bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the phytosanitary threats of two non-native crickets under temperature change
Authors: Haubrock Phillip J. , Kulessa Anna K. , Cuthbert Ross N. , Soto Ismael , Balzani Paride , Toutain Mathieu , Kouba Antonín
Published: January 2025

Numerous phytosanitary threats challenge global agriculture, ecosystems, and food security. These threats are exacerbated by non-native species and diseases that are projected to intensify in the future due to global warming and anthropogenic habitat alterations. Assessments of the ecological impacts of overlooked phytosanitary threats are urgently needed under shifting environments. In this study, the potential effects of two non-native Orthoptera species (the house cricket Acheta domesticus and the two-spotted cricket Gryllus bimaculatus) were assessed using functional response analyses. We quantified their potential impacts on agriculturally relevant crops (millet) under increasing temperatures (20 °C, 25 °C, and 30 °C) as individuals and between interspecific pairs. The experiments revealed similar impacts on seeds between both species and across temperatures. Temperature tended to amplify consumption rates and functional responses. The combined interspecific cricket presence generally yielded an additive effect on seeds, with a few instances of synergistic interactions, whereby non-trophic interaction strengths significantly interacted with resource density and temperature. Both species demonstrated remarkable adaptability to varying temperatures, with low mortality accentuating their capacity for impacts under current and future temperatures. This emphasizes the imperative of including both species in phytosanitary assessments. Moreover, population monitoring and the implementation of effective management strategies emerge as pivotal measures for safeguarding agricultural productivity and conserving local ecosystems in the future. The study’s findings thus underscore the potential impact of A. domesticus and G. bimaculatus, particularly in the context of steadily ascending temperatures, to pose a risk to agricultural productivity and food security.
Disentangling the potential effects of four non-indigenous species on commercially and recreationally used fish stocks in the Baltic Sea—a review
Authors: Oesterwind Daniel , Bartolino Valerio , Behrens Jane W. , Erlandsson Marten , Florin Ann-Britt , Henseler Christina , Jakubowska-Lehrmann Magdalena , Jaspers Cornelia , Lehtiniemi Maiju , Naddafi Rahmat , Nadolna-Ałtyn Katarzyna , Putnis Ivars , Quirijns Floor J. , Rakowski Marcin , Rozenfelde Loreta , Ustups Didzis , Wandzel Tomasz , Witalis Bartosz , Woźniczka Adam , Thor Peter
Published: January 2025

Non-indigenous species (NIS) are on a rise globally. They can pose strong impacts on ecosystems in their non-native range and can therefore be a serious threat to biodiversity. Here, we compile the existing information available regarding the extent to which commercially and recreationally used fish stocks (exploited fish species) are affected by NIS. To do so, we conducted a literature review to summarize the known and presumed impacts of four case study NIS with already known strong effects on the Baltic Sea ecosystem: round goby, Neogobius melanostomus, sea walnut, Mnemiopsis leidyi, mud crab, Rhithropanopeus harrisii, and fishhook water flea, Cercopagis pengoi. We found that round goby, mud crab and fishhook water flea are documented to serve as a new food source for native fish species, while sea walnut and fishhook water flea are supposedly affecting planktivorous fish through resource competition. Round goby is very likely a strong competitor for the benthivore fish community. There are also indications that it feeds on juvenile fish and fish eggs. Generally, our results show that large knowledge gaps exist, while the published impacts on exploited fish species are often solely based on correlations (e.g. decreasing abundances of native species with cooccurring increasing abundances of NIS), regionally restricted studies or expert judgements. In addition, many studies are older and the current population size of the NIS, which is obviously associated with their impact, is unknown. Thus, the majority of described impacts of NIS on commercially and recreationally used fish stocks seems to stem from assumptions. Therefore, more field observations and experimental studies are needed to be able to scientifically evaluate the impact of NIS. Nevertheless, in this review, the available information was summarized, even if they are speculative, and specific knowledge gaps were identified. Moreover, we outline further investigations that are needed to advance our mechanistic understanding of the interactions between NIS and exploited fish species in the Baltic Sea. This knowledge is essential for the sustainable management of aquatic resources and management of NIS of the Baltic Sea.
Positrons as microprobes to study water-dependent free volume of wood cell walls: a preliminary study
Authors: Majstorović Filip , Hirschmann Eric , Butterling Maik , Attallah Ahmed G. , Wagner Andreas , Jakes Joseph E.
Published: January 2025

Positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) was employed to study the water-dependent free volume characteristics of wood cell walls in earlywood and latewood of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda). Measurements were conducted across relative humidity levels (1–80% RH) at room temperature, demonstrating good reproducibility and consistency with polymer science principles. The Tao-Eldrup model was applied to the measured ortho-positronium lifetimes to estimate the mean sizes of free volume elements in wood cell walls. At low relative humidity (below ~ 11%), water absorption resulted in antiplasticization, evidenced by a decrease in mean free volume element sizes. As relative humidity increased, water started acting as a plasticizer, causing the free volume elements to expand. While dry cell walls showed no significant differences in free volume element sizes between earlywood and latewood, earlywood exhibited larger mean free volume element sizes at all higher relative humidity levels. At higher relative humidity levels (above ~ 70% RH), the ortho-positronium lifetimes of cell wall free volume elements overlapped with those of liquid water, indicating PALS cannot provide reliable free volume information at higher cell wall moisture contents. Interpreting the intensity of ortho-positronium annihilation was complicated by the possibility of water inhibiting ortho-positronium formation in wood cell walls.
Framing climate policy around energy independence enhances acceptance and perceived effectiveness: evidence from a Finnish survey experiment
Authors: Ahonen Sami , Leino Mikko , Tiihonen Aino
Published: January 2025

We investigated the impact of three justifications for implementing a road traffic emission trading system on policy acceptance and perceived effectiveness. One frame is based on increased energy independence from non-EU countries, another on potential economic benefits, and a third on ensuring efficient greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation. The data utilized originated from an online survey experiment (n = 1504) administered in Finland in the spring of 2024. We found that the justification referring to energy independence marginally increased the acceptability of the policy, whereas the justifications appealing to potential economic benefits and effective emissions reductions did not. The energy independence frame particularly influences those who perceive climate change as a moderate risk. The results regarding perceived policy effectiveness are similar, indicating a strong association between these evaluations. It is likely that, at least in the Finnish context, the link between climate change mitigation efforts and energy independence has become more pronounced following the Russian attack on Ukraine.
Investigation of a constitutive law for the prediction of the mechanical behavior of WEEE recycled polymer blends
Authors: Eddhahak Anissa , Gaudy Alain
Published: January 2025

This research focuses on a mechanical study of an acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS)/ polycarbonate (PC) blend totally derived from Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) recycling. First, an experimental work was developed in laboratory for the preparation of different mixtures of ABS/PC blend. Then, mechanical tensile tests were performed on the injected specimens and the stress/strain experimental data were gathered to be used in the modelling part. In order to enable the prediction of the mechanical response of the blend, G’Sell and Jonas constitutive law was considered for this purpose. An optimization method based on the Generalized Reduced Gradient (GRG) nonlinear algorithm was developed to identify the input parameters governing the mechanical model. In addition, an uncertainty parametric study was assessed to qualitatively and quantitatively evaluate the constitutive law sensitivity versus the parameter uncertainty. Monte Carlo simulations were performed and the convergence of the numerical model was proved in terms of means and standard deviation statistical data. The results showed an excellent agreement between the numerical approach and the experiments. Besides, it was highlighted the crucial role of coupling uncertainty parametric study with modelling for accurately describing the mechanical behavior of the blend.
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Hospital Breastfeeding Care in the US
Authors: Tucker Jane Lazar , Arcoleo Kimberly , DiTomasso Diane , Oaks Brietta M. , Cabral Howard , São-João Thaís
Published: January 2025

Objectives

This study examines the associations between race and ethnicity and receipt of Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) key clinical practices that support breastfeeding in US hospitals.

Methods

National data from 2016 to 2019 CDC PRAMS were analyzed. Our sample included 60,395 mothers who initiated breastfeeding with healthy, term newborns. We conducted adjusted regression analyses to compare the odds of receiving individual key clinical practices that support breastfeeding, as well as the percent of key clinical practices received.

Results

While some key clinical practices were received at high rates, less than 25% of mothers received 100% of recommended key clinical practices. Compared to White non-Hispanic mothers, mothers from various racial and ethnic groups were at lower odds of receiving 100% of key clinical practices: Black non-Hispanic [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 0.59, 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.47–0.65)], English-Speaking Hispanic [AOR 0.79, 95% CI (0.71–0.88)], Spanish-speaking Hispanic [AOR 0.63, 95% CI (0.53–0.73)], and Asian/Pacific Islander non-Hispanic [AOR 0.54, 95% CI (0.47–0.63)].

Conclusions for Practice

Despite a steady increase in the number of BFHI hospitals in the US, there are racial and ethnic disparities in the receipt of BFHI key clinical practices. More US hospitals must adopt BFHI key clinical practices and consistently implement those practices for every racial and ethnic group.
Non-clinical Psychosocial Mental Health Support Programmes for People with Diverse Language and Cultural Backgrounds: A Critical Rapid Review
Authors: Costa Nathalia , Olson Rebecca , Mescouto Karime , Setchell Jenny , Plage Stefanie , Dune Tinashe , Creese Jennifer , Suleman Sameera , Prasad-ildes Rita , Ng Zheng Yen
Published: January 2025

Low accessibility to mainstream psychosocial services disadvantages culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) populations, resulting in delayed care and high rates of unsupported psychological distress. Non-clinical interventions may play an important role in improving accessibility to psychosocial support, but what characterises best practice in this space remains unclear. This critical rapid review addressed this gap by searching for, and critically analysing, existing research on non-clinical psychosocial support services, drawing from a critical realist framework and Brossard and Chandler’s (Brossard and Chandler, Explaining mental illness: Sociological perspectives, Bristol University Press, 2022) taxonomy of positions on culture and mental health. We searched PubMed, PsycInfo, LILACS, Scopus and Sociological Abstracts to identify non-clinical psychosocial support interventions for first-generation immigrant CALD populations delivered by lay-health workers. Thirty-eight studies were included: 10 quantitative, 7 mixed-methods and 21 qualitative. Most studies were conducted in North America (n = 19) and Europe (n = 7), with few conducted in low-income countries (Tanzania and Lebanon, n = 3 each, Kenya [n = 1]). Studies often focussed on specific interventions (e.g. psychoeducation) for targeted populations (e.g. refugees, Latinx immigrants); multimodal interventions (e.g. psychological support and food distribution) for broad populations were less common. Thirty-five different outcome scales were identified across quantitative and mixed-methods studies, with most covering depression, stress and trauma. Most studies identified significant improvements for at least one psychosocial outcome despite interventions being relatively short in sessions. Findings from qualitative studies highlighted varied engagement with theory-informed models of service, and identified important barriers to non-clinical psychosocial support services, including precarious resourcing. Our analysis suggests most studies were underpinned by split-relativist frameworks and focussed on interventions aimed at helping clients navigate the eurocentricity and complexity of mainstream services. Recognising the eurocentrism of universalist frameworks, working from a culturally relativist position, prioritising social determinants of health and using models that centre clients, flexibility, context, culture and community are likely to ensure best practice for non-clinical psychosocial support interventions.
Increasing the societal impacts of nanotechnology applications in food and agricultural systems
Authors: Kah Melanie , Gomes Carmen
Published: January 2025

This short perspective reflects on the last two decades of intense research in the field of nanoscale science and engineering for agriculture and food systems. Despite significant advances in knowledge and innovation that are well recognized in the scientific community, only a small number of nanoproducts have reached the market, and the societal impact of the research thus remains relatively limited. We want to reflect on what may be key reasons for this and propose four tips that will help reframe and improve some of our research practices with the aim of increasing our impact. Our views were collected through consultations and engagement with a wide range of stakeholders inside and outside of the scientific field, including regulators, successful entrepreneurs, potential users, and consumers. We want to encourage scientists to increase their consideration of actors outside of the scientific field in order to develop nanotechnologies that are needed, competitive, and acceptable to both regulators and users/consumers. The benefits of a technology must be assessed with a better consideration of the whole system (instead of a small part of it) and in a specific context that recognizes climatic, cultural, political, and economic differences. Essential qualities to increase our impact include a high capacity to continuously adapt and work in teams that bring a multidisciplinary and multisectoral understanding of the system, which is not always fully compatible with the way academic performances are currently evaluated.
Non-integer-order exponential filters: definitions in the time-domain and frequency-domain
Authors: Nako Julia , Psychalinos Costas , Elwakil Ahmed S.
Published: January 2025

Integer and non-integer-order exponential filters defined in both the time and frequency-domains are investigated in this work. These filters are then approximated utilizing a curve-fitting method leading to a rational integer-order approximating transfer function. The accuracy of the approximation of the exponential filters is confirmed through experimental results obtained using a Field Programmable Analog Array device. A real life application example is also provided, where one of the presented filters is employed for denoising an electrocardiogram signal.
Long-term impacts of salinity and temperature changes on Brachionus calyciflorus populations: understanding the role of intraspecific variability
Authors: Wijewardene Lishani , Venâncio Cátia , Ribeiro Rui , Lopes Isabel
Published: January 2025

Worldwide, many coastal freshwater ecosystems suffer from seawater intrusion. In addition to this stressor, it is likely that the biota inhabiting these ecosystems will also need to deal with climate change-related temperature fluctuations. The resilience of populations to long-term exposure to these stressors will depend on their genetic diversity, a key for their adaptation to changing environments. Accordingly, this study aimed to understand the long-term effects of salinity and temperature on the population density dynamics of the rotifer Brachionus calyciflorus by considering intra-specific variability. Six clonal lineages of B. calyciflorus, exhibiting differential lethal sensitivity (LC50,24 h) to salinity, were exposed for at least 34 days, to a control and to artificial seawater (at a conductivity corresponding to the LC70,24 h for the most tolerant clonal lineage = 9.89 mS/cm), under three temperatures: 17, 20 (standard) and 23 °C. Long-term exposure to artificial seawater affected population densities, leading to the extirpation of some salinity-tolerant clonal lineages earlier than that of salinity-sensitive lineages. This inversion in short- and long-term sensitivity may suggest a higher susceptibility of populations when exposed to long periods of increased salinity. The negative effects caused by artificial seawater were enhanced at 17 °C and 23 °C, with an even earlier occurrence of extirpation of some clonal lineages, namely, two clonal lineages considered tolerant to artificial seawater. The results suggest the potential synergistic effects of the two abiotic stressors when combined. Overall, a lack of association between the clonal lineages’ short- and long-term sensitivity to salinity or their sensitivity to salinity under different temperature scenarios was observed. These results suggest an increased risk to the resilience of B. calyciflorus populations exposed to climate change-related scenarios of increased salinity and temperature fluctuations owing to an enhanced reduction in their genetic variability.
Effectiveness of Pelvic Floor Muscle and Education-based Therapies on Bladder, Bowel, Vaginal, Sexual, Psychological Function, Quality of Life, and Pelvic Floor Muscle Function in Females Treated for Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review
Authors: Cyr Marie-Pierre , Jones Tamara , Colombage Udari N. , Frawley Helena C.
Published: January 2025

Purpose of review

Breast malignancy is the most common cancer in females. Symptoms of pelvic floor disorders and sexual dysfunction secondary to systemic cancer treatment may occur. Non-surgical, non-pharmaceutical conservative therapies, namely pelvic floor muscle (PFM) and education-based therapies, could be beneficial to reduce these symptoms in this population. This systematic review aimed to examine the evidence regarding their effectiveness on bladder, bowel, vaginal, sexual, psychological function, quality of life, and PFM function in breast cancer populations.

Recent findings

Six databases were searched to identify interventional studies on the effect of PFM therapies, education-based therapies, or combined (multimodal) therapies on any outcome of interest. The search yielded 603 results, from which 12 studies were included. Of these, six (50%) were RCTs, one (8%) was a non-RCT with two groups, and five (42%) were non-RCTs with a single group. Findings suggest that PFM therapies (active) may be beneficial, and education in the format of CBT may improve bladder function. No data were found for bowel function and results from two RCTs were inconclusive to draw conclusions for vaginal function. Sexual function was the most frequently reported outcome. PFM therapies (active > passive) may be beneficial, and education is more likely than not to improve sexual function. For psychological function, PFM therapies (active + passive) may be beneficial, and education is more unlikely than likely to improve psychological function. For quality of life, PFM therapies (active + passive) may be beneficial, and education is more unlikely than likely to improve quality of life, although CBT combined with physical exercise may provide further improvement. PFM therapies (active ± passive) may improve PFM function. Given the limited number of studies and their methodological limitations, caution should be exercised when interpreting these study results. More research is needed to confirm findings and to investigate the clinical value of PFM therapies and combined, multimodal therapies for breast cancer populations.

Non-surgical, non-pharmaceutical conservative therapies may be helpful for breast cancer populations. Clinicians should consider the highest level of available evidence to guide their practice and use their clinical judgement to select the treatment components and appropriate dosages.
A turn of tide in the fight against corruption in Romania: the CJEU between systemic risk of impunity and fundamental rights
Authors: Tănăsescu Elena-Simina , Selejan-Guţan Bianca
Published: January 2025

In the last decade, the interaction between the European Court of Justice and the Romanian Constitutional Court followed a sinusoidal pattern: after the direct dialogue initiated by a preliminary question on the freedom of movement for same-sex couples, parallel monologues on the relationship between the national Constitution and EU law have become the rule. This article examines the recent CJEU Case C-107/23 PPU ‘Lin’, which represents a turn of tide in the interaction between the CJEU and the Romanian Constitutional Court, but also a confirmation of the loss of interest of the CJEU in the topic of the fight against corruption in Romania.
Creating a well-functioning internal market for biofuels
Authors: Talus Kim
Published: January 2025

State aid for renewable energy is a crucial element in the transition to a carbon-neutral energy system. However, various State aid schemes in different Member States can also lead to undesirable market distortions and hinder cross-border trade. This is particularly so when one Member State provides production aid, and another Member State has a demand side aid scheme or can result from some Member State providing both State aid and GOs for the same commodity. This undermines the level playing field for all actors within the biomethane markets and leads to subsidy competition, instead of product competition. The article addresses these questions and provides for solutions.
Effects of Tasimelteon Treatment on Traumatic Brain Injury Through NRF-2/HO-1 and RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL Pathways in Rats
Authors: Özden Eyyüp Sabri , Özcan Mustafa Soner , Savran Mehtap , Ilhan Ilter , Tepebası Muhammet Yusuf , Sevuk Mehmet Abdulkadir , Özmen Özlem
Published: January 2025

Secondary brain damageafter traumatic brain injury (TBI) involves oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, apoptosis, and necroptosis and can be reversed by understanding these molecular pathways. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of tasimelteon (Tasi) administration on brain injury through the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF-2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1)/receptor-interacting protein kinase 3 (RIPK3)/mixed lineage kinase domain-like (MLKL) pathways in rats with TBI. Thirty-two male Wistar albino rats weighing 300–350 g were randomly divided into four groups: the control group, trauma group, Tasi-1 group (trauma + 1 mg/kg Tasi intraperitoneally), and Tasi-10 group (trauma + 10 mg/kg Tasi intraperitoneally). At the end of the experimental phase, after sacrifice, blood samples and brain tissue were collected for biochemical, histopathological, immunohistochemical, and genetic analyses. Tasi increased the total antioxidant status and decreased the total oxidant status and oxidative stress index. In addition, Tasi caused histopathological changes characterized by a markedly reduced hemorrhage area in the Tasi-1 group. Normal brain and meningeal structure was observed in rats in the Tasi-10 group. Immunohistochemical analysis indicated that Tasi also decreased the expression of interferon-gamma, caspase-3, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in the brain tissue. Although NRF-2 and HO-1 expression decreased, RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL gene expression increased due to trauma. However, Tasi treatment reversed all these findings. Tasi protected against brain injury through the NRF-2/HO-1 and RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL pathways in rats with TBI.
From Sexting to Sexpreading: Trivialization of Digital Violence, Gender Differences and Collective Responsibilities
Authors: Fernández Laura , Alvarez-Cueva Priscila , Masanet Maria-Jose
Published: January 2025

This article starts from a pedagogical disambiguation around sexting elaborated from the socio-educational cooperatives edPAC and CANDELA. This nuanced definition understands sexting as the practice of voluntarily and consensually sharing intimate and sexual content through different platforms and devices. In contrast, sexpreading is understood as the practice of disseminating sexual content without consent. We conducted short-term ethnographic research with adolescents in Barcelona with the objective of understanding how they perceive sexting and sexpreading based on their own experiences and social context. The research was carried out in three education centers in Barcelona and its metropolitan area and involved 59 diverse young people from 14 to 18 years old with different gender identifications. Our results point to three main dimensions: 1) the trivialization of violence and the creation of men spaces; 2) the gender differences involved in practicing sexting and preventing sexpreading; and 3) the consequences of sexpreading experienced by young people, including roles of intermediaries and responsibilities associated with them. We provide empirical and ethnographical support for the idea that merging sexting and sexpreading is problematic, especially for educational interventions, as it can detrimentally generalize issues and negatively impact adolescent sexualities, in particular those of girls and women. We believe that it is very important to incorporate discussions about sexting and sexpreading practices into educational contexts and to consider the high degree of media skills young women already have for a pedagogy of sexting and a community intervention against sexpreading.
Stair-descent phenotypes in community-dwelling older adults determined using high-level balance tasks
Authors: Tanaka Takahiro , Hase Kimitaka , Mori Kimihiko , Wakida Masanori , Arima Yasuaki , Kubo Takanari , Taguchi Meguru
Published: January 2025

Background

Falls on stairs are a major cause of severe injuries among older adults, with stair descent posing significantly greater risks than ascent. Variations in stair descent phenotypes may reflect differences in physical function and biomechanical stability, and their identification may prevent falls.

Aims

This study aims to classify stair descent phenotypes in older adults and investigate the biomechanical and physical functional differences between these phenotypes using hierarchical cluster analysis.

Methods

Eighty-two older adults participated in this study. Stair descent was measured using a three-dimensional motion analysis system. Physical function was assessed using measures of muscle strength, walking speed, the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), and the Community Balance and Mobility Scale (CB&M).

Results

Hierarchical cluster analysis was performed on kinematic data obtained during stair descent. Three phenotypes were identified: neutral (N-type; 24%), extension (E-type; 52%), and rotation (R-type; 23%). There were no significant differences in lower limb muscle strength or walking speed among the different types, and TUG scores showed no differences in terms of mobility or balance abilities. However, CB&M scores were significantly lower for E-type and R-type compared to N-type. Sub-analyses revealed that while there were no differences in the mobility factor of CB&M between E-type and R-type, the strength factors were significantly lower compared to those for N-type.

Discussion

These results suggest that E-type and R-type stair-descent patterns may be influenced by declines in standing balance ability and muscle strength.

Conclusions

These findings may inform fall-prevention training programs related to stair descent among older adults.
Real-World Applications of Analytic Travelling Wave Solutions of a (3+1)-Dimensional Hirota–Satsuma–Ito-Like System Via Polynomial Complete Discriminant System and Elementary Integral Technique
Authors: Adeyemo Oke Davies
Published: January 2025

Models reveal the dynamic character of wave motion, delineated in shallow waters alongside fluid dynamics; an example is the Hirota–Satsuma–Ito model equation. Therefore, this paper showcases the detailed analytical investigations of a (3+1)-dimensional Hirota–Satsuma–Ito-like system. In order to reduce the equation to a nonlinear ordinary differential system of equations, a traveling plane wave transformation is engaged. Thereafter, the direct integration technique is adopted to solve the model, thus culminating in obtaining Jacobi elliptic integral function solutions. Moreover, to attain more various solitonic solutions of diverse structures, a standard approach called the polynomial complete discriminant system and elementary integral technique is engaged. This provides exact traveling wave solutions of diverse known functions in the form of periodic, trigonometric, dark, mixed bright, and topological kink, as well as singular soliton solutions. These are found to appear in the form of Jacobi elliptic, trigonometric, as well as hyperbolic functions. Furthermore, some of these solutions are further examined by investigating their wave nature via numerical simulations.
Mesoscopic homogenization method of mechanical properties of fused filament fabrication structures considering void shapes and filament interfaces
Authors: Springmann Marlies , Middendorf Peter
Published: January 2025

The Fused Filament Fabrication process (FFF) is an additive manufacturing process for thermoplastic polymers based on material extrusion. It offers a large range of material options and high potential for manufacturing parts with complex geometry. Mechanical properties of parts produced with this method are, however, highly anisotropic and depend on process parameters and resulting inner mesostructures. The relationships between process parameters, mesostructures and mechanical properties are complex. Characteristics of the FFF mesostructures, such as voids and the interfaces between filaments, cannot yet be sufficiently taken into account in macroscopic design methods. In this work, a method for homogenising mechanical properties is developed. This is based on the inner FFF mesostructure: shape and size of the voids are determined using micrographs and the size of the coalescence areas between the filaments is also estimated. Representative volume elements with periodic boundary conditions are then created in a finite element environment and homogenised mechanical properties are derived. These are compared with analytical and experimental values, and the results are discussed. The method presented here provides an approach on how different characteristics of FFF mesostructures can be transferred to macroscopic simulations. Results of the numerical approach are in good agreement with the experimental data.
Comparative assessment of pollutant emissions between biofuel briquettes and charcoal: implications for domestic cooking fuel selection
Authors: Nganko Junior Maimou , Koffi Ekoun Paul Magloire , Toure Alpha Ousmane , Gbaha Prosper , Tiogue Claudine Tekounegning , Ndiaye Babacar , Ba Kalidou , Benjamin Yao Kouassi
Published: January 2025

Fuels influence indoor air quality and occupants' health. This study aims to evaluate and compare the emissions of carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), and aerodynamic size less than or equal to 2.5 µm (PM2.5) from biofuel briquettes to those from household charcoal. This approach allows for selecting a fuel based on its pollutant emissions. CO emissions ranged between 0.79 ± 0.014 and 7.430 ± 0.063 g/MJ delivered for biofuels and charcoal, respectively. The emitted CO2 ranged between 2 ± 0.212 and 129 ± 1.41 g/MJ delivered for biofuels and charcoal, respectively. The PM2.5 emissions from biofuels and charcoal were 507.5 ± 61.5 and 256.50 ± 13.44 mg/MJ delivered, respectively. The specific fuel consumption varied between 4.16 ± 0.056 and 1.35 ± 0.120 kg/L for biofuels and charcoal, respectively. The Bravais-Pearson statistical tests revealed a strong correlation between pollutant emissions and certain fuel properties. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed a significance in the data, with a p-value of 0.05. The results obtained provide scientific evidence to support the promotion of biofuels for cleaner, affordable, and sustainable energy from sawdust, aiming to reduce deforestation.

Graphical Abstract
Scientific Definitions and Measurements of Second-Growth, Mature, and Old-Growth Forests
Authors: Frye Ethan A. , Copenheaver Carolyn A. , Gallagher Ann M. , Wiseman P. Eric
Published: January 2025

We examined US scientists’ (1) use of second-growth, mature, and old-growth forest in scientific publication titles, (2) definitions of second-growth, mature, and old-growth forest, and (3) sampling methods in second-growth, mature, and old-growth forest. “Second-growth forest” (55 titles) and “mature forest” (40) experienced the most frequent use in the 2010s. “Old-growth forest” (247) had the most use in the 1990s. Definitions of second-growth forest originated from successional theory and were consistent across scientists. Definitions of mature forest lacked consensus. Definitions of old-growth forest increased in complexity as scientists integrated biological, social, and political factors. Soil was the most frequent abiotic factor measured in mature and old-growth forests. In second-growth forests it was dead organic matter. Trees were the most common life form measured in all forests. The results show that researchers would benefit from a clearer differentiation between second-growth and mature forest and a formal definition for mature forest.
Twenty-Two-Year Study of the Spread and Impact of Hemlock Woody Adelgid and Elongate Hemlock Scale in Southwest Virginia
Authors: McAvoy Thomas J. , Mays Ryan , Salem Mohamed , Chamberlin Lori , Rhea Rusty , Asaro Christopher , Salom Scott M.
Published: January 2025

This 22-year study examined the impact and dispersal of the hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) and the elongate hemlock scale at 67 sites in southwest Virginia. A hemlock stand health index was based on percent foliage density, live crown ratio, live branches, live tips, new foliage, and live trees at each site. At the beginning of the study, hemlock health at all sites was good. After 22 years hemlock health had declined to a poor condition and mortality averaged 30%. Differences in health decline were found among the three physiographic mountain regions. Analysis of the variables measured indicated that hemlock stand health decline was positively correlated with the percentage of branches infested with HWA, hemlock diameter at breast height (dbh), and total tree basal area per hectare and negatively correlated with latitude. Crown density, the inverse of Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) canopy foliage transparency could be used as a standalone hemlock health measurement.
Loblolly pine growth and competition response to varied chemical site preparation and release treatments 14 years after establishment in the Piedmont of Virginia
Authors: Byers Alexander , Carter David R. , Cook Rachel L. , Strahm Brian , Creighton Jerre
Published: January 2025

We examined the 14-year effects of experimentally varied chemical site preparation and release treatments in a Pinus taeda L. plantation in Dillwyn, Virginia, US. The study examined the effects of timing (July, September, or October) for imazapyr site preparation, with or without the addition of sulfometuron methyl (SFM), year-one release from herbaceous weeds using SFM plus imazapyr, and year-two release treatment using imazapyr at a rate to control hardwoods. Chemical site preparation treatment applications exhibited a reduction in competition basal area ha-1 and an increase in pine volume compared to the check, however, application timing was the most influential factor in determining the effectiveness of the treatments. September 3rd and October 1st applications averaged less competing vegetation basal area than the year-two release and the check plots. At age 14-years, competing vegetation reduced individual pine tree volumes by 5.6% for every one m2 of competing vegetation basal area.
Risk Factors for Hydrocephalus After Decompressive Craniectomy
Authors: Knorovsky Kamil , Katuch Vladimir , Banoci Jan , Grega Rastislav , Magocova Veronika , Sabo Vladimir , Orlicky Michal , Gajdos Miroslav , Kolarcik Peter
Published: January 2025

Background

Decompressive craniectomy is a life-saving neurosurgical procedure that is performed to interrupt the pathophysiological processes associated with intracranial hypertension. This retrospective study aims to identify risk factors related to the development of hydrocephalus after decompressive craniectomy.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the data of 184 patients who underwent decompressive craniectomy between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2022. The analysis included various risk factors, including initial diagnostic parameters, technical aspects of the operation, and postoperative complications.

Results

From the analysis, we found that the incidence of subdural hygroma, blood contamination of the ventricular system, and postoperative infectious complications are associated with an increased risk of developing hydrocephalus. At the same time, we found that some technical parameters of the operation, such as the size of the decompressive craniectomy, do not significantly affect the development of hydrocephalus.

Conclusions

Identification of risk factors associated with the development of hydrocephalus after decompressive craniectomy helps intensively monitor such patients. The result is a reduction in the incidence of hydrocephalus and better management of its eventual occurrence.
Could Urinary Amino Acids be as New Biomarkers for Detection of Sarcopenia?
Authors: Sivritepe Rıdvan , Basat Sema Uçak , Gökmen Neslihan , Duygu Aydın , Siyer Özge Kıran , Tiril Serhat Mert
Published: January 2025

Background

Sarcopenia is a syndrome that cause falls, fractures, and morbidity in geriatric patients. Early diagnosis of sarcopenia is important as it is known that muscle functions can improve with early intervention. We aimed to investigate whether urinary amino acid levels could serve as biomarkers of sarcopenia.

Methods

The study included ninety-one patients aged 45–65 who visited to our outpatient clinic. The patients underwent physical examinations, blood tests and sixteen distinct urinary amino acid levels were analyzed. Anthropometric measurements were performed. Physical performances were evaluated. Muscle strengths were measured. Muscle masses were analyzed. Patients were divided into 4 groups: pre-sarcopenic, sarcopenic, severe sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic. Statistical significance level was determined as p < 0.05.

Results

A total of ninety-one patients, 53 females and 38 males, were included in the study. Three patients had pre-sarcopenia, eleven had sarcopenia, and two met the criteria for severe sarcopenia, while seventy-five patients were non sarcopenic. A significant difference was found between the sarcopenia and non-sarcopenia groups in terms of glutamine and valine levels (p < 0.001 for both). In the ROC analysis, the cut-off value of glutamine and valine levels in detecting sarcopenia was determined as 492 µmol/L and 209 µmol/L (AUC: 0.875 and 0.968). Correlation analysis revealed a negative relationship between urinary leucine levels and both muscle strength and muscle mass

Conclusions

We found that patients with sarcopenia had high urinary glutamine and valine levels and that urinary leucine levels were associated with both muscle strength and muscle mass.
Institutionalising Multispecies Justice
Authors: Celermajer Danielle , Burke Anthony , Fishel Stefanie , Fitz-Henry Erin , Rogers Nicole , Schlosberg David , Winter Christine
Published: January 2025

Multispecies Justice (MSJ) is a theory and practice seeking to correct the defects making dominant theories of justice incapable of responding to current and emerging planetary disruptions and extinctions. Multispecies Justice starts with the assumption that justice is not limited to humans but includes all Earth others, and the relationships that enable their functioning and flourishing. This Element describes and imagines a set of institutions, across all scales and in different spheres, that respect, revere, and care for the relationships that make life on Earth possible and allow all natural entities, humans included, to flourish. It draws attention to the prefigurative work happening within societies otherwise dominated by institutions characterised by Multispecies Injustice, demonstrating historical and ongoing practices of MSJ in different contexts. It then sketches speculative possibilities that expand on existing institutional reforms and are more fundamentally transformational. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.
Populism and Fascism
Authors: de la Torre Carlos
Published: January 2025

The elections of Donald Trump and Jair Bolsonaro, as well as the strengthening of the radical right globally, brought back debates of the similarities and differences between populism and fascism. This volume argues that fascism and populism are similar in so far that they constructed the people as one; understood leadership as embodiment; and performed politics of the extraordinary. They are different because there is a consensus that fascism occurred at a particular historical moment, and what came after was postfascism. There is not such an agreement to restrict populism to a historical moment. These isms also differ in the use of violence to deal with enemies, and on how they constructed their legitimacy using elections or abolishing democracy. Whereas fascism destroyed democracy and replaced elections with plebiscitary acclamation, populists promise to give power back to the people. Yet when in power the logic of populism leads to democratic erosion.
SINFONIA AND BERIO'S PIONEERING POETICS
Authors: Crayton Stephane
Published: January 2025

Luciano Berio's name appears once in the 1,134-page Oxford Handbook of Western Music and Philosophy (2021), yet his poetics sits among the most profound and expansive of the twentieth century. By the mid-1960s Berio was writing lucidly about tensions between synchronic and diachronic meaning. Such works as Sinfonia, the Sequenze and the electroacoustic output are radical applications of these ideas, yet they have been claimed by the proponents of the very structures they challenge and their meanings effectively reduced, notwithstanding Berio's insistence and clarity across his substantial writings. This article characterises Berio's work according to his poetics, demonstrating the ways in which Sinfonia actively stages the mechanisms of musical meaning, before situating Berio's writing in a context of contemporary theories of meaning. Particular comparison is made to the work of Harold Bloom, whose words transformed poetic discourse in the 1970s.
Impact of Victoria Mode on Late‐Season Tropical Cyclone Genesis Over the Western North Pacific
Authors: Dai Yifei , Wang Bin , Wei Na , Song Jinjie , Duan Yihong
Published: January 2025

The Victoria Mode (VM) plays a vital role in shaping Pacific Sea Surface Temperature (SST) variability. However, its impact on late‐season tropical cyclone genesis (TCG) over the western North Pacific (WNP) remains underexplored. This study investigated the influence of VM on WNP TCG from 1965 to 2020. Significant relationships emerge in interannual (6 year) and decadal (11 year) timescales. On the interannual timescale, VM correlates positively with TCG west of 145°E and negatively to the east. On the decadal timescale, the negative relationship spans the entire WNP. Victoria Mode directly modulates vertical motion and induces low‐latitude anticyclonic circulation across the low‐latitude North Pacific by altering surface wind convergence and diabatic heating. This, in turn, shapes environmental conditions, affecting TCG. Dynamic factors are more important in WNP TCG changes than thermodynamic factors. Critical environmental conditions in VM's impact on TCG include four dynamic factors: relative vorticity, vertical velocity, meridional gradient of zonal wind, and vertical shear of zonal winds. Vertical shear of zonal winds is particularly influential. Distinct correlation patterns and mechanisms are diagnosed between different timescales, attributed to anomalous SST observed over the WNP on the interannual timescale but not on the decadal timescale. Furthermore, this study illustrates the complexity of region‐ and time‐dependent relationships between environmental conditions and TCG. Such dependencies pose challenges for conventional genesis potential index models in accurately capturing the spatial characteristics of the VM‐TCG relationship. Overall, our findings uncover VM's substantial influence on WNP TCG, enhancing understanding of key environmental conditions and mechanisms driving interannual and decadal TCG variations.
Estimation of Fire Counts and Fire Radiative Power Using Satellite Optical and Microwave Vegetation Indices With Random Forest Method
Authors: Duan Jiawei , Hu Jiheng , Fu Yuyun , Liu Qingyang , Li Rui , Wang Yipu
Published: January 2025

The satellite microwave emissivity difference vegetation index (EDVI) has been used in previous studies to estimate FCs and FRP using traditional multivariate linear regression models. However, the nonlinear effects and contributions of numerous factors that affect forest fires cannot be disentangled by this model. Using the random forest (RF) model, this study utilized multiple EDVIs and the optical normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) as key fuel properties to resolve the physical driving mechanisms of forest fires and to estimate the daily FCs and FRP over East Asia. The results showed that the estimated FCs and FRP were in good agreement with satellite observations, with a spatial R of 0.59 for FCs and 0.63 for FRP and a temporal R of 0.80 for FCs and 0.81 for FRP. The integration of EDVIs and NDVI into the RF model was found to improve model performance and generate overall lower systematic errors than the model without vegetation variables. Model performance was better than that in previous studies using multivariate linear regression models. In addition, EDVIs showed greater importance than NDVI. This was largely due to their daily temporal resolution that allowed EDVIs to capture forest fire dynamics in time. The combination of the RF model with satellite microwave and optical observations shows good performance and has great potential for FC and FRP estimations in global fire danger assessment.