bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Teachers’ working conditions, wellbeing and retention: an exploratory analysis to identify the key factors associated with teachers’ intention to leave
Authors: Arnold Ben , Rahimi Mark
Published: February 2025

This article investigates the key factors associated with Australian teachers' intentions to leave their roles by examining their working conditions, experiences of work and mental health through the concept of the psychosocial work environment. Utilising a dataset of 744 primary and secondary teachers in mainstream Australian government schools, we applied confirmatory factor analysis to validate the measurement model of teachers’ working conditions and health and wellbeing. This was followed by stepwise regression on a total of 36 variables related to teachers’ working conditions and health and wellbeing to select 14 key explanatory variables for our linear regression model. We employed mixed-effects and linear regression analyses to examine the association between 14 key variables and teachers’ intentions to leave. Our analysis indicated that several factors were negatively associated with teachers’ intentions to leave their roles, including commitment to the school, job satisfaction and meaning of work. In contrast, a greater number of factors were positively associated with intentions to leave, including emotional demands, conflict between work and family life, exposure to work-related violence, workload, stress and depressive symptoms. Furthermore, the analysis identified career stage as a significant factor associated with intention to leave, with mid-career teachers and late-mid-career/advanced-career teachers in the sample being more likely to express intentions to leave than their early career counterparts. By drawing on the concept of the psychosocial work environment and considering working conditions, experiences of work and mental health, this study identifies key factors that are worthy of further research attention, provides a broad, exploratory conceptual approach to understand how these variables are interconnected and underscores the necessity of holistic integrated approaches to promoting teacher retention.
Optimization of high surface area activated carbon production from miswak (Salvadora Persica) with ZnCl2 using Taguchi method and its application in methylene blue removal
Authors: Aral Serdar , Kaya Gamze Güven , Beşe Ayşe Vildan
Published: February 2025

In the first part of this two-stage study, the optimum conditions for one-step AC production from miswak with zinc chloride were examined using the Taguchi optimization method. Impregnation time (1–3 h), impregnation ratio (1:1–3:1), activation temperature (350–650 °C), and activation time (1–2 h) were selected as experimental parameters, and each parameter was examined at three levels. The AC produced under optimum conditions (impregnation time: 3 h, impregnation ratio: 3/1, activation temperature: 650 °C, and activation time 1 h) has a high surface area of 1702 m2/g. The characterization of AC produced under optimum conditions has been elucidated by advanced analytical methods such as SEM, FTIR, BET, and pHpzc. In the second part, the methylene blue removal performance of OAC was investigated with a series of batch adsorption experiments. The effects of pH (2–10), initial dye concentration (500–1500 mg/L), adsorbent dosage (0.5–3.5 g/L), and temperature (25–55 °C) on the methylene blue removal efficiency were examined. The adsorption data were applied to isotherm (Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin) and kinetics models (pseudo-first order, pseudo-second-order, Elovich, and intra-particle diffusion). The isotherm and kinetics models that best represented the adsorption of methylene blue by OAC were the Langmuir isotherm and the pseudo-second-order kinetic model, respectively.
Dynamic response and wear analysis of a swing nose crossing in heavy haul railways
Authors: Zhang Enhui , Pun Chung Lun , Hiew Alvin , Yan Wenyi
Published: February 2025

Swing nose crossings (SNXs) have been widely used in heavy haul railways to create a smoother load transfer and hence reduced impact load. However, the current design of SNXs hasn’t been fully examined under heavy haul operating conditions. Additionally, maintenance guidelines for SNX wear-related issues in Australian heavy haul railways are relatively lacking. As such, this study aims to investigate the dynamic response of the wheel–rail contact and analyse the wear performance of an SNX currently used in Australian heavy haul railways. Dynamic implicit–explicit finite element analysis was conducted to simulate the wheel–rail contact along the SNX. The distribution of the wear intensity over the SNX was identified by using a local contact-based wear model. The influence of various scenarios on wear was also explored. The results verify the improved dynamic performance of the SNX, as the increased contact force after load transfer remains below 1.2 times the static load. The findings also indicate that the decrease in relative height and increase in nose rail inclination result in greater wear on the nose rail. Notably, the SNX considered in the current study exhibits better wear performance when used with moderately worn wheels.
Remarks on potential mean field games
Authors: Graber P. Jameson
Published: February 2025

In this expository article, we give an overview of the concept of potential mean field games of first order. We give a new proof that minimizers of the potential are equilibria by using a Lagrangian formulation. We also provide criteria to determine whether or not a game has a potential. Finally, we discuss in some depth the selection problem in mean field games, which consists in choosing one out of multiple Nash equilibria.
Towards a digital twin of extrusion-based additive manufacturing: an experimentally validated numerical model of ironing process
Authors: Pricci Alessio , Percoco Gianluca
Published: February 2025

A numerical framework was developed to optimize ironing post-processing parameters to reduce porosity and manufacturing time while enhancing shape accuracy and ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 3D printed polylactic acid (PLA) parts. The material extrusion (MEX) additive manufacturing of a top layer consisting of three adjacent strands was simulated using multiphase non-Newtonian computational fluid dynamics (CFD) under different values of extrusion temperature, layer height, and strand overlap. Simulations revealed that a 50% strand overlap prevented porosity, while a 25% overlap led to significant porosity, particularly at lower extrusion temperatures and higher layer heights. In this regard, ironing was identified as an effective post-processing technique. Therefore, numerical and experimental investigations have been done with respect to 25% strand overlap: ironing line spacing (LS) significantly influences porosity, while ironing speed (IS) affects manufacturing time. Higher ironing LS and IS yielded the best results at low layer heights, while a balanced approach optimized ironing at higher layer heights, resulting in a reduction up to 31.97% in overall manufacturing time if compared with traditional approach (i.e., lower values of ironing LS and IS). UTS improved by up to 21.49%, underscoring ironing impact on the final properties of PLA parts. The accuracy of the proposed CFD model is expected to lay the foundation for a reliable digital twin of MEX, improving part quality and reducing manufacturing costs and waste.
Interventionelle und nichtinterventionelle Behandlungen der Ureterolithiasis
Authors: Terziyska Yana , Roth Beat , Thalmann George N. , Johner Kevin F. , Sommer Karl Georg
Published: February 2025

Harnleitersteine führen häufig zu Notfallbesuchen aufgrund von Nierenkoliken. Für die Behandlung dieser Steine stehen verschiedene Verfahren zur Verfügung, wie z. B. die medikamentöse Steinaustreibungstherapie (MET) die extrakorporale Stosswellenlithotripsie (ESWL) und die Ureteroskopie. Die orale Chemolyse ist eine Behandlungsoption, die speziell für Harnsäuresteine geeignet ist. Es zeigte sich, dass die Entfernung von Harnleiterstents die spontane Passage von Harnleitersteinen erleichtert.

Angesichts der Vielfalt der verfügbaren Behandlungsmethoden für Harnleitersteine sollte die Behandlung für jeden Patienten individuell gestaltet werden. Dabei müssen Faktoren wie Grösse und Lage des Steins, das Vorhandensein von Begleitinfektionen sowie die Präferenzen des Patienten gegenüber den verschiedenen Verfahren unbedingt berücksichtigt werden. Ein individueller Ansatz trägt dazu bei, den Behandlungserfolg zu maximieren und gleichzeitig die Risiken und Unannehmlichkeiten für den Patienten zu minimieren.
Valorization of Sheep Wool: Impact of Keratin Hydrolysate on the Growth and Mineral Nutrition of Lettuce, Spinach, and Radish Plants
Authors: Sahin Ozge , Yagcioglu Kiymet Deniz , Kadioglu Yusuf Kagan , Ozturk Hasan Sabri , Gunes Aydin
Published: February 2025

Sheep wool (SW) serves as a slow-release organic fertilizer, and its effectiveness can be enhanced through alkaline hydrolysis to break down keratin. The resulting keratin hydrolysate can support plant growth and improve mineral nutrition. Keratin hydrolysate obtained from sheep wool via the alkaline hydrolysis method was applied to lettuce, spinach, and radish plants at levels of 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 3.0 mL kg− 1. Before starting the experiment, the molecular and chemical structure of sheep wool hydrolysate (SWH) was determined using Scanning Electron Microscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Raman Spectroscopy. At the end of the study, the effects of SWH on plant growth and mineral nutrition were determined. Based on the experimental results, several amino acids, including alanine, glycine, tryptophan, valine, and methionine, were identified in the composition of the hydrolysate. Treatments with SWH significantly enhanced the growth of lettuce, spinach, and radish plants. Furthermore, these treatments led to a notable increase in the total nitrogen (N) concentration in the plants. Specifically, the calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and iron (Fe) concentrations significantly increased in both lettuce and spinach. Additionally, SWH treatments elevated the zinc (Zn) concentration in radish tubers and the manganese concentration in lettuce plants. The copper (Cu) concentration in the plants also rose significantly following SWH treatments. The use of keratin hydrolysate derived from SW through the alkaline hydrolysis method demonstrates its potential to promote plant growth, emphasizing its significance in waste recovery and its transformation into a valuable resource.
Symbolic ltl$$_f$$ Synthesis: A Unified Approach for Synthesizing Winning, Dominant, and Best-Effort Strategies
Authors: De Giacomo Giuseppe , Parretti Gianmarco , Zhu Shufang
Published: February 2025

Synthesis typically focuses on finding strategies that win against all possible responses of the environment. When a winning strategy does not exist, the agent can either give up or do its best to achieve the goal. In this paper, we develop symbolic techniques to handle the latter case in the context of ltl

$$_f$$

f

. Specifically, we consider winning, dominant, and best-effort strategies, which achieve the goal against all, the maximum subset, and a maximal subset of environment responses, respectively. While a unified game-theoretic technique that simultaneously solves the three synthesis problems exists, we present several symbolic refinements of such technique. Depending on key choices, such refinements behave in a radically different way. We provide an effective implementation of our symbolic techniques and show, by empirical evaluation, how they compare in practice. In particular, we show that one of them brings only a minor overhead compared to existing standard synthesis techniques for winning strategies.
Corporate criminal liability under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023
Authors: Horder Jeremy
Published: February 2025

The passage into law of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA 2023) marks the first time that Parliament has made significant changes to the common law principles of corporate criminal liability. First, for fault-based crimes, the ECCTA 2023 extends the common law practice of identifying a company with the criminal acts of its directors. By virtue of section 196 of the Act, a company may now also be identified with fault-based criminal acts engaged in by its ‘senior managers’ below directorial level. Secondly, the ECCTA 2023 creates a new corporate offence of failing to prevent fraud, although this may be committed only by so-called ‘large organisations’. I argue that the first of these reforms was not properly thought through, and that it should in any event have been made largely redundant by giving wider scope to the second of these reforms. An opportunity was missed in the ECCTA 2023 to make a failure-to-prevent serious crime a more generally applicable principle of corporate criminal liability.
Why Anxious People Lean to the Left on Economic Policy: Personality, Social Exclusion, and Redistribution
Authors: Panish Adam R. , Delton Andrew W.
Published: February 2025

Liberals experience more distress than conservatives. Why? We offer a novel explanation, the social support hypothesis. Maintaining social support and avoiding exclusion are basic human motivations, but people differ in their sensitivity to the threat of social exclusion. Among people high in the personality trait neuroticism, exclusion easily triggers feelings of vulnerability and neediness. The social support hypothesis translates this to politics. Concerned with their own vulnerability, we find that neurotic people prefer policies of care – social welfare and redistribution – but not other left-wing policies. Specifically, it is anxiety – the facet of neuroticism tapping sensitivity to social threats – that drives this link. And it is only for people experiencing exclusion that anxiety predicts support for social welfare. Our results come from two experiments and four representative surveys across two continents. They help to resolve the puzzle of liberal distress while providing a new template for research on personality and politics.
Effectiveness of the predatory mite Neoseiulus cucumeris on two-spotted spider mite and western flower thrips: A quantitative assessment
Authors: Dalir Sajjad , Hajiqanbar Hamidreza , Fathipour Yaghoub , Khanamani Mostafa
Published: February 2025

The present study describes the feeding effects of Neoseiulus cucumeris Athias-Henriot (Acari: Phytoseiidae) on western flower thrips (WFT), Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) and two-spotted spider mite (TSSM), Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae). In addition, daily and total predation capacity, preference, and prey switching potential of this predator were studied on both pest species. WFT had a boosting effect on the biological parameters of N. cucumeris, primarily resulting in shorter developmental time, higher fecundity, and higher population growth potential than TSSM. Although immatures and males of N. cucumeris consumed significantly more TSSM than WFT, there was no significant difference in net predation rate, stable and finite predation rates of the predator between two prey species. We found an average of 10.58 and 7.93 TSSM and WFT are required to produce a single predator egg, respectively. WFT is preferred over TSSM by the predator. Negative switching behaviour was seen in N. cucumeris as it switched from the abundant prey to the rare prey. Both prey species were suitable for N. cucumeris, being able to develop successfully on them. The predator performed optimally on WFT compared with TSSM owing to its enhanced biological parameters as well as its preference, indicating that thrips are a more relevant resource than spider mites.
Structural brain changes in the anterior cingulate cortex of major depressive disorder individuals with suicidal ideation: Evidence from the REST-meta-MDD project
Authors: Yi Zhiqiang , Xia Luyao , Yi Junfei , Jia Yanfei , Wei Luhua , Shen Shengli , Wu Nan , Wang Dongmei , Zhou Huixia , Li Xingxing , Yan Chao-Gan , Zhang Xiang-Yang
Published: February 2025

Background

Suicidal ideation (SI) is very common in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). However, its neural mechanisms remain unclear. The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) region may be associated with SI in MDD patients. This study aimed to elucidate the neural mechanisms of SI in MDD patients by analyzing changes in gray matter volume (GMV) in brain structures in the ACC region, which has not been adequately studied to date.

Methods

According to the REST-meta-MDD project, this study subjects consisted of 235 healthy controls and 246 MDD patients, including 123 MDD patients with and 123 without SI, and their structural magnetic resonance imaging data were analyzed. The 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) was used to assess depressive symptoms. Correlation analysis and logistic regression analysis were used to determine whether there was a correlation between GMV of ACC and SI in MDD patients.

Results

MDD patients with SI had higher HAMD scores and greater GMV in bilateral ACC compared to MDD patients without SI (all p < 0.001). GMV of bilateral ACC was positively correlated with SI in MDD patients and entered the regression equation in the subsequent logistic regression analysis.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that GMV of ACC may be associated with SI in patients with MDD and is a sensitive biomarker of SI.
The impact of patient choice on uptake, adherence, and outcomes across depression, anxiety, and eating disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Johnson Catherine , Radunz Marcela , Linardon Jake , Fuller-Tyszkiewicz Matthew , Williamson Paul , Wade Tracey D.
Published: February 2025

Growing evidence highlights the critical role of patient choice of treatment, with significant benefits for outcomes found in some studies. While four meta-analyses have previously examined the association between treatment choice and outcomes in mental health, robust conclusions have been limited by the inclusion of studies with biased preference trial designs. The current systematic review included 30 studies across three common and frequently comorbid mental health disorders (depression N = 23; anxiety, N = 5; eating disorders, N = 2) including 7055 participants (Mage 42.5 years, SD 11.7; 69.5% female). Treatment choice most often occurred between psychotherapy and antidepressant medication (43.3%), followed by choice between two different forms of psychotherapy, or elements within psychotherapy (36.7%). There were insufficient studies with stringent designs to conduct meta-analyses for anxiety or eating disorders as outcomes, or for treatment uptake. Treatment choice significantly improved outcomes for depression (d = 0.17, n = 18) and decreased therapy dropout, both in a combined sample targeting depression (n = 12), anxiety (n = 4) and eating disorders (n = 1; OR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.17, 1.83), and in a smaller sample of the depression studies alone (OR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.05, 2.59). All studies evaluated the impact of adults making treatment choices with none examining the effect of choice in adolescents. Clear directions in future research are indicated, in terms of designing studies that can adequately test the treatment choice and outcome association in anxiety and eating disorder treatment, and in youth.
Dimensional multi-objective optimization design for 2RPU-RPS parallel mechanism
Authors: Peng Siyang , Du Li , Che Linxian , Jin Zujin
Published: February 2025

A modeling method of multi-objective optimization design for parallel mechanisms (PMs) is proposed, whose implementation is illustrated with 2RPU-RPS mechanism as an example. The orientation of biased output axis on moving platform is depicted by spherical attitude angles, and its kinematic model is deduced through vector method. With screw theory as mathematic tool, a comprehensive evaluation method of kinematic performance for PM is established. On this basis, the expensive constrained multi-objective optimization model of dimensional parameters for the discussed mechanism is constructed. The NSDE-II algorithm, formed by replacing the genetic algorithm operators in non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA-II) with DE operators, is utilized to solve this multi-objective optimization problem, thus obtaining multiple Pareto optimal solutions with engineering application significance, which proves the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed modeling method and algorithm. Moreover, the normalization coverage space and the minimum adjacent vector angle are proposed to evaluate the computational performance of NSDE-II. Finally, the potential engineering application value for the optimized 2RPU-RPS PM is presented.
Modelling of geomechanical processes of interaction of the ice cover with subglacial Lake Vostok in Antarctica
Authors: Litvinenko Vladimir , Trushko Vladimir
Published: February 2025

As a result of analysis of the ice cover, geological structure and tectonics of the underlying rocks in the Lake Vostok area of Antarctica, a layered sub-horizontal structure of the ice cover and a distribution of the parameters of the ice composition were established. The physical and mechanical properties of the underlying rocks were determined experimentally. Complex tectonics revealed an increase in geothermal flow in the Vostok Basin region, which plays a role in the evolution of the Earth's crust and in shaping the morphology of its physical properties. A three-dimensional geomechanical model of the unified system ‘glacier-Lake Vostok-bedrock ’ was constructed and investigated. Regularities in the changes to the stress-strain state were revealed. Zones of development of plastic deformation in the ice cover along the perimeter of Lake Vostok and their distribution over the lake were established, which were confirmed by results from field observations. Modelling of geomechanical processes shows that the change in the mechanical state of the Earth's crust, taking into account the creep deformation of the ice sheet, relates more to nonlinear dynamic systems, which are characterized by unstable changes and should be considered as fractal systems.
Collaborative archaeology: Contextualizing the sculptural complex of La Victoria-Matacanela, Los Tuxtlas, Veracruz
Authors: Budar Lourdes , Becerra Álvarez Marimar
Published: February 2025

In 2017, the authors supervised the recovery of a pre-Hispanic stone sculpture near the community of La Victoria, in the Sierra de los Tuxtlas, southern Veracruz, Mexico. The fortuitous discovery of this monument afforded a rare research opportunity to conduct a controlled, systematic archaeological investigation of a known, but poorly documented, Early Classic–period (a.d. 300–450) sculptural tradition. Moreover, this archaeological salvage project facilitated a crucial dialogue with local stakeholders regarding the recovery and final disposition of the monument. This collaborative effort enabled researchers to wed governmental oversight and academic interests with the concerns of local stakeholders, thereby furthering the investigation, conservation, and public appreciation of Classic-period archaeology along Mexico's southern Gulf Lowlands.
Tetralogy of Fallot with absent pulmonary valve and 22q11.2 deletion syndrome
Authors: Krasnanova Veronika , Olejnik Peter , Kovacikova Lubica
Published: February 2025

We report an uncommon case of tetralogy of Fallot with absent pulmonary valve and extreme right pulmonary artery dilatation in patient with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome.
Need For Fairness In Climate Change Negotiations: A Third World Perspective
Authors: MOHANTY Rahul
Published: February 2025

This article discusses the history and the prospects of the climate change negotiations and seeks to show that they are structurally and systematically disadvantageous to the countries and the peoples of the Third World/Global South. The article uses the TWAIL approach to discuss the North-South divide and the differing approaches to climate justice. The article then discusses the history of climate change negotiations, in particular, climate finance and loss and damage, and shows that modes of these negotiations have been disadvantageous to the Third World and are unlikely to fulfil their aspirations. The article highlights the need for incorporating certain principles of fairness, not just in substantive law, but also in how negotiations are conducted. It concludes with thoughts on what these principles of fairness may look like, and the role international and domestic courts can play in evolving them.
Sleeping and Thinking: An Examination of Insomnia Symptoms, Global Sleep Health, and Sleep Regularity
Authors: Nielson Spencer A. , Dautovich Natalie D. , Dzierzewski Joseph M.
Published: February 2025

Introduction:

Subjective cognition is a predictor of cognitive decline and previous work has identified age, education, and depression as predictors of subjective cognition. This study aimed to investigate whether several sleep characteristics were associated with subjective cognition above-and-beyond known predictors.

Methods:

Participants (N=3284, M
age
=42.7 years, 48.5% female) completed an online study that included the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), RU-SATED, Sleep Regularity Questionnaire (SRQ), and the 6-item PROMIS Cognitive Function. A 3-step hierarchical regression model predicted PROMIS Cognition scores, with Step 1 including age and education as predictors, Step 2 including age, education, and PHQ-4 scores, and Step 3 including all previous variables and sleep variables.

Results:

In Step 1 (R2=.03), age and education were significant predictors, while in Step 2 (R2=.36), PHQ-4 and education were significant, and age was no longer significant. In Step 3 (R2=.48), PHQ-4, ISI, RU-SATED, and SRQ scores were significant, while age and education were not significant. All steps accounted for a significant increase in variance (p’s<.001).

Conclusions:

Sleep characteristics were associated with subjective cognition above-and-beyond known predictors of age, education, and mood. Further research is needed to investigate whether changes in sleep characteristics are associated with changes in subjective cognition.
Prospective study of the duo-hybrid venous stent for treatment of iliac vein obstruction
Authors: Lichtenberg Michael , Stahlhoff Stefan , Mueller Simone , Stavroulakis Konstantinos
Published: February 2025

Summary: Background: This prospective, single center, exploratory study assessed primary patency, clinical performance, and adverse events associated with the DUO-HYBRID Venous Stent used to treat iliac vein obstruction. Materials and methods: Twenty-one patients with symptomatic obstructions were treated with the self-expanding stent designed with varying zones of fatigue and crush resistance to adapt to the challenging iliac vein anatomy. The primary outcome measure was 12-month primary patency, defined as ≤ 50% residual stenosis, the absence of re-thrombosis or reintervention, and the absence of major adverse events from treatment to discharge. Secondary clinical measures included the Villalta score to assess the symptoms of post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS), and the revised Venous Clinical Severity Score (rVCSS) and Clinical, Etiological, Anatomical, and Pathophysiological (CEAP) score, both used to measure the severity of venous disease. Finally, the number of device- or procedure-related adverse events were recorded. Results: Primary patency was 92.9% at 12 months: one patient exhibited restenosis greater than 50% at 12 months. CEAP scores at baseline were predominantly C3 – C5 (78.9%) while at 12 months, 78.6% of scores were C1 – C2 and 14.3% were C0. The mean rVCSS score was 5.5 ± 2.7 at baseline and 1.1 ± 1.0 at 12 months, an 80% reduction in the mean score from baseline. Pre-procedure, 14.3% of patients had a Villalta score of 0–4 while at 12 months, 100% had scores of 0–4 (i.e., no clinically meaningful signs of post-thrombotic syndrome). Two adverse events were reported as possibly related to the device but neither case required revascularization. Conclusions: Observations from this exploratory study demonstrated a primary patency rate of 92.9%, improvements in rVCSS, CEAP, and Villalta scores from baseline, and no cases of target lesion or vessel revascularization at 12 months. The DUO-HYBRID Venous Stent performed appropriately when used for its intended indication.
Multi‐Scale Intense Geoelectric and Geomagnetic Field Perturbations Observed After an Interplanetary Magnetic Field Turning
Authors: Shi Xueling , Hartinger Michael D. , Zou Ying , Rigler E. Joshua , Weygand James M. , Kelbert Anna , Lucas Greg M. , Baker Joseph B. H. , Angelopoulos Vassilis
Published: February 2025

Intense geoelectric fields during geomagnetic storms generate geomagnetically induced currents in power grids and other infrastructure, necessitating an understanding of their causes, for example, through coordinated space and ground observations. This study investigates localized intense geoelectric (E) and geomagnetic (B) field perturbations following an Interplanetary Magnetic Field (IMF) turning during a geomagnetic storm on 25 October 2011. Observations from EarthScope magnetotelluric sites in the upper Midwest United States revealed shorter period (1 min) ultra‐low‐frequency (ULF) waves superimposed on longer period (10 min) perturbations in both E and B fields. These sites, located at 19 hr magnetic local time and magnetic latitude, recorded large amplitude E and B perturbations. Ground‐based all‐sky imagers showed auroral brightening with sunward and poleward propagation, while upstream spacecraft linked the perturbations to an IMF turning and solar wind dynamic pressure impulse. The longer‐period E and B field perturbations likely stem from localized ionospheric currents tied to substorm auroral activity post‐IMF turning. The combination of ionospheric currents, ULF waves, and the Earth's varying conductivity produces intense geoelectric fields of 2 V/km in the upper Midwest. A comparison using input data and software compatible with the NOAA/USGS geoelectric field nowcast model revealed its limitations in capturing such events due to the temporal and spatial resolution of the underlying data. Using 1‐s geomagnetic field data can improve geoelectric field models by capturing short‐period and large spatial scale waves, although localized magnetic perturbations remain underestimated due to insufficient ground magnetometer density.
Thermochronology of the Western Alps (Pelvoux Massif) Reveals the Longterm Multiphase Tectonic History of the European Paleomargin
Authors: Boschetti L. , Mouthereau F. , Schwartz S. , Rolland Y. , Bernet M. , Balvay M. , Cogné N. , Lahfid A.
Published: February 2025

The Variscan and Alpine long‐term thermal evolution of the European paleomargin in the external Western Alps is still unknown, although important for reconstructing the geodynamic evolution of this orogen. Here we combine zircon fission track and apatite fission track and U‐Pb double dating analyses of the Pelvoux massif in the Western Alps. Apatite U‐Pb ages of <310 Ma and >320 Ma define a bimodal age distribution that reflects differential cooling across the East Variscan Shear Zone. QTQt thermal history modeling reveals a two‐stage rifting evolution on the European paleomargin, initiated with the Alpine Tethys rifting episode during the Early Jurassic and reactivated during the Cretaceous Valais rifting event, leading to peak temperatures of ∼350°C at 90 Ma. The subsequent cooling records a pre‐Priabonian phase of exhumation between 80 and 50 Ma that is related to N‐S oriented Pyrenean shortening. It is followed by Alpine collision‐related burial of the Pelvoux massif from below the foreland basin and the Penninic Frontal Thrust at around 30–25 Ma.
Megadroughts Have Grown in Size and Scope
Authors: Owen Rebecca
Published: February 2025

A new study maps and ranks the largest, longest-lasting, and most severe multiyear droughts from 1980 to 2018.
Regulation of NK cell development, maturation, and antitumor responses by the nuclear receptor NR2F6
Authors: Woelk Johannes , Hornsteiner Florian , Aschauer-Wallner Stephanie , Stoitzner Patrizia , Baier Gottfried , Hermann-Kleiter Natascha
Published: February 2025

Natural killer (NK) cell development and functionality rely on precise regulation by specific transcription factors (TFs). Our study demonstrates that the nuclear orphan receptor NR2F6 represses the expression of the activating receptor NKp46, an established key player in NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity during infection and tumor rejection. Despite normal NK cell development in the bone marrow, germline Nr2f6-deficient mice exhibit impaired terminal maturation of NK cells in the periphery. Short-term NK cell responses to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) activation, independent of NKp46, are subsequently reduced in Nr2f6-deficient mice. Conventional type 1 dendritic cells (cDC1) and macrophage populations are decreased in spleens of Nr2f6-deficient mice, subsequently, IL-15-dependent NK cell priming is limited. Administration of exogenous IL-15 in vitro and as IL-15 complex in vivo can compensate for these deficits, promoting terminal maturation of NK cells in Nr2f6-deficient mice. Subsequent transcriptome analysis reveals significant changes in gene expression profiles of NK cells from IL-15 complex treated Nr2f6-deficient mice, with notable alterations in essential NK genes such as Klrg1, Prdm1, Stat5a, Zeb2, and Prf1. Consequently, Nr2f6-deficient IL-15 complex-treated NK cells raise enhanced effector responses of IFNγ, Perforin, and Granzyme B upon ex vivo activation. Of importance, Nr2f6-deficient mice are protected against MHC-I negative B16-F10 melanoma lung metastasis formation, especially with IL-15 complex treatment, indicating the potential of NR2F6 to affect NKp46-dependent NK cell-mediated tumor surveillance. The therapeutic targeting of NR2F6 may be a promising strategy for boosting NKp46-dependent NK-cell-mediated tumor surveillance and metastasis.
Targeting MDM2 affects spastin protein levels and functions: implications for HSP treatment
Authors: Sardina Francesca , Polverino Federica , Valentini Sonia , Carsetti Claudia , Falvo Elisabetta , Tisci Giada , Soddu Silvia , Moretti Fabiola , Paiardini Alessandro , Rinaldo Cinzia
Published: February 2025

Spastin is a microtubule (MT) severing enzyme that regulates several cell functions associated with MT dynamics. A reduction in spastin protein levels is responsible for approximately 40% of cases of Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia (HSP), a neurodegenerative disease. Currently, there is no cure for HSP but strategies to induce a recovery of spastin levels are emerging as potential therapeutic approaches. Here, we show that MDM2 interacts with spastin MT-interacting and trafficking (MIT) domain. By biochemical and functional experiments, we demonstrate that MDM2 binds spastin and regulates its levels in a post-transcriptional manner independently of the E3 ubiquitin ligase activity. Of relevance, treatment of spastin-deficient cells with the MDM2 inhibitor Nutlin-3a can restore spastin levels and functions, such as cytokinetic abscission and sorting of transferrin receptor. These findings identify MDM2 as a novel interactor of spastin and a potential druggable regulator of its protein levels.
Periodic splay Fréedericksz transitions in a ferroelectric nematic
Authors: Basnet Bijaya , Paladugu Sathyanarayana , Kurochkin Oleksandr , Buluy Oleksandr , Aryasova Natalie , Nazarenko Vassili G. , Shiyanovskii Sergij V. , Lavrentovich Oleg D.
Published: February 2025

Electric field-induced splay of molecular orientation, called the Fréedericksz transition, is a fundamental electro-optic phenomenon in nonpolar nematic liquid crystals. In a ferroelectric nematic NF with a spontaneous electric polarization

$${{\bf{P}}}$$

P

, the splay is suppressed since it produces bound electric charges. Here, we demonstrate that an alternating current (ac) electric field causes three patterns of NF polarization. At low voltages,

$${{\bf{P}}}$$

P

oscillates around the field-free orientation with no stationary deformations. As the voltage increases, the polarization acquires stationary distortions, first splay and twist in a stripe pattern and then splay and bend in a square lattice of +1 and -1 defects. In all patterns,

$${{\bf{P}}}$$

P

oscillates around the stationary orientations. The stationary bound charge is reduced by a geometrical “splay cancellation” mechanism that does not require free ions: the charge created by splay in one plane is reduced by splay of an opposite sign in the orthogonal plane.
Reach&Grasp: a multimodal dataset of the whole upper-limb during simple and complex movements
Authors: Di Domenico Dario , Forsiuk Inna , Müller-Cleve Simon , Tanzarella Simone , Garro Florencia , Marinelli Andrea , Canepa Michele , Laffranchi Matteo , Chiappalone Michela , Bartolozzi Chiara , De Michieli Lorenzo , Boccardo Nicolò , Semprini Marianna
Published: February 2025

Upper-limb movement characterization is crucial for many applications, from research on motor control, to the extraction of relevant features for driving active prostheses. While this is usually performed using electrophysiological and/or kinematic measurements only, the collection of tactile data during grasping movements could enrich the overall information about interaction with external environment. We provide a dataset collected from 10 healthy volunteers performing 16 tasks, including simple movements (i.e., hand opening/closing, wrist pronation/supination and flexion/extension, tridigital grasping, thumb abduction, cylindrical and spherical grasping) and more complex ones (i.e., reaching and grasping). The novelty consists in the inclusion of several types of recordings, namely electromyographic -both with bipolar and high-density configuration, kinematic-both with motion capture system and a sensorized glove, and tactile. The data is organized following the Brain Imaging Data Structure standard format and have been validated to ensure its reliability. It can be used to investigate upper-limb movements in physiological conditions, and to test sensor fusion approaches and control algorithms for prosthetics and robotic applications.
Biomass derived carbon/platinum nanoparticles as electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution
Authors: Ali Shimaa M.
Published: February 2025

Green hydrogen is gaining a significant attention in the transition to sustainable energy and achieving net-zero emissions. Platinum-based catalysts are highly regarded in hydrogen production, particularly due to their efficiency in water electrolysis. Platinum nanoparticles (Pt NPs) is successively prepared by the microwave-assistant citrate method on a biomass-based support, and characterized by X-rays diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The chelation and gelation resulted by using citric acid during the synthesis lead to the formation of highly stabilized and dispersed Pt NPs on the carbon support. The electrocatalytic activity of Pt NPs for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is examined by cathodic linear polarization and impedance spectroscopy. A high catalytic performance is shown by the prepared sample, as indicated by the calculated exchange current density 5.3 mA/cm2, and activation energy, 38.13 kJ/mol. The HER follows Volmer/Tafel mechanism with a reaction order of unity. Impedance spectra confirms the high electrocatalytic activity by the decrease of the total impedance, pore resistance, and charge-transfer resistance, with increasing the applied overpotential. The proposed synthesis method offers a green, economic, and efficient route for preparing precious metals used for catalytic applications.
A bivariate multifractal analysis approach to understanding socio-spatial segregation dynamics
Authors: Lengyel Janka , Roux Stéphane G. , Bonin Olivier , Jaffard Stéphane , Abry Patrice
Published: February 2025

Although the study of multifractal properties is now an established approach for the statistical analysis of urban data, the joint multifractal analysis of several spatial signals remains largely unexplored. The latter is crucial for understanding complex multiscale relationships in cities, such as socio-spatial segregation processes, where the evolution of behavior across geographical scales traditionally plays a central role. In this context, the proposed approach, which uses wavelet leaders for multifractal analysis of irregular point processes, estimates self-similarity and intermittency exponents as well as self-similar and multifractal cross-correlation by combining classical multifractal and geographic analysis methods. Results show that a local bivariate multifractal analysis can not only be related to classical two-group segregation indices but also extends them to provide a robust analytical framework that (1) is less susceptible to the modifiable areal unit problem and normalization methods and that (2) can reveal more pronounced evolution across spatial scales. In addition, multifractal analysis (3) can also delineate more “perturbed” areas in which the dominance of one group is occasionally interrupted by local concentrations of the other group, referred to here as intermittent segregation.
Impact of Ag2O on physical and electrical properties of Li2O-MgO-Bi2O3-SiO2 glass system as promising solid state electrolytes
Authors: Abo-Mosallam Hany A. , Ibrahim Samia E.
Published: February 2025

The intrinsic aim of this work is to understand the influence of composition change on the physical-electrical parameters of glasses with the composition (20-Y) Li2O-YAg2O–20MgO–10Bi2O3-50SiO2 (Y = 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 mol%). The results of the physical parameters indicate a growth in the strength of the glass structure with the increase replacement of Li2O by Ag2O. However, the decrease in loss factor ε″, and AC conductivity σ

ac
of glasses may be attributed to the decrease in the space charge polarization (scp). AC conductivities exhibit simple power law variation. The s values essentially lie in the range of 0.67–0.92, which is typical of conductors in Jonscher regime. Dielectric properties (constant ε′, loss ε″ and ac conductivity σac, over a range of frequency 100–100 kHz and temperature RT (Room Temperature)–200 °C and frequency exponent s) of these glasses have been studied The results indicate a great potential of the prepared glasses as promising materials that can be used for solid state electrolytes.
Contrary trends of grout consumption and water absorption at Sardasht
Authors: Nazari Mohammad Hassan , Aalianvari Ali , Tani Mohamed El
Published: February 2025

A new interpretation of contrary trends of water absorption rate and cement mix consumption in rock grouting is presented. The classical interpretation is either a higher consumption due to fracturing or a higher absorption due to thin fractures that cannot be grouted. Higher grout consumption will depend on the distribution of fractures, their openings and extensions. This is proven by a time simulation of grouting data recorded at Sardasht dam. The simulation is made considering analytic tools and a spreadsheet with computation capabilities. The first step is to prove that the rock has been permeated and the second step is to differentiate the causes of consumption. The minimal flow criterion is integrated to the investigation and is necessary to define a frame for the comparison. Over consumption happens when ignoring the relation between the target and closure.
A flexible way to study composites in ecology using structural equation modeling
Authors: Yu Xi , Schuberth Florian , Henseler Jörg
Published: February 2025

Composites, which refer to weighted linear combinations of variables, are receiving increasing attention in the field of ecology. In practice, however, researchers relying on the common approaches to study composites encounter limitations in flexibly specifying composites with structural equation modeling (SEM). To enrich the researchers’ statistical toolbox and to flexibly model composites in structural equation models, we introduce the Henseler–Ogasawara (H–O) specification to the field of ecology. As we show in this paper, this approach can not only mimic the common approaches such as the one-step and two-step approaches, but also offers improvements. Compared to the two-step approach, the H–O specification explicitly models composites, i.e., it takes into account the formation of the composites and it allows modeling composites with free weights and with fixed weights, i.e., unknown-weight and fixed weight composites. Consequently, this specification allows for a more in-depth model assessment. Compared to the one-step approach, the H–O specification offers more modeling flexibility. For example, it allows researchers to specify the effects of other variables on a composite. Consequently, conceptual models can be more adequately represented by the statistical model using this specification. To demonstrate these advantages, we provide an ecological illustrative example including the R code to reproduce our results. Specifically, we present different H–O specifications and compare them statistically. Our analysis also shows that the specified model, closest to the conceptual model of the illustrative example does not adequately describe the data. Instead, a model that does not assume that all covariances between the components of the composites are accounted for by the composites fits the data well.
Mitigating effects of Jiawei Chaihu Shugan decoction on necroptosis and inflammation of hippocampal neurons in epileptic mice
Authors: Wang Qin , Qin Baijun , Yu Han , Zeng Jiawei , Fan Jingjing , Wu Qiong , Zeng Rong , Yu Haichun , Zhang Xian , Li Mingfen , Zhou Yanying , Diao Limei
Published: February 2025

Jiawei Chaihu Shugan decoction (JWCHSGD) is a traditional Chinese medicine well-known for its beneficial effects in treating epilepsy (Xianzheng in ancient Chinese), but the molecular mechanism of its action remains unclear. To investigate the molecular mechanism of JWCHSGD’s prevention of epilepsy-mediated neuron from necroptosis and inflammation via the circRNA-Csnk1g3/Csnk1g3-85aa/ CK1γ3/TNF-α signal pathway. In vitro, murine neuronal HT22 cells were treated in six groups: control, model, carbamazepine, and three JWCHSGD doses (high, medium, low). Viability and apoptosis were assessed via CCK-8 and flow cytometry. In vivo, 60 C57BL/6J mice were divided into six groups: control, model, carbamazepine, JWCHSGD, JWCHSGD + Sh Circ_Csnk1g3, and JWCHSGD + Sh NC. An epilepsy model was induced, and treatments were administered for two weeks. Outcomes included EEG, hippocampal histopathology, apoptosis (TUNEL), and mRNA/protein expression of key pathway markers. In HT22 cells, the model group showed reduced viability, increased apoptosis, and elevated mRNA/protein levels of Csnk1g3-85aa, RIP1, RIP3, MLKL, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β (P < 0.05). JWCHSGD and carbamazepine increased viability and decreased apoptosis, reversing these molecular changes (P < 0.05). In mice, the model group had heightened epileptic discharges, neuronal damage, and apoptosis, along with increased expression of the same markers (P < 0.05). JWCHSGD and carbamazepine mitigated these effects (P < 0.05). JWCHSGD reduces epileptic events by regulating the circRNA-Csnk1g3/Csnk1g3-85aa/CK1γ3/TNF-α signaling pathway, impacting necroptosis and inflammation in hippocampal neurons and HT22 cells.
Site-Specific Molecular Glues for the 14-3-3/Tau pS214 Protein-Protein Interaction via Reversible Covalent Imine Tethering
Authors: Oberheide Ansgar , van den Oetelaar Maxime , Scheele Jakob , Borggräfe Jan , Engelen Semmy , Sattler Michael , Ottmann Christian , Cossar Peter , Brunsveld Luc
Published: February 2025

Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) are key regulators of various cellular processes. Modulating PPIs with small molecules has gained increasing attention in drug discovery, particularly targeting the 14-3-3 protein family, which interacts...