bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A murine model of acute and prolonged abdominal sepsis, supported by intensive care, reveals time-dependent metabolic alterations in the heart
Authors: Jacobs Bart , Derese Inge , Derde Sarah , Vander Perre Sarah , Pauwels Lies , Van den Berghe Greet , Gunst Jan , Langouche Lies
Published: January 2025

Background

Sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy (SICM) often occurs in the acute phase of sepsis and is associated with increased mortality due to cardiac dysfunction. The pathogenesis remains poorly understood, and no specific treatments are available. Although SICM is considered reversible, emerging evidence suggests potential long-term sequelae. We hypothesized that metabolic and inflammatory cardiac changes, previously observed in acute sepsis as potential drivers of SICM, partially persist in prolonged sepsis.

Methods

In 24-week-old C57BL/6J mice, sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture, followed by intravenous fluid resuscitation, subcutaneous analgesics and antibiotics, and, in the prolonged phase, by parenteral nutrition. Mice were killed after 5 days of sepsis (prolonged sepsis, n = 15). For comparison, we included acutely septic mice killed at 30 h (acute sepsis, n = 15) and healthy controls animals (HC, n = 15). Cardiac tissue was collected for assessment of inflammatory and metabolic markers through gene expression, metabolomic analysis and histological assessment.

Results

In prolonged sepsis, cardiac expression of IL-1β and IL-6 and macrophage infiltration remained upregulated (p ≤ 0.05). In contrast, tissue levels of Krebs cycle intermediates and adenosine phosphates were normal, whereas NADPH levels were low in prolonged sepsis (p ≤ 0.05). Gene expression of fatty acid transporters and of the glucose transporter Slc2a1 was upregulated in prolonged sepsis (p ≤ 0.01). Lipid staining and glycogen content were elevated in prolonged sepsis together with increased gene expression of enzymes responsible for lipogenesis and glycogen synthesis (p ≤ 0.05). Intermediate glycolytic metabolites (hexose-phosphates, GADP, DHAP) were elevated (p ≤ 0.05), but gene expression of several enzymes for glycolysis and mitochondrial oxidation of pyruvate, fatty-acyl-CoA and ketone bodies to acetyl-CoA were suppressed in prolonged sepsis (p ≤ 0.05). Key metabolic transcription factors PPARα and PGC-1α were downregulated in acute, but upregulated in prolonged, sepsis (p ≤ 0.05 for both). Ketone body concentrations were normal but ketolytic enzymes remained suppressed (p ≤ 0.05). Amino acid metabolism showed mild, mixed changes.

Conclusions

Our results suggest myocardial lipid and glycogen accumulation and suppressed mitochondrial oxidation, with a functionally intact Krebs cycle, in the prolonged phase of sepsis, together with ongoing myocardial inflammation. Whether these alterations have functional consequences and predispose to long-term sequelae of SICM needs further research.
Cell-free supernatants from plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria Bacillus albus strains control Aspergillus flavus disease in peanut and maize seedlings
Authors: Trinh Lai Loi , Le Kim Ngoc , Le Lam Hoang Anh , Nguyen Hoai Huong
Published: January 2025

Background

Aspergillus flavus, a seed-borne fungal pathogen, colonizes host plants and exploits nutrients, hindering the growth of seedlings such as peanut and maize. This study investigates the effectiveness of cell-free supernatants (CFSs) from the plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) Bacillus albus strains NNK24 and NDP61, which belong to the Bacillus cereus group, in suppressing A. flavus AF1.

Results

The antifungal activity of these CFSs was attributed to their surfactant properties and chemical composition. These were characterized using rapid chemical assays and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-quadrupole time-of-flight/mass spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI-QTOF/MS), combined with bioinformatic tools such as Global Natural Product Social Molecular Networking (GNPS) and Natural Products Atlas (NPAtlas). Identified putative antifungal compounds included two diketopiperazines (cyclo(Pro-Leu) and cyclo(2-hydroxy-Pro-Leu)), four macrolactins (7-O-succinyl macrolactin A, 7-O-methyl-5′-hydroxy-3′-heptenoate-macrolactin, macrolactin B, and macrolactin C), two siderophores (petrobactin and bacillibactin), and three cyclic lipopeptides (kurstakin 1, 2 or 3, and 4). These compounds are hypothesized to act synergistically via multiple mechanisms, including disruption of fungal membranes, iron capture, direct antibiosis, and triggering plant immunity. Both CFSs strongly suppressed the harmful effects of A. flavus AF1 and seed-borne A. flavus on peanut and maize seedlings, reducing disease incidence (DI) and disease severity index (DSI) compared to controls. The disease control efficacy (DCE) of the CFSs was comparable to that of the commercial fungicide. Additionally, the CFSs enhanced seed germination, vigor, seedling length, and weight in both peanut and maize. Vigor index (VI) values increased by 222.4–286.0% in peanuts and 181.7–216.4% in maize at 7 days after treatment (DAT).

Conclusion

CFSs of B. albus NNK24 and NDP61 show significant potential as bioprotective agents for sustainable agriculture. Importantly, their use eliminates the need for live bacterial cells from the B. cereus group, addressing biosafety concerns.

Graphical abstract
Examining the effects of school–vacation transitions on depression and anxiety in adolescents: network analysis
Authors: Ju Yumeng , Yang Yumeng , Yuan Rui , Chen Yafei , Liu Junwu , Ou Wenwen , Li Yunjing , Yang Siqi , Lu Yimei , Li Liang , Huang Mei , Ma Mohan , Lv Guanyi , Zhao Xiaotian , Qing Yaqi , Liu Jin , Zhang Yan
Published: January 2025

Background

The school–vacation cycle may have impacts on the psychological states of adolescents. However, little evidence illustrates how transition from school to vacation impacts students’ psychological states (e.g. depression and anxiety).

Aims

To explore the changing patterns of depression and anxiety symptoms among adolescent students within a school–vacation transition and to provide insights for prevention or intervention targets.

Method

Social demographic data and depression and anxiety symptoms were measured from 1380 adolescent students during the school year (age: 13.8 ± 0.88) and 1100 students during the summer vacation (age: 14.2 ± 0.93) in China. Multilevel mixed-effect models were used to examine the changes in depression and anxiety levels and the associated influencing factors. Network analysis was used to explore the symptom network structures of depression and anxiety during school and vacation.

Results

Depression and anxiety symptoms significantly decreased during the vacation compared to the school period. Being female, higher age and with lower mother's educational level were identified as longitudinal risk factors. Interaction effects were found between group (school versus vacation) and the father's educational level as well as grade. Network analyses demonstrated that the anxiety symptoms, including ‘Nervous’, ‘Control worry’ and ‘Relax’ were the most central symptoms at both times. Psychomotor disturbance, including ‘Restless’, ‘Nervous’ and ‘Motor’, bridged depression and anxiety symptoms. The central and bridge symptoms showed variation across the school vacation.

Conclusions

The school–vacation transition had an impact on students’ depression and anxiety symptoms. Prevention and intervention strategies for adolescents’ depression and anxiety during school and vacation periods should be differentially developed.
Nutritional stress in larvae induces adaptive responses that transcend generations in males of a model insect
Authors: Davies Lucy Rebecca , Kristensen Torsten N. , Sørensen Jesper G. , Loeschcke Volker , Schou Mads F.
Published: January 2025

The ability of organisms to cope with poor quality nutrition is essential for their persistence. For species with a short generation time, the nutritional environments can transcend generations, making it beneficial for adults to prime their offspring to particular diets. However, our understanding of adaptive generational responses, including those to diet quality, are still very limited. Here, we used the vinegar fly, Drosophila melanogaster, to investigate whether females developing as larvae on a nutritionally poor diet produce offspring that are primed for nutrient deficiencies in the following generations. We found that females developed on low-quality diets produced offspring that, on similarly low-quality diets, had both increased egg-to-adult viability and starvation tolerance compared with offspring of females experiencing a nutrient-rich diet. When testing the persistence of such generational priming, we found that just one generation of high-quality diet is sufficient to erase the signal of priming. A global transcriptomic profile analysis on male offspring suggests that the observed phenotypic priming is not a constitutive transcriptomic adjustment of adults; instead, offspring are probably primed as larvae, enabling them to initiate an adaptive response as adults when exposed to low-quality diets. Our results support that generational priming is an important adaptive mechanism that enables organisms to cope with transient nutritional fluctuations.
Short-Term Warm-Water Immersion for Improving Whole-Body Heat Loss in Older Men
Authors: Janetos Kristina-Marie T. , O’Connor Fergus K. , Meade Robert D. , Richards Brodie J. , Koetje Nick J. , Kirby Nathalie V. , McCormick James J. , Flouris Andreas D. , Kenny Glen P.
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Exercise-induced heat acclimation can mitigate age-related reductions in heat-loss capacity, though performing repeated bouts of strenuous exercise in the heat may be untenable for many older adults. While short-term passive heat acclimation (e.g., ≤7 days of warm-water immersion) enhances whole-body heat loss in young adults, evidence of its efficacy in older adults is lacking. Thus, we examined whether 7-days warm-water immersion would improve whole-body heat loss in older adults.

Methods

Twelve habitually active older men (median [IQR] age: 68 [64-73] years; peak oxygen uptake (V̇O2peak): 34.1 [29.4-36.1] mLO2·kg-1·min-1) completed 7 consecutive days of ~90-minutes warm-water immersion (~40 °C) with core (rectal) temperature clamped at ~38.5 °C for the final 60 minutes. Before and after the warm-water immersion intervention, whole-body total (evaporative + dry) heat loss was measured via direct calorimetry during three, 30-minute bouts of cycling at increasing fixed rates of metabolic heat production (150, 200, 250 W·m-2), each separated by 15-minutes rest, in a hot-dry environment (40 °C, ~13% relative humidity). Rectal temperature and heart rate were measured continuously.

Results

Following 7 days of warm-water immersion, whole-body total heat loss was elevated by 23 [95% confidence interval: 14, 31] W·m-2 across exercise bouts (acclimation-effect: P < 0.001; interaction: P = 0.598). This was paralleled by reductions in core temperature and heart rate of 0.3 [0.2, 0.4] °C and 11 [8, 14] beats·min-1 (both, acclimation-effect: P < 0.001; interaction: P = 0.288), respectively.

Conclusions

Seven consecutive days of warm-water immersion improved whole-body heat loss and reduced core temperature and cardiovascular strain across light-to-vigorous intensity exercise in habitually active older men. Passive heat acclimation may be an efficacious alternative to exercise-heat acclimation to improve heat-loss capacity. Studies are warranted to assess effectiveness in more heat-vulnerable populations.
Η παιδαγωγική αξιοποίηση του ντοκιμαντέρ «Στα χνάρια του Θεόδωρου Κολοκοτρώνη» στο μάθημα της Ιστορίας
Authors: Σοφός Αλιβίζος (Λοΐζος) , Ρέτση Σπυριδούλα , Πολυχρονοπούλου Μαρίνα , Τσούρα Μαρία
Published: January 2025

Ο στόχος του παρόντος άρθρου είναι να διερευνηθεί η αξιοποίηση του ιστορικού ντοκιμαντέρ στη διδασκαλία της ιστορίας. Τα ντοκιμαντέρ με θέμα την ζωή και τη δράση ιστορικών προσώπων, αποτελούν ένα πρωτοποριακό εκπαιδευτικό εργαλείο που συμβάλλουν ουσιαστικά στη διδασκαλία της ιστορίας, βελτιώνοντας σημαντικά όχι μόνο τις ιστορικές γνώσεις των μαθητών/τριών αλλά και τη στάση τους απέναντι στο μάθημα της ιστορίας. Με τη χρήση σύγχρονων τεχνολογιών και μιας μαθητοκεντρικής προσέγγισης, το ντοκιμαντέρ προσφέρει στους/στις μαθητές/τριες μια μοναδική ευκαιρία να εμβαθύνουν στην οπτικοποίηση και κατανόηση δυσνόητων και μακρινών ιστορικών γεγονότων. Το ντοκιμαντέρ «Στα χνάρια του Θεόδωρου Κολοκοτρώνη», τοποθετεί τον θεατή στα ίχνη του μεγάλου στρατηγού, επιχειρεί να τον μυήσει σε μια συναρπαστική περιήγηση στη ζωή και το έργο του. Το βίντεο προσφέρει στους/στις μαθητές/τριες μια ζωντανή εικόνα των σημαντικότερων σταδίων της ζωής του Κολοκοτρώνη, από την παιδική του ηλικία μέχρι τον θάνατό του, μέσα από την οπτικοακουστική αφήγηση, η οποία είναι προσαρμοσμένη στις ανάγκες τους. Ακόμα, το ντοκιμαντέρ δίνει έμφαση στον τόπο και τον χρόνο, επιτρέποντας στους/στις μαθητές/τριες να κατανοήσουν καλύτερα το ιστορικό πλαίσιο μέσα στο οποίο εξελίχθηκαν τα γεγονότα, να προσελκύσει το ενδιαφέρον τους για την ιστορία, να τους/τις παρακινήσει να διερευνήσουν περαιτέρω το θέμα  και να αλλάξουν στάση απέναντι στο μάθημα.
Η μυθοπλαστική ταινία μικρού μήκους "Είμαι Εδώ για Σένα" ως εκπαιδευτικό εργαλείο ευαισθητοποίησης και εκπαίδευσης
Authors: Καϊδαντζή Παναγιώτα , Δημητρακοπούλου Χαρίκλεια , Σοφός Αλιβίζος (Λοΐζος)
Published: January 2025

Σκοπός του παρόντος άρθρου είναι να θίξουμε ένα ευαίσθητο κοινωνικό ζήτημα, το θέμα της υιοθεσίας παιδιών με αναπηρία, και συγκεκριμένα παιδιών με κώφωση, ώστε να ευαισθητοποιήσουμε και να εκπαιδεύσουμε το κοινό, μαθητές και μαθήτριες, με τέτοια θέματα στα σχολεία. Η μυθοπλαστική ταινία «Είμαι εδώ για σένα» δημιουργήθηκε στα πλαίσια του μαθήματος «Ανάπτυξη Ψηφιακού οπτικοακουστικού υλικού» στο Δ.Π.Μ.Σ. «Εκπαιδευτικός Σχεδιασμός Διαδικτυακής (Online) Εκπαίδευσης». Η ταινία αυτή σε συνδυασμό με τις προτεινόμενες δραστηριότητες αποτελεί ένα εργαλείο εκπαίδευσης για την αναπηρία και την υιοθεσία και μια προσπάθεια ώστε να αναδείξουμε πως ο σεβασμός και η αλληλοκατανόηση είναι το κλειδί για να ξεπεραστούν οι όποιες προκαταλήψεις μπορεί να έχουμε απέναντι στην υιοθεσία παιδιών με κώφωση και πως η αποδοχή τους μπορεί να μετατραπεί σε μια γέφυρα επικοινωνίας και αγάπης, παρά τις δυσκολίες και τις προκλήσεις που βιώνουν οι οικογένειες που αποφασίζουν να υιοθετήσουν αυτά τα παιδιά.
Effectiveness of the Board of Directors and Company Performance: Evidence from Russia
Authors: Brande M. , Tishkina N.
Published: January 2025

This paper investigates the effect of gender and national diversity of the board of directors on financial results of the company. To measure gender diversity, the study utilizes simple share of women in the board, Blau index, and binary variables that represent certain number of women in the board. To measure national diversity, simple share of national minorities in the board is used in calculations. The study focuses on quantitative estimation of the effects using quantile regression as the main statistical tool of the research, which allows to measure the effect on different levels of distribution of the dependent variable. Tobin’s Q, return on assets and price-to-earnings ratio are used as dependent variables. The sample consists of 405 observations for 94 companies during the time period from 2016 to 2020. The analysis suggests that there is a statistically significant relationship between firm results and diversity of the board on different level of initial performance. Both independent variables gender and national diversity — illustrated a positive relationship with the results of those companies that performed worse than their competitors. Results presented by this paper uncover new aspects of the relationship between implied measures of diversity of the board and firm performance of domestic companies. The findings of the paper may be useful for the optimization of corporate governance practices and policies created by regulators.
Szaty liturgiczne księży zmartwychwstańców w pierwszym stuleciu istnienia zgromadzenia
Authors: Kowalska Joanna Regina
Published: January 2025

The set of historic liturgical vestments of the Congregation of the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ includes several dozen chasubles, dalmatics, copes and smaller paraments (c. 1850-1938). The oldest ones come from professional embroidery workshops and are decorated in historical styles: baroque, regency and gothic. Noteworthy is a chasuble made of kontush sashes, which was associated with Aleksander Jełowicki CR and the celebration of the 300th anniversary of the Union of Lublin, organised in exile in Paris. Also interesting are Art Nouveau chasubles, decorated with machine chain embroidery, and vestments referring to the tradition of baroque shaded embroidery. Particularly interesting is the set of objects from the 1930s, consisting of three chasubles with early Christian symbols and the banner of the Lviv Association of Choirboys. For the first time, the most interesting artifacts from the collection of several dozen garments were subjected to stylistic and technological analysis.
Organizacja i członkowie Soboru Ruskiego (1848 r.)
Authors: Mudryj Marian
Published: January 2025

ORGANIZATION AND MEMBERS OF THE RUTHENIAN SOBOR (1848)
Active participants in the revolutionary events of 1848 in Galicia were individuals who in various ways combined two identities – Ruthenian (Ukrainian) and Polish. This environment entered historiography as the “Ruthenians of the Polish nation” (gente Rutheni, natione Poloni). The only case in Galicia when the split national consciousness of gente – natione manifested itself in the form of a group rather than an individual reaction to political and social changes was the Ruthenian Sobor. This national political association, which existed from May to October 1848, tried to find a position between the Polish Central People’s Council and the Supreme Ruthenian Council (Holovna Ruska Rada). The article highlights the organizational structure and characterizes the personal composition of the Ruthenian Sobor. It is claimed that the Ruthenian Sobor had not become a fullfledged national-political organization – with a developed structure, governing bodies, and fixed membership – in terms of its organisation. It temporarily united several different circles, whose representatives declared their involvement in “Ruthenianness”. However, by the autumn of 1848, the number of members of the Ruthenian Sobor not only did not exceed the first 64 people, but had also decreased significantly. Therefore, the Ruthenian Sobor did not develop extensive independent activity. Among the members of the Ruthenian Sobor, two groups can be distinguished – those who emphasized the Polish identity, and those who considered the main value of the Ruthenian foundation and saw prospects for its development in the common Polish-Ruthenian political tradition. Representatives of the “Polish” segment – landowners, officials, writers – prevailed quantitatively. The “Ruthenianess” (although not always real) that they “remembered” was in fact an intuitive effort, in the conditions of revolutionary uncertainty, to achieve relative stability of Galician society. In general, the “Ruthenians” were a small group in the Ruthenian Sobor. They broke with the Supreme Ruthenian Council, which they considered too pro-Austrian and undemocratic, and sought to develop a Ruthenian-Ukrainian national consciousness based on Polish organizational and ideological models. However, the Ruthenian Sobor failed to consolidate the mixture of pro-Polish sentiments among the Galician Ruthenians. Many of them, primarily Greek Catholic priests, did not dare to openly oppose the Supreme Ruthenian Council. The unclear organizational structure and the diverse personal composition of the Ruthenian Sobor, combined with a very shaky formula of a two-tiered national identity, led to the rapid disintegration of the association.
Co-infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and human coronavirus HKU1 (HCoV-HKU1)
Authors: Madaras Laszlo , Anvari Radean , Schuchardt-Peet Claudia , Hoskote Abhinav , Kashyap Rahul
Published: January 2025

Introduction: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and human coronavirus HKU1 (HCoV-HKU1) are two forms of human coronaviruses known to cause respiratory tract symptoms. A co-infection with both viruses is rare, particularly in the United States. Case description: An 85-year-old male presented to the Emergency Department with recurrent falls, diarrhoea and cough, and whose viral panel was positive for both SARS-COV-2 and HCoV-HKU1. The patient developed bacterial pneumonia and was treated with antibacterial agents and glucocorticoids. His past medical history of atrial fibrillation required careful monitoring and subsequent discontinuation of remdesivir, a medication known to cause adverse cardiovascular effects in COVID-19 patients. The length of stay was also prolonged due to delirium and deconditioning. Ultimately, the patient required an urgent ablation followed by the placement of a permanent pacemaker, and anticoagulation therapy was initiated before discharge. The patient had a favourable outcome given the rarity of this case. Discussion: COVID-19 patients co-infected with other human coronaviruses should be monitored for disease progression and superimposed bacterial infections. Providers should be cautious with the use of remdesivir in cases of co-infection and in severely ill COVID-19 patients who have a history of atrial fibrillation.
Multilingual, Decolonial, Public Environmental Humanities Work in The United States: Thinking with Iberian, Latin American, and Latinx Scholarship
Authors: Barbas-Rhoden Laura
Published: January 2025

Abstract: This contribution discusses how theory and praxis from Iberian, Latin American, and Latinx humanities may further public environmental humanities work in the United States, and why, in the context of anthropogenic environmental degradation, such engagement matters. In making the case for public environmental humanities informed by thinkers, traditions, and social movements, the essay attends to insights emergent from Iberian, Latin American, and Latinx contexts; signals their points of connection with scholarship from other linguistic and cultural settings; and highlights heterogeneous forms that public environmental humanities endeavors may take, and do take, in diverse regional contexts in the United States.
(Com)Promised Lands, Agriculture as Sin
Authors: Rivera-Barnes Beatriz
Published: January 2025

Abstract: For the philosopher Timothy Morton, the origin of religion has been narrated as the beginning of agricultural time, an origin in sin. Before the fall, there was no scarcity in the garden. Cursed was the ground as punishment for original sin, and there was no possibility of return: Cherubims and a flaming sword which turned every way were placed at the east of Eden (Gen. 3.24). Such a curse would instill a fear of barren land, of famine, of futile labor. The solution would eventually become monocropping and industrial farming that threaten to cause mass extinction. But how can industrial agriculture fail to produce more food? How can the solution be the new problem? These reflections and questions will explore (com)promised lands in two Latin American novels now lost to the canon —Ramón Amaya Amador's Prisión verde (1945), and Ernesto L. Castro's Campo arado (1953)—, as well as in the classic and very canonical Doña Bárbara (1929) by Romulo Gallegos, and in an Iberian television series, Mar de plástico (2015-2016) that also calls attention to toxic, lawless farming. The intention is not so much to provide answers here for the open questions, but rather to think through the knots, the tangles, the interactions. This paper is an effort to go beyond dualistic representational systems such as farmer-herder, Cain-Abel, nature-culture, industrial-organic, lawless-law-abiding, heedful-unwary, carnivore-vegetarian.
Design of a long-focus unobscured reflective system for CubeSats based on freeform surfaces without planar symmetry and optical-digital joint optimization
Authors: Chen Junming , Mao Boyu , Mao Xianglong
Published: January 2025

CubeSats are becoming increasingly popular in scientific missions due to lower costs, but installing a long-focus unobscured reflective optical system within such a small volume is not easy. This paper proposes two methods to increase the focal length of optical systems in cube satellites. One method breaks the planar symmetry of the traditional off-axis three-mirror system, modifying the system structure to be off-axis in two directions, and simultaneously uses a fifth-order XY polynomial freeform surface to correct the higher-order aberrations caused by the off-axis configuration. The other method utilizes convolutional neural networks to restore blurry images generated by high-specification, low-quality systems, while performing optical-digital joint optimization to improve system performance without sacrificing the output image quality. Design examples validate the feasibility of the proposed methods.
A Novel Computational Microscopy Technique for Luminescence Lifetime Imaging
Authors: Singh Lakhvir , Yeh Melody , Hu Linghao , Ko Brian , McShane Mike , Walsh Alex
Published: January 2025

Luminescence lifetime imaging reports information about the local environment of luminescent molecules. Traditional systems for luminescence lifetime imaging typically rely on ultrafast detectors and electronics. While these systems offer high temporal resolution,
their high cost and complexity limit widespread applicability. To address this gap, a novel optical system, MAX-alif (Modular Analysis and eXtraction system for Affordable Lifetime Imaging of Fluorescence signals), was developed to provide a high speed, low-cost and
scalable solution for luminescence lifetime imaging. In MAX-alif, excitation light with a sinusoidal intensity modulation is combined with path-length difference analysis and machine learning regression to compute luminescence lifetimes. An acousto-optic modulator (AOM)
within the detection path provides a second modulation layer to transfer the phase difference between the excitation and emission light into low-frequency intensity differences that a standard camera can capture. Both simulation and experimental trials were performed to generate and validate models for the calibration and extraction of lifetime values from
intensity datasets. MAX-alif images of phosphorescent and fluorescent samples achieved mean and median lifetime values within 5% of the reference lifetime values.
Private, non-profit, and plantation: Oil palm smallholders in management-assistance programs vary in socio-demographics, attitudes, and management practices
Authors: Reiss-Woolever Valentine J. , Wakhid Wakhid , Ikhsan Muhammad , Caliman Jean-Pierre , Naim Muhammad , Azmi Elfina N. , Shufiyan Sharyn , Howes John , Azmi Reza , Ying Lim Ying , Abdul Jan Siti Zulaikah , Barrock Isaac , Azhar Badrul , Drewer Julia , Ward Caroline , Jones Joshua A. , Luke Sarah H. , Turner Edgar C. , Hidayat Purnama , Buchori Damayanti
Published: January 2025

Smallholder farmers produce over 40% of global palm oil, the world’s most traded and controversial vegetable oil. Awareness of the effects of palm oil production on ecosystems and human communities has increased drastically in recent years, with ever louder calls for the private and public sector to develop programs to support sustainable cultivation by smallholder farmers. To effectively influence smallholder practices and ensure positive social outcomes, such schemes must consider the variety in perspectives of farmers and align with their priorities. We conducted social surveys on smallholder farmers in Indonesia and Malaysia with varying degrees of participation in programs that offer advice and support with plantation management (“management-assistance programs”) led by an industrial palm oil producer in Indonesia and a conservation-focused NGO in Malaysia. We surveyed farmers on their demographics, attitudes, and management decisions. Our analyses act as case studies to investigate the similarities and differences between smallholder palm oil producers involved in different schemes, allowing us to determine the alignment between the intentions of partnership programs and the current realities of smallholder plantations. The relationship between heterogeneity of social factors and management decisions and degree of program involvement differed across different groups and region: Indonesian smallholders most closely partnered with the private sector were the most varied in socio-demographics and attitudes but showed little variation in management inputs, while Malaysian smallholders most closely partnered with an NGO were the most heterogenous across all survey sections. Specifically, Indonesian farmers partnered with the private sector used less herbicide, more fertilizer, and had higher yield and total household income than farmers completely uninvolved with management assistance programs. In Malaysia, farmers partnered with an NGO also had higher yield and fertilizer application than independent farmers, however they used significantly more herbicide and had lower total household income. Our findings demonstrate the wide variety of smallholder farmers in both regions, directly opposing a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to sustainability. The wide variety of existing management practices also provides a potentially valuable natural experiment to identify high-yield, environmentally-friendly management approaches. When taken in context, our findings may inform the interventions of management-assistance programs, ensuring they are approaching the most relevant farmer groups in the most effective way.
Perceptions and practices of imaging personnel and physicians regarding the use of brain MRI for dementia diagnosis in Uganda
Authors: Nassanga Rita , Nakasujja Noeline , Kaddumukasa Mark , Jones Stephen E. , Sajatovic Martha , Kawooya Michael Grace
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Diagnosing dementia remains challenging in low-income settings due to limited diagnostic options and the absence of definitive biomarkers. The use of brain MRI in the diagnosis of dementia is infrequent in Uganda, and even when it is used, subtle findings like mild regional atrophy are often overlooked, despite being crucial for imaging diagnosis.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions and practices of imaging personnel and physicians regarding the use of brain MRI as a diagnostic approach for dementia in Uganda.

Methods

This was an exploratory qualitative study involving radiologists, technologists, senior house officers and psychiatrists. The participants were 25 in total. Data was collected through key informant interviews and focus group discussions and analyzed thematically using an inductive approach.

Results

The study revealed three key themes: Brain MRI Practices for Diagnosing Dementia, Facilitators of Appropriate MRI Use, and Barriers to Appropriate Use of Brain MRI. Sub-themes under these themes included cost considerations, poor and good MRI practices, MRI as a standard operating procedure, positive attitudes towards brain MRI, and barriers such as structural, financial, operational, technical, and patient-related issues. Participants acknowledged the high accuracy and superiority of brain MRI for diagnosing dementia and recognized it as the standard of care. However, its use in Uganda is limited due to high costs, restricted access, mechanical failures, patient claustrophobia, myths and misconceptions, and interpretation difficulties by radiologists and inappropriate protocols by technologists.

Conclusion

The study identifies barriers to effective brain MRI use for dementia diagnosis in Uganda, including limited training, high costs, and uneven equipment distribution. Despite this, providers are positive about MRI adoption. Enhancing training, awareness, and phased rollouts can improve outcomes. Future research should focus on similar low-resource settings for validation.
Passive earth pressure analysis considering hydraulic and mechanical hysteresis for unsaturated soil
Authors: Shwan Bestun J.
Published: January 2025

This paper addresses the mechanical characteristics of a passive earth pressure problem taking into account water retention curve (SWRC) hysteresis. Both hydraulic (drying and wetting cycles) and mechanical hysteresis were considered. Parametric studies were carried out at various air entry values (AEV = 5–30 kPa), different wall frictions (δ = 0, 0.33 ϕ, 0.5 ϕ, 0.67 ϕ and δ = ϕ), and unsaturated conditions (covering the zone from the fully saturated to the transition suction, 0 - ~40 kPa) using an upper bound theorem. The numerical results were compared with a passive earth pressure equation based on the limit equilibrium method. The results indicated significant influences of SWRC hysteresis and wall frictions on the passive thrust (Pp) for the modeled suction profiles. An increase of 1.31-fold in Pp was obtained when the AEV changed from 10 to 20 kPa at the water table (Hw) = -2 m. Additionally, the combined effects of AEV and δ were found to be significant. An increase of 4.14-fold in Pp at Hw = -3 m was obtained when comparing the case of AEV = 30 kPa and δ = ϕ with AEV = 5 kPa and δ = 0. Based on the parametric studies, a series of design charts of the exerted passive thrust were proposed.
Impact of low-carbon economic policies on the corporate environmental responsibility model in China
Authors: Liu Hongya , lbrahim Haslindar , Song Meijing
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the impact of low-carbon economic policies on Corporate Environmental Responsibility (CER) in Chinese A-share listed companies, with a particular focus on the role of financing constraints as a mediating factor. Despite a decrease in environmental pollution incidents in 2022, the economic and social impacts of such incidents remain significant, highlighting the need for stronger environmental governance. Building upon previous research, this study utilizes data from the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges (2010–2020) and employs a Difference-in-Differences (DID) model to assess the effects of low-carbon economic policies introduced in 2016 on CER. The findings reveal that these policies positively influence CER and that financial constraints act as a mediator. The study finds how low-carbon policies indirectly promote environmental commitments by alleviating financial barriers. The research provides valuable insights for policy formulation, advocating for intensified reforms on the financial supply side to foster a sustainable economic framework. Additionally, it underscores the importance of implementing robust low-carbon policies to elevate corporate environmental responsibility. However, the study also notes limitations related to data scope and potential external factors influencing the results. These findings contribute to the broader discourse on sustainable development, offering a blueprint for harmonizing economic growth with environmental preservation and informing future research in this area.
Classification-augmented survival estimation (CASE): A novel method for individualized long-term survival prediction with application to liver transplantation
Authors: Shourabizadeh Hamed , Aleman Dionne M. , Rousseau Louis-Martin , Zheng Katina , Bhat Mamatha
Published: January 2025

Survival analysis is critical in many fields, particularly in healthcare where it can guide medical decisions. Conventional survival analysis methods like Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards models to generate survival curves indicating probability of survival v. time have limitations, especially for long-term prediction, due to assumptions that all instances follow a general population-level survival curve. Machine learning classification models, even those designed for survival predictions like random survival forest (RSF), also struggle to provide accurate long-term predictions due to class imbalance. We improve upon traditional survival machine learning approaches through a novel framework called classification-augmented survival estimation (CASE), which treats survival as a classification task that ultimately yields survival curves, beginning with dataset augmentation to improve class imbalance for use with any classification model. Unlike other approaches, CASE additionally provides an exact survival time prediction. We demonstrate CASE on a liver transplant case study to predict >20 years survival post-transplant, finding that CASE dataset augmentation improved AUCs from 0.69 to 0.88 and F1 scores from 0.32 to 0.73. Compared to Kaplan-Meier, Cox, and RSF survival models, the CASE framework demonstrated better performance across various existing survival metrics, as well as our novel metric, mean of individual areas under the survival curve (mAUSC). Further, we develop novel temporal feature importance methods to understand how different features may vary in survival importance over time, potentially providing actionable insights in real-world survival problems.
Neural plasticity in early potters: Shape analysis and TMS-EEG co-registration trace the rise of a new motor skill
Authors: Forte Vanessa , Sartori Luisa , Visalli Antonino , Yildirim Mustafa , Galati Gaspare , Vidale Massimo , Faresin Emanuela , Vallesi Antonino
Published: January 2025

In this study, we explored the biocultural mechanisms underlying ancient craft behaviours. Archaeological methods were integrated with neuroscience techniques to explore the impact on neuroplasticity resulting from the introduction of early pottery techniques. The advent of ceramic marked a profound change in the economy and socio-cultural dynamics of past societies. It may have also played a central role in developing new craft skills that influenced the neural plasticity of the potters. Coiling, one of the most widespread neolithic techniques, requires precise hand movements and the ability to regulate finger pressure to shape the clay without deformation. In a pilot study involving intensive training in neolithic pottery, we used TMS-EEG co-registration to monitor a group of participants and we examined the shape of the artefacts they made before and after training. Our findings suggest changes in the functional properties of the primary motor cortex (M1) responsible for the control and execution of actions. We also observed an improvement in symmetry and consistency of the artefacts and a significant reduction in errors. This multidisciplinary approach sheds light on the mechanisms of material culture’s variation in the archaeological field and provides promising insights into the co-evolution of technology and human skill.
Preparation and photoelectric properties of Si:B nanowires with thermal evaporation method
Authors: Feng Yang , Liang Ping , Xia Ziwen , Yang Weiye , Peng Hongyan , Zhao Shihua
Published: January 2025

We have successfully prepared a significant number of nanowires from non-toxic silicon sources. Compared to the SiO silicon source used in most other articles, our preparation method is much safer. It provides a simple and harmless new preparation method for the preparation of silicon nanowires. SiNWs (Silicon nanowires), as a novel type of nanomaterial, exhibit many outstanding properties, including the quantum confinement effect, quantum tunneling, Coulomb blocking effect, and exceptional electrical and optical properties. The study of SiNWs is therefore highly significant. In this paper, non-toxic SiO2 powder, Si powder, and B2O3 powder were utilized as raw materials to prepare SiNWs with diameters ranging from 30–60 nm and lengths from several hundred nanometers to tens of microns. The resulting SiNWs have a uniform morphology, smooth surfaces, and are produced in considerable yield. The morphology and structure of the SiNWs were characterized using XRD, SEM, HRTEM, SAED, EDS, and Raman spectroscopy. The results indicate that the prepared SiNWs are pure, uniform, and have a polycrystalline structure. The PL (photoluminescence) spectra show a pronounced UV emission peak at 346 nm, with the optimal excitation wavelength being 234 nm. Measurements with the Keithley 2601B demonstrate that the resistivity of the SiNWs is 4.292 × 108Ω·cm. Further studies reveal that the PL properties of SiNWs are influenced by their size and surface state. These findings have significant implications for understanding the luminescent mechanism of SiNWs and their potential applications in optoelectronics and biomedicine. This paper serves as a reference for the preparation and characterization of SiNWs, highlighting their PL properties and potential use in various applications, including biomedical imaging, sensors, and optoelectronic devices.
Impact of emergency department overcrowding on the occurrence of in-hospital cardiac arrest
Authors: Jun Jin Hae , Park Chae Ryoung , Park Incheol , Lee Ji Hwan , Roh Yun Ho , Kim Min Joung
Published: January 2025

We aimed to determine whether emergency department (ED) overcrowding affects the occurrence of in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) requiring resuscitation in the ED. This retrospective study was conducted in the ED of a single hospital. We applied the propensity score-matching method to adjust for differences in clinical characteristics in patients who visited the ED during overcrowded conditions. The indicators of overcrowding were: the total number of patients, number of patients undergoing treatment, and number of boarded patients awaiting hospital admission at the time of a patient’s arrival. We defined the existence of ED overcrowding based on the 75%, 80%, and 90% thresholds of each indicator. We included 153,353 patients, and 160 cases of IHCA occurred, showing an incidence rate of 0.10%. The IHCA incidence rate increased during overcrowding, as indicated by the total number of patients and the number of boarded patients rising to 0.15% and 0.17%, respectively, at the 90% threshold (p = 0.0407 and 0.0203, respectively). The IHCA incidence rate did not increase during overcrowding based on the number of patients undergoing treatment. In the comparison conducted after propensity score matching, the incidence of IHCA was significantly higher in the overcrowding group than in the non-overcrowding group, indicated by 80% boarded patients (0.15% vs. 0.08%, p = 0.0222). The logistic regression results indicated that both the full-study and propensity score-matched cohorts showed a tendency for increased IHCA during overcrowding, as indicated by the total number of patients and number of boarded patients. The number of patients undergoing treatment did not affect the occurrence of IHCA. Although this needs to be confirmed in larger studies, we found in this study that ED overcrowding, particularly blocked access, tends to increase the incidence of IHCA requiring resuscitation in the ED. This suggests that to protect patient safety in ED overcrowding, it is essential for the entire hospital to make concerted efforts to maintain the flow of patients in the ED.
Kidney and gallbladder stones and the risk of prostate cancer: Results from the EPICAP study
Authors: Sawaya Melissa , Cordina-Duverger Emilie , Lamy Pierre-Jean , Trétarre Brigitte , Menegaux Florence
Published: January 2025

Background

Prostate cancer remains the most frequent cancer among men, representing a significant health burden. Despite its high morbidity and mortality rates, the etiology of prostate cancer remains relatively unknown, with only non-modifiable established risk factors. Chronic inflammation has emerged as a potential factor in prostate carcinogenesis. We investigated the role of kidney and gallbladder stones and the risk of prostate cancer.

Methods

We used data from EPICAP, a population-based case-control study. A total of 819 diagnosed prostate cancer cases and 879 controls were face-to-face interviewed using a standardized questionnaire that collected information on personal medical history, including history of kidney and gallbladder stones. Odds Ratios (OR) and their 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated using multivariate unconditional logistic regression.

Results

Our study revealed intriguing patterns regarding kidney and gallbladder stones in relation to prostate cancer risk. The analysis indicated significant potential associations between kidney stones and the risk of prostate cancer (OR: 1.46 95% CI: 1.13–1.90), particularly in men with a history of kidney infection. Additionally, our data suggested a possible relationship between gallbladder stones and prostate cancer when considering triglyceride (OR: 2.27, 95% CI: 0.99–5.28), although further research is needed for a conclusive understanding.

Conclusions

Our results suggest an association between calculi and the risk of prostate cancer. Findings from this study underscore the need for a more comprehensive investigation to understand the role of chronic inflammation or metabolism and delineate the mechanisms underlying these potential associations in order to guide the development of targeted preventive strategies for aggressive prostate cancer.
The EU’s in Two Minds? The Eastern Partnership and EU External Governance in the South Caucasus
Authors: Punthong Wasin
Published: January 2025

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This article examines the relationships between the three South Caucasus states, namely Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia, and the European Union (EU) with regard to the implementation of EU external governance through the Eastern Partnership (EaP) and within the context of geostrategic competition between the EU and Russia. I argue that the EU is facing momentous challenges in implementing external governance in the South Caucasus states owing to four major factors: a rival form of governance provided by Russia, a scalable asymmetry of partnership between the EU and the three South Caucasus states, the energy conundrum, and frozen conflicts in the region. Moreover, the increasing antagonism between two regional powers – the EU and Russia – shapes and reshapes the domestic political landscape in the South Caucasus, rendering the region vulnerable to external power competition. This, in turn, undermines the effectiveness of the implementation of external governance.
Editorial
Authors: Crawford Mark
Published: January 2025

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In vitro rooting development and ex vitro acclimatization for Rosa damascena Mill. plant regeneration using auxin treatments
Authors: Soumia EL MALAHI , Matike GANOUDI , Mounia ENNAMI , Houda TAIMOURYA , Mostafa LAMHAMDI , Fatima Ezzahrae EL KHAL , Mimoun MOKHTARI , Driss HMOUNI , Lalla Mina IDRISSI HASSANI
Published: January 2025

R. damascena, renowned for its aromatic essence, holds immense significance in various industries, including perfumery and cosmetics. However, its propagation presents challenges due to its recalcitrant nature. This study aimed to investigate micropropagation in vitro from single nodes as an alternative to traditional cutting methods, focusing on enhancing plant material preservation. Nodal explants were subjected to different auxin treatments (Indole-3-butyric-acid at T1:0.1, T2:0.5, and T3:1 mg/L; Indole-3-acetic-acid at T4:0.1, T5:0.5, and T6:1 mg/L; and 1-Naphthaleneacetic-acid at T7:0.5, T8:1, and T9:1.5 mg/L) to assess rooting efficiency and subsequent plant development. Results revealed a significant increase in rooting rate, with the highest rooting rate observed in the T3 treatment (97.22%) with 1 mg/L of IBA after 12 weeks of incubation. Moreover, the mortality rate varied significantly among treatments, with the highest rate observed in the control group (55.56%). The bud break rate was significantly higher in the T3 treatment compared to other treatments (100%). Correlations between morphological traits unveiled intricate relationships, highlighting the influence of auxin type and concentration on various parameters such as mortality and bud break rate. During the acclimatization process, a substrate composed of perlite, peat, and sand in a ratio of 3:1:1 (v/v/v) was utilized. The IBA-treated plants demonstrated superior growth, with an average apical growth of (2.84 cm) and a leaf area of (20.95 cm²) after 6 weeks. Our findings provide valuable insights into optimizing micropropagation techniques for R. damascena, thereby contributing to sustainable cultivation practices and meeting the increasing demand for this prized botanical resource.