bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Creatinine Muscle Index as a Novel Muscle Mass Indicator in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Nobayashi Hiroki , Kanzaki Go , Okubo Aoi , Tsuboi Nobuo , Yokoo Takashi
Published: January 2025

Background

The early detection of muscle loss in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is crucial. The creatinine muscle index (CMI, mg/day/1.73 m2), which is calculated as the product of serum creatinine, is easily available in daily care and estimates the muscle mass. However, the association between CMI and muscle mass has not been fully assessed. We aimed to investigate whether CMI can serve as a predictor of muscle mass in patients with CKD.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study included patients with CKD undergoing kidney biopsy and plain computed tomography (CT) to assess the kidney morphology. Muscle mass was assessed using the psoas muscle index, determined by dividing the cross‐sectional psoas muscle area at the L3 level, measured by manual tracing on pre‐biopsy CT, by the participant's height (cm2/m2).

Results

In total, 159 participants (84 male [52.8%], mean age 51.7 ± 16 years) were included. CMI was positively correlated with PMI in men (r = 0.37, p < 0.01) and women (r = 0.56, p < 0.01). The prevalence of low muscle mass was 55 (65.5%) in men and 44 (58.7%) in women. The odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for low muscle mass were significantly higher in Tertile 1 of CMI than in Tertile 3 in both men and women (OR, 5.37 [95% CI, 1.32–21.8] in men; OR, 7.31 [95% CI, 1.38–38.6] in women) after adjusting for age, body mass index and co‐morbidities (hypertension and diabetes). According to receiver operating characteristics curves, the optimal cut‐off value of CMI for low muscle mass was 1079 mg/day/1.73 m2 (area under the curve 0.69 [95% CI: 0.57–0.81]; sensitivity, 0.78; specificity, 0.62) in men and 693 mg/day/1.73 m2 (area under the curve 0.74 [95%CI: 0.63–0.85]; sensitivity, 0.57; specificity, 0.90) in women.

Conclusions

CMI is significantly associated with muscle mass in patients with CKD. Our findings suggest the utility of CMI for screening the muscle mass in this population.
Side‐Gated Iontronic Memtransistor: A Fast and Energy‐Efficient Neuromorphic Building Block
Authors: Sahad E Muhammed , Bej Saptarshi , Das Bikas C.
Published: January 2025

Iontronic memtransistors have emerged as technologically superior to conventional memristors for neuromorphic applications due to their low operating voltage, additional gate control, and enhanced energy efficiency. In this study, a side‐gated iontronic organic memtransistor (SG‐IOMT) device is explored as a potential energy‐efficient hardware building block for fast neuromorphic computing. Its operational flexibility, which encompasses the complex integration of redox activities, ion dynamics, and polaron generation, makes this device intriguing for simultaneous information storage and processing, as it effectively overcomes the von Neumann bottleneck of conventional computing. The SG‐IOMT device achieves linear channel conductance performance metrics with switching speeds in the microsecond range and energy efficiency down to a few femtojoules, comparable to those of the brain. This finding demonstrates robustness, supporting the Atkinson–Shiffrin memorization model, and the four most common Hebbian learning rules. Overall, this SG‐IOMT device architecture offers significant advantages over conventional architectures, as it yields remarkable image classification performance in convolutional neural network simulations.
Software Metric Based Impact Analysis of Code Smells ‐ A Large Scale Empirical Study
Authors: Masudur Rahman Md. , Satter Abdus , Mahbubul Alam Joarder Md. , Sakib Kazi
Published: January 2025

Context

Code smells are indicators of poor design and implementation choices that negatively affect software quality and maintainability. Moreover, it is difficult and time‐consuming to work with a long list of the code smells, as not all of those smells have equal impact on the system. So, understanding the individual impact of the code smells is significant while performing refactorings on a priority basis.

Objective

Despite significant research efforts aimed at detecting and refactoring these code smells, understanding their individual impact on software quality metrics such as size, complexity, coupling, etc. remains still unclear.

Methodology

To mitigate this research gap, we present an empirical investigation on the impact analysis of code smells based on the 25 software quality metrics such as size, cyclomatic complexity, coupling, etc. To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest empirical study about the impact analysis of code smells with respect to the number of software metrics. Particularly for this study, we identify 13 code smells in 35 open‐source software systems, and analyze (1) the relationship between code smells and software metrics, (2) which code smells are highly impactful that affect the metrics, and (3) which impactful smells occur frequently in the systems.

Results

The results show varying degrees of correlation‐based impact between specific code smells and software metrics, with some smells showing strong correlations with multiple metrics. Three categories of impact for the code smells have been identified, namely High, Moderate and Low, where Long Method, Anti Singleton, Complex Class, Large Class and Long Parameter List smells have high impact, but their frequencies are not high except Anti Singleton; Refused Parent Bequest, Spaghetti Code and Blob have moderate impact; and rest of the smells have low impact. We also observe that perceptions about the impact of code smells vary from developer to developer and they most cases refactor the smells based on their intuition.

Conclusion

Our findings will help them to refactor the smells on an objective‐based instead of an intuition‐based, which will be more significant to improve the software quality. For example, refactoring the smells having a high impact on the coupling between objects metric can be an objective. Furthermore, our results will not only assist developers in prioritizing refactoring activities but also provide researchers with valuable insights to innovate tools that prioritize refactoring based on the impact of code smells. These tools will help developers target the most impactful smells and thus enhance the overall quality and maintainability of software systems.
A Grammatical Metaphor Word List
Authors: McGrath Darby , Liardét Cassi
Published: January 2025

Research has identified a particularly useful lexicogrammatical resource that language learners need in order to develop academic literacy, that of grammatical metaphor (GM). GM enables the wordy expression characteristic of informal, spoken discourses to be reorganized into the cohesive and abstracted expression valued in academic texts. Although it is a key element of written academic discourse, resources for teaching GM are limited, and research into learners' development of GM has been constrained by the manually intensive nature of its analysis. In response to these constraints, this article presents a Grammatical Metaphor Word List (GML), a systematically compiled list of 4574 GMs identified in two academic writing corpora: a collection of student essays, and a specialized corpus derived from 200 published research articles. The paper first describes how the GML was compiled before comparing the use of GM in these specialized learner and expert populations. It concludes with a discussion of some potential applications of the GML in both research and instruction. Given the constraints on large‐scale investigations into GM, it is our hope that the GML will prove valuable as a resource to inform L2 instruction and as a tool to expedite research into language learners' GM development.
Education as Empathy: Creating Welcoming Spaces for Students From Refugee Backgrounds in Higher Education
Authors: Dietlin Olga , Pruitt Esther , Wall Marlene
Published: January 2025

This article explores the response of higher education to the global refugee crisis, highlighting the notably low 6% enrollment rate for individuals with refugee backgrounds. We discuss the struggles of refugee students and trace the evolving support efforts by humanitarian and educational organizations. Recognizing the daunting task of identifying actionable steps in the face of extensive displacement, we introduce LCC International University in Europe as a model of effective engagement. We conclude that while policy frameworks are foundational, the real transformation within higher education stems from the actions of individuals, emphasizing the role of compassion in rehumanizing education.
Teaching Educational Crises Amid (Multiple, Real‐Time) Crises
Authors: Spitzer Natalie , Goodman Michael A.
Published: January 2025

In late May 2022, 19 students and two adults were killed in a mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas. Weeks later, the Supreme Court made a landmark decision in the Dobbs case, turning abortion regulation back to state control. As instructors of a graduate level course on educational crises and emergency response and as residents of Texas, we grappled with academic expectations at the intersection of real‐life crises unfolding in real‐time. In this article, we write about the juxtaposition between planning and teaching a course about crises and emergencies and the humanism of going through these very crises alongside students.
Implementing Disability Inclusion: Comparing Bangladesh and South Sudan
Authors: Funke Carolin , Dijkzeul Dennis
Published: January 2025

This chapter comparatively examines the implementation of disability inclusion in two humanitarian crises, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh and South Sudan. These divergent cases illustrate in different ways the challenges and opportunities for implementing disability inclusion in complex and protracted emergencies. It shows that many organizations know about the CRPD and recognize the need to become disability-inclusive. However, most struggle with the implementation of the disability inclusion norm cluster. This chapter elucidates the reasons for incomplete implementation and limited impact of disability inclusion.
Analysis Across Actors and Levels
Authors: Funke Carolin , Dijkzeul Dennis
Published: January 2025

This chapter analyzes the key findings using the theoretical framework we developed in Chapter 2. Importantly, we highlight important differences among the levels of global governance and show the shortcomings of norm robustness as a concept for the study of norm translation and implementation. The robustness of a norm cluster cannot be explained well by contestation, deliberate norm violation, or intended non-compliance. Rather, other policy priorities and lack of capacities account for the lack of implementation and the relatively low impact of inclusion in the lives of persons with disabilities. We call this norm evasion. The multi-level approach implies a sea change in the study of International Law and IR, which need to leave their traditional confines behind. They should extend their reach and use more multi-method research to study all governance levels, as well as the interaction among them. In the final section, we also provide recommendations on how to address diversity in humanitarian action.
Conclusions
Authors: Funke Carolin , Dijkzeul Dennis
Published: January 2025

The concluding chapter summarizes the findings and discusses the shortcomings of current International Law and IR norm theory. It highlights the need for a multi-level perspective for studying norm robustness. Furthermore, it highlights the need to integrate a multi-level, mixed method approach to norms on diversity and inclusion to understand the impact of norms at the various levels of global governance. The final section stresses the importance for more comparative research with other, sometimes overlapping norm clusters (e.g., on gender, racism, LGBTQI+, or older persons) to deepen our insight on norm development and impact, as well as about the interaction of governmental and non-governmental action at various levels.
Introduction
Authors: Pelizzon Alessandro
Published: January 2025

The fundamental thesis of this book is that all the initiatives it explores, and all the theories that underpin them, constitute a single, (perhaps unintentionally) cohesive and novel way for legal theory to imagine itself. Not only, they also represent a single overall attempt to harmonize legal theory with an ecological view of the world and of humanity’s role within it. Just as ecology has entered the vernacular of most disciplines, it has done so within law and legal theory as well. The fundamental thesis of this book, therefore, is that the Western legal world (and the legal world in general) is in the midst of the emergence of a veritable ecological jurisprudence.
Neither Natural nor Posited
Authors: Pelizzon Alessandro
Published: January 2025

As the previous chapters have shown, all instances of ecological jurisprudence discussed in this book represent attempts (to different degrees) to counter the anthropocentric worldview mapped in the initial chapters of the book. These instances can be analysed pragmatically (as I have done in the previous chapter and as many scholars in the field commonly do).
Special Reports
Authors: Zhou Xiao-Nong , Guo Xiaokui , Zhang Xiaoxi
Published: January 2025

The One Health approach is a comprehensive framework that integrates the health of humans, animals, and the environment. It utilizes tools like the external drivers index (EDI) and intrinsic drivers index (IDI) to evaluate and measure health performance across nations. Governance, defined by principles such as transparency and accountability, plays a crucial role in managing global health crises. Zoonotic diseases, which account for a significant proportion of all infectious diseases, underscore the urgency of adopting a multisectoral approach to health. Another pressing concern is food security, which, despite global initiatives, reveals stark disparities when viewed through the One Health lens. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as a formidable global challenge, with misuse of drugs leading to increased resistance. It necessitates a holistic, One Health-based strategy. Climate change, primarily driven by human activities, poses multidimensional threats to biodiversity, health, and ecological balance. The repercussions of climate change, combined with other health challenges, emphasize the need for nations to collaborate, innovate, and commit to sustainable solutions. In sum, the global challenges underscored in the text highlight the indispensable role of the One Health approach in fostering a healthier future for all.
From liability gaps to liability overlaps: shared responsibilities and fiduciary duties in AI and other complex technologies
Authors: Custers Bart , Lahmann Henning , Scott Benjamyn I.
Published: January 2025

Complex technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) can cause harm, raising the question of who is liable for the harm caused. Research has identified multiple liability gaps (i.e., unsatisfactory outcomes when applying existing liability rules) in legal frameworks. In this paper, the concepts of shared responsibilities and fiduciary duties are explored as avenues to address liability gaps. The development, deployment and use of complex technologies are not clearly distinguishable stages, as often suggested, but are processes of cooperation and co-creation. At the intersections of these stages, shared responsibilities and fiduciary duties of multiple actors can be observed. Although none of the actors have complete control or a complete overview, many actors have some control or influence, and, therefore, responsibilities based on fault, prevention or benefit. Shared responsibilities and fiduciary duties can turn liability gaps into liability overlaps. These concepts could be implemented in tort and contract law by amending existing law (e.g., by assuming that all stakeholders are liable unless they can prove they did not owe a duty of care) and by creating more room for partial liability reflecting partial responsibilities (e.g., a responsibility to signal or identify an issue without a corresponding responsibility to solve that issue). This approach better aligns legal liabilities with responsibilities, increases legal certainty, and increases cooperation and understanding between actors, improving the quality and safety of technologies. However, it may not solve all liability gaps, may have chilling effects on innovation, and may require further detailing through case law.
Ovarian cancer staging and follow-up: updated guidelines from the European Society of Urogenital Radiology female pelvic imaging working group
Authors: Rizzo Stefania , Avesani Giacomo , Panico Camilla , Manganaro Lucia , Gui Benedetta , Lakhman Yulia , Andrieu Pamela Causa , Bharwani Nishat , Rockall Andrea , Thomassin-Naggara Isabelle , Cunha Teresa Margarida , Sala Evis , Forstner Rosemarie , Nougaret Stephanie
Published: January 2025

Objective

To provide up-to-date European Society of Urogenital Radiology (ESUR) guidelines for staging and follow-up of patients with ovarian cancer (OC).

Methods

Twenty-one experts, members of the female pelvis imaging ESUR subcommittee from 19 institutions, replied to 2 rounds of questionnaires regarding imaging techniques and structured reporting used for pre-treatment evaluation of OC patients. The results of the survey were presented to the other authors during the group’s annual meeting. The lexicon was aligned with the Society of American Radiology (SAR)-ESUR lexicon; a first draft was circulated, and then comments and suggestions from the other authors were incorporated.

Results

Evaluation of disease extent at diagnosis should be performed by chest, abdominal, and pelvic CT. The radiological report should map the disease with specific mention of sites that may preclude optimal cytoreductive surgery. For suspected recurrence, CT and [18F]FDG PET-CT are both valid options. MRI can be considered in experienced centres, as an alternative to CT, considering the high costs and the need for higher expertise in reporting.

Conclusions

CT is the imaging modality of choice for preoperative evaluation and follow-up in OC patients. A structured radiological report, including specific mention of sites that may preclude optimal debulking, is of value for patient management.

Key Points

QuestionGuidelines were last published for ovarian cancer (OC) imaging in 2010; here, guidance on imaging techniques and reporting, incorporating advances in the field, are provided.

FindingsStructured reports should map out sites of disease, highlighting sites that limit cytoreduction. For suspected recurrence, CT and 18FDG PET-CT are options, and MRI can be considered.

Clinical relevanceImaging evaluation of OC patients at initial diagnosis (mainly based on CT), using a structured report that considers surgical needs is valuable in treatment selection and planning.
Pain perception, opioid consumption and mobility following lateral compression pelvic ring injuries: a two-year prospective cohort study
Authors: Therrien Camryn C. , ten Duis Kaj , de Vries Jean-Paul P. M. , Reininga Inge H. F. , IJpma Frank F. A.
Published: January 2025

Purpose

A prospective longitudinal cohort study was performed to gain insight into the course of recovery in terms of pain, opioid consumption, and mobility in patients with a lateral compression (LC) pelvic injury.

Methods

Adult patients with an LC injury, without any cognitive disorders or limited mobility and who could communicate in Dutch were asked to participate. Pain in terms of NRS (numeric rating scale, range 0–10), opioid use and mobility were recorded at eight time points: at hospital admission, and three days, one week, six weeks, three months, six months, one year and two years after the injury. A sub-analysis was performed for nonoperatively and operatively treated patients.

Results

Ninety-seven patients were included, of which 23 (24%) were treated operatively and 74 (76%) conservatively. Pain at rest and exertion, were highest upon admission (mean NRS of 3.4 (SD = 2.6) and 4.4 (SD = 2.8), respectively) but decreased within six weeks (mean NRS of 0.8 (SD = 1.6) and 2.0 (2.0), respectively). After two years, the mean NRS was 0.5 (SD = 1.6) and 0.9 (SD = 2.1), respectively. Upon admission, 85% were given opioids, however only 11% used opioids after three months and 4% after two years. At three months, 35% were walking using walking aids and 58% were walking independently. After two years, 98% were walking independently.

Conclusions

Pain rapidly decreased within the first six weeks. Most patients did not need opioids after three months. Furthermore, most patients were walking with walking aids after six weeks. After two years, few patients experienced pain, used opioids or had difficulties walking.
A nationwide registry-based cohort study of the association between childhood dental caries and gingivitis with type 2 diabetes in adulthood
Authors: Nygaard Nikoline , Eriksen Anne Kirstine , Ängquist Lars , Belstrøm Daniel , Stankevic Evelina , Hansen Torben , Olsen Anja , Markvart Merete
Published: January 2025

Background

Evidence suggests a bidirectional relationship between oral health status and type 2 diabetes (T2D) in adults. Studies on associations between childhood oral health and T2D in adulthood are lacking.

Methods

This is a nationwide Danish registry-based cohort study of individuals born between 1963 and 1972, having at least one registration in the National Child Odontology Registry between 1972 and 1987 (n = 627,758). Follow-up lasted from 1995 to 2018. Main exposure variables were the highest achieved levels of dental caries and gingivitis between 1972 and 1987. The outcome was T2D diagnosis during follow-up. Data was analyzed using Cox-regression, stratified on sex, with age as the underlying timescale and highest achieved level of education between age 25–30 years as Cox-strata. Main analyses were conducted with and without age-restrictions (T2D diagnosis before/after age 40).

Results

Compared to lowest-level references, high levels of gingivitis associated with increased hazard ratios (HRs) of T2D in both males (HR [95% confidence interval]: 1.59 [1.47; 1.72]) and females (1.87 [1.68; 2.08]), as did severe dental caries (males: (1.15 [1.04; 1.27], in females: 1.19 [1.06; 1.35]). Below age 40, gingivitis associated with increased HRs in males (1.84 ([1.58; 2.15]) and females (1.94 [1.63; 2.30]). Above age 40, both exposures displayed higher HRs in males (high gingivitis: 1.52 [1.39; 1.66] vs. severe caries: 1.23 [1.09; 1.38]) and females (1.83 [1.59; 2.10] vs. 1.37 [1.17; 1.59]).

Conclusions

Data suggest an association between childhood dental caries and gingivitis with risk of receiving a T2D diagnosis in adulthood. However, results are affected by residual confounding warranting further studies.
Unveiling Axial Load Transfer Mechanism in Fully Encapsulated Rock Bolts
Authors: Nourizadeh Hadi , Mirzaghorbanali Ali , McDougall Kevin , Mitri Hani , Craig Peter , Rastegarmanesh Ashakan , Aziz Naj
Published: January 2025

Determining the axial load transfer mechanism of rock bolts under various conditions is paramount for ensuring efficient reinforcement in rock structures, advancing our understanding of rock support and ability to design robust engineering solutions. This paper presents the results of an experimental study aimed at investigating the factors affecting axial load transfer mechanisms in fully encapsulated rock bolts including embedment length, mechanical characteristics of bonding materials, and host rock conditions. The results show that increasing the embedment length improves the pullout capacity, but only up to a critical length, beyond which the ultimate strength and bond stress distribution remain constant. Amongst the mechanical characteristics, shear modulus of the bonding materials was found the most significant factor influencing axial load transfer and the bond stress distribution. Compressive strength of bonding materials, which is commonly used to assess performance, should not be the only factor considered, as shear properties were found more representative. The expansion characteristics of the bonding agents were also found to be effective in improving pullout performance. The study also provides a detailed explanation of how the mechanical properties of host rocks affect the pullout capacity of bolts. Specifically, it states that greater stiffness result in higher pullout strength.
Diagnostic value of glypican-1; a new marker differentiating pulmonary squamous cell carcinoma from adenocarcinoma: immunohistochemical study on Egyptian series
Authors: Adel Iman , Mahmoud Heba A , Khater Amira Ismail , Hafez Fatma S
Published: January 2025

Lung cancer is one of the major causes of cancer morbidity and mortality. Subtyping of non-small cell lung cancer is necessary owing to different treatment options. This study is to evaluate the value of immunohistochemical expression of glypican-1 in the diagnosis of lung squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). This retrospective study included a total of 68 cases, of which 36 were diagnosed as SCC and 32 as adenocarcinoma (ADC). Furthermore, glypican-1 expression was compared with the expressions of p63, thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1), and napsin A. All cases of SCC except one showed positive immunostaining to glypican-1; 35/36 (97.2%) cases, and predominantly scored 3 + . While only 5 cases of ADC showed positive immunostaining to glypican-1, having a score of 1 + or 2 + . The difference between glypican-1 expression of the two tumor types was highly significant (p value < 0.001). The sensitivity, specificity, and overall accuracy of glypican-1 expression for differentiating lung SCC from ADC were 97.2%, 84.4%, and 91.2%, respectively. The sensitivity of glypican-1 is more than p63 in the diagnosis of lung SCC. Glypican-1 can be added as a new diagnostic marker to help in the accurate discrimination between poorly differentiated lung SCC and solid predominant adenocarcinoma cases.
Environmental drivers of seasonal and hourly fluxes of methane and carbon dioxide across a lowland stream network with mixed catchment
Authors: Olsen Benedichte Wiemann , Kragh Theis , Sø Jonas Stage , Polauke Emma , Sand-Jensen Kaj
Published: January 2025

Streams serve as open windows for carbon emissions to the atmosphere due to the frequent supersaturation of carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) that originates from large carbon input during runoff and associated in-stream processes. Due to the high spatial and temporal variability of the underlying environmental drivers (e.g., concentrations of dissolved CO2 and CH4, turbulence, and temperature), it has remained difficult to address the importance and upscale the emissions to annual whole-system and regional values. In this study, we measured concentrations and calculated emissions of CO2 and CH4 at diel and seasonal scales at 15 stations in a 1.4 km2 stream network that drains a mixed lowland catchment consisting of agriculture (210 km2), forest (56 km2), and lakes, ponds, and wetlands (22 km2) in the upper River Odense, Denmark to evaluate environmental drivers behind the spatiotemporal variability. We used automatically venting floating chambers to calculate hourly diffusive fluxes of CO2 and CH4 and CH4 ebullition. We found: 1) highly supersaturated CO2 and CH4 concentrations (median: 175 and 0.33 µmol L−1, respectively) and high diffusive fluxes of CO2 and CH4 (median: 3,608 and 19 µmol m−2 h−1, respectively); 2) lower daytime than nighttime diffusive emissions of CO2 in spring and summer, but no diel variability of CH4; 3) higher concentrations and emissions of CH4 at higher temperatures; and 4) higher emissions of CH4 at stations located in sub-catchments with higher agricultural coverage. Ebullition of CH4 peaked at two stations with soft organic sediment and low summer flow, and their ebullition alone constituted 30% of total annual CH4 emissions from the stream network. Mean annual CO2 emissions from the hydrological network (37.15 mol CO2 m−2 y−1) exceeded CH4 emissions 100-fold (0.43 mol CH4 m−2 y−1), and their combined warming potential was 1.83 kg CO2e m−2 y−1. Overall, agricultural sub-catchments had higher CH4 emissions from streams, while lakes and ponds likely reduced downstream CH4 and CO2 emissions. Our findings demonstrate that CO2 and CH4 emissions data at high spatial and temporal resolution are essential to frame the heterogeneous stream conditions, understand gas emissions regulation, and upscale to annual values for hydrological networks and larger regions.
Inferences, mastery, and objectivity: examining student understanding of mathematical concepts with inferentialism
Authors: Drimalla James
Published: January 2025

Inferentialism has emerged as a valuable theoretical resource in mathematics education. As a theory of meaning about the use and content of concepts, it offers a fresh perspective on traditional epistemological and linguistic questions in the field. Despite its emergence, important inferentialist ideas still need to be operationalized. In this paper, I operationalize multiple inferentialist concepts to analyze prospective secondary mathematics teachers’ learning about graphs and quantitative and covariational reasoning in a mathematics content course. I use Robert Brandom’s ideas about upstream, downstream, and incompatible inferences to illustrate the inferentialist mastering metaphor for learning and Brandom’s ideas about objectivity. My analysis shows (a) inferentialism’s capacity to address epistemological issues like objectivity and conceptual understanding, (b) the importance of attending to different types of inferences to assess learning from an inferentialist perspective, and (c) how the development of mastery is associated with virtues. I conclude by identifying the study’s potential limitations and trajectories for future research.
Large components in the subcritical Norros-Reittu model
Authors: Lienau Matthias , Schulte Matthias
Published: January 2025

The Norros-Reittu model is a random (multi-)graph with n vertices and i.i.d. weights assigned to them. The number of edges between any two vertices follows an independent Poisson distribution whose parameter is increasing in the weights of the two vertices. Choosing a suitable weight distribution leads to a power-law behaviour of the degree distribution as observed in many real-world complex networks. We study this model in the subcritical regime, i.e. in the absence of a giant component. For each component, we count all its vertices to determine the component sizes and show convergence of the corresponding point process of (rescaled) component sizes to a Poisson process. More generally, one can also count only specific vertices per component, like leaves. From this one can deduce asymptotic results on the size of the largest component or the maximal number of leaves in a single component. The results also apply to the Chung-Lu model and the generalised random graph.
The Impact of Water-Based Fire Suppression Systems on Combustion Products
Authors: Jiang Lei , Zeinali Davood , Arsava Kemal Sarp , Snersrud Dag Olav
Published: January 2025

This study aims to experimentally investigate the combustion products of fires suppressed/extinguished by two water-based fire suppression systems, namely, sprinklers and water mist systems. A total of thirteen experiments were conducted with various suppression system configurations, i.e., with a sprinkler, a low-pressure (LP) water mist, and a high-pressure (HP) water mist, at operating pressures ranging from 2 to 60 bar and water flow rate ranging from 10 to 206 L/min. Each experiment was conducted twice, except for the baseline experiment with no suppression. The fuel was a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pallet placed on two wood pallets. During all the stages of fire development, suppression with water, and post-suppression, the combustion products were sampled through Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) using a gas analyzer capable of operating in high humidity. The main combustion products identified were CO2, CO, and H2O. In addition, NOx (nitrogen oxides), CxHy (light-weight hydrocarbons), and HCN were present in relatively high concentrations. All the tested fire suppression systems were effective in reducing the fire size and cooling down the gases. However, when the fire could not be immediately extinguished, the NOx, CxHy, and HCN concentrations were higher than those in the baseline experiment. Moreover, it is observed that the HP water mist system was more effective than the sprinkler and low-pressure water mist systems in reducing the amount of combustion gases during suppression, resulting in lower Fractional Effective Doses (FED). It was observed that the combustion products returned to ambient conditions after five minutes of deactivation. The results from this study provide much-needed validation data for the effectiveness of water-based suppression systems, not only in reducing the fire size but also in reducing the production of acute toxic gases, which is important for considerations regarding evacuation, firefighting, and post-extinguishment conditions.
Impact of Interactive Science Workshops Participation on Primary School Children's Emotions and Attitudes Towards Science
Authors: Muñoz-Losa Aurora , Corbacho-Cuello Isaac
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the impact of interactive science workshops participation on primary school children's emotions and attitudes towards science. The sample consisted of 186 students aged 9 to 13 from five different schools. The interactive science workshops consisted of a series of practical, active, and hands-on workshops where primary school students could learn about different aspects of science. These workshops, designed and conducted by prospective teachers from the Primary Education degree program, were non-competitive and did not involve participants in competitive activities. Using pre- and post-event questionnaires, changes in emotions and science-related attitudes were assessed. Results indicated a significant increase in positive emotions such as joy and enthusiasm, alongside a reduction in negative emotions like boredom and anxiety. Specifically, the post-test results showed a higher interest in discussing science, greater appreciation for experiments, and an increased desire for science-related careers. These changes were statistically significant, accentuating the transformative potential of interactive, hands-on learning experiences. The findings highlight the importance of integrating such activities into primary education curricula to enhance students' engagement and promote positive perceptions of science.
Beyond Macroethics: Developing an Ethical Framework for Interview Data Collection and Analysis to Acknowledge Participant Rights
Authors: Hosseini Mona , Haukås Åsta
Published: January 2025

Participant rights and voices are protected through institutional ethical considerations in the social sciences and applied linguistics. Yet, several ethical concerns remain. In addition to adhering to institutional macroethics, researchers should develop microethics to address contextual issues within their research. The need for the development of microethics is particularly important in the qualitative research process where researchers engage in studies with participants rather than treating them merely as data sources. Drawing on key concepts in philosophical hermeneutics, the current study discusses an ethical framework for data collection and analysis that embraces participants’ rights and voices through reflexive questioning, reciprocal dialogues, unbiased listening, and rightful analysis of participants’ data with and from two multilingual families in Norway. Participatory diagramming was employed in a collaborative participatory approach to present the collected data and initial data analysis to the participants, allowing them to review and validate the data analysis conducted by the researchers. Using thematic analysis to analyze participants’ experiences and reflections, our findings indicate that the ethical framework of interview and analysis enhanced researchers’ understanding, empowered participants in the research process, facilitated member-checking, created beneficial collaboration opportunities for the participants, and facilitated reaffirmation of informed consent.
The compliance to FAIR principles of shared data in addiction research
Authors: Sixto-Costoya Andrea , Ferrer-Sapena Antonia , Aleixandre-Benavent Rafael , Peset Fernanda , Valderrama-Zurián Juan Carlos , Petrosyan Luiza
Published: January 2025

The aim of this study is to assess the scientific data sharing in the field of addictions by applying FAIR principles. These principles play an important role, as they guarantee a minimum of findability, accessibility, interoperability and reusability of the shared data. They are one of the main measures to improve the integrity and quality of research data. For this study, three automated tools were used: the Data Citation Index (DCI) to capture datasets on addictions; Bibliometricos, proprietary software for data retrieval; and the F-UJI tool for the FAIR evaluation of datasets. The datasets on the most common addiction topics, such as alcohol, cannabis, tobacco, cocaine, opioids and stimulants, were downloaded by the DCI (5967 DOIs) and parsed into a database for subsequent analysis. In terms of datasets characteristics, alcohol, tobacco and opioids were the most productive. After assessment by F-UJI, none of the addictions analyzed reached an average of 30% FAIR compliance since all of them were between 20% and 29%. When analyzing each principle, Findable was the best scored principle (in a range of 40%–59%), followed by Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable. The results of our study show, first, an increasing number of shared datasets over the years, especially from basic studies. In terms of quality, there are issues that remain to be resolved, especially in relation to interoperability and reusability principles. This emphasizes the important role of adequate data sharing procedures in ensuring that datasets are FAIR compliant and usable in addiction research.
Comparing Above and Underwater Visibility of Fluorescent Quinine-Based Liquid and Solid Tracers to Estimate Suspended Sediment Concentrations Under Low Luminosity Conditions
Authors: Zehsaz Soheil , Lima João L. M. P. de , Lima M. Isabel P. de , Almeida Thayná A. B. , Lima Rui L. Pedroso de , Montenegro Abelardo A. de A.
Published: January 2025

While exploring the use and visibility of fluorescent tracers for estimating flow velocities under varying water turbidity, this study introduces a technique for estimating suspended sediment concentration (SSC) in water. Laboratory and field experiments were conducted using a dual above/underwater optical camera monitoring system to measure and compare the visibility (brightness intensity) of fluorescent tracers applied into water under varying SSC loads. Based on the fluorescent properties of quinine under low luminosity conditions, a quinine solution, in both liquid and solid (ice cube) states, was applied to the water surface. Its visibility was recorded using the monitoring system, and brightness intensity was quantified using image processing techniques such as grayscale conversion, object segmentation, and pixel intensity extraction. Results indicate that the tracer brightness intensity decreases as SSC loads increase, with the underwater camera recording lower visibility than the above-water camera, particularly at higher SSC loads. Empirical regression equations were developed to describe the relationship between the tracer brightness intensity recorded by the underwater camera and the SSC loads. These findings suggest the ability of the presented monitoring system, using quinine solution in both liquid and solid states, along with an underwater camera, to estimate a relevant range of SSC loads under low luminosity conditions.
Nanoimprint lithography-assisted block copolymer self-assembly for hyperfine fabrication of magnetic patterns based on L10-FePt nanoparticles
Authors: Zhang Jie , Chen Yi , Li Guijun , Sun Zelin , Meng Zhengong , Wong Wai-Yeung
Published: January 2025

L10-FePt-type bit-patterned media has provided a promising alternative for ultrahigh-density magnetic recording systems in the current digital era, but rapid fabrication of magnetic patterns with hyperfine bit islands is still challenging, especially with the target for miniaturization and scalable production simultaneously. Herein, Fe,Pt-containing block copolymers were utilized as single-source precursors for solution-processable patterning and subsequent generation of the demanding magnetic FePt dots by in situ pyrolysis. High-throughput nanoimprint lithography was initially employed to fabricate the predefined bit cells precisely, and then the intrinsic self-assembly of phase-separated block copolymers further drove the formation of accurate bit islands. Benefiting from the synergistic effect of top-down lithographic approach and bottom-up self-assembly, the customizable patterns could be achieved for large-scale mass production in targeted areas, but high-density isolated dots could also be accurately aligned along the patterned features after subsequent self-assembly. This reliable strategy would provide a good avenue to precisely construct ultrahigh-density magnetic data storage devices.
Advances in multimodal imaging for adrenal gland disorders: integrating CT, MRI, and nuclear medicine
Authors: Yokoyama Kota , Matsuki Mitsuru , Isozaki Takanori , Ito Kimiteru , Imokawa Tomoki , Ozawa Akane , Kimura Koichiro , Tsuchiya Junichi , Tateishi Ukihide
Published: January 2025

Adrenal diseases pose significant diagnostic challenges due to the wide range of neoplastic and non-neoplastic pathologies. Radiologists have a crucial role in diagnosing and managing these conditions by, leveraging advanced imaging techniques. This review discusses the vital role of computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and nuclear medicine in adrenal imaging, and focuses on morphological and functional evaluations. First, the anatomy and physiology of the adrenal glands are described, followed by a discussion on ectopic adrenocortical adenomas and how they develop. The concepts and imaging findings of congenital diseases, such as congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), adrenal rest tumors, and adrenocortical nodular disease, considering recent updates to the WHO Classification of Tumours (5th ed.) terminology are highlighted. The diagnostic value of dynamic contrast-enhanced CT and chemical-shift MRI for identifying adrenocortical adenomas are emphasized, alongside the use of adrenocortical scintigraphy such as 131I-adosterol scintigraphy for diagnosing Cushing’s disease, Cushing’s syndrome (CS), subclinical CS, and ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone-producing tumors. Systemic complications associated with CS, and the diagnosis and treatment of pheochromocytomas, paragangliomas (PPGLs), and neuroblastomas, will also be discussed focusing on 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) imaging and 131I-MIBG therapy. Pitfalls in 123I-MIBG imaging and the increasing importance of diagnosing hereditary PPGLs due to increased genetic testing are also be discussed. Additionally, the broad differential diagnosis for adrenal masses—including malignancies like adrenal carcinoma, metastases, and malignant lymphoma, as well as benign conditions like myelolipoma and ganglioneuroma, and complications, such as adrenal hemorrhage, infarction, and infections—will be outlined. The goal of this review was to provide an overview of adrenal diseases that includes the most recent information for radiologists to stay updated on the latest imaging techniques and advancements that can ensure accurate diagnosis and effective management.
AI image analysis as the basis for risk-stratified screening
Authors: Strand Fredrik
Published: January 2025

Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative tool in breast cancer screening, with two distinct applications: computer-aided cancer detection (CAD) and risk prediction. While AI CAD systems are slowly finding its way into clinical practice to assist radiologists or make independent reads, this review focuses on AI risk models, which aim to predict a patient’s likelihood of being diagnosed with breast cancer within a few years after negative screening. Unlike AI CAD systems, AI risk models are mainly explored in research settings without widespread clinical adoption. This review synthesizes advances in AI-driven risk prediction models, from traditional imaging biomarkers to cutting-edge deep learning methodologies and multimodal approaches. Contributions by leading researchers are explored with critical appraisal of their methods and findings. Ethical, practical, and clinical challenges in implementing AI models are also discussed, with an emphasis on real-world applications. This review concludes by proposing future directions to optimize the adoption of AI tools in breast cancer screening and improve equity and outcomes for diverse populations.
The art of arts-based interventions in transdisciplinary sustainability research
Authors: Horvath Sophia-Marie , Payerhofer Ulrike , Wals Arjen , Gratzer Georg
Published: January 2025

Transdisciplinary, co-creative research deals with complex real-world problems, with complexity being a common denominator of sustainability issues. It is often understood as an interplay of two dimensions, collaboration and creativity, that facilitates the integration of different forms of knowledge and the creation of transformative outcomes. In the end, it aims to find more holistic and systemic solutions to complex real-world problems. Increasingly, Arts-Based Interventions (ABIs) are proposed to support sustainability-oriented transdisciplinary research. However, little research has been done so far to gauge the extent to which adding arts to the mix actually benefits the transdisciplinary research process and outcomes. In the research project reported on in this article, we took a first step into the realm of the arts by including ABIs into transdisciplinary brainstorming sessions. We investigated their influence on the research process and outcomes as perceived by the participants. We found ABIs to positively influence both dimensions of co-creativity—(1) collaboration, through enhancing the sense of togetherness in the group, and (2) creativity, directly and indirectly through a perceived emotionalization. ABIs were perceived to induce a change of perspective and a broadening of horizons that can facilitate the creation of transformative solutions. Moreover, their reported emotionalizing impact points toward an integration of tacit—in particular emotional—knowledge. This can lead to a more holistic view of the investigated problem. Altogether, the reported impacts of ABIs on transdisciplinary research can promote the creation of transformative and holistic solutions to sustainability issues in transdisciplinary sustainability research.