bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New crops in the 1st millennium ce in northern Italy
Authors: Bosi Giovanna , Castiglioni Elisabetta , Mazzanti Marta , Rottoli Mauro
Published: October 2023

In order to identify new crops in the 1st millennium ce in northern Italy, a complex and diversified territory, archaeobotanical macroremains from 155 sites dating between the 2nd century bce and 12th century ce were analysed. In more than half of the sites, taxa were encountered that had never previously been recorded from the area. The new crops are about 30, mainly (~ 70%) fruit plants in the broad sense, which have a clear peak in this time period. Based on the available data, the most prominent time for the introduction of new food plants (both imports and cultivars) seems to have been the Roman Imperial period (1st–2nd century ce), but also later, in Late Antiquity (3rd–6th century ce) and the Middle Ages (7th–12 century ce), there was no lack of new arrivals. Some fruit trees, such as Prunus persica (peach) and Pinus pinea (stone pine) immediately played an important role, and have continued to do so over time, as these are still grown in the area now.
Tonometrie und Pachymetrie zur Erfassung der Augeninnendruckschwankungen beim Scuba-Tauchen
Authors: Brebeck A-K. , Huber H. , Schipke J. D. , Grehn F. , Haritoglou C. , Klink T.
Published: October 2023

Hintergrund

Derzeit ist noch nicht geklärt, ob das Tauchen mit Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus (Scuba) mit klinisch relevanten Augeninnendruckschwankungen einhergeht und ob Glaukompatienten durch fortgesetztes Tauchen die Schadensentwicklung forcieren.

Ziel

Das Ziel der Studie besteht darin, den Augeninnendruck (IOD) im Rahmen von Scuba-Tauchgängen bei gesunden Personen zu erfassen, um das Gefährdungspotenzial von Glaukompatienten zu bewerten. Es besteht die Hypothese, dass Urlaubstauchgänge nicht zu nennenswerten Erhöhungen oder Schwankungen des IOD führen.

Material und Methoden

Es wurden 16 Taucher (davon 5 Frauen) in die Studie eingeschlossen. Sie führten 96 Tauchgänge mit Luft oder Nitrox32 in einer Tiefe von 20–30 m und einer Dauer von ca. 50 min durch. Die Messung der zentralen Hornhautdicke wurde mit dem Ultraschallpachymeter Pocket IITM (Quantel Medical Pocket II™, Quantel Medical, Clermont-Ferrand, Frankreich) durchgeführt, die Bestimmung des IOD fand mit dem Tonometer Icare® PRO (Icare® PRO, Icare Finland Oy, Espoo, Finnland) direkt vor dem Tauchen und innerhalb von 10 min nach dem Auftauchen statt.

Ergebnisse

Alle Analysen bezogen sich ausschließlich auf das rechte Auge. Die durchschnittlichen IOD-Werte aller Tauchgänge schwankten zwischen 15,6 und 19,2 mm Hg und 16,8 und 18,2 mm Hg (vor dem Tauchgang zu nach dem Tauchgang). Die Spannweite des IOD betrug vor dem Tauchen 2,2–11,5 mm Hg (∆ = 9,3 mm Hg) und nach dem Tauchen 2,7–14,8 mm Hg (∆ = 12,1 mm Hg). Bei 11,5 % und 18,8 % lag der IOD über 21 mm Hg (vor dem Tauchen zu nach dem Tauchen).

Schlussfolgerung

Die Studie ergab keinen signifikanten Unterschied zwischen dem IOD vor und nach dem Tauchen. Es kann daher angenommen werden, dass das Tauchen keinen signifikanten Einfluss auf den IOD hat.
Influence of health literacy on health-related quality of life after total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Strahl André , Bücker Lara , Bechler Ulrich , Krüger Lara , Ries Christian , Hubert Jan , Beil Frank Timo , Rolvien Tim
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Personal knowledge about the own disease, a key component of health literacy (HL), may have a considerable impact on treatment outcomes. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the patients’ knowledge about the surgical procedure, risks, and aftercare, as well as the satisfaction with the preoperative level of information, has an influence on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) after primary total hip arthroplasty (THA).

Materials and methods

A total of 176 patients (68.3 ± 10.3 years, 60.8% female) were evaluated. HRQoL was assessed prior to surgery as well as one and twelve months after THA using the 12-item Short Form Questionnaire. Following standardized surgical informed consent, HL was assessed preoperatively using a self-constructed quiz score, while information satisfaction was measured with a single-item rating scale. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, including pain (VAS), functionality (WOMAC), and psychological distress (PHQ-4), were also assessed at baseline. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to examine whether HL, satisfaction with information, age, social class, WOMAC, VAS, and PHQ-4 predict HRQoL at one and twelve months post-surgery.

Results

The average HL quiz score was 23 ± 5.1 out of a possible 33 points. Social class index significantly influenced HL (p < 0.001). A weak correlation between HL and age (r = 0.23, p = 0.01) and no correlation between HL and psychological distress (p = 0.868) were observed. One month after THA, physical HRQoL was significantly predicted by the WOMAC index (p = 0.031) and subjective satisfaction with information (p = 0.022), but not by HL. After twelve months, only the WOMAC was a significant predictor (p < 0.001) of physical HRQoL.

Conclusion

Although subjective satisfaction with the patient’s preoperative level of information had a significant effect on the physical HRQoL at one month after THA, the influence of osteoarthritis severity outweighed this effect after twelve months. HL had no direct influence on HRQoL. These results suggest that patient satisfaction, rather than knowledge, predicts HRQoL.
Water stress decreases the biocontrol efficacy of a nucleopolyhedrovirus against the fall armyworm on maize
Authors: Real-Santillán Raúl Omar , del-Val Ek , Williams Trevor , Martínez-Castillo Ana Mabel , Gavito Mayra E. , Contreras-Cornejo Hexon Ángel , Díaz Tsiri , García-Gómez Griselda , Larsen John
Published: October 2023

Drought events are expected to limit crop productivity in the context of current climate change. Drought is also likely to affect multitrophic interactions such as those involving plants, phytophagous insects and their natural enemies. We designed a two-phase experiment to test the effect of water availability and fertilizer treatment on the interaction between maize, the fall armyworm and its nucleopolyhedrovirus pathogen. Plants grown in soil with high irrigation and mineral fertilization had the highest shoot and root dry weight. Furthermore, plant nitrogen levels were higher in plants with fertilization and a low irrigation scheme compared to other treatments. Low irrigation of maize plants reduced virus-induced mortality of armyworm larvae. Insects did not feed on plants with high irrigation and without fertilization. We conclude that water stress and plant nutrition can affect virus performance and thereby affect the efficiency of biological control and pest management, especially as water and nutrient limitation will likely increase under climate change.
Body, Breath, and Mind: Feasibility of an Internet Intervention for Depressive Symptoms Combining Qi Gong and Behavioral Activation
Authors: Michalak Johannes , Puntke Tobias , Trimpop Leonie , Bohn Annette , Schell Estelle , Reichert Hannah , Senker Kerstin , Heidenreich Thomas
Published: October 2023

Background

Research has consistently shown that the motor system and emotional processes are interrelated in non-clinical as well as in clinical populations. Therefore, the body might be a promising target for the treatment of depression. Based on these notions, we developed Body, Breath and Mind (BBM) a minimally monitored online intervention combining body orientated Qi Gong practice with elements of behavioral activation (BA). This study aims to assess the feasibility of BBM.

Methods

One hundred and ten adults showing at least moderate levels of depression were recruited and a single group pre-/post-test design was used. BBM consists of eight modules including Qi Gong as well as BA homework practice. Instructions for Qi Gong practice were given via video. Feasibility outcome measures included treatment adherence, preliminary effectiveness, satisfaction and practice time. Primary outcome measure was the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) assessing depressive symptoms.

Results

We found significant reduction of depressive symptoms with a large effect size (dAV = – 1.82) and participants were satisfied with Qi Gong and BA elements as well as with the entire program. Thirty-four participants (31%) completed all eight modules.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that it would be feasible to proceed to a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the potential of BBM, a program combining body-oriented and BA elements.
Astronomical withdrawals: a green criminological examination of extreme energy mining on extraterrestrial objects
Authors: Lampkin Jack Adam , McClanahan Bill W.
Published: October 2023

Mining for natural resources on-Earth is commonplace and dates back over a hundred years at an industrial scale. Technological advances in outer space exploration are enabling the mining of extraterrestrial resources to transition from mere science fiction, to a serious possibility. In recent decades, several new start-up companies have arisen with the sole intention of exploiting resources that exist in outer space, such as on Earth’s moon, asteroids, meteorites, planets, and various planetary satellites, such as the moons of Mars - Phobos and Diemos. However, despite the increased investment and interest in space mining, criminologists have remained virtually silent on outer space issues. In this paper we adopt a green criminological approach to explain the emergence of outer space mining, and argue that now is the time to be researching and debating the phenomenon of extraterrestrial mining in order to prevent future social and environmental harm (following the precautionary principle of environmental law). To do this, the paper does three things. Firstly, it examines strategies for conducting space mining (such as its feasibility, probable locations, and innovative mining techniques). Secondly, it analyses the terrestrial and extraterrestrial impacts of space mining, unveiling several avenues for the creation of social and environmental harm. Finally, it uses a green criminological approach to justify the rationale for engaging legal scholars and criminologists with problematic space mining issues. The paper concludes that now is the time to discuss these issues, prior to the industrialisation and exploitation of unique celestial bodies.
Functional and variables selection in extreme value models for regional flood frequency analysis
Authors: Gardini Aldo
Published: October 2023

The problem of estimating return levels of river discharge, relevant in flood frequency analysis, is tackled by relying on the extreme value theory. The Generalized Extreme Value (GEV) distribution is assumed to model annual maxima values of river discharge registered at multiple gauging stations belonging to the same river basin. The specific features of the data from the Upper Danube basin drive the definition of the proposed statistical model. Firstly, Bayesian P-splines are considered to account for the non-linear effects of station-specific covariates on the GEV parameters. Secondly, the problem of functional and variable selection is addressed by imposing a grouped horseshoe prior to the coefficients to encourage the shrinkage of non-relevant components to zero. A cross-validation study is organized to compare the proposed modeling solution to other models, showing its potential to reduce the uncertainty of the ungauged predictions without affecting their calibration.
Has the public good of higher education been emptied out? The case of England
Authors: Marginson Simon , Yang Lili
Published: October 2023

In Anglophone neoliberal jurisdictions, policy highlights the private goods associated with higher education but largely neglects the sector’s contributions to public good not measurable as economic values, including non-pecuniary individual benefits and collective social outcomes. Governments are silent on the existence and funding of most public goods. The paper reports on understandings of the public good role of higher education in England after nearly a decade of full marketisation. The study, part of a cross-national comparison of 11 countries, consisted of a review of major policy reports, and 24 semi-structured interviews in universities (13) and among higher education policy professionals (11) including regulators, national organisations and experts. England has no policy language for talking about outcomes of higher education other than attenuated performative outputs such as graduate salaries, research impact, knowledge exchange and widening participation, understood as individual access to education as a private good. Awareness of multiple public goods has been suppressed to justify successive fee increases and the imposition of a market in the centralised English system. This has coincided with a shift from direct government funding and collaborative stewardship by state and institutions, to student funding and top-down regulation. Nevertheless, most interviewees, including regulators, advocated an open-ended public good role and provided many examples of public goods in higher education, though the concepts lacked clarity. The policy notion of a zero-sum relation of private and public outcomes, corresponding to the split of private/public costs, was rejected in favour of a positive-sum relation of private and public outcomes.
Teachers’ perceived opportunity to contribute to school culture transformation
Authors: Reinius Hanna , Hakkarainen Kai , Juuti Kalle , Korhonen Tiina
Published: October 2023

Teachers’ active role in school development has been recognized as important in school culture transformation. Leadership practices, such as distributed leadership and organizational support, aim to engage teachers and foster their participation and contribution opportunities. However, studies have shown that teachers’ earlier experiences and beliefs shape their participation activities. To facilitate school culture transformation and the development of pedagogical practices, it is important to understand how teachers position themselves as school developers. This interview study aims to explore what kinds of views teachers express regarding school development work and teacher collaboration, along with how these views influence their perceived opportunity to contribute to school culture transformation. Altogether, 35 teachers from three schools in Helsinki, Finland, were interviewed. The analysis revealed five teacher profiles and, thus, five different ways of approaching school culture transformation: (1) Visioner, (2) Responsibility Bearer, (3) Participating Observer, (4) Traditionalist, and (5) Stressed Withdrawer. Teachers’ orientation to school development work and received organizational support influenced teachers’ perceived contribution opportunities. Furthermore, the identified profiles experienced the needed organizational support for school development work differently; for some, it was mainly common time for collaboration, while for others, it meant reorganized structures. The results indicate that diverse support is needed to engage the whole teacher community in school culture transformation and that school leaders need to pay attention to how the distributed leadership model benefits all teachers, not just the visionary ones.
Computed tomography–based device-sizing in Amplatzer Amulet left atrial appendage occlusion
Authors: Nirmalan Jonatan Gerard , Kramer Anders , Korsholm Kasper , Jensen Jesper Møller , Nielsen-Kudsk Jens Erik
Published: October 2023

Background

Amplatzer Amulet is a frequently used device for left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO). The current sizing protocol is based on the maximum diameter of the left atrial appendage (LAA) landing zone. However, mean, perimeter-, or area-derived diameter might be more accurate measures for device sizing.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of 150 consecutive patients undergoing LAAO is guided by pre-procedural cardiac CT. A total of 117 patients were included; 7 were excluded due to renal failure and 26 due to closure with the sandwich technique. The maximum, mean, area-, and perimeter-derived diameters of the landing zone were derived from pre-procedural cardiac CT scans, and their accuracy to predict the implanted device size was investigated. The predicted device size was determined based on the currently recommended sizing algorithm. Peri-device leak (PDL) was assessed (grade 1–3) along with the underlying mechanism.

Results

Device-sizing accuracy was superior for mean, area-, and perimeter derived diameters compared with the maximal diameter, especially for eccentric landing zones. Mean difference between predicted and actually implanted device size was 0.08 mm (± 2.77), 0.30 mm (± 2.40), − 0.39 mm (± 2.43), and − 2.55 mm (± 2.57) across mean, area-derived, perimeter-derived, and maximal diameter, respectively. Grade 3 peri-device leak was seen in 8.5% of implants without a significant association to the eccentricity of the landing zone. The leading mechanism for PDL was device malalignment.

Conclusion

Our results indicate mean, area-, and perimeter-derived diameters of the device landing zone to perform similar and superior in device-sizing accuracy compared with the maximum diameter.

Graphical Abstract
Unusual effects of a nanoporous gold substrate on cell adhesion and differentiation because of independent multi-branch signaling of focal adhesions
Authors: Wu Peizheng , Yanagi Kazuya , Yokota Kazuki , Hakamada Masataka , Mabuchi Mamoru
Published: October 2023

A variety of cell behaviors, such as cell adhesion, motility, and fate, can be controlled by substrate characteristics such as surface topology and chemistry. In particular, the surface topology of substrates strongly affects cell behaviors, and the topological spacing is a critical factor in inducing cell responses. Various works have demonstrated that cell adhesion was enhanced with decreasing topological spacing although differentiation progressed slowly. However, there are exceptions, and thus, correlations between topological spacing and cell responses are still debated. We show that a nanoporous gold substrate affected cell adhesion while it neither affected osteogenic nor adipogenic differentiation. In addition, the cell adhesion was reduced with decreasing pore size. These do not agree with previous findings. A focal adhesion (FA) is an aggregate of modules comprising specific proteins such as FA kinase, talin, and vinculin. Therefore, it is suggested that because various extracellular signals can be independently branched off from the FA modules, the unusual effects of nanoporous gold substrates are related to the multi-branching of FAs.

Graphical Abstract
Intelligent Lithology Identification Methods for Rock Images Based on Object Detection
Authors: Zhenlong Hou , Jikang Wei , Jinrong Shen , Xinwei Liu , Wentian Zhao
Published: October 2023

Lithology identification is a crucial step in geological research. In recent years, the development of artificial intelligence technologies has provided new insights into solving problems associated with subjectivity and labor intensity of traditional manual identification. However, when rocks are identified in situ, existing algorithms cannot accurately identify them if the image features of different types of rocks are similar or the rock textures are varied. In this regard, the study of lithology identification for the rock images captured from the field was carried out. First, the object detection algorithm of single shot multibox detector was improved by adding residual net and adaptive moment estimation, and a lithology identification model was constructed. Second, based on the above improved algorithm, the technologies of database and geographic information system were combined to develop an integrated identification method. Third, the proposed methods were applied to 12 types of rocks in Xingcheng area, China, for testing their validity, and feasibility in field geological surveys. Finally, the effects of learning rate and batch size on the identification were discussed, as the epoch number was increased. We found that the average accuracies of the improved single shot multibox detector and integrated method were 89.4% and 98.4%, respectively. The maximum accuracy could even reach 100%. The identification results were evaluated based on accuracy, precision, recall, F1-score, and mean average precision. It was demonstrated that the integrated method has a strong identification ability compared with other neural network methods. Generally, a small learning rate can lead to low loss and high accuracy, whereas a small batch size can lead to high loss and high accuracy. Moreover, the newly proposed methods helped to improve the lithology identification accuracy in the field and support the study of intelligent in situ identification for rock images.
On the problem of the purchasing power of money by A. A. Konüs and S. S. Byushgens: translation and commentary
Authors: Diewert Erwin , Zelenyuk Valentin
Published: October 2023

In 1939, Econometrica published an English translation of Konüs (1924). Since then, Konüs (1924 [1939]) has become a classic work on the theory of the cost of living index, inspiring many other studies in the field. On the other hand, very few scholars have had the opportunity to read another, equally important, work by Konüs (co-authored with Byushgens) published in 1926 by the same Institute. This other paper of Konüs also pioneered several fundamental concepts and results in economics (including duality theory, the theory of inverse demand functions and the theory of exact index numbers), yet somehow it appears that it has never been translated into English (or any other language). We bridge this gap by offering a translation and a commentary on this important paper.
Retraction in public settings
Authors: Almagro Manuel , Bordonaba-Plou David , Villanueva Neftalí
Published: October 2023

Several recent studies (see Knobe & Yalcin, 2014; Khoo, 2015; Marques, 2018; Kneer, 2021a) address linguistic retraction from an experimental perspective. In these studies, speakers’ intuitions regarding the mandatory nature of retraction are tested. Pace MacFarlane, competent speakers (of English) do not consider retraction to be obligatory. This paper examines two methodological features of the above-mentioned studies: they do not take into consideration the difference between public and private contexts; neither do they incorporate the distinction between evaluative and descriptive statements. In this paper, we report the results of two studies conducted to empirically test the hypothesis that retraction is, above all, a public phenomenon. Our findings show that context exerts a significant effect on speakers’ attitudes toward retraction.
Current cases of AI misalignment and their implications for future risks
Authors: Dung Leonard
Published: October 2023

How can one build AI systems such that they pursue the goals their designers want them to pursue? This is thealignment problem. Numerous authors have raised concerns that, as research advances and systems become more powerful over time,misalignmentmight lead to catastrophic outcomes, perhaps even to the extinction or permanent disempowerment of humanity. In this paper, I analyze the severity of this risk based on current instances of misalignment. More specifically, I argue that contemporary large language models and game-playing agents are sometimes misaligned. These cases suggest that misalignment tends to have a variety of features: misalignment can be hard to detect, predict and remedy, it does not depend on a specific architecture or training paradigm, it tends to diminish a system’s usefulness and it is the default outcome of creating AI via machine learning. Subsequently, based on these features, I show that the risk of AI alignment magnifies with respect to more capable systems. Not only might more capable systems cause more harmwhenmisaligned, aligning them should be expected to be more difficult than aligning current AI.
Comparative analysis of animal lifespan
Authors: Riddle Nicole C. , Biga Peggy R. , Bronikowski Anne M. , Walters James R. , Wilkinson Gerald S. ,   IISAGE Consortium, Duan Jingyue Ellie , Gamble Anthony , Larschan Erica , Meisel Richard P. , Singh Ritambhara , Webb Ashley
Published: October 2023

Comparative studies of aging are a promising approach to identifying general properties of and processes leading to aging. While to date, many comparative studies of aging in animals have focused on relatively narrow species groups, methodological innovations now allow for studies that include evolutionary distant species. However, comparative studies of aging across a wide range of species that have distinct life histories introduce additional challenges in experimental design. Here, we discuss these challenges, highlight the most pressing problems that need to be solved, and provide suggestions based on current approaches to successfully carry out comparative aging studies across the animal kingdom.
Extra-axial cranial nerve enhancement: a pattern-based approach
Authors: Moltoni Giulia , Romano Andrea , Blandino Antonella , Palizzi Serena , Romano Allegra , D’Arrigo Benedetta , Guarnera Alessia , Dellepiane Francesco , Frezza Valentina , Gagliardo Olga , Tari Capone Francesca , Grossi Andrea , Trasimeni Guido , Bozzao Alessandro
Published: October 2023

Cranial nerve enhancement is a common and challenging MRI finding that requires a meticulous and systematic evaluation to identify the correct diagnosis. Literature mainly describes the various pathologies with the associated clinic-radiological characteristics, while the radiologist often needs a reverse approach that starts from the radiological findings to reach the diagnosis. Therefore, our aim is to provide a new and practical pattern-based approach to cranial nerve enhancement, which starts from the radiological findings and follows pattern-driven pipelines to navigate through multiple differential diagnoses, guiding the radiologist to reach the proper diagnosis. Firstly, we reviewed the literature and identified four patterns to categorize the main pathologies presenting with cranial nerve enhancement: unilateral linear pattern, bilateral linear pattern, unilateral thickened pattern, and bilateral thickened pattern. For each pattern, we describe the underlying pathogenic origin, and the main radiological features are displayed through high-quality MRI images and illustrative panels. A suggested MRI protocol for studying cranial nerve enhancement is also provided. In conclusion, our approach for cranial nerve enhancement aims to be an easy tool immediately applicable to clinical practice for converting challenging findings into specific pathological patterns.
What is New in Augmented Renal Clearance in Septic Patients?
Authors: Baptista Laura , Moura Inês , Silva Catarina Mendes , Baptista João Pedro
Published: October 2023

Purpose of Review

In this narrative review encompassing relevant scientific publications regarding critically ill patients in the last 5 years, we discuss key questions regarding the concept, pathophysiology, identification, epidemiology, and implications of augmented renal clearance (ARC) in the treatment of sepsis.

Recent Findings

Mathematical estimates of renal function show low accuracy when evaluating renal function in the intensive care unit, jeopardizing the correct dosing of antimicrobials. The description of ARC in critically ill patients in several, distant geographical areas worldwide reveals that this condition is more frequent than anticipated. Several new risk factors have been recently reported, needing future confirmation. Pathophysiology is still largely unknown; however, intact kidney physiology, inflammatory mediators, and tubular secretion seem to play a role. Several studies have demonstrated the association between ARC and subtherapeutic levels of several β-lactams, vancomycin, and fluconazole. Lately, there have been recommendations of dosage regimen adjustments for patients with ARC, namely, through increases in total daily dose or prolonged infusion for various antimicrobials. Literature is scarce describing the influence of ARC on clinical outcomes of patients receiving antibiotics, and results are contradictory.

Growing body of evidence supports that measured creatinine clearance based on time-defined urine output is strongly recommended for the identification of ARC and for reliable evaluation of its prevalence and risk factors. Clinicians should be alert for the need to use off-label dosing of antimicrobials in septic patients showing ARC. Concise recommendations for antibiotic dosage regimens, based on clinical data, are still needed.
Exploring soil property spatial patterns in a small grazed catchment using machine learning
Authors: Barrena-González Jesús , Gabourel-Landaverde V. Anthony , Mora Jorge , Contador J. Francisco Lavado , Fernández Manuel Pulido
Published: October 2023

Acquiring comprehensive insights into soil properties at various spatial scales is paramount for effective land management, especially within small catchment areas that often serve as vital pastured landscapes. These regions, characterized by the intricate interplay of agroforestry systems and livestock grazing, face a pressing challenge: mitigating soil degradation while optimizing land productivity. This study aimed to analyze the spatial distribution of eight topsoil (0–5 cm) properties (clay, silt, sand, pH, cation exchange capacity, available potassium, total nitrogen, and soil organic matter) in a small grazed catchment. Four machine learning algorithms—Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machines (SVM), Cubist, and K-Nearest Neighbors (kNN)—were used. The Boruta algorithm was employed to reduce the dimensionality of environmental covariates. The model’s accuracy was assessed using the Concordance Correlation Coefficient (CCC) and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE). Additionally, uncertainty in predicted maps was quantified and assessed. The results revealed variations in predictive model performance for soil properties. Specifically, kNN excelled for clay, silt, and sand content, while RF performed well for soil pH, CEC, and TN. Cubist and SVM achieved accuracy in predicting AK and SOM, respectively. Clay, silt, CEC, and TN yielded favourable predictions, closely aligning with observations. Conversely, sand content, soil pH, AK, and SOM predictions were slightly less accurate, highlighting areas for improvement. Boruta algorithm streamlined covariate selection, reducing 23 covariates to 10 for clay and 4 for soil pH and AK prediction, enhancing model efficiency. Our study revealed spatial uncertainty patterns mirroring property distributions, with higher uncertainty in areas with elevated content. Model accuracy varied by confidence levels, performing best at intermediate levels and showing increased uncertainty at extremes. These findings offer insights into model capabilities and guide future research in soil property prediction. In conclusion, these results urge more research in small watersheds for soil and territorial management.
Fluoride passivation of ZnO electron transport layers for efficient PbSe colloidal quantum dot photovoltaics
Authors: He Jungang , Ge You , Wang Ya , Yuan Mohan , Xia Hang , Zhang Xingchen , Chen Xiao , Wang Xia , Zhou Xianchang , Li Kanghua , Chen Chao , Tang Jiang
Published: October 2023

Lead selenide (PbSe) colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) are suitable for the development of the next-generation of photovoltaics (PVs) because of efficient multiple-exciton generation and strong charge coupling ability. To date, the reported high-efficient PbSe CQD PVs use spin-coated zinc oxide (ZnO) as the electron transport layer (ETL). However, it is found that the surface defects of ZnO present a difficulty in completion of passivation, and this impedes the continuous progress of devices. To address this disadvantage, fluoride (F) anions are employed for the surface passivation of ZnO through a chemical bath deposition method (CBD). The F-passivated ZnO ETL possesses decreased densities of oxygen vacancy and a favorable band alignment. Benefiting from these improvements, PbSe CQD PVs report an efficiency of 10.04%, comparatively 9.4% higher than that of devices using sol-gel (SG) ZnO as ETL. We are optimistic that this interface passivation strategy has great potential in the development of solution-processed CQD optoelectronic devices.

Graphical Abstract
Compassionate Mind Training for Caregivers in Residential Youth Care: Investigating their Experiences Through a Thematic Analysis
Authors: Santos Laura F. S. M. , Pinheiro Maria do Rosário C. N. M. M. , Rijo Daniel M. B.
Published: October 2023

Objectives

Compassion can be valuable in demanding help settings, both to professionals and clients. Nevertheless, compassion-based interventions have not yet been investigated in residential youth care. This qualitative study aimed to examine the caregivers’ experiences with the Compassionate Mind Training program for Caregivers (CMT-Care Homes), as well as their perceptions regarding the barriers/enablers, transfer of learnings, and impact at individual, group, and organizational levels.

Method

Three focus groups were conducted, enrolling 19 caregivers after their participation in the CMT-Care Homes. Data were examined using thematic analysis.

Results

Four overarching themes, 10 themes, and 14 subthemes were identified. The CMT-Care Homes seemed to enable the development of the three flows of compassion (i.e., compassion towards others, receive compassion from others, and self-compassion). While the program’s acceptability, practice, and transfer of learnings seem to facilitate compassion, reported difficulties with some formal practices and fears, blocks, and resistances to compassion might be barriers to its development. Knowledge and practices were transferred to work, both at individual and collective levels, increasing caregivers’ emotional health and strengthening team functioning. The program also contributed to improve care practices and to promote an affiliative organizational climate. Indirect impact on youth was also reported, regarding their reactions to the caregivers’ compassionate attitudes.

Conclusions

Findings demonstrated promising benefits of the CMT-Care Homes in residential youth care settings, at personal, team, and organization levels. Compassion was helpful in working with youth, and in regulating caregivers’ own emotions at work. Limitations regarding method and data analysis should be considered.
Protecting China’s major urban bird diversity hotspots
Authors: Li Li , Yan Mingxiao , Hong Yixuan , Feng Weijia , Xie Dong , Pagani-Núñez Emilio
Published: October 2023

The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework puts forward a new conservation target to enhance urban biodiversity. Cities have a great potential for sustaining biodiversity and nurturing a healthy relationship between people and our nearest nature. It is especially important in developing countries such as China, which has a rich biodiversity and a rapidly growing urban population. Using citizen science data, we show that 48% of the national bird diversity and 42% of its threatened species have been recorded in the top-20 most avian-diverse cities of China. Urban bird diversity hotspots clustered along the eastern coast, indicating the importance of establishing an inter-city conservation network along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway. This urban conservation network would be a starting point to promote social recognition of biodiversity’s relational value in a country with a vast population and an increasingly important role in meeting UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
Mucus-penetrating and permeation enhancer albumin-based nanoparticles for oral delivery of macromolecules: Application to bevacizumab
Authors: Pangua Cristina , Espuelas Socorro , Martínez-Ohárriz María Cristina , Vizmanos José Luis , Irache Juan M.
Published: October 2023

The oral administration of therapeutic proteins copes with important challenges (mainly degradation and poor absorption) making their potential therapeutic application extremely difficult. The aim of this study was to design and evaluate the potential of the combination between mucus-permeating nanoparticles and permeation enhancers as a carrier for the oral delivery of the monoclonal antibody bevacizumab, used as a model of therapeutic protein. For this purpose, bevacizumab was encapsulated in PEG-coated albumin nanoparticles as a hydrophobic ion-pairing complex with either sodium deoxycholate (DS) or sodium docusate (DOCU). In both cases, complex formation efficiencies close to 90% were found. The incorporation of either DS or DOCU in PEG-coated nanoparticles significantly increased their mean size, particularly when DOCU was used. Moreover, the diffusion in mucus of DOCU-loaded nanoparticles was significantly reduced, compared with DS ones. In a C. elegans model, DS or DOCU (free or nanoencapsulated) disrupted the intestinal epithelial integrity, but the overall survival of the worms was not affected. In rats, the relative oral bioavailability of bevacizumab incorporated in PEG-coated nanoparticles as a complex with DS (B-DS-NP-P) was 3.7%, a 1000-fold increase compared to free bevacizumab encapsulated in nanoparticles (B-NP-P). This important effect of DS may be explained not only by its capability to transiently disrupt tight junctions but also to their ability to increase the fluidity of membranes and to inhibit cytosolic and brush border enzymes. In summary, the current strategy may be useful to allow the therapeutic use of orally administered proteins, including monoclonal antibodies.

Graphical Abstract
Characterization of additively manufactured parts for direct screwing
Authors: Moritzer E. , Held C.
Published: October 2023

The combination of additive manufacturing and direct screwing can minimize the limitations in additive manufacturing such as long manufacturing times and high costs for expanding building spaces. Direct screwing allows smaller components to be assembled into larger components and attachable to assemblies with high functional integration. Thus, large building spaces can be avoided, and integration of additive components into serial production is possible. Although there are guidelines for direct screwing of injection-molded thermoplastic components by the Deutscher Verein für Schweißen und verwandte Verfahren e.V. (German Welding Society), there are currently no recommendations that can be directly applied to additively manufactured components. The layered manufacturing process of additively manufactured components is highly anisotropic as the strength of the components strongly depends on the build orientation. Thus, the compatibility of additive manufactured components for direct screwing was investigated at the Kunststofftechnik Paderborn. The characterization of additively manufactured screw bosses was considered with respect to the existing guidelines. For the characterization, screw domes were additively manufactured according to the geometry recommendations of the guidelines with the fused deposition modeling and the selective laser sintering. To account for the anisotropy, the screw domes were built in three different orientations. The compatibility of additively manufactured screw domes was evaluated through a comparison to injection-molded screw bosses. For the comparison, the joining parameters, the pull-out strength, and the component strength were investigated. The results showed there are significant differences in the investigated criteria based on the manufacturing technique and the build orientation.
Increase of electrode life in resistance spot welding of aluminum alloys by the combination of surface patterning and thin-film diffusion barriers
Authors: Brechelt S. , Wiche H. , Junge J. , Gustus R. , Schmidt H. , Wesling V.
Published: October 2023

When resistance spot welding aluminum alloys, high electrode forces are required to reduce the electrical contact resistances between the electrodes and the sheet metals. The high contact resistances and the resulting thermal load cause extensive degradation of the electrode working faces. Weld spatter occurs after only a few weld cycles, significantly reducing the quality of the weld. Conventional resistance welding machines are limited in terms of maximum electrode force and weld current. As a result, weld quality and electrode life are inadequate. The aim is to increase the achievable electrode life by surface patterning the electrode working faces and creating thin-film diffusion barriers by physical vapor deposition (PVD). Patterning is intended to penetrate the oxide layers of the aluminum sheets and increase the proportion of electrically conductive contact areas. The different influences of patterning by particle blasting and contour turning will be investigated. As a further approach, thin-film diffusion barriers of up to 3 μm are deposited on the electrodes to prevent direct Al-Cu contact. Therefore, metallic coating materials (Ni and W) and an electrically highly conductive ceramic coating material (TiB2) are investigated. The combination of electrode patterning and thin-film diffusion barriers is tested in electrode life studies. It is shown that these modified electrode working faces can limit degradation effects and contribute to an increase in electrode life. In addition, the weld quality can be improved compared to the reference condition.
Is binge eating associated with poor weight loss outcomes in people with a high body weight? A systematic review with meta-analyses
Authors: Lobo Isabella , da Luz Felipe Q. , Hay Phillipa , Gaeta Tamiris L. , Teixeira Paula Costa , Cordás Táki Athanássios , Sainsbury Amanda , Salis Zubeyir
Published: October 2023

Objectives

This systematic review aimed to compare the weight change in people with or without binge eating who underwent various weight loss treatments.

Methods

We searched for studies in PubMed, American Psychological Association, and Embase from inception to January 2022. The studies selected included assessment of binge eating and body weight before and after weight loss treatment in people of any age. The meta-analyses were conducted using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA). We used Egger’s regression test, the funnel plot, and the Trim and Fill test to assess the risk of publication bias.

Results

Thirty-four studies were included in the systematic review, with a total of 10.184 participants. The included studies were divided into three categories according to types of weight loss treatments, namely, (1) bariatric surgery; (2) pharmacotherapy isolated or combined with behavioral interventions; and (3) behavioral and/or nutritional interventions. The meta-analyses showed no significant difference in weight loss between people with or without binge eating engaged in weight loss treatments, with an overall effect size of − 0.117 (95% CI − 0.405 to 0.171; P = 0.426).

Conclusions

Our findings showed no difference in weight loss in people with or without pre-treatment binge eating who received various weight loss treatments. Weight loss treatments should not be withheld on the basis that they will not be effective in people with pre-treatment binge eating, albeit their safety and longer term impacts are unclear.

Level of evidence: Level I, at least one properly designed randomized controlled trials; systematic reviews and meta-analyses; experimental studies.
Tall stature and gigantism in transition age: clinical and genetic aspects—a literature review and recommendations
Authors: Sada V. , Puliani G. , Feola T. , Pirchio R. , Pofi R. , Sesti F. , De Alcubierre D. , Amodeo M. E. , D’Aniello F. , Vincenzi L. , Gianfrilli D. , Isidori A. M. , Grossman A. B. , Sbardella E. ,   the TALENT group, Savage A. M. , Foresta C. , Krausz C. , Durante C. , De Martino M. C. , Paoli D. , Ferrigno R. , Caiulo S. , Minnetti M. , Hasenmajer V. , Pozza C. , Kanakis G. , Cangiano B. , Tenuta M. , Carlomagno F. , Di Nisio A , Pallotti F. , Tarsitano M. G. , Spaziani M. , Cargnelutti F. , Sabovic I. , Grani G. , Virili C. , Cozzolino A. , Stramazzo I. , Filardi T.
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Tall stature is defined as height greater than the threshold of more than 2 standard deviations above the average population height for age, sex, and ethnicity. Many studies have described the main aspects of this condition during puberty, but an analysis of the characteristics that the physician should consider in the differential diagnosis of gigantism—tall stature secondary to a pituitary tumour—during the transition age (15–25 years) is still lacking.

Methods

A comprehensive search of English-language original articles was conducted in the MEDLINE database (December 2021-March 2022). We selected all studies regarding epidemiology, genetic aspects, and the diagnosis of tall stature and gigantism during the transition age.

Results

Generally, referrals for tall stature are not as frequent as expected because most cases are familial and are usually unreported by parents and patients to endocrinologists. For this reason, lacking such experience of tall stature, familiarity with many rarer overgrowth syndromes is essential. In the transition age, it is important but challenging to distinguish adolescents with high constitutional stature from those with gigantism. Pituitary gigantism is a rare disease in the transition age, but its systemic complications are very relevant for future health. Endocrine evaluation is crucial for identifying conditions that require hormonal treatment so that they can be treated early to improve the quality of life and prevent comorbidities of individual patient in this age range.

Conclusion

The aim of our review is to provide a practical clinical approach to recognise adolescents, potentially affected by gigantism, as early as possible.
Bürgermeister*innen »im Dialog«
Authors: Habscheid Stephan
Published: October 2023

In der Kommunalpolitik werden Kontroversen konstituiert und Entscheidungen ausgehandelt in einem Kräftefeld zwischen (1) engagierten (und mehr oder weniger informierten) Bürgerinnen und Bürgern (z. B. in Vereinen), (2) kommunalen Verwaltungen, (3) Kommunalparlamenten und (4) Bürgermeister*innen. Bürokratisches Expertenwissen stellt in diesem Kontext eine wesentliche Herrschaftsressource dar, da (nur) auf dieser Basis bzw. in diesem Rahmen legal gehandelt und gestaltet werden kann. In der Tradition politischer Selbstaufklärung im Licht des Performativitätsbegriffs »nach 1968« wurden seit den 1990er Jahren in Deutschland formelle Verfahren und informelle Praktiken der Bürgerbeteiligung auf kommunaler Ebene gestärkt. Die damit einher gehende Popularisierung von Politik soll zur demokratischen Konfliktbewältigung und Legitimation von Entscheidungen beitragen, wird aber in institutioneller Perspektive auch als ein mögliches Einfallstor für unerwünschte Popularisierung (»Populismus«), etwa die Ausgrenzung von Minderheiten, wahrgenommen. Politisch gestärkt wurde durch die Reform nicht zuletzt auch die Rolle der Bürgermeister*innen: Sie verfügen aufgrund ihrer Zwischenstellung einerseits über das gestaltungsrelevante und autoritative Wissen der kommunalen Bürokratie, andererseits als direkt gewählte Repräsentant*innen der Bürgerschaft über eine besondere demokratische Legitimation und mediale Popularität gegenüber der Verwaltung und den kommunalen Parlamenten. Dies prädestiniert sie – im Zusammenspiel mit ihrer Expertenbürokratie – einerseits als einflussreiche Gestalter, andererseits (wie Experten überhaupt) als Vermittler zwischen (pluralen) Laienansprüchen, legalen Gestaltungsmöglichkeiten und politischen Entscheidungen. Der vorliegende Beitrag geht anhand von Fallbeispielen – einschließlich einer detaillierten Analyse der Mikro-Organisation von Partizipation in einem Bürgergespräch – der Frage nach, wie bürokratisches Experten- sowie Laienwissen als Ressourcen in kommunalpolitischen Vermittlungs- und Entscheidungsprozessen genutzt werden kann. Ein besonderer Fokus liegt auf der Rolle der Bürgermeister*innen.