bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of Protein Content of Immature Canine Oocytes
Authors: Cerbón‐Gutierrez José Luis , Balcázar‐Sánchez Juan Alberto , Guerrero‐Netro Hilda Morayma
Published: February 2025

The use of biotechnologies in wild canids, such as in vitro oocyte maturation (IVM) and fertilization (IVF), has received little attention. One of the main reasons is the difficulty in finding a relevant in vitro model, and domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) may be a viable alternative. In vitro oocyte maturation in dogs is not well established, but canine oocytes can spontaneously restart meiosis through adaptations of bovine IVM protocols resulting in maturation rates of 10%–39%. To continue with the development of IVM and IVF protocols, the use of analytical techniques is necessary, but they require a minimum amount of protein. Oocyte protein content has been previously reported in different species. Unfortunately, the protein content in the canine oocyte remains unknown. In the present study, two different Bradford‐based assays were used to determine the protein content in the immature oocyte of the domestic canines. To determine the protein content, 1500 immature oocytes were recovered from the ovaries of bitches and analyzed with Pierce 660 nm Protein Assay and Quant‐iT Protein Assay Kit. Oocyte protein content average with Pierce 660 nm assay was 0.222 µg/oocyte, while for the Quant‐iT Protein Assay Kit, the average was 0.205 µg/oocyte. Knowledge of the amount of protein contained in the canine immature oocyte will favour the design and development of experimental work with greater certainty and efficiency, as well as making efficient use of the samples, which will favour progress in the knowledge of the IVM of canine oocytes.
Does Mammography Density Change the Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy and Predict a Pathological Complete Response Rate?
Authors: Kumar Upander , Mishra Anand Kumar , Singh Kul Ranjan , Parihar Anit , Raja Nancy , Raam Mithun , Rahalkar Ashwinee , Ramakant Pooja
Published: February 2025

Background

Pathological complete response (PCR) is the surrogate marker of the outcome of a breast cancer patient. Breast cancer (BC) patients have variable responses to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). The effect of chemotherapy on mammographic density (MD) is unclear in the literature. Also, MD and PCR correlation is not extensively studied. The aim of the present study is to find MD's potential as a PCR predictor in a resource‐constrained setting.

Methods

The study included all patients of BC‐related surgery from January 2018 to June 2021 with follow‐up till June 2023. MD was classified by the American College of Radiology (ACR) (classes A–D) based on breast composition. The chi‐square test and logistic regression analysis were used to calculate p‐values.

Results

Out of 557 patients, 554 were female with a mean age 46.8 years (premenopausal 54.5%). ACR grades of MD A, B, C, and D were 18.1% (n = 101), 56% (n = 312), 21.5% (n = 120), and 4.3% (n = 24), respectively. The odds of having PCR with MD B, C, and D were 0.51, 0.04, and 0.03, respectively, with respect to MD A. There was a significant inverse association of PCR and Ki‐67 with MD on multivariate analysis. HER2 positive, TNBC, Ki 67 > 15%, and grade 3 had significantly high PCR.

Conclusion

MD had an inverse correlation with PCR and Ki‐67. Low MD, HER2 positive, TNBC, high Ki‐67 subtypes, and grade 3 were good predictors for PCR.
Long‐Term Outcomes of Sigmoid, Rectosigmoid, and Rectal Cancers: A Matched Analysis
Authors: Benlice Cigdem , Elhan Atilla Halil , Gorgun Emre , Kuzu Mehmet Ayhan
Published: February 2025

Background

To determine a population‐based comparative matched overall survival analysis for patients undergoing curative resection for sigmoid, rectosigmoid, and rectal cancers stage by stage.

Methods

Patients who underwent curative surgery for nonmetastatic adenocarcinoma of the sigmoid, rectosigmoid, and rectum between 2000 and 2020 were identified using the US SEER cancer registry data. Each anatomical subsegment was matched in a 1:1 ratio based on age, sex, time of surgery, grade of differentiation, and histopathological stage. Multivariate (MV) Cox regression analysis was conducted.

Results

A total of 19,607 patients fulfilled the criteria per group. Whereas chemotherapy rates were comparable among groups, radiotherapy rates were significantly higher in the rectum. Compared to the initial time period (2000–2005), there was a significant improvement in 3‐ and 5‐year overall survival rates for each stage in the time period of 2016–2020. During the study period, a 10% improvement was observed for Stage‐2 and Stage‐3 patients for each site (p < 0.05). MV analysis showed that sex (p < 0.001), primary cancer site (p < 0.001), year category (p < 0.001), age (p < 0.001), stage (p < 0.001), degree of differentiation (p < 0.001), and CTx status (p < 0.001) were independently associated with overall survival.

Conclusion

This large population‐based, comprehensive registry study demonstrates significant survival differences among sigmoid, rectosigmoid, and rectal cancers. Further studies defining distinct landmarks between rectal and colon cancers may improve treatment approaches, cancer care, and survival.
Knowledge, Uncertainty, and Ignorance Around Health Risks
Authors: Burton-Jeangros Claudine
Published: February 2025

This chapter examines how continuously extending evidence about risks is produced, circulated, and received in society. The capacity to calculate odds has been socially valued since it offers a framework promoting social order and a contract for living together which would seem a priori favorable to all. However, across a range of health risks, including lifestyles, genetic or cancer screening, exposure to environmental threats, and infectious diseases, the authority of formal risk knowledge is recurrently challenged. In addition to the difficulties reported by people who have to make decisions based on predicted risks, the logic of risk continues to expand the scope of possible actions. I consider that as a consequence, opportunities for conflicts across contrasted views about the best way to protect health increase. In addition, social influences affecting the production and circulation of knowledge, or its manipulation to serve specific interests, reveal that multiple filters take place between risk knowledge and measures advocated to protect individual and public health. With this chapter, I intend to show how, in recent decades, the proliferation of risk has contributed to transforming the relationships between science and society.
Anxiety, Fear, and Panic: The Role of Emotions in Prevention
Authors: Burton-Jeangros Claudine
Published: February 2025

In risk management, anxiety, fear, and panic are associated with disorder and considered to bias decisions. Indeed, the idea of risk emphasizes control over adverse situations; it has thus been expected to eliminate fear in human activities. However, emotions, beyond their psychological expression, are inherent to risk experiences. Against the prevailing cultural background of pessimism and anxiety, I claim that they shape views on what ought to be done to avert danger across society. This chapter thus discusses the ambivalent role of fear or panic in the prevention of health risks since efforts to discard such emotions with preventive measures are constantly counterbalanced through their amplification by professionals, policy-makers, and the media. Overall, I discuss how recurrent references to risk, rather than alleviating fear, contribute to unsettle everyday experiences of health.
Introduction to Unifying Sustainability Information
Authors: Aebi Carol
Published: February 2025

This chapter presents introduces a new unifying framework for harmonizing social sustainability data across various sectors, including businesses, governments, and social organizations. This chapter introduces a Conceptual Model for a Stigmergic Information System Network designed to effectively measure and support decision-making to manage social impacts. This model integrates systems thinking, dynamics, and stigmergic systems into a framework that operates across micro to macro scales within dynamic social environments. The model was developed through a doctoral research project applying the Inductive Top-Down Theory Building Approach. This research synthesizes existing literature to develop a flexible and resilient model that adapts to technological and social changes. This chapter describes that the book chapters are organized in a format that reflects the conceptual theory-building process.
Unveiling Challenges in Migrating from 5G to 6G: Insights from Wireless Communication Networks
Authors: Farhat Shaista , Shaikh Sumaiya , Jabbar M. A. , Farhat Shagufta
Published: February 2025

The evolution from 5G to 6G wireless communication networks signals the dawn of a transformative era in technological innovation and connectivity. However, this evolution is fraught with multifaceted challenges that extend beyond mere technological upgrades. This paper unveils the hidden obstacles that must be navigated to achieve a seamless migration to 6G. Key challenges include the integration of advanced technologies such as terahertz communication, quantum computing, and artificial intelligence, which necessitate unprecedented levels of research and development. Additionally, the requirement for ultra-low latency, massive connectivity, and enhanced security introduces complexities in network architecture and design. Regulatory and standardization issues, alongside the need for substantial infrastructural investments, further complicate the migration process. Socio-economic factors, including digital divide concerns and the environmental impact of new infrastructure, also play critical roles. By discussing these challenges, this paper provides a comprehensive understanding of the prerequisites for successful 6G deployment, laying the groundwork for future research and policy development aimed at overcoming these obstacles.
Research on Cybersecurity System of Scientific Research Institutions Based on National Cybersecurity Classified Protection 2.0: Take the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences as an Example
Authors: Wang Dan , Tu Yuanyuan , Sun Yang , Xie Hui , Wang Jian , Wan Feng , Wang Yanjun
Published: February 2025

In recent years, various agricultural research institutions in China have begun to increase the investment in informatization construction, so informatization brings great convenience to scientific research and management, but corresponding cybersecurity issues have become more and more important. Relying on the cybersecurity classified protection work, in-depth analysis of each weak link in the cyber system construction of agricultural scientific research institutions, to improve the information system security and avoid information security incidents has been placed in the prominent position of agricultural research institutions.[Method/Process] This article discusses the content of strengthening the cybersecurity management of agricultural scientific research institutions based on National Cybersecurity Classified Protection 2.0. First of all, this article introduces the importance of cybersecurity classified protection. Secondly, the difference between National Cybersecurity Classified Protection 2.0 standard and National Cybersecurity Classified Protection 1.0 standard is analyzed. Thirdly, the system of cybersecurity management and the content of cybersecurity management technology of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences were analyzed in detail. Finally, it discusses and summarizes the effective strategies to strengthen the information security construction of agricultural research institutions. [Results/Conclusions] Taking the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences as an example, this paper discusses its related practices in detail, hope to provide reference for agricultural research institutions to carry out cybersecurity level protection and security construction.
Analysis of Spatial-Temporal Evolution of Water Surface Area in DaSuGan Lake Based on Multi-source Satellite Images and Computer Vision Technology
Authors: Shang Liping , Du Yu′e , Liu Baokang
Published: February 2025

Lakes are sensitive indicators of climate change, and obtaining the information of lake water quickly and accurately is of great significance for regional climate change research, the protection and governance of ecological environment. This article is based on multi-source satellite images such as Landsat and GF-6, and uses the method of empirical threshold and single band threshold and water index and other methods to extract the water area of DaSuGan lake. Based on the accuracy evaluation results, the optimal water identification model is selected, and the spatial-temporal evolution law of the water area of DaSuGan lake is analyzed from 1991 to 2020. The results show that:
Research on Visual Target Detection and Recognition of Shopping Robots Based on Improved YOLO Algorithm
Authors: Lu Yufan
Published: February 2025

This research aims to improve the visual target detection and recognition capabilities of shopping robots in various sales environments by optimizing and improving the YOLO algorithm, in order to improve accuracy and real-time performance. The research method involves embedded spatial hierarchical sampling technology and it adapts to image processing of different sizes, uses a separate convolutional neural network structure to reduce computational complexity, and cultivates a more concise network model by refining the effective data of complex models. Experimental results show that the improved YOLO algorithm performs well in weak Its average accuracy has been significantly improved under light, medium light and strong light environments, especially in the detection of small items. A study shows that improved programming significantly improved the vision of shopping assistance robots. Recognition capabilities enable robots to provide more accurate and faster services in real shopping environments.
A Solution to User Fairness in NOMA Heterogeneous Networks Based on Channel Selection and Power Optimization
Authors: Zhang Dongpo , Chen Chunlei , Wang Zhaorong , An Xiujuan
Published: February 2025

In the optimization process aimed at maximizing the overall transmission rate in 5G heterogeneous non-orthogonal multiple access networks, the issue of unequal resource allocation arises. This phenomenon directly results in significantly lower minimum rates for channels with poor transmission conditions. Under such circumstances, the service quality of affected users suffers negative impacts, leading to unbalanced service experiences among users. To address this issue, this paper proposes a strategy that decouples the overall optimization problem and combines optimal channel pairing selection with user power allocation optimization to ensure the maximization of the minimum user rate and address fairness issues among users. Firstly, this paper elaborates on the decoupling method for the overall optimization problem. Subsequently, it details the implementation of optimal user pairing selection and user power allocation optimization. Simulation verifications are conducted using system parameters that closely resemble actual scenarios. The simulation results demonstrate that the algorithm proposed in this paper significantly improves the minimum user rate without increasing system complexity, effectively addressing fairness issues among users to a certain extent.
Research on Airport Communication and Navigation Equipment Inspection Assistance System Based on AR Technology
Authors: Ye Weijia , Han Rubiao , Gao Peng , He Ning
Published: February 2025

Aviation transportation is an important component of our country’s transportation system. With the rapid improvement of the national economy, the civil aviation industry in our country has experienced rapid development, and the number and scale of airports are also constantly increasing. Communication and navigation systems play an important role in the transportation of aircraft and the scale operation of airports. Efficient and accurate communication and navigation system can not only effectively ensure air transportation safety but also improve overall operational efficiency, making airport operations more rational and secure. This paper combines augmented reality technology with VSLAM (Visual Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) technology to assist personnel in daily communication and navigation equipment inspection tasks. By providing some functions to improve the efficiency of airport personnel, the function such as positioning, some auxiliary information, and remote assistances.
Surrogate-based heat transfer modeling for important parts in a fully enclosed traction motor
Authors: Fiala Vaclav , Pechanek Roman
Published: February 2025

The aim of this paper is to present a heat transfer modeling method that combines analytical calculation with numerical simulation. This method can be referred to as hybrid modeling or surrogate-based modeling. The object under study is a fully enclosed water-cooled traction motor. The selected investigated regions that are adjusted by numerical simulation are the end-winding region and the interface of the stator core and water jacket. The end-winding region is investigated because end windings are located at the enclosed inner part, where it is difficult to analytically determine the airflow velocity (velocity distribution). The transition between the stator core and the water jacket is also important, as it directly determines the cooling efficiency due to the cooling method where the water jacket is placed on the stator core. This paper presents a heat transfer calculation example for these two critical areas, along with validation using real motor data obtained temperature rise test, comparing the calculated results with measurements.
Predictive factors for spontaneous dislodgement of percutaneous nephrostomies for malignant ureteral obstruction
Authors: Ütebey Ayşe Rüksan , Aslan Halil Serdar , Arslan Muhammet , Alver Kadir Han , Peker Hakkı , Tekinhatun Muhammed , Yağcı Ahmet Baki , Sabir Nuran
Published: February 2025

Purpose

To investigate the etiology of spontaneous percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) catheter dislodgements and evaluate factors potentially associated with these dislodgements, including muscle-to-fat composition and tissue characteristics of catheter traces.

Materials and methods

Data from 92 patients (63 males, 29 females; mean age 63.9 ± 11.4 years, range 28–88) undergoing 151 PCN catheter replacements between January 2016 and June 2021 were analyzed. Patients were divided into Group 1 (prophylactic replacements every 3 months, n = 41) and Group 2 (at least one spontaneous dislodgement, n = 51). Associations were evaluated for factors including intraabdominal visceral adipose tissue index (IAVATI), subcutaneous adipose tissue index (SATI), and abdominal perimeter. Other variables assessed were Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status scores, psoas muscle index (PMI), renal size, renal parenchymal thickness, renal cortex-to-skin distance, posterolateral abdominal wall muscle thickness, and PCN replacement frequency.

Results

No significant differences were identified between Group 1 and Group 2 in IAVATI, SATI, or abdominal perimeter values (p = 0.210–0.412). A significant difference in ECOG performance status scores (p = 0.0001), PMI (p = 0.04) and lower renal size, renal parenchymal thickness, renal cortex-to-skin distance, and posterolateral abdominal muscle thickness (p = 0.0001–0.039) were observed in Group 2. PCN replacements were significantly more frequent in Group 2 (p = 0.0001). Multivariate regression identified renal parenchymal thickness and abdominal wall muscle thickness as significant independent predictors (p = 0.0001, p = 0.02). ROC analysis yielded an AUC of 0.843 (95% CI: 0.769–0.917) for renal parenchymal thickness and 0.694 (95% CI: 0.610–0.778) for abdominal wall muscle thickness. Sensitivity and specificity rates were 73.1% and 96.4% for a 16 mm cutoff in renal parenchymal thickness, and 50.7% and 79.8% for an 8 mm cutoff in abdominal wall muscle thickness.

Conclusion

A significant association was identified between spontaneous PCN catheter dislodgement and both the psoas muscle index and ECOG performance status scores, while no notable relationship was observed with abdominal visceral or subcutaneous fat tissue volumes or abdominal perimeter. The risk of dislodgement was found to increase with reduced renal parenchymal and abdominal wall muscle thickness, as well as with more frequent nephrostomy replacements, suggesting these parameters may serve as useful markers for identifying patients at higher risk.

Graphical abstract
Surface modification of montmorillonite—MMT nanofiller: how it affects both the rigid amorphous fraction (RAF) and the physical properties of polyamide 66
Authors: Ismail Mohamed A. , Yousef Ebtisam A. , Nasr G. M.
Published: February 2025

Studying the impact of type (organo-modified montmorillonite—MMT) into polyamide 66 (PA66) on the molecular motion of polymers within the space between polymer and nanoparticle is important to understand the improved properties of nanocomposites. The mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties have been examined employing Dynamical Mechanical Thermal Analysis, Differential Scanning Calorimetric, and Dielectric Relaxation Spectroscopy techniques. The results showed that the reinforcing effect of the PA66 matrix with MMT loading was justified by an 83% increase in the storage modulus (G′) with Cloisite 30B (C30B) MMT nanofiller. Furthermore, the glass transition temperature (T
g
) decreased by 5.0 °C. A significant increase in the rigid amorphous fraction (RAF) was found due to the presence of filler, especially in the case of C30B-MMT nanocomposites, which comprised approximately 22% of the polymer. Moreover, it was observed that the dielectric constant (ε′) for all nanocomposites increased with temperature, particularly for Nanofil9 (N9)–MMT nanocomposites at relatively high temperatures (100 °C, 0.03 Hz). The conduction mechanism observed in all tested samples was confirmed to follow the correlated barrier hopping mechanism.
Variationally consistent homogenization of diffusion in particle composites with material interfaces using dual macroscale chemical potentials
Authors: Rollin David René , Larsson Fredrik , Runesson Kenneth , Jänicke Ralf
Published: February 2025

Computational homogenization of particle-matrix composites with material interfaces is considered, whereby linear transient diffusion driven by a chemical potential is used as a model problem. Due to the models linearity, it is beneficial to assume micro-stationarity in order to provide direct upscaling and avoid excessive computational cost. First order homogenization with a single macroscale chemical potential is taken as the most basic approach; however, the accuracy is negatively affected whenever relevant micro-transient effects can not be captured using the stationary sub-scale problem. To improve the accuracy while still upscaling from a stationary sub-scale problem, different formulations based on dual macroscale potentials, one for each phase, are proposed and investigated in this paper. As to the prolongation order within the particles and matrix phase, respectively, two types are considered: constant-linear and linear-linear. Most importantly, for the case of linear prolongation, different ways of defining the macroscale variables (acting as loading on the RVE-problem) in terms of suitable measures of the chemical potential can be envisioned: (1) averaging of

$$0\text {th}$$

0
th

and

$$1\text {st}$$

1
st

gradient of the potential, (2) averaging of

$$0\text {th}$$

0
th

and

$$1\text {st}$$

1
st

moment of the potential. The pros and cons of the different approaches were assessed in a numerical study and compared to a reference solution from Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS) for an example problem. It was concluded that the moment-based linear-linear method was the only one that could match the DNS solution for all considered material parameters. However, for sufficiently large interface resistance, leading to a more pronounced potential jump across the interfaces, the constant-linear prolongation gave comparable results.
Characterizing wind turbine drivetrain nonlinearities for hybrid nacelle tests
Authors: Siddiqui Muhammad Omer , Guo Yi , Nejad Amir R. , Wenske Jan
Published: February 2025

The increasing size of modern wind turbines presents significant challenges to existing nacelle testing infrastructures that are unable to reproduce the required extreme loads, achieve the necessary dynamic load bandwidth and provide increased power capacity while maintaining escalating costs of testing. The novel hybrid nacelle testing approach developed at Fraunhofer IWES aims to resolve some of these challenges. It combines high-fidelity virtual models with partial load physical testing to predict full load responses on a nacelle test bench. One of the primary challenges related to this new testing approach is ensuring that the underlying models accurately capture the complex nonlinear interactions and behaviors that can occur under full load conditions. This paper investigates the sources of nonlinearities in the response of the drivetrain during steady-state parasitic load tests on a nacelle test bench. Multiple system responses are investigated, and the corresponding type of nonlinearity is classified. A full understanding of these critical nonlinearities in the system will enable the development of a suitable modeling approach and partial test criteria required to perform hybrid nacelle testing.
Normothermic Machine Perfusion of Kidney Grafts: Devices, Endpoints, and Clinical Implementation
Authors: Pühringer Marlene , Messner Franka , Schneeberger Stefan
Published: February 2025

Background

Normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) has emerged as a promising technique for preserving and reconditioning kidney grafts before transplantation. By providing continuous oxygenated, nutrient-rich perfusion at 37 °C, NMP mimics physiological conditions, potentially improving graft viability and function. Over the past decade, NMP has demonstrated safety and feasibility in experimental and clinical settings.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was performed to identify commercially available and clinically applied kidney NMP devices as well as endpoints from planned, ongoing, and completed clinical trials on kidney NMP.

Results

This review presents an in-depth analysis of NMP technology in experimental and clinical kidney transplantation. It details the features and evidence supporting commercial and experimental perfusion devices and discusses clinical trial endpoints relevant to kidney NMP. Key technical limitations and knowledge gaps are identified, including variability in perfusion strategies and perfusate composition.

Conclusion

Despite significant advancements, the optimal perfusion strategy and perfusate composition for kidney NMP remain undefined. Further preclinical studies and well-designed clinical trials are essential to address these gaps and establish NMP as a reliable tool for improving outcomes in kidney transplantation.
Population-based study of recurrent DNA damage response gene variants in breast cancer cases
Authors: Tervasmäki Anna , Kumpula Timo A. , Grip Mervi , Koivuluoma Susanna , Seuranen Meeri , Winqvist Robert , Mantere Tuomo , Pylkäs Katri
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Several variants in DNA damage response (DDR) genes increase the probability to develop breast cancer and show enrichment in Northern Finland. Here, the population prevalence and risk estimations were refined for sixteen recurrent pathogenic/likely pathogenic DDR gene variants.

Methods

Variant genotyping was performed in 2343 unselected Northern Finnish breast cancer cases and 4607 cancer-free controls, and tumor features and family history of cancer for the carriers were examined.

Results

Based on their prevalence and carrier family history, the studied BRCA1 and BRCA2 variants, PALB2 c.1592delT, and ATM c.7570G > C were confirmed as high-risk alleles, whereas CHEK2 c.1100delC, MCPH1 c.909_921del, and RAD50 c.687delT were moderate-risk alleles. FANCM c.5101C > T and c.5791C > T did not associate with overall breast cancer risk. Double carriers were significantly more common in cases (0.5%, 11/2343) than controls (0.07%, 3/4601, OR 7.2). The BRCA1/2 and PALB2 c.1592delT carrier tumors all had high proliferation rates, PALB2 c.1592delT associating also with grade 3 tumors (p = 0.002). Progesterone receptor (p < 0.05) and estrogen receptor positive tumors were enriched in ATM c.7570G > C and CHEK2 c.1100delC carriers, whereas MCPH1 c.904_916del carriers had a significantly high percentage of multifocal tumors (38%, p = 0.001). Moreover, one FANCM c.5101C > T homozygote case suffered severe side effects from chemotherapy.

Conclusion

The studied DDR gene variants were present in 9% of the unselected cases. As the presence of germline pathogenic variants can provide additional value for surgical decision-making and affect the choice of oncological treatments, the results promote the benefits of genetic testing as a part of breast cancer diagnostics.
Public financial institutions in the energy transition: the impact of export credit agencies
Authors: Downie Christian , Peterson Maxfield J.
Published: February 2025

Achieving a clean energy transition requires global financial flows to be redirected away from fossil fuels and into renewable energy. While capital market actors and multilateral financial institutions have been the subject of significant scholarly attention, public bilateral financial institutions, especially Export Credit Agencies (ECAs), have been largely overlooked. This is an important oversight given ECAs are the source of billions of dollars of public finance for fossil fuels, which has helped to lock-in recipient countries to fossil fuel energy systems. Using a panel dataset of ECA transactions in the energy sector, we show that despite some improvements in financial flows after the Paris Agreement in 2015, fossil fuel investments remain pervasive and growth in clean energy investments is minimal. To better understand changes in ECA portfolios, we examine the cases of the Export-Import Bank of the United States (ExIm) and UK Export Finance (UKEF). Drawing on elite interviews, we identify three factors that are shaping ExIm’s and UKEF’s capacity to promote renewable energy exports: the extent of political control over the bureaucracy, the size and composition of green industrial bases, and the policy tools available to both ECAs to support the renewables sector. This has important implications for policymakers seeking to green ECA portfolios.
Low genetic diversity and high inbreeding in one of the last chlamydia-free strongholds for New South Wales koalas
Authors: McLennan E. A. , Wilmott L. , Madden K. , Belov K. , Hogg C. J.
Published: February 2025

The genetic consequences of population isolation include inbreeding, genetic diversity loss and loss of adaptive potential. Koalas across south-western Sydney (New South Wales, Australia) may be vulnerable to isolation due to major roads and cleared forest. A few sites within south-western Sydney are some of the last chlamydia-free sites for koalas. Low genetic diversity and potentially low adaptive potential could lead to local extinction of these chlamydia-free sites. Using reduced representation sequencing, we assessed population differentiation, genetic diversity, relatedness, inbreeding, and gene flow across seven sites in south-western Sydney and the Southern Highlands. We found south-western Sydney koalas had significantly lower diversity, higher relatedness and inbreeding than Southern Highlands koalas. There was no evidence of contemporary gene flow from the more genetically diverse Southern Highlands sites into south-western Sydney. The separation between south-western Sydney and the Southern Highlands likely explains the lower genetic diversity among south-western Sydney sites. It may also explain why chlamydia is yet to reach these sites. However, there is evidence of a disease-front movement of chlamydia from Wingecarribee up into Wollondilly which has high gene flow with Campbelltown, a chlamydia-free site. While gene flow from south to north is low, the risk of chlamydia entering the chlamydia-free sites from a few migrants is notable. With possible low adaptive potential of south-western Sydney sites, a new threat of chlamydia entering the system may lead to population declines in these stronghold areas.
Investigating middle school students’ eye movements on the mathematical representations: An eye-tracking study
Authors: Karaca Hilmi , Ertekin Erhan , Cagiltay Kursat
Published: February 2025

In mathematics education, representations are used in place of mathematical structures, ideas, or relationships to concretize, transform, and represent them. When students interact with these representations, they engage in various cognitive activities such as thinking, reasoning, understanding, remembering, problem-solving, attention, and decision-making, which are difficult to observe. Therefore, uncovering these cognitive activities is very significant for mathematics education. However, they are not easy to uncover as they cannot be directly observed. Eye tracking is an important approach that can be used to reveal cognitive activities that cannot be directly observed. This study investigated how middle school students examine representations by examining their eye movements. Eighty-five (40 girls and 45 boys) 7th-grade middle school students participated in the study. In the study, gaze durations, fixation count, and fixation duration on four different representation types: verbal representation, symbolic representation, number line representation, and counters representation were compared. The findings showed that students fixated more on the verbal representation and gazed at it for longer. However, fixation durations on the verbal representation were quite short compared to the other representations. In contrast, when examining the counters, there were fewer fixations and shorter gaze durations, but fixation durations were longer. Gazes on the number line and symbolic representation did not differ across all three variables. The findings indicated that gaze on verbal and non-verbal representations differed to some extent, but not entirely. Finally, the findings are discussed in the context of mathematical representation and eye-tracking literature.
A Conceptual Framework for Fostering Gender Equity in Early Years STEM Education
Authors: Xu Lihua , Sun Jiqing , van Driel Jan , Hobbs Linda , Millar Victoria , Kewalramani Sarika , Richards Gerarda , Aranda George
Published: February 2025

Gender equity in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education has been a persistent global issue for decades. In particular, the under-representation of girls in STEM has been highlighted as an ongoing challenge for many countries. Current approaches to promote equitable participation in STEM tend to focus on attracting school-aged girls to STEM. However, there is a growing recognition that addressing gender disparity in STEM should begin in early childhood, as gender norms and stereotypes affecting engagement in STEM emerge early on. In this paper, we explore factors influencing gendered access, engagement, and participation of young children in early years STEM through a critical review of literature on the topic of gender equity in early years STEM education. Informed by this review, we propose a conceptual framework for guiding curriculum design and development that aims to foster gender equity and inclusivity in early years STEM education. Positioning STEM practices and core values at its very heart, encapsulated through three intertwining themes of Everyday STEM, Career Awareness, and Gender Inclusivity, we argue that this framework has the potential to guide researchers, educators and parents in creating equitable opportunities for children of all genders to participate in STEM and in developing their strong sense of belonging in STEM.
Assessing Vickers’ Plea for Identifying Future-Proof Science
Authors: Martínez-Ordaz María del Rosario , Cañas Dubian
Published: February 2025

We critically examine Vickers’ project of future-proof science, which aims to identify scientific facts based upon a solid international scientific consensus. Vickers claims that second-order evidence—specifically a 95% consensus among a diverse, international scientific community—provides a principled criterion for identifying future-proof science. We challenge both the motivation behind this project and Vickers’ account of scientific consensus. Our analysis raises concerns about the methodological validity of the 30 alleged examples of future-proof science, questioning the selection, isolation, and interpretation of such scientific claims. We argue that the dissimilarities among these examples expose potential flaws, such as lack of simplicity and semantic opacity, which undermine their effectiveness in supporting the project. Furthermore, we criticize the assumption that a solid international scientific consensus is a reliable indicator of future-proof science. Given that consensus in science is multifactorial, we contend that second-order evidence is insufficient to support any scientific claim as an instance of future-proof science. We also object that scientific consensus cannot be correlated to future-proof science, provided its mechanism is driven by social factors that are not necessarily aligned with the reliability required for claims about established scientific facts. Our analysis thus reveals that Vickers fails to tackle the so-called threshold problem afflicting his proposed criterion for future-proof science.
Does Time Heal All Wounds? Life Satisfaction Trajectories in Australian Middle-Aged Women Before and After Relationship Dissolution
Authors: Arcangeli Olivia Jean , Ejova Anastasia
Published: February 2025

Divorce and separation are some of the most traumatic life events experienced by women, posing serious consequences for wellbeing. The impact of later-life relationship dissolution has been neglected in the literature. This study aimed to compare decades-long life satisfaction trajectories of Australian middle-aged women who did, and did not, experience relationship dissolution, and to examine why some women adjust better than others. Prospective longitudinal data came from nine waves of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health. Women who divorced or separated during the study (n = 1462) were propensity-score matched to women who remained married or partnered (n = 2587). Results from Bayesian piecewise latent growth curve modelling indicate stable life satisfaction before relationship dissolution, a sudden decline in the years surrounding the event, and long-term increases thereafter. Matched controls showed stability and slight increases in life satisfaction across the observation period, which suggests that at least some change in life satisfaction experienced by divorced and separated women is associated with relationship dissolution. Social support, perceived control, and subjective income were significant positive moderators of women’s adjustment to relationship dissolution. Implications regarding wellbeing interventions for middle-aged women are discussed.
Can bioethics bray? Non-human animals, biosemiotics, and a road to shared decision-making
Authors: Fitzgerald Martin J.
Published: February 2025

The prospect of shared decision-making with animals is an elusive one. Its elusiveness comes largely from how difficult it is to assess the linguistic abilities of animals, whether that be their ability to ‘speak’ or their ability to maintain propositional values. In this paper, I suggest a path to shared decision-making with animals that attempts to avoid these deadlocks by using resources from biosemiotics and Umwelt theory. I begin with an examination of the general structure of decision-making, demonstrating its future-orientation, comparison of imagined futures, and assessment of what things matter to participants in decision-making. Animals’ capability of having things matter to them, due to their residence in Umwelten, offers a means to shared decision-making with animals via a process I call ‘imaginative adjuncting.’
Determinants of pro-environmental attitude and behaviour among European Union (EU) residents: differences between older and younger generations
Authors: Cantillo Javier , Astorino Loann , Tsana Achille
Published: February 2025

Global awareness of environment-related problems is progressively becoming a priority for public authorities all around the world. This led to the creation of environmental policies and a frequent sensitisation of citizens to the risks, associated with environmental damage, which calls for a balanced and competitive socioeconomic development system and a better quality of life for the population. This eco-friendly change requires the development of environmental awareness at both institutional and individual levels. Accordingly, by using ordered probit models and secondary information from the Eurobarometer on attitudes of citizens towards the environment, this study contributes to understanding the differences in the determinants of pro-environmental attitude and behaviour among European Union residents, and more particularly, differences between older and younger generational groups. Our results show that residents from older generations, women, living in cities or large urban areas, not living alone, with no economic difficulties, part of the wealthier classes of society, and with higher life satisfaction, are associated with a higher pro-environmental behaviour. In addition, results show that some determinants are highly correlated to the type of generation considered, such as household composition, class of society, or attitude towards life satisfaction.
Application of Sporosarcina pasteurii for the biomineralization of calcite in the treatment of waste concrete fines
Authors: Klikova Kristyna , Holecek Petr , Nezerka Vaclav , Prosek Zdenek , Konakova Dana , Demnerova Katerina , Stiborova Hana
Published: February 2025

In this study, we explored and described various parameters of microbially induced calcite precipitation (MICP) using the alkaliphilic bacterium Sporosarcina pasteurii DSM 33, which exhibits ureolytic activity, to stabilize and strengthen waste concrete fines (WCF). Bacterial cell concentration, single and repeated addition of bacterial suspension, and pH adjustment were tested in stage 1 of the experimental agenda in order to tune parameters for sample preparation in stage 2 focused on the effect of MICP treatment duration (14, 30, 60, and 90 days). Two types of WCF materials differing in their physicochemical properties were used for the stabilization. The results of the EDS and XRD analyses confirmed the presence of CaCO3 crystals, which increased by about 10–12% over time, affecting the porosity, compactness, and strength of the formed composites. The XRD results also indicated that the WCF properties significantly influence the formation of the type of CaCO3 crystals, supported also by microscopy observations. This study highlights the potential of MICP technology to make concrete recycling more sustainable, aligning with the concept of a circular economy; however, the interplay between the WCF materials of various properties and bacterial activity must be further scrutinized.
Clinical Gestalt to Predict Bacterial Infection and Mortality in Emergency Department Patients: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Espejo Tanguy , Nieves-Ortega Ricardo , Amsler Livia , Riedel Henk Börje , Balestra Gianmarco , Rosin Christiane , Becker Christoph , Lippay Kriemhild , Nickel Christian Hans , Bingisser Roland
Published: February 2025

Background

Time to treatment is a significant predictor of mortality in emergency department (ED) patients with bacterial sepsis. Strategies for the early detection of bacterial infection and sepsis are lacking. Clinical gestalt is a tool for assessing and synthesizing the entire clinical picture, focusing on the first clinical impression at presentation.

Objective

This study aimed to assess ED physicians’ clinical gestalt for the prediction of bacterial infection and mortality in ED patients presenting with signs and symptoms of infection.

Design

Prospective, observational study with a 30-day follow-up.

Participants

Patients aged 18 or older presenting to the ED with signs and symptoms compatible with an infection and abnormal vital signs were included.

Main Measures

ED physicians recorded their clinical gestalt using a visual analog scale (VAS) to assess the likelihood of bacterial infection and responded to a dichotomous question regarding the probability of a patient’s death. The main outcome was the confirmed diagnosis of an acute bacterial infection. Final diagnoses, based on laboratory and follow-up information, were adjudicated by an expert panel.

Key Results

In total, 444 patients were included. Median age was 68 years [IQR 51, 80] and median National Early Warning Score (NEWS) was 5 [IQR 3, 7]. Median VAS for physicians’ clinical gestalt regarding bacterial infection likelihood was 8.2 [IQR 6.7, 9.0] of 10 in patients with bacterial infection, 2.3 [IQR 1.2, 4.3] in patients with viral infection, 4.6 [IQR 4.0, 7.3] in patients with an infection due to another pathogen, and 2.3 [IQR 1.1 6.2] in patients with no acute infection (p-value = <0.001). Clinical gestalt’s sensitivity regarding 30-day mortality was 57.1% [95%CI 37.2 to 75.5] with a specificity of 83.4% [95%CI 79.7 to 86.9].

Conclusion

In this study of ED patients presenting with signs and symptoms of infection, clinical gestalt was shown to be useful differentiating between bacterial and infections of other causes. Antibiotic prescription rate increased with the likelihood of bacterial infection according to physician gestalt. Lastly, simple heuristic prognostication of mortality (likely vs. unlikely) carried some, but limited, prognostic value.
‘Placetne Magistra?’ -- Latin in Dorothy L. Sayers’ Gaudy Night
Authors: Myatt Frances
Published: February 2025

Gaudy Night is unique among Dorothy L. Sayers’ detective novels in its prolific use of Latin quotations. While scholars have considered the two Latin quotations which are integral to the novel’s plot, this article will explore Sayers’ incidental Latin phrases and quotations as well, in order to fully illuminate the significant role the language plays within the novel. Sayers uses Latin to express the tense and ambiguous relationship between women and Oxford University, with her Latin quotations both acknowledging how universities had traditionally excluded women, and simultaneously evoking a new equality of the sexes based upon an equality of academic capacity and achievement. Furthermore, Latin is key to negotiating a successful romantic relationship between Harriet and Peter. More than any other language, Latin represents intellect and scholarship to the English-speaking mind, and the intellectual equality between Harriet and Peter is key to their relationship. Yet, Sayers does not only use Latin to represent abstract, asexual intellect, but also layers the learned with the erotic as part of the novel’s ongoing negotiation between the demands of brain and heart.