bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Climate change impacts on worldwide ecological niche and invasive potential of Sternochetus mangiferae
Authors: Aidoo Owusu Fordjour , Amaro George Correa , Souza Philipe Guilherme Corcino , Picanço Marcelo Coutinho , Awuah‐Mensah Kwaafo Akoto , Silva Ricardo Siqueira da
Published: October 2024

BACKGROUND

Present climate studies on invasive species imply that climate change will alter the habitat suitability of invasive pests, especially given the projected rise in average global temperatures by the end of 2100. However, globally, limited information exists on the habitat suitability of the mango stone weevil, Sternochetus mangiferae Fabricius, which impedes the development of early detection and preventive measures. Herein, we used the MaxEnt model to estimate the potential global geographical distribution of S. mangiferae.

RESULTS

Our results revealed that thermal conditions played a significant role in explaining the invasion risk of S. mangiferae. Habitat suitability was found in all continents, except Antarctica. Under the present condition, habitat suitability covered 5.67 × 107 km2. For ssp126, habitat suitability will decrease from the 2060s (5.58 × 107 km2) and 2080s (5.57 × 107 km2). Similarly, under ssp585, suitable areas will decrease from 5.62 × 107 to 5.51 × 107 km2 for the 2060s and 2080s, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Our study has estimated variability in the habitat suitability of S. mangiferae which establishes a foundation for determining global risk assessment and response plans for the pest. This study also identifies areas where the pest is inherently more vulnerable to the impacts of changing climates and enables forecasting of its potential distribution in a dynamic world. © 2024 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
The wellbeing turn: A necessary consideration in international student mobility
Authors: Gomes Catherine
Published: October 2024

The COVID‐19 pandemic directly impacted current and aspiring international students who were confronted not only with a global health crisis but one which put a stop to any kind of international and local mobilities. While the pandemic in Australia exposed the vulnerabilities of international students–the likes of which have never been seen before–these experiences which directly impact student wellbeing essentially also have consequences on international student mobility (ISM) scholarship. This is because ISM scholarship has traditionally been driven by migration and mobility studies frameworks of economic and social mobility and security through international Global South‐to‐Global South migrations. This paper argues that the pandemic has impacted on individual ISM decision‐making where international student wellbeing should be recognised as a driver in ISM scholarship. To find out how the COVID‐19 global health crisis is bringing about a new paradigm in which to conceptualise and theorise ISM, this paper relies on data gathered before and during the pandemic. These include research reports, Australia's international education national strategies, Australian international student recruitment marketing material, mainstream media articles and a range of research projects I have conducted on international students in Australia. This paper thus suggests that the COVID‐19 global health crisis and its impact on not only the international student lived experience but on student expectations and aspirations, have fundamentally changed. Here this paper observes that a ‘wellbeing turn’ has existed in Australia in the international education space and proposes that ISM scholarship needs to consider the ‘wellbeing turn’ as a necessary consideration in ISM research.
Improved Process Stability and Light Detection in Phototransistors via Inverted MoS2/a‐IGZO Heterojunction Integration
Authors: Jin Jidong , Kang Kumin , Xiao Zhenyuan , Zhang Jiawei , Kim Tae Yeon , Lee Hyun Seok , Kim Jaekyun
Published: October 2024

The integration of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) with other semiconductors to form heterojunction phototransistors demonstrates potential for optoelectronic applications due to their strong interaction with light and tunable bandgaps. Conventionally, bottom‐gate phototransistors based on MoS2 and amorphous indium–gallium–zinc oxide (a‐IGZO) are fabricated by deposition of the a‐IGZO film on the gate dielectric, followed by deposition of the MoS2 film, resulting in a MoS2/a‐IGZO heterojunction. In this study, an inverted MoS2/a‐IGZO (or denoted as a‐IGZO/MoS2) heterojunction integration for bottom‐gate phototransistors, where the MoS2 film is deposited on the gate dielectric first, followed by the deposition of the a‐IGZO film, is presented. This configuration is designed to enhance the processability and electrical properties of the phototransistor. Under visible light exposure with a low optical power density of 5.3 μW cm−2, the a‐IGZO/MoS2 heterojunction phototransistor demonstrates significantly improved photoresponsivity (1.6, 2.8, and 17 A W−1 at 635, 520, and 405 nm wavelengths, respectively) compared to the MoS2 single‐channel phototransistor. Time‐dependent photoresponse measurements reveal that the a‐IGZO/MoS2 heterojunction phototransistor responds more quickly to light changes and generates a tenfold‐greater photocurrent than that of the MoS2 single‐channel phototransistor.
ESG and economic growth: Catalysts for achieving sustainable development goals in developing economies
Authors: Gidage Mithilesh , Bhide Shilpa
Published: October 2024

This study investigates the impact of Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG) dimensions and economic growth on the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in developing countries. The research utilizes a quantitative approach, analyzing panel data from 12 developing nations from 2010 to 2022. The Panel ARDL (Pooled Mean Group) method is applied to assess both short‐term and long‐term effects of disaggregated ESG components—environmental, social, and governance scores—on SDG attainment. Robustness is confirmed through endogeneity tests conducted using Instrumental Variable (IV) regression analysis with the Two‐Stage Least Squares (2SLS) method. The results reveal a positive relationship between ESG dimensions and SDG attainment, with economic growth also contributing significantly to SDG progress. The study highlights the importance of integrating ESG principles with economic growth strategies to enhance SDG fulfillment in developing countries, offering valuable insights for policymakers and business leaders in advancing sustainable development agendas.
Artificial Intelligence‐Enhanced Analysis of Genomic DNA Visualized with Nanoparticle‐Tagged Peptides under Electron Microscopy
Authors: Sundharbaabu Priyannth Ramasami , Chang Junhyuck , Kim Yunchul , Shim Youmin , Lee Byoungsang , Noh Chanyoung , Heo Sujung , Lee Seung Seo , Shim Sang‐Hee , Lim Kwang‐i. , Jo Kyubong , Lee Jung Heon
Published: October 2024

DNA visualization has advanced across multiple microscopy platforms, albeit with limited progress in the identification of novel staining agents for electron microscopy (EM), notwithstanding its ability to furnish a broad magnification range and high‐resolution details for observing DNA molecules. Herein, a non‐toxic, universal, and simple method is proposed that uses gold nanoparticle‐tagged peptides to stain all types of naturally occurring DNA molecules, enabling their visualization under EM. This method enhances the current DNA visualization capabilities, allowing for sequence‐specific, genomic‐scale, and multi‐conformational visualization. Importantly, an artificial intelligence (AI)‐enabled pipeline for identifying DNA molecules imaged under EM is presented, followed by classification based on their size, shape, or conformation, and finally, extraction of their significant dimensional features, which to the best of authors' knowledge, has not been reported yet. This pipeline strongly improved the accuracy of obtaining crucial information such as the number and mean length of DNA molecules in a given EM image for linear DNA (salmon sperm DNA) and the circumferential length and diameter for circular DNA (M13 phage DNA), owing to its image segmentation capability. Furthermore, it remained robust to several variations in the raw EM images arising from handling during the DNA staining stage.
Single‐Step PECVD Synthesis of Graphene@Carbon Nanotubes Electrocatalyst
Authors: Hao Chaoxu , Li Mai , Yang Jinghui , Wang Xuedong , Xia Yuhang , Chu Changqing , Liu Zhiming , He Yan , Ci Haina
Published: October 2024

Graphene (Gr) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs), the two intriguing carbon nanomaterials, have presented great potential in serving as high‐performance electrocatalysts in lithium−sulfur (Li−S) chemistry. The concurrent management of both materials would achieve a promoted synergistic effect. Nevertheless, there still remains a lack of an effective material synthesis route. Herein, a single‐step plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) strategy is devised to prepare Gr@CNTs heterostructures with strong bonded connections. In the PECVD system, the damaged sidewalls generated in CNT tubes can serve as appropriate nucleation sites for further Gr growth. The formation mechanisms are thoroughly explored in aspects of both experimental characterizations and theoretical calculations. To confirm the validity of this approach, thus‐constructed Gr@CNTs architectures are employed as the sulfur host, enabling boosted redox kinetics of polysulfides. This project provides fundamental insight into the mechanism exploration for single‐step PECVD growth of Gr@CNTs heterostructure, hence promoting the practical application prospect of carbon nanomaterials toward Li−S systems.
Towards the sociology of pets—Social functions of animals in contemporary societies observed from systems theoretical perspective
Authors: Žažar Krešimir , Clausen Lars
Published: October 2024

This paper advocates for introducing sociology of pets as a particular field of research as the response of ever growing social relevance of pets in contemporary societies. Though other theoretical approaches are suitable for tackling these complex issues, the article offers viewpoint from Luhmann's social systems theory. Based on Luhmann's writings on ecological communication, the article departs from the system/environment distinction and conceives pets as being part of a society's environment that attained resonance of a social system. Further, entry of pets into a social system is interpreted through differentiation theorem arguing that pets perform highly relevant social functions for all functional subsystems of a society by contributing to their autopoietic reproduction. This is primarily accomplished through communication about pets, emerging specific semantics, usage of binary codes specific for different subsystems, correspondence to their mediums, programs and functions. The major part of work is presenting relations of pets to 10 functional subsystems of a society, as this delineates scope of empirical phenomena of potential interest for sociology of pets. These processes might be observed at systemic, organizational and interaction levels. Despite possessing multiple merits, also, certain limits of Luhmann's account of pets are unfolded, such as incapability to hear authentic voices of animals, but rather distorted semantic codes emerging from consciousness of human psychic systems, afterwards structurally coupled with communication as a medium of social systems. At this point, social systems theory might be complemented by theory of interspecies communication, as taking into consideration other theoretical approaches anchored at ontologies pertinent to include non‐human agents is invocated. The tentative outcome of this introductory discussion is that apparent process of anthro‐morphosization of animals is taking place while the question of relation between humans–humans in the context of building just societies of the 21st century still remains open.
Development of the High‐Temperature Knudsen Effusion Mass Spectrometry in the Nordic Countries
Authors: Stolyarova Valentina L. , Shilov Andrey L. , Vorozhtcov Viktor A.
Published: October 2024

In this article, a brief review of the development of the Knudsen effusion mass spectrometric (KEMS) approach in the Theoretical Metallurgy Department of the KTH Royal Institute of Technology and in the in the Laboratory of Metallurgy of the Helsinki University of Technology and modifications of quadrupole model QMG420 mass spectrometers, is presented. The thermodynamic data obtained from vaporization of standards, such as NaCl, CsCl, B2O3, and Ag, and of the B2O3–Al2O3 and ZnO–P2O5 systems is compared with the data obtained using a magnetic MS1301 mass spectrometer. For the first time, composition of the vapor phase over the Dy2O3–DyF3, CaO–CaCl2, and Cu–Mg systems and the partial pressures of components at high temperatures are investigated. The experimental data obtained for the investigated systems are used for prediction of the vaporization processes and modeling of thermodynamic properties and high‐temperature phase equilibria in the multicomponent systems used in metallurgy. An account is given of the detailed studies of the vaporization processes and thermodynamic properties of some multicomponent systems composed of oxides, fluorides, and carbonates forming mold powders for continuous casting of steel. Some new directions of the ongoing studies by the KEMS method are summarized.
Experimental and analytical study on the bending performance of UHPC‐NC narrow steel box composite beams under negative moments
Authors: Huang Jing , Mo Shixu , Liu Xiaobei
Published: October 2024

A novel UHPC‐NC composite structure was proposed to enhance the load‐bearing capacity of concrete beam bridges under negative bending moments. Parameters including steel fiber content in UHPC, reinforcement ratio, and steel box filling height were varied across 8 UHPC‐NC narrow steel box composite beam specimens. The study involved testing, and measurement of failure modes, crack distribution, deformation characteristics, and crack widths. Additionally, a method for calculating maximum crack widths was developed based on crack distribution patterns. Furthermore, a computational model for predicting the ultimate bearing capacity of UHPC‐NC narrow steel box composite beams was constructed. The computed results aligned closely with experimental findings, validating the accuracy of the proposed computational model.
Numerical simulation on structural behavior of FRP profile‐concrete hybrid beams with bolt shear connector
Authors: Yan David , Wang Qiang
Published: October 2024

FRP profile‐concrete hybrid beam, composed of a FRP profile beam, a concrete slab made of normal concrete (NC) or ultra‐high‐performance‐concrete (UHPC), and shear connectors, shows significant potential for employment in large‐span bridges due to its excellent corrosion resistance, lightweight, and easy construction. The structural behavior of such hybrid beam was simulated using a three‐dimensional non‐linear finite element model (FEM) in Abaqus. The Hashin failure model and concrete damage plastic (CDP) model were employed to characterize the progressive failure of FRP, NC, and UHPC, respectively. The FEM considered partial shear connection by utilizing shear load‐slip model and the orthotropic behavior of the FRP profile. The proposed FEM was validated through comparisons with experimental data in terms of load‐midspan deflection curve, load‐end slip curve, and failure modes. A parametric study was subsequently conducted to identify the effects of various factors, including concrete strength, bolt spacing, concrete slab width, concrete slab height, FRP flange and web thickness, and shear span. Based on the results yielded from FEM analysis, the accuracy of the calculation method in Chinese standard (GB‐50608) for predicting the loading capacity of hybrid beams was evaluated and found too conservative.
Dynamic Determination Method of Line Drop Compensator Parameters for Voltage Regulators Based on Mixture of Experts Using Real‐Time Information
Authors: Okuno Tatsuki , Kaneko Akihisa , Fujimoto Yu , Hayashi Yasuhiro , Ishimaru Masaaki , Doi Minoru
Published: October 2024

In this paper, a method for determining line drop compensator (LDC) parameters for step voltage regulators and on‐load tap changers is proposed to avoid voltage violations in distribution systems with voltage fluctuations due to photovoltaic (PV) generation and electric vehicle (EV) charging. Distribution system operators need to effectively solve voltage problems caused by the widespread installation of distributed energy resources with the existing voltage regulators to construct an efficient and rational infrastructure. Our focus was on improving the method for determining the LDC parameters for the existing voltage regulators based on LDC control. A mechanism to dynamically change the LDC parameters depending on the situations in the distribution system was developed by using a mixture of experts, one of the machine learning techniques, and real‐time voltage and power flow information from information technology switches. The power flow calculations were performed using a distribution system model constructed based on the topology, loads, and generation characteristics of an actual distribution system in the Hokuriku region. The effectiveness of the proposed method was evaluated in terms of its improved effect on PV and EV hosting capacity, as well as the impact on the frequency of tap operations of voltage regulators. © 2024 The Author(s). IEEJ Transactions on Electrical and Electronic Engineering published by Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
A size‐dependent model of strain gradient elastic laminated micro‐beams with a weak adhesive layer
Authors: Serpilli Michele , Rizzoni Raffaella , Ramos Reinaldo Rodríguez , Lebon Frédéric
Published: October 2024

A size‐dependent model for a laminated micro‐beam with a soft adhesive is developed in the framework of strain gradient elasticity theory. The layered beam is constituted by two Euler–Bernoulli strain gradient elastic isotropic beams, joined through a strain gradient spring‐type contact law at the adhesive level. The governing bending and extensional equations and boundary conditions are obtained by using the variational principle. The differential system shows a coupling between the flexural and axial behaviors of the upper and lower beams, due to the presence of interface terms related to shear and peeling stresses. Two benchmark problems have been presented through their closed‐form solutions, namely a simply‐supported laminated beam subjected to a uniform distributed load and a mode 2‐type loading configuration of a layered axially deformable beam. Size effects and non‐local phenomena, due to high strain concentrations, are highlighted. Though simple in their features, the examples prove the efficiency of the proposed approach in designing micro‐scale layered beams.
Invariant cones for jump-diffusions in infinite dimensions
Authors: Tappe Stefan
Published: October 2024

In this paper we provide sufficient conditions for stochastic invariance of closed convex cones for stochastic partial differential equations (SPDEs) of jump-diffusion type, and clarify when these conditions are necessary. We emphasize that the diffusion coefficient of the SPDE does not need to be smooth, an assumption which is frequently imposed when dealing with stochastic invariance problems. Our results apply to the positive cone of abstract $$L^2$$

L
2

-spaces. Furthermore, we present a series of applications, where we investigate SPDEs arising in natural sciences and economics.
Efficacy and Safety of Esmolol in Neonatal Cardiac Surgery with Cardiopulmonary Bypass (CPB) for d-Transposition of the Great Arteries (d-TGA)
Authors: Blank Anna-Eva , Zajonz Thomas , Gruschwitz Inga , Neuhäuser Christoph , Akintürk Hakan , Jux Christian , Backhoff David
Published: October 2024

Objective

D-Transposition of the great arteries (d-TGA) is the most common congenital heart disease requiring surgical correction within the neonatal period. Sinus tachycardia often persists postoperatively, potentially affecting cardiac function. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of the short-acting beta-1-selective beta-blocker esmolol in controlling heart rate in neonatal cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted on neonates undergoing surgery for d-TGA. The study cohort included 112 patients, divided into an esmolol intervention group (n = 57) and a control group (n = 55). Baseline characteristics, hemodynamic parameters and outcome measures were assessed.

Results

In the esmolol group, median heart rate at ICU admission was significantly higher compared to the control group (155 vs. 147 bpm, p = 0.018). After a median time of 11 h, heart rate was lower among the esmolol patients (135 vs. 144 bpm, p < 0.001). There were no differences in other hemodynamic parameters between the two groups. Patients treated with esmolol required longer catecholamine support while no difference regarding survival, duration of invasive ventilation and ICU stay were noticed.

Conclusion

No relevant hemodynamic difference was seen between neonates treated with perioperative esmolol and the control group and outcome did not differ. This indicates non-inferiority of perioperative betablocker therapy in young age. Prospective and placebo-controlled assessment of perioperative esmolol therapy in neonates is needed.
A Burning Issue: Wildfire Smoke Exposure, Retail Sales, and Demand for Adaptation in Healthcare
Authors: Han Xianru , Li Wenying , Wang Haoluan
Published: October 2024

Wildfire events have increased in frequency and severity across the United States in recent decades. While a growing literature has documented the effects of wildfire smoke exposure on a wide range of health and socioeconomic outcomes, little is known about its impact on consumer behavior and household demand for adaptation in healthcare. We combine a newly developed and digitized dataset on daily wildfire smoke PM2.5 concentrations across the contiguous United States from 2006 to 2019 with weekly NielsenIQ retail scanner data to quantify how wildfire smoke exposure affects retail sales of air purifiers, bottled water, cold remedies, nasal products, cough products, and nutritional products. We find a positive and statistically significant impact of wildfire smoke exposure on the retail sales of these products. Dynamic effects are evident as wildfire smoke exposure in previous weeks also increases current sales. Nonlinear effects arising from the varying intensity of wildfire smoke exposure also reveal distinct patterns of demand for adaptation. We further explore how the effects of wildfire smoke exposure vary with socio-demographic characteristics, focusing on social vulnerability and highlighting the implications of environmental justice. Our results underscore the need for proactive policies to address the increased demand for emergency supplies and healthcare products as household adaptive measures during the wildfire season, particularly targeting socioeconomically vulnerable populations who may be prone to limited access to preventive measures against wildfire smoke.
What are the Factors Influencing Service Provider Response to Working with Families Affected by Intimate Partner Violence and Abuse? A Qualitative Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Mayrhofer Andrea M. , Alderson Hayley , Sarma Kausiki , Jackson Caroline , Olive Philippa , Toma Madalina , Mansuri Nushra , Waterfield Amy , Crossen Sharon , Parker Deborah , Forder Julien , Kaner Eileen , Miller Robin , Gabbay Mark , Akeju Dorcas , McGovern Ruth
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Intimate partner violence and abuse (IPVA) is a major public health issue with long-term negative impacts on abused adults and affected children. Addressing this complex problem requires a multi-agency response, but barriers to effective joint working remain. This review aimed to understand the factors that influence multi-agency response to families who experience IPVA and to their children.

Method

We undertook a qualitative systematic review of international literature via five electronic databases and supplemented the review by citation searches, online searches of grey literature, and hand searches of relevant journals. We analyzed data thematically.

Results

The 31 identified papers reported findings from 29 unique studies undertaken in six countries and drew on data from 1049 professionals across health care, social care, the police, courts, schools and voluntary organisations. The main factors influencing service provider response to IPVA were siloed approaches to IPVA, particularly the separation between adult and childrens services. This influenced assessment and response to risk. Risk was also a consideration when child-protection staff were expected to work with perpetrators in ‘family settings’, even in lower-risk cases. Multi-agency working facilitated information sharing between agencies, an understanding of each other’s remit, and building trust.

Conclusion

Multi-agency collaboration needs to be supported by clear policies of interaction between agencies. Providers of child protection services, health, mental health, housing police and probation need to be supported by specialist training in IPVA, not only in high-risk cases, but also to relieve pressure on an already overstretched workforce.
Adaptive infrared patterns for microscopic surface reconstructions
Authors: Milosavljevic Srdjan , Bardosi Zoltan , Oezbek Yusuf , Freysinger Wolfgang
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Multi-zoom microscopic surface reconstructions of operating sites, especially in ENT surgeries, would allow multimodal image fusion for determining the amount of resected tissue, for recognizing critical structures, and novel tools for intraoperative quality assurance. State-of-the-art three-dimensional model creation of the surgical scene is challenged by the surgical environment, illumination, and the homogeneous structures of skin, muscle, bones, etc., that lack invariant features for stereo reconstruction.

Methods

An adaptive near-infrared pattern projector illuminates the surgical scene with optimized patterns to yield accurate dense multi-zoom stereoscopic surface reconstructions. The approach does not impact the clinical workflow. The new method is compared to state-of-the-art approaches and is validated by determining its reconstruction errors relative to a high-resolution 3D-reconstruction of CT data.

Results

200 surface reconstructions were generated for 5 zoom levels with 10 reconstructions for each object illumination method (standard operating room light, microscope light, random pattern and adaptive NIR pattern). For the adaptive pattern, the surface reconstruction errors ranged from 0.5 to 0.7 mm, as compared to 1–1.9 mm for the other approaches. The local reconstruction differences are visualized in heat maps.

Conclusion

Adaptive near-infrared (NIR) pattern projection in microscopic surgery allows dense and accurate microscopic surface reconstructions for variable zoom levels of small and homogeneous surfaces. This could potentially aid in microscopic interventions at the lateral skull base and potentially open up new possibilities for combining quantitative intraoperative surface reconstructions with preoperative radiologic imagery.
Why do we misperceive air pollution? A scoping review of key judgmental biases
Authors: Boso Àlex , Oltra Christian , Álvarez Boris , Garrido Jaime , Hofflinger Álvaro , Gálvez-García Germán
Published: October 2024

Air pollution stands as a primary environmental factor influencing mortality globally. Despite its significance, individuals frequently struggle to assess the risks associated with polluted environments. This paper delves into the psychological mechanisms that contribute to the discrepancy between public perception of air quality and objective measurements. Through an extensive literature review spanning several decades, six fundamental heuristics that underpin misperceptions of air quality are identified and examined. The article further explores the theoretical and practical implications of acknowledging these biases in the development of urban environmental policies. By addressing judgmental biases, urban planners can improve the communication of risk information among lay people and ensure that environmental improvements are acknowledged and valued by all members of the community.
Revising LH cut-off for the diagnosis of central precocious puberty via triptorelin stimulation assay
Authors: Cavarzere Paolo , Sandri Marco , Arrigoni Marta , Guardo Chiara , Gaudino Rossella , Antoniazzi Franco
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Precocious puberty (PP) in girls is defined by thelarche before age 8. The diagnostic gold standard is an increased LH level following gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulation. Alternatively, GnRH analogues like triptorelin can be used, though their interpretation varies. Since 2000, we have used a triptorelin-induced LH cut-off of 15 IU/L, 4 h post-stimulus. However, many girls showed LH values below this threshold despite evident pubertal progression.

Purpose

To establish a new LH threshold post-triptorelin stimulation for earlier diagnosis of central precocious puberty (CPP) in girls showing pubertal progression and to evaluate additional parameters for diagnostic accuracy.

Methods

We enrolled 186 girls with thelarche onset between ages 1–8 and a GnRH analogue assay performed between 2015–2019 without signs of axis activation. Within this cohort, 62 patients repeated the triptorelin test due to rapid pubertal progression. The assay involved administering 100 mcg/m² of triptorelin and measuring LH, FSH, and estradiol levels before and four hours post-injection.

Results

Patients with axis activation at the second test had significantly higher post-stimulus LH levels at the first test compared to those below 15 IU/L. They also had higher basal LH levels, elevated LH/FSH ratio, and increased growth velocity. Statistical analysis identified a new post-stimulus LH threshold of 5 IU/L.

Conclusion

We propose a LH value of 5 IU/L after triptorelin administration as a new threshold for early CPP diagnosis. While the LH/FSH ratio and growth velocity are associated with axis activation, they did not significantly enhance diagnostic accuracy when combined with the LH value.
Recent progress in Ni-rich layered oxides and related cathode materials for Li-ion cells
Authors: Fu Boyang , Moździerz Maciej , Kulka Andrzej , Świerczek Konrad
Published: October 2024

Undoubtedly, the enormous progress observed in recent years in the Ni-rich layered cathode materials has been crucial in terms of pushing boundaries of the Li-ion battery (LIB) technology. The achieved improvements in the energy density, cyclability, charging speed, reduced costs, as well as safety and stability, already contribute to the wider adoption of LIBs, which extends nowadays beyond mobile electronics, power tools, and electric vehicles, to the new range of applications, including grid storage solutions. With numerous published papers and broad reviews already available on the subject of Ni-rich oxides, this review focuses more on the most recent progress and new ideas presented in the literature references. The covered topics include doping and composition optimization, advanced coating, concentration gradient and single crystal materials, as well as innovations concerning new electrolytes and their modification, with the application of Ni-rich cathodes in solid-state batteries also discussed. Related cathode materials are briefly mentioned, with the high-entropy approach and zero-strain concept presented as well. A critical overview of the still unresolved issues is given, with perspectives on the further directions of studies and the expected gains provided.
Lineage diversity in a Melanesian lizard radiation (Gekkonidae: Nactus) further highlights exceptional diversity and endemism in eastern Papua New Guinea
Authors: Oliver Paul M. , Kraus Fred , Austin Christopher C. , Tedeschi Leonardo G. , O’Brien Aurora R. , Maddock Simon T.
Published: October 2024

New Guinea and surrounding islands are home to some of the richest assemblages of insular biodiversity in the world. The key geological drivers of species richness in this region are largely considered to be mountain uplift and development of offshore archipelagos—some of which have accreted onto New Guinea—with the role of mountain uplift and elevational gradients receiving more attention than the role of isolation on islands. Here, we examine the distribution of lineage richness and body-size diversity in a radiation of Melanesian lizards that is almost entirely absent from montane habitats but closely associated with islands—the geckos of the genus Nactus. Our data indicate that eastern New Guinea—centred on the East Papuan Composite Terrane (EPCT)—shows particularly high levels of endemism and body-size diversity and is also inferred to be a source area for multiple independent colonisations elsewhere in New Guinea, the Pacific and Australia. Two Nactus lineages in Australia have closest relatives occurring to the north of New Guinea’s Central Cordillera, suggesting dispersal through this area in the mid-Miocene, possibly via seaways that would have isolated the islands to the east and west of the proto-Papuan region. Syntopic species tend to differ in body length; however, at a phylogenetic scale, this trait appears to be conservative, with small-sized and large-sized species clustered into separate lineages. These data suggest that species richness in Melanesian Nactus is in part explained by morphological diversification enabling the presence of sympatric communities to exist, but to a greater extent by multiple instances of dispersal and extensive allopatric and parapatric speciation, especially in and around the islands of the EPCT.
Grevenius granulifer (Thulin, 1928) revised: a fresh look at one of the most intensively studied water bears (Eutardigrada: Isohypsibioidea)
Authors: Gąsiorek Piotr
Published: October 2024

Redescriptions of species established in the incipient stage of tardigrade taxonomy, in the first half of 20th century, have currently become a routine. Especially type species of all genera should undergo an urgent revision to allow more precise diagnoses and unravel species complexes. Herein, an aquatic species Grevenius granulifer is amended based on the topotypic population from a pond in the Botanical Garden of Lund. Detailed qualitative and quantitative characters alongside a full set of standard DNA barcodes (18S rRNA, 28S rRNA, ITS-2, and COI) are provided. This will open a window for systematic works on other representatives of Grevenius and delivers new data on rarely addressed freshwater tardigrades.
MicroRNAs als molekulare Marker für physiologische Anpassungsreaktionen auf körperliche Ausdauerbelastung
Authors: Schubert R. , Wagner J. B. , Kämpfer N. , Oremek G. , Bille J. , Kosteczka R. , Holzgreve F. , Ohlendorf Daniela
Published: October 2024

In den vergangenen Jahren hat sich die Forschung verstärkt der Identifizierung von MicroRNAs (miRNAs) als Biomarker gewidmet. Auch die physiologischen Anpassungen an körperliche Ausdauerbelastungen wurden in diesem Kontext untersucht. miRNAs sind kleine nichtkodierende RNAs, die eine Schlüsselrolle bei der posttranskriptionellen Genregulation spielen. Diese kurze Übersichtsarbeit gibt einen Überblick über die Grundlagen der miRNAs, ihre biogenetischen Wege und ihre Funktionen sowie aktuelle Erkenntnisse über ihre Rolle bei der Anpassung an Ausdauertraining. Die Forschung zeigt, dass miRNAs, die im Blut und anderen Körperflüssigkeiten zirkulieren, als Reaktion auf sportliche Betätigung in spezifischen Mustern exprimiert werden. Diese Veränderungen sind abhängig von der Art (z. B. anaerobe oder aerobe Belastung, Ausdauer- vs. Krafttraining), Intensität und Dauer des Trainings. Darüber hinaus gibt es Hinweise darauf, dass miRNAs geschlechtsspezifische Reaktionen auf körperliche Belastungen zeigen. Die Erkenntnisse über miRNAs als Biomarker bieten nicht nur Einblicke in die Mechanismen der Trainingsanpassung, sondern könnten auch praktische Anwendungen in der präventiven Gesundheitsförderung und im betrieblichen Gesundheitsmanagement finden. Langzeitstudien und weitere Forschung sind jedoch erforderlich, um die genauen Zusammenhänge und das Potenzial von miRNAs als therapeutische Ziele vollständig zu verstehen.
It’s Intertwined! Barriers and Motivations for Second-hand Product Consumption
Authors: Frahm Lea Becker , Boks Casper , Laursen Linda Nhu
Published: October 2024

Second-hand product consumption is pivotal for the success of circular economies, yet engaging in the shopping transactions presents challenges. While still niche, these shopping channels validate consumers’ acceptance and purchasing of pre-owned products influenced by various factors identified through literature. This paper synthesizes the literature on barriers and motivations to second-hand product consumption, clarifying their influence and contextual nuances. Drawing from 20 semi-structured interviews enriches qualitative data through affinity diagramming. It extends findings by identifying two barriers (identity discrepancy and lack of exchange service) and six motivations (supporting charity, material value, showcasing expertise, resale value, easy ownership, and self-care). Additionally, it analyses four deviant cases, revealing the complexity of second-hand product consumption dynamics. Findings underscore these dynamics depend on context, shopping experience, and product type rather than category. Elucidating this contributes significantly to understanding consumer behaviour and provides valuable insights for designing strategies that promote circular consumption and sustainable lifestyles.
Arandora Star: analysis and ‘Embarkation Listing’ of Italians
Authors: Pacitti Alfonso
Published: October 2024

This paper critically reviews and examines the available data concerning Italians embarked on the SS Arandora Star on 30 June 1940. It encompasses their fate on 2 July when the ship was sunk, their subsequent journeys and the sources used to verify the conclusions. The principal aim is to establish, as far as is possible, the precise number, correct names and other details of those who were embarked on the ship. A fully validated ‘Embarkation Listing’ is published here for the first time.
RNA m6A methyltransferase activator affects anxiety-related behaviours, monoamines and striatal gene expression in the rat
Authors: Kanarik Margus , Liiver Kristi , Norden Marianna , Teino Indrek , Org Tõnis , Laugus Karita , Shimmo Ruth , Karelson Mati , Saarma Mart , Harro Jaanus
Published: October 2024

Modification of mRNA by methylation is involved in post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression by affecting the splicing, transport, stability and translation of mRNA. Methylation of adenosine at N6 (m6A) is one of the most common and important cellular modiﬁcation occurring in the mRNA of eukaryotes. Evidence that m6A mRNA methylation is involved in regulation of stress response and that its dysregulation may contribute to the pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric disorders is accumulating. We have examined the acute and subchronic (up to 18 days once per day intraperitoneally) effect of the first METTL3/METTL14 activator compound CHMA1004 (methyl-piperazine-2-carboxylate) at two doses (1 and 5 mg/kg) in male and female rats. CHMA1004 had a locomotor activating and anxiolytic-like profile in open field and elevated zero-maze tests. In female rats sucrose consumption and swimming in Porsolt’s test were increased. Nevertheless, CHMA1004 did not exhibit strong psychostimulant-like properties: CHMA1004 had no effect on 50-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations except that it reduced the baseline difference between male and female animals, and acute drug treatment had no effect on extracellular dopamine levels in striatum. Subchronic CHMA1004 altered ex vivo catecholamine levels in several brain regions. RNA sequencing of female rat striata after subchronic CHMA1004 treatment revealed changes in the expression of a number of genes linked to dopamine neuron viability, neurodegeneration, depression, anxiety and stress response. Conclusively, the first-in-class METTL3/METTL14 activator compound CHMA1004 increased locomotor activity and elicited anxiolytic-like effects after systemic administration, demonstrating that pharmacological activation of RNA m6A methylation has potential for neuropsychiatric drug development.
Climate Displacement and Territorial Justice
Authors: STILZ ANNA
Published: October 2024

This article develops an account of territorial justice to understand what is owed to people at risk of climate displacement. I argue that the aim of territorial justice is to secure a globally recognized status, the status of being an equal common possessor of the earth. As a common possessor, every inhabitant of the globe has a claim to a “place” in the world where they can access minimally just material conditions and political institutions, securely pursue their located practices, and exercise self-determination together with others. I apply this theory to generate prescriptions for a just policy response to the risk of climate displacement. Where possible, I argue that a just response should focus on mandatory global taxation to support in situ adaptation. In cases where relocation becomes inevitable, I outline the implications for how just relocation regime should be structured.
New insights into the geographical distribution of brown bears Ursus arctos in Nepal
Authors: Kusi Naresh , Gurung Sabita , Lama Dorjee Tundup , Pathak Sabanam , Pant Ganesh , Timalsina Kiran , Werhahn Geraldine
Published: October 2024

In the current IUCN Red List assessment, the south-western distribution range of the brown bear Ursus arctos in Nepal ends in Upper Mustang, in the central Himalaya, and extends northwards into the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China. Although brown bears have been recorded further west of Upper Mustang, details of these findings have not been published previously. Using camera traps, we present new evidence of brown bears in Limi Valley, Upper Humla, north-western Nepal. Covering a study area of 336 km2, we deployed 61 camera traps for 3,145 trap-nights during July–October 2021 and 10,748 trap-nights during June 2022–October 2023. In 2021 we recorded a single independent image of a brown bear, followed by 23 independent images during 2022–2023. The images were captured during spring and autumn but not in summer and winter. These new records increase the distribution range of the brown bear in Nepal, extending its global range south-westwards. Our results indicate the significance of Limi Valley as a stronghold for brown bears in Nepal and underscore the importance of formally protecting the currently unprotected wildlife habitats in Limi Valley. Our study emphasizes the need for further research into the ecology and population status of brown bears in Nepal.
Understanding the complexity of barriers and facilitators to adherence to oral nutritional supplements among patients with malnutrition: a systematic mixed-studies review
Authors: Liljeberg Evelina , Payne Liz , Skinnars Josefsson Malin , Söderström Lisa , Einarsson Sandra
Published: October 2024

The aim of this systematic mixed-studies review is to summarise barriers/facilitators to adherence to and/or consumption of oral nutritional supplements (ONS) among patients with disease-related malnutrition. In March 2022, the Cochrane CENTRAL, PUBMED, PsycINFO (Ovid) and CINAHL were searched for articles with various study designs, published since 2000. Articles were identified on the basis of ‘population’ (patients ≥18 years with malnutrition/at nutritional risk), ‘intervention’ (ONS with ≥2 macronutrients and micronutrients), ‘comparison’ (any comparator/no comparator) and ‘outcome’ (factors affecting adherence or consumption) criteria. A sequential exploratory synthesis was conducted: first, a thematic synthesis was performed identifying barriers/facilitators; and second, the randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were used to support these findings. The five WHO dimensions of adherence guided the analysis. Study inclusion, data extraction, analysis and risk-of-bias assessment (MMAT 2018) were carried out independently by two researchers. From 21 835 screened articles, 171 were included with 42% RCTs and 20% qualitative studies. The two major populations were patients with malignancies (34%) and older adults (35%). In total, fifty-nine barriers/facilitators were identified. Patients’ health status, motivation, product tolerance and satisfaction as well as well-functioning healthcare routines and support were factors impacting ONS consumption. Few barriers/facilitators (n = 13) were investigated in RCTs. Two of those were serving a small ONS volume and integrating ONS into ward routines. Given the complexity of ONS adherence, non-adherence to ONS should be addressed using a holistic approach. More studies are needed to investigate the effect of different approaches to increase adherence to ONS.
Women in Opera: Not Yet Defeated
Authors: Knaus Kordula
Published: October 2024

Is it surprising that three recent publications dealing with women in opera prominently refer to a book from 1979? Maybe not when this book is Catherine Clément's L'opéra ou la défaite des femmes (Opera, or the Undoing of Women, English translation by Betsy Wing, 1988). Clément's reading of women characters in the standard operatic repertoire from Mozart to Puccini quickly became a ‘classic’ within feminist opera studies and influenced much of the scholarly debate in the 1980s and 1990s. The monographs by Marcie Ray, Kimberly White and Monica A. Hershberger, all presenting results from their doctoral research and beyond, give revealing insights into where we stand today when dealing with women in opera. Several thematic and methodological approaches in all three books provide indications of the current issues of debate.
Ugly ambition: “Sportsgirls” and the German press in the 1920s
Authors: Ahner Helen
Published: October 2024

This article focuses on the discussions around female athletes and their emotions in the German and Austrian press of the 1920s. In the course of the sports boom of the interwar years, more and more women participated in public sports competitions and demanded their right to be taken seriously as sportswomen. Their public appearance aroused mixed feelings and heated social debates about how much and what kind of sport was appropriate for women, which were reflected in discussions and narratives around the figure of the “sportsgirl.” Sportsgirls were imbued with a novel emotional style to which ambition and audacity – ways of feeling that were cultivated during competitive sports and that contrasted with traditional bourgeois female feeling rules – were key. Sportsgirls and their emotional style were the subject of many stories, reports, pictures, and articles that were published in the growing sports press of the time – and they were judged and evaluated for the emotional style they embodied. The press was a potent platform and site of the formation of feeling rules; as such, discussions around sportsgirls point to the (embodied) experiences of the athletes and indicate how the emotional style that derived from them was turned into a tool to reshape social conventions and feeling rules for women beyond the sports arena.