bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The dynamic model of Iran’s electrical energy supply system based on water-food-energy-climate change nexus
Authors: Razaghi Sona , Ahmadvand Ali Mohammad , Samadi-Foroushani Marzieh
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Ensuring energy security and controlling the share of energy in climate change are the two main challenges of the energy sector in the path of a sustainable future. This study has designed the dynamic model of Iran’s electrical energy supply system based on the water-food-energy-climate change nexus in order to identify sustainable policies for the supply of electrical energy resources and adaptation to Iran’s climate change process.

Design/methodology/approach

For this purpose, first, the system dynamics model was designed with the participation of policymakers and the supply and demand data of water-food-energy resources and the trend of climate change and economic growth in Iran. After validation, the model is simulated in the 30-year horizon (2020–2050), and according to the results of the Monte Carlo sensitivity analysis, Iran’s electric energy supply policies are based on four strategies, including (1) Electric energy supply based on electric energy supply management from non-renewable sources, (2) Development of electrical energy supply based on management of energy supply from renewable sources, (3) Electrical energy supply based on electrical energy demand management and (4) Electrical energy supply based on adaptation to climate changes. By identifying and applying the policies of each strategy separately, the model was tested and the results were compared.

Findings

Based on the implementation of the combination of selected policies in the model, the following policies have been proposed: 16% development of nuclear power plants, 18% reduction in the ratio of production of gas power plants to the total production of non-renewable power plants, and an increase in the production of combined cycle power plants through conversion of gas to combined cycle, energy aggregation and development of heat recovery systems in industrial units by 32%, a decrease of 5% Energy transmission and distribution losses, per capita reduction of energy consumption from 0.926 to the global average of 0.182 (MW) per year, management of water demand in the food sector by increasing irrigation efficiency to about 85%, a 27% increase in the area of land under the irrigation network, and reducing losses Food amounting to the global average of 0.9 m tons per year.

Originality/value

The proposed model is an application of system dynamics in the field of policymaking to ensure the security of electrical energy resources, taking into account the water-food-energy-climate changes nexus. The model is a valuable tool for policymakers in planning the sustainable management of resources in the path of adapting to climate change.
The evaluation of asymmetrically aging effect on silicon rubber insulators flashover voltage
Authors: Seyyedbarzegar Seyyedmeysam
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aims to examine the effect of asymmetric aging (120 and 270 degrees) and symmetrical aging on the performance of silicone rubber insulators. The effects of different aged surfaces, pollution levels and humidity on flashover voltage (FV) have been experimentally investigated. Based on the laboratory results, a mathematical model has been presented to estimate the FV of insulators.

Design/methodology/approach

According to insulators constituent materials, polymer insulators are affected by environmental conditions, specifically by ultraviolet (UV) radiation. To investigate the effect of aging and environmental conditions on the insulator, two types of silicone rubber insulators were aged under UV radiation. Environmental conditions have been created by changing humidity in five levels and pollution in three levels. All tests have been performed on two virgins, two full aged and four asymmetric-aged insulators. Also, according to the effect of each parameter on the FV, a mathematical model has been presented for it.

Findings

UV aging causes the destruction of the silicon rubber insulator. The occurrence of flashover is one of the consequences of insulation failure. The enlargement of the aged surface has a nonlinear relationship with the reduction of the FV. By considering the effect of the aged surface, the accuracy of FV modeling can be increased. The results obtained from the mathematical model have shown that the estimation of the FV in different environmental conditions has an error of less than 5%. However, the modeling error is more than 15% if the effect of the aged surface is not considered.

Originality/value

In this work, it is intended to investigate the effect of asymmetric aging on the FV of the insulator. The obtained results have shown that the asymmetric aging surface is an important factor in changing the harmonic components of the leakage current, condition monitoring indicators and FV.
The Effect of Reading and Writing Assistance on Receipt of Disability Support Pension
Authors: Hong Nary
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the impact of receiving reading and writing assistance on Disability Support Pension (DSP) receipt in Australia, focusing on disabling conditions not associated with age‐specific manifestations. Analysis indicates a significant 21%–29% increase in DSP likelihood with reading and writing assistance, consistent across various specifications. Moreover, using an instrumental variable approach that distinguishes individuals by younger disability onset ages, indicative of potentially lower levels of education, yields a stronger reading and writing assistance effect. This suggests that the assistance increases the likelihood of receiving DSP by influencing discrepancies in reading and writing competencies at the juncture of disability onset.
Evaluating the accuracy of impaired skin integrity in critically ill patients: Key characteristics and clinical implications
Authors: de Almeida Alana Gomes Araújo , Pascoal Lívia Maia , Gontijo Paula Vitória Costa , Santos Neto Marcelino , de Oliveira Serra Maria Aparecida Alves , Lima Kassya Fernanda Freire , de Lopes Marcos Venícios Oliveira
Published: January 2025

Objective

To evaluate the accuracy of the defining characteristics of the nursing diagnosis Impaired skin integrity (00046) in patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs).

Methods

A cross‐sectional diagnostic accuracy study was conducted with 105 adult patients admitted to an ICU. A latent class model with random effects was used to test the sensitivity and specificity of the defining characteristics investigated. The diagnosis Impaired skin integrity (00046) was the dependent variable, whereas sociodemographic and clinical data were the independent variables.

Results

Impaired skin integrity was present in 3.75% of the sample. The defining characteristic with the best accuracy for the diagnosis was dry skin, with high sensitivity (0.9994) and specificity (0.9106). Other characteristics stood out in terms of sensitivity measures: altered skin color (0.9994) and foreign matter piercing skin (0.9994). In terms of specificity, the following stood out: desquamation (1.000), localized area hot to touch (0.9901), pruritus (0.9897), bleeding (0.9802), and hematoma (0.9208).

Conclusion

The defining characteristics that helped infer the diagnosis Impaired skin integrity (00046) with greater certainty were dry skin, altered skin color, foreign matter piercing skin, desquamation, localized area hot to touch, pruritus, bleeding, and hematoma.

Implications for nursing practice

Identifying defining characteristics with high diagnostic accuracy for Impaired skin integrity (00046) enables nurses to expand their clinical perspective on this dysfunction, which can affect the skin of critically ill patients, and to develop individualized care plans.
Low‐cost interventions to increase uptake of cervical cancer screening among emergency department patients: Results of a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Adler David , Wood Nancy , Fiscella Kevin , Mustian Karen , Tourtelot Ellen , Merriman Joely , Chamberlin Sydney , Abar Beau
Published: January 2025

Background

Cervical cancer (CC) is preventable. CC screening decreases CC mortality. Emergency department (ED) patients are at disproportionately high risk for nonadherence with CC screening recommendations. The ED, therefore, is a target‐rich environment for interventions to promote CC screening.

Methods

We conducted a randomized clinical trial to test and compare the efficacies of (1) basic referral for CC screening and (2) basic referral plus a text messaging intervention, grounded in behavioral change theory, to promote uptake of CC screening among ED patients. Participants aged 21–65, identified as in need of CC screening, were randomized to study arms and followed up at 150 days to assess interval CC screening uptake (primary outcome) and analyze methods‐related moderators of intervention effects. Participants were recruited from a large, urban ED and a small, rural ED within the same health care system. Intervention arms were compared to historical controls.

Results

A total of 4035 patients were surveyed, with 1089 identified as requiring CC screening and subsequently randomized. Upon 150‐day follow‐up, 20% of individuals in the basic referral arm and 23% of individuals in the basic referral plus text messaging arm had obtained screening. Screening uptake in the historical control group was found to be 10% over a 150‐day period. The overall difference between prospective arms was not significant (p = 0.219). However, moderation analysis found that women ≥40 years old demonstrated greater uptake of screening after the higher intensity intervention compared to the lower (p = 0.032). The differences in screening uptake between both interventions, individually and combined, when compared to controls was significant (p ≤ 0.001).

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that both of the evaluated low‐intensity ED‐based interventions significantly increase subsequent CC screening uptake compared to historical controls. The higher intensity intervention significantly increased screening uptake compared to the lower intensity intervention among women ≥40 years old.
On epistemic aporias and the coloniality of (my) categories
Authors: Meek Laura A.
Published: January 2025

This piece interrogates aporias of epistemic certainty by thinking through categories of medicine and uchawi (witchcraft) in Tanzania. I open with an account of how I misrecognized the meaning of a newspaper article about “head‐switching operations” posted on a hospital bulletin board. I then offer a close reading of the colonial/anthropological archive and its epistemic disavowal of uchawi nearly a century ago to demonstrate this disavowal's similarities to my own mistake. I learned from this mistake to question the grounds on which I (like my colonial predecessors) separate and purify categories like medicine, religion, and witchcraft. I conclude by discussing how to interrupt that impulse: to recognize and refuse the epistemic conceits of singularity and closure, I propose epistemic humility enabled by “not knowing” and by inhabiting the undecided situation. This resists the colonial, anti‐Black violence of the single story about Africa and opens to the possibility of storying otherwise.
Scanning electron microscopy analysis of the developmental, inter‐ and intraspecific variation in the otoliths of Anguilla anguilla (Linnaeus, 1758) collected from Bafa Lake in Western Anatolia, Türkiye
Authors: Güçlü Salim Serkan , Koca Habil Uğur , Cilbiz Mehmet , Jawad Laith A.
Published: January 2025

This study aimed to identify unique traits, grounded in a thorough description of the sagitta otolith of Anguilla anguilla, to characterize its ontogenetic stages between juvenile and preadult individuals. Twenty‐one characteristics were designated to investigate the ontogenetic (when comparing the otolith characteristics of fishes of different sizes, interspecific variation (comparing the otolith characteristics of the studied species with those of related species), and intraspecific variation (comparing the otolith characteristics of the studied species with those of the same species from different localities, i.e. geographical variation). This investigation concluded that the sagittal otoliths exhibited ontogenetic disparities based on the shapes recorded by different age groups. Otoliths of the young individuals belonging to fish total length groups GI and GII have shown differences in shape from those of the older individuals in the other seven length groups surveyed. An assessment of previously available otolith descriptions of A. anguilla collected from other areas revealed differences between species across larger geographic areas, making some features unsuitable for further investigation. However, other otolith traits were found to be reliable across different length groups and could be considered species‐specific features for identification. These traits include otolith width, otolith thickness, the shape of the mesial and lateral surfaces, the shape of the sulcus acusticus, the presence or absence of ostio‐caudal differentiation, and the shape, size, and thickness of the rostrum.
Context as politicised psycho‐geographies: The psychological relationship between individual, politics, and country
Authors: Reddy Geetha , Gleibs Ilka H.
Published: January 2025

This paper sheds light on how spaces become contested sites for identity construction and negotiation to take place. Applying the Social Representations Approach, a qualitative study of 10 focus group discussions (n = 39), was conducted in Singapore, Malaysia and the UK to explore how, and why racialised identity construction changed in each socio‐political context. The study challenged two underlying assumptions in social psychology: (1) that the meaning of the racialised category holds constant across time and space, and (2) there exists a pan‐racial identification among Asian identities, for example, which at times allows for racialised categories to be manipulated as variables. We argue that the distinction between the country that the racialised identity originates from, country of birth (or citizenship) for the individual and country that the individual manages the identity in, is important in understanding the changes in the psychology of racialised identities. By taking into consideration the interplay of temporality, space, social relations and social systems, this paper presents a contribution in the form of the concept “politicized psycho‐geographies”.
Developmental Scores and Prevalence of Functional Difficulty Among Preschool Children in Kenya
Authors: de Kadt Julia , Jeyam Anita , Muuo Sheru W. , Okello George , Jolley Emma , Schmidt Elena
Published: January 2025

Background

Disability‐inclusive early childhood development and education (ECDE) plays a crucial role in ensuring that all children, including those with disabilities, reach their developmental potential. However, there is little data on the prevalence of disability in mainstream ECDE in most low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs), or on early learning and developmental outcomes of children with disabilities in these classrooms.

Methods

Data were collected on 1756 children aged 3–9 years enrolling in ECDE at 18 schools in Homa Bay or Turkana Counties, Kenya, at the start of the 2021 and 2022 school years. The UNICEF/Washington Group Child Functioning Module (CFM) measured the prevalence of functional difficulty, and the International Development Early Learning Assessment (IDELA) measured child development and learning.

Results

Mainstream classes in sampled preschools included significant proportions of children with functional difficulties (19.9% in Homa Bay; 8.8% in Turkana). In both sites, the odds of having at least one functional difficulty were significantly higher among those aged 5 and above (OR = 2.82 for Homa Bay; 5.76 for Turkana). Multivariate regression found no relationship between functional difficulty and sex or household income.

Among children aged 2–4 years in Homa Bay, functional difficulty was most often reported in the domain of controlling behaviour (4.4%), whereas in Turkana, mobility (1.4%) was most common. For children aged 5 and above in Homa Bay, difficulty with accepting change (11%) was most frequently reported, whereas in Turkana it was anxiety (6%).

Median IDELA scores were 49 in Homa Bay and 31 in Turkana. Scores increased with child age. Regression models accounting for age‐ and school‐level clustering found no statistically significant differences by sex. Functional difficulties were associated with lower median IDELA scores in Turkana only (β = −5.44 [−8.86, −2.02]).

Conclusion

Findings highlight the importance of appropriate, sustainable support for inclusive ECDE in both settled communities and refugee settings.
A Rare Case of Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return
Authors: Wu Zifan , Xia Juan , Chen Dandan , Tang Mengqi , Ma Xiaojing
Published: January 2025

This manuscript presents a rare case of a complex pulmonary venous malposition with an intact atrial septum and ventricular septum. The study demonstrates the diagnostic utility of echocardiography and computed tomography in the evaluation of complex congenital heart disease.
How Do Computational Models in the Cognitive and Brain Sciences Explain?
Authors: Brun Cédric , Konsman Jan Pieter , Polger Thomas
Published: January 2025

The nature of explanation is an important area of inquiry in philosophy of science. Consensus has been that explanation in the cognitive and brain sciences is typically a special case of causal explanation, specifically, mechanistic explanation. But recently there has been increased attention to computational explanation in the brain sciences and to whether that can be understood as a variety of mechanistic explanation. After laying out the stakes for a proper understanding of scientific explanation, we consider the status of computational explanation in the brain sciences by comparing the mechanistic proposal to computational accounts advanced by Piccinini, Milkowski, Cao, Chirimuuta and Ross. We argue that many of these accounts of computational explanation in neuroscience can satisfy the same explanatory criteria as causal explanations, but not all. This has implications for interpretation of those computational explanations that satisfy different criteria.
Durable suppression of seizures in a preclinical model of KCNT1 genetic epilepsy with divalent small interfering RNA
Authors: Andreone Benjamin J. , Lin Jennifer , Tocci Jenna , Rook Matthew , Omer Amr , Carito Lauren M. , Yang Chunhua , Zhoba Hryhoriy , DeJesus Christopher , Traore Mariam , Haruehanroengra Phensinee , Prinzen Alex , Miglis Gregory , Deninger Matthew , Li Mingwei , Lynch Taylor , Howat Bryce , Rogers Kelly A. , Gallant‐Behm Corrie L. , Kinberger Garth A. , Yudowski Guillermo , Chen Qingmin , Jackson Aimee L. , McDonough Stefan I.
Published: January 2025

Objective

Gain‐of‐function variants in the KCNT1 gene, which encodes a sodium‐activated potassium ion channel, drive severe early onset developmental epileptic encephalopathies including epilepsy of infancy with migrating focal seizures and sleep‐related hypermotor epilepsy. No therapy provides more than sporadic or incremental improvement. Here, we report suppression of seizures in a genetic mouse model of KCNT1 epilepsy by reducing Kcnt1 transcript with divalent small interfering RNA (siRNA), an emerging variant of oligonucleotide technology developed for the central nervous system.

Methods

The ATL‐201 molecule is two identical synthetic double‐stranded siRNAs, covalently linked, with 100% nucleotide base pair match to sequence present in both human KCNT1 and mouse Kcnt1 that does not contain any known pathogenic variant. ATL‐201 activity was tested in cortical neurons cultured from wild‐type mice and in mice homozygous for Kcnt1‐Y777H, the mouse ortholog to the human pathogenic KCNT1‐Y796H missense variant. Seizures and nest‐building behavior were measured in freely behaving Kcnt1‐Y777H mice. The number and duration of seizures were measured by electrocorticography in mice dosed with ATL‐201 or phosphate‐buffered saline in a 6‐month durability study and in a 2‐month dose–efficacy study.

Results

In vitro, ATL‐201 reduced KCNT1 transcript from whole‐cell lysate and eliminated potassium currents from KCNT1 channels in heterologous expression. ATL‐201 also eliminated sodium‐activated potassium currents recorded from individual cortical neurons. In vivo, ATL‐201 suppressed seizures in Kcnt1‐Y777H homozygous mice in a dose‐dependent manner with near‐complete suppression from 2 weeks to at least 4 months. Kcnt1‐Y777H mice had defects in nest building, whereas in ATL‐201‐treated mice nest building was equivalent to wild‐type mice.

Significance

Patients with KCNT1‐driven epilepsy experience up to hundreds of seizures per day and have severe impairment in cognitive, motor, and language development and high mortality. The dose‐dependent efficacy and long durability of ATL‐201 in mice show promise for ATL‐201 as a disease‐modifying treatment of KCNT1 epilepsy.
The impact of fathers' overseas employment on left‐behind children in Turkey: A phenomenological exploration
Authors: Türker Duygu , Çimşir Elif
Published: January 2025

Objective

This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of Turkish children left behind (N = 16, age range 10–13 years) due to fathers' international work migration.

Background

International labor migration is prevalent among fathers in the rural areas of Turkey, significantly impacting the lives of left‐behind children (LBC).

Method

Using a phenomenological qualitative approach, data were gathered through semistructured interviews and a focus group.

Results

Three primary themes and 10 subthemes emerged, including (a) risks associated with changes in the family system, such as parentification and neglect; (b) emotional and psychological reactions, such as grief and loss, feelings of alienation, concerns for the father's safety and well‐being, and envy of peers; and (c) coping strategies and resources employed by participants, encompassing both positive and negative coping mechanisms, social support, and the quality and continuity of their relationship with their father.

Conclusion

LBC experience the impact of changes in familial structure resulting from their father's work migration, potentially leading to specific adverse circumstances such as parentification and neglect. In addition to facing the negative psychological effects of paternal absence, some of these children can effectively cope with the situation.

Implications

Addressing the potential risks of parentification, neglect, and psychological impacts at a structural level is crucial for promoting the well‐being and resilience of LBC in Turkey and other countries.
Exploring Transition From the Workplace to Higher Education During Covid‐19: Postgraduate Quality and Provision
Authors: Campbell Kristyna
Published: January 2025

Postgraduate transitions rarely feature in literature and are scarcely acknowledged in practice, owing to assumptions about competence. This diverse group are often multimembers studying in alternative modes to cope with wide‐ranging demands. Despite their contributions to society and the economy, issues concerning fitness for purpose within postgraduate resources, support and provision remain, influencing transition. Expertise brought to the academy is overlooked, and student expectations of study and relationships with staff are often misaligned. This research explores the return to postgraduate study from the workplace during the Covid‐19 pandemic, drawing on transition theory. A reflexive thematic analysis of focus group data revealed how workplace skills and behaviours helped manage transition; the significance of personalised relationships with colleagues, peers and staff; and how technology mitigated pandemic‐related obstacles.
The Role of Social Environmental Networks in Influencing Environmental Knowledge and Environmental Awareness Towards Education for Sustainable Development in Malaysia and Japan
Authors: Salleh Rohani , Nordin Shahrina Md , Moughal Wajiha , Abbasi Haider Ali , Ching Poon Wai , Adnan Nurul Asyiqin Binti
Published: January 2025

The study examines the efficient use of cutting‐edge technology, mainly social networks, to raise environmental concerns in educational institutions because it recognises the critical role that environmental awareness and knowledge play in averting such disasters. The educational sector is essential for helping students become conscious of and comprehend sustainable ecosystems. Utilising quantitative surveys, we identify patterns of social environmental networks towards ecological education frameworks among Malaysian 209 and Japanese 189 individuals of higher educational institutions. The study presents a conceptual approach that aims to enhance students' environmental knowledge and awareness by utilising social media strategically. The results indicate that social networks are an effective means of sharing environmental knowledge and promoting awareness. However, the influence of social media differs greatly depending on cultural factors and the quality of educational systems. This research pioneers the incorporation of social networks into the discourse on sustainable education, adding to the body of current literature. The results of this study are expected to provide valuable insights for policymakers who aim to use social media to raise students' understanding and help achieve sustainable development objectives. It provides invaluable information for policy‐makers, teaching professionals, and environmentalists who aim to utilise digital platforms for significant and positive change.
Scale Development and Validation of Corporate Digital Responsibility—A Consumer Perspective
Authors: Yang Ping , Ji Chunli , Prentice Catherine , Sthapit Erose , Peng Zhengyin
Published: January 2025

Corporate digital responsibility (CDR) is emerging as a prominent issue and has been sporadically discussed in the relevant literature. Due to the limited research on assessing digital responsibility, this study developed a scale that measures CDR from a consumer perspective. A mixed‐methods approach was employed to develop and validate the scale. First, an exploratory qualitative study was conducted to conceptualize consumer‐centric CDR and formulate the underlying constructs and measures. This was followed by a quantitative study to confirm the validity and reliability of the qualitative results. The scale development and validation process resulted in a measure consisting of six dimensions: digital transparency, digital privacy, digital quality, digital remedy, digital accessibility, and digital inclusiveness. This study contributes to corporate social responsibility research by introducing a consumer‐centric CDR scale, which provides practitioners with insights into how to execute responsible practices in the digitalized business arena, reflecting the preferences and expectations of consumers regarding digital responsibility.
Do High Minimum Wages Harm the Progression of Minimum Wage Workers? Evidence From the United Kingdom
Authors: Avram Silvia , Harkness Susan
Published: January 2025

Using panel data from the United Kingdom between 2009 and 2019, we study how substantial increases in the real and relative value of the minimum wage impacted on the wage progression of covered workers. We find that progression out of minimum wage jobs is frequent, although most workers remain low paid. Using hazard rate models, we find a short‐lived negative effect on progression associated with the introduction of the National Living Wage in 2016. In subsequent years, we find no evidence of significant adverse effects. We find similar results when we model wage growth directly.
Rethinking Optimal Immunogens to Face SARS‐CoV‐2 Evolution Through Vaccination
Authors: Blanco Julià , Trinité Benjamin , Puig‐Barberà Joan
Published: January 2025

SARS‐CoV‐2, which originated in China in late 2019, quickly fueled the global COVID‐19 pandemic, profoundly impacting health and the economy worldwide. A series of vaccines, mostly based on the full SARS‐CoV‐2 Spike protein, were rapidly developed, showing excellent humoral and cellular responses and high efficacy against both symptomatic infection and severe disease. However, viral evolution and the waning humoral neutralizing responses strongly challenged vaccine long term effectiveness, mainly against symptomatic infection, making necessary a strategy of repeated and updated booster shots. In this repeated vaccination context, antibody repertoire diversification was evidenced, although immune imprinting after booster doses or reinfection was also demonstrated and identified as a major determinant of immunological responses to repeated antigen exposures. Considering that a small domain of the SARS‐CoV‐2 Spike protein, the receptor binding domain (RBD), is the major target of neutralizing antibodies and concentrates most viral mutations, the following text aims to provide insights into the ongoing debate over the best strategies for vaccine boosters. We address the relevance of developing new booster vaccines that target the evolving RBD, thus focusing on the relevant antigenic sites of the SARS‐CoV‐2 new variants. A combination of this strategy with immunofusing and computerized approaches could minimize immune imprinting, therefore optimizing neutralizing immune responses and booster vaccine efficacy.
Capacity management of forwarder with multiple carriers under uncertain flight travel time and stochastic shipment demand
Authors: Amaruchkul Kannapha
Published: January 2025

Consider a freight forwarder who obtains cargo space from multiple carriers. Some capacities are reserved long term in advance through allotment contracts, while some are booked on short‐term daily basis. A unified mathematical program for both short‐ and long‐term problems under uncertainties is proposed. Demands are modeled using a probability distribution as in the stochastic program, whereas flight travel times belong to an uncertainty set as in robust optimization. In the first stage, the allotments are determined. In the second stage, the shipment demand materializes but the travel time is still unknown, the forwarder determines the daily allocation among flights, given the first‐stage allotment. The objective is to minimize the expected total cost in the two stages. We derive a closed‐form solution for a special case, propose a heuristic for a general case, and evaluate its performance via numerical experiments, whose historical records came from one of the largest Thai forwarders.
Building circular economy theories: A practical‐oriented perspective and a way forward
Authors: Mignacca Benito , Filippelli Serena , Strazzullo Serena , Tiburzi Luigi , Urbinati Andrea , Kirchherr Julian
Published: January 2025

Despite the growing interest in circular economy (CE) and the recognition of CE as a research field, the process of building CE theories remains underdeveloped and disorganized. Relevant reasons might include a lack of a clear understanding of what a CE theory can be, the prevalence of gap‐spotting research, and a lack of a common goal for CE scholars. First, this forum article defines “CE theory” adopting a positivistic approach. Second, the article presents a more organized structure toward the development of a CE theory oriented on empirical practices. In addition, this study highlights how the development of “partial CE theories” focusing on specific CE practices, or a combination of them, should be the first step toward an integrative CE theory. Third, the paper suggests two main ways for developing partial CE theories: (i) consolidating concepts already developed into elements of a theoretical framework; (ii) framing future pieces of explicative research that contribute to partial CE theories. Last, by adopting a positivistic approach and a practical‐oriented perspective, this research provides an example of contribution to the partial theory of reuse. In particular, by leveraging the form of propositional theorizing, this article explains why reuse practices are expected to be observed in industries characterized by a high degree of product modularization, standardization, and innovation. In doing so, this forum article aims to enrich and foster theoretical contributions of future CE studies.
Arabidopsis CIRP1 E3 ligase modulates drought and oxidative stress tolerance and reactive oxygen species homeostasis by directly degrading catalases
Authors: Yang Heng , Zhang Yi , Lyu Shanwu , Mao Yaping , Yu Fangqin , Liu Sai , Fang Yujie , Deng Shulin
Published: January 2025

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) plays critical roles in modulating plant growth and stress response and its homeostasis is fine tuned using multiple peroxidases. H2O2, a major kind of ROS, is removed rapidly and directly using three catalases, CAT1, CAT2, and CAT3, in Arabidopsis. Although the activity regulations of catalases have been well studied, their degradation pathway is less clear. Here, we report that CAT2 and CAT3 protein abundance was partially controlled using the 26S proteasome. To further identify candidate proteins that modulate the stability of CAT2, we performed yeast‐two‐hybrid screening and recovered several clones encoding a protein with RING and vWA domains, CIRP1 (CAT2 Interacting RING Protein 1). Drought and oxidative stress downregulated CIRP1 transcripts. CIRP1 harbored E3 ubiquitination activity and accelerated the degradation of CAT2 and CAT3 by direct interaction and ubiquitination. The cirp1 mutants exhibited stronger drought and oxidative stress tolerance, which was opposite to the cat2 and cat3 mutants. Genetic analysis revealed that CIRP1 acts upstream of CAT2 and CAT3 to negatively regulate drought and oxidative stress tolerance. The increased drought and oxidative stress tolerance of the cirp1 mutants was due to enhanced catalase (CAT) activities and alleviated ROS levels. Our data revealed that the CIRP1–CAT2/CAT3 module plays a vital role in alleviating ROS levels and balancing growth and stress responses in Arabidopsis.
Exploiting the efficient Exo:Cas12i3‐5M fusions for robust single and multiplex gene editing in rice
Authors: Wang Wenxue , Li Shaoya , Yang Jiaying , Li Jingying , Yan Lei , Zhang Chen , He Yubing , Xia Lanqin
Published: January 2025

The development of a single and multiplex gene editing system is highly desirable for either functional genomics or pyramiding beneficial alleles in crop improvement. CRISPR/Cas12i3, which belongs to the Class II Type V‐I Cas system, has attracted extensive attention recently due to its smaller protein size and less restricted canonical “TTN” protospacer adjacent motif (PAM). However, due to its relatively lower editing efficiency, Cas12i3‐mediated multiplex gene editing has not yet been documented in plants. Here, we fused four 5′ exonucleases (Exo) including T5E, UL12, PapE, ME15 to the N terminal of an optimized Cas12i3 variant (Cas12i3‐5M), respectively, and systematically evaluated the editing activities of these Exo:Cas12i3‐5M fusions across six endogenous targets in rice stable lines. We demonstrated that the Exo:Cas12i3‐5M fusions increased the gene editing efficiencies by up to 12.46‐fold and 1.25‐fold compared with Cas12i3 and Cas12i3‐5M, respectively. Notably, the UL12:Cas12i3‐5M fusion enabled robust single gene editing with editing efficiencies of up to 90.42%–98.61% across the six tested endogenous genes. We further demonstrated that, although all the Exo:Cas12i5‐5M fusions were capable of multiplex gene editing, UL12:Cas12i3‐5M exhibited a superior performance in the simultaneous editing of three, four, five or six genes with efficiencies of 82.76%, 61.36%, 52.94%, and 51.06% in rice stable lines, respectively. Together, we evaluated different Exo:Cas12i3‐5M fusions systemically and established UL12:Cas12i3‐5M as the more robust system for single and multiplex gene editing in rice. The development of an alternative robust single and multiplex gene editing system will enrich plant genome editing toolkits and facilitate pyramiding of agronomically important traits for crop improvement.
Ionic Mechanisms Involved in β3‐Adrenoceptor‐Mediated Augmentation of GABAergic Transmission Onto Pyramidal Neurons in Prefrontal Cortex
Authors: Luo Fei , Zheng Jian , Deng Wei‐ke
Published: January 2025

Activation of the brain‐penetrant beta3‐adrenergic receptor (Adrb3) is implicated in the treatment of depressive disorders. Enhancing GABAergic inputs from interneurons onto pyramidal cells of prefrontal cortex (PFC) represents a strategy for antidepressant therapies. Here, we probed the effects of the activation of Adrb3 on GABAergic transmission onto pyramidal neurons in the PFC using in vitro electrophysiology. We found that Adrb3 agonist SR58611A increased both the frequency and the amplitude of miniature IPSCs (mIPSCs). Ca2+ influx through T‐type voltage‐gated Ca2+ channel (T‐type VGCC) contributed to SR58611A‐enhanced mIPSC frequency. We also found that SR58611A facilitated GABA release probability and the number of releasable vesicles through interaction with T‐type VGCC. SR58611A depolarized somatostatin (Sst) interneurons with no effects on the firing rate of action potential of Sst interneurons. SR58611A‐induced depolarization of Sst interneurons and enhancement of mIPSC frequency required inward rectifier K+ channel (Kir). Our results suggest that Kir and T‐type VGCC in Sst interneurons participate in SR58611A‐induced increase in GABA release in PFC.

image
Exploring the Patients' Perspective on Digital Tools for Psychosocial Assessment in Dentistry
Authors: Kutschke Axel , Bechmann Bellarita , Häggman‐Henrikson Birgitta , Wänman Anders , Durham Justin , Lövgren Anna
Published: January 2025

Background

Psychosocial screening is a valuable part of the assessment of patients with orofacial pain, as psychosocial factors will affect prognosis and treatment outcomes. Paper‐based questionnaires are predominately used to assess the degree of psychosocial comorbidity; however, digital alternatives for screening questionnaires may be more cost‐effective and resource‐saving if patients are receptive to using them.

Objective

To evaluate how patients perceive digital psychosocial screening in dentistry.

Method

Using a qualitative approach, individual semi‐structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of adult patients with orofacial pain (n = 16) recruited from specialist dental clinics in Umeå and Gävle, Sweden. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and then analysed using Qualitative Content Analysis. Before the interviews, patients first completed the paper‐based questionnaires and then the digital version.

Results

The analysis of patients' experiences resulted in an overarching theme: Patients appreciate a holistic approach, thus valuing psychosocial screening, and they particularly favour screening in a digital format. From this theme, two categories emerged:

Perceptions about health shape patients' expectations of dental care, and with deeper understanding of the value of psychosocial assessment, patients appreciate a holistic approach that includes psychosocial factors.

Digital screening is perceived by patients as a reliable, meaningful and environmentally sustainable method.

Conclusions

In general, the patients appreciated a holistic approach in dentistry and understood the value of psychosocial screening as part of this. From the patients' perspective, digital psychosocial screening was both acceptable and beneficial. The findings support the introduction of digital psychosocial screening into daily dental practice.
Oral Dysaesthetic and Perceptual Disorder, a Distinct Subset of Chronic Orofacial Pain Without Burning Symptoms: A Case–Control Study
Authors: Musella Gennaro , Canfora Federica , Caponio Vito Carlo Alberto , Vardas Emmanouil , Kouri Maria , Nikitakis Nikolaos , Troiano Giuseppe , Aria Massimo , D'Aniello Luca , Lo Muzio Lorenzo , Mignogna Michele Davide , Adamo Daniela
Published: January 2025

Background

According to the ICOP 2020, burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a chronic orofacial pain disorder characterised by an intraoral burning sensation, which represents the main diagnostic criterion. However, some patients experience other symptoms such as xerostomia, taste alterations and globus, without the burning sensation (non‐BMS).

Objective

This study aims to explore non‐BMS as a distinct subclinical entity by comparing the classical BMS with this new group of patients in a case–control study, addressing gaps in current diagnostic criteria.

Methods

83 non‐BMS patients were compared with an equal number of BMS patients matched for age and sex. Data on sociodemographic and risk factors, systemic comorbidities and drug intake, symptom patterns, psychological profiles were collected and statistically analysed.

Results

No significant differences between BMS and non‐BMS groups were found in sociodemographic characteristics, comorbidities, drug consumption and extraoral symptoms. Both groups reported similar symptoms patterns, with discomfort intensifying in the evening. Although oral symptoms prevalence varied, with the burning sensation exclusive to BMS patients, none of these differences reached statistical significance. Psychological assessments revealed mild depression (17 [14–19] vs. 17 [14–20], p < 0.981), mild to moderate anxiety (18 [15–21] vs. 17 [15–20.5], p < 0.767) and sleep disturbance (5 [4–7] vs. 8 [5–10], p < 0.001) in both groups.

Conclusion

Non‐BMS patients exhibit similarities to BMS patients yet remain unclassified under current diagnostic criteria. Therefore, we have suggested the term “Oral Dysaesthetic and Perceptual Disorder (ODPD)” to define these patients (non‐BMS). This study emphasises the need to expand diagnostic criteria to better identify and manage ODPD patients.
Advance care planning intervention in chronic kidney care: A qualitative evaluation
Authors: Frandsen Christina Egmose , Dieperink Hans , Trettin Bettina , Agerskov Hanne
Published: January 2025

Background

Patients with chronic kidney disease and their families request early and continuous advance care planning. Based on user involvement, an advance care planning intervention was developed to support patients, family members and healthcare professionals (HCPs) in advance care planning conversations in a nephrology outpatient setting.

Objective

To explore the experiences and perceptions of an advance care planning intervention among patients with chronic kidney disease, family members and healthcare professionals.

Design

An exploratory qualitative study with a phenomenological‐hermeneutic approach.

Participants

Six patients with chronic kidney disease, four family members and four healthcare professionals.

Approach

Semistructured interviews with patients and family members and a focus group interview with healthcare professionals were conducted. Data were analysed using Ricoeur's interpretation theory.

Findings

Patients and their families were impacted in various ways when the patient received the diagnose of chronic kidney disease. The need for an advance care planning intervention was based on a range of individual needs. The intervention supported patients, their family members, and healthcare professionals through open dialogues and reflections about thoughts and concerns. Healthcare professionals' reflected that it might be too early to deliver an increased amount of care.

Conclusion

When the disease challenged family and everyday life, the advance care planning intervention was useable and facilitated an open dialogue and reflections. The advance care planning conversations developed awareness among the patients and family members about their values, preferences, and needs, and supported them in sharing them. There is a need for training in initiating and conducting advance care planning conversations among healthcare professionals.
Characterisation of sleep in a mouse model of CLN3 disease revealed sex‐specific sleep disturbances
Authors: Kane Kelby M. , Iradukunda Diane , McLouth Christopher J. , Guo Landys Z. , Wang Jun , Subramoniam Anjana , Huffman Dillon , Donohue Kevin D. , O'Hara Bruce F. , Sunderam Sridhar , Wang Qing Jun
Published: January 2025

The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs) are a group of recessively inherited neurodegenerative diseases characterizsed by lysosomal storage of fluorescent materials. CLN3 disease, or juvenile Batten disease, is the most common NCL that is caused by mutations in the Ceroid Lipofuscinosis, Neuronal 3 (CLN3) gene. Sleep disturbances are among the most common symptoms associated with CLN3 disease that deteriorate the patients' life quality, yet this is understudied and has not been delineated in animal models of the disease. The current study utilised PiezoSleep, a non‐invasive, automated piezoelectric motion sensing system, to classify sleep and wakefulness in a Cln3Δex1–6/Δex1‐6 (Cln3KO) mouse model and age‐ and sex‐matched wild‐type (WT) controls. The sleep–wake classification by PiezoSleep was found to be about 90% accurate when validated against simultaneous polysomnographic recordings including electroencephalography (EEG) and electromyography (EMG) in a small cohort of WT and Cln3KO mice. Our large cohort PiezoSleep study revealed sleep abnormalities during the light period in male Cln3KO mice compared with WT male mice, and more subtle differences in Cln3KO female mice in the dark period compared with WT female mice. Our characterisation of sleep in the Cln3KO mouse model aligns with sleep abnormalities seen in CLN3 disease patients and serves as a basis to continue examining sleep disturbances commonly reported for CLN3 disease and other NCLs. As the first animal model study capturing sleep disturbances in CLN3 disease, our work will facilitate future studies into the potential mechanism behind sleep disturbances associated with the disease and the potential treatment strategies.
Event‐Day Options
Authors: Wright Jonathan H.
Published: January 2025

This paper considers new options on Treasury futures than expire each Wednesday and Friday. I examine the variances implied by these options as of the night before expiration, and compare the variances just before FOMC days and employment report days with the variances on other Tuesdays or Thursdays, respectively. This can be used to measure the risk‐neutral interest rate uncertainty associated with FOMC announcements and employment reports. I can also compare the average physical and risk‐neutral uncertainty. Lastly, I construct options‐implied densities on the eve of FOMC and employment report days.
Adult With Tinea Capitis: A Five‐Year (2015–2019) Trend Study Among Patients Attending the Aristide Le Dantec University Hospital in Dakar, Senegal
Authors: Diongue Khadim , Diallo Mamadou Alpha , Diop Abdoulaye , Seck Mame Cheikh , Ndiaye Mouhamadou , Badiane Aïda Sadikh , Ndiaye Daouda
Published: January 2025

Background

Although tinea capitis (TC) is most commonly diagnosed in children, several studies have also shown that it is far from unusual in adults.

Objectives

To determine the frequency and risk factors of TC in adults in Dakar, Senegal.

Patients and Methods

A cross‐sectional study including all patients who visited the Parasitology and Mycology Lab at Aristide Le Dantec University Hospital for suspicion of TC was conducted from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2019. The diagnosis was performed using conventional techniques.

Results

In sum, 458 adults were included. The majority (89%) were female. The patients' mean age was 35 ± 12 years (ranges: 18–84). Of the 458, 92 (20%) were confirmed with TC. The frequency trend, by year, showed a significant decrease ranging from 26.3% in 2015 to 19.2% in 2019. By sex, females (20.5%) were more affected than males (17.6%). According to age, the elderly present the highest infestation rate (36.4%). TC was diagnosed alone in 91.3%. T. soudanense (57.6%) was the most common species, followed by M. audouinii (34.8%).

Conclusion

TC is frequent among adults in Senegal, particularly in women, and the main causal agent is T. soudanense. Its duration seems to indicate a chronic form previously acquired between 1 and 10 years ago. Thus, early management will be essential to avoid epidemic proportions.