal pathogen panel (GIPP).

Design:

Quasi-experimental, pre/post, retrospective cohort study from January 1, 2022, to January 31, 2024.

Setting:

Mayo Clinic Arizona—a single academic medical center and associated clinics.

Patients:

Adult patients receiving C. difficile testing and/or treatment.

Methods:

Preferred C. difficile testing consisted of glutamate dehydrogenase and toxin antigen immunoassay, followed by toxin gene testing for discrepant results. The GIPP contained 22 targets during the baseline period with C. difficile removed during the postintervention period. Surveys were provided to provider and nursing groups, separately, to identify C. difficile ordering practices and knowledge gaps.

Results:

At baseline, from January 1, 2022, to January 31, 2023, 2,772 GIPPs were completed for 2,307 unique patients (∼7 per day), primarily for outpatients (1,805 of 2,772, 65%). The most common positive target was C. difficile (517 of 1,018, 51%), which resulted in treatment for C. difficile infection in 94.9% (337 of 355) of cases. Following GIPP C. difficile target removal, GIPP orders decreased from 3.23 to 2.7 per 1,000 patient visits (P < .001). Prescribing of C. difficile treatments decreased in the postintervention period in inpatient and outpatient settings. There were no cases of delayed C. difficile diagnosis during the postintervention period.

Conclusions:

Removing C. difficile from the GIPP resulted in effective diagnostic and antimicrobial stewardship without resulting in delayed diagnoses.
Turbulence modulation in liquid–liquid two-phase Taylor–Couette turbulence
Authors: Su Jinghong , Wang Cheng , Zhang Yi-Bao , Xu Fan , Wang Junwu , Sun Chao
Published: November 2024

We investigate the coupling effects of the two-phase interface, viscosity ratio and density ratio of the dispersed phase to the continuous phase on the flow statistics in two-phase Taylor–Couette turbulence at a system Reynolds number of

$6\times 10^3$

and a system Weber number of 10 using interface-resolved three-dimensional direct numerical simulations with the volume-of-fluid method. Our study focuses on four different scenarios: neutral droplets, low-viscosity droplets, light droplets and low-viscosity light droplets. We find that neutral droplets and low-viscosity droplets primarily contribute to drag enhancement through the two-phase interface, whereas light droplets reduce the system's drag by explicitly reducing Reynolds stress due to the density dependence of Reynolds stress. In addition, low-viscosity light droplets contribute to greater drag reduction by further reducing momentum transport near the inner cylinder and implicitly reducing Reynolds stress. While interfacial tension enhances turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) transport, drag enhancement is not strongly correlated with TKE transport for both neutral droplets and low-viscosity droplets. Light droplets primarily reduce the production term by diminishing Reynolds stress, whereas the density contrast between the phases boosts TKE transport near the inner wall. Therefore, the reduction in the dissipation rate is predominantly attributed to decreased turbulence production, causing drag reduction. For low-viscosity light droplets, the production term diminishes further, primarily due to their greater reduction in Reynolds stress, while reduced viscosity weakens the density difference's contribution to TKE transport near the inner cylinder, resulting in a more pronounced reduction in the dissipation rate and consequently stronger drag reduction. Our findings provide new insights into the physics of turbulence modulation by the dispersed phase in two-phase turbulence systems.
Ordinal pattern-based analysis of an opposition-controlled turbulent channel flow
Authors: Iseki Ryo , Gotoda Hiroshi , Nabae Yusuke
Published: November 2024

We conduct a numerical study on the drag-reduction mechanism of an opposition- controlled turbulent channel flow from the viewpoint of a symbolic dynamics approach. The effect of the virtual wall formed by the opposition control is maximised at the location of the detection plane

$y_d^+ \approx 10$

. At this wall-normal location, the local link strength of the self-loop of network nodes representing the negative correlation pattern between the streamwise and wall-normal velocity fluctuations is maximised in the uncontrolled flow. In the controlled case, the multiscale complexity–entropy causality plane and the spatial permutation entropy at

$y_d^+ \approx 10$

indicate that the drag-reduction effect is attributed to the reduction of the region where streaks actively coalesce and separate and the suppression of the regeneration cycle in the region near the wall.
Geometry of tropical extensions of hyperfields
Authors: Maxwell James , Smith Ben
Published: November 2024

We study the geometry of tropical extensions of hyperfields, including the ordinary, signed, and complex tropical hyperfields. We introduce the framework of ‘enriched valuations’ as hyperfield homomorphisms to tropical extensions and show that a notable family of them are relatively algebraically closed. Our main results are hyperfield analogues of Kapranov’s theorem and the Fundamental theorem of tropical geometry. Utilizing these theorems, we introduce fine tropical varieties and prove a structure theorem for them in terms of their initial ideals.
Kolmogorov’s theorem for degenerate Hamiltonian systems with Hölder continuous parameters
Authors: Du Jiayin , Li Yong , Zhang Hongkun
Published: November 2024

In this paper, we investigate Kolmogorov-type theorems for small perturbations of degenerate Hamiltonian systems. These systems are index by a parameter ξ as

$ H(y,x,\xi) = \langle\omega(\xi),y\rangle {+ \bar h(y,\xi)}+\varepsilon P(y,x,\xi,\varepsilon) $

, where ɛ > 0. We assume that the frequency mapping

$\omega(\cdot)$

,

$\bar h(y,\cdot)=O(|y|^2)$

and the perturbation

$\varepsilon P(y,x,\cdot, \varepsilon)$

maintain Hölder continuity about ξ. We prove that the persistent invariant tori retain the same frequency as those of the unperturbed tori, under a certain topological degree condition and a weak convexity condition for the frequency mapping. Notably, this paper presents, to our understanding, pioneering results on the KAM theorem under such conditions with only assumption of Hölder continuous dependence of frequency mapping ω on the parameter.
Developing and implementing a Digital Stories programme in nursing homes: a qualitative process evaluation
Authors: Stargatt Jennifer , Thielking Monica , Bhar Sunil
Published: November 2024

For older adults requiring permanent care in nursing homes (or residential aged care facilities), there can be a tendency to feel disconnected from their sense of self. Digital storytelling has the potential to improve relationships and social connectedness, and encourage a sense of self and identity; however, there is little research on the implementation of this practice. A qualitative process evaluation was conducted with a sample of 12 volunteers who delivered a Digital Stories programme. The programme connected volunteers with socially isolated residents of nursing homes with the aim of engaging the residents to reminisce and contribute toward creating a digital story about their lives. The study aimed to understand enablers of and barriers to implementing the programme in nursing homes, from the perspective of volunteers. Thematic analysis resulted in several overarching themes and sub-themes. The enablers of implementation included skills and characteristics of the volunteers (e.g. adaptable to residents’ needs), specific features of the programme (e.g. having a shared goal) and support from the nursing home staff. The barriers to implementation included individual traits of the resident (e.g. low capacity for engagement), limitations associated with the prescribed protocol, and managing perspectives regarding what stories are told. Volunteers also made suggestions for future programme development. Implications for successful future digital storytelling projects include ensuring a manualised approach to the program while allowing for flexibility in delivery, careful recruitment of residents and volunteers, and providing comprehensive training and education to volunteers.
Transportation usage and perceptions among older adults in Mexico City: a qualitative study
Authors: Villena-Sánchez Jessica , Boschmann E. Eric
Published: November 2024

Transportation plays a vital role in meeting the daily activity needs of individuals, including older adults. One major gap in the existing ageing and mobility literature is that most studies are situated in the Global North despite Global South cities facing comparatively faster ageing. This article’s primary purpose is to examine the daily lived experiences of transportation use among older adults in Mexico City. Secondarily it explores contextual differences among individuals living in two neighbourhood types – those with high or low access to public transportation networks. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 22 older adults and isolated four central themes that encapsulate their experiences of transportation in Mexico City. The extensive and well-run structured-transit system in central Mexico City was the source of many positive experiences for older adults, especially regarding affordability, high network connectivity and overall sense of safety and comfort. This was true for most participants across neighbourhood types and socio-economic statuses. Conversely, in peripheral neighbourhoods dominated by less-structured transportation modes, negative experiences included complaints about vehicle drivers, crime and safety, comfort and convenience. This article’s contributions are showing (1) consistency with existing Global South literature whereby older adults tend to use public transportation more widely and hold similar complaints related to poor experiences as older adult passengers; (2) that Mexico City exemplifies older adult transportation experiences that are dramatically different from car-dependent societies in the Global North; and (3) how older adults’ experiences with public transportation can vary significantly based on residential location within the city.
Beat the elite or concede defeat? Populist problem (re-)representations of international financial disputes
Authors: Fouquet Stephan
Published: November 2024

Many populist leaders politicise disputes with external financial ‘elites’, but most are forced by economic pressures to fundamentally change their ‘people-versus-elite’ problem representations and ‘concede defeat’. Notable exceptions are Hungary’s Viktor Orbán, Argentina’s Cristina Kirchner, and Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who sooner or later resisted strong push-back and defied the IMF or distressed-debt funds. These instances of prolonged populist defiance differ widely across commonly used structural and agential explanatory factors at international, domestic, and individual levels. To explain how Orbán, Kirchner, and Erdoğan managed to ‘beat the elite’, this paper clusters several root causes into a parsimonious framework of two intervening variables. The temporality of strong ‘elite’ push-back and the openness of advisory systems are theorised as shaping distinct cognitive mechanisms of representational continuity or change, through which ‘people-versus-elite’ input is either preserved until – or discarded before – feeding into decision outputs. As the two-by-two matrix of early/later external shocks and open/closed inner circles explains, Orbán did not move beyond marginal representational adjustments; Kirchner’s contingent representational fluidity benefited from opportune situational developments; and Erdoğan defied significant socio-economic cost with fundamental representational continuity. These insights highlight the potential of studying populism at the intersection of foreign policy analysis and international political economy.
Marital status, brain health, and cognitive reserve among diverse older adults
Authors: Lee Ji Hyun , Scambray Kiana A. , Morris Emily P. , Sol Ketlyne , Palms Jordan D. , Zaheed Afsara B. , Martinez Michelle N. , Schupf Nicole , Manly Jennifer J. , Brickman Adam M. , Zahodne Laura B.
Published: November 2024

Objective:

Being married may protect late-life cognition. Less is known about living arrangement among unmarried adults and mechanisms such as brain health (BH) and cognitive reserve (CR) across race and ethnicity or sex/gender. The current study examines (1) associations between marital status, BH, and CR among diverse older adults and (2) whether one’s living arrangement is linked to BH and CR among unmarried adults.

Method:

Cross-sectional data come from the Washington Heights-Inwood Columbia Aging Project (N = 778, 41% Hispanic, 33% non-Hispanic Black, 25% non-Hispanic White; 64% women). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) markers of BH included cortical thickness in Alzheimer’s disease signature regions and hippocampal, gray matter, and white matter hyperintensity volumes. CR was residual variance in an episodic memory composite after partialing out MRI markers. Exploratory analyses stratified by race and ethnicity and sex/gender and included potential mediators.

Results:

Marital status was associated with CR, but not BH. Compared to married individuals, those who were previously married (i.e., divorced, widowed, and separated) had lower CR than their married counterparts in the full sample, among White and Hispanic subgroups, and among women. Never married women also had lower CR than married women. These findings were independent of age, education, physical health, and household income. Among never married individuals, living with others was negatively linked to BH.

Conclusions:

Marriage may protect late-life cognition via CR. Findings also highlight differential effects across race and ethnicity and sex/gender. Marital status could be considered when assessing the risk of cognitive impairment during routine screenings.