bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heat transfer performance and fouling analysis of clove-treated graphene nanoplatelet nanofluid in a double-pipe heat exchanger
Authors: Wang Yanru , Nair Sayshar Ram , Ho Michael Luke Gwanjie , Foo Ji-Jinn , Tran Manh-Vu , Oon Cheen Sean
Published: February 2025

Nanofluids have found widespread application across various systems to enhance heat transfer, albeit with the simultaneous occurrence of fouling on heat exchange surfaces. In examining the impact of particulate fouling from nanoparticles on the heat transfer behavior of heat exchangers, this study conducted an experimental exploration utilizing green functionalized clove-treated graphene nanoplatelets (CGNP) nanofluid within a double-pipe heat exchanger (DPHE). Previous studies on nanofluids as heat transfer fluid have largely ignored the impact of particulate fouling on heat transfer performance over time. Various concentrations (0.025, 0.075, and 0.1 mass%) and flow rates (8 and 12 L min−1) were systematically examined over an extended operational time, with distilled water (DW) employed as a reference liquid for comparison. The experimental data were compared with simulation results at five different flow rates. The findings reveal that DW exhibited the highest overall heat transfer coefficient (OHTC) among all tested fluids with an OHTC of approximately 1660 W m2 K−1. Conversely, deposition occurred in the CGNP nanofluid at all concentrations over an extended operational period. Specifically, the 0.025 mass% concentration demonstrated the lowest fouling resistance in the developing stage. The fouling resistance reached constant for all the tested concentrations with estimated values of 0.15–0.16 m2K kW−1. Furthermore, a flow rate of 12 L min−1 was shown to reduce the fouling resistance by 50% when decreasing the flow rate to 8 L min−1. Overall, applying CGNP nanofluid in the DPHE over a prolonged testing duration was deemed ineffective. Exploring optimized techniques to mitigate the deposition of CGNP particles on the heat exchange pipe surfaces is necessary.
Crisis Communication and Governance: Lessons Learned from Covid − 19 Pandemic in Italy
Authors: Lucini Barbara
Published: February 2025

The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 has brought out the image of a world that is increasingly interconnected, interdependent and exposed to multiple forms of natural and human-induced risks. In accordance with this scenario, the aim of this paper is to provide a theoretical in -depth study to reflect on the communication practices and narratives produced on the occasion of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic in Italy in 2020, considering the national institutional communications and those of the Lombardy Region, the first affected by the Covid-19 epidemic, produced in the first weeks of epidemic spread.
Gender gap in reported childcare preferences among parents
Authors: Pertold Filip , Sinani Sofiana , Šoltés Michal
Published: February 2025

The child penalty explains the majority of gender employment and wage gaps. However, less is known about the factors driving the child penalty itself. In this paper, we explore the gender gap in childcare preferences, a potential contributor to the child penalty. We surveyed parents of young children and elicited the minimal compensation they would require to stay home to care for a child. Mothers require less compensation for childcare than fathers; the estimated gender gap in childcare preferences is CZK 2500 monthly (EUR 100), 7.6% of the median female wage, and cannot be explained by gender differences in labor market opportunities or prosocial motives to care for a family member. We further document a widespread misperception of fathers’ preferences, as respondents incorrectly expect fathers to require less compensation to care for a child than to care for an elderly parent.
The interplay of author and editor gender in acceptance delays: evidence from accounting journals
Authors: Argilés-Bosch Josep Maria , Kasperskaya Yuliya , Garcia-Blandon Josep , Ravenda Diego
Published: February 2025

The objective of this study is to examine the impact of the gender of editors and authors, as well as their interaction, on acceptance delays (ACCDEL) of articles. We focus on genders of the corresponding author and the editor overseeing the manuscript. Using data from three top accounting journals from 2015 to 2020, we conduct a regression analysis to test the hypotheses regarding longer ACCDEL for articles under female editorship or authors, those with gender-opposite editor-author pairs, and those with coincident genders editor-author pairs. We find that when the genders of editors and corresponding authors differ, there is a significant increase in ACCDEL compared to submissions where the genders of editors and corresponding authors match. Our results suggest the existence of a prevalent gender homophily effect.
Who Cares? Stereotypes of and Support for Men Working in Childcare
Authors: Haines Serena , Sczesny Sabine , Graf Sylvie
Published: February 2025

Men are vastly underrepresented in early childhood education and care, particularly in childcare work. To uncover stereotypes that motivate or hinder support for men in childcare in society, we employed a representative sample (N = 280) from Czechia, which has one of the lowest percentages of men working in childcare in the EU. We identified and contrasted descriptive, prescriptive, and proscriptive stereotypes about men, women, or childcare workers without a specified gender. Next, we examined the link between convergence of descriptive and prescriptive stereotypes about men in childcare and support for men working in childcare. In both open responses and trait ratings, men working in childcare were less often perceived or expected to be warm than women working in childcare. In the trait ratings, men working in childcare were less often expected to be moral and competent than women working in childcare. Yet, the overall stereotypical profiles of men converged with childcare workers with no gender information. Greater convergence between descriptive and prescriptive stereotypes about men working in childcare was associated with higher support for them. These findings highlight the specific role that normative beliefs play in support for men in childcare in the larger social environment.
A tale of two worlds: spatial arrangement of avian communities in a Neotropical city
Authors: Gómez-Martínez Miguel A. , García-Arroyo Michelle , Inzunza Ernesto Ruelas , Ruiz-Sánchez Angelina , MacGregor-Fors Ian
Published: February 2025

Urbanization is considered one of the most critical processes related to biodiversity loss worldwide. Birds are one of the most commonly studied groups in urban ecosystems due to their quick response to environmental changes. Despite the current knowledge related to urban bird communities, information associated with the specific factors shaping avian communities in cities is still scarce, especially in the Neotropics. In this study, we performed a citywide survey for birds in the city of Xalapa (Mexico), to compare the species composition of urban communities with those of two reference sites adjacent to the urban area. We hypothesized that the compositional similarity would either be defined by their spatial proximity to their respective reference site or that it would be shaped by resources intrinsic to the city. Considering the nature of our data, we performed a subgroup analysis using randomly selected groups for the urban and reference sites to compare similar samples. We used Sørensen (incidence-based) and Bray-Curtis (abundance-based) cluster analyses and found that the urban bird community composition is better explained by the vegetation cover than by the proximity to the reference sites. We confirmed this association with the results of the GLM, showing a statistically significant association with the vegetation cover. Our results are relevant in terms of urban design, considering that promoting the improvement of vegetation in cities could potentially help avian communities in these changing environments.
Effects of different mechanical processing methods on physicochemical properties of potato starch-plant protein-carrageenan composite gels
Authors: Nikolaou Evgenia N. , Karvela Evangelia D. , Apostolidis Eftychios , Karathanos Vaios T.
Published: February 2025

Mechanical processes impact (conventional mixing, high-speed shear mixing, and ultrasonication) on the physicochemical, mechanical, and thermal properties of starch gels combined with plant protein concentrates (pea, fava-bean, pumpkin, rice) and κ-carrageenan were evaluated. Conventional and high-speed shear mixing reduced values of strain (γl), yield stress (τf) storage modulus (G’), complex viscosity (η*), and increased tanδ magnitudes, being more prominent in fava-bean (G’PSF C= 11416 ± 48, G’PSF HS = 5421 ± 37), pea (G’PSP C= 6188 ± 39 G’ PSF HS = 2984 ± 30), and pumpkin protein-starch gels (G’PSPU C= 14840 ± 107, G’PSF HS = 7066 ± 42), (p < 0.05).While no significant rheological alterations were observed for rice-protein gels (G’PSR C= 10802 ± 98, G’PSR HS = 10044 ± 76). Ultrasonication process had a smaller effect on viscoelastic properties compared to other shear methods (e.g. G’PSP C= 6188 ± 39, G’PSP US = 5775 ± 72). Firmness increased with high shear processing, ∼ 3 times for fava bean and ∼ 2 times for pea and pumpkin protein-starch gels. In contrast, shearing of rice protein-starch complex resulted in softer gels, particularly with ultrasound treatment. The thermomechanical properties displayed shear-induced changes in onset, peak, and conclusion temperatures of gelatinization, and decreased enthalpy values, with varying sensitivity to each protein concentrate. Research findings have important implications for optimizing food product development by customizing processing techniques and hydrocolloids interactions to achieve desired texture and functionality in various food applications such as extrusion-based three-dimensional food-printing.
Global burden and risk factors of MASLD: trends from 1990 to 2021 and predictions to 2030
Authors: Huang Minshan , Chen Hang , Wang Hui , Zhang Yudi , Li Liya , Lan Yang , Ma Lanqing
Published: February 2025

The prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is increasing globally, posing a major public health issue. This study analyzes the global, regional, and national burden of MASLD and its risk factors from 1990 to 2021, with projections to 2030. We obtained data on MASLD prevalence, deaths, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) from the Global Burden of Disease 2021 for 204 countries. Counts and rates per 100,000 population were calculated, and trends to 2030 were predicted using the Bayesian Age-Period-Cohort model. In 2021, there were 1,267.9 million MASLD cases globally, with 138.3 thousand deaths and 3667.3 thousand DALYs. The global age-standardized prevalence, death, and DALY rates were 15,018.1, 1.6, and 42.4 per 100,000 population, increasing by 24.3%, 5.5%, and 5.5% since 1990. North Africa and the Middle East had the highest prevalence, while Andean and Central Latin America had the highest death and DALY rates. Men aged 15–69 and 90–94 had higher DALY rates, while women aged 70–89 and 95+ had higher rates. A reversed V-shaped association was found between the sociodemographic index and DALY rate. High fasting plasma glucose (5.9%) and smoking (2.4%) were major risk factors. Public health efforts should prioritize early detection and management of MASLD in younger populations and develop targeted strategies for older adults, especially women, to reduce the disease burden. Effective policies to address high fasting plasma glucose and smoking can mitigate MASLD’s impact.
Hypertension, Obesity, and Target Organ Injury in Children: An Emerging Health Care Crisis
Authors: Tran Andrew H. , Walsh Aaron , Urbina Elaine M.
Published: February 2025

Purpose of Review

To review data regarding the association between hypertension and childhood obesity on target organ damage. We will also review data regarding the impact of intervening on hypertension and childhood obesity on target organ damage.

Recent Findings

The prevalence of hypertension and obesity are rising in children despite efforts to address these risk factors. Health disparities play a role in contributing to the rise in prevalence. Hypertension and obesity promote pro-inflammatory cytokines that activate the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and sympathetic nervous system which result in adverse effects on blood pressure regulation and renal function. Adverse cardiac, vascular, renal, neurocognitive, and retinal changes can be seen with elevated blood pressure. Recent intervention studies are few, but adequate treatment of hypertension and obesity can result in improvement in target organ damage.

Hypertension and obesity have significant impacts upon target organs. Interventions to decrease blood pressure and treat obesity are associated with reductions in left ventricular hypertrophy, improvement in measures of systolic and diastolic function, and improvement in renal outcomes. Appropriate screening and management of these conditions can lessen potential future cardiovascular impact.
Responses of Non-Target Arthropods to the dsRNA Bioinsecticide Calantha™ and Conventional Insecticides Targeting Colorado Potato Beetle, Leptinotarsa Decemlineata (Say)
Authors: Wenninger Erik J. , DeGrey Samuel P. , Insinga Jonas , Knopf Eric , Alyokhin Andrei , Barnes Ethann R. , Bradford Ben , Groves Russell L. , Manley Brian , Piaskowski Julia
Published: February 2025

Management of the Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata) is reliant on conventional insecticides that can negatively affect non-target arthropods. Calantha™ (active ingredient: ledprona) is a sprayable double-stranded RNA biopesticide specific for L decemlineata proteasome subunit beta 5 gene that triggers the RNA-interference pathway and is designed to have limited non-target effects. To test this hypothesis, we conducted two years of field trials in Idaho, Wisconsin, and Maine comparing arthropod responses to different insecticide regimes, with and without Calantha, targeting the Colorado potato beetle. Comparisons of arthropod abundance among treatments showed no evidence of effects of Calantha on non-target arthropods, including beneficials (predators, parasitoids), “neutrals” (i.e., non-pests), and other beetle species. Conventional insecticides generally showed more non-target effects, and responses were always stronger for arthropods from vacuum samples than pitfall samples. Insecticide programs featuring Calantha, especially in rotation with other biorational products, may reduce pests while preserving beneficial arthropods and contribute to biological control of arthropod pests in potato fields.
E-health als ondersteuning en psychologische therapie bij mensen met een verstandelijke beperking: kans en uitdaging!
Authors: Oudshoorn Cathelijn , Frielink Noud , Riper Heleen , Embregts Petri
Published: February 2025

Samenvatting

E‑health wordt in toenemende mate ingezet in de zorg voor mensen met een verstandelijke beperking. Wetenschappelijke kennis over e‑healthmogelijkheden bij deze doelgroep staat echter nog in de kinderschoenen. In dit artikel belichten we de beschikbare wetenschappelijke kennis en de invloed van naasten en zorgprofessionals op het succesvol gebruiken van e‑health in de praktijk van de zorg voor en ondersteuning aan mensen met een verstandelijke beperking.
Towards developing an integrated approach for the treatment of white root rot in commercial avocado orchards
Authors: van den Berg N. , Magagula P. , Backer R. , Swart V.
Published: February 2025

In 2016, Dematophora necatrix, the causal agent of white root rot (WRR), was identified in an avocado orchard in South Africa. Since then, this pathogen has spread to all avocado-growing regions in the country. This study aimed to evaluate the in-field efficacy of the biological control product EXTRASOL (Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus amyloquefaciens subsp. plantarum) and the fungicide fluazinam against WRR in two commercial avocado orchards in Tzaneen, Limpopo, South Africa. Over two growing seasons (2022 and 2023), disease severity, the number of D. necatrix-positive baits, and leaf area index (LAI) were monitored. Results showed that fluazinam significantly improved the health of WRR-symptomatic trees. At the start of the trial, symptomatic trees exhibited an average disease severity score of 4, which significantly declined to near 0 after two years, with symptoms largely absent. LAI of symptomatic trees treated with Fluazinam was significantly higher (> 4) in both orchards after two years. The combination of fluazinam and EXTRASOL performed similarly to fluazinam alone, while EXTRASOL alone provided minor benefits. Fluazinam residues also fell below detectable limits in the fruit of treated trees as soon as 2 weeks following treatment. These findings support fluazinam as a safe and effective treatment for WRR in South African avocado orchards.
The Design of Cobalt (II)-Porphyrin/Fe2O3-Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanohybrid for Enhanced Electrochemical Sensing of 4-Hydroxybenzoic Acid
Authors: Mpakanyane Teboho Edwin , Nwahara Nnamdi , Jokazi Mbulelo , Nyokong Tebello
Published: February 2025

This study presents the synthesis and characterization of a novel electrocatalyst based on cobalt (II)-tetra aminophenyl porphyrin (CoTAPor) conjugated non-covalently with an iron (III) oxide-reduced graphene oxide (Fe2O3rGO). The synthesized materials were then used to modify a glassy carbon electrode (GCE), with CoTAPor-Fe2O3rGO identified as the superior electrocatalyst. The electrochemical detection of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (pHBA) was performed on the CoTAPor- Fe2O3rGO-modified GCE using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and chronoamperometry (CA). The CoTAPor-Fe2O3rGO composite exhibited the best catalytic performance, showing a significantly higher current response compared to bare GCE, CoTAPor, and Fe2O3rGO individually under CV and CA. This enhanced performance is attributed to the synergistic interactions between CoTAPor and Fe2O3rGO, resulting in increased sensitivity and a lower limit of detection (LoD). For CoTAPor-Fe2O3rGO, the sensitivity was 0.761 µA µM−1, with a LoD of 1.18 µM (S/N = 3). In addition, the electrocatalyst demonstrated good selectivity for pHBA in the presence of potentially interfering substances under controlled experimental conditions.

Graphical Abstract
The costs of subsidies and externalities of economic activities driving nature decline
Authors: Reyes-García Victoria , Villasante Sebastian , Benessaiah Karina , Pandit Ram , Agrawal Arun , Claudet Joachim , Garibaldi Lucas A. , Kabisa Mulako , Pereira Laura , Zinngrebe Yves
Published: February 2025

Economic sectors that drive nature decline are heavily subsidized and produce large environmental externalities. Calls are increasing to reform or eliminate subsidies and internalize the environmental costs of these sectors. We compile data on subsidies and externalities across six sectors driving biodiversity loss—agriculture, fossil fuels, forestry, infrastructure, fisheries and aquaculture, and mining. The most updated estimates suggest that subsidies to these sectors total between US$1.7 and US$3.2 trillion annually, while environmental externalities range between US$10.5 and US$22.6 trillion annually. Moreover, data gaps suggest that these figures underestimate the global magnitude of subsidies and externalities. We discuss the need and opportunities of building a baseline to account for the costs of subsidies and externalities of economic activities driving nature decline. A better understanding of the complexity, size, design, and effects of subsidies and externalities of such economic sectors could facilitate and expedite discussions to strengthen multilateral rules for their reform.
Ranks of tensors: geometry and applications
Authors: Oneto Alessandro , Ventura Emanuele
Published: February 2025

In this article, we briefly survey some of the recent results in the geometry of tensors with a focus on bounds for various important notions of ranks. This is written in honor of Edoardo Ballico, who made important contributions to this field, on the occasion of his 70th birthday.
Exposure to Natural Disaster and Polytrauma Among Somali Youth in Urban Kenya
Authors: Im Hyojin , Saleh Muna
Published: February 2025

The protracted complex emergencies in Somalia, exacerbated by natural disasters and civil conflicts, have precipitated a humanitarian crisis with profound implications for displacement and mental health, disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable Somalis. This study investigates the specific impacts of exposure to natural disasters and polytrauma on the social functioning of Somali youth in urban Kenya. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 336 Somali youth in Eastleigh, Nairobi, utilizing snowball sampling. The survey measured demographics, trauma exposure, psychosocial factors, and social functioning, with advanced statistical analysis identifying significant predictors. The results underscore the profound effects of natural disaster exposure on social functioning within the context of polytrauma. Findings also emphasize gender, documentation status, help-seeking behaviors, and substance use as significant factors shaping social functioning. The analysis emphasizes the complex interplay between socio-environmental factors and trauma exposure, advocating for holistic interventions tailored to the unique challenges of complex emergencies. Additionally, findings suggest incorporating strategies to enhance resilience, social support, and coping mechanisms for populations experiencing hostile socio-legal environments.
Slouching Towards Decentralization: An Equilibrium Approach to Collective Bargaining
Authors: Cardullo Gabriele
Published: February 2025

Although European institutions and national governments have long pushed for a more decentralized wage bargaining structure, in some countries, it is difficult for company- or establishment-level negotiations to take place. This paper offers an interpretation of this difficulty based on workers’ optimal choices in a strategic framework. I construct an equilibrium matching model that explains under which conditions it is best for workers to negotiate their entire wage at the sectoral level (one-tier bargaining) or to allow for a fraction of their salary be negotiated at the company level (two-tier bargaining). Workers’ strategies do not simply depend on their own characteristics or on those of their firm. They also depend on the decisions of all other employees in the sector. Three alternative Nash equilibria may occur: one-tier bargaining for all workers; two-tier bargaining for all workers; and two-tier bargaining for the most productive workers and one-tier bargaining for all other workers. The prevalence of a specific equilibrium over others hinges on some critical factors, notably the elasticity of the matching function and the properties of the productivity distribution.
Design of Ultra-Stable Solid Amine Adsorbents and Mechanisms of Hydroxyl Group-Dependent Deactivation for Reversible CO2 Capture from Flue Gas
Authors: Zhao Meng , Huang Liang , Gao Yanshan , Wang Ziling , Liang Shuyu , Zhu Xuancan , Wang Qiang , He Hong , O’Hare Dermot
Published: February 2025

Although supported solid amine adsorbents have attracted great attention for CO2 capture, critical chemical deactivation problems including oxidative degradation and urea formation have severely restricted their practical applications for flue gas CO2 capture. In this work, we reveal that the nature of surface hydroxyl groups (metal hydroxyl Al–OH and nonmetal hydroxyl Si–OH) plays a key role in the deactivation mechanisms. The polyethyleneimine (PEI) supported on Al–OH-containing substrates suffers from severe oxidative degradation during the CO2 capture step due to the breakage of amine-support hydrogen bonding networks, but exhibits an excellent anti-urea formation feature by preventing dehydration of carbamate products under a pure CO2 regeneration atmosphere. In contrast, PEI supported on Si–OH-containing substrates exhibits excellent anti-oxidative stability under simulated flue gas conditions by forming a robust hydrogen bonding protective network with Si–OH, but suffers from obvious urea formation during the pure CO2 regeneration step. We also reveal that the urea formation problem for PEI-SBA-15 can be avoided by the incorporation of an OH-containing PEG additive. Based on the intrinsic understanding of degradation mechanisms, we successfully synthesized an adsorbent 40PEI-20PEG-SBA-15 that demonstrates outstanding stability and retention of a high CO2 capacity of 2.45 mmol g−1 over 1000 adsorption–desorption cycles, together with negligible capacity loss during aging in simulated flue gas (10% CO2 + 5% O2 + 3% H2O) for one month at 60–70 °C. We believe this work makes great contribution to the advancement in the field of ultra-stable solid amine-based CO2 capture materials.
Photocatalytic Degradation of Emtricitabine, Lamivudine, and Tenofovir in Water Using the UV/TiO2/H2O2 Hybrid System
Authors: Ncube Pauline , Zvinowanda Caliphs , Ntuli Freeman
Published: February 2025

This study was aimed at investigating the removal of antiretroviral (ARV) drug residues of emtricitabine (FTC), lamivudine (LVD) and Tenofovir (TFV) from water using the UV–Vis/TiO2/H2O2 hybrid system. Evaluations of operational factors, degradation kinetics, scavenger effects, degradation pathways, and reusability of the catalyst were the key objectives of the study. The central composite design (CCD) of the response surface methodology (RSM) was used for process optimization. Five variables (pH, pollutant concentration, TiO2 loading, H2O2 dosage and time) were optimized. The removal realized was 92.56% (FTC), 91.67% (LVD) and 94.83% (TFV) respectively under optimum conditions. The degradations obeyed the pseudo-first-order model with the rate constant (k1) of 0.10773 min−1 (FTC), 0.0513 min−1 (TFV,) and 0.04756 min−1 (LVD). pH and H2O2 had a positive influence on pollutant removals up to optimum conditions. The ·OH and h
+ were the major contributors to pollutant degradations. The synthesized TiO2 could be reused in four successive cycles for the effective degradation of all the ARVs. The research shows that the UV–Vis/TiO2/H2O2 hybrid system may provide an alternative treatment method for the ARVs in water.

Graphical Abstract
Designing a Machine Learning-Based Model Integrating Clinical Orders for Child Abuse and Neglect Identification with Focus on Reducing Socio-economic Bias
Authors: Landau Aviv Y. , Blanchard Ashley , Kulkarni Paritosh , Althobaiti Shahad , Idnay Betina , Patton Desmond U. , Topaz Maxim , Cato Kenrick
Published: February 2025

Emergency departments (EDs) face challenges in identifying child abuse and neglect, often influenced by biases disproportionately affecting marginalized groups. While combining electronic health records (EHRs) with machine learning holds promise for addressing these biases, previous work has not integrated the Area Deprivation Index (a measure of socio-economic background). We analyzed 33,961 pediatric ED visits, of which 74 had suspected abuse or neglect incidents, to develop a machine learning model that emphasizes clinical orders and mitigates socio-economic biases. Evaluations across socio-economic strata based on the Area Deprivation Index revealed that a combined text and structured EHR model incorporating socio-economic variables achieved a precision of 0.8 for patients from disadvantaged backgrounds and 0.81 for those from more affluent groups. Key findings indicate that certain clinical orders were associated with increased reporting among lower socio-economic groups, whereas more affluent groups exhibited more critical ED visit attributes. These findings emphasize how ED clinical protocols can aid in identifying potential child abuse and neglect, while also highlighting differing indicators of protective service reports across socio-economic groups.
Determining the 2D spatial distribution of plasma parameters in a cylindrical cross section of a radio-frequency ion thruster by optical emission spectroscopy
Authors: Becker Felix , Sarnoch Pascal , Holste Kristof , Leiter Hans , Klar Peter J.
Published: February 2025

Gridded ion engines, such as the radio-frequency ion thruster, are highly efficient designs for generating thrust on satellites or spacecrafts for both commercial and scientific missions, due to the very high exhaust velocities achieved. A thorough understanding of the low-temperature and low-pressure plasma parameters is essential in order to characterize, design, and optimize such a thruster. Corresponding plasma parameters can be obtained non-invasively from empirical correlations between the results of Langmuir double probe measurements and optical emission spectroscopy. The plasma parameters can be extracted solely from the recorded optical emission spectra once such an empirical correlation is established for a specific experimental setup and various operation conditions. Light from an object plane at a specified depth within the plasma is focussed onto the projection plane, using a telescopic arrangement of lenses and an aperture. Despite being out of focus, the grid structure is still identifiable though slightly blurred. By carefully scanning across this image, taking spectra at every light spot, we can record a series of optical emission spectra where each spectrum corresponds to a plasma volume located in the object plane behind a grid hole. The object plane is a 2D cross section within the bulk of the plasma at a distance of 5 cm behind the grid. Our approach therefore allows us to monitor the spatial profiles of plasma parameters in this cross section of the RIT 10 for different operating points of the thruster. Such spatial profiles are essential for characterizing thruster performance and improving global modeling of such thrusters. We believe that this method is also applicable for RITs of other sizes in the context of space qualification.
Type 2 Innate Lymphoid Cell in Cardiovascular Diseases: Complexities and Potentials
Authors: Sun Haibei , Liu Weizhuo , Yu Zelin , He Bin
Published: February 2025

Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are a class of lymphocytes that do not express specific antigen recognition receptors, which play a significant role in various diseases due to their unique immunomodulatory functions. Among these, type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) form a distinct subpopulation and are recognized as key mediators in anti-infective and allergic responses. Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of intensive care unit admissions. Cardiovascular diseases, including myocardial infarction and heart failure, have a complex pathogenesis involving inflammation, tissue injury, and repair. Recent studies suggest that ILC2s are crucial in cardiovascular diseases by regulating inflammation, promoting tissue repair, and facilitating cardiac remodeling through the secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines like IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13, etc. However, ILC2s have a complex role in cardiovascular health, potentially contributing to adverse cardiac remodeling and heart failure in certain contexts. Thus, the precise mechanisms by which ILC2s influence cardiovascular disease processes remain incompletely understood. This review summarizes recent advances in understanding ILC2 mechanisms in cardiovascular diseases and explores their potential as therapeutic targets, aiming to identify new treatment strategies.
An efficient leaf regeneration and genetic transformation system for Pyrus betulifolia
Authors: Yu Zhihui , Wang Yuqi , Zhang Manyu , Liu Qiushi , Pan Qi , Li Tianzhong , Wang Shengnan
Published: February 2025

Pears rank as the third most produced fruit in China, with widespread cultivation throughout the country. Asexual propagation, primarily through grafting onto Pyrus betulifolia rootstocks, is the predominant method of cultivation. However, the absence of an efficient genetic transformation system for P. betulifolia significantly hinders genetic enhancement efforts for pear rootstocks. In this study, TDL39, a P. betulifolia genotype, was identified for its remarkable regenerative capacity. Leaf strips derived from 60-day-old TDL39 seedlings were cultured abaxial side up on a regeneration medium consisting of NN69, 3.0 mg/L thidiazuron (TDZ), 0.1 mg/L indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), 30 g/L sucrose, and 6.6 g/L agar. The strips were kept in the dark for 28 days and subsequently exposed to light for 30 days, resulting in the formation of adventitious shoots with an average regeneration rate of 81.5%. Employing this regeneration protocol, transgenic P. betulifolia plants overexpressing the Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) gene were successfully generated, with 15 mg/L kanamycin (Kan) used for selection. The highest transformation efficiency achieved was 4.2%. This study successfully establishes a regeneration system for P. betulifolia and facilitates the production of transgenic plants, thereby advancing molecular breeding and the functional characterization of P. betulifolia and other pear genotypes.
The Politics of Immorality in Ancient Rome
Authors: Edwards Catharine , Vout Caroline
Published: February 2025

The question this book addresses is not how immoral the ancient Romans were, but why the literature they produced is so preoccupied with immorality. The modern image of immoral Rome derives from ancient accounts which are largely critical rather than celebratory. Far from being empty commonplaces, these accusations constituted a powerful discourse through which Romans negotiated conflicts and tensions in their social and political order. This study proceeds by a detailed examination of a wide range of translated ancient texts, exploring the dynamics of their rhetoric, as well as the ends to which they were deployed. Roman moralising discourse, Edwards suggests, may be seen as especially concerned with the articulation of anxieties about gender, social status and political power. This revised edition contains a substantial new Introduction which engages with critical and scholarly developments in the study of Roman culture since the original publication.
Unravelling variations in 21st century East Asia’s pronatalist family policy through the lens of inclusiveness
Authors: Ryu Sunwoo
Published: February 2025

Facing dwindling birthrates, East Asia has shown unprecedented fertility-oriented family policy expansion. Despite this shared objective, this research argues that East Asian family policy has varied in ‘inclusiveness’, namely, the extent to which it equally promotes all births, irrespective of familial socioeconomic status in particular. Firstly, from an inclusiveness-centred perspective, this article builds three different ideal pronatalist family policy approaches: the ‘inclusive’, where pronatalist family support is provided for almost everyone; the ‘selective’, where it is more accessible to middle-/upper-income households; and the ‘residual’, where it is concentrated on low-income classes. Guided by this conceptual framework, it compares Japan, South Korea, Singapore and Taiwan. It reveals that Japan and Singapore promoted a selective path, and Taiwan favoured a residual one, whilst South Korea pioneered more inclusive support. However, it also suggests that the other three societies recently adopted more inclusive pronatalist family policies, especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
From ‘Sorceress’ to Ambassador: Reading Anna Caroline de Belleville’s Symbiotic Relationships with her Pianos
Authors: LIU PENG
Published: February 2025

In the early nineteenth century, concert reviews often judged pianists and pianos on their combined value. This critical tendency is exemplified in the professional career of virtuoso pianist Anna Caroline de Belleville. This article examines the reciprocal relationship between Belleville and her pianos — particularly Érard’s and Streicher’s — within the contexts of the technological development of piano-making and piano performance culture. I argue that the distinct advantages of Belleville’s pianos helped her develop a well-rounded pianism that combined both brilliancy and lyricism, winning her a place among the most distinguished pianists of the day. Furthermore, Belleville’s active engagement with and promotion of her pianos enhanced the instruments’ own reputation and commerciality. This understudied yet illuminating story about the interdependency of the virtuoso and her instruments (and attendant instrument makers) enriches our understanding of nineteenth-century performance culture by highlighting the inextricable relationship between technology, virtuosity, commerciality, and entrepreneurship.
The condition and purpose of universities in Africa
Authors: Mdee Anna
Published: February 2025

In his latest article, ‘African universities and the challenge of postcolonial development’, Jeremiah O. Arowosegbe argues convincingly that public universities in Africa are in crisis, and that this crisis reflects the failure of postcolonial states to build the societies promised by anti-colonial liberation. He is certainly correct that the political economy of higher education (HE) in postcolonial Africa is a much-neglected topic, and his article is even more welcome for that reason. As a scholar with an extensive career in Nigerian public universities, Arowosegbe has also undertaken research fellowships in Germany, Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, South Africa and the USA. Now he finds himself at the University of Leeds in the UK. He has experienced much from within and reflected deeply from afar on the state of universities in Nigeria and across the continent. His article is a serious work of reflection and scholarship, crafted and refined over years of engagement. Therefore, his serious charges on the state of the universities in Africa cannot be dismissed lightly.
Thoughts on contemporary humanities scholarship in Nigeria
Authors: Akinrinade Sola
Published: February 2025

In his article ‘African universities and the challenge of postcolonial development’, Jeremiah Arowosegbe discusses the trajectory of universities in postcolonial Africa, drawing particularly on the experiences of public universities in Nigeria. Arowosegbe accounts for the state of the institutions against the backdrop of ‘hostile material conditions and uncongenial political control’, which continue to ‘undermine institutional autonomy and the integrity of scholarship’. This think piece reflects on the particular case of the state of humanities scholarship in Nigeria in the face of persistent onslaught on academia.
The Novara Circumnavigation
Authors: Gombos Taylor Jordan
Published: February 2025

The Habsburg Empire has typically been understood as a continental power with few overseas aspirations, or as Robert Musil waxed nostalgically in his fictional Kakania: “A Ship would now and then be sent off to South America or East Asia, but not too often.” It is mostly true, of course, that Austria did not have “ambition for world markets or world power,”1 but recently historians have begun to explore the role colonial fantasy played in an empire with no actual overseas colonies to speak of.2 The Empire did support a series of oceanic voyages in the 19th century. None resulted in permanent settlement of course, but the voracious enthusiasm with which a Habsburg public responded to them is a testament to the weight colonial discourse had even in continental empires like Austria's.3 A small, but exciting literature has sprung up around these expeditions, situating them in their broader political contexts.4 The exercise has been fruitful at situating Habsburg history in a broader global context and has done much to de-provincialize what was once a relatively insular field.
Legitimising regimes and legalising self-defence groups: the case of Burkina Faso's VDPs
Authors: Saidou Abdoul Karim , Honig Lauren
Published: February 2025

The formalisation of informal security-providers has important consequences for citizenship, the rule of law, and human rights. We examine these policies in Burkina Faso, where formalisation has led to concerns about vigilante justice and ethnic targeting. Although African governments' reliance on informal security provision is well-documented, less is known about the origins of formalisation policies. To advance theory-building in this domain, this paper examines the political logic of empowering self-defence groups through the study of Burkina Faso's 2022 junta government, with comparisons to two prior regimes. We argue that formalisation is not only a mechanism for overcoming vexing security challenges, but is a tool used by leaders to build legitimacy and strengthen the regime's grip on power. In doing so, the article contributes insights into the origins of governmental policies towards self-defence groups, with implications for the study of political legitimacy, security provision and citizen–state relations.
Comparative outcome analysis of direct anastomosis and bovine pericardial patch augmentation techniques in arch reconstruction for paediatric patients
Authors: Yilmaz Mustafa , S.Turkcan Basak , Ecevit Ata N. , Bagrul Denizhan , Atalay Atakan
Published: February 2025

Introduction:

The treatment for proximal aortic arch hypoplasia in paediatric patients is still controversial. While some authors favours direct tissue anastomosis, others state that patch augmentation may also be a good alternative. The aim of this study is to compare the results of arch reconstructions using bovine pericardium with the direct anastomosis technique.

Materials and method:

Paediatric patients who underwent arch reconstruction via median sternotomy between 2019 and 2023 were evaluated. Patients were divided into two groups according to the repair method of arch reconstructions: direct native tissue anastomosis and bovine pericardial patch augmentation. Using perioperative data, the relationship between the surgical method and postoperative morbidity, in-hospital mortality, and the risks for early reintervention was investigated.

Results:

Between August 2019 and August 2023, 38 paediatric patients underwent arch reconstruction. The average age and weight of the patients were 40 days (15–157.5 days, interquartile) and 3.78 kg (3.2–6.0 kg, interquartile range), respectively. While completely native tissue anastomosis was applied in 18 of the patients (47.4%), bovine pericardial patch was used in arch reconstruction in 20 patients (52.6%). Cross-clamp time was found to be significantly longer in patients using bovine patches (p = .016). No difference was detected between the two surgical methods in terms of postoperative mortality and morbidity factors (p > .05). There was no significant difference between the two surgical procedures in terms of reintervention in the early period after discharge (p = .177).

Conclusion:

Although early results of both reconstruction techniques may be promising, their reliability needs to be evaluated in detail with large-scale prospective studies.
The Trim32-DPEP2 axis is an inflammatory switch in macrophages during intestinal inflammation
Authors: Zhan Zhiyan , Liang Huisheng , Zhao Zhuoqi , Pan Liya , Li Jing , Chen Yuyun , Xie Zhoulonglong , Yan Zhilong , Xiang Ying , Liu Wenxue , Hong Li
Published: February 2025

The mechanisms via which inflammatory macrophages mediate intestinal inflammation are not completely understood. Herein, using merged analysis of RNA sequencing and mass spectrometry-based quantitative proteomics, we detected differences between proteomic and transcriptomic data in activated macrophages. Dipeptidase-2 (DPEP2), a member of the DPEP family, was highly expressed and then downregulated sharply at the protein level but not at the mRNA level in macrophages in response to inflammatory stimulation. Suppression of DPEP2 not only enhanced macrophage-mediated intestinal inflammation in vivo but also promoted the transduction of inflammatory pathways in macrophages in vitro. Mechanistically, overexpressed DPEP2 inhibited the transduction of inflammatory signals by resisting MAK3K7 in inactivated macrophages, whereas DPEP2 degradation by activated Trim32 resulted in strong activation of NF-κB and p38 MAPK signaling via the release of MAK3K7 in proinflammatory macrophages during the development of intestinal inflammation. The Trim32-DPEP2 axis accumulates the potential energy of inflammation in macrophages. These results identify DPEP2 as a key regulator of macrophage-mediated intestinal inflammation. Thus, the Trim32-DPEP2 axis may be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of intestinal inflammation.
Developing elastic foamed TPU fibers for dynamically daytime radiative cooling textile with buoyancy function
Authors: Wang Yushu , Huang Hanyi , Wang Zeling , Zhai Wentao
Published: February 2025

Porous materials are widely used in various scenarios due to their advantages such as good thermal insulation, flexibility, and ultra-lightness. Foaming technology has given porous materials more application areas by introducing uniformly distributed cellular structures into the polymer collective. In the past decade, we have conducted systematic studies around the preparation of multi-component polymer microporous materials and functional applications of porous materials. In this work, we propose the preparation of foamed TPU fibers and foamed fabrics (FT-fabric) with anisotropic cell structure using TPU as substrate by micro-extrusion foaming techniques. Thanks to the multistage cell distribution of the FT-fabric and the vibrational absorption of the polymer in the MIR band, the prepared FT-fabric has a near-infrared reflectance of >97%, which enables effective radiative cooling. The porous structure of the FT-fabric endows it with an ultra-low density, which is able to provide additional buoyancy in water. As a conceptual demonstration, FT-fabric is able to function as a cooling and buoyancy support in seaside scenarios, among other functions, providing a viable avenue for new functional garments.
Atopic disease and astigmatism: a population-based study
Authors: Safir Margarita , Nitzan Itay , Hanina Yair , Safir Ari , Levinger Eliya , Heller Dan , Sorkin Nir
Published: February 2025

Objectives

To assess the relationship between atopic disease and astigmatism in adolescence and young adulthood.

Methods

In this population-based cross-sectional study 897,811 medical records of Israeli adolescents and young adults without keratoconus were reviewed. The prevalence of low-to-moderate (3.00 > D ≥ 0.75) and high ( ≥ 3.00 D) astigmatism were calculated in cases with and without atopic disease, including ocular atopic disease (OAD), asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, angioedema/urticaria, and history of anaphylaxis. Relationships were analysed using multinominal logistic regression, with adjustments for relevant sociodemographic factors.

Results

A total of 897,811 adolescents were included in the analysis (mean age 17.2 ± 0.8 years, 57.8% men). OAD was found in 4702 individuals, with a prevalence of 0.5%. Adolescents with OAD demonstrated a gradual increase in odds ratio (OR) for low-to-moderate and for high astigmatism (OR 1.16, 95% CI 1.07–1.27 and OR 2.10, 95% CI 1.63–2.70, respectively). This group also showed increased OR for with-the-rule astigmatism (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.21–1.48). Other atopic diseases were associated with more modest ORs for low-to-moderate (OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.07–1.11) and for high astigmatism (OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.02–1.19), persisting across all axis orientations. Sensitivity analysis revealed a dose-response relationship between OAD severity and astigmatism, and consistent point estimates in a group of 1331 adolescents diagnosed with OAD during military service.

Conclusions

This study establishes an association between OAD and astigmatism, highlighting the importance of effective OAD management. Further research into tailored therapeutic interventions that address both conditions concurrently is needed.