bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Model Construction of GeoGebra Integrating High School Mathematics Teaching Under the Embodied Cognitive Horizon—Taking the “Elliptical Standard Equation” for Example
Authors: Geng Ning , Wu Hua
Published: November 2024

Since education has entered a new era, information technology and classroom teaching have entered the stage of “deep integration”. Through the “elliptical standard equation” (the first class) teaching process, based on the three characteristics of the embodied teaching environment, construct the embodied cognitive horizon GeoGebra fusion high school mathematics teaching mode from the theoretical basis, teaching objectives, operation procedures, teaching evaluation, and analysis the classroom teaching four links “situational perception, embodied exploration, operation experience, reflection monitoring” with teaching advice, to provide a reference for basic education teaching and material development.
A Comparative Study on the Presentation of Preparatory Knowledge in the New Mathematics Textbooks for Senior High School in China
Authors: Yang Pei
Published: November 2024

As a special module added in the new curriculum standard of high school mathematics in China, the value of preparatory knowledge can't be underestimated. The special module are also added in the new high school mathematics textbooks published in 2019. This paper takes the preparatory knowledge in the new high school mathematics textbooks of People's Education version A, Beijing Normal University version & Hunan Education version as the research content, and analyzes the presentation of preparatory knowledge from two dimensions: the macro structure of the textbook and the main content. It is found that the three versions of textbooks have high consistency in the presentation of the main content; In the presentation of macro structure, they are distinctive. Then it puts forward three suggestions for textbook compilation, teachers’ teaching and students’ learning.
Opportunities to Learn Reasoning and Proving in the Algebra of NCM Mathematics Textbooks
Authors: Zhou Da , Liu Jinqing , Wu Qian , Ye Qingqing , Liu Jian
Published: November 2024

Mathematics textbooks play an essential role in providing students with learning opportunities for reasoning and proving (RP). Researchers showed that tasks used by teachers were directly related to those provided by mathematics textbooks. Yet, little is known about the learning opportunities offered by elementary textbooks for students to learn RP in China. This study analyzed six volumes of New Century Mathematics (NCM) textbooks, focusing on RP’s opportunities in written tasks based on a revised analytical framework. The results showed that the textbooks we analyzed in this study provide students with more opportunities to engage in the RP of the algebraic domain, especially in narrative sets. In addition, in terms of sub-components and representation, the opportunities provided by textbooks were different in narrative sets and exercise sets.
Exploring How the Senior High School Textbooks Support Students’ Learning of Mathematics
Authors: Wang Sikai , Xu Binyan
Published: November 2024

Mathematics textbooks are supporting materials for students’ learning of mathematics, the compilation of which should assist students in mathematics learning. PEP2019 was selected to analyse the design feature of the content of trigonometric function, and then to compare with PEP2004 in this article. On the basis of the content comparison, it reveals how PEP2019 supports students’ learning of trigonometric function. These insights also indicate the design of PEP2019 aligned with the ideas of mathematics curriculum reform.
Study on the Influence of Textbooks on Teachers’ Teaching: An NCM Story
Authors: Yu Guowen , Zhang Dan , Wu Jiaqi , Lin Danni
Published: November 2024

In this paper, we focus on NCM (New Century Mathematics) textbooks’ influence on teachers’ teaching. Based on the conceptual framework of Shulman and Fan, a survey with a questionnaire and interview was conducted. The data were collected from a stratified sample from Haidian District, Beijing. The results revealed the following: the textbooks facilitated mathematics teachers’ teaching, especially in the process of Transformation; the design of activities and columns of the NCM textbooks facilitated mathematics teachers’ teaching more obviously than other features; and compared with teacher characteristics, school characteristics played a more significant role on teachers’ response about how textbooks and the features facilitating their teaching.
Locally finite two-loop amplitudes for electroweak production through gluon fusion
Authors: Anastasiou Charalampos , Karlen Julia , Sterman George , Venkata Aniruddha
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The computation of two-loop amplitudes for the production of multiple Higgs and electroweak gauge bosons via gluon fusion with exact dependence on quark masses relies primarily on numerical methods. We propose a framework that enables their numerical evaluation in momentum space. The method is inspired by the factorization of infrared divergences in QCD scattering amplitudes. It extends techniques introduced for electroweak gauge boson production from quark-antiquark annihilation to processes with external gluons. By combining diagrammatic integrands, we make use of local cancellations between diagrams that automatically eliminate most non-factoring infrared singularities. With a limited number of counterterms, we then derive two-loop integrands for which all soft and collinear singularities factorize locally. We hope that the local subtraction techniques presented in this article will play a useful role in extending the local factorization formalism to two-loop amplitudes for arbitrary processes.
Towards massive field-theory amplitudes from the cohomology of pure spinor superspace
Authors: Mafra Carlos R.
Published: November 2024

Abstract

By analogy with the formula for the massless string disk amplitudes, we define massive field-theory tree amplitudes and conjecture that the BRST cohomology structure of pure spinor superspace fixes their form. We give evidence by deriving the pure spinor superspace expression of the massive field-theory n-point tree amplitude with one first-level massive and n − 1 massless states in two ways: 1) from BRST cohomology arguments in pure spinor superspace and 2) from the α′2 correction to the massless string amplitudes by inverting the unitarity constraint in superspace.
Ecosystem services of urban rivers: a systematic review
Authors: Sousa Maria Carolina , Martins Rita , Simões Nuno Eduardo , Feio Maria João
Published: November 2024

The multifaceted threats to global freshwater ecosystems, especially in urban environments, impact hydrological cycles, flora and fauna, habitats and ecosystem processes. While these ecosystems can potentially offer important services to the urban populations by providing natural areas inside cities, the constraints imposed by urbanisation and a high population density may result in the loss of those benefits. Thus, it is important to adopt a quantitative approach to assess the value of urban freshwater ecosystem services in order to enable strategic urban planning that balances urban development with the protection of these ecosystems. We have therefore performed a systematic review of Scopus database publications from 2006 to 2022 that focused on provisioning, regulating and maintenance, as well as cultural services, provided by urban river ecosystems. The screening identified 118 papers, 43% of which focused on urban stream ecosystems (stream and/or riparian area). For provisioning services, indicators were related to water and food supply, while regulation indicators were linked to water quality and flood mitigation; cultural services were mainly related to physical interactions with the ecosystems, education and aesthetic experiences. The economic valuation of urban river ecosystem services is the subject of study in 19% of the identified articles, mainly in relation to potential river restoration. Finally, 18% of articles incorporated public opinions of stakeholders and citizens, underlining the significant role of their input in understanding and managing urban river ecosystems. More studies on urban streams are needed, and standardising indicators and promoting greater citizen involvement in the evaluation of ecosystem services are challenges that remain to be overcome.
Erythema nodosum
Authors: Weber Viktoria , Weimann Konstantin , Kolm Isabel , Meier-Schiesser Barbara
Published: November 2024

Das Erythema nodosum (EN) ist die am häufigsten auftretende Form einer akuten Pannikulitis. Es wird charakterisiert durch schmerzhafte, rote bis livide, erhabene Knötchen oder Beulen, die typischerweise symmetrisch im Bereich der Schienbeine auftreten. Häufig handelt es sich beim EN um eine Reaktion des Immunsystems auf Infektionen, entzündliche Erkrankungen oder Medikamente. In etwa der Hälfte der Fälle ist kein Auslöser zu eruieren. Nach Behandlung der zugrunde liegenden Ursache ist das EN in der Regel selbstlimitierend.
Was ist gesichert in der Therapie der metabolischen Azidose bei chronischer Nierenkrankheit?
Authors: Ritter Alexander , Kuhn Christian , Mohebbi Nilufar
Published: November 2024

Eine präzise Regulation des Säure-Basen-Haushalts ist für viele Organe und physiologische Prozesse essenziell. Säureretention und metabolische Azidose (MA) sind häufige Komplikationen bei chronischer Nierenkrankheit („chronic kidney disease“ [CKD]) und treten auch nach Nierentransplantation auf. Neben diätetischen Maßnahmen kommen medikamentöse Therapien zur Azidosekorrektur zum Einsatz, mit Natrium(hydrogen)karbonat als am häufigsten eingesetzter Substanz. Mehrere Studien konnten einen positiven Effekt einer Azidosekorrektur auf die CKD-Progression aufzeigen. Die Studienresultate sind jedoch nicht einheitlich und es ist von eher kleineren Behandlungseffekten auszugehen. Nach Nierentransplantation konnte bisher keine positive Wirkung auf die Transplantatfunktion nachgewiesen werden. Die MA ist mit einer eingeschränkten Knochenqualität assoziiert, wobei Alkaliinterventionsstudien bislang einen positiven Effekt auf Marker des Knochenstoffwechsels, nicht jedoch auf die Knochendichte gezeigt haben. Die MA ist mit einer erhöhten kardiovaskulären Ereignisrate assoziiert, Interventionsstudien mit harten kardiovaskulären Endpunkten fehlen jedoch bis dato. Eine Interventionsstudie mit jedoch wesentlichen Limitationen konnte einen positiven Effekt einer Alkalitherapie auf die Mortalität zeigen. Eine Azidosekorrektur scheint sich positiv auf den Protein- und Muskelkatabolismus auszuwirken, wobei eine Verbesserung der körperlichen Leistungsfähigkeit in einer geriatrischen Population nicht gezeigt werden konnte. Bezüglich der endokrinologischen Effekte einer Alkalitherapie existieren nur sehr wenige Studien. Hier zeigten sich ein günstiger Effekt auf den Glukosestoffwechsel und ein möglicher Nutzen in Bezug auf die Schilddrüsenfunktion bei prädialytischen Patienten mit CKD. Aufgrund der insgesamt eher geringen bis moderaten Evidenz für den Nutzen einer Alkalitherapie sowie angesichts der teilweise widersprüchlichen Studienlage wird in den aktualisierten Leitlinien von Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) die Empfehlung für Erwachsene abgeschwächt und eine Alkalibehandlung vorgeschlagen, um ein Serumbikarbonat < 18 mmol/l (bislang < 22 mmol/l) und die damit verbundenen Komplikationen zu vermeiden.
Effects of sex and obesity on immune checkpoint inhibition-related cardiac systolic dysfunction in aged mice
Authors: Sayour Nabil V. , Kucsera Dániel , Alhaddad Ayham R. , Tóth Viktória É. , Gergely Tamás G. , Kovács Tamás , Hegedűs Zsombor I. , Jakab Márk E. , Ferdinandy Péter , Varga Zoltán V.
Published: November 2024

Despite accumulating data on underlying mechanisms, the influence of sex and prevalent cardio-metabolic co-morbidities on the manifestation and severity of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-induced cardiotoxicity has not been well defined. To elucidate whether sex and prevalent cardio-metabolic co-morbidities affect ICI-induced cardiotoxicity, we randomized 17-month-old male and female mice to receive control diet (CON) or high-fat diet (HFD) + L-NAME—a well-established mouse model of cardio-metabolic co-morbidities—for 17 weeks (n = 5–7), and evaluated markers of T-cell function in the spleen. As expected, HFD + L-NAME significantly increased body- and heart weight, and serum cholesterol levels, and caused no systolic dysfunction, however, led to diastolic dysfunction, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, and increased fibrosis only in males compared to corresponding CON. Western blot analyses of splenic immune checkpoint protein levels showed differential expression depending on sex and prevalent cardio-metabolic co-morbidities, suggesting T-cell exhaustion in both sexes on HFD + L-NAME, but more pronounced in males. In a sub-study with a similar setup, we tested cardiotoxic manifestations of ICI by treating mice with anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody (ICI) for the last 2 weeks of diet administration (n = 5–7). After 2 weeks of ICI treatment, cardiac systolic functions significantly decreased in CON, but not in HFD + L-NAME groups of both sexes compared to baseline (before ICI administration). In conclusion, in this exploratory study using aged mice, we describe for the first time that ICI-related systolic dysfunction is diminished in both sexes when obesity and hypercholesterolemia are present, possibly due to obesity-related T-cell exhaustion.
SUMOylation of rice DELLA SLR1 modulates transcriptional responses and improves yield under salt stress
Authors: Fernandes Telma , Gonçalves Nuno M. , Matiolli Cleverson C. , Rodrigues Mafalda A. A. , Barros Pedro M. , Oliveira M. Margarida , Abreu Isabel A.
Published: November 2024

Main conclusion

SUMOylation of SLR1 at K2 protects productivity under salt stress, possibly by modulation of SLR1 interactome.

DELLA proteins modulate GA signaling and are major regulators of plant plasticity to endure stress. DELLAs are mostly regulated at the post-translational level, and their activity relies on the interaction with upstream regulators and transcription factors (TFs). SUMOylation is a post-translational modification (PTM) capable of changing protein interaction and has been found to influence DELLA activity in Arabidopsis. We determined that SUMOylation of the single rice DELLA, SLENDER RICE1 (SLR1), occurs in a lysine residue different from the one identified in Arabidopsis REPRESSOR OF GA (RGA). Artificially increasing the SUMOylated SLR1 levels attenuated the penalty of salt stress on rice yield. Gene expression analysis revealed that the overexpression of SUMOylated SLR1 can regulate GA biosynthesis, which could partially explain the sustained productivity upon salt stress imposition. Furthermore, SLR1 SUMOylation blocked the interaction with the growth regulator YAB4, which may fine-tune GA20ox2 expression. We also identified novel SLR1 interactors: bZIP23, bHLH089, bHLH094, and OSH1. All those interactions were impaired in the presence of SUMOylated SLR1. Mechanistically, we propose that SUMOylation of SLR1 disrupts its interaction with several transcription factors implicated in GA-dependent growth and ABA-dependent salinity tolerance to modulate downstream gene expression. We found that SLR1 SUMOylation represents a novel mechanism modulating DELLA activity, which attenuates the impact of stress on plant performance.
Starshaped compact hypersurfaces in warped product manifolds I: prescribed curvature equations
Authors: Wang Bin
Published: November 2024

We derive global curvature estimates for closed, strictly star-shaped$$(n-2)$$(n-2)-convex hypersurfaces in warped product manifolds, which satisfy the prescribed$$(n-2)$$(n-2)-curvature equation with a general right-hand side. The proof can be readily adapted to establish curvature estimates for semi-convex solutions to the generalk-curvature equation. Furthermore, it can also be used to prove the same estimates fork-convex solutions to the prescribed curvature measure type equations.
Lifespan estimates for semilinear damped wave equation in a two-dimensional exterior domain
Authors: Ikeda Masahiro , Sobajima Motohiro , Taniguchi Koichi , Wakasugi Yuta
Published: November 2024

Lifespan estimates for semilinear damped wave equations of the form $$\partial _t^2u-\Delta u+\partial _tu=|u|^p$$

∂
t
2

u
-
Δ
u
+

∂
t

u
=

|
u
|

p

in a two dimensional exterior domain endowed with the Dirichlet boundary condition are dealt with. For the critical case of the semilinear heat equation $$\partial _tv-\Delta v=v^2$$

∂
t

v
-
Δ
v
=

v
2

with the Dirichlet boundary condition and the initial condition $$v(0)=\varepsilon f$$

v
(
0
)
=
ε
f

, the corresponding lifespan can be estimated from below and above by $$\exp (\exp (C\varepsilon ^{-1}))$$

exp
(
exp

(
C

ε

-
1

)

)

with different constants C. This paper clarifies that the same estimates hold even for the critical semilinear damped wave equation in the exterior of the unit ball under the restriction of radial symmetry. To achieve this result, a new technique to control $$L^1$$

L
1

-type norm and a new Gagliardo–Nirenberg type estimate with logarithmic weight are introduced.
The Effect of INSIGHTS on Developmental Trajectories of Children’s Self- Regulation
Authors: Rudasill Kathleen Moritz , Reichenberg Ray E. , Eum Jungwon , Barrett Jentry Stoneman , Wilson Emily , Joo Yuenjung , Sealy Martinique A.
Published: November 2024

The development of self-regulation is critical for children’s positive interactions with others and successful adjustment to school. Using their self-regulation skills, children can adapt their temperamental, emotional, and behavioral reactions to environmental stimuli. Greater self-regulation is advantageous in the classroom, as more regulated children have an easier time with basic behavioral expectations, and are more likely to persist with difficult tasks, work efficiently, and pay attention to instructions. INSIGHTS into Children’s Temperament (INSIGHTS) is a temperament-based intervention that improves kindergarten and first-grade children’s social-emotional development and academic learning. In the current study, we examined the effects of INSIGHTS on rural Midwestern children’s self-regulation development (i.e., attention, inhibitory control), compared to control classrooms. In addition, we explored the effects of children’s baseline self-regulation and the effects of the intervention on children’s developmental trajectories. Students (N = 147) from 61 classrooms were randomly assigned to INSIGHTS or control conditions by school. Children’s self-regulation skills whereas examined at four different times. Multiple regression models were fit, and results suggest that INSIGHTS participants exhibited greater self-regulation at Time 4 as compared to the control group. Additionally, latent growth curve models were used to model linear growth. Results suggest that INSIGHTS participants experienced increased growth rates for attention, inhibitory control, and sustained attention compared to the control group. Our study provides evidence for the positive effects of a social-emotional classroom intervention on the developmental trajectory of children’s self-regulation.
A comparative study of the antiviral effects of biogenic silver nanoparticles and nanosilica (nSiO2) against Leek yellow stripe virus on Allium sativum L
Authors: Abdelkader Hayam S. , Kheder Ahmed A. , Amin Hala A. , Shafie Radwa M.
Published: November 2024

Garlic is a highly valued cash crop worldwide, but its economic value can be diminished by Leek yellow stripe virus (LYSV), which causes symptoms in infected plants and reduces yields. The presence of LYSV was confirmed by host range, DAS-ELISA, RT‒PCR, and DNA sequencing. This study aimed to evaluate the antiviral potential of biogenic silver nanoparticles (Cz-AgNPs) and chemically synthesized metal nanosilica (nSiO2) against LYSV-Eg (OR343513.1) isolates. The morphological structure of the biogenic and metal nanoparticles was evaluated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), zeta potential, and UV‒visible spectrum analysis. The inhibitory percentages of both nanoparticles were determined daily by monitoring symptom development and weekly by DAS-ELISA in comparison with both negative and positive controls. RT‒PCR was used to verify LYSV inhibition in garlic/nano treated plants at the end of the experiment. The results showed that foliar application of 300 µg/ml Cz-AgNPs and/or 3.0 mg/ml nSiO2 48 h post-virus inoculation inhibited the virus significantly by 90% and 95%, respectively. The combined therapy of both 300 µg/ml Cz-AgNPs and 3.0 mg/ml nSiO2 also resulted in a high inhibitory effect (95%) when applied 48 h post-virus inoculation. However, the inhibitory effects of the combined treatment were not significantly different from the individual treatments at the same concentrations. Furthermore, the application of Cz-AgNPs and nSiO2, whether individually or in combination, did not result in a significant growth-promoting effect in garlic plants compared to the AgNO3 treatment. This study demonstrated that nano therapy has the potential to manage viral infections in garlic plants. This highlights their potential for eco-friendly disease control.
Factors influencing management of dry cell battery waste: a case of Greater Accra Region in Ghana
Authors: Debrah Justice Kofi , Teye Godfred Kwesi , Dinis Maria Alzira Pimenta
Published: November 2024

Indiscriminate disposal of dry cell battery (DCB) waste contributes to environmental and public health issues in developing countries such as Ghana, due to the toxic nature of this specific waste. Accordingly, a study was conducted in Accra, Ghana, to determine the socio-economic and demographic factors influencing handling DCB waste, aiming a sustainable environment. Using a random sampling technique, a descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted, encompassing 367 respondents from the Accra-Tema Metropolitan areas and Tema West Municipal Assembly in Greater Accra, Ghana. Using descriptive and multivariate statistical methods, the survey data were analysed with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27. The results of this study show that female gender and residential area are likely to positively influence the use of DCB at home. Education significantly affects the use of DCB and its proper disposal. The results also suggest that 78% of the respondents disposed of DCB waste in waste bins. The mean monthly income of the respondents stands at USD 270, which is average and likely partially to positively influence the disposal of the DCB. The data collected revealed that female gender, age group, family size, and education level influence the indiscriminate disposal of DCB waste and DCB waste recycling. The results highlight that educated females above the age of 55, with a monthly income, are likely to properly segregate DCB waste. This study contributes to the knowledge gap in relation to dry cell battery waste management (DCBWM) in developing countries, aiming to advance global sustainability. This study is expected to contribute to educate and create awareness in managing DCB waste to reduce its indiscriminate disposal which leads to environmental pollution and negatively affects human health and environmental sustainability in Ghana.
Parenting Under Pressure: Associations between Perceived Social Pressure and Parental Involvement among Mothers and Fathers
Authors: Venard Gaëlle , Zimmermann Grégoire , Antonietti Jean-Philippe , Nunes Cindy Eira , Van Petegem Stijn
Published: November 2024

In many Western countries, the ideology of intensive parenting has gained prominence in the discourse of experts, policymakers, and within popular culture. This ideology emphasizes deep parental involvement in emotional, physical, and financial aspects (Lee et al., 2014). Meeting these demanding standards can exert significant pressure on parents, especially on mothers often considered as the primary caregiver. Moreover, these pressures may prompt parents to be highly, and potentially overly, involved in their children’s lives. Using data from 146 parent dyads (N = 292 parents; Mage = 47.57 years) of Swiss adolescents, the study explores parental perceptions of pressure to be a perfect parent and its association with one positive (responsiveness) and two negative types of involvement (overprotection and overvaluation). Thereby, we estimated Actor-Partner Interdependence Models (APIM) to examine mutual influences between mothers and fathers. The results indicated that mothers reported experiencing significantly more pressure than fathers. We found evidence for a positive association between perceptions of pressure and parental overprotection among both parents. The results also showed that there was a significant association between feelings of pressure and overvaluation, but only among fathers. Associations between pressure and responsiveness were not significant, and no significant partner effects were observed in any of the models. In conclusion, mothers particularly face heightened pressure to be perfect parents, but both parents may adapt their parenting strategies in response to perceived pressure to be perfect as a parent. These findings highlight the potential issues associated with societal pressures on parents and their impact on parenting behavior.
Empirically exploring the space of monostationarity in dual phosphorylation
Authors: Cai May , Himmelmann Matthias , Ostermann Birte
Published: November 2024

The dual phosphorylation network provides an essential component of intracellular signaling, affecting the expression of phenotypes and cell metabolism. For particular choices of kinetic parameters, this system exhibits multistationarity, a property that is relevant in the decision-making of cells. Determining which reaction rate constants correspond to monostationarity and which produce multistationarity is an open problem. The system’s monostationarity is linked to the nonnegativity of a specific polynomial. A previous study by Feliu et al. provides a sufficient condition for monostationarity via a decomposition of this polynomial into nonnegative circuit polynomials. However, this decomposition is not unique. We extend their work by a systematic approach to classifying such decompositions in the dual phosphorylation network. Using this classification, we provide a qualitative comparison of the decompositions into nonnegative circuit polynomials via empirical experiments and improve on previous conditions for the region of monostationarity.
Reliability and Construct Validity of the Work Rehabilitation Questionnaire Domains in Patients with Persistent Low Back Pain
Authors: Hansen Anders , Lauridsen Henrik Hein , Escorpizo Reuben , Søgaard Karen , Søndergaard Jens , Schiøttz-Christensen Berit , Mortensen Ole Steen
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The Work Rehabilitation Questionnaire (WORQ) assesses patient functioning, including psychological, physical, and cognitive limitations. This study evaluates the WORQ domains in individuals with persistent low back pain (LBP), focusing on reliability and construct validity.

Methods

Individuals aged 18–65 with LBP completed WORQ and the workability index single item. A subgroup undertook sit-to-stand and 6-min walking tests and re-evaluated WORQ after 14 days. Reliability was assessed through internal consistency (McDonald’s omega and Cronbach’s alpha), test–retest reliability, and smallest detectable change. Construct validity was analyzed via Spearman’s rank correlation and known group validity, with physical functioning also examined against sit-to-stand and 6-min walk test results for sensitivity/specificity. Floor and ceiling effects were assessed through classical and scale width methods.

Results

Of 425 participants, 149 completed physical tests, and 102 re-assessed WORQ. McDonald’s omega and Cronbach’s alpha indicated high internal consistency (0.92–0.96) with strong test–retest reliability (intraclass-correlation coefficients: 0.74–0.82). The smallest detectable change ranged from 4.62 to 7.82. Predictions from 7 out of 8 hypotheses were confirmed. Notable differences in domain scores were observed based on disability level and sick leave status, with varied diagnostic performance in physical functioning items. Potential floor effects were noted using the scale width method.

Conclusions

The WORQ demonstrated good reliability and satisfactory validity in assessing work-related functioning in individuals with persistent LBP. These findings support its use as a comprehensive tool for evaluating psychological, physical, and cognitive limitations. However, varied diagnostic performance in physical functioning items and potential floor effects suggest cautious interpretation in diverse clinical settings.
Strong Lensing by Galaxies
Authors: Shajib A. J. , Vernardos G. , Collett T. E. , Motta V. , Sluse D. , Williams L. L. R. , Saha P. , Birrer S. , Spiniello C. , Treu T.
Published: November 2024

Strong gravitational lensing at the galaxy scale is a valuable tool for various applications in astrophysics and cosmology. Some of the primary uses of galaxy-scale lensing are to study elliptical galaxies’ mass structure and evolution, constrain the stellar initial mass function, and measure cosmological parameters. Since the discovery of the first galaxy-scale lens in the 1980s, this field has made significant advancements in data quality and modeling techniques. In this review, we describe the most common methods for modeling lensing observables, especially imaging data, as they are the most accessible and informative source of lensing observables. We then summarize the primary findings from the literature on the astrophysical and cosmological applications of galaxy-scale lenses. We also discuss the current limitations of the data and methodologies and provide an outlook on the expected improvements in both areas in the near future.
Unveiling Hype Cycle Patterns: Examining 3D Modeling and Printing Adoption Among Secondary School Teachers
Authors: Anđić Branko , Šorgo Andrej , Weinhandl Robert , Maričić Mirjana , Lavicza Zsolt
Published: November 2024

Despite numerous studies indicating the positive contribution of 3D modeling and printing (3DMP) in learning settings, its current educational use is still rather limited. For the adoption of 3DMP in classrooms, it is critical to understand the views and perceptions of teachers on such new technology. To better understand how teachers perceive 3DMP, a longitudinal study was conducted with 73 Montenegrin secondary school teachers. The study used the Hype Cycle for Emerging Technologies approach to examine changes in teachers' views and perceptions of 3DMP over four time periods: before a workshop on using 3DMP in teaching, immediately after the workshop, three months later, and one year later. Results showed that teachers were motivated to use 3DMP to keep up with new technological trends, create classroom materials, promote inclusion, and STEM learning, and improve students' learning outcomes. The peak of inflated expectations (immediately after the workshop) is characterized by excessively high teacher expectations of 3DMP in terms of perceived pedagogical impact (PPI), perceived usefulness (PU), and barriers (BAR), while teachers' anxiety (ANX) is low; trough of disillusionment (3 months after the workshop) leads to a significant decrease in teachers' positive views and perceptions of PPI, PU, BAR, but an increase in ANX; the slope of enlightenment (one year after the workshop) leads to a recovery in teachers' positive views and perceptions of 3DMP's contribution to PPI, PU, but also BAR, while ANX significantly decreases. These findings provide recommendations for teacher educators, policymakers, 3DMP developers, and future researchers to better support the use of 3DMP in education.
Exploring Teachers’ Competences to Integrate Augmented Reality in Education: Results from an International Study
Authors: Nikou Stavros A. , Perifanou Maria , Economides Anastasios A.
Published: November 2024

Augmented Reality (AR) can enhance learning experiences offering many benefits to students. However, its integration in educational practice is rather limited due to several obstacles. One of these obstacles is the absence of AR digital competencies among instructors. Limited research exists about teachers’competence areas in integrating AR in teaching and learning. The current study utilizes the validated Teachers’ AR Competences (TARC) framework to investigate teachers’ self-perceived competences in creating, using, and managing AR resources. Furthermore, it investigates educators’ attitudes towards integrating AR in education. An online survey received responses from 150 educators worldwide. Quantitative results indicated that while teachers have positive attitudes towards educational AR, they do not feel confident in creating, using, or managing AR resources and experiences. All TARC subscales found to be significantly correlated to attitudes towards AR. No significant differences were found across all competence areas in regard to gender, age, and teaching level. However, statistically significant differences were found across all competence areas with respect to the teaching subject, general digital skills level, and previous class use of AR. Among the main practice and policy implications discussed, we suggest the need for training teachers in instructional design that deploys AR experiences.
Hyperspectral Imaging for Microcirculatory Assessment of Patients undergoing Transcatheter and Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement-a Prospective Observational Pilot Study
Authors: Dietrich Maximilian , Tayan Aycan , Hölle Tobias , Nusshag Christian , Kapp Anne-Christine , Mertens Christina , Studier-Fischer Alexander , Nickel Felix , Leuschner Florian , Weigand Markus Alexander , Karck Matthias , Lichtenstern Christoph , Arif Rawa , Fischer Dania
Published: November 2024

This prospective, observational study evaluated Hyperspectral Imaging (HSI) to assess the effects of cardiac surgery and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) on microcirculation. 40 Patients with severe aortic stenosis were enrolled. 20 patients underwent transapical/transaxillary/transaortic aortic valve replacement (TAVR), 20 underwent an open surgical approach with CPB (SAVR). HSI was used to determine tissue oxygenation (StO2 and NIR), hemoglobin (THI) and water content (TWI) at the palm before/after surgery (T1/T2), and on the third postoperative day (T3). TAVR patients showed no significant changes of microcirculatory parameters during surgery. TWI significantly increased until T3. SAVR patients showed an increase of TWI and a decrease of THI, while StO2 and NIR remained unchanged at T2. In SAVR patients, StO2 and NIR correlated negatively with the duration of CPB and StO2 correlated with intraoperative urine output at T2. HSI was able to detect microcirculatory changes during cardiac surgery. CPB duration seemed to affect tissue oxygenation.

Clinical trial registration: (German Clinical Trial Register): DRKS00024765.

Graphical Abstract
A case of PLA2R-positive membranous nephropathy with subsequent development of IgG4-related disease
Authors: Tanemoto Fumiaki , Mimura Imari , Abe Hiroyuki , Nangaku Masaomi
Published: November 2024

Membranous nephropathy (MN) is a common cause of adult-onset nephrotic syndrome. It is also known as a minor but established renal manifestation of Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD). Previous reports suggest that MN can also be an initial manifestation of IgG4-RD, all of which are phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R)-negative MN. We describe a case of PLA2R-positive MN that subsequently developed other manifestations of IgG4-RD. A 60-year-old male with nephrotic syndrome was diagnosed as primary MN with positive staining for PLA2R on the initial renal biopsy, which remained in partial remission with supportive therapy using angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) without steroid. About 1 year later, a renal mass was detected during an annual checkup, and contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed low-density masses in bilateral kidneys and the head of the pancreas. The findings of endoscopic biopsy of the pancreatic mass were consistent with autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) and the second renal biopsy showed the findings of MN with tubulointerstitial nephritis, both of which led to a diagnosis of IgG4-RD. The second renal biopsy also showed positive PLA2R. The patient received oral glucocorticoid therapy for IgG4-RD, which improved IgG4-related AIP and renal masses and also resulted in complete remission of MN. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of PLA2R-positive MN with subsequent development of IgG4-RD. It is sometimes difficult to determine whether PLA2R-positive MN occurring with IgG4-RD is primary MN or secondary MN associated with IgG4-RD. The possibility of developing IgG4-RD should be considered even when preceding MN is PLA2R-positive, suggesting of primary MN.
Enhancing negative thermal quenching in green-emitting perovskite microspheres via shallow trap state modulation
Authors: Lin Zhenxu , Huang Rui , Song Jie , Zhang Yi , Lin Zewen , Li Hongliang , Wu Haixia , Hou Dejian , Guo Yanqing , Wang Jing , Chu Paul K.
Published: November 2024

For luminescent materials, negative thermal quenching (NTQ), characterized by an increase in the luminescent intensity with temperature, has a large potential in lighting and display technologies. However, leveraging NTQ in metal halide perovskites is challenging, and the mechanism is not well understood. Herein, by utilizing low-temperature photoluminescence, persistent luminescence and thermoluminescence, the origins of NTQ in CsPbBr3 microspheres are systematically studied, which pertain to the liberation of carriers from shallow trap states. Experimental and theoretical investigations reveal that the energy of these shallow defect states is approximately 0.135 eV beneath the conduction band. A rapid thermal treatment increases the density of these shallow traps and amplifies the NTQ effect, resulting in an enhancement of room-temperature photoluminescence by more than 60% compared to that at 150 K. The process also reduces the threshold for amplified spontaneous emission to about 45 W/cm2. Our findings not only provide a deeper understanding of the NTQ phenomenon in CsPbBr3 microspheres but also open new avenues for enhancing the performance of perovskite optoelectronic devices through energy state regulation.
Integral points on a del Pezzo surface over imaginary quadratic fields
Authors: Ortmann Judith
Published: November 2024

Chambert-Loir and Tschinkel constructed a framework for a geometric interpretation of the density of integral points on certain varieties, which was refined by Wilsch. By using harmonic analysis and the circle method, it was proved for some partial equivariant compactifications of vector groups over arbitrary number fields and high-dimensional complete intersections over $${\mathbb {Q}}$$
Q
. Further, there are some examples of using the torsor method for singular del Pezzo surfaces over $${\mathbb {Q}}$$
Q
. In this paper, we generalise the torsor method for integral points from $${\mathbb {Q}}$$
Q
to imaginary quadratic number fields. As a first representative example, we characterise integral points of bounded log-anticanonical height on a quartic del Pezzo surface of singularity type $${\textbf{A}}_3$$

A
3

over imaginary quadratic fields with respect to its singularity and its lines. Furthermore, we count these integral points of bounded height by using universal torsors and interpret the count geometrically to prove an analogue of Manin’s conjecture for the set of integral points with respect to the singularity and to a line. Our results coincide with the predicted framework.
Pankreaszysten – Was gibt es Neues?
Authors: Rainer Florian
Published: November 2024

Die neuen Kyoto-Leitlinien bieten eine evidenzbasierte Grundlage für die Behandlung von neoplastischen Pankreaszysten, insbesondere von intraduktal papillär muzinösen Neoplasien. Im Vergleich zu den vorhergehenden Tokyo-Leitlinien wurde die Wertigkeit der Endosonographie und der Punktion aufgewertet, die Indikationsstellung zur chirurgischen Sanierung wurde liberaler formuliert und nähert sich somit den europäischen Leitlinien an. Auch beim Vorliegen mehrerer „worrisome features“ kann dem Patienten nach individueller Risikoabschätzung eine chirurgische Sanierung angeboten werden. Zusammenfassend ist zu sagen, dass weiterhin ein großer Teil der Empfehlungen auf Evidenz mit niedriger Qualität basiert und deshalb die Diskussion der Befunde mit dem/der Patient:in und die gemeinsame Entscheidungsfindung weiterhin einen großen Stellenwert einnimmt. Trotz der beschriebenen Fortschritte gestaltet sich die Betreuung von Patient:innen mit Pankreaszysten weiterhin schwierig. Es bleibt zu hoffen, dass wir in den nächsten Jahren bessere diagnostische und prognostische Werkzeuge entwickeln, die es ermöglichen, das Risiko von neoplastischen Pankreaszysten besser einzuschätzen.
Digitally supported coaching and its application to developing self-organizing teams
Authors: Spielhofer Thomas , Motschnig Renate
Published: November 2024

Digital communication has become mainstream in professional as well as in educational collaboration. While it reduces the richness of non-verbal interaction, it also opened up novel, accessible, and low-cost opportunities for professional as well as personal development. This paper presents the findings of applying the framework called digitally supported coaching (DSC) to a self-organized team that partly collaborates via online video conferences. The DSC features a software tool that analyzes and visualizes communication data of several meetings and a team coaching process to use these visualizations for team development. This allows teams to discern helpful and less helpful patterns in their communication and to learn from that. While DSC has already been evaluated in multiple case studies in different contexts, this study explores the use of DSC for a self-organized team for the first time. Applying a mixed method approach, the team communication was analyzed from the subjective perspectives of the team members as well as based on the quantitative data of the meetings and the social network analysis (SNA) derived from it. Compared to hierarchical teams, the results show a much higher variety in team centralities and significant differences in the way meetings were led. Learnings by the team in this case included insights regarding their roleplay, the way they moderated meetings, and their development towards more constructive communication over time. The case indicates the potentials of DCS for self-organized teams particularly regarding their flexibility in taking on roles, tasks, and reflective practice.
Industrial Policy for the United States
Authors: Fasteau Marc , Fletcher Ian
Published: November 2024

The U.S. is losing the competition for good jobs and high-value industries because most of Washington believes trade should be free, the dollar should float, and that innovation comes exclusively from the private sector. In this book, the authors make the bold case that these laissez-faire ideas have failed and that a robust industrial policy is the only way for America to remain prosperous and secure. Trump and Biden have enacted some of its elements, but it needs to be made systematic and comprehensive, including tariffs to protect key industries, a competitive exchange rate, and federal support for commercialization—not just invention—of new technologies. Timely, meticulously researched, and bipartisan, this impressive analysis replaces misunderstandings about industrial policy with lucid explanations of its underlying economic theory, the tools that implement it, and its successes (and failures) in America and abroad. It examines key industries of the past and future – steel, automobiles, television, semiconductors, space, aviation, robotics, and nanotechnology. It concludes with a realistic, actionable policy roadmap. A work of rigor and ambition, Industrial Policy for the United States is essential reading.
Introduction to Elementary Particle Physics
Authors: Bettini Alessandro
Published: November 2024

The third edition of this successful textbook has been redesigned to reflect the progress of the field in the last decade, including the latest studies of the Higgs boson, quark–gluon plasma, progress in flavour and neutrino physics and the discovery of gravitational waves. It provides undergraduate students with complete coverage of the basic elements of the Standard Model of particle physics, assuming only introductory courses in nuclear physics, special relativity and quantum mechanics. Examples of fundamental experiments are highlighted before discussions of the theory, giving students an appreciation of how experiment and theory interplay in the development of physics. The author examines leptons, hadrons and quarks, before presenting the dynamics and the surprising properties of the charges of the different forces, concluding with a discussion on neutrino properties beyond the Standard Model. This title is also available as open access on Higher Education from Cambridge University Press.
Refining the Common Good
Authors: Lowi Miriam R.
Published: November 2024

How has Islam as a set of beliefs and practices shaped the allocation of oil revenues in Arab Gulf monarchies? In turn, how has oil wealth impacted the role of Islamic doctrine in politics? Refining the Common Good explores the relationship between Islamic norms and the circulation of oil wealth in Gulf monarchies. The study demonstrates how both oil (revenues) and Islam (as doctrine) are manipulated as tools of state power, and how religious norms are refined for the sake of achieving narrow secular interests. Miriam R. Lowi examines different institutionalized practices financed by hydrocarbon revenues and sanctioned, either implicitly or explicitly, by Islam, and uses evidence from Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Saudi Arabia to show how these practices are infused with political purpose. The dynamic relationship between oil wealth and Islamic doctrine is exploited to contribute to the management and control of society, and the consolidation of dynastic autocracy.
Why Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) Social Welfare Function Is Not Society’s Social Welfare Function
Authors: Viscusi W. Kip
Published: November 2024

In 2023, the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued guidance documents that specified new procedures for assessing prospective government regulations (Circular A-4) and economic policies more generally (Circular A-94). These revisions to long-standing guidance were not minor updates but shifted policy analyses from an efficiency-oriented perspective to a redistributive approach. OMB broadened the guidelines for reporting distributional consequences of policies and also specified how policy impacts on different income groups should be weighted. The weights assume that the social welfare function is governed by the sum of identical individual utility functions, each of which exhibits a substantial rate of diminishing marginal utility of income. The resulting weights provide a premium for households below the median-income level and a considerable penalty for those at higher-income levels. Application of the weights to property losses creates potentially substantial inefficiencies. If based on current empirical evidence on the income elasticity of the value of a statistical life rather than assuming that there is a complete offset of the weights, application of the weights to mortality risk valuation would generate inequities in protection.