bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intensive professional vehicle-based shooting provides local control of invasive rusa deer in a peri-urban landscape
Authors: Comte Sebastien , Bengsen Andrew J. , Cunningham Calum X. , Dawson Michelle , Pople Anthony R. , Forsyth David M.
Published: June 2024

Non-native deer are becoming increasingly common in peri-urban landscapes, where they pose a risk to the health and wellbeing of people. Professional vehicle-based shooting is commonly used to control deer populations in these complex landscapes, but the effectiveness and cost of this method have seldom been evaluated. We analyzed the effectiveness and cost of using professional vehicle-based shooting to reduce the abundance and impacts of non-native rusa deer (Cervus timorensis) in a peri-urban landscape in Wollongong, eastern Australia, during 2011–2021. We incorporated the results from an independent monitoring program into a Bayesian joint-likelihood framework to model spatio-temporal changes in rusa deer abundance. Finally, we used our findings to assess the effect of the management program on the number of complaints from the residents. After eleven years and the removal of 4701 rusa deer from Wollongong LGA (712 km2), deer abundance did not change in 74.7% of the area, decreased in 19.4% of the area (mostly in and around the sites where the professional shooting occurred), and increased in 5.9% of the area. Shooting was most cost-effective during winter when the longer hours of darkness meant that shooters could visit more sites. In contrast to deer abundance, the probability of residents complaining about deer increased in space and time. Our study shows that professional vehicle-based shooting can locally reduce the abundance of invasive deer in a peri-urban landscape, providing that sufficient control effort is expended. We suggest that shooting effort is currently too thinly spread across this peri-urban landscape, and that concentrating shooting effort on the areas of greatest deer abundance and resident complaints might be a more cost-effective strategy for managing invasive deer in peri-urban landscapes.
Antarctica is less isolated with increasing depth - evidence from pycnogonids
Authors: Maxwell Jamie , Griffiths Huw , Allcock A. Louise
Published: June 2024

No other group of animals typifies the uniqueness of Antarctic life more than Pycnogonida (sea spiders), with 20% of all known species found in the Southern Ocean, and 64% of these endemic to the Antarctic. Despite nearly 200 years of research into pycnogonids and other benthic phyla in Antarctica, the parameters which drive the distribution and diversity of benthic fauna are still poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the diversity and connectivity of pycnogonid communities on either side of the Antarctic Polar Front, with an emphasis on the role of water depth, using an occurrence dataset containing 254 pycnogonid species from 2187 sampling locations. At depths shallower than 1000 m, communities to the north and south of the Antarctic Polar Front were distinct, while below this depth this geographic structure disintegrated. The Polar Front, or the expanse of deep ocean it bisects, seemingly acts as a semipermeable barrier to species exchange between well-sampled shallow communities. The less sampled and less understood deep sea appears to be better connected, with high levels of shared species following the northward flow of Antarctic Bottom Water. The exceptionally high diversity and endemism of Antarctic pycnogonids may reflect an apparent competitive advantage in cold waters which leaves them vulnerable to ongoing ocean warming, with increased competition and predation pressures.
Enhancing Equity in Clinical Social Work Education: Supporting Indigenous Queer and Gender Diverse Students and Researchers
Authors: Phelan Péta , Meyers Olivia , Mcalear Shai , Evans Jen , Menzel Kelly , Bennett Bindi
Published: June 2024

For Indigenous Australian Queer and Gender Diverse (QGD) Peoples, being acknowledged, recognised, and considered in frameworks, policies, and within organisations in the broader Australian context is rare. This article will explore some of the structures, systems, and policies that impact on Indigenous QGD peoples in Higher Education (HE). We will speak on social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB) and how this knowledge may translate into clinical social work practice. We explore the ways in which HE can become conscious, motivated, and emboldened to enact clinical social workers of the future towards ultimately improving current recruitment, retention, which will contribute to individual and group change in Australia.
Intention enhanced mixed attentive model for session-based recommendation
Authors: Peng Bo , Parthasarathy Srinivasan , Ning Xia
Published: June 2024

Session-based recommendation aims to generate recommendations for the next item of users’ interest based on a given session. In this manuscript, we develop intention enhanced mixed attentive model () to generate session-based recommendations using two important factors: temporal patterns and estimates of users’ intentions. Unlike existing methods which primarily leverage complicated gated recurrent units to model the temporal patterns, models the temporal patterns using a light-weight while effective position-sensitive attention mechanism. In , we also leverage the estimate of users’ prospective preferences to signify important items, and generate better recommendations. Our experimental results demonstrate that models significantly outperform the state-of-the-art methods in six benchmark datasets, with an improvement as much as 19.2%. In addition, our run-time performance comparison demonstrates that during testing, models are much more efficient than the best baseline method, with a significant average speedup of 47.7 folds.
Municipal-level estimates (2020) of adult obesity in Mexico drawn from a hierarchical Bayesian estimator
Authors: Nájera Héctor , Ortega-Avila Ana G.
Published: June 2024

Since the beginning of the 21st Century obesity has become a major public health concern in Mexico. Survey data have been key to tracking the evolution of the national and regional prevalence of obesity over time. However, these data are insufficient for policymakers and researchers interested in obesity from a more local and spatial perspective. This paper uses two secondary data sources: the Mexican National Health and Nutrition Survey 2021 and the Mexican National Population Census 2020. This paper implements a Bayesian hierarchical approach to model survey and census data to produce municipal-level estimates for Mexico in 2020. The results indicate that obesity has inter and intra-regional variability. Obesity is more prevalent in the north and in the Yucatan peninsula and tends to be lower in the state of Chiapas. However, within these regions there is some degree of variability in obesity rates. The results provide a more detailed geographical picture of obesity across Mexico and raise the possibility of using the resulting estimates for further statistical and policy-relevant research.
The Levantine Megalithic Building Techniques: A Groundbreaking Method Applied to Menjez’s Monuments (Akkar, Lebanon) from the 4th–3rd Millennium BCE
Authors: Defours Rivoira Méryl , Cousseau Florian , Steimer-Herbet Tara
Published: June 2024

The aim of this paper is to present the methodology used to study the megalithic architecture of Menjez’s monuments (Akkar, Lebanon), as part of the MEG-A Project - “First megalith builders in the northern Levant” (2022–2025). Twenty-four monuments have been investigated since 2018. The primary objective is to pioneer a comprehensive understanding of the unique Levantine megalithic building techniques and re-establish the “chaînes opératoires,” by determining the builders’ sequence of actions. This groundbreaking methodology originally developed for Western European megalithic monuments, notably in Brittany, France, has been innovatively applied and customized to suit the Levantine context, specifically focusing on the distinctive basaltic monuments of Menjez and its surrounding areas. By using photogrammetry as a tool, the researchers are able to de-construct the megalithic architecture by analyzing the different components of these monuments. Moreover, it is then possible to describe monoliths according to their place within the monument and their geological and geomorphological features. Our work has led us to consider the symbolic aspect expressed in the megalithic architecture of Menjez. Employing this groundbreaking methodology not only yields concrete answers regarding the typology of these monuments but also dramatically reshapes our perception of their construction. It establishes a precise relative chronology for the various architectural phases and, most significantly, reveals the hidden details of the raw material supply chain.
Introducing the role of being an advocate in mathematics teacher education
Authors: Meaney Tamsin , Rangnes Toril Eskeland
Published: June 2024

Mathematics teacher education is often described in terms of the mathematical content and pedagogy that teachers need. However, recent calls for equity in mathematics education demand a broadening of this view. In this article, we articulate a theoretical description of what the role of being an advocate in language-diverse classrooms could involve and some of the practical challenges that mathematics teacher educators may have when introducing it, using empirical examples from our teacher education courses for teachers of Grades 1–7 in Norway. In the theoretical description of the role of being an advocate into mathematics teacher education, we distinguish between in-class advocacy and advocacy beyond the classroom and what these different kinds of advocacy might entail in language-diverse classrooms. The practical issues that we identified in raising different aspects of the role indicate the need for further research into how to raise preservice teachers’ awareness about the role of being an advocate, in and outside of the classroom, in different cultural settings and how this knowledge could be used in teacher education to challenge preservice teachers’ language ideologies and raise non-trivial issues.
Does an Immigrant Health Advantage Exist Among US Whites? Evidence from a Nationally-Representative Examination of Mental and Physical Well-Being
Authors: Read Jen’nan G.
Published: June 2024

This study examines whether an immigrant health advantage exists among US Whites, a group often used as a reference category in research on racial and ethnic health disparities. Using recent data from the National Health Interview Survey (2019–2022), I disaggregate non-Hispanic White adults (n = 41,752) by nativity status and use logistic regression models to assess differences in six measures of mental and physical health. The analysis includes self-reported conditions (depression, anxiety, fair/poor self-rated health) and diagnosed conditions that require interaction with the healthcare system (hypertension, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, COPD). Foreign-born Whites have a significantly lower prevalence of each health outcome relative to US-born Whites. The immigrant health advantage remains significant for depression, anxiety, fair/poor health (i.e., self-reported conditions) and diagnosed hypertension, after adjusting for sociodemographic and healthcare characteristics. In contrast, the inclusion of these explanatory factors reduces the nativity gap in diagnosed diabetes and COPD to non-significance. Overall, the results indicate important variation in health among Whites that is missed in studies that focus on US-born Whites, alone. Scholars must continue to monitor the health of White immigrants, who are projected to grow to 20% of the US immigrant population in the years to come.
The effect of fusel oil and waste biodiesel fuel blends on a CI engine performance, emissions, and combustion characteristics
Authors: Çiftçi Burak , Karagöz Mustafa , Aydin Mustafa , Çelik Mustafa Bahattin
Published: June 2024

In this study, experimental engine tests were conducted to investigate the combustion, performance, and emission characteristics of a diesel engine using a fuel blend composed of diesel, biodiesel, and fusel oil. In the study, which was carried out by using fuels obtained from different wastes together in a diesel engine. Seven different fuels were prepared for experiments by adding waste cooking oil (30% and 50%) and fusel oil (5% and 10%) by volume to commercial diesel fuel. The tests were carried out on the Lombardini LDW 1003 engine, a three-cylinder diesel engine, at four different engine loads (10, 20, 30, and 40 Nm), and a constant speed (2000 rpm). The experimental results revealed that the use of WCO generally led to increased NOx emissions which generally decreased with the fusel oil addition to the fuel mixture. Considering diesel fuel as a reference at maximum load conditions, there was a 12.63% increase in NOx emissions with 50% WCO. A 2.45% decrease in NOx emissions was achieved by adding 10% fusel oil. Furthermore, HC emissions decreased with the addition of both fusel oil and WCO at all load levels. When diesel fuel is taken as a reference at maximum load conditions, a 90% reduction in HC emissions was achieved by adding 50% WCO, and a 50% reduction in HC emissions was achieved by adding 10% fusel oil. Additionally, when diesel fuel is taken as a reference at maximum load condition, it was observed that a 0.05% increase in the maximum cylinder pressure value with the addition of 50% WCO and a 2.09% increase in the maximum cylinder pressure value with the addition of 10% fusel oil.
Land-use change alters specialist bee diet and drives body size declines
Authors: Anderson Sarah E. , Hahn Philip , Gonzalez Gabriela , Mallinger Rachel E.
Published: June 2024

Context

Land-use change can cause decreases in plant abundance and richness and the replacement of wild plants with domesticated plants. Changes in plant community composition disrupt mutualistic plant-pollinator interactions with ecological consequences for plants and pollinators, and especially for specialists that rely on certain plants.

Objectives

We assessed the effects of land-use change and subsequent shifts in plant communities on resource collection and body size for a bee pollinator, Habropoda laboriosa, a purported specialist of blueberries and related Ericaceae plants.

Methods

We collected Habropoda laboriosa across a gradient of land use in north-central Florida including agricultural, natural, and urban habitats. We assessed landcover and floral community composition at each site and related these to bee body size (intertegular distance) and resource use (proportion host plant pollen and pollen diversity collected).

Results

Host plant pollen collection and bee body size generally responded similarly to the landscape, both increasing with habitats containing host plants (blueberry farms and natural habitat) but decreasing with urban development. However, host pollen collection and bee body size responded in opposite ways to overall cropland in the landscape, with cropland negatively affecting body size despite positively affecting host pollen collection, indicating other factors associated with cropland might drive declines in bee body size.

Conclusions

Land-use change can adversely affect bee diet and body size, and changes in diet likely contribute to changes in body size over time. Specialists are particularly at risk for negative impacts of land-use change due to their inability to shift plant hosts.
The InterModel Vigorish as a Lens for Understanding (and Quantifying) the Value of Item Response Models for Dichotomously Coded Items
Authors: Domingue Benjamin W. , Kanopka Klint , Kapoor Radhika , Pohl Steffi , Chalmers R. Philip , Rahal Charles , Rhemtulla Mijke
Published: June 2024

The deployment of statistical models—such as those used in item response theory—necessitates the use of indices that are informative about the degree to which a given model is appropriate for a specific data context. We introduce the InterModel Vigorish (IMV) as an index that can be used to quantify accuracy for models of dichotomous item responses based on the improvement across two sets of predictions (i.e., predictions from two item response models or predictions from a single such model relative to prediction based on the mean). This index has a range of desirable features: It can be used for the comparison of non-nested models and its values are highly portable and generalizable. We use this fact to compare predictive performance across a variety of simulated data contexts and also demonstrate qualitative differences in behavior between the IMV and other common indices (e.g., the AIC and RMSEA). We also illustrate the utility of the IMV in empirical applications with data from 89 dichotomous item response datasets. These empirical applications help illustrate how the IMV can be used in practice and substantiate our claims regarding various aspects of model performance. These findings indicate that the IMV may be a useful indicator in psychometrics, especially as it allows for easy comparison of predictions across a variety of contexts.
Recent advances in emerging integrated anticorrosion and antifouling nanomaterial-based coating solutions
Authors: Thomas Paul , Sahoo Bichitra Nanda , Thomas Peter James , Greve Martin Møller
Published: June 2024

The rapid progress in the marine industry has resulted in notable challenges related to biofouling and surface corrosion on underwater infrastructure. Conventional coating techniques prioritise individual protective properties, such as offering either antifouling or anticorrosion protection. Current progress and innovations in nanomaterials and technologies have presented novel prospects and possibilities in the domain of integrated multifunctional coatings. These coatings can provide simultaneous protection against fouling and corrosion. This review study focuses on the potential applications of various nanomaterials, such as carbon-based nanostructures, nano-metal oxides, polymers, metal–organic frameworks, and nanoclays, in developing integrated multifunctional nano-based coatings. These emerging integrated multifunctional coating technologies recently developed and are currently in the first phases of development. The potential opportunities and challenges of incorporating nanomaterial-based composites into multifunctional coatings and their future prospects are discussed. This review aims to improve the reader’s understanding of the integrated multifunctional nano-material composite coating design and encourage valuable contributions to its development.
Stationäre Videoberatung als neues Element im Blended Counseling
Authors: Waag Philipp , Westbeld Paulina , Seelmeyer Udo , Schmitz Anne-Kathrin , Becking Dominic , Laak Matti , Weinhardt Marc
Published: June 2024

Im Projekt STellaR (Stationäre Telepräsenzberatung im ländlichen Raum) entwickelt, erprobt und evaluiert die Hochschule Bielefeld in Zusammenarbeit mit der Universität Trier sowie der beraterischen Praxis an ausgewählten Modellstandorten in ländlichen Regionen einen neuen Zugang zur Beratung. Fest installierte Videoberatungsräume in vertrauenswürdigen, öffentlich zugänglichen Einrichtungen sollen auch neue Möglichkeiten für das Blended Counseling bieten. STellaR wird im Programm Forschung an Fachhochschulen des Bundesministeriums für Bildung und Forschung seit September 2020 gefördert (BMBF-Förderkennzeichen 13FH034SX8). Der Text versteht sich als konzeptioneller Beitrag und thematisiert die Relevanz des Blended Counseling aus organisationaler Perspektive.
Reduction in Serum Concentrations of Uremic Toxins Driven by Bifidobacterium Longum Subsp. Longum BL21 is Associated with Gut Microbiota Changes in a Rat Model of Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Dong Yao , Gai Zhonghui , Han Mei , Xu Jiaqi , Zou Kang
Published: June 2024

Gut microbiota dysbiosis and consequent impairment of gut barrier function, culminating in elevated levels of uremic toxins, are prevalent in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. These toxins, notably indoxyl sulphate (IS), indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), and trimethylamine oxide (TMAO), are implicated in a spectrum of CKD-related complications, including cardiovascular disease, bone and mineral disorders, and inflammation. The specific impacts of various probiotics on these CKD manifestations remain unexplored. This study delved into the potential of dietary probiotic interventions, particularly Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum BL21, to modulate gut microbiota and mitigate metabolic disorders in a CKD rat model. Over a six-week period, we administered a dietary regimen of BL21 and conducted comprehensive analyses, including serum uremic toxin quantification and 16S rRNA gene sequencing, to systematically profile gut microbial alterations at the phylogenetic level. Our findings reveal that BL21 intervention significantly ameliorated CKD-induced disruptions in gut microbial populations, enhancing both microbial richness and the relative abundance of key taxa. Importantly, BL21 appeared to exert its beneficial effects by modulating the abundance of crucial species such as Barnesiella and Helicobacter. Functionally, the intervention markedly normalized serum levels of IS, IAA, and TMAO, while potentially attenuating p-cresol sulphate (PCS) and p-cresol glucuronide (PCG) concentrations. Consequently, BL21 demonstrated efficacy in regulating gut microbiota and curtailing the accumulation of uremic toxins. Our results advocate for the utilization of BL21 as a dietary intervention to diminish serum uremic toxins and re-establish gut microbiota equilibrium at the phylogenetic level, underscoring the promise of probiotic strategies in the management of CKD.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Ultrasonography in Revision Thyroid Surgery: Can It Predict Disease Outcomes?
Authors: Kavutarapu Sasi Krishna , Ankathi Suman Kumar , Thiagarajan Shivakumar , Deshmukh Anuja , Nair Deepa , Pai Prathamesh Srinivas , Chaukar Devendra Arvind , Pantvaidya Gouri
Published: June 2024

Revision thyroid surgery for residual/recurrent disease is known to have higher complication rates because of parathyroid injury and recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) damage. The aim of this study is to evaluate the accuracy of USG in predicting recurrent disease and disease outcomes in patients undergoing reoperation for recurrent/residual thyroid cancer. We performed a retrospective analysis of all thyroid reoperations from 2015 to 2017. Preoperative USG findings were categorized as per prespecified disease stations in the neck and compared with histopathology to calculate sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of USG. Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan–Meier curves. Two hundred fifty patients were included in the analysis. In a reoperative setting, USG had an overall sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 89%, 77%, 89%, 94%, and 60%, respectively. We found a significantly lower disease-free survival in patients who had radiologically detected recurrent disease as compared to disease detected only on histopathology. USG has a reasonable accuracy in determining status of lesions in patients undergoing revision thyroid surgeries.
Lipid nanoparticles-based RNA therapies for breast cancer treatment
Authors: Serpico Luigia , Zhu Yuewen , Maia Renata Faria , Sumedha Sumedha , Shahbazi Mohammad-Ali , Santos Hélder A.
Published: June 2024

Breast cancer (BC) prevails as a major burden on global healthcare, being the most prevalent form of cancer among women. BC is a complex and heterogeneous disease, and current therapies, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, frequently fall short in providing effective solutions. These treatments fail to mitigate the risk of cancer recurrence and cause severe side effects that, in turn, compromise therapeutic responses in patients. Over the last decade, several strategies have been proposed to overcome these limitations. Among them, RNA-based technologies have demonstrated their potential across various clinical applications, notably in cancer therapy. However, RNA therapies are still limited by a series of critical issues like off-target effect and poor stability in circulation. Thus, novel approaches have been investigated to improve the targeting and bioavailability of RNA-based formulations to achieve an appropriate therapeutic outcome. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have been largely proven to be an advantageous carrier for nucleic acids and RNA. This perspective explores the most recent advances on RNA-based technology with an emphasis on LNPs’ utilization as effective nanocarriers in BC therapy and most recent progresses in their clinical applications.

Graphical Abstract
The valorization of Prunus mahaleb shell through acid modification for the sorption of Pb2+ removal from aqueous solution
Authors: Keskin Zehra Saba , Şenol Zeynep Mine , Şimşek Selçuk
Published: June 2024

This study aimed to investigate the biosorption performance of acid-modified waste Prunus mahaleb (PMA) shells in the removal of Pb2+ ions from aqueous solutions. Changes in the morphological properties and functional components of PMA biosorbent were characterized using SEM–EDX, FT-IR, BET, and PZC analyses. The effect of various parameters such as initial Pb2+ concentration, pH, PMA dosage, contact time, and temperature on biosorption was investigated using a batch biosorption procedure. The maximum biosorption capacity, determined using the Langmuir isotherm, was calculated to be 119 mg g−1. It was found that the biosorption kinetic mechanism followed pseudo-second-order kinetics and intraparticle diffusion model. According to the determined thermodynamic parameters, the biosorption mechanism was found to be endothermic (ΔH° > 0), spontaneous (ΔS° > 0), and entropy-increasing (ΔG° < 0). The outcomes of the experiment were evaluated in comparison to other sorbents that have been previously commonly used in the literature. It was demonstrated that PMA could be a promising, environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and sustainable potential biosorbent for the removal of Pb2+ ions.
Estimation of near-coastal bathymetry using AIS ship movements
Authors: Sederlin Michael , Flötteröd Gunnar
Published: June 2024

In near coastal environments, nautical charts provide crucial information for navigation and routing both in real-time operations and during planning stages. The cost of data collection as well as capacity constraints in the processing pipeline make reliable bathymetric information in such areas sparse. Prioritization rules can help guide the efforts to where information is the most valuable. AIS data provide accounts of real ship movements, indicating both desirable paths and minimum depths. We propose a statistical model for combining sparse bathymetric soundings with AIS observations for improved prediction of depths for generation of feasible transportation corridors. The method relies on viewing AIS draughts as censored observations of the true depth. A case-study is performed for the southern archipelago of Gothenburg using the program R-INLA. The non-stationarity caused by having boundaries with known (zero) depth and holes (land) in the domain is handled through discretization. Varying amounts of AIS data, ranging from none to 1824 observations, are used in the experiments. Results show predicted depths within the range of data values, and that inclusion of AIS data serve to push the field down to ensure that traverseable areas are predicted as such revealing corridors in narrow passages where bathymetric soundings are lacking.
Evaluation of the practice of reprocessing ORs in German hospitals from an infection prevention and control perspective
Authors: Grimm C , Scheithauer S , Artelt T , Stieber A , Erlenwein J , Schuster M , Bauer M , Waeschle Reiner M.
Published: June 2024

Background

The aim of this study was to analyze the cleaning and disinfection of operating rooms (ORs) status quo focusing on hygiene plans in German hospitals.

Methods

In 2016, a structured online survey was sent to infection prevention and control (IPC) specialists at the cost calculation hospitals of the Institute for the Hospital Remuneration System (InEK) and all university hospitals in Germany (n = 365).

Results

With a response rate of 27.4%, 78% stated that written hygiene plans were available. After cleaning and disinfecting an OR with a “septic” patient, 55% waited until surfaces were dry before reusing in accordance with national recommendations, 27% waited > 30 min. Additionally, 28% of hospitals had ORs only for “septic” patients. In 56% “septic” patients were only operated on at the end of the program. Postoperative monitoring of patients with bacteria with special IPC requirements took place in the post anesthesia care unit (PACU) (29%), operating room (OR) (52%), intensive care unit (ICU) (53%), and in the intermediate care unit (IMC) (19%).

Discussion and conclusions

Despite written hygiene plans in place the partly long duration of OR nonuse time following IPC measures, the consistent continued use of stratification for “septic” patients and the postoperative follow-up care of patients with colonizing/infecting bacteria with special IPC requirements in the OR and high care areas represent relevant potential for improvement.
Formulation and evaluation of ivermectin-loaded dissolving microarray patches for rosacea disease
Authors: Anjani Qonita Kurnia , Demartis Sara , Moreno-Castellanos Natalia , Gavini Elisabetta , Donnelly Ryan F.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This investigation aims to develop and characterise dissolving microarray patches (MAPs) loaded with ivermectin (IVM) for rosacea therapy.

Methods

Tween® 80 and Soluplus® were evaluated to enhance the water solubility of IVM powder. Three dissolving MAPs were fabricated using a two-layer casting method, pure IVM-loaded (F1), IVM-Tween® 80 (F2), and IVM-Soluplus® (F3) loaded patches. Formulations were evaluated for drug content, in vitro and ex vivo mechanical performances, ex vivo skin dissolution time, dermatokinetics, in vitro biocompatibility and activity against rosacea.

Results

IVM solubility in water was improved with surfactants, reaching 1206.42 ± 53.78 and 130.78 ± 12.78 µg/mL in Tween® 80 and Soluplus® solutions, respectively. The MAPs, featuring bubble-free, perfectly shaped pyramidal needles of approximately 800 μm, exhibited considerably higher IVM content in F2 and F3 than in F1 (2.31 ± 0.26 mg for F1, 3.58 ± 0.15 mg for F2, and 3.19 ± 0.22 mg for F3). All formulations demonstrated mechanical robustness and penetrated the skin to a depth of 650 μm. The highest IVM deposition in the skin at 24 h was achieved by F2, selected as the lead formulation (F1 = 1456.35 ± 266.90 µg; F2 = 2165.24 ± 130.13 µg; F3 = 1684.74 ± 212.09 µg). Furthermore, F2 and F3 provided faster IVM deposition, most likely due to the quicker dissolution rate of microneedles in the skin. F2 proved biocompatible to skin cells in vitro and effectively inhibited the inflammatory cascade associated with rosacea diseases.

Conclusion

This study encourages further investigation into IVM-loaded dissolving MAPs formulated with Tween® 80 for rosacea therapy.
Umkämpfte Religion: Formen und Transformationen religiöser Konkurrenz im Feld des Islam am Beispiel Marokkos
Authors: Dennaoui Youssef
Published: June 2024

Der Artikel beschäftigt sich mit Formen und Transformationen religiöser Konkurrenz in islamisch geprägten Gesellschaften. Dabei wird auf die soziologische Feldtheorie zurückgegriffen, um eine feldtheoretische Lesart von Konkurrenzkämpfen um ‚den‘ Islam und ‚den‘ Muslimen unter den Bedingungen autoritärer Nationalstaaten zu entwerfen. Aus dieser Perspektive geraten nicht nur die staatlich-religiösen Akteure des institutionalisierten Pols im Islam (Traditionalisten, Modernisten) in den Blick, sondern auch die mit ihnen konkurrierenden islamistischen und salafistischen Gegenpole, die als neue religiöse Akteure auftreten und in ihren jeweiligen nationalstaatlichen Kontexten unterschiedliche Profile, Allianzen und Organisationsweisen aufweisen. Am Beispiel Marokkos fragt dieser Beitrag dann nach den Bedingungen, die bestimmte Formen konflikthafter Konkurrenz (Überbietung) begünstigen, und nach deren Folgen. Die feldtheoretisch geleitete Rekonstruktion der Logik und Dynamik der Auseinandersetzungen im religiösen Feld in Marokko lässt drei Phasen von den 1970er-Jahren bis heute unterscheiden: Während in einer ersten Phase (1974–2001) religiöse Konkurrenzkämpfe zwischen allen Akteuren häufig im Modus der gegenseitigen Überbietung ausgetragen wurden, in einer zweiten Phase (2001–2011) Repression und Versicherheitlichung den Interaktionsmodus im Feld bestimmten, prägen in der aktuellen dritten Phase (2011–2024) staatliche Prozesse der Renationalisierung und Verrechtlichung bei gleichzeitiger politischer Integration islamistischer Akteure die Konkurrenzdynamik im religiösen Feld. Ziel dieser feldtheoretischen Überlegungen ist es, einen Beitrag zum Verständnis ungeregelter Formen der Konkurrenz in nationalstaatlichen Feldern des Islam zu leisten und diese auf ihre möglichen Folgen hin zu befragen, nämlich die Förderung neuer und die Verfestigung alter autoritärer Konkurrenzstrukturen (Überbietung) auf beiden Seiten – Staaten wie islamistischen Bewegungen –, die sich gegenseitig legitimieren und demokratische Formen der Konkurrenz- und Konfliktaustragung verhindern.
Fire4CAST – a new integrative epidemiological forecasting model for the accurate prediction of infection risk and effective control of fire blight in Pyrus orchards
Authors: McGuire Daniel , Pinto Francisco , Costa Telma , Cruz Joana , Sousa Rui , de Sousa Miguel Leão , Martins Carmo , Gama-Carvalho Margarida , Tenreiro Ana , Tenreiro Rogério , Cruz Leonor
Published: June 2024

Fire blight disease, caused by Erwinia amylovora is present worldwide and affects over 40 countries in Europe where it is listed as a quarantine or regulated pest often due to ineffective control strategies maladapted to the respective production systems. In Portugal, the disease was confirmed in 2010 and the occurrence of disease outbreaks in new production areas has risen over the years. The disease affects the national production of apple and pear fruits, with greater impact on the national pear variety ‘Rocha’, widely exported to European countries and Brazil. The mild temperatures and high relative humidity promote the progression of the disease during winter, revealing the potential activity of the bacterium in the latency period (LP) of the host. Infection alert risk using the established predictive models Maryblight TM, Cougarblight and BIS98 was put in place in 2013 by Centro Operativo e Tecnológico Hortofrutícola Nacional (COTHN). These attempts to control the spread of this disease, showed low accuracy for the Portuguese epidemiological reality. Within the framework of project Fire4CAST we developed a new epidemiological model to predict fire blight disease using a systems biology approach integrating microbiological, cytological and genomic pathogen data with phenological host development and climatic variables. The presence of E. amylovora was monitored in orchards with fire blight history using standard laboratory tests. Simultaneously, the implementation of immune-flow cytometry (IFCM) highlighted the viability of E. amylovora populations prevailing during winter and early spring, long before bloom risk period. The integration of the whole data set allowed the development of the Fire4CAST predictive model, able to monitor the expected infection date (EID) and to define accurate outbreak alarms. Fire4CAST model enabled the detection of outbreak risk during winter based on rules that consider climatic data variables, which were validated by effective presence of live and active E. amylovora populations and real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) data, accomplishing a precision rate of 83%. Field application of Fire4CAST can hopefully guide the implementation of successful control strategies, leading to more sustainable pome chain production areas.
Size controlled synthesis of hydrous TiO2 spheres by a thiol structure directing agent and its application in photocatalysis and efficient DSSC cells
Authors: Rosiles-Perez C. , Ocampo Gaspar M. , Padilla González O. J. , Román Flores L. F. , Jiménez- González A. E.
Published: June 2024

In this work, hydrated TiO2 spheres (HTS) of the submicron order have been developed. Normally, the group of amines, such as dodecylamine, hexadecylamine, methylamine, and NH3, had been the main structure-directing agents (SDAs) used in the sol–gel process to obtain monodisperse hydrated TiO2 spheres. Even though progress has been made in the synthesis of HTS, it is crucial to include new SDAs capable of synthesizing monodisperse HTS with improved or new properties for practical applications. In this work, for the first time we demonstrate that a thiol, 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA), can be used as an effective SDA to synthesize monodisperse hydrous TiO2 spheres with a controllable particle diameter between 150 to 950 nm. Experimental preparation parameters such as Ti concentration, [MPA]/[Ti] and [Water]/[Ti] molar ratio in the precursor solution (Titanium (IV) butoxide—MPA—ethanol—water) were thoroughly optimized to get both high yield and high monodispersity. Remarkably, a wide range in the [Water]/[Ti] molar ratio, 17 to 118, was achieved, which is much wider than the typical Rw range of the amines group of 2 to 16, thus giving more control for choosing the HTS final size. The controlled growth of hydrated TiO2 nanospheres was explained according to the LaMer and DVLO theory. To demonstrate the applicability of the HTS synthesized using MPA as SDA, the development of efficient dye-sensitized solar cells getting an energy conversion greater than 9% as well as of an effective photocatalytic degradation process of the analgesic acetaminophen under concentrated solar radiation was conducted.
Beyond Place: Youth Belonging and Language in the Third Space
Authors: Weerasuriya Nadishka
Published: June 2024

Place and place attachment have emerged as key concepts in the study of belonging within the field of youth studies in the last few decades. Yet these are limited lenses through which to understand the practices and experiences of youth belonging. In this article, I conceptually examine the possibility of belonging for young Australians navigating their everyday lives between cultures and languages, especially in circumstances where their connection to place is contested. I argue that this is an important task as Australia continues to globalise, as its society continues to diversify, and as a vast array of languages other than English continue to be practised in private and public spaces. Furthermore, I argue that research in youth studies must go beyond place-based conceptualisations of belonging to include the role of language in belonging, and to understand young people’s ways of being and belonging in the third space between cultures and languages. Ultimately, I propose that space should continue to be a serious consideration in youth studies and youth lives, and for there to be an emphasis on the role of language in the processes of negotiating identity and belonging.
Recycling spent animal cell culture media using the thermally resistant microalga Chlorella sorokiniana
Authors: Thyden Richard , Dominko Tanja , Weathers Pamela , Freitas dos Santos Antonio Carlos , Perreault Luke , Reddig David , Kloster Jack , Gaudette Glenn
Published: June 2024

Cell culture media is a significant contributor to the high cost of bioprocesses. This study explored the potential of algae to re-condition spent cell culture medium, which may reduce the costs of pharmaceutical and lab-grown-meat manufacturing. Chlorella sorokiniana, a thermally resistant microalgal species, exhibited heterotrophic and mixotrophic growth in mammalian cell culture growth media (GM). Spent animal cell media, generated by culturing quail myoblast cells (QM7s) for 4 or 8d (4D-SGM and 8D-SGM, respectively), was harvested for algal culture. Increased algal growth was observed in 4D-SGM, when compared to fresh media after 3d (optical density of 1.39 ± 0.22, 0.47 ± 0.17, p ≤ 0.05). Within 72 h, ammonia and glucose were eliminated from 4D-SGM with algal treatment. After treating 4D-SGM with algae, the treated media was reintroduced into QM7 cell cultures. No cytotoxic effects were observed on QM7 cells grown in algal-treated growth media and QM7 cells exhibited better metabolic activity in algal-treated spent medium than in untreated spent medium (80.85 ± 12.02% and 44.57 ± 10.82% activity of fresh media group, respectively, p ≤ 0.05). These results suggest that C. sorokiniana can be grown in spent media at 37 °C, sequester ammonia, and potentially extend the lifespan of media, thereby enabling more affordable bioprocesses.
CLIL, a competence-based coping strategy against foreign language anxiety in higher education
Authors: López-Medina Esteban Francisco , Casado Casado Jesús Manuel
Published: June 2024

This article presents a study carried out in the subject of Didactics of English for Very Young Learners, taught in English to Spanish-speaking students at the School of Education of the Complutense University of Madrid, Spain. Three comparable classes were exposed to different teaching and assessment conditions. Two of them were the research groups, learning under a competence-based CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning) paradigm, while the control group did so under a content-based EMI (English-Medium Instruction) model. The participants (n = 76) were asked to answer two questionnaires, which collected their expectations (pre-questionnaire) and final perceptions (post-questionnaire) in regard to their levels of anxiety towards studying in English. The qualitative and quantitative comparison of their answers facilitated results that allowed to discuss and conclude the beneficial effect of CLIL as a competence-based coping strategy to diminish foreign language anxiety among student teachers who face the challenge of learning in a bilingual classroom setting.
Examining fire service coverage and potential sites for fire station locations in Kathmandu, Nepal
Authors: KC Kiran , Ardianto Rifan , Wang Siqin
Published: June 2024

In the densely populated Kathmandu Metropolitan City, inadequate fire service coverage poses a significant fire risk. With the demand for fire services increasing due to rapid growth in population and infrastructure development, the limited number of fire stations, insufficient human and physical resources, poor street connectivity, narrow streets, and delays in response to calls for emergency services have resulted in significant property loss, environmental impact, serious injuries, and even loss of life. Although a substantial body of research exists on understanding fire patterns and fire station site selection in developed countries, there is a noticeable lack of similar research in developing countries, which can be attributed to a lack of available data and interest. This study utilises ward-level urban fire incident data in Kathmandu from July 2019 to February 2023 to examine the spatial pattern of fire risk, fire service coverage and identify potential sites for fire stations. Results reveal a significantly higher fire rate in the central part of the city. Fire rescue service cannot reach most areas in Kathmandu within 5 min, with some areas exceeding 10 min response time. The findings from this study will enable fire agencies to enhance the operational efficiency of emergency response and help develop policies and programs related to fire risk prevention and mitigation. This includes targeted education and awareness campaigns and the allocation of finite fire service resources, such as the strategic placement of fire stations.
Porous interlocking assembly: performance-based dry masonry construction with digital stereotomy
Authors: Hua Hao
Published: June 2024

Architected porosity in masonry structures can be created by transforming stock materials into a lattice of interlocking units through an automated batch process. Porous masonry forms numerous enclosed cavities for thermal performance and reduces material usage while maintaining structural integrity. This work investigates the potential and limits of digital tectonics of porous masonry through a complete process of design, manufacturing, and construction. The confluence of digital fabrication with tectonic exploration opens new dimensions unattainable by traditional stereotomy. Interlocking materials inspired by Abeille vault and digital stereotomy have made rapid progress. Following the theory of poetic construction, this work proposes that masonry construction should evoke visual or haptic enhancement through the fulfillment of pragmatic functions. We formulated a design challenge for a confined dry masonry wall for the envelope of the 2226 building. It assumes batch-cutting bespoke units out of large blocks of high-strength foam. Through a process of cutting and reassembling, the stock material is topologically expanded into a porous structure. A series of prototypes were developed to explore novel articulation, structural and thermal performance, and economical manufacturing. One can perceive the logic of porous construction through visual and haptic empathy. The materialization process interacts with the design masonry units and the interlocking mechanism. For future practice in masonry, the porosity should be planned at multiple scales (molecular scale, aggerate scale, construction scale) across the life cycle of the material.
Gastrointestinal metastatic melanoma: imaging findings and review of literature
Authors: Lo Mastro Antonio , Grassi Roberto , Reginelli Alfonso , Russo Anna , Urraro Fabrizio , Belfiore Maria Paola , Sandomenico Fabio , Iovino Maria , Picascia Ornella , Montella Marco , Di Costanzo Giuseppe , La Porta Michelearcangelo
Published: June 2024

Melanoma represents approximately 5% of all the skin cancers and is well known for its ability to metastasize to a wide range of atypical locations. Organs most commonly affected by metastatic melanoma include liver, lung and brain, but spread to the gastrointestinal tract is not uncommon and small bowel involvement ranges from 51 to 71% of the cases. Given the nonspecific nature of the clinical presentation and the broad differential diagnosis, the prompt choice of imaging modality and its correct interpretation is important in order to perform a timely diagnosis. Early diagnosis and treatment of these lesions improve survival and quality of life, even in palliative cases. In this narrative review, we analyze the different imaging modalities used in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal metastases from melanoma. Typical radiological signs supporting the radiologists in interpreting images are also discussed.
Primary renal synovial sarcoma with negative immunohistochemistry: a case report and literature review
Authors: Della Giustina Massimo , Sartori Paolo , Laurino Licia
Published: June 2024

Just less than 200 cases of primary renal synovial sarcoma (PRSS) are known, a very rare neoplasm of the kidney. The diagnosis can be very challenging because of its similarity with other neoplasms, and is based on anatomopathological analyses, especially immunohistochemistry and cytogenetics. Due to the rarity, there are no standard protocols for treatment, although radical nephrectomy is considered the primary treatment and can be associated or not with chemotherapy. We present a case of PRSS with negative immunohistochemistry: the importance of both methods for a correct diagnosis is underlined, and a literature review of this rare entity is presented.