bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influences of Various NaCl Levels on Soybean Seedlings Growth
Authors: Su Xiaojia , Huang Huiping , Ye Minyi , Guo Weichao , Du Binbin , Yang Shaoxia , Liu Ying
Published: December 2024

For the sake of studying the influences of NaCl stress on soybean plants, root morphological analysis and physiological index measurement were accomplished. The findings showed that salt stress inhibited soybean development, decrease biomass and inhibit root growth, and significantly affect antioxidant enzyme activities and chlorophyll contents. High levels of NaCl triggered intracellular protective mechanisms that led to enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities to remove excess reactive oxygen species (ROS). At the same time, the levels of chlorophyll a and b and total chlorophyll in soybean leaves decreased significantly due to salt stress, which affected the photosynthesis. In addition, NaCl stress resulted in the increase of membrane lipid peroxidation level and content of malondialdehyde (MAD), which further suggested the effect of NaCl stress on the structure of soybean cell membrane. The aim of this research was to investigate the effects of salt stress on the growth of soybean seedlings, and to lay a theoretical foundation for revealing the mechanism of salt tolerance of soybean and breeding salt-tolerant varieties.
A pack hunting strategy for heterogeneous robots in rescue operations
Authors: Sivaraman Dileep , Ongwattanakul Songpol , Moonjaita Choladawan , Suthakorn Jackrit , M Pillai Branesh
Published: December 2024

This study focuses on improving coordination among teams of heterogeneous robots, including unmanned aerial vehicles and unmanned ground vehicles, drawing inspiration from natural pack-hunting strategies. The goal is to increase the effectiveness of rescue operations using a new framework that combines hierarchical decision-making with decentralised control. The approach features dynamic target assignment and real-time task allocation based on a scoring function that considers multiple factors, such as the distance to the target, energy usage, communication ability, and potential for energy exchange. In contrast to methods that use static roles, this system allows robots to change between ‘Chaser’ and ‘Flanker’ roles based on current data, improving adaptability. Results showed that this approach led to better coordination and decision-making, with robots autonomously adjusting their roles to improve mission outcomes. The findings suggest that combining hierarchical structures with decentralised control improves responsiveness and ensures the effective use of resources in complex, changing environments, making this method well-suited for real-world rescue operations.
Fluidic feedback for soft actuators: an electronic-free system for sensing and control
Authors: Wang Shuyu , Zhen Haiqian , Duan Shuaiyang , Sha Xiaopeng
Published: December 2024

The field of pneumatic soft robotics is on the rise. However, most pneumatic soft robots still heavily rely on rigid valves and conventional electronics for control, which detracts from their natural flexibility and adaptability. Efforts have focused on substituting electronic controllers with pneumatic counterparts to address this limitation. Despite significant progress, contemporary soft control systems still face considerable challenges, as they predominantly depend on pre-programmed commands instead of real-time sensory feedback. To confront these challenges, we propose an electronic-free soft actuator system capable of achieving basic sensorimotor behaviors. The soft actuator employs a fluidic strain sensor to obtain proprioception, detecting changes in air impedance resulting from stretching and compression. Integration of this sensor with a pneumatic valve enables the soft actuator possessing basic sensing and control capabilities. Drawing inspiration from the somatosensory and neuromuscular systems found in biological organisms, we implement both open-loop and closed-loop motion modes using different connection configurations. They facilitate cyclic movement and sensory feedback-regulated motion control using ‘material intelligence’. We envisage that this system has the potential to expand to accommodate multiple limbs, thereby pioneering the development of fully fluidic soft robots.
Carbon-based nanomaterial from dragon-fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) peel waste as a liquid supplement for the growth of chili plant (Capsicum annuum)
Authors: Wantoro Adit Budi , Aprilia Ananda , Dwandaru Wipsar Sunu Brams
Published: December 2024

Organic wastes such as fruit peels can be reduced and recycled into nanomaterials in liquid forms as plant supplement to overcome the ever-growing waste problem. This study is aimed at synthesizing and characterizing carbon-based nanomaterials (CbNMs) from dragon-fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) peel waste, and investigating their effects as a liquid supplement for the growth of chili plants (Capsicum annuum) based on the stem height, leaf width, and number of leaves. The CbNMs are synthesized via the two-step low heating (TSLH) method and characterized using ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometer, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, photoluminescence (PL), and particle size analyzer (PSA). The CbNMs are then applied as a liquid supplement for the chili plants. The results of the UV-Vis characterization show a shouldering peak at a wavelength of 270 nm. The XRD test shows that the CbNMs are amorphous. The FTIR test shows the presence of the C = C functional group, which indicates the carbon content of the CbNMs. The PL test shows an emission peak at a wavelength of 505 nm, which indicates cyan luminescence as confirmed by exposing a violet/UV laser pointer towards the CbNMs. The PSA test shows that the dominant particle size distribution of the CbNMs is 239.1 nm. Finally, the chili plants supplemented with the liquid CbNMs have better growth than those without the the application of the liquid CbNMs.
Ecological Awareness and Behaviour among University Students in Education Majors: an Empirical Study
Authors: Dipalaya Tismi , Pratiwi Andi Citra , Muriati St. , Hamid Sundari , Swandi Ahmad
Published: December 2024

This study investigates the ecological awareness and behaviours of 86 university students majoring in education. The data were collected using a structured questionnaire adopted from the environmental awareness scales used in previous research consisting of 40 items, covering areas such as food consumption habits, transportation and shelter choices, energy usage, waste management, and water conservation. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, 0.78, indicating acceptable reliability. The Aiken’s test obtained the lowest value of 0.85 and the highest value of 0.92. This shows that the items in the questionnaire have good content validity. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics to identify patterns and discrepancies in ecological awareness and behaviour. The findings reveal that while students generally exhibit moderate ecological awareness, significant differences exist across specific environmental aspects. Quantitatively, energy usage scored the highest (mean score: 3.86), while food consumption habits scored the lowest (mean score: 3.45) on a scale of 1-5. Male students, those from districts, and students with lower monthly expenditures tend to show higher ecological awareness. The research highlights the need for enhanced environmental education within the curriculum, particularly in areas where awareness is lacking. Future research could benefit from exploring additional influencing factors such as peer and parental influence, and the role of digital literacy in shaping ecological behaviours.
Utilizing Household Organic Waste as a Precursor for Carbon Nanomaterial Production: Challenges and Outlook for Sustainable Waste Management
Authors: Dirja Emirul Zukhruf Alkazmi , Dwandaru Wipsar Sunu Brams
Published: December 2024

Household organic waste accumulates daily, posing a significant environmental issue due to inadequate treatments and insufficient disposals. The negative impacts include air and water pollutions, ecosystem damage, and worsening of human health. Carbon nanomaterials (CNMs) are emerging as an innovative solution with an easy manufacturing process and wide applications in various fields. Utilizing household organic waste as a precursor for CNMs opens up opportunities to create useful and sustainable products, as well as reducing the amount of organic waste. The CNMs are produced in a two-step of low heating (TSLH) method using an oven and microwave. The CNMs are then characterized using a particle size analyser (PSA) to determine their particle size distributions. The PSA test results show that the dominant particle size distribution of the CNMs is 651 nm. Furthermore, the particle size distribution is found to be 90.3 nm with a percentage of 6.4%, which is in accordance with the nanoparticle size requirement (below 100 nm). The treatment of the organic waste into CNMs takes 5 to 7 days with 99.66% reduction of the waste. The challenges here are detected to be the sorting and filtering durations of the organic waste. These findings open opportunities for further research to understand the impact and potential applications of the resulting nano-sized CNMs in the context of sustainable household organic waste management and technology.
An Analysis of Plant Vegetation Types and Structures on Popaya Island, North Gorontalo
Authors: Baderan Dewi Wahyuni K. , Hamidun Marini Susanti , Kumaji Syam S. , Rahim Sukirman , Farid SM , Akbar Muh. Nur , Gobel Siti Amalia , Alwi Moh.
Published: December 2024

The structure of vegetation in an ecosystem is determined by how the plants are arranged horizontally and vertically. This study aims to determine the vegetation structure in the Popaya Island area, Mas Popaya Raja Nature Reserve, North Gorontalo district. A purposive sampling method was used in this study, with plots measuring 20m x 20m for the tree level, 10m x 10m for the pole level, 5m x 5m for the sapling level, and 2 x 2 for the seedling level. An analysis of vegetation data was conducted using the Importance Value Index (IVI). The results of the study found as many as 19 species of plants, with the highest IVI value found in the type of Casuarina equisetifolia at the growth rate of trees, poles, and saplings with an IVI value of 221.02%, 169.91%, and 91.99% respectively at the growth rate of trees, poles, and saplings; Scaevola taccada represented 38, 30% at the seedling level.
Development of Chemical Equilibrium E-Book in the Environmental Context to Promote Students’ Chemical Representation Ability
Authors: Fitriana Abdillah Nur , Wiyarsi Antuni
Published: December 2024

This study aims to analyze the characteristics and feasibility of an environmental context electronic book on chemical equilibrium to improve students’ chemical representation abilities, based on content evaluation by expert judgment, usability by chemistry teachers, and student’s responses. This article presents the development process of the electronic book, which includes the define stage, design stage, development stage, and dissemination stage in the 4D development procedure. The define stage consists of initial and final analysis, learner analysis, concept analysis, and specification of learning objectives. The design stage involves the preparation of reference test criteria, media selection, format selection, and initial design. The development stage will produce the final product through expert validation and development testing. The dissemination stage involves distributing the product for implementation in classroom learning. The characteristics of the electronic book generated based on these development stages include an environmental context presented with chemical representations on the topic of chemical equilibrium. It can be accessed online through smartphones, laptops, and computers. The feasibility of the electronic book is evaluated through expert judgment and usability by three chemistry teachers, considering five aspects: content, presentation, language, graphics, and the feasibility of the book’s characteristics. It was also piloted in a class of eleventh-grade students to assess their response, focusing on presentation, language, and graphics. The results of the feasibility analysis according to expert judgment show that the environmental context electronic book on chemical equilibrium is suitable as a teaching material to empower students’ chemical representation abilities. The usability review conducted by three chemistry teachers obtained a rating of “very good,” indicating that this electronic book can be used by students in the learning process of chemical equilibrium. According to student responses, the electronic book received a rating of “very good”. Based on the results, the product generated by this research was valid and worthy as a source of learning.
How fast is the frequency of precipitation extremes doubling in global land regions?
Authors: Chagnaud Guillaume , Blanchet Juliette , Evin Guillaume , Hingray Benoit , Lebel Thierry , Panthou Geremy , Vischel Théo
Published: December 2024

The increasing frequency and intensity of precipitation extremes poses a serious challenge for societies that must adapt to a changing climate. Communicating these changes in terms of their magnitude at a given lead time (e.g., 2100) or at a given level of global warming (e.g., +2 °C) can give the misleading impression that climate change is a distant issue; yet, adaptation measures to cope with future hydro-climatic conditions may be designed and implemented today. Contextualizing the potential future consequences of precipitation intensification in a current temporal frame of reference may help perceive climate change as an ongoing phenomenon, in turn encouraging adaptation planning. Using an ensemble of climate models from Phase 6 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6) in a non-stationary extreme value framework, we quantify the time it takes for the frequency of extreme 1-day and 7-day precipitation accumulations –as estimated in the current climate– to double; the frequency double time (FDT) is estimated for a range of event rarities over land regions. Vast parts of the Northern Hemisphere high-latitudes are found to have FDT  <  80 years. Substantial parts of some densely populated mid-latitude regions have FDT in the next 5–6 decades for some rare events. The fastest frequency doubling, in the coming two decades, is found in the highly vulnerable tropical regions of Western and South Eastern Africa, with strong implications for hydrological risk management there. In addition, the rarest events are found to have smaller FDT compared to more ‘common’ extremes; infrastructures designed to withstand the strongest events are thus more exposed to premature obsolescence.
Eco-friendly synthesis, characterization and biological evaluation of silver nanoparticles using Ylang-Ylang oil and Tea-tree oil
Authors: Lila Amr Selim Abu , Awadalkarim Abubakar Mohamedtoom , AL-Shammary Asma Ayyed , Jayaramu Rajamma Abburu , Moin Afrasim , Ahmad Nabeel , Boregowda Sateesha Shivally , Gopalpura Preethi B , Rizvi Syed Mohd Danish
Published: December 2024

Application of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in healthcare products to prevent/treat bacterial infections has gained popularity in the recent past. Nevertheless, the full utilization of chemically-synthesized AgNPs in biomedical field was constrained by the utilization of chemical reagents, which contaminates the environment and threatens human health. Herein, two herbal oils, i.e., Ylang-Ylang Oil (YO) and Tea Tree Oil (TO) were adopted to synthesize green-bioactive AgNPs. Besides promoting the synthesis of eco-friendly nanoparticles, the phytochemicals present in herbal oils can enhance the antibacterial properties, leading to improved efficacy of AgNPs against a broader range of pathogens. The biosynthesized YO-AgNPs and TO-AgNPs were characterized using SPR, FTIR, zeta size, zeta potential and SEM, and evaluated for their DPPH radical scavenging and antibacterial potentials. Characteristic SPR peaks for YO-AgNPs and TO-AgNPs were observed at 470 nm and 430 nm, respectively. FTIR spectra of the biosynthesized AgNPs suggested the capping of AgNPs by biomolecules present in YO and TO. The average size for YO-AgNPs was 163.1 ± 9.8 nm with zeta potential of −21.1 ± 2.8 mV, whereas the average size for TO-AgNPs was estimated as 92.4 ± 7.2 nm with zeta potential of −22.5 ± 3.6 mV. The SEM images showed polygonal YO-AgNPs, and cauliflower aggregates of spherical TO-AgNPs. Moreover, DPPH assay estimated IC50 of 47.2 μg ml−1 for YO-AgNPs, and 22.6 μg ml−1 for TO-AgNPs. The MIC50 analysis showed that both biosynthesized AgNPs were more active against gram-negative (E. coli) than gram-positive (S. aureus) strains. Most importantly, TO-AgNPs was comparatively more potent than YO-AgNPs as well as positive control (streptomycin), with an MIC50 value of 20.5 μg ml−1 and 25.9 μg ml−1 against E. coli and S. aureus, respectively. To sum up, TO-AgNPs displayed the potential to be developed into a broad-spectrum antibacterial agent, alleviating the toxicity issues associated with the use of AgNPs in healthcare products.
Military Medicine During World War I
Authors: Parasidis Efthimios
Published: December 2024

This chapter details America’s military medical establishment during World War I. The United States engaged in extensive war preparations, including pre-deployment health screenings, establishing wartime preventive health measures, and creating a robust healthcare infrastructure to address combat-related injuries. Particularly noteworthy advancements were made in the fields of infectious and communicable diseases, and for the first time in US military history, substantial efforts were made to address wartime mental health concerns. The chapter also discusses the Progressive Era political and philosophical motivations that underscored America’s decision to enter WWI—specifically, that military engagement was a moral imperative that would bring about world peace and prosperity.
The Spoils of War
Authors: Parasidis Efthimios
Published: December 2024

This chapter details America’s post-World War II efforts to capitalize on the scientific riches of Germany and Japan, the proliferation of the post-WWII research enterprise, and the post-WWII development of legal and ethical guidelines for human experimentation. Under Operation Paperclip, the US government recruited Nazi scientists to work in key areas of military science, and via a separate program, the United States granted Japanese biowarfare experts immunity from war crimes prosecution in exchange for biological warfare secrets. American officials debated the ethics and legality of the programs. National security—and the drive for military science progress—trumped any moral concerns. While recruitment of German and Japanese scientists under the post-WWII programs helped progress the US research enterprise, the science-at-any-cost philosophy underlying the programs influenced the US research ethos and contributed to a culture that largely disregarded research subject protections. Thousands of Americans—including children, prisoners, and individuals receiving care in state institutions—were coopted into hazardous research, often without their knowledge or consent.
Twenty-First-Century Conflicts and the Military Biomedical Complex
Authors: Parasidis Efthimios
Published: December 2024

This chapter describes how the military biomedical complex has co-evolved with twenty-first-century conflicts. It details the health challenges of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, including the signature injuries of post-9/11 conflicts: war lung injury, traumatic brain injury, and affiliated mental and physical health concerns. It discusses how the sweeping justifications for the war on terror have influenced legal and ethical deliberations regarding war preparations, intelligence operations, and military missions—in particular, policies and practices for rendition, detention, interrogation, and drone surveillance and strikes. It further analyzes how scientific and technological advances have expanded the domain of warfare into cyberspace, leading to comprehensive surveillance programs and cyberprojects that leverage biometric data, artificial intelligence, and biomedical techniques. Other cybertools are structured to disrupt critical infrastructure and engage in cyberattacks. These new means and methods of war have raised novel questions regarding the legal and ethical limits of the national security state.
Jus in Praeparatione Bellum
Authors: Parasidis Efthimios
Published: December 2024

This chapter introduces the concept of jus in praeparatione bellum—justice in war preparations—which represents a scholarly expansion of just war theory. Whereas other elements of just war theory focus primarily on justice in how one nation treats another before, during, or after war, jus in praeparatione bellum is inward looking for each nation and evaluates justice principles in how a nation treats its own service members and citizens in the context of war preparations. The chapter discusses how the concept of jus in praeparatione bellum is grounded in just war theory but also draws on key elements of liberal internationalism and realism, two doctrines of international relations that have substantially influenced US foreign policy and military affairs for over a century. It then explains how jus in praeparatione bellum can be applied to military science and can help guide laws and ethical codes applicable to the military biomedical complex.
Pre-drinking is Associated with Possible Alcohol Dependence in UK Trans and Non-Binary Communities
Authors: Connolly Dean J , Ezquerra-Romano Ivan , O’Callaghan Stewart , Bayliss Jacob , Thayne Beth , Holloway Zhi , Davies Emma
Published: December 2024

In an analytical sample of 462 UK-based trans and non-binary respondents to a co-produced survey, 23.2% reported drinking with a higher risk of dependence (AUDIT scores ≥16), and 26.2% reported that they mostly drank at home alone. Pre-drinking and drinking mostly at home alone were associated with high-risk drinking and may be appropriate behaviours to address in harm reduction interventions.
Experiencing Athenian pasts on Delos: Resource depletion, embodied cognition, and synchronized arousal in the geranos dance
Authors: Cassell Ben S
Published: December 2024

The geranos dance, which imitated Theseus’ mimetic replication of the labyrinth’s winding passages, was the central component of an annual theōric delegation dispatched to Delos. From the fifth century BCE, this delegation and dance are illustrated as media by which Athenian hegemony on the island could be retrojected and legitimized. In this paper, the geranos is considered from the perspective of its experiential impact on both performers and audience. Adopting particular models drawn from the Cognitive Science of Religion, this examination takes account of the contingent results of how executing/observing the dance would result in Athenian claims on Delos being embedded at an embodied level. Indeed, by taking account of the archaeological, phenomenological, and physical aspects of the dance’s performance, we are better able to understand how as a ritual act, the geranos would facilitate cognitive conditions by which the memory of Theseus dancing on Delos would be varyingly experienced.
The molecular evolution of the haustorium formation genes Pirin and QR1 in parasitic Orobanchaceae
Authors: Hollis Madison M , Quigley Sarah L , Conn Caitlin E
Published: December 2024

Parasitic plants use invasive haustoria to penetrate the tissues of host plants and steal resources. For many root parasites in the family Orobanchaceae, haustorium formation closely follows seed germination, and detection of nearby hosts is important for both of these developmental processes. While KAI2, a parasite gene involved in host-responsive seed germination, has been heavily studied, comparatively less is known about haustorium formation genes. Therefore, we investigated the molecular evolution of two such genes in parasitic Orobanchaceae, Pirin and QR1, and compared their copy number and patterns of natural selection to those of KAI2. In contrast to KAI2, we detected a lower average copy number for both Pirin and QR1 in parasitic plants relative to nonparasites. As with KAI2 proteins, we found an elevated rate of molecular evolution for some parasitic Pirin proteins; however, we detected higher conservation of QR1 in parasites and relatives than in other plants. These results complement gene expression and population genetics studies that have begun to uncover the evolutionary and functional details of haustorium formation genes. Furthermore, they shed light on the ways in which parasites evolve to detect and exploit hosts.
Imperiled Great Basin terminal lakes: Synthesizing ecological and hydrological science gaps and research needs for waterbird conservation
Authors: Herring Garth , Whipple Ashley L , Aldridge Cameron L , Pulver Bryce A , Eagles-Smith Collin A , Inman Rich D , Matchett Elliott L , Monroe Adrian P , Orning Elizabeth K , Robb Benjamin S , Shyvers Jessica E , Tarbox Bryan C , Van Schmidt Nathan D , Smith Cassandra D , Holloran Matthew J , Overton Cory T , O'Leary David R , Casazza Michael L , Frus Rebecca J
Published: December 2024

Terminal lakes are declining globally because of human water demands, drought, and climate change. Through literature synthesis and feedback from the resource and conservation community, we review the state of research for terminal lakes in the Great Basin of the United States, which support millions of waterbirds annually, to prioritize ecological and hydrologic information needs. From an ecological perspective, research priorities include measuring the underlying differences in waterbird resource selection and distribution, migratory connectivity, abiotic factors that interact with prey densities to affect prey availability, and waterbird fitness or demography. Integrated links between water availability, water quality, and food webs are lacking in the literature. Scarce water availability data hinder the current knowledge of water extraction and evapotranspiration rates. Research that can address these priorities would help advance our understanding of how the Great Basin terminal lakes function as an interrelated system and support conservation efforts to reverse the decline of these critical lakes.
The ERA Registry Annual Report 2022: Epidemiology of Kidney Replacement Therapy in Europe, with a focus on sex comparisons
Authors: Boenink Rianne , Bonthuis Marjolein , Boerstra Brittany A , Astley Megan E , Montez de Sousa Iris R , Helve Jaakko , Komissarov Kirill S , Comas Jordi , Radunovic Danilo , Buchwinkler Lukas , Hommel Kristine , Gjorgjievski Nikola , Galvão Ana A , Mitsides Nicos , Vidas Maria Marques , Dębska-Ślizień Alicja M , Ambrus Csaba , Slon-Roblero Maria F , ten Dam Marc A G J , Lassalle Mathilde , Guidotti Rebecca , Marín Sánchez Inmaculada , Kuzema Viktorija , Trujillo Alemán Sara , Ziginskiene Edita , Santhakumaran Shalini , Valentin Maria O , Sarrión Auñón Antonio , Indridason Olafur S , Seyahi Nurhan , Artamendi Larrañaga Marta , Kravljaca Milica , Okša Adrián , García López Héctor , Åsberg Anders , Rychlik Ivan , Ots-Rosenberg Mai , Beckerman Pazit , Godanci-Kelmendi Vjollca , Stendahl Maria , Lakey Joe , Jager Kitty J , Ortiz Alberto , Kramer Anneke , Stel Vianda S
Published: December 2024

The European Renal Association (ERA) Registry collects data on kidney replacement therapy (KRT) in patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). This paper summarizes the ERA Registry Annual Report 2022, with a special focus on comparisons by sex. The supplement of this paper contains the complete ERA Registry Annual Report 2022. Data was collected from 53 national and regional KRT registries from 35 countries. Using this data, incidence, and prevalence of KRT, kidney transplantation rates, survival probabilities, and expected remaining lifetimes were calculated. In 2022, 530 million people of the European general population were covered by the ERA Registry. The incidence of KRT was 152 per million population (pmp). In incident patients, 54% were 65 years or older, 64% were male, and the most common primary renal disease (PRD) was diabetes mellitus (22%). At KRT initiation, 83% of patients received haemodialysis, 12% received peritoneal dialysis, and 5% underwent pre-emptive kidney transplantation. On 31 December 2022, the prevalence of KRT was 1074 pmp. In prevalent patients, 48% were 65 years or older, 62% were male, the most common PRD was of miscellaneous origin (18%), 56% of patients received haemodialysis, 5% received peritoneal dialysis, and 39% were living with a functioning graft. In 2022, the kidney transplantation rate was 40 pmp, with most kidneys coming from deceased donors (66%). For patients starting KRT between 2013 to 2017, 5-year survival probability was 52%. Compared with the general population, the expected remaining lifetime was 66% and 68% shorter for males and females, respectively, receiving dialysis, and 46% and 49% shorter for males and females, respectively, living with a functioning graft.
Breaking the Echo Chambers of Transitional Justice and TWAIL: An Intellectual and Policy Exchange
Authors: Aboueldahab Noha
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT∞

Transitional justice and Third World Approaches to International Law (TWAIL) converge and diverge in ways that make an exchange between them worthwhile. Despite their continuous academic development, they increasingly confront themselves with existential questions that retain their insular echo chambers. While they center the importance of addressing historical legacies of injustice to build more just futures, their approaches differ. They straddle the worlds of policy prescription (transitional justice) and scholarly praxis (TWAIL) in ways that confine them to their margins. Both fields’ circular introspection is fed through unrepresentative knowledge production and the absence of theories of justice and resistance that appeal to diverse political communities. This article argues that transitional justice should adopt TWAILian indeterminacy and that TWAIL could benefit from transitional justice’s more policy-oriented goals. Ultimately, it argues that rigorous scholarly exchanges between both fields present questions that begin to make cracks in their respective echo chambers.
Five-year analysis of hospital complaints at a Japanese tertiary teaching hospital
Authors: Uramatsu Masashi , Andoh Yutaka , Kojima Takako , Mishima Shiro , Takahashi Megumi , Uchida Koutaro , Wada Jun , Oto Tomoko , Ishikawa Takashi , Barach Paul , Fujisawa Yoshikazu
Published: December 2024

Background

Patient complaint taxonomies strongly support the use of healthcare complaints as a powerful tool to improve the quality and safety of patient care. Hospitals use complaint data at the organizational level to address quality variation across service lines and departments.

Methods

We applied a validated typology method to identify where the complaints occured and gained deeper insights about how they can be more effectively utilized to drive and implement continuous quality and service improvement activities within a tertiary hospital. We included all complaints and opinions from patients and their families over a 5-year period at a large tertiary teaching hospital in Japan. Two analysts categorized the opinions into complaints and gratitude expressions, with complaints classified using Reader et al.’s taxonomy. We performed statistical tabulations and determined the number of complaints across hospital sectors using the chi-squared test, residual analysis, and Cramer’s V tests to check for significant correlations between the variables.

Results

A total of 6607 complaints and comments were received. Of these, 5401 related to the Clinical, Administrative, and Human Relations domains, respectively (11.1%, 56.1%, and 32.8%). At the domain level, the most common complaints are related to the Relationships domain in both the Medical and Nursing departments. However, a detailed analysis of the category levels demonstrated that the Medicine department received the most complaints in the Communication and Patient Rights category, whereas in the Nursing department, the Humanness/Caring and Patient Rights categories were the most common sources for complaints. The Administrative department complaints were mostly related to the Management domain, with the largest number of complaints related to the Institutional Issues category.

Conclusions

We used a validated taxonomy to identify and address trends in patient complaints and identified the key hospital departments that required remedial improvement actions. All hospital departments received direct and targeted feedback on how to effectively improve the quality, safety and services of their clinical service lines.
Seeking Structure in Collections: Desire for Control Motivates Engagement in Collecting
Authors: Cao C Clark , Brucks Merrie , Reimann Martin
Published: December 2024

Across six studies, we provide converging and robust lab and field evidence that the fundamental human desire for control motivates consumer engagement in collecting, defined as the act of acquiring items that belong to an existing collection. This is because consumers who desire control seek structure, which is created when interconnected components form a holistic entity. A collection can provide such a structure, as it comprises related items that together create a whole set. Hence, as consumers add items to a collection, they are also manifesting a structure. Indeed, we demonstrate that desire for control’s motivating effect on engagement diminishes when structure-seeking is hindered or when the collection is far from completion. This work contributes to extant consumer research by identifying desire for control as a fundamental motivation of collecting behavior, explaining when and why consumers work toward completing their collections, and explicating the structured nature of collecting. Of practical relevance, we provide implications for the enhancement of consumer well-being; the design, positioning, and communication of collectible products; and the creation of policies regulating the collectibles market.
The Attorney–Client Privilege in Antitrust: Unravelling the Transatlantic Debate
Authors: Pantelidis Konstantinos
Published: December 2024

The Attorney–Client Privilege constitutes an essential and widely recognized right in judicial systems worldwide, aiming to protect the confidentiality of communications between a lawyer and their clients. However, there is no single understanding among jurisdictions on the scope of the privilege, which stems from different approaches between legal traditions as to the role of the lawyer within the judicial system. In adversarial systems, an attorney is an agent and zealous representative of their client, whereas inquisitorial systems consider the lawyer primarily an instrument to the administration of justice and the search for the truth. On this basis, while the US courts recognize the privilege for in-house lawyers, the European Court of Justice has refused such recognition holding that in-house lawyers are not sufficiently independent to safely fulfil their judicial functions. In an environment of increased international trade between the US and the EU it has become ever-more important to understand and scrutinize both approaches. Issues regarding legal professional privilege become increasingly complicated in cases with extraterritorial elements, where foreign interests rise as a crucial element in the assessment.
Energy conservation or expense? A possible dilemma under combined stresses of salinity and submergence in rice
Authors: Chakraborty Koushik , Mondal Subhankar , Tripathy Swagatika , Jena Priyanka , Bose Lotan Kumar , Chattopadhyay Krishnendu
Published: December 2024

Salinity and flooding are two major impediments to production affecting rice cultivation in coastal agro-ecosystems. We investigated how rice plants use two contrasting strategies, energy conservation (for submergence tolerance) and energy expenditure (for ion exclusion), to acclimate to the combined stresses of saline water submergence (SWS). Pot and hydroponic experiments were conducted using four selected rice genotypes carrying Sub1 (Submergence1) and/or Saltol (Salinity tolerance) quantitative trait loci in their genetic background and exposed them to salinity and submergence stresses individually and combined under controlled experimental conditions. We found that Sub1-containing submergence-tolerant lines performed better under SWS, where the Saltol-containing Na+ excluder could not survive. The presence of a thicker leaf gas film (LGF) and higher content of epicuticular wax helped longer underwater retention of the LGF in Sub1-lines, supporting survival under SWS. A thicker LGF significantly delayed Na+ entry into the leaves under anoxic conditions. Genotypes having high Na+ exclusion potential, but a thinner LGF, ultimately accumulated more Na+ in the leaf tissue under SWS. The lowest leaf carbohydrate depletion was observed in FR13A, whereas non-Sub1-associated escape coupled with ion exclusion utilized the highest carbohydrate reserve in FL478 under SWS treatment. Overall, this study uncovers that the Sub1-mediated quiescence strategy complemented by higher tissue tolerance ability is a more suitable mechanistic acclimation than ion exclusion under SWS in rice.
A guide to the community management of paediatric eating disorders
Authors: Coret Marian , Vyver Ellie , Harrison Megan , Toulany Alene , Vandermorris Ashley , Agostino Holly
Published: December 2024

Eating disorders (EDs) are a group of serious, potentially life-threatening illnesses that typically have their onset during adolescence and can be associated with severe medical and psychosocial complications. The impact of EDs on caregivers and other family members can also be significant. Health care providers (HCPs) play an important role in the screening and management of adolescents and young adults with EDs. This position statement assists community-based HCPs with recognizing, diagnosing, and treating EDs in the paediatric population. Screening modalities, indications for hospitalization, medical complications, and monitoring of young people with EDs are summarized. Current evidence supports the use of family-based treatment (FBT) as the first-line psychological therapeutic modality for adolescents with restrictive EDs. While the provision of FBT may be beyond the scope of practice for some community physicians, this statement reviews its core tenets. When an ED is diagnosed, early application of these principles in the community setting by HCPs may slow disease progression and provide guidance to families.
Diversity and cross-species transmission of viruses in a remote island ecosystem: implications for wildlife conservation
Authors: French Rebecca K , Anderson Sandra , Cain Kristal , Digby Andrew , Greene Terry C , Miskelly Colin M , Muller Chris G , Taylor Michael W , Recovery Team Kākāpō , Geoghegan Jemma L , Holmes Edward C
Published: December 2024

The ability of viruses to emerge in new species is influenced by aspects of host biology and ecology, with some taxa harbouring a high diversity and abundance of viruses. However, how these factors shape virus diversity at the ecosystem scale is often unclear. To better understand the pattern and determinants of viral diversity within an ecosystem, and to describe the novel avian viruses infecting an individual avian community, we performed a metagenomic snapshot of the virome from the entire avian community on remote Pukenui/Anchor Island in Aotearoa New Zealand. Through total RNA sequencing of 18 bird species, we identified 50 avian viruses from 9 viral families, of which 96% were novel. Of note, passerines (perching birds) exhibited high viral abundance and diversity, with viruses found across all nine viral families identified. We also identified numerous viruses infecting seabirds on the Island, including megriviruses, hepaciviruses, and hepatoviruses, while parrots exhibited an extremely low diversity of avian viruses. Within passerines, closely related astroviruses and hepatoviruses, and multiple identical hepe-like viruses, were shared among host species. Phylogenetic reconciliation analysis of these viral groups revealed a mixture of co-divergence and cross-species transmission, with virus host-jumping relatively frequent among passerines. In contrast, there was no evidence for recent cross-species virus transmission in parrots or seabirds. The novel pegiviruses and a flavivirus identified here also pose intriguing questions regarding their origins, pathogenicity, and potential impact on vertebrate hosts. Overall, these results highlight the importance of understudied remote island ecosystems as refugia for novel viruses, as well as the intricate interplay between host ecology and behaviour in shaping viral communities.
Evaluation of wheat blast resistance in the USDA hard winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Northern and Southern Regional Performance Nurseries
Authors: Pedley Kerry F. , Boehm Jeffrey , Bai Guihua , St. Amand Paul , Peterson Gary L. , Vinyard Bryan
Published: December 2024

Wheat blast, caused by the Triticum pathotype of Pyricularia oryzae, is an emerging disease that threatens the global supply of wheat. The pathogen was first reported in Brazil and subsequently spread to the neighboring countries of Argentina, Bolivia, and Paraguay. More recently, wheat blast was reported in Asia and Africa, having been observed in Bangladesh and Zambia. The transcontinental spread of the pathogen has heightened awareness of the disease and has underscored the need to prepare for potential introductions into major wheat production regions. To this end, we have conducted greenhouse evaluations of the 2017 – 2020 hard winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) entries of the USDA-coordinated Northern and Southern Regional Performance Nurseries (NRPN and SRPN, respectively) of the U.S. Great Plains using an aggressive isolate of the pathogen, B-71, collected in Bolivia in 2012. Based on molecular marker analysis, all potentially resistant entries in both the NRPN and SRPN were in possession of the distal chromosomal translocation of 2NVS from Aegilops ventricosa, which has previously been associated with wheat blast resistance. No potentially new sources of resistance were evident in the 2017 – 2020 regional performance nurseries, which highlights the need for the continued use of 2NVS donor lines in Great Plains wheat breeding programs.
Development of a toolbox to study Phytophthora cryptogea – lettuce interactions: Characterization and detection of P. cryptogea in hydroponic lettuce
Authors: Vlasselaer Liese , Moons Joram , De Clercq Tim , Lievens Bart , De Coninck Barbara
Published: December 2024

Climate change poses a major threat to crop production, resulting in the emergence of new pests and diseases. Phytophthora cryptogea has recently emerged as a major concern in hydroponic lettuce cultivation, causing substantial yield and economic losses. This oomycete pathogen thrives in elevated water temperatures induced by warmer weather conditions (e.g., heatwaves), facilitating rapid pathogen propagation. Although the disease is already present for several decades in chicory cultivation, where it originates from the field, its origin in lettuce cultivation remains unclear. To get a better understanding of its origin, we conducted a multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) using five reference genes (ITS, β-tub, COI, EF1α and HSP90) and 33 P. cryptogea isolates from various hosts, including chicory and lettuce. Results revealed a clear separation between lettuce and chicory isolates. Furthermore, we developed and implemented a robust disease bioassay and qPCR assay to investigate the interaction between P. cryptogea strains and lettuce. Our findings revealed that while lettuce isolates exhibited the highest virulence, some chicory isolates also caused disease in lettuce, suggesting a potential evolutionary link between P. cryptogea in lettuce and chicory. Our experiments also revealed that even a low concentration of zoospores (100 zoospores/L) can elicit severe symptoms, underscoring the pathogen’s high virulence. Therefore, effective disease management strategies are needed for controlling (the spread of) the disease. Together, this research provides several tools that can be used to enhance our understanding of the interaction between P. cryptogea and its host plants, including the development of proper disease management strategies.
Combined Fronto-orbital Contouring and Orthognathic Surgery in Craniometaphyseal Dysplasia
Authors: Prado Bruno Nifossi , Cavalieri-Pereira Lucas
Published: December 2024

Craniometaphyseal dysplasia is a rare congenital sclerosing skeletal dysplasia that presents with facial dimorphism and is clinically described by prominent supraorbital bridges, severe retrognathia, and respiratory problems. Fronto-orbital cranioplasty is necessary to achieve satisfactory aesthetic outcomes. The supraorbital arches were exposed to the nasal bone through coronal access, with the help of a saw and a wear drill, and osteotomy of the frontal and orbital regions with hyperostosis was performed. Our case report describes a rare and difficult to diagnose case with a few publications of a 24-year-old female patient, who presented with metaphyseal dysplasia associated with mandibular retrognathia. As a treatment, fronto-orbital cranioplasty was performed in association with orthognathic surgery. The resolution of the case resulted in excellent functional and aesthetic results, indicating that frontal cranioplasty associated with orthognathic surgery is a plausible treatment for facial dimorphism through craniometaphyseal dysplasia.
Accuracy of type IV collagen 7S versus Enhanced Liver Fibrosis score for diagnosing fibrosis in patients with metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease
Authors: Ishiba Hiroshi , Fujii Hideki , Kamada Yoshihiro , Sumida Yoshio , Takahashi Hirokazu , Seko Yuya , Toyoda Hidenori , Hayashi Hideki , Yamaguchi Kanji , Iwaki Michihiro , Yoneda Masato , Arai Taeang , Shima Toshihide , Morishita Asahiro , Kawata Kazuhito , Tomita Kengo , Kawanaka Miwa , Yoshida Yuichi , Ikegami Tadashi , Notsumata Kazuo , Oeda Satoshi , Fukushima Hideaki , Miyoshi Eiji , Aishima Shinichi , Itoh Yoshito , Okanoue Takeshi , Nakajima Atsushi ,   Japan Study Group of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (JSG-NAFLD)
Published: December 2024

Background:

Various noninvasive tests can be used to identify high-risk groups of patients with metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease/steatohepatitis (MASLD). In this study, we compared the diagnostic performance of serum type 4 collagen 7S (COL4-7S) and the Enhanced Liver Fibrosis (ELF) score for detecting fibrosis in patients with MASLD.

Methods:

Among 1368 patients with MASLD who underwent liver biopsy, 794 with values for both serum COL4-7S and the ELF score were enrolled in this multicenter study. The diagnostic performance of COL4-7S and ELF for detecting fibrosis stage ≥2, fibrosis stage ≥3, and at-risk metabolic dysfunction–associated steatohepatitis were evaluated using ROC curve, continuous net reclassification improvement, and integrated discrimination improvement analyses.

Results:

Both COL4-7S and ELF scores increased significantly with increasing fibrosis. The AUROC for each outcome was higher for COL4-7S than ELF, but not significantly. The diagnostic performance for detecting fibrosis stage ≥2 was significantly better for COL4-7S than for the ELF score (s net reclassification improvement=16.7%, p=0.018; integrated discrimination improvement=3.9%, p<0.01). In patients without diabetes, the diagnostic performance for each outcome did not differ significantly between COL4-7S and ELF score, but in patients with diabetes, the diagnostic performance for fibrosis stage ≥2 was higher for COL4-7S than for the ELF score (AUROC=0.817 vs. 0.773, p=0.04; s net reclassification improvement=32.7%, p<0.01; integrated discrimination improvement=5.6%, p<0.01).

Conclusions:

The diagnostic performance of serum COL4-7S (a single marker) for identifying more advanced disease in patients with MASLD was at least equivalent to that of the ELF score (a combined marker).