bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Theoretical results on a block preconditioner used in ice-sheet modeling: eigenvalue bounds for singular power-law fluids
Authors: Helanow Christian , Ahlkrona Josefin
Published: February 2025

The properties of a block preconditioner that has been successfully used in finite element simulations of large scale ice-sheet flow is examined. The type of preconditioner, based on approximating the Schur complement with the mass matrix scaled by the variable viscosity, is well-known in the context of Stokes flow and has previously been analyzed for other types of non-Newtonian fluids. We adapt the theory to hold for the regularized constitutive (power-law) equation for ice and derive eigenvalue bounds of the preconditioned system for both Picard and Newton linearization using inf-sup stable finite elements. The eigenvalue bounds show that viscosity-scaled preconditioning clusters the eigenvalues well with only a weak dependence on the regularization parameter, while the eigenvalue bounds for the traditional non-viscosity-scaled mass-matrix preconditioner are very sensitive to the same regularization parameter. The results are verified numerically in two experiments using a manufactured solution with low regularity and a simulation of glacier flow. The numerical results further show that the computed eigenvalue bounds for the viscosity-scaled preconditioner are nearly independent of the regularization parameter. Experiments are performed using both Taylor-Hood and MINI elements, which are the common choices for inf-sup stable elements in ice-sheet models. Both elements conform well to the theoretical eigenvalue bounds, with MINI elements being more sensitive to the quality of the meshes used in glacier simulations.
Challenges and opportunities related to online studies in higher education
Authors: Wiitavaara Birgitta , Widar Linda
Published: February 2025

Technological and societal developments have increasingly led to higher education programs and courses being offered online as distance education. This can mean an opportunity to study regardless of time and place and thereby combining work, family life, and studies. However, online distance studies also introduce problems at the societal, organisational and individual levels. Due to the rapid transformation of the higher education system towards a larger share of digitalized courses and programs, one can expect that the related problems will also increase. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate experiences and thoughts about challenges and opportunities related to online studies among second-semester master’s students. Data was collected via interviews and analysed using a phenomenographic approach. The analysis revealed increased demands on the student, remote communication and social interaction, and varying conditions for studying from home. The demands on self-leadership, social skills, and digital competence had increased compared to previous campus-based studies at a lower level. These findings pinpoint the importance of taking into consideration student awareness and support regarding self-regulation of study planning, time allocation, and execution of assignments. It also includes teacher awareness of creating a sense of community and avoiding a mere task orientation despite the online context.
The Revised Reward Theory of Desire
Authors: Pober Jeremy
Published: February 2025

I propose and articulate a novel theory of desire, called the Revised Reward Theory. As the name suggests, the theory is based—and expands—on Arpaly and Schroeder’s (2014) Reward Theory of Desire. The initial Reward Theory identifies desires with states of the reward learning system such that for an organism to desire some P is for its reward system to treat P as a reward upon receipt. The Revised Reward Theory identifies desires with a different state of the same system, such that for an organism to desire some P is for its reward system to expect or predict that P will be rewarding (roughly) prior to receipt. The difference amounts to equating desires with what we ultimately find rewarding or satisfying versus those that underlie our motivations to obtain that which we take ourselves to desire.

I argue that the structure of the reward system is incompatible with the original Reward Theory but compatible with the Revised Reward Theory. I demonstrate that this difference has important philosophical implications. I focus on moral responsibility and demonstrate Arpaly and Schroeder’s argument, that addiction can mitigate moral responsibility, turns on this precise difference.

Arpaly, Schroeder, and I all ascribe to a meta-theory called ‘natural kindism’ which identifies mental kinds with neurocognitive kinds. This discussion, in addition to defending a theory of desire, is intended to act as a proof of concept for natural kindism as offering a powerful framework for relating empirical results to philosophical issues.
Ecological Forecasting for Night Monkeys in the Aotus lemurinus Complex: Climate-driven Threats to Habitat Suitability
Authors: Arango-Lozano Julián , Toro-Cardona Felipe Andrés , Montilla Juan Sebastián O. , Ramírez-Chaves Héctor E.
Published: February 2025

Climate change poses threats to global biodiversity, particularly in groups such as American primates, which are restricted to forested ecosystems. Assessing species-specific and habitat vulnerabilities is crucial to understand how climate change impacts this group. We investigated the impact of climate change and habitat vulnerability for the three species of night monkeys in the Aotus lemurinus complex (A. grisemembra, A. lemurinus, and A. zonalis), a group of American primates which is highly vulnerable to environmental disturbance. Using ecological niche modeling, we projected how different climate scenarios could alter the distribution of the three species, and calculated a vulnerability transformation index for quantifying susceptibility of natural habitats to conversion into anthropogenic land covers. Our findings reveal that the currently most favourable habitats for all species will reduce, with A. griseimembra experiencing the greatest declines, particularly in lowland areas. A. lemurinus shows relatively smaller habitat losses overall, with the greatest reduction in Ecuador. A. zonalis is the least-affected species, but still faces some level of risk. The results emphasize the need for detailed ecological assessments in biogeographically important regions, particularly areas projected to maintain habitat stability under future climate scenarios. Targeted research should focus on identifying species-specific responses to habitat changes in order to refine conservation strategies for night monkeys. These findings provide actionable insights for prioritizing highland forest restoration, implementing mitigation measures for habitat loss driven by human activities and climate change, and enhancing monitoring in underexplored regions.
The relevance of female overweight in infertility treatment: a position statement of the Italian Society of Fertility and Sterility and Reproductive Medicine (SIFES-MR)
Authors: Carosso Andrea Roberto , Conforti Alessandro , Cimadomo Danilo , Spadoni Valentina , Zacà Carlotta , Massarotti Claudia , Vaiarelli Alberto , Venturella Roberta , Vitagliano Amerigo , Busnelli Andrea , Cozzolino Mauro , Borini Andrea ,   on behalf of the Italian Society of Fertility, Sterility, Reproductive Medicine (SIFES-MR)
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Obesity is increasingly at the center of modern international healthcare systems. This is a position statement of the Italian Society of Fertility and Sterility and Reproductive Medicine (SIFES-MR) aimed at evaluating the impact of female overweight on infertility in order to improve fertility outcomes, including Assisted Reproductive technology (ART) treatments.

Methods

The SIFES-MR writing group for this position statement was composed by Italian reproductive physicians, embryologists, and scientists with expertise in fertility evaluation, assisted reproduction technologies, and laboratory quality management. The positions stated are based on consensus by the authors, who met over a six-month period. The consensus emerged after thorough review of pertinent literature and standards concerning the impact of female overweight, complemented by extensive dialogue and discussion among the authors. Additionally, input from society members was considered, leading to revisions and eventual approval by the SIFES-MR governing council.

Results

An increasing number of women affected by overweight and infertility accessing to ART treatments are expected in the future. A comprehensive counseling since the first access to infertility care is mandatory and should promote weight restoration, with the aim to improve the likelihood of spontaneous unassisted conception. Careful preconceptional evaluation of obese women is strongly encouraged for counseling purpose and comorbidities should be corrected by a multidisciplinary approach before spontaneous or medically assisted conception. Indeed, female obesity is responsible for high-risk pregnancies, with potential consequences in infants and during childhood. When in vitro fertilization is indicated, the risk of venous thromboembolism exacerbated by controlled ovarian stimulation should be assessed.

Conclusions

Before IVF, different therapeutic approaches and expectant management to reduce overweight could be offered, and the age-related algorithm herein proposed by SIFES may represent an interesting tool for a better personalization of infertility care in these women. The treatment of infertility cannot ignore the correct management of female overweight, given the serious consequences that this condition can have on the outcomes of pregnancies and future generations. IVF specialists should tailor access and modalities of IVF treatment to this class of high-risk women.
Regionality and Temporal Dynamics of Sequestration and Relocation of Cardenolides in the Monarch Butterfly, Danaus plexippus
Authors: Betz Anja , Höglinger Birgit , Walker Frank , Petschenka Georg
Published: February 2025

The adaptation of monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) to milkweed plants and their ability to sequester toxic cardenolides is a model system for plant-herbivore coevolution. However, the physiological mechanisms underlying cardenolide sequestration and its temporal dynamics remain largely unknown. Here, we show that the polar cardenolide ouabain passes through the isolated midgut epithelium of D. plexippus in vitro and is also absorbed into the body cavity of monarch caterpillars. Remarkably, the same pattern was observed in caterpillars of the related, but non-sequestering milkweed butterfly Euploea core, and even in the non-adapted Solanaceae specialist Manduca sexta, although uptake across gut epithelia occurred at a lower rate. Furthermore, we demonstrated that cardenolides begin to cross the epithelium in the anterior part of the intestine and can be detected in body tissues as soon as one minute after ingestion. Finally, we show that not all cardenolides are translocated into butterfly tissues during metamorphosis, and that the most apolar cardenolides are removed with the last caterpillar exuviae. As a result, adult butterflies contain no cardenolides less polar than the milkweed cardenolide calactin. We conclude that uptake by the intestinal epithelium is a very rapid process and that quantitative differences in cardenolide sequestration among lepidopteran caterpillars are only partially mediated by the gut epithelium, likely involving additional mechanisms such as metabolism or excretion. In addition, the translocation of cardenolides from the caterpillar is a selective process which may be due to the limited mobility of highly apolar cardenolides.
The New Identity of Alginate Composite with Bentonite as a Sustainable Catalytic Natural-Based Material: Methylene Blue Decolorization in Continuous Flow-Packed-Bed Reactor
Authors: Coşkuner Filiz Bilge , Akar Yağmur , Kantürk Figen Aysel
Published: February 2025

Abstrac

The new identity of alginate composites with bentonite as sustainable catalytic natural-based material for methylene blue (MB) decolorization in a continuous flow-packed-bed reactor was investigated. The small-scale materials were produced by drop-wise coupled freeze drying with natural organic raw ingredients, namely bentonite and alginate. The decolonization experiments were conducted by manipulating the bed depth, flow rate, and temperature systematically. The evaluation revealed that a substantial 66 mm diameter and a flow rate of 0.7 mL/min were required to attain a high removal effectiveness (99%) of continuous MB-colored dyes at a temperature of 45 °C. Alginate-based composites were very appropriate because of their facile manufacture, cost-effectiveness, biocompatibility, renewability, easy separability, absence of secondary pollutants, and ecological benignity. Estimation of the cost and environmental impact of raw material supply and processing were evaluated by using embodied energy and embodied CO2 criteria. The implementation of scale adjustments and material supply was anticipated to result in a reduction of overall expenses. Regarding the environmental impact of the material, the embodied energy values for our alginate-clay production process confirmed that freeze-drying had the highest proportion, similar to cost analysis. In summary, products based on alginate showed potential for effective decolorization in the dye industry. Further research was required to thoroughly assess the technical and commercial viability of these materials, including their unique material properties and appropriate manufacturing methods.
Regulation by Trace Amine-Associated Receptor 1 (TAAR1) of Dopaminergic-GABAergic Interaction in the Striatum: Effects of the Enhancer Drug (-)BPAP
Authors: Harsing Laszlo G. , Szénási Gábor , Fehér Balázs , Miklya Ildikó
Published: February 2025

Although it is well documented that the striatal GABAergic projection neurons receive excitatory and inhibitory dopaminergic innervation via D1 and D2 receptors, the trace amine-associated receptor 1 (TAAR1)-mediated regulation of this neural connection is much less studied. The presence of TAAR1 was originally detected in brain aminergic neurons, with recent evidence indicating its presence in striatal GABAergic neurons as well. The objective of the present study was to demonstrate the role of TAAR1 and signaling in dopaminergic-GABAergic interaction in the neural circuitry of the striatum. Besides trace amines, which are considered natural ligands for TAAR1, series of different exogenous drugs were identified to act on this receptor. Using the dopaminergic activity enhancer compound (-)BPAP ((-)-1-(benzofuran-2-yl)-2-propylaminopentane HCl), a potential agonist for TAAR1, we have found that it increased the electrical stimulation-induced [3H]dopamine release in rat striatal slices. This effect of (-)BPAP occurred parallel with increases of [3H]GABA release in striatum when used in 10–13–10–11 mol/L concentrations. The effects of (-)BPAP on the release of both neurotransmitters were bell-shaped. We speculated that the rising phase of the concentration-effect curves was evoked by an agonist effect of (-)BPAP on TAAR1 whereas the declining phase was a result of heterodimerization of TAAR1 with pre- and postsynaptic dopamine D2 receptors. The bell-shaped curves suggest that the (-)BPAP-induced heterodimerization of TAAR1 with dopamine D2 receptors may switch off TAAR1 signaling and switch on transduction coupled to D2 receptors. We also suggest that (-)BPAP increases synaptic strength in a hypothetical quadrilateral neuronal organization consisting of dopaminergic nerve ending, GABAergic neurons, trace amine-producing D cells, and supportive glial cell processes.
Health-related quality of life in parents of long-term childhood cancer survivors: a report from the Swiss Childhood Cancer Survivor Study - Parents
Authors: Kälin Sonja , Baenziger Julia , Mader Luzius , Harju Erika , Gumy-Pause Fabienne , Niggli Felix , Sommer Grit , Michel Gisela , Roser Katharina
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Having a child with cancer can profoundly impact parents’ health-related quality of life (HRQOL). However, there is a lack of knowledge about the long-term effects of childhood cancer on parents’ well-being. The current study aimed to (1) describe the HRQOL of parents of long-term childhood cancer survivors (CCS) and compare it with that of parents from the general population in Switzerland, and (2) investigate sociodemographic and cancer-related determinants of lower HRQOL in parents of CCS.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, a total of 751 parents of CCS (mean time since diagnosis = 23.7 years, SD = 6.7 years) and 454 parents from the general population reported their HRQOL by completing the Short Form-36 (SF-36v2). Sociodemographic and cancer-related characteristics were also collected.

Results

Multilevel regression analyses showed that parents of CCS and parents from the general population had similar physical and mental HRQOL. When comparing mothers and fathers separately, there were no differences between the samples, except for higher HRQOL in the domain of physical functioning in mothers of CCS. Cancer-related characteristics were not associated with HRQOL in parents of CCS. Several sociodemographic characteristics such as being female, being from the French or Italian-speaking part of Switzerland, having a lower education, having a chronic condition, and having a migration background were associated with lower HRQOL.

Conclusion

Parents of CCS are doing well a long time after their child’s cancer diagnosis. Nevertheless, tailored support should be provided for at-risk demographic groups.
What is needed to act as a professional change agent for sustainability? A scoping review
Authors: Singer-Brodowski Mandy , Henkel Gianna-Maria , Reith Alexandra , Frank Pascal , Rieckmann Marco
Published: February 2025

Professionals across diverse work environments play a crucial role in facilitating and accelerating essential transformations towards sustainability. Recognising the urgent need to avert severe, irreversible harm to vital Earth systems, professional actors have been increasingly identified as a key target group for sustainability-related training programmes. While Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) scholarship has significantly contributed to identifying key competences of higher education programmes, there is a noticeable gap in research dedicated to competences needed from a professional perspective. This gap makes it challenging to design training programmes to foster such competences. To address this research gap, the authors of this article conducted a scoping review on SCOPUS, Web of Science and ERIC to identify professional sustainability competences outlined in the literature. Furthermore, they examined training activities designed to cultivate these competences and corresponding evaluation practices. By evaluating the abstracts of 475 identified articles, a sample of 37 papers was generated, which were then coded based on a qualitative content analysis. The results show that, consistent with higher education learning outcomes, systems thinking competence, interpersonal competence and strategic competence are particularly relevant. Anticipatory competence, however, assumes a secondary role, while intrapersonal competence and implementation competence – contrary to the higher education context – are considered as not emerging but pivotal. In addition, leadership competence emerges as particularly relevant in the professional field. Finally, this review indicates that intentional competence development in professional training is often not thoroughly evaluated.
Intersectional perspectives on the university belonging of international STEM students
Authors: Preuß Judith Sarah , Zimmermann Julia , Jonkmann Kathrin
Published: February 2025

Previous studies suggested that associations between sociodemographic characteristics and university belonging varied between subject groups. In particular, female (first-generation) students in STEM subjects were assumed to experience a “chilly climate” that was reflected in their lower levels of university belonging. But less is known about the demographic and psychological prerequisites of the university belonging of international students. In this cross-sectional study we investigated how gender, parental academic background, students’ cultural background (i.e., region of origin) and their cultural resources (i.e., study-related language skills and acculturation orientations) as well as their intersectional interplay related to the university belonging of international STEM students in Germany and compared the results to a sample of international non-STEM students. Stepwise multi-group regression analyses with cross-sectional data of N = 1,590 degree-seeking international bachelor students (n
STEM = 882, n
non-STEM = 708) at the end of their first semester in Germany did not reveal substantial differences in the level and predictors of university belonging between STEM and non-STEM international students. In both subject groups, there was no main effect of gender but some significant interactions between gender and cultural background (i.e., region of origin). First-generation students showed lower levels of university belonging than continuous-generation students. Higher levels of study-related language skills and host-culture orientation were consistently related to higher levels of university belonging but none of these variables interacted with gender. The results corroborate the need for further (intersectional) research to adequately capture the heterogeneity amongst international STEM students. Theoretical and practical implications for the implementation of tailored belonging interventions are discussed.
Antiblack Reliance on Last Resort Sanctions: A Theoretical Perspective on School Discipline
Authors: Reeves Jillian
Published: February 2025

This article presents a new approach to understanding higher rates of punitive discipline utilized against Black students and in Black schools by combining the theoretical construct of antiblackness with Robert Emerson’s last resort sanctions to create the framework of Antiblackness in Last Resort Sanctions. This article is the first to apply last resort sanctions to the school setting and the first to incorporate antiblackness into the concept of last resorts. This new theoretical perspective is advanced to interpret the consistent findings of disproportionate discipline of Black students across school types; additionally, this perspective can be used to guide future research on racially disparate discipline. As a framework, Antiblackness in Last Resort Sanctions identifies the ways in which the disciplinary decision-making process of educators within schools as organizations is influenced by the antiblackness that is embedded within the U.S. school system. By including analysis of both antiblackness and discipline as an organizational process, this theoretical framework contributes to existing literature on disciplinary disparities by further exploring discipline as its own setting of antiblackness rather than simply a tool of antiblackness within the education system. In doing so, this article and framework discuss how the disciplinary decision-making process reflects the manifestation of antiblackness in both the structure and purpose of disciplinary interventions. This article concludes with an exploration of how Antiblackness in Last Resort Sanctions can be utilized to inform continuing research on the use of school discipline against Black students.
Biotechnological uses of purified and characterized alkaline cellulase from extremophilic Bacillus pumilus VLC7 from Lake Van
Authors: Yilmaz Aysun Ayse , Gurkok Sumeyra
Published: February 2025

The present study focuses on the isolation and characterization of a bacterium from Lake Van adapted to an alkaline pH environment with significant cellulase production potential. The identified isolate, Bacillus pumilus VLC7 (GenBank Acc No: OR415888.1), exhibited the highest cellulase activity among other alkaliphilic isolates. The purification employing protein precipitation by ammonium sulfate, ultrafiltration, and ion exchange chromatography resulted in 20-fold purification with a specific activity of 16 U/mg protein. Cellulase had a molecular weight of 76 kDa, 3.13 mM Km and 0.160 U/mg Vmax values. The enzyme displayed maximum activity at pH 9.0 and 40 °C and retained at least 80% of its activity at temperatures of 25–60 °C for 90 min and pH 4–12 for one hour. Stability tests also revealed the enzyme’s resilience to various reagents, metal ions, organic solvents, and detergents. Furthermore, the biotechnological applications of cellulase were explored, demonstrating its effectiveness in fabric biopolishing (removing pilling), as well as in the removal of fabric dyes. The research findings underscore the potential of B. pumilus VLC7 as a valuable source for eco-friendly industrial biotechnology applications.

Graphical Abstract
Genomic insights into habitat adaptation of Lactobacillus species
Authors: Mejía-Caballero Alejandra , López-Sánchez Rafael , Ramos-Cerrillo Blanca , Garciarrubio Alejandro , Segovia Lorenzo
Published: February 2025

Lactobacillus is one of the most important genera within the lactic acid bacteria group, due to its importance in the food industry and the health field. This diversity can be explained either by their radiation in different environments or by the domestication process in artificial habitats, such as fermented foods. In this study, we performed a comparative genomic analysis of 1020 Lactobacillus genomes, categorizing them into five broad habitats: insects, vertebrates (including humans and animals), vegetables, free-living environments, and dairy products. Utilizing phylogenetic relationships, genomic distances, and gene presence/absence profiles, we identified distinct clustering patterns associated with specific environmental adaptations. Notably, species within the Lactobacillus delbrueckii clade exhibited GC content variations fivefold greater than those observed in other bacterial genera, indicating significant genomic divergence. Insect-associated species showed a strong correlation between genes for carbohydrate utilization and those for amino acid biosynthesis across all habitats. However, individual gene analyses revealed no consistent correlation between habitat adaptation and phylogenetic proximity, suggesting that Lactobacillus employs strain-specific adaptive mechanisms rather than universal genetic markers. Notably, around 50% of the genes associated with specific habitats are hypothetical. Our findings highlight the genomic complexity of Lactobacillus, driven by diverse adaptive strategies, and underscore the need for more comprehensive sampling to fully elucidate the evolutionary dynamics within this important genus.
Is it the time to reshape entrepreneurship education? State-of-the-art and further perspectives
Authors: Passarelli Mariacarmela , Bongiorno Giuseppe
Published: February 2025

In recent years, entrepreneurship education has attracted increasing interest among scholars, but current literature reviews often focus on specific micro or macro factors, neglecting an integrated perspective. This paper provides a comprehensive systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis of Entrepreneurship Education (EE), aiming to consolidate existing knowledge while identifying emerging trends. To address this gap, using advanced bibliometric tools, we were able to uncover key themes such as the role of human, cultural, and social capital, educational models, and the evolving function of universities in fostering entrepreneurship. Findings suggest a shift towards multidisciplinary approaches, integrating fields like psychology, ethics, and neuroscience, to enrich EE frameworks. By highlighting both established and emerging topics, this review offers actionable insights for reshaping EE to better equip future leaders with the competencies and resilience needed in an entrepreneurial society.
Phase Equilibria and Trace Element Deportments in Fe–O–Al2O3–SiO2 Slags and Molten Copper Matte at 1473 K (1200 °C), Fixed p(O2) and p(SO2), and Silica/Magnetite Saturation
Authors: Tian Miao , Klemettinen Lassi , Chen Min , Taskinen Pekka , Tiljander Mia , O’Brien Hugh , Lindberg Daniel
Published: February 2025

Understanding the role of major components of electric waste during smelting of these materials to recover valuable trace metals is poorly constrained by experimental data. In this study, phase equilibria and trace element deportments were studied at 1473 K (1200 °C) in conditions of combined sulfide concentrate and electric and electronic equipment waste processing in batchwise submerged lance smelting. In this system, liquid slag domain is limited by silica and magnetite saturation boundaries or primary phase fields at all alumina concentrations from alumina-free slags to silica-spinel double saturation. The impact of alumina concentration in slag at fixed oxygen and sulfur dioxide partial pressures on the distributions of Ag, Cu, In, Pb, and Sn was studied. Elemental concentrations in slag, matte, and solid magnetite (a Fe–Al spinel solid solution) were measured using electron probe microanalysis and laser ablation-ICP-mass spectrometry techniques. The observed impact of alumina on the distribution coefficient of silver, copper, and indium favored the matte phase at silica and magnetite saturation but lead and tin behaved differently within different primary phase fields as a function of alumina concentration.
Phenotyping Viral Reservoirs to Reveal HIV-1 Hiding Places
Authors: Chen Wenxuan , Berkhout Ben , Pasternak Alexander O.
Published: February 2025

Purpose of Review

Despite suppressive antiretroviral therapy (ART), HIV-1 reservoirs persist in various cell types and tissues and reignite active replication if therapy is stopped. Persistence of the viral reservoirs in people with HIV-1 (PWH) is the main obstacle to achieving a cure. Identification and characterization of cellular and tissue HIV-1 reservoirs is thus central to the cure research. Here, we discuss emerging insights into the phenotype of HIV-1 reservoir cells.

Recent Findings

HIV-1 persists in multiple tissues, anatomic locations, and cell types. Although contributions of different CD4 + T-cell subsets to the HIV-1 reservoir are not equal, all subsets harbor a part of the viral reservoir. A number of putative cellular markers of the HIV-1 reservoir have been proposed, such as immune checkpoint molecules, integrins, and pro-survival factors. CD32a expression was shown to be associated with a very prominent enrichment in HIV-1 DNA, although this finding has been challenged. Recent technological advances allow unbiased single-cell phenotypic analyses of cells harbouring total or intact HIV-1 proviruses.

A number of phenotypic markers have been reported by several independent studies to be enriched on HIV-1 reservoir cells. Expression of some of these markers could be mechanistically linked to the reservoir persistence, as they could for instance shield the reservoir cells from the immune recognition or promote their survival. However, so far no single phenotypic marker, or combination of markers, can effectively distinguish HIV-infected from uninfected cells or identify all reservoir cells.
Part-scale numerical simulation for laser-powder directed energy deposition: experimental calibration
Authors: de Peindray d’Ambelle L. , Sánchez Pérez M. A. , Moussaoui K. , Lachaud F. , Mabru C. , Chieragatti R.
Published: February 2025

To increase the environmental sustainability of products, the repair and refurbishment of damaged or obsolete components can be carried out using additive manufacturing (AM) processes. The Laser-powder directed energy deposition (LP-DED) process is an interesting candidate due to its many potential applications, particularly for the repair of metal parts. For a more thorough knowledge and understanding of the process, numerical approaches are necessary to avoid extensive and costly experimental campaigns. In this work, an original 3D thermal FEM model is proposed to predict the temperature during the LP-DED process at the macroscopic scale. The numerical simulation was based on the layer-by-layer method using an equivalent volumetric heat source and then using the superlayer method. The predicted temperature is compared with experimental temperature measurements during the deposition of stainless steel (316L) single-bead walls and multi-layer squares. The experimental results showed the influence of process parameters and deposition strategy on the temperature, which reached a maximum around 220 °C. The numerical simulation showed an overestimation of the temperature of about 120 to 200 °C compared to the experiments for all the tests carried out. A correction factor was applied to the numerical heat source which allowed to reduce the discrepancies to 50 °C. Finally, the superlayer approach led to a reduction of computational time at the expense of accuracy. Current limitations highlighted the importance of the definition of the equivalent heat source definition and boundary conditions. The chosen approach (layer-by-layer vs. superlayer) depends on the applications and the studied geometry.
Contactless in vitro detection of carboxyhemoglobin using hyperspectral imaging (HSI)
Authors: Czarkowski P. , Babian C. , Lüdtke St , Baumann S. , Dreßler J.
Published: February 2025

Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) allows for the contactless analysis of the composition of substances based on the reflected light and is already used in various areas of medicine. The carboxyhemoglobin (CO-Hb) concentration in blood of suspected fire victims serves to prove vitality and the cause of death. However, this metric is usually determined by spectrophotometry in the laboratory. The present study provides the basis for the future development of methods for determining CO-Hb concentrations right at the scene of a corpse or at necropsy using mobile HSI. Human erythrocyte concentrate was mixed with gaseous carbon monoxide using an aerator to produce a series of samples, which were analyzed for their CO-Hb concentration (2.9; 9.7; 18; 27.9; 39.9; 51.9; 62.3; 73.4% CO-Hb) using established spectrophotometric blood gas analysis. These blood samples were stored in a cool place at 4 °C, dripped onto a spot plate every 7 days over a period of 6 weeks, and photographed under standardized conditions (ambient lighting, distance and angle of the camera to the sample, camera settings) using the HSI camera SPECIM IQ. This device analyzes each image in the wavelength range from 400 to 1000 nm in 204 spectral bands. The data sets were used to train a lasso regression model, which provides predicted values for the CO-Hb concentration of the blood sample based on their hyperspectral properties. The results were then compared with the results of spectrophotometric measurements. The lasso regression model allowed the prediction of the CO-Hb concentration of the samples with a mean prediction error of 4.46 percentage points, independent of the sample age. Further investigations regarding pre-analytical influencing factors such as variable ambient light and tissue scattering effects, are planned to validate the robustness of the method and realize practical implementations.
When Rentier Patronage Breaks Down: The Politics of Citizen Outsiders on Gulf Oil States’ Labour Markets
Authors: Hertog Steffen
Published: February 2025

In oil-rich Gulf monarchies, fiscal constraints and demographic growth are leading to the exclusion of young citizens from the established social contract as government jobs—the dominant channel of patronage in the region—are becoming unavailable to them. We show that such outsider citizens constitute a new, politically consequential social class that is exposed to a much less attractive private labour market where they compete with low-cost migrant workers. The dualization of labour markets for citizens provides a new lens for understanding regional political unrest since the late 2000s and new group interests emerging around labour and migration policy, in which labour organizations representing outsiders have started to display solidarity with migrant workers. The new insider–outsider cleavages require a revision of rentier state theory’s claims about (the absence of) class formation and the role of inequality in rentier politics. They help us expand and refine Eurocentric theories of labour market dualism.
Immuno-Graphene Field-Effect Transistor-Based Cortisol Bioelectronics Using a Novel Cortisol Antibody
Authors: Kim Kyung Ho , Kim Jong-Tae , Seo Sung Eun , Lee Hee Gu , Kwon Oh Seok
Published: February 2025

Cortisol plays an important role as a stress biomarker in human biological fluids, affecting the blood pressure, glucose levels, carbohydrate metabolism, and immune response mechanisms. Increased cortisol levels cause various diseases, including obesity, diabetes, hypertension, chronic fatigue, menstrual irregularity, and increased appetite. Moreover, mental healthcare can be controlled by controlling cortisol levels. Herein, an immuno-graphene field-effect transistor (IGFET) bioelectronic for cortisol detection was developed using a side-gate FET system based on the conjugation of a novel cortisol scFv-Fc antibody (Ab), produced from M13 bacteriophage display method, via oligo(phenylene-ethynylene)amine (OPE) interfacial chemical. The improved performance was obtained from the increased binding affinities between Ab and cortisol and the enhanced carrier mobility via formation of covalent bonds between OPE and graphene, and the IGFET bioelectronics showed excellent sensing performance with a limit of detection of 500 fM, a sensing monitoring range from 500 fM to 100 nM, a rapid detection time of 20 s, and a high-selective detection that enabled the detection of 103 times lower cortisol concentrations than those of interference substances. In addition, the cortisol detection and monitoring were evaluated using artificial sweat, achieving similar performance to that of standard detection monitoring. Based on the results, this IGFET bioelectronics can be utilized to the stress-related assistance indicator and for the rapid observation of changes in cortisol levels.
Abuse-deterrent wearable device with potential for extended delivery of opioid drugs
Authors: Kim Myoung Ju , Park Jae Min , Lee Jun Su , Lee Ji Yang , Lee Juhui , Min Chang Hee , Kim Min Ji , Han Jae Hoon , Kwon Eun Jung , Choy Young Bin
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Unethical attempts to misuse and overdose opioids have led to strict prescription limits, necessitating frequent hospital visits and prescriptions for long-term severe pain management. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a prototype wearable device that facilitates the extended delivery of opioid drugs while incorporating abuse-deterrent functionality, referred to as the abuse deterrent device (ADD).

Methods

The ADD was designed and fabricated using 3D-printed components, including reservoirs for the drug and contaminant, as well as an actuator. In vitro tests were conducted using a skin-mimicking layer and phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) to evaluate the drug release profile and the effectiveness of the ADD abuse-deterrent mechanism.

Results

Under simulated skin attachment, ADD demonstrated sustained drug release with the potential to persist for up to 200 days. Upon detachment from the skin mimic, the mechanical components of the ADD facilitated immediate exposure of the contaminant to the drug and effectively halted further drug exposure throughout-diffusion.

Conclusion

Wearable ADD provides a secure and practical solution for the long-term treatment of high-risk medications such as opioids, enhances patient convenience, and addresses important public health concerns.
Optimal control strategies for taming TikTok addiction: a mathematical model and analysis
Authors: Khan Fareeha Sami , Khalid M. , Ali Ali Hasan , Ghanim F.
Published: February 2025

Optimal control theory is an extension of the calculus of variations. It is a mathematical optimization method for deriving control strategies for a dynamic system. In this paper, the system of differential equations for which we aim to utilize control theory is TikTok, which is one of the most attractive internet platforms. TikTok has garnered immense popularity, surpassing other social media platforms. However, its addictive nature has raised concerns about mental health, including depression, eating disorders, anxiety, self-obsession, and narcissistic personality disorder among its users. This paper introduces a mathematical model for TikTok, considering the usage of this app as an epidemic. The model is rigorously validated through stability analysis of both local and global equilibrium. Moreover, disease-free and non-trivial equilibrium scenarios are discussed by calculating their reproduction numbers. This study aims to raise awareness of TikTok’s potential misuse and explore control theory solutions to mitigate addiction. Additionally, statistical data is used to visualize the numerical results and analyze the impact of control parameters on the TikTok model.
Addressing fabrication challenges in perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells with advanced simulation techniques
Authors: Kumar Raman , Kanjariya Prakash , Abu-Jrai A. , Patil Nagaraj , Ab Yajid Mohd Shukri , Kaur Jatinder , Singh Rahul , Kumar P. Vijaya , Shah Sanjeev Kumar , Khairandish Mohammad Iqbal
Published: February 2025

In the pursuit of higher conversion efficiency, the PV industry has turned its focus towards perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells, which currently represent the peak of innovation. To surpass the efficiency limits of traditional single-junction cells, researchers are exploring the potential of these tandem solar cells by integrating the merits of perovskite and silicon. However, integrating these cells brings different challenges, such as deposition methods and material misalignments. Thus, in this work, we are using advanced simulation techniques, including Silvaco ATLAS’s Victory Process and Device Simulator to imitate the actual manufacturing processes. Primarily this research work focuses on three scenarios: shunting, planarization and conformal deposition to emulate the experimental conditions. The obtained results show the potential and effectiveness of process simulations in accurately predicting and improving the PV performance of the tandem solar cell. Two different perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells are designed using process simulations which showed a conversion efficiency of 27.51% and 29.08% respectively. This work highlights the importance of using simulation tools for the further development of tandem solar cell technology. Detailed process and device simulations reported in this work may pave the way in the fabrication of optimised perovskite/silicon tandem solar cell.
Geotechnical Characterization and Stability Prediction of Nano-Silica-Stabilized Slopes: A Machine Learning Approach to Mitigating Geological Hazards
Authors: Thapa Ishwor , Ghani Sufyan , Kumari Sunita , Choudhary A. K. , Sivenas Tryfon , Asteris Panagiotis G.
Published: February 2025

This study presents a novel approach to predicting the factor of safety (FOS) for infinite slopes stabilized with nano-silica (NS), leveraging machine learning (ML) models to address limitations of traditional geotechnical assessments. A unique dataset, consisting of 1053 samples, was compiled to capture critical parameters, including NS content and curing time, thereby enhancing model accuracy across diverse conditions. Six ML models were evaluated, with the gradient boosting (GB) model emerging as the most robust, achieving an R
2 value of 0.99, mean absolute error of 0.03 and root mean squared error of 0.04. A reliability analysis quantified a failure probability of 29.66% and a reliability index of 1.64 for NS-treated soils, underscoring the model’s applicability in real-world geotechnical design. Additionally, a parabolic regression equation was derived, offering practitioners a reliable tool for FOS estimation. To facilitate practical implementation, an intuitive graphical user interface (GUI) was developed, allowing for accurate FOS predictions based on user-defined inputs. This study provides a comprehensive, data-driven model for NS-stabilized slopes, advancing the field with a user-friendly predictive tool that supports sustainable engineering practices in challenging geotechnical environments.
SCRIPting a Path to Scholarship: How Student Journals Reduce Barriers to Publication
Authors: Vyas Niraj , Lobo Sonia
Published: February 2025

Early initiation of research activities among medical students is associated with later academic success and improved scientific productivity; however, barriers to publication in mainstream journals may deter students from disseminating their scholarly work. We sought to determine the impact of Scholarly Research in Progress (SCRIP), a student journal, on students’ level of experience, knowledge, or practice related to writing and publication, writing apprehension, and scholarly productivity. Students from Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine were surveyed via Qualtrics to assess their experience and motivation to publish, determine publication rates, and better understand barriers to publishing practices. Data was reported using means and standard deviations for ranked questions. One hundred sixteen participants responded, and 77 completed surveys were included in the analysis. Participants who had previously published in SCRIP indicated they were more confident in writing manuscripts (p = 0.003), submitting articles (p = 0.002), navigating the publication process (p = 0.008), and navigating the peer-review process (p = 0.033) compared to those who had not previously published in SCRIP.
SCRIP-published participants were also more likely to place a high value on publishing research in their careers (p = 0.028). There was no significant difference in the average number of total PubMed-indexed publications between SCRIP-published participants and non-SCRIP-published participants (p = 0.779). Overall, SCRIP positively impacted students’ attitude towards future publication and was associated with improved writing confidence. Reviewer feedback was well-received by students and helped to improve their research to a publishable level while supporting development of their scientific writing skills and confidence.