bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison on the quality of sterile Aedes aegypti mosquitoes produced by either radiation-based sterile insect technique or Wolbachia-induced incompatible insect technique
Authors: Kittayapong Pattamaporn , Ninphanomchai Suwannapa , Thayanukul Parinda , Yongyai Jiraporn , Limohpasmanee Wanitch
Published: February 2025

Novel and alternative vector control approaches using a sterile male-based release to suppress Aedes aegypti mosquito vectors have recently been tested in the field in many countries. These approaches included the sterile insect technique (SIT), incompatible insect technique (IIT), and a combination of both techniques. In this study, we conducted a series of experiments to compare the quality between radiation-based and Wolbachia-induced sterile males in terms of flight ability, sterility, mating competitiveness, survival rate, and longevity. Aedes aegypti mosquitoes irradiated at 50 Gy (SIT) and those trans-infected with wAlbB Wolbachia (IIT) were used for quality comparison. Our results showed that irradiated and Wolbachia trans-infected males were not significantly different in flight ability (p > 0.05) and both could induce sterility in wild-type females. In addition, although irradiation at 50 Gy or Wolbachia trans-infection reduced male mating competitiveness, combined irradiation and Wolbachia wAlbB trans-infection increased male competitiveness at the one-to-one ratio. Increasing the number of sterile males released could compensate for reduced competitiveness but it does not make them more competitive. Irradiation did not affect the survival and longevity of irradiated males, but it showed significant negative impacts on females (p < 0.05); while the opposite was observed in the case of Wolbachia infection, i.e., with significant increase in the survival rate of Wolbachia trans-infected males (p < 0.05), but both survival and longevity were reduced in Wolbachia trans-infected females with no significant impacts (p > 0.05). In conclusion, neither irradiation nor Wolbachia trans-infection significantly affected the quality of sterile males except their mating competitiveness; but this could compensate by increasing the number of sterile males released. Sterility could be induced by either 50 Gy irradiation or wAlbB trans-infection. Mating competitiveness results showed that a higher number of sterile males produced by irradiation need to be released in comparison to those produced by Wolbachia trans-infection. Our results should be useful for planning SIT, IIT, or a combination for Ae. aegypti vector control.
Diagnosis of neonatal and adult sepsis using a Serum Amyloid A lateral flow test
Authors: Nowak Julia , Ssanyu Jacquellyn Nambi , Namiiro Flavia , Mountford Nicola , Parducci Avery , Domijan Katarina , Daly Mandy , O’Brien Deirdre , Barden Eithne , Walshe Kieran , Doyle Sean , Waiswa Peter
Published: February 2025

Sepsis is the overwhelming immunological response to infection, which if not treated can lead to multi-organ failure, shock and death. Specifically, neonatal sepsis results in 225,000 neonatal deaths globally per annum. Moreover, Uganda experiences one of the highest materno-fetal death rates (62,000 p.a.), with neonatal sepsis deaths at approximately 6,500 p.a.. The difficulty in diagnosing neonatal sepsis lies in the non-specific signs and symptoms associated with sepsis and an absence of definitive sepsis-specific biomarkers. However, serum amyloid A (SAA) detection has potential as a superior biomarker for the diagnosis of probable neonatal sepsis. Herein, in ethically-approved studies we have deployed a competitive lateral flow test (NeoSep-SAA (research-use only)) to detect SAA in whole blood at patient bedside in a resource-limited environment. Results are available within 10 minutes and test format is compatible with small blood volumes available from neonates (5 μl). NeoSep-SAA exhibited a high sensitivity and specificity for diagnosis of adult sepsis, and in neonates showed a sensitivity and specificity of 92% (89%, 95%) and 73% (68%, 77%) with PPV and NPV of 78% (75%, 81%) and 90% (86%, 93%), respectively (n = 714 individuals; 95% CI). NeoSep-SAA showed superior sensitivity for neonatal sepsis over C-Reactive Protein detection (sensitivity: 37%), albeit with some sacrifice of specificity. NeoSep-SAA enabled rapid diagnosis, which combined with minimally-invasive blood withdrawal, was less stressful for neonates. Overall, NeoSep-SAA can readily identify infection/inflammation and has the potential to enable rapid and informed clinical decisions to combat sepsis. This approach has potential to improve neonatal sepsis detection and reduce neonatal mortality in line with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.2 objectives.
Adaptive robust position control scheme for an electromagnetic levitation system with experimental verification
Authors: Wu Ziwei , Fan Kuangang , Yi Ping
Published: February 2025

Electromagnetic levitation technology has several advantages, such as no friction, safety, and reliability. Electromagnetic levitation control, as the core of electromagnetic levitation technology, has attracted people’s attention. The use of other traditional control algorithms frequently results in a decline in the system’s anti-disturbance and tracking performance due to the highly nonlinear, stochastic uncertainty, and time delay characteristics of electromagnetic levitation systems. This work takes the single point electromagnetic levitation ball system as the research object to address the above-mentioned issues. A control method combining an improved whale optimization algorithm with robust sliding mode control and adaptive linear active disturbance rejection (IWOA-SMC-ALADRC) is proposed to achieve stable control of a single point electromagnetic levitation ball. Firstly, a nonlinear model of the electromagnetic levitation ball system was established; Secondly, robust sliding mode control is combined with linear active disturbance rejection control, and an adaptive parameter tuning strategy is introduced for the PD module in LADRC; Meanwhile, an improved whale optimization algorithm was proposed to address the issue of excessive adjustable parameters in the controller; In addition, the stability and convergence of the control algorithm were proven using the Lyapunov equation; Finally, in order to verify the effectiveness of the control method, PID, LADRC, CS-LADRC, and I-LADRC were introduced for simulation analysis and experimental verification. The results indicate that IWOA-SMC-ALADRC has better anti-disturbance and tracking performance.
Lasting lockdown love? Problem behaviour and pandemic and non-pandemic related risk factors influencing the owner-dog relationship in a UK cohort of dogs reaching early adulthood
Authors: Merritt Bree L. , O’Neill Dan G. , Brand Claire L. , Belshaw Zoe , Dale Fiona C. , Pegram Camilla L. , Packer Rowena M. A.
Published: February 2025

The owner-dog relationship is a critical component of sustained dog ownership. Increased understanding of risk factors for weak owner-dog relationships can identify owner-dog dyads at higher risk of poor welfare outcomes, including dog relinquishment and euthanasia. The internationally documented boom in puppy acquisition during the COVID-19 pandemic led to welfare concerns for this cohort of dogs, including impulsive purchasing of puppies to unsuitable homes, increased supply of puppies from poor-welfare sources, and deficits in early-life experiences for puppies. Combined, these changes were feared to lead to problem behaviours, weak owner-dog relationships and increased future relinquishment in this uniquely vulnerable generation. The Pandemic Puppies project longitudinally studied dogs bought as puppies aged < 16-weeks old during the 2020 phase of the COVID-19 pandemic by collecting owner-completed data during puppyhood and as adults. This study aimed to investigate factors associated with the owner-dog relationship in early-adulthood via a cross-sectional analysis of a subset of Pandemic Puppies data (n = 794). When dogs were 21-months old owners completed the Monash Dog-Owner Relationship Scale (MDORS), from which the Perceived Emotional Closeness (Closeness) and Perceived Costs subscales were established as reliable in this sample and were used as outcome variables in multivariable analyses to explore risk factors such as health, behaviour, and acquisition-related variables. Problem behaviours, including those related to lack of control, fear, separation, and aggression were the predominant risk factors associated with increased Perceived Costs score. The presence of most problem behaviours was not associated with reduced Closeness, suggesting a potential source of emotional conflict for owners. However, owners of dogs showing aggressive behaviours had lower Closeness scores. Puppy acquisitions explicitly motivated by the pandemic were associated with increased Perceived Costs. Support interventions targeted at owners of dogs with problem behaviours are of high importance if positive owner-dog relationships are to be maintained.
“I don’t see a reason why we should be hidden from view”: Views of a convenience sample of people living with HIV on sharing HIV status data in routinely collected health and care databases in England
Authors: Ford Elizabeth , Goddard Katie , Smith Michael , Vera Jaime
Published: February 2025

Introduction

People living with HIV (PLWH) now have near-normal life-expectancy, but still experience stigma, and HIV status is treated as sensitive health information. When UK healthcare patient data is curated into anonymised datasets for research, HIV diagnostic codes are stripped out. As PLWH age, we must research how HIV affects conditions of ageing, but cannot do so in current NHS research datasets. We aimed to elicit views on HIV status being shared in NHS datasets, and identify appropriate safeguards.

Methods

We conducted three focus groups with a convenience sample of PLWH recruited through HIV charities, presenting information on data governance, data-sharing, patient privacy, law, and research areas envisaged for HIV and ageing. Each focus group involved two presentations, a question session, and facilitated breakout discussion groups. Discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically.

Results

37 PLWH (age range 23-58y) took part. The overarching theme was around trust, both the loss of trust experienced by participants due to previous negative or discriminatory experiences, and the need to slowly build trust in data-sharing initiatives. Further themes showed that participants were supportive of data being used for research and health care improvements, but needed a guarantee that their privacy would be protected. A loss of trust in systems and organisations using the data, suspicion of data users’ agendas, and worry about increased discrimination and stigmatisation made them cautious about data sharing. To rebuild trust participants wanted to see transparent security protocols, accountability for following these, and communication about data flows and uses, as well as awareness training about HIV, and clear involvement of PLWH as full stakeholders on project teams and decision-making panels.

Conclusions

PLWH were cautiously in favour of their data being shared for research into HIV, where this could be undertaken with high levels of security, and the close involvement of PLWH to set research agendas and avoid increased stigma.
Classification of power quality disturbances in microgrids using a multi-level global convolutional neural network and SDTransformer approach
Authors: Jiang Junzhuo , Wu Hao , Zhong Changhua , Song Hong
Published: February 2025

As the adoption of new energy sources like photovoltaic and wind power increases alongside the influx of advanced power electronic devices, there has been a significant rise in power quality disturbance events (PQDs) within power systems. These disturbances, including harmonics and voltage dips, severely impact the stability of microgrids and the efficiency of power equipment. To enhance the accuracy of identifying power quality disturbances in microgrids, this paper introduces a Multi-level Global Convolutional Neural Network combined with a Simplified double-layer Transformer model (MGCNN-SDTransformer). The model processes the input raw 1D time-series signals of power quality through multi-level convolutional and 1D-Global Attention Mechanism (1D-GAM) operations in MGCNN, which preliminarily extracts and emphasizes the key features and dynamic changes; Subsequently, the model utilizes the Multi-head Self Attention(MSA) and Multi-Layer Perceptron(MLP) components of the enhanced SDTransformer to further explore the transient local and periodic global features of the signals; The classification outcomes are then determined using a fully-connected layer and a Softmax classifier. The model effectively retains the signal’s original one-dimensional temporal attributes while also delving into more complex features. This approach exhibits strong resistance to noise and enhanced generalization skills, markedly improving the detection accuracy of power quality issues within microgrids.
International climate adaptation assistance: Assessing public support in Switzerland
Authors: Andonova Liliana , Zucca Agnese , Montfort Simon , Dolšak Nives , Prakash Aseem
Published: February 2025

Lower-income countries account for a small share of accumulated greenhouse gas emissions but are highly vulnerable to climate-induced events. In response, industrialized higher-income countries, the major contributors to greenhouse gas stock, have pledged policy packages to support developing countries to adapt to climate change. Foreign aid and international migration often figure prominently in such packages. We employ a survey-embedded conjoint experiment to assess public support in Switzerland for international climate assistance packages which consist of six attributes: (1) the country receiving the package (Algeria, Kenya, Bangladesh, and the Philippines); (2) the volume of Swiss bilateral climate aid to this country; (3) the number of climate migrants from this country in Switzerland; (4) types of extreme weather event this country faces; (5) Swiss trade with this country; and (6) the country’s record of voting with Switzerland in the United Nations Security Council. We find that while Swiss respondents are indifferent to aid volume, their support for the policy package diminishes as the number of migrants increases. Respondents support policy packages for countries that trade with and vote alongside Switzerland in the Security Council. Respondents also have country-specific preferences: they support assistance to the Philippines, disfavor Algeria, and are indifferent to Kenya and Bangladesh. Ideology, cultural beliefs, and benchmarking with peer countries of Global North or past Swiss aid and immigration records do not change support for the policy package.
Set stability and synchronization of generalized asynchronous probabilistic Boolean networks with impulsive effects
Authors: Liu Fukun , Sun Yujie , Zhang Chuan , Xu Lunshi , Zhang Hao
Published: February 2025

This paper investigates the set stability of generalized asynchronous probabilistic Boolean networks (GAPBNs) with impulsive effects. To this end, an efficient algorithm is designed to determine the largest invariant set of a given set. A necessary and sufficient criterion is then derived to determine set stability of GAPBNs with impulsive effects. Subsequently, the global stability and synchronization of GAPBNs with impulsive effects were verified by selecting different sets. Finally, examples are given to illustrate the results on set stability and synchronization.
Spatial and temporal distribution characteristics and influencing factors of cultural heritage: A case of the Grand Canal (East Zhejiang section)-maritime silk road
Authors: Li Jie , Yang Xinlian , Gao Yuhe , Gao Chao
Published: February 2025

The Grand Canal and the Maritime Silk Road in China are globally significant cultural routes, which have contributed a wealth of cultural heritage through their historical development. The study on the cultural heritage of the Grand Canal (East Zhejiang section)-Maritime Silk Road is of great significance for constructing the Grand Canal Cultural Belt and advancing the Belt and Road Initiative. Focusing on the Ningbo area, this study analyzes the spatial and temporal distribution of 1,755 cultural heritage sites over five historical periods and explores the influencing factors through spatial and statistical analysis. The results show that: (1) Ancient buildings, along with modern important historical sites and representative buildings, are the most numerous. The total number of cultural heritages shows an upward trend before the modern period, peaking in the Ming to Qing period. (2) The cultural heritage exhibits an overall aggregated spatial distribution, with varying patterns across different types. The Three-River Estuary is the high-density core area, with the number and density of cultural heritage decreasing as its distance increases. (3) Distribution characteristics of cultural heritage vary across different periods. More recent cultural heritage is increasingly concentrated around the Three-River Estuary. Over time, the center of gravity of cultural heritage has shifted sequentially to the south, southeast, west, and north. (4) The cultural heritage tends to be distributed in plain with low altitude and small slope, and shows strong hydrophilicity.
Long duration multi-channel surface electromyographic signals during walking at natural pace: Data acquisition and analysis
Authors: Di Nardo Francesco , Morbidoni Christian , Iadarola Grazia , Spinsante Susanna , Fioretti Sandro
Published: February 2025

Variability of myoelectric activity during walking is the result of human capability to adapt to both intrinsic and extrinsic perturbations. The availability of sEMG signals lasting at least some minutes (instead of seconds) is needed to comprehensively analyze the variability of surface electromyographic (sEMG) signals. The current study introduces a dataset of long-lasting sEMG signals recorded during walking sessions of 31 healthy subjects, aged between 20 and 30 years, conducted at the Movement Analysis Lab of Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy. The sEMG signals were captured from ten distinct lower-limb muscles (five per leg), including gastrocnemius lateralis (GL), tibialis anterior (TA), rectus femoris (RF), hamstrings (Ham), and vastus lateralis (VL). Synchronized electrogoniometric and foot-floor-contact signals are also supplied to enable the spatial/temporal analysis of the sEMG signals. The experimental procedure involves subjects walking barefoot on level ground for approximately 5 minutes at their natural speed and pace, following an eight-shaped path featuring linear diagonal segments, curves, accelerations, and decelerations. An advanced analysis of the sEMG signals was performed to test the reliability and usability of the current dataset. The considerable duration of the signals makes this dataset particularly useful for studies where a significant volume of data is crucial, such as machine/deep learning approaches, investigations examining the variability of muscle recruitment during physiological walking, validations of the reliability of novel sEMG-based algorithms, and assembly of reference datasets for pathological condition characterization.
Variability of whole and peak match physical performance in highly trained female academy soccer players: A multi-club analysis
Authors: Myhill Naomi , Weaving Dan , Dalton Barron Nick , Hudson Andy , Barrett Steve , Emmonds Stacey
Published: February 2025

Objective

Quantify between-match, -player and -team variability and compare whole- and peak-match locomotor characteristics between positions in elite female academy soccer.

Method

Foot-mounted inertial measurement unit data were collected from 11 Women’s Super League Academy teams (n = 257 players; 171 matches). Differences between positions and variability were analysed using partial least squares correlation analysis (PLSCA) and linear mixed effects. Two latent variables were computed as composite scores of either whole match or peak intensity variables from the PLSCA.

Results

Between-match variability of whole- and peak-match locomotor characteristics were similar (2 to 24% vs 0.2 to 22%). Between-team and -player variability was higher for whole- than peak-match locomotor characteristics (1 to 20% vs 0.1 to 3%, 8 to 112% vs 0.3 to 77%). From 30 pairwise comparisons, there were two large effect size (ES) differences (p < 0.001), WM had greater whole and peak match composite intensity than CDM. There were 10 moderate ES differences (p < 0.05), with WM greater than CD and CAM, F greater than CD and CDM and WD greater than CDM. All other comparisons were non-significant, trivial or small.

Conclusion

Whole- and peak- match locomotor characteristics are similar across all outfield positions in elite female academy soccer. Between-match variability was greater for sprint distance than all other locomotor characteristics. Low variability between teams for peak locomotor characteristics means practitioners can be confident using peak reference values from this study and use them to evaluate training drill intensities of tactical-technical drills.
School amalgamation and wellbeing for LGBTQ+ students: A scoping review protocol
Authors: Slattery Luke , Bradshaw Daragh , Jay Sarah , O’Donnell Aisling T. , Fenton Lynn
Published: February 2025

Introduction

School amalgamations, or the merging of two or more pre-existing schools, are typically conducted in response to resource constraints. While merging existing schools can be financially beneficial, the wellbeing of marginalised students, such as those who identify as LGBTQ+ , may be at risk. Evidence on the impact that school amalgamation may have for LGBTQ+ students’ wellbeing has not been consolidated in a review. The proposed scoping review aims to identify empirical studies which measure the impact of school amalgamation on the wellbeing of LGBTQ+ students, to document the methodologies they use, and to identify challenges faced by LGBTQ+ students in amalgamated schools.

Methods

This review will be conducted in line with the JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis and PCC framework. Searches will be conducted in multidisciplinary databases and relevant citations exported to Covidence. Articles will be screened against inclusion and exclusion criteria by two independent reviewers.

Results

Relevant studies will be charted and synthesised for inclusion in the final scoping review. Particular attention will be given to the scope of existing literature relating to the review question, methodological trends, and areas for further study.
Sacrificial animals as evidence for the disintegration of the ritual and music system: A case study of the Zhuolu site (790-410 BC)
Authors: Yu Xin , Liu Hailin , Zhang Zhe , Shao Huiqiu , Wang Chunxue , Wei Dong
Published: February 2025

Ritual and music are important approaches to convey the ethical and moral concepts in the Zhou Dynasty (1046–256 BC) in China. The ritual and music (liyue) system, therefore, was established by the Duke of Zhou to maintain social order, create and strengthen the power of the Shang royalty. The essence of the system was the division of classes. The primary objective of this study was to analyze the sacrificial animals from the Zhuolu site (40°13´N, 115°24´E) in Hebei Province, China. We summarized the characteristics of sacrificial behavior during that period by examining the types of sacrificial animals and the specific parts of their bones. Ultimately, we discussed whether these characteristics align with the established rules of the ritual and music system. In this study, excavated animal bones were subjected to species identification, surface mark recording, and carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analyses. Skeletal surface marks and stable isotope analyses indicated that there are various methods by which people access and utilize animal resources. There are various animals, including pigs, deer, hares, ring-necked pheasants, and fish, were utilized in the burials. Included in these bones are not only the left and front parts of the body, but also the right part and the hind limbs. Not only is this inconsistent with the specified combination of animal species designated for sacrifice within the ritual and music system, but it also deviates from the requirement to utilize the left and front halves of the limbs. People may have changed and reduced the use of certain sacrificial animals according to their personal preferences and needs. This may be attributed to the disintegration of the ritual system during that period. By comparing different sites, it is possible to infer that the stringent execution of rules regarding the use of animals in burial rituals was directly related to the level of ritual system development during the period to which the site is associated.
Assessing AI Integration in Islamic Higher Education: A Mixed-Methods Fishbone Diagram Analysis
Authors: Aan Ansori  , Damyati Fitri , Dhestyani Syifa Amara
Published: February 2025

The integration of Artificial Intelligence in higher education has shown significant potential to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of learning. The strategic implementation of AI in Indonesian State Islamic Higher Education Institutions fosters innovative pedagogy and improved academic performance. This study employs the Fishbone Diagram approach to systematically analyze Artificial Intelligence's impact on Indonesian State Islamic Higher Education Institutions education, identifying key factors influencing implementation. The method employs a reverse-cause analysis, mapping factors contributing to a primary issue, and identifying underlying causes and sub-factors. Findings highlight the crucial roles of technological infrastructure, human resource readiness, supportive policies, adaptive curriculum design, and organizational culture. This study underscores the necessity of integrated AI adoption frameworks in Indonesian Islamic higher education, harmonizing technological advancement with Islamic pedagogical principles. This study offers a foundational framework guiding Indonesian State Islamic Higher Education Institutions in developing sustainable and ethical AI policies. Comprehensive AI policies and strategies are essential for PTKIN to harmonize innovation with Islamic principles.
Improving Osteosarcoma Detection through SMOTE-Driven Machine Learning Approaches
Authors: Muhammad Ainul Fikri  , Ajie Kusuma Wardhana  , Yudha Riwanto  , Inggrid Yanuar Risca Partiwi  , Fauzia Sekar Anis Sekar Ningrum  , Putra Iqbal Kurniawan Asmar
Published: February 2025

Osteosarcoma is an aggressive and highly malignant bone cancer primarily affecting adolescents and young adults, with males being more commonly affected. Although deep learning models such as YOLO (95.73% accuracy) and VGG19 (95.25% accuracy), have demonstrated effectiveness in osteosarcoma detection, their large model sizes and extensive computational requirements limit their feasibility in resource-constrained environments. This study proposes a lightweight AI approach that optimizes osteosarcoma detection while maintaining high diagnostic accuracy, leveraging machine learning models under 5MB, manually or semi-automatically extracted features, and SMOTE for data balancing. Experimental results show that Random Forest, SVM, and XGBoost achieve accuracies of 94.70%, 94.23%, and 94.39%, respectively, closely matching the performance of YOLO and VGG19 while maintaining computational efficiency. Furthermore, the inference time for SVM is under one second (0.97s), demonstrating the speed advantage of lightweight models. These findings highlight the potential of small-size (lightweight) machine learning models to deliver high diagnostic accuracy with minimal computational requirements, providing a scalable and practical solution for early osteosarcoma detection in resource-limited settings. By balancing simplicity, efficiency, and high performance, this study establishes a new benchmark for achieving state-of-the-art results with lightweight models and paving the way for improved healthcare accessibility in underserved regions.
Training Educational Assistants to Facilitate Grammatical Development of Adolescents Who Use AAC
Authors: Eckdahl Hallie , Carter Matthew , Robinson Jade
Published: February 2025

AAC can enhance communication, improve academic achievement, and increase societal participation for individuals with complex communication needs. Unfortunately, many students lack access to effective interventions due to a lack of experienced professionals and stakeholders. Research suggests educational assistants can be trained to support the communication of these children, but there is a notable gap regarding adolescent students. This investigation used a single-subject, multiple-baseline design to examine the effects of an educational-assistant-delivered intervention on the morpho-syntactical productions of adolescents who require AAC. Analyses indicated that an effective communication partner-delivered intervention program can lead to gains for adolescents who use aided communication.
Nutritional, medicinal and biological activities of Ferocactus species: Recent findings and research opportunities
Authors: Faleye Bosede Ruth , Flores-Gallegos Adriana Carolina , Ascacio- Valdes Juan Alberto , Esparza-Gonzalez Sandra Cecilia , Silva-Belmares Sonia Yesenia , Nery-Flores Sendar Daniel , Campos-Muzquiz Lizeth Guadalupe , Rodriguez-Herrera Raul
Published: February 2025

Ferocactus is a genus of the family Cactaceae found in the arid and semi-arid regions of the American continent, especially in Mexico. The species serve various purposes such as food, cosmetics, fodder and for relief from certain ailments. The fruits of Ferocactus species such as Ferocactus herrerae and Ferocactus glaucescens have valuable amounts of macronutrients, micronutrients and bioactive components which make them nutrient-dense. They are also a potential raw material for new product development in the food and cosmetic industries, industrial extraction and production of antimicrobials and antioxidants. However, many of the species are understudied, underproduced, underutilized or overexploited, resulting in a significant waste or risk of extinction due to overexploitation. Therefore, the objective of this review was to discuss and provide an in-depth and recent overview of the description, morphology, ethnobotanical uses, nutritional composition, bioactive composition and biological activities of different species of Ferocactus reported in the literature from different databases such as Google Scholar, ResearchGate and Scopus. Proper exploration and maximization of these species of cactus can provide huge economic, technological and nutritional benefits for all. Moreover, the challenges, possible solutions and future directions for maximum production and utilization of these species have also been discussed.
A formative evaluation: co-designing tools to prepare vulnerable young people for participating in technology development
Authors: Mildenberger Tabea , Schmidt Marc , Zorn Isabel
Published: February 2025

Participatory processes are key for designing technology solutions but challenging since target groups rarely have technological expertise. They are, however, experts in their lives. Vulnerable young people are even more challenged when asked to participate. A toolkit approach can introduce non-tech-savvy individuals to digital technology. This paper presents the process of (co-)designing a toolkit for vulnerable young people and social workers. The evaluation provides insights into what components are needed to prepare for participatory technology development. The toolkit can be seen as a mobile laboratory that supports technology development and builds on considerations from other research and design processes. The toolkit was (co-)designed in two phases. An initial version based on other prototypes and the state of the art was evaluated according to feedback from social work professionals. The revised version was evaluated by both professionals and vulnerable young people, leading to refinement and final redesign. The final toolkit, focusing on the smart home domain, was evaluated through participant observation and qualitative content analysis. The results show how feedback, inductively derived in four categories, led to the design of the toolkit with three modules relevant to engaging vulnerable young people in technology design: experience, understand and co-design.
Democratizing publishing in communication/media studies: a case study of Communication, Culture & Critique
Authors: Ng Eve , Click Melissa A.
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The pervasive inequalities in communication/media studies publishing include a significant underrepresentation of scholars in the Global South, as authors and as members of editorial boards in the field’s top-ranked journals. However, to date, there has been little published work on the implementation of strategies to address these disparities.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents discussion in this regard for the journal Communication, Culture & Critique (CCC), for which the authors served as editor-in-chief and associate editor.

Findings

During a four year (2021–2024) term, CCC undertook measures to diversify its board, and increased the proportion of Global South scholars, although Global North scholars remain a large majority. The journal also published several special issues focused on media/cultures of the Global South, which featured a larger proportion of authors with Global South citizenship and location than regular issue articles did; however, articles in Global South-themed issues may be garnering fewer citations than other articles in the journal. A pre-submission mentoring initiative launched in 2022 received almost all its submissions from scholars at Global North universities, and may reinforce Western academic norms. CCC’s rejection data also shows the disproportionate disadvantage of Global South submitters, although CCC does compare favorably to other Oxford University Press social science journals in the diversity of authors’ reported gender, race, and ethnicity.

Practical implications

The broader structural character of the disparities we found should be addressed by journals, publishers, and professional associations.

Social implications

The mixed outcomes of CCC’s efforts point to the persistence of structural challenges that require broader coordinated efforts to address more effectively.

Originality/value

This is the first study to provide a detailed account of how one journal sought to democratize its editorial board and increase the publication of Global South scholars.
Explikationen als Mittel der Verstehens-sicherung in Arzt-Patienten-Gesprächen in der Onkologie
Authors: Fedorovskaya Victoria , Imo Wolfgang
Published: February 2025

So far, much research has been done on practices of explaining and their functions both in informal and institutional settings. Explanations are used to ensure shared understanding and to provide for intersubjectivity. While explanations are typically larger structures, there also exists a small form, the explication, which is mainly used to clarify items on a word level. Originating in philosophy, where explications are the format used to give an exact meaning of a technical term, they are also used regularly in everyday settings. Here, they work in both directions, as explications in everyday terms of a technical expression or as explications of an everyday expression in terms of a technical one. On the basis of German and Russian oncological doctor-patient-interactions, all instances of explications are extracted and classified into different formal and functional groups.
Promoting Metacognitive Awareness and Self-Regulation of Intuitive Thinking in Evolution Education
Authors: Hartelt Tim , Martens Helge
Published: February 2025

Students’ intuitive thinking often proves helpful in different contexts, such as everyday life, but can be an obstacle to learning about evolution. Thus, enhancing students’ evolutionary understanding is often challenging, with intuitive conceptions of evolution still existing after instruction. Consequently, it is necessary to address students’ intuitive conceptions explicitly. Thus, we present two metaconceptual learning activities that make students metacognitively aware of their intuitive conceptions and enable them to self-regulate these in the context of evolution: (a) a self-assessment of one’s conceptions and (b) instruction on the context-dependency of conceptions. Both activities have been found more effective in enhancing students’ evolutionary understanding than traditional instruction focusing solely on scientific conceptions and are, thus, recommended to supplement evolution instruction.
Jornaleros/as invisibilizados: mercados de trabajo de la población jornalera en zonas de agricultura comercial de pequeña escala en México
Authors: Saldaña Kim Sánchez , Ramírez Adriana Saldaña
Published: February 2025

Este artículo reflexiona sobre los mercados laborales en regiones donde la población jornalera responde a la demanda de trabajo de productores agrícolas de pequeña y mediana escala en México. Se argumenta que estos mercados laborales presentan diferencias significativas respecto a aquellos de las regiones agroexportadoras ubicadas en el norte del país. Estas variaciones repercuten en las condiciones laborales y de vida de la población trabajadora. Asimismo, mostramos que, en las últimas décadas, la población que trabaja con campesinos—pequeñas y medianas empresas—ha quedado aún más excluida de las eventuales intervenciones del Estado dirigidas a segmentos más reconocidos de esta categoría laboral. Además, su vulnerabilidad se agudiza al permanecer en un segundo plano o fuera del alcance del Estado, lo que amplifica las desigualdades dentro de la propia población asalariada agrícola y sus hogares, con graves consecuencias de discriminación institucional para los grupos más desprotegidos.
Krzysztof Hejwowski: An Academic Biography
Authors:   University of Warsaw, Poland, Sztorc Weronika
Published: February 2025

The aim of the paper is to discuss the research output of Krzysztof Hejwowski, as well as his academic activity, didactic work and translations. First, Hejwowski’s academic career is introduced with a focus on the main publications, his contribution to the development of the Institute of Applied Linguistics (University of Warsaw), and the functions he held there. The second section is dedicated to his cognitive communicative model of translation, presented in his first and second books. In the next part, other publications are discussed, including Hejwowski’s third book, shorter papers, and volumes he edited or co-edited. The fourth section focuses on Hejwowski’s translation practice and includes a presentation of his last book concerning his own translation of Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World. In the last part, Hejwowski’s didactic work is presented: his lectures and other classes, as well as the BA, MA, and PhD theses he supervised.
Austrijski namjesnik von Lilienberg i salonitanski eroti
Authors: Torlak Ana
Published: February 2025

Namjesnik Dalmacije za vrijeme Druge austrijske uprave, podmaršal Wenzel Alois Vetter Graf von Lilienberg (1831. – 1840.), po preuzimanju dužnosti odlučio je obići pokrajinu kako bi, po njegovim riječima, stekao vlastiti dojam i dobio valjane podatke o cjelokupnom socioekonomskom stanju. Putovanje koje je poduzeo trajalo je više od dvije godine, od 1832. do 1834. U detaljnom izvještaju vlastima u Beču iznio je opis provincije koji je obuhvaćao pregled zatečenog stanja i plan unaprjeđenja pokrajine. U jednom dijelu izvještaja iznosi opasku o Dalmatincima kao narodu koji ne mari za vlastite spomenike te ih uništava. Kao dokaz takvom ponašanju donosi crtež ulomka sarkofaga za koji piše da je iz Salone. Crtež i opis koji ga prati dio su čistopisa koji se čuva u Austrijskoj nacionalnoj knjižnici te do danas nisu objavljeni. Prikazani se spomenik čuva u Arheološkom muzeju u Zadru, a u suvremenoj se literaturi navodi da je iz okolice Zadra ili Biograda. Ovim istraživanjem, a na temelju arhivskih izvora, pokazuje se da je spomenik iz Salone, a da je u Zadar prenesen za vrijeme namjesništva grofa von Lilienberga.
A Glimpse into a 15th-Century Goldsmith’s Workshop in Šibenik
Authors: Lakošeljac Đurđina
Published: February 2025

This paper examines the goldsmithing practices of Stjepan Ivanov Skočibuha – a prominent 15th-century goldsmith from Šibenik – based on his 1444 estate inventory, which includes a detailed inventory of his goldsmith workshop, likely located in the northeastern part of Šibenik, similar to other goldsmith workshops of the time. By analysing the tools, materials, and objects listed in the inventory, along with other archival sources, the operational structure of his workshop has been partially reconstructed, revealing some of the goldsmithing techniques he employed and the types of items he produced. The paper also addresses the challenges in attributing medieval goldsmiths’ works, particularly due to the shared use of stamping moulds among craftsmen. This is evidenced by the sale of Skočibuha’s tools after his death, as well as other documents showing that different goldsmiths used the same equipment. Furthermore, the paper explores the goldsmiths’ apprenticeship system and the transmission of knowledge in 15th-century Šibenik, highlighting the importance of training in the continuity of the craft.
The Origin and Will of Giacomo Turloni, Bishop of Trogir (before 1421–1483)
Authors: Gudelj Jasenka
Published: February 2025

During the thirty-year episcopate of Giacomo Turloni (1452–1483), a period that coincided with the consolidation of the Serenissima’s power in Dalmatia, some of the most significant works of the Early Dalmatian Renaissance were commissioned for the Trogir Cathedral, including the baptistery and the Chapel of St. John. Turloni, long recognized as a central figure in the Renovatio Urbis of Trogir, has had his biography primarily informed by seventeenth- and eighteenth-century authors such as Ivan Lucić and Daniele Farlati. This article revises the prevailing account of his origins, demonstrating his Venetian rather than Anconetan background as maintained by these earlier sources. It also publishes Turloni’s will, which reveals his close associations with Coriolano Cippico and his son Alvise, and records his final wish to be interred in a modest tomb within the cathedral choir.
Gradnja sklopa Gradske vijećnice u Korčuli i dalmatinski klasicizmi 16. stoljeća
Authors: Strunje Petar
Published: February 2025

Sklop Gradske vijećnice u Korčuli iz prve četvrtine 16. stoljeća jedan je od impozantnijih primjera javne arhitekture na istočnoj obali Jadrana. Unatoč tomu, u historiografiji dosad nije bio zasebno obrađen. Na temelju novopronađenih dokumenata iz Državnog arhiva u Zadru, ovaj članak precizno datira gradnju pojedinih dijelova sklopa, utvrđuje njihovo autorstvo i uspoređuje dokumente sa zatečenim stanjem te komparativno analizira građevinu. Odluka Gradskog vijeća o gradnji nove loggie i susjedne kancelarije datira iz 1521. godine, a ugovor o izvedbi loggie potpisan je 1523. godine s klesarom Markom Radinovićem. Na temelju tog ugovora Radinoviću je moguće pripisati sve klesane elemente loggie, dvorišni portal u Kneževu prolazu i zapadni luk kapele Gospe od Sniga. Dvije godine poslije potpisan je ugovor s klesarom Markom Milićem Pavlovićem za izvedbu svih kamenih elemenata nove kancelarije pored loggie, kao i vijećnice na katu. Zidar Blaž Curlić sazidao je sklop od pravilnih klesanaca po novom ugovoru iz iste, 1525. godine. Naposljetku, sklop se analizira u kontekstu tadašnje arhitektonske produkcije u jadranskom bazenu i zaključuje se da je riječ o lokalnoj inačici renesansnog klasicizma bliskoj ostvarenjima u talijanskim Markama.
Verantwortungsvolle Kreditvergabe in der novellierten Verbraucherkreditrichtlinie
Authors: Rüsing Christian
Published: February 2025

Art. 18 der novellierten Verbraucherkreditrichtlinie enthält im Vergleich zur bislang geltenden Richtlinie aus dem Jahr 2008 deutlich umfangreichere Bestimmungen zur Kreditwürdigkeitsprüfung. Sie sind stark an die Vorgaben für Immobiliardarlehensverträge aus der Wohnimmobilienkreditrichtlinie angenähert worden. Inwieweit Kreditgeber ihre Verfahren anpassen müssen, ist wegen der weitgehend unbestimmten Vorgaben noch offen. Das betrifft insbesondere Anbieter von Kleinstkrediten wie bei „Buy now, pay later“-Modellen. Dieser Beitrag analysiert die neuen unionsrechtlichen Vorgaben und geht vor allem der Frage nach, welche Umsetzungsspielräume bei nationalen Gesetzgebern und Kreditgebern verbleiben.
Boosting the integrated use of sawmill wastes: Tannin-based extractives opportunities
Authors: Fernández-Sosa Eliana I. , Ehman Nanci , Area María Cristina
Published: February 2025

In the lignocellulosic biorefinery concept, by-products from sawmills have been redefined and considered as raw materials to produce high-value products. Wood extractives are not an exception despite being found in smaller proportions. The extractive-based components can offer competitive advantages over traditional market products and promote a circular economy. Tannins demonstrate applicability in adhesives, fertilizers, antioxidant food packaging, and water treatment. However, there are still challenges on an industrial scale.
Phytochemical extraction to improve the economic benefits of biomass processing
Authors: Zhu Shengliang , Zhang Shengrong , Xv Zhanye , Zhu Shengdong
Published: February 2025

Phytochemicals are non-nutritive plant components having bioactive activities. Compared with synthetic chemicals, phytochemicals have numerous advantages, and they are now widely used in health foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Phytochemicals also provide a rich natural resource pool for new health food and medicine development. Because of their wide uses, phytochemicals have high economic value for their development and utilization. Phytochemicals are present in a vast number of plants, and their production has a wide range of feedstock sources. In traditional biomass processing, phytochemicals are often considered as wastes and are not recovered. In order to improve the economic benefits, the extraction of phytochemicals has now become an attractive sub-process during the biomass processing. However, the low content of phytochemicals in plants makes their extraction challenging. Efforts are needed to increase the phytochemical content in plants and develop more efficient extraction and separation processes. This editorial briefly discusses phytochemicals and their extraction to improve the economic benefits of biomass processing.
Sustainable bamboo fiber-tannin composite foam: A green substrate for vertical greening systems
Authors: He Ju , Li Menghan , Zhao Peiwen , Li Fangying , Lyu Kexin , Rao Jiuping , Zhao Weigang
Published: February 2025

Tannin-based biomass foam was prepared through a self-foaming process at room temperature. The material’s density, porosity, microstructure, mechanical properties, thermal stability, limiting oxygen index (LOI), brittleness, as well as water absorption and retention properties, were studied. Adding 2% bamboo fibers in varying forms did not affect the uniformity of the foam cells. The density, porosity, thermal stability, and LOI of the foam material remained largely unchanged. The compressive strength of the unmodified tannin foam was 0.043 MPa, while the addition of 2% bamboo fibers increased the compressive strength by 72%. Even when the effect of density was excluded, the specific compressive strength was enhanced by 60%. Additionally, brittleness, measured as the slagging percentage, was significantly reduced from 16.12% to 4.78%. The modified foam could absorb up to 26.5% of its weight in water, with excellent water retention capabilities of 78.1% after 120 h while retaining its structural integrity under intermittent wetting conditions, making it suitable for vertical greening applications. This demonstrates its suitability for vertical greening applications, where moisture exposure is frequent. In conclusion, the bamboo fiber-reinforced tannin-based foam exhibits excellent mechanical properties and superior water absorption and retention performance.