bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Injectable and printable nanocellulose-crosslinked quaternary chitosan blends for potential wound healing
Authors: Madani Maryam , Laurén Isabella , Borandeh Sedigheh , Gounani Zahra , Laaksonen Timo , Lindfors Nina , Seppälä Jukka
Published: August 2024

Developing hydrogels with excellent 3D printability, injectability, and mechanical integrity presents an imposing challenge in biomaterials research, especially in the biomedical field where biocompatibility is crucial. This study involved the development of 3D printable and injectable polysaccharide-based hydrogels with inherent self-healing capabilities. Carboxymethyl chitosan and quaternized chitosan (QCS) functioned as polymer backbones, reinforced by dialdehyde-cellulose nanocrystals (DACNC) as a cross-linker. Here, the concentrations of QCS and DACNC were adjusted and optimized for ideal performance. The cross-linking process was orchestrated in situ, integrating dynamic hydrogen bonds and Schiff base covalent bonds to achieve a multi-cross-linked hydrogel network. Comprehensive characterization of the material, including rheological measurements and macroscopic evaluations, demonstrated the hydrogel’s admirable injectability, printability, and self-healing attributes. In vitro cell viability assessments on human dermal fibroblasts revealed favorable biocompatibility and minimal cytotoxicity of the hydrogels, properties influenced by the concentrations of QCS. The obtained hydrogels exhibit promising attributes suitable for fabricating 3D printable and injectable hydrogel customized for biomedical applications, particularly wound healing.

Graphical abstract
Process Quality in Early Childhood Education and Care in Australia: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Ha Nguyen Thi Ngoc , Tham Melissa , Hurley Peter
Published: August 2024

This review examines the extant Australian literature on process quality in ECEC, which is understood as children’s actual experience within a childcare setting such as interactions between educators and children. A thematic analysis of empirical evidence from the 21 qualified articles reveals key characteristics of ECEC process quality studies, the benefits of process quality to child outcomes, and some factors influencing process quality. The review highlights the increasing interest in ECEC process quality in Australia and that process quality can be linked to children’s outcomes in the early years. It also underscores that outdoor environments and educators’ attributes such as personal experiences and qualifications stood out as the key supporting factors of process quality. More importantly, the review found that most of the process quality studies in Australia were conducted in metropolitan areas, and there were only two studies focused on children from disadvantaged backgrounds. The paper calls for more actions to combine process quality with equity across types of ECEC services.
Quantum Physics, Digital Computers, and Life from a Holistic Perspective
Authors: Ellis George F. R.
Published: August 2024

Quantum physics is a linear theory, so it is somewhat puzzling that it can underlie very complex systems such as digital computers and life. This paper investigates how this is possible. Physically, such complex systems are necessarily modular hierarchical structures, with a number of key features. Firstly, they cannot be described by a single wave function: only local wave functions can exist, rather than a single wave function for a living cell, a cat, or a brain. Secondly, the quantum to classical transition is characterised by contextual wave-function collapse shaped by macroscopic elements that can be described classically. Thirdly, downward causation occurs in the physical hierarchy in two key ways: by the downward influence of time dependent constraints, and by creation, modification, or deletion of lower level elements. Fourthly, there are also logical modular hierarchical structures supported by the physical ones, such as algorithms and computer programs, They are able to support arbitrary logical operations, which can influence physical outcomes as in computer aided design and 3-d printing. Finally, complex systems are necessarily open systems, with heat baths playing a key role in their dynamics and providing local arrows of time that agree with the cosmological direction of time that is established by the evolution of the universe.
The Mystery of Black Rice: Food, Medicinal, and Spiritual Uses of Oryza glaberrima by Maroon Communities in Suriname and French Guiana
Authors: Pinas Nicholaas M. , Jackson John , Mosis Noeki André , van Andel Tinde
Published: August 2024

During plantation slavery, African rice (Oryza glaberrima Steud.) was widely cultivated in the Americas but was soon replaced by Asian rice (Oryza sativa L.). Maroons, descendants of Africans who escaped slavery in Suriname and French Guiana, continue to cultivate African rice. Genomic research linked this rice to an O. glaberrima variety in the Ivory Coast. Based on interviews with 99 Maroon farmers, of whom 23 cultivate black rice, we describe its diverse uses as (ceremonial) food, offerings, spiritual medicine, and its role during funerals. Maroon oral history accounts on the origin of black rice differ among and within communities: enslaved women brought it from Africa or took it from the plantations where they worked; escaped slaves found it in the savanna; or ancestors encountered it in interior swamps. These multiple and sometimes contradictory accounts of the origins of black rice are related to the diverse ethnic and geographical backgrounds of the Africans brought as slaves to Suriname and their different histories with the crop after marronage. Various characteristics of black rice, including its ability to compete with weeds and grow on poor soils, its shattering seeds, and its visibility to birds explain how this African domesticate survived in the wild in the Amazonian forest. The migration of Maroons to cities, their engagement in gold mining, and their evangelization may lead to the loss of black rice knowledge and practices.
Abiotic triggers for maximising germling numbers in Asparagopsis taxiformis (Rhodophyta, Bonnemaisoniales) via tetrasporogenesis
Authors: Theobald Emma J. , Rule Margaret B. , Jackson Timothy L. , Rula Najeen A. , Diaz-Pulido Guillermo , Jackson Emma L.
Published: August 2024

There is global interest in cultivating the red alga Asparagopsis taxiformis due to its efficacy as a potent anti-methanogenic feed supplement and as a biofilter for the bioremediation of nutrient-enriched waters. However, the development of A. taxiformis cultivation is currently hindered by a lack of information about the conditions required to maximise tetraspore release and thus secure a reliable source of germlings for out-planting. In this study, we examined the effects of temperature, irradiance, and standard nutrient supplementation (F/8, potassium iodide (KI) and arsenic trioxide (As2O3)) on the number of germlings produced per tetrasporophyte, using a strain of A. taxiformis widespread within the Great Barrier Reef, Australia. Temperature, irradiance and nutrient supplementation played a pivotal role in germling numbers, which was optimised at 22 °C under 7 µmol photons m−2 s−1 and with supplementation of F/8 nutrient media, arsenic trioxide (As2O3; 98 µg L−1) and potassium iodide (KI; 166 µg L−1). Once tetrasporophytes were removed from these inducing conditions, tetrasporogenesis ceased within 12 days. In a further five-week experiment investigating the effect of separate supplementation of As2O3 and KI, germling numbers were maximised under supplementation with either As2O3 or As2O3 + KI, with the relative growth rate of tetrasporophytes maximised under supplementation with F/8 + As2O3 + KI. Under optimum conditions, an average of 3,261 ± 826 (SD) germlings were produced per tetrasporophyte over a five-week period. Our results provide a strong starting point for developing hatchery protocols for generating a reliable supply of germlings for nursery cultivation in tropical settings.
Patient experience of social and medical fertility preservation fully reimbursed in France
Authors: Hagege Estelle , Pirtea Paul , Burette Julie , Canepa Anne-Sophie , Graesslin Olivier , de Ziegler Dominique
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to review patient experience with social fertility preservation (sFP), as compared to medical fertility preservation (mFP), in a context where sFP is fully reimbursed.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study involving patients who underwent oocyte cryopreservation for mFP between 2017 and 2023 and sFP between 2022 and 2023 at a large ART single center. Additionally, we surveyed patients undergoing sFP and mFP, regarding their experiences, intentions, awareness, and financial consideration.

Results

A total of 97 oocyte retrievals were performed for sFP in 75 women, and 155 were performed in mFP (127 women). Median ages were 36.4 years for sFP and 28.9 years for mFP. Median oocytes retrieved per session were 10 for sFP and 8 for mFP. Ninety-seven percent of of mFP participants were informed by healthcare professionals, while half of sFP participants learned through personal acquaintances. The primary motivation for sFP was a desire for pregnancy while being single. Most respondents in both groups knew that 15–20 oocytes are typically needed for a successful birth. None were aware of the “DuoStim” option, but interest was expressed by most women. Surprisingly, despite full reimbursement for sFP in France, 78% expressed willingness to pay if necessary.

Conclusion

Many women choose sFP due to concerns about declining fertility, often informed by non-medical sources. Free access to sFP can help mitigate the global decline in natality by allowing women to anticipate age-related fertility decline. This study should be considered by other countries as they may increasingly cover sFP costs in the future.
Towards a Scalable Proof Engine: A Performant Prototype Rewriting Primitive for Coq
Authors: Gross Jason , Erbsen Andres , Philipoom Jade , Agrawal Rajashree , Chlipala Adam
Published: August 2024

We address the challenges of scaling verification efforts to match the increasing complexity and size of systems. We propose a research agenda aimed at building a performant proof engine by studying the asymptotic performance of proof engines and redesigning their building blocks. As a case study, we explore equational rewriting and introduce a novel prototype proof engine building block for rewriting in Coq, utilizing proof by reflection for enhanced performance. Our prototype implementation can significantly improve the development of verified compilers, as demonstrated in a case study with the Fiat Cryptography toolchain. The resulting extracted command-line compiler is about 1000$$\times $$
×
faster while featuring simpler compiler-specific proofs. This work lays some foundation for scaling verification efforts and contributes to the broader goal of developing a proof engine with good asymptotic performance, ultimately aimed at enabling the verification of larger and more complex systems.
Ensemble modeling of extreme seasonal temperature trends in Iran under socio-economic scenarios
Authors: Kamangar Muhammad , Ahmadi Mahmud , Rabiei-Dastjerdi Hamidreza , Hazbavi Zeinab
Published: August 2024

In climate science, ensemble modeling has emerged as a powerful tool for addressing the uncertainties inherent in individual climate models. This approach generates more robust and reliable predictions by harnessing the collective insights of multiple models. Nonetheless, the method of combining these models to derive an ensemble model remains an open question. To this end, the objectives of this research are twofold: (i) to introduce and evaluate the weighted average-correlation ensemble model for projecting minimum and maximum temperatures in Iran, and (ii) to assess near-term (2021–2040) trends across 95 synoptic stations using socio-economic scenarios derived from five models: GFDL-ESM4, MPI-ESM1-2-HR, IPSL-CM6A-LR, MRI-ESM2, and UKESM1-0-LL. The ensemble technique effectively reduces the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) (1/3 − 1/10) associated with the individual models. The predicted values for the minimum temperature are more similar to the actual data than the maximum temperature. The results also indicate a significant increase in the minimum temperature compared to the maximum temperature during the base period. The distribution of the maximum temperature across the country is influenced mainly by its latitude. In contrast, the distribution of the minimum temperature is influenced by both the country’s major altitudes and latitudes. Surveys also indicate that, compared to the base period, there is an increasing trend in temperature for winter, spring, and autumn, while a decrease is observed during the summer. Notably, the increase in temperature is more pronounced during winter.
Race/Ethnicity and Employment Insecurity: Impacts of COVID-19 on the US Labor Force and Beyond
Authors: Wang Qingfang , Kang Wei
Published: August 2024

Using the Household Pulse Survey and American Community Survey, this study examines employment insecurity experienced across different racial/ethnic groups of the U.S. labor force under the pandemic disruptions. It highlights significant employment security disparities based on race, ethnicity, and income during the pandemic. However, there are no significant gender and racial disparities within the lowest income group when controlling for other conditions. In contrast, gender and racial disparities in EI are much more pronounced among mid-to-high income groups. Non-White individuals were disproportionately affected by job loss due to health and COVID-related employment issues, unlike Whites who faced unemployment more due to other factors. This pattern was more evident among lower-income groups. The trends shifted in later stages, with high-income Black and Hispanic workers becoming more likely to be unemployed due to non-health and non-employment reasons. Middle-income workers across all races were least likely to stop working for reasons other than COVID-related health or employment issues. In addition, regardless race or ethnicity, women more likely to be unemployed due to health reasons and less so due to employment issues compared to men, and the gender disparities increased with higher household incomes. We propose that the apparent immediate effects of the pandemic are actually indicative of deeper, systemic issues within the U.S. labor market, specifically the occupational segregation tied to race/ethnicity, gender, and class. Recovery efforts must take a holistic approach and integrate economic development policies, workforce development strategies, and social policies targeting poverty alleviation, health disparities, and people of color.
Rising temperatures, falling fisheries: causes and consequences of crossing the tipping point in a small-pelagic community
Authors: Vasconcelos Joana , Sanabria-Fernandez Jose A. , Tuset Víctor M. , Sousa Ricardo , Faria Graça , Riera Rodrigo
Published: August 2024

Global change has profound effects on marine species, communities, and ecosystems. Among these impacts, small pelagics have emerged as valuable indicators for detecting regime shifts in fish stocks. They exhibit swift responses to changes in ocean variables, including decreased abundances, accelerated juvenile growth rates, early maturation, and reduced adult sizes in warm waters. However, each pelagic species occupies a unique local ecological niche, that reflects the sum of all environmental conditions. Consequently, their responses to environmental changes manifest in distinct ways. We explore here how global change affects small pelagics in the Madeira Archipelago (NE Atlantic Ocean) at (i) community level, by studying the effects of climate change over a 40-year (1980–2019) period on small pelagic landings, and (ii) population level, by studying the effects on the life-history traits of the two most abundant species, Scomber colias and Trachurus picturatus. Our study demonstrated that anomalies in the Sea Surface Temperature and the North Atlantic Oscillation caused a regime shift within the small pelagic community. Both environmental predictors explained 88.9% of the community landings oscillations. S. colias appears to exhibit a relatively more favorable adaptive response to climate change compared to T. picturatus. Understanding the species-specific ecological responses of small pelagic fish to global change is crucial for effective management and conservation efforts in the face of ongoing environmental scenarios.

Graphical abstract
The non-linear impact of risk tolerance on entrepreneurial profit and business survival
Authors: Koch Melanie , Menkhoff Lukas
Published: August 2024

Entrepreneurs tend to be risk tolerant but is higher risk tolerance always better? In a sample of about 2100 small businesses, we find an inverted U-shaped relation between risk tolerance and profitability. This relationship holds in a simple bilateral regression, and even after controlling for a large set of individual and business characteristics. Apparently, one major transmission goes from risk tolerance via investments to profits. This is quite robust as it applies for both past and planned investments. Considering business survival, we show, first, that less profitable businesses leave the market while moderately risk tolerant entrepreneurs survive more often. Second, the high risk-low profit part of the U-shaped relation seems to disappear among businesses being 4 years and older, indicating that such inferior risk-profit combinations disappear over time. These findings are important for the concept of business readiness trainings as the motivation (and ability) to take risks should potentially be accompanied by some warning that taking too much risk can be detrimental to long-term business success.
From bacteria to fish: ecotoxicological insights into sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim
Authors: Diogo Bárbara S. , Rodrigues Sara , Golovko Oksana , Antunes Sara C.
Published: August 2024

Sulfamethoxazole (SMX) and trimethoprim (TRIM) are two of the most used antibiotics in the last 50 years, to prevent and treat bacterial infections; however, the available literature about toxicity to non-target organisms is quite discrepant and incomplete. This study aims to assess the SMX and TRIM ecotoxicological effects in standard species: Aliivibrio fischeri (bioluminescence inhibition), Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 (growth inhibition), Lemna minor (growth inhibition and biochemical biomarkers), Daphnia magna (immobilization/mortality, life history traits, and biochemical biomarkers), and Danio rerio (survival, hatching, abnormalities, and biochemical biomarkers). The species tested showed different acute sensitivities to SMX (A. fischeri < D. magna < E. coli < L. minor) and TRIM (L. minor < A. fischeri < D. magna < E. coli). Overall, TRIM reveals less toxicity than SMX, except for E. coli (Ecotoxicological approach based on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing – EcoAST procedure). Both antibiotics affect individually (e.g., growth and survival) and sub-individually (e.g., antioxidant defenses) L. minor, D. magna, and D. rerio. This study allowed us to generate relevant data and fill gaps in the literature regarding the effects of SMX and TRIM in aquatic organisms. The here-obtained results can be used to (i) complete and re-evaluate the Safety Data Sheet to improve the assessment of environmental safety and management of national and international entities; (ii) clarify the environmental risks of these antibiotics in aquatic ecosystems reinforcing the inclusion in the 4th Watch List of priority substances to be monitored in whole inland waters by the Water Framework Directive; and (iii) combat the development of antimicrobial resistance, as well as supporting the definition of environmental measurements in the context of European One Health Action Plan. However, it is essential to continue studying these antibiotics to better understand their toxicity at ecologically relevant concentrations and their long-term effects under different climatic change scenarios.
Capturing temporal pathways of collaborative roles: A multilayered analytical approach using community of inquiry
Authors: Elmoazen Ramy , Saqr Mohammed , Hirsto Laura , Tedre Matti
Published: August 2024

In collaborative learning, students may follow different trajectories that evolve over time. This study used a multilayered approach to map the temporal dynamics of online problem-based learning (PBL) and the transition of students’ roles across time over a full year duration. Based on data from 135 dental students across four consecutive courses throughout a full academic year, the students’ discourses were coded based on the community of inquiry (CoI). A mixture model was used to identify students’ roles. The roles identified were leaders, social mediators, and peripheral explorer roles, and they were visualized using epistemic network analysis (ENA). Similar trajectories were identified and visualized using sequence and process mining. The results showed varying activity levels across three trajectories. Students in the active-constructive trajectory took on leadership roles, while the students in the social interactive trajectory were mostly social mediators, and the free rider trajectory showed a predominant peripheral explorer role. The students in all trajectories returned to their initial roles, showing features typical of stable collaborative dispositions. Both active trajectories (active constructive and social interactive) had very close levels of achievement, whereas the free riders demonstrated lower grades compared to their peers. This research suggests that understanding role dynamics and their evolving trajectories can help teachers better design future collaborative activities, assign roles, form groups, distribute tasks, and, more importantly, be able to support students.
„Political Demography“ – blinder Fleck der deutschen Politikwissenschaft? Eine einführende Literaturübersicht
Authors: Kurz Kira Renée , Kohl Lucas , Lünser Julius Friedrich , Mazza Noelle , Pagenstecher Adrian Zeno , Reichenbacher Beata , Stuiber Jonathan , Witzemann Carla
Published: August 2024

Global betrachtet sind die Auswirkungen des demographischen Wandels unübersehbar. Die durch steigende Lebenserwartung und sinkende Geburtenraten ausgelöste Entwicklung ist eine der größten Errungenschaften des 20. Jahrhunderts. Demographische Veränderungen werden grundlegend durch drei Hauptfaktoren ausgelöst: Mortalität, Fertilität und Migration. All diese Faktoren haben Gesellschaften innerhalb des letzten Jahrhunderts stark geprägt. Deutschland als alterndes Land ist hier keine Ausnahme. In den letzten 20 Jahren hat sich ein aktives Forschungsfeld entwickelt, welches die Wechselwirkungen zwischen demographischen und politischen Faktoren untersucht und im Rahmen dieser Literaturübersicht vorgestellt wird. Trotz einer Vielzahl an Veröffentlichungen fehlt es außerhalb der Migrationsforschung an Vernetzung und Austausch, obwohl schnell voranschreitender demographischer Wandel eine der am besten vorhersagbaren zukünftigen Entwicklungen ist. Innerhalb der deutschen Politikwissenschaft werden demographische Faktoren trotz ihres großen Einflusses und der immer stärker zutage tretenden Auswirkungen des demographischen Wandels noch zu selten in Analysen miteinbezogen und ein Austausch mit der Bevölkerungswissenschaft ist selten. Wir plädieren daher für eine stärkere Miteinbeziehung demographischer Prozesse – sowohl in der Forschung als auch in der politikwissenschaftlichen Ausbildung und Lehre.
Negotiating biophysical limits in the European Union’s bioeconomy: a critical analysis of two conflicts over regulating biomass use in EU policy
Authors: Fleischmann Benjamin , Mayer Andreas , Görg Christoph , Pichler Melanie
Published: August 2024

The bioeconomy seeks to replace fossil fuels with biomass in various products and industrial sectors. The dominant political bioeconomy project focuses on economic growth and aims to increase biomass demand in the EU. This can exacerbate global land use competition and pressures on ecosystems. However, this project does not consider reducing resource use to tackle biophysical limits. Technological innovations are the means for ensuring sustainability. Few social scientific studies have investigated how actors reproduce or question the dominant bioeconomy project. We contribute to this research gap by using critical policy analysis. We explore how actors address biophysical limits and assert their positions and strategies in policy conflicts stemming from the EU bioeconomy strategy. We thereby identified two central conflicts: regulating bio-based plastics and the cascading use of biomass. Our analysis included position papers, policy documents, and expert interviews. We grouped the actors based on their positions and strategies into three political bioeconomy projects. Thus, in addition to the dominant growth-oriented project, we identified a circular and sufficiency-oriented one. Our analysis indicates that these alternative projects influenced bio-based plastics and bioenergy policies to acknowledge biophysical limits. EU policy even provides measures to reduce plastic use. Nevertheless, the Renewable Energy Directive's approach to cascading use reflects a compromise with the growth-oriented project that might not cap using primary biomass for energy. Overall, we demonstrate that there are potential alliances in promoting alternatives to the dominant bioeconomy project. Setting clear limits is constrained by powerful interests advocating for a growth-oriented bioeconomy.
The Influence of Microstructure Evolution on the Mechanical and Electrochemical Properties of Dissimilar Welds from Aluminum Alloys Manufactured Via Friction Stir Welding
Authors: Lipińska Marta , Kooijman Agnieszka , Śnieżek Lucjan , Szachogłuchowicz Ireneusz , Torzewski Janusz , Gonzalez-Garcia Yaiza , Lewandowska Małgorzata
Published: August 2024

The present study investigated a new configuration of friction stir welded joints from two aluminum alloys. Dissimilar welds AA6082/AA1350 were examined, whereas, for AA1350, two states were investigated—coarse-grained (CG) and ultrafine-grained (UFG). Changes in the mechanical and electrochemical properties regarding the microstructure evolution across the welds were discussed. The average grain size in the stir zone (SZ) for all materials equaled 4 to  5 µm with a fraction of high-angle grain boundaries of about 77 pct, indicating the occurrence of continuous dynamic recrystallization. Changes in the microhardness across the welds were connected with differences in grain size (AA1350) and dissolution of β″ precipitates in the SZ of AA6082. As a result, the tensile strength of the welds decreased compared to base materials AA6082 and AA1350 UFG; however, there was an increase when compared to the base material AA1350 CG. Electrochemical experiments revealed that pitting corrosion occurred for AA1350, while for AA6082, it was a combination of pitting and intergranular corrosion. The depth of corrosion attack was higher for AA1350, with a maximum value of ~ 70 µm for base materials, while in the SZ, a depth decreased to 50 µm. For the AA6082, the maximum depth was measured in the SZ and did not exceed 30 µm.
Influence of various corn syrup types on the quality and sensory properties of gelatin-based jelly confectionery
Authors: Bulca Esra Nur , Akdeniz Esra , Mutlu Zeynep , Tireki Suzan , Karimidastjerd Atefeh , Toker Omer Said
Published: August 2024

Jelly candies are soft confectionery products primarily composed of sucrose, corn syrup and gelling agents. This study investigates the impact of six different corn syrup, all used at constant amount (46.22%), on the physicochemical (moisture content, pH, Colour), texture and sensory properties of gelatin-based jelly samples. The Moisture content, pH, colour, and texture properties of samples were analysed at 0th, 15th, 30th, 45th, and 60th day during storage. Before storage moisture content of the candiesranged from21.03 to 22.57% whereas after 60 days, it was found between 19.31 and 20.72%. Sample JF42 exhibited the least moisture rate loss. The type of corn syrup did not significantly affect the pH of the samples. Samples with higher fructose content in the corn syrup had the lowest hardness, whereas the sample with the highest maltose content exhibited the highest hardness. Changes in gumminess and chewiness paralleled variations in hardness results. Hardness and gumminess were found suitable to follow up gelatin-based samples storage using the zero-order kinetics modelling. Corn syrups with high fructose amounts intensified the redness, while those with high glucose levels led to yellowness in the candies. In sensory evaluation, products made with G40, G60, and M50 corn syrups received higher general Understanding how various types of corn syrup impact the candies quality helps producers optimize their formulation. This information enables producers to mitigate quality deterioration during storage, ensuring that their candies maintain at the desired level and appeal to consumers.
Blood Pressure Time in Target Range and its Impact on Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Al-Dalakta Astefanos , Tabaja Chadi , Motairek Issam , El Hajjar Abdel Hadi , Agarwal Neel , St. John Julie , Laffin Luke J.
Published: August 2024

Purpose of Review

To examine the concept of time in target range for blood pressure (BP) management, exploring its calculation methods, implications for patient outcomes, and potential use in patient care.

Recent Findings

Recent post-hoc analyses of clinical trials and observational studies highlight the importance of BP time in target range in predicting cardiovascular outcomes. Higher time in target range correlates with reduced risks of major adverse cardiovascular events including heart failure, stroke, myocardial infarction and all-cause mortality. Additionally, longer time in target range decreases the risk of incident atrial fibrillation and risk of developing dementia.

BP time in target range is a novel metric offering valuable insights into BP control and its impact on clinical outcomes. Higher time in target range is consistently associated with better cardiovascular outcomes across various patient populations. However, the clinical application of BP time in target range requires further investigation through prospective clinical trials and real-world studies. Integrating wearable devices for continuous BP monitoring could enhance the practical utility of BP time in target range in hypertension management.
A Holistic Analysis of Alzheimer’s Disease-Associated lncRNA Communities Reveals Enhanced lncRNA-miRNA-RBP Regulatory Triad Formation Within Functionally Segregated Clusters
Authors: Sen Somenath , Mukhopadhyay Debashis
Published: August 2024

Recent studies on the regulatory networks implicated in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) evince long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) as crucial regulatory players, albeit a poor understanding of the mechanism. Analyzing differential gene expression in the RNA-seq data from the post-mortem AD brain hippocampus, we categorized a list of AD-dysregulated lncRNA transcripts into functionally similar communities based on their k-mer profiles. Using machine-learning-based algorithms, their subcellular localizations were mapped. We further explored the functional relevance of each community through AD-dysregulated miRNA, RNA-binding protein (RBP) interactors, and pathway enrichment analyses. Further investigation of the miRNA–lncRNA and RBP–lncRNA networks from each community revealed the top RBPs, miRNAs, and lncRNAs for each cluster. The experimental validation community yielded ELAVL4 and miR-16-5p as the predominant RBP and miRNA, respectively. Five lncRNAs emerged as the top-ranking candidates from the RBP/miRNA-lncRNA networks. Further analyses of these networks revealed the presence of multiple regulatory triads where the RBP–lncRNA interactions could be augmented by the enhanced miRNA–lncRNA interactions. Our results advance the understanding of the mechanism of lncRNA-mediated AD regulation through their interacting partners and demonstrate how these functionally segregated but overlapping regulatory networks can modulate the disease holistically.

Graphical Abstract
The Sociology of Gender in Italy: From Marginal to Mainstream
Authors: Nocenzi Mariella , Crespi Isabella
Published: August 2024

Sociology is a field that examines the social construction of various aspects of human life, including gender and sexuality, and explores how these are produced and perceived by individuals, groups, and institutions. In Italy, despite resistance to institutionalization, Gender Studies have significantly enriched sociology by identifying new research areas and generating innovative analytical categories. Initially linked to second-wave feminism, Gender Studies gained momentum in the Western world from the mid-1970s, exploring the nature-culture-society relationship and its impact on bodies, sexuality, and identity within specific cultural contexts. The Gender Studies section within the Italian Sociology Association was established in 2012 after a prolonged accreditation process. While gender issues entered Italian social sciences in the late 1970s, their integration varied across research areas. Sociology, with its broad analytical frameworks, has played a crucial role in understanding and addressing gender disparities in a country marked by a discriminatory welfare system. The integration of gender perspectives into sociological research has fostered a deeper understanding of Italian social reality and reshaped scientific paradigms. Moreover, sociology’s comprehensive approach to studying social inequalities has been instrumental in highlighting the importance of gender studies within academia. Recent years have witnessed increased attention to Gender Studies in Italian universities, reflecting legislative mandates and evolving cultural attitudes. More scholars, including men, are engaging with gender issues, expanding research beyond women’s status to encompass diverse sexual and gender identities. Approaches like intersectionality promise to broaden the scope of Gender Studies within Italian sociology, offering new avenues for exploration and analysis. The collaboration between sociology and gender studies continues to enhance the academic environment and contributes significantly to the evolution of Italian society.
The Evolution and Integration of Life and Theory in Foucault’s Work on Power
Authors: Joranger Line
Published: August 2024

The article is a response to Kaldybekov and his colleague’s, 2024 paper about Foucault’s theory on power. I argue that it is difficult to understand Foucault’s theory of power without looking into his intellectual life and experiences, especially his war experiences. The objective of my study is to show that there is a connection between Foucault’s ideas about power and his own lived life, and that he always has been critical of totalitarian theories although he seems influenced by Marxist theories, early in his career. In the paper I show how he deals with this dilemma by incorporating some of Nietzsche’s ideas into his thinking. To illustrate the connection between Foucault’s lived life and his theories about power, I take a particular point of departure in Foucault’s lecture series on psychiatric power in the 1970s and an interview conducted by the Italian journalist Trombadori.
Agricultural Runoff Effects on Leaf Litter Decomposition: A Comparative Study in Natural and Constructed Deltaic Mediterranean Wetlands
Authors: Arias-Real Rebeca , Herbera Xavier , Menéndez Margarita
Published: August 2024

Wetlands, widely distributed and hotspots of biodiversity, play a crucial role in global biogeochemical cycles and human well-being. However, despite their ecological importance, wetlands worldwide are under threat due to widespread conversion into agricultural fields, leading to changes in hydrology, increased salinity, and more frequent eutrophication. In response to these challenges, constructed wetlands are created to treat agricultural wastewater and mitigate eutrophication. This study aims to assess the effect of natural vs. constructed wetlands on ecosystem functioning (organic matter decomposition of the dominant vegetation: Phragmites australis and Typha angustifolia). We conducted this study in the Ebro River Delta (NE Spain), which represents a deltaic wetland affected by agricultural land-use changes, examining two constructed and two natural wetlands. Our findings indicate that the influence of agricultural runoff on the decomposition process was similar in both types of wetlands, suggesting that freshwater agricultural runoff has a consistent effect on ecosystem functioning, regardless of its origin, natural vs. constructed. Differences in macroinvertebrate communities associated with leaf litter were likely due to specific conductivity but did not impact decomposition rates. The estimated time required to decompose 95% of the T. angustifolia litter produced annually in the studied wetlands ranged from 288 to 856 days. In constructed wetland, this decomposition time exceeded one year, contributing to soil formation and carbon sequestration in wetland ecosystems. Our study suggests that the utilization of constructed wetlands for treating agricultural runoff can aid in mitigating the impacts of agricultural land use in these areas.
Pathwise uniqueness for singular stochastic Volterra equations with Hölder coefficients
Authors: Prömel David J. , Scheffels David
Published: August 2024

Pathwise uniqueness is established for a class of one-dimensional stochastic Volterra equations driven by Brownian motion with singular kernels and Hölder continuous diffusion coefficients. Consequently, the existence of unique strong solutions is obtained for this class of stochastic Volterra equations.
Adverse Birth Outcomes and Maternal Morbidity Among Afro-Latinas and Their Infants: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Parra Alexa , Morales Vanessa , Lebron Cynthia N. , Potter JoNell , Pan Yue , Santos Hudson P.
Published: August 2024

Objectives

To evaluate and synthesize research findings on adverse birth outcomes and maternal morbidity among Afro-Latinas and their infants.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted within PubMed, Web of Science, and SCOPUS databases. Four thousand five hundred twenty-six published peer-reviewed articles from 1970 to 2023 that reported outcomes related to maternal morbidity and/or birth outcomes were screened. After screening, we assessed 22 for eligibility, and ultimately, seven studies were included for data extraction and analysis.

Results

Although limited, the existing studies revealed disparities in abnormal birth weight (LBW & SGA) and higher preterm birth prevalence among Afro-Latinas compared to other racial and ethnic peers. These disparities are also prevalent among U.S.-born Afro-Latinas compared to foreign-born Afro-Latinas.

Conclusions

By critically examining the current empirical evidence, we can gain a deeper understanding of how intersectionality impacts perinatal health outcomes among Afro-Latinas. Understanding the root causes of these outcomes through increased research is critical to preventing and reducing poor maternal and child health among Afro-Latinas, particularly those who are U.S.-born.
Ecografia andrologica e salute riproduttiva e generale maschile
Authors: Lotti Francesco
Published: August 2024

Sommario

L’ecografia del tratto genitale maschile (TGM) rappresenta uno strumento diagnostico essenziale in andrologia. L’ecografia scrotale ha dimostrato un impatto rilevante sulla salute riproduttiva e generale maschile, valutando caratteristiche legate a infertilità, dolore, masse e traumi scrotali. L’ecografia transrettale ha assunto crescente rilevanza nella valutazione dell’infertilità e del dolore pelvico. Sono qui riportati gli standard dell’ecografia andrologica derivati da recenti linee guida e studi basati sull’evidenza e analizzate le anomalie ecografiche del TGM in relazione alla salute riproduttiva e generale maschile.
Overcoming the Limits of Cross-Sensitivity: Pattern Recognition Methods for Chemiresistive Gas Sensor Array
Authors: Mei Haixia , Peng Jingyi , Wang Tao , Zhou Tingting , Zhao Hongran , Zhang Tong , Yang Zhi
Published: August 2024

As information acquisition terminals for artificial olfaction, chemiresistive gas sensors are often troubled by their cross-sensitivity, and reducing their cross-response to ambient gases has always been a difficult and important point in the gas sensing area. Pattern recognition based on sensor array is the most conspicuous way to overcome the cross-sensitivity of gas sensors. It is crucial to choose an appropriate pattern recognition method for enhancing data analysis, reducing errors and improving system reliability, obtaining better classification or gas concentration prediction results. In this review, we analyze the sensing mechanism of cross-sensitivity for chemiresistive gas sensors. We further examine the types, working principles, characteristics, and applicable gas detection range of pattern recognition algorithms utilized in gas-sensing arrays. Additionally, we report, summarize, and evaluate the outstanding and novel advancements in pattern recognition methods for gas identification. At the same time, this work showcases the recent advancements in utilizing these methods for gas identification, particularly within three crucial domains: ensuring food safety, monitoring the environment, and aiding in medical diagnosis. In conclusion, this study anticipates future research prospects by considering the existing landscape and challenges. It is hoped that this work will make a positive contribution towards mitigating cross-sensitivity in gas-sensitive devices and offer valuable insights for algorithm selection in gas recognition applications.
Quasiorders for a Characterization of Iso-dense Spaces
Authors: Richmond Tom , Wajch Eliza
Published: August 2024

A (generalized) topological space is called an iso-dense space if the set of all its isolated points is dense in the space. The main aim of the article is to show in $$\textbf{ZF}$$
ZF
a new characterization of iso-dense spaces in terms of special quasiorders. For a non-empty family $$\mathcal {A}$$
A
of subsets of a set X, a quasiorder $${{\,\mathrm{\lesssim }\,}}_{\mathcal {A}}$$

≲

A

on X determined by $$\mathcal {A}$$
A
is defined. Necessary and sufficient conditions for $$\mathcal {A}$$
A
are given to have the property that the topology consisting of all $${{\,\mathrm{\lesssim }\,}}_{\mathcal {A}}$$

≲

A

-increasing sets coincides with the generalized topology on X consisting of the empty set and all supersets of non-empty members of $$\mathcal {A}$$
A
. The results obtained, applied to the quasiorder $${{\,\mathrm{\lesssim }\,}}_{\mathcal {D}}$$

≲

D

determined by the family $$\mathcal {D}$$
D
of all dense sets of a given (generalized) topological space, lead to a new characterization of non-trivial iso-dense spaces. Independence results concerning resolvable spaces are also obtained.
Experimental investigations on the cyclic load-bearing behavior of structural glazing joints under seismic load
Authors: Müller Paul , Schuler Christian , Siebert Geralt
Published: August 2024

In addition to static loads, structural glazing joints in glass and facade construction in many regions are subject to extraordinary effects such as earthquakes. Seismic actions are characterized by a randomly recurring and dynamic load that affects the structural behavior of the viscoelastic material. Publications on the load-bearing behavior and design of structural glazing joints against seismic loading have not systematically considered these effects. In this paper, relevant parameters influencing the seismic loading of structural glazing joints are determined, evaluated, and narrowed down to areas of practical relevance as part of a theoretical stress analysis. On this basis, extensive experimental investigations of the low-cycle fatigue behavior of structural glazing joints are presented. Cyclic stress–strain curves are determined and compared with quasi-static reference tests to describe the basic low-cycle fatigue behavior. The influence of the previously determined parameters on the cyclic load-bearing behavior can thus be determined and presented. These investigations provide an important basis for describing the behavior under typical seismic random loading. In particular, the type of load application caused by the different construction types of glass and facade buildings can be mentioned as a decisive influencing factor in addition to the frequency of building construction. The results provide a first important contribution to the modeling and design of structural glazing joints against earthquake effects. Further extensive scientific investigations will be carried out on this basis in order to develop a design model for structural glazing joints in disaster scenarios.
Anrufung des Hegemon
Authors: Twellmann Marcus
Published: August 2024

Der Beitrag argumentiert, dass eine am gesellschaftlich Imaginären interessierte Erzählforschung auf die fiktionale Verdoppelung der Kommunikationssituation ein Augenmerk legen sollte. An einem exemplarischen Text der postmigrantischen Literatur wird aufgezeigt, wie die narrative Apostrophe dazu eingesetzt wird, in einer asymmetrischen Situation dominante Gruppen herauszufordern und zu einer Reflexion auf ihre gesellschaftliche Positioniertheit anzuregen.
I Can Afford to Relax: Relating Perceived Income Adequacy to Recovery and Health
Authors: Black Kristen Jennings , DePhillips Olivia C. , Britt Thomas W.
Published: August 2024

Employee recovery during non-work hours benefits health in a variety of areas. However, little research has evaluated how recovery may be affected by perceptions of income (in)adequacy. The purpose of the present study was to examine the relationships among workers’ perceived income adequacy (PIA), relaxation remorse, recovery experiences outside of work, and health outcomes. Hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling with data obtained from a two-wave, time-lagged survey of Amazon’s Mechanical Turk (MTurk) workers (N = 683). We found a positive relationship between PIA and recovery, which were both related to better health. PIA was negatively related to relaxation remorse, with relaxation remorse being associated with poor health. There was evidence of indirect relationships via relaxation remorse, where relaxation remorse explained portions of the relationships between PIA and health symptoms. Indirect relationships via recovery experiences were largely unsupported. Our findings expand our understanding of employee recovery as it relates to perceptions of income. Specifically, our studies highlight that one’s perceived income adequacy may be an important contributor to comfort with and/or actual experienced recovery, which can have further health effects.
Debate: Should Parents Should Be Able to Request Non-Resuscitation for All Extremely Premature Newborn Infants?
Authors: Wilkinson Dominic JC , Savulescu Julian
Published: August 2024

Infants who are born extremely prematurely can survive if they receive intensive medical treatment. However, they also have a high chance of dying, and a proportion of survivors have long-term health problems and disabilities. In many parts of the world, if parents request it, an extremely premature infant can receive palliative care rather than active survival-focused care at birth. But there are variations between countries as to whether or when this is permitted. To help inform ethical debates across Asia and more widely, we present two contrasting views about parental discretion and the treatment of extremely preterm infants. In questions of this nature, disagreement and dissensus are inevitable. Differences in the outcomes of treatment, the resources available, and the values of society mean that we should not expect a uniform approach. We identify points of potential consensus and compromise despite disagreement.