bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
«Doctors must live»: a care ethics inquiry into physicians’ late modern suffering
Authors: Engen Caroline
Published: February 2025

In 2023, thousands of young Norwegian physicians joined an online movement called #legermåleve (#doctorsmustlive) and shared stories of their own mental and somatic health issues, which they considered to be caused by unacceptable working conditions. This paper discusses this case as an extreme example of physicians’ and healthcare workers’ suffering in late modern societies, using Vosman and Niemeijer’s approach of rethinking care imaginaries by a structured process of thinking along, counter-thinking and rethinking, bringing to bear suffering as a heuristic device. Thinking along, taking the physicians’ stories and arguments literally, reveals an image of an unbearable workload. Counter-thinking resituates their suffering within the broader conditions of late modernity, suggesting that the root cause may lie not in the quantity of the workload itself but in its qualities and in its perceived threat to their integrity as caregivers through epistemic and moral injury and an inability to respond to this threat. In rethinking, the ambiguity of suffering– its dual potential as both a constraint and an opening– becomes central. Following the physicians’ own interpretations and the solutions emerging from this framing, both their suffering and that of their patients could paradoxically be exacerbated by further decentering physicians and reinforcing utilitarian, data-driven approaches. However, staying with their suffering and reinterpreting its causes opens possibilities to leverage critiques of medicalization at large and of their own suffering in particular, challenging the assumption that the weight of care must always grow heavier. From this reframing, I argue, it is possible to reclaim and reimagine care and the clinical space as a nexus of epistemic and moral privilege, recentering response-ability both relationally and socially.
Partitioned neural network training via synthetic intermediate labels
Authors: Karadag Cevat Volkan , Topaloglu Nezih
Published: February 2025

The proliferation of extensive neural network architectures, particularly deep learning models, presents a challenge in terms of resource-intensive training. GPU memory constraints have become a notable bottleneck in training such sizable models. Existing strategies, including data parallelism, model parallelism, pipeline parallelism, and fully sharded data parallelism, offer partial solutions. Model parallelism, in particular, enables the distribution of the entire model across multiple GPUs, yet the ensuing data communication between these partitions slows down training. Instead of using the entire model for training, this study advocates partitioning the model across GPUs and generating synthetic intermediate labels to train individual segments. These labels, produced through a random process, mitigate memory overhead and computational load. This approach results in a more efficient training process that minimizes data communication while maintaining model accuracy. The method is validated using 6-layer fully-connected networks, via the extended MNIST, CIFAR10 and CIFAR100 datasets. It is shown that the computational improvement to reach 90% of the cross-yield accuracy can be as high as 66%. Additionally, the improvement in training bandwidth compared to standard model parallelism is quantitatively demonstrated through an example scenario. This work contributes to mitigating the resource-intensive nature of training large neural networks, paving the way for more efficient deep learning model development.
Investigating the Capability Approach: How Long-Term Unemployed People in Finland Perceive Their Access to Commodities, Conversion Factors and Capabilities
Authors: Ahonen Tiina , Mäki-Opas Tomi , Kouvo Antti , Toikko Timo
Published: February 2025

Capability Approach (CA) extends our understanding of wellbeing by underlining the importance of freedoms. There is a need to operationalize CA components for empirical measurement in different settings and population groups. This study investigated the conversion process from perceived resources to perceived capabilities by investigating the role of perceived conversion factors (personal and contextual) among a particular population group of Finnish long-term unemployed persons (N = 511, year 2016), aged 20–64 years, not receiving activation services, recruited through a service system and registers (random sampling). We used the label “perceived” to highlight that our approach was subjective, meaning that we measured respondents’ own perceptions of their commodities, conversion factors and capabilities. Data were collected in the PROMEQ project using a structured, self-employed questionnaire. Perceived capabilities were measured on a 7 + 1 item scale of self-reported capabilities. The main statistical methods applied were crosstabs with chi² tests, Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). Long-term unemployed perceived poorer capabilities compared to the general Finnish population. Long-term unemployed men perceived poorer capabilities compared to long-term unemployed women. CFA indicated the data fit with the CA. The SEM model supported the theoretical assumptions of CA: perceived commodities associated with perceived capabilities strongly but indirectly through perceived social and environmental conversion factors. Group analysis (SEM) demonstrated, that between genders the CA-models were slightly differentiated. The results indicate the need for more effective capability promotion, and for targeted practices acknowledging variety of circumstances of the long-term unemployed. CA could offer a comprehensive tool for this task.
Conflicting Loyalties: Cognitive Abstraction Drives Whistleblowing Behavior Among Those Who Value Loyalty
Authors: van Houwelingen Gijs , Bobocel D. Ramona , Okimoto Tyler
Published: February 2025

Potential whistleblowers, that is, people contemplating revealing potentially damaging information about unethical or unlawful behavior to a third party, are often described as facing a conflict between loyalty and fairness. Yet, whistleblowers often may feel a sense of conflicting loyalties: loyalty towards the party (e.g., a colleague) that may be damaged by their blowing the whistle and loyalty towards the party (e.g., society at large) that may benefit. Understanding how people deal with such conflict of loyalties is critical for increasing whistleblowing and reducing unethical behavior. In three studies (total N = 929), we draw on construal level theory to demonstrate that, when loyalty motives are salient, the level of abstractness at which people construe a whistleblower dilemma affects whistleblowing behavior. Because the party that stands to benefit from whistleblowing is typically more global than the party that will be damaged, cognitive abstraction increases whistleblowing behavior relative to concreteness, particularly when loyalty (vs. fairness) is a salient motive. Moreover, Study 3 findings reveal that cognitive abstraction predicts whistleblowing through increased identification with global entities among people for whom loyalty is more salient. Hence, we demonstrate that whistleblowing decisions are influenced not only by the salience of certain moral motives, but also the way that people construe whistleblower dilemmas, namely, relatively abstractly or concretely. Altogether, our research offers a novel understanding of whistleblowing behavior—as a conflict between loyalties—and identifies a cognitive mechanism for promoting whistleblowing and reducing unethical behavior.
“Tap-dancing around the conversation”: difficulties in an intimate deep moral disagreement
Authors: Manhire Ryan , Kronqvist Camilla
Published: February 2025

We relate recent accounts of Wittgenstein-inspired deep disagreement to polarised understandings of sex and gender, considering their strengths and limitations in clarifying clashes that may sometimes appear in our most intimate sexual relationships. Our starting point is a heated and deeply disruptive argument between a man and a woman in a heterosexual relationship, presented in the lyrics and music video for Kendrick Lamar and Taylour Paige’s song ‘We Cry Together’. We use this example to bring out some of the fixed assumptions about the nature of deep disagreements, seen in Robert J. Fogelin’s account of forms of life, David M. Godden and William H. Brenner’s account of concept determination, Duncan Pritchard’s account of hinge commitments, and Victoria Lavorerio’s account of pictures. Though we find much of the discussion present in these accounts promising, we argue that none are able to grasp the messy, unpredictable, and constantly shifting nature of the (quite ordinary) disagreement in our example. This offers support to scholars who caution against making a priori claims about which topics (e.g. abortion) necessarily evoke deep disagreements, and suggests that we resist attempts to establish, a priori, what deep disagreements must look like, and how they must be resolved. This enables us to bring out the ways in which pig-headedness and self-righteousness, in our example, do not provide reasons to reject this particular disagreement as “genuinely” deep, but provide a picture of an emotional dynamic on which the depth of this particular deep moral disagreement seems to hinge.
In vitro culture and profiling of secondary metabolites in naturally colored cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)
Authors: Aydın Onur , Turgut Kara Neslihan
Published: February 2025

The cotton (Gossypium spp.) plant, which is the leading source of plant-based textile fiber, is also an economically valuable resource for agriculture and many other industries. Some cotton varieties may also have fibers in brown, green and tan tones, aside from the common white. Cotton with this type of fiber development is called ‘Naturally Colored Cotton’ (NCC). Various applications were performed here, including callus induction and propagation, root suspension cultures, and the analysis of secondary metabolite profiles in in vitro grown roots and callus tissues of NCC (Gossypium hirsutum L. Sarıgelin variety). Studies on callus culture have revealed multiple plant growth regulator (PGR) concentrations and combinations with high success rates for callus induction from NCC hypocotyl explants. Among the concentrations tested, MS medium containing 1.0 mg/L IAA and 0.5 mg/L Kinetin was the most effective combination for callus induction. Rooted shoots were successfully propagated from cotyledonary nodes. Following HPLC analyses of white cotton roots, NCC roots, and callus tissues grown in vitro revealed both varieties to be rich in phenolic sources such as flavonoids and anthraquinones. Plant tissue culture practices on NCC provide substantial source materials for future biotechnological applications. Therefore, this study is expected to provide valuable data, enabling further research to be conducted on naturally colored cotton.
German surgeons’ perspective on the application of artificial intelligence in clinical decision-making
Authors: Henn Jonas , Vandemeulebroucke Tijs , Hatterscheidt Simon , Dohmen Jonas , Kalff Jörg C. , van Wynsberghe Aimee , Matthaei Hanno
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming clinical decision-making (CDM). This application of AI should be a conscious choice to avoid technological determinism. The surgeons’ perspective is needed to guide further implementation.

Methods

We conducted an online survey among German surgeons, focusing on digitalization and AI in CDM, specifically for acute abdominal pain (AAP). The survey included Likert items and scales.

Results

We analyzed 263 responses. Seventy-one percentage of participants were male, with a median age of 49 years (IQR 41–57). Seventy-three percentage of participants carried out a senior role, with a median of 22 years of work experience (IQR 13–28). AI in CDM was seen as helpful for workload management (48%) but not for preventing unnecessary treatments (32%). Safety (95%), evidence (94%), and usability (96%) were prioritized over costs (43%) for the implementation. Concerns included the loss of practical CDM skills (81%) and ethical issues like transparency (52%), patient trust (45%), and physician integrity (44%). Traditional CDM for AAP was seen as experience-based (93%) and not standardized (31%), whereas AI was perceived to assist with urgency triage (60%) and resource management (59%). On median, generation Y showed more confidence in AI for CDM (P = 0.001), while participants working in primary care hospitals were less confident (P = 0.021).

Conclusion

Participants saw the potential of AI for organizational tasks but are hesitant about its use in CDM. Concerns about trust and performance need to be addressed through education and critical evaluation. In the future, AI might provide sufficient decision support but will not replace the human component.
Quantitative bounds for products of simplices in subsets of the unit cube
Authors: Durcik Polona , Stipčić Mario
Published: February 2025

For each 1 ≤ i ≤ n, let k

i
≥ 1 and let Δ
i
be a set of vertices of a non-degenerate simplex of k

i
+ 1 points in

$${\mathbb R}^{{k_{i}}+1}$$

R

k

i

+
1

. If

$$A \subseteq [0,1]^{k_{1}+1} \times \cdots \times [0,1]^{{k_{n}}+1}$$

A
⊆
[
0
,
1

]

k

1

+
1

×
⋯
×
[
0
,
1

]

k

n

+
1

is a Lebesgue measurable set of measure at least δ, we show that there exists an interval I = I(Δ1,…,Δ
n
, A) of length at least

$$\exp(-\delta^{{-C}(\Delta_{1},\ldots,\Delta_{n})})$$

exp

(
−

δ

−
C

(

Δ

1

,
…
,

Δ

n

)

)

such that for each λ ∈ I, the set A contains

$${\Delta^{\prime}_{1}} \times \cdots \times {\Delta^{\prime}_{n}}$$

Δ

1

′

×
⋯
×

Δ

n

′

, where each

$${\Delta^{\prime}_{i}}$$

Δ

i

′

is an isometric copy of λΔ
i
.This is a quantitative improvement of a result by Lyall and Magyar. Our proof relies on harmonic analysis. The main ingredient in the proof are cancellation estimates for forms similar to multilinear singular integrals associated with n-partite n-regular hypergraphs.
Independence of existence of measurable equilibrium selections
Authors: Levy Yehuda John
Published: February 2025

We study the problem of selecting, in a measurable manner, equilibria from each of a family of games. Typical equilibrium selection theorems assume continuity in, and compactness of, actions, while we merely assume equilibria exist for all games in the family, and payoffs are jointly Borel in parameter and actions. The existence of Lebesgue- or universally measurable selectors turns out to be independent of ZFC; the result is robust to restriction to zero-sum games, as well as to allowing mixed strategies. We show, however, that the existence of analytically measurable selections, well-known to exist for single decision makers, fails for families of two-player zero-sum games.
Effect of Dupilumab in CRSwNP Sinonasal Outcomes from Real Life Studies: A Systematic Review with Meta-analysis
Authors: Rodriguez-Iglesias Miguel , Calvo-Henríquez Christian , Martin-Jimenez Daniel , García-Lliberós Ainhoa , Maza-Solano Juan , Moreno-Luna Ramon , Izquierdo-Domínguez Adriana , Martínez-Capoccioni Gabriel , Alobid Isam
Published: February 2025

Purpose of Review

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is a debilitating inflammatory condition that significantly impacts quality of life. Despite treatment advances, recurrence is common, prompting the exploration of novel therapies such as monoclonal antibodies targeting the type 2 immune response, notably dupilumab. This research aims to evaluate the real-world evidence (RWE) of dupilumab in treating severe CRSwNP, comparing sinonasal outcomes to those observed in randomized clinical trials.

Recent Findings

Significant improvements were noted, with the average SNOT-22 score reduction being 37.2 points post-dupilumab treatment. The nasal polyp size (NPS) showed an average decrease of 3.6 points. The analysis highlighted the practical effectiveness of dupilumab, emphasizing its benefit over conventional therapies in reducing NPS and improving nasal symptoms.

The findings advocate for the integration of dupilumab into standard treatment protocols for severe CRSwNP, providing a robust alternative that could potentially reduce the high recurrence rates associated with current management strategies. This study underscores the utility of RWE in assessing the effectiveness of new medical treatments, suggesting that dupilumab offers substantial real-world benefits for patients suffering from this challenging condition.
Novel Intraoperative Applications of Fluorescence Imaging Using Indocyanine Green in Pediatric Urology
Authors: Lee Albert S. T. , Tong Ching Man Carmen
Published: February 2025

Purpose of Review

Near-infrared fluorescence imaging (NIRF) with the use of indocyanine green (ICG) has been recently adopted in pediatric urology after its well-published use in the adult population. As a powerful tool that can help delineate complex anatomy and congenital anomalies, we discuss the various applications of this imaging in minimally invasive and open surgery in pediatric urology.

Recent Findings

The most reported applications of ICG in pediatric urology are within minimally invasive surgery, particularly varicoceles, renal surgery such as nephrectomies and renal tumor excision, mimicking its use in adult urology. ICG has also been applied to reconstructive urology such as ureteral reconstruction, hypospadias repair and bladder exstrophy. Despite its safety and more widespread use in pediatric surgery, all published studies in pediatric urology to date have been limited to small and single-center experiences, reflecting the novel nature of this technology in this field.

ICG has been shown to be safe and effective in children, particularly in those with complex anatomy and in technically challenging surgeries. Future studies should focus on standardized protocols for children and multi-center comparative studies.
Effects of Different Oils on the Physiochemical Properties of Pea Protein Concentrate and Maltodextrin Emulsions
Authors: Petelin Raúl , Malvasio Marcos , Monetta Daiana , Rasia Mercedes C. , Musumeci Matías A. , Castagnini Juan M. , Benitez Lucas O.
Published: February 2025

The effects of varying the oil phase composition on an O/W emulsion were evaluated. Rice bran oil (RBO), corn oil (CO), soybean oil (SO), coconut oil (CCO), palm oil (PO), and medium-chain triglyceride oil (MCT) were tested in the oil phase to assess their influence on emulsion characteristics, including droplet size distribution, rheology, stability, and in vitro digestibility. The physicochemical properties of the pure oils were also assessed. The emulsions were prepared using high-pressure homogenization, and their stability was analyzed over a three-day storage period. All emulsions remained stable throughout the whole testing period except for the TCM emulsion, which displayed a decrease in backscattering values on the third day. Similarly, the TCM emulsion presented remarkably high values in the rest of the analysis, with the greatest average droplet diameter, viscosity, and lipolysis during in vitro digestion. The CCO and PO emulsions presented intermediate values, and the RBO, CO, and SO emulsions presented the lowest values. Overall, the oil phase composition seems to strongly affect emulsion properties, particularly rheology.
Enhancing multi-season wheat yield through plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria using consortium and individual isolate applications
Authors: Breedt Gerhardus , Korsten Lise , Gokul Jarishma Keriuscia
Published: February 2025

In recent decades, there has been a growing interest in harnessing plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) as a possible mechanism to mitigate the environmental impact of conventional agricultural practices and promote sustainable agricultural production. This study investigated the transferability of promising PGPR research from maize to another Poaceae cereal crop, wheat. This multi-seasonal study evaluated the wheat grain yield effect of Lysinibacillus sphaericus (T19), Paenibacillus alvei (T29) when applied i. individually, ii. as a consortium with Bacillus safensis (S7), and iii. at a 75% reduced fertilizer rate. Whole genome sequencing allowed annotation of genes linked to plant growth promotion, providing potential genomic explanations for the observed in-field findings. Application of the consortium compared to a commercial PGPR showed significantly increased wheat yield by 30.71%, and 25.03%, respectively, in season one, and 63.92% and 58.45%, respectively, under reduced fertilizer rates in season two. Individual application of T19 and T29 showed varying results, with T19 increasing wheat yield by 9.33% and 16.22% during seasons three and four but a substantial reduction (33.39%) during season five. T29 exhibited yield increases during season three (9.31%) and five (5.61%) but led to a significant reduction (21.15%) in season four. Genomic analysis unveiled a spectrum of plant growth-promoting genes including those associated with ammonification, phosphate solubilization, ethylene, siderophore, catalase, and superoxide dismutase production. These findings offer valuable insights into the mechanisms behind observed field results, with potential implications for advancing sustainable agriculture and crop productivity in evolving agricultural landscapes.
Developmental Bioelectricity as an Explanatory Framework for Cognition and Meaning
Authors: Pietarinen Ahti-Veikko , Beni Majid D. , Shumilina Vera
Published: February 2025

We critically examine the intersection of developmental bioelectricity within the context of the Peircean philosophy of science. We address the criticism of Peirce’s objective idealism and synechism, contest the conflation of semiotic and physical laws, and scrutinise Peirce’s recovery of physical from psychological laws. The upshot is a nonmechanistic, nonreductive interpretation of the evolution of cognition in the bioengineering realm. The work of Kull and others is leveraged to demarcate semiotics and physics, emphasising the irreducibility of bioelectric phenomena to mechanistic explanations. Our paper advocates for methodological synechism in evolutionary biology, highlighting the heightened roles of bioelectricity in morphogenesis and basal cognition. We propose the free-energy principle as a unifying arbiter that sets an explanatory pathway toward integrated cognition and meaning in developmental bioelectricity.
Phase Portraits of the Family IV of the Quadratic Polynomial Differential Systems
Authors: Artés Joan Carles , Cairó Laurent , Llibre Jaume
Published: February 2025

In the

$$\mathbb {R}^2$$

R

2

plane, the simplest non-linear differential systems are the quadratic polynomial differential systems. This type of differential systems have been studied intensively because of its non-linearity and wide range of applications. These systems have been classified into ten classes. In this article, we characterize in the Poincarè disk all topologically different phase portraits for one of these classes. Concretely we provide the complete study of the geometry of family IV. The family IV is six-dimensional and is reduced to several subfamilies which are three-dimensional. We give the bifurcation diagram of each specific normal form using invariant polynomials. The split of all quadratic systems in ten subfamilies could have been a good way to find all possible phase portraits of quadratic systems, if all ten families could have been studied completely. All families are six-dimensional and some of them can even be divided in several subfamilies with fewer parameters. However, certain families (I, II, and III) are too generic and cannot be reduced enough to allow its complete study. Regardless, this division of quadratic systems has been useful to study several families of quadratic systems having some other properties, and it is worth trying to get as many of them as possible studied in a complete way.
Replayable Augmented Reality Visualization for Robot Fault Diagnosis: A Comparative Study
Authors: Richards Lachlan , Ku Yew Siang , Calvert Alexander , Migdal Joshua , Hebert Gabriel , Croft Elizabeth , Cosgun Akansel
Published: February 2025

Efficient fault diagnosis in autonomous robotic systems is essential for minimizing downtime. This study compares the effectiveness of an Augmented Reality (AR) interface and sensor data replay (featuring a 15-second loop before the fault) in diagnosing common robot faults. In a user study, 24 participants experienced a series of eight staged robot fault scenarios. A tablet-based interface, presenting identical information, was favoured over AR due to its effectiveness and ease of use. Participant feedback highlighted the limitations of the AR interface including the low field of view and blurriness, suggesting potential improvements in future AR headset iterations. While a preference for replayed data emerged, it was not supported uniformly, warranting further research. This study advances the exploration of Augmented Reality in human-robot interaction, emphasizing the crucial role of user-friendly interfaces for efficient robot fault diagnosis.
Break-Up of Plant Cell Structures in High Pressure Homogenizers – Prospects and Challenges for Processing of Plant-Based Beverages
Authors: Ransmark Eva , Sørensen Hanne , Gómez Galindo Federico , Håkansson Andreas
Published: February 2025

For more than a century, the dairy industry has used high-pressure homogenization for size reduction of fat globules. The prevailing break-up mechanism, turbulence, has been thoroughly investigated and the equipment continuously optimized thereafter. However, the high-pressure homogenizer is also used in size reduction of plant cell structures, for example in production lines of plant-based beverages, fruit and vegetable juices and ketchup. This review will provide a scientific basis for homogenization of plant-based materials with focus on break-up mechanisms. A cross-study comparison shows that different raw materials break in different ways, e.g. individual cells breaking into cell wall fragments and cell clusters breaking into smaller cell clusters. In general, raw materials which after intense premixing exist as cell clusters are more difficult to break than raw materials existing as individual cells. The resistance to break-up also appears to follow ‘raw material hardness’, where harder raw materials, e.g., parsnip and almond, are more difficult to break than softer raw materials, e.g., strawberry and orange. It can also be concluded that the initial particle size is of large importance for the size after high pressure homogenization. It is concluded that little is known about the break-up mechanism(s). Much does, however, point towards the mechanism being different from that of emulsion drop break-up. Suggestions for future studies, both regarding fundamental understanding (e.g., cell strength and breakup, HPH mechanistic studies and break up visualisations) and industrial applications (e.g., energy optimal operation, device design and wear) are provided.
Sintering Behaviour, Physical Properties and Environmental Assessment of Glass Foam from Waste Glass
Authors: Siddika Ayesha , Hajimohammadi Ailar , Sahajwalla Veena
Published: February 2025

Glass foam, a porous material, is developed by sintering waste glass with foaming agents at high temperature, yielding chemically robust structures. However, the decomposition of foaming agents and chemical changes during sintering raises concerns about emissions during sintering and leaching from the final product. Despite various sintering methods and materials studied, their environmental impacts are not well explored. A recently introduced modified curing-sintering method was developed without the use of stabilizing chemicals, which could potentially reduce emissions and environmental impacts. However, the extent of its impact is unknown. This research studies potential emissions from materials during sintering and the heavy metal leaching from glass foams made by the newly modified sintering technique. Waste glass obtained from vehicle windshields is used as the primary raw material for glass foam preparation, supplemented by commercial fly ashes and slag as additives. Emissions from raw materials during the sintering process and the changes in chemical composition after sintering have been studied. Lastly, the heavy metals leaching possibilities from the final glass foam products have been assessed. Results reveal that the decomposition of foaming agents and organic content in raw materials leads to CO2 emission during the sintering. Due to low-temperature sintering (800℃) and no reduction agents, alkali and metallic oxide levels remain constant post-sintering. Heavy metal concentrations are extremely low, and their immobilization during the curing-sintering process ensures that leaching stays below safe limits. Therefore, this research provides insight into the potential environmental impacts of glass foam made of waste glass.

Graphical Abstract
A Novel Transcatheter Device to Treat Calcific Aortic Valve Stenosis: An Ex Vivo Study
Authors: Perico Francesca , Salurso Eleonora , Pappalardo Fabio , Jaworek Michal , Fermi Enrico , Palmieri Maria Chiara , Apostu Flavius Constantin , Vismara Riccardo , Vola Marco
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Aortic valve stenosis (AVS) is the most common valvular disease in developed countries. Surgical or transcatheter bioprosthetic aortic valve (AV) replacement is the standard treatment for severe AVS. However, bioprostheses are prone to structural degeneration. Hence, in terms of lifetime management, there is a need for therapies that can postpone AV replacement. With the aim of fragmenting calcifications and restoring AV leaflets flexibility, a new transcatheter debridement device (TDD) exploiting ultrasound is under development. We performed an ex-vivo study on human hearts to quantify how TDD treatment affects stenotic AVs hemodynamic. Additionally, a qualitative histological analysis was performed to assess TDD’s impact on AV leaflets.

Methods

Three human hearts affected by AVS were characterized pre- and post-treatment in an ex-vivo beating heart simulator. To replicate physiological flowrates, a pulsatile pump was connected to the left ventricle, while a systemic impedance simulator connected to the aortic root and a reservoir connected to the left atrium closed the hydraulic circuit. Transvalvular pressure drop (ΔPsys), backflow volume, and effective orifice area (EOA) were evaluated. For histological analysis, AV leaflets sections were stained with Haematoxylin/Eosin and AlizarineRedS to highlight calcifications.

Results

The treatment induced a reduction in ΔPsys in all tested samples, improving EOA, but caused an increase in backflow volume. Moreover, histology suggested AV leaflets integrity.

Conclusions

The TDD procedure improved AV fluid-dynamics during systole in all tested samples, without evidence of damage to tissues. This suggests TDD could be a promising option to postpone AV replacement for patients with AVS.
Echovirus serotype 11 induced sepsis in a young female patient with multiple sclerosis treated with anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody ocrelizumab
Authors: Starosta A. D. , Ehler J. , Löffler B. , Tannapfel A. , Zipprich A. , Reuken P. A. , Stallmach A.
Published: February 2025

Background

Enterovirus infection has been described as a cause of severe viral sepsis in humorally immunosuppressed patients.

Case presentation

A 20-year-old female with a history of multiple sclerosis on ocrelizumab therapy with persistent agammaglobulinemia and autoimmune hepatitis treated with azathioprine/budesonide presented with subacute sensorineural hearing loss, hepatitis, pneumonia, enterocolitis and pancreatitis. Molecular pathological techniques detected enterovirus RNA in samples from the liver, blood, ascites fluid, and pleural effusions, confirming Echovirus serotype 11. The case was managed successfully with supportive care and high-dose intravenous immunoglobulins in addition to fluoxetine.

Discussion and conclusions

This patient’s unique presentation and clinical course presents important implications for the care of immunosuppressed patients with cryptic complaints.
Multiscale Biomimetic Evaporators Based on Liquid Metal/Polyacrylonitrile Composite Fibers for Highly Efficient Solar Steam Generation
Authors: Sun Yuxuan , Liu Dan , Zhang Fei , Gao Xiaobo , Xue Jie , Zheng Qingbin
Published: February 2025

Solar steam generation (SSG) offers a cost-effective solution for producing clean water by utilizing solar energy. However, integrating effective thermal management and water transportation to develop high-efficiency solar evaporators remains a significant challenge. Here, inspired by the hierarchical structure of the stem of bird of paradise, a three-dimensional multiscale liquid metal/polyacrylonitrile (LM/PAN) evaporator is fabricated by assembling LM/PAN fibers. The strong localized surface plasmon resonance of LM particles and porous structure of LM/PAN fibers with interconnected channels lead to efficient light absorption up to 90.9%. Consequently, the multiscale biomimetic LM/PAN evaporator achieves an outstanding water evaporation rate of 2.66 kg m−2 h−1 with a solar energy efficiency of 96.5% under one sun irradiation and an exceptional water rate of 2.58 kg m−2 h−1 in brine. Additionally, the LM/PAN evaporator demonstrates a superior purification performance for seawater, with the concentration of Na+, Mg2+, K+ and Ca2+ in real seawater dramatically decreased by three orders to less than 7 mg L−1 after desalination under light irradiation. The multiscale LM/PAN evaporator with hierarchical structure regulates the water transportation as well as thermal management for highly effective solar-driven evaporation, providing valuable insight into the structural design principles for advanced SSG systems.
Mapping the transformative realm of blockchain-enabled central bank digital currencies: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Mohammed Medina Ayta , De-Pablos-Heredero Carmen , Botella José Luis Montes
Published: February 2025

There has been an upsurge in the research and analysis of blockchain-enabled central bank digital currencies. This increased interest can be observed across academic institutions, financial entities, and government bodies. Consequently, numerous literature reviews have been conducted to consolidate and present the development of studies on blockchain-enabled central bank digital currencies. Nevertheless, most studies have depended on only one database for their analysis and/or adopted a broader approach encompassing various aspects. This study aimed to address the limitations of existing literature review studies by adopting a more targeted approach while utilizing extensive databases and contemporary analysis methods. Using a bibliometric analysis the study maps the literature on blockchain-enabled central bank digital currencies from 2017 to 2024, sourced from the Scopus and Web of Science databases. It identifies influential authors, active journals, countries, and documents in the field. Moreover, this study outlines the thematic structure and recent advances in the field through co-word analysis. It also highlights gaps in the literature and proposes six key directions for future research.
Benefits of revised German code for glass design
Authors: Siebert Geralt
Published: February 2025

The German code for design of glass structures DIN 18008 was first published in final version 2010 and 2013; as several major changes were suggested, the periodical revision took longer than expected. Part 1 and 2 (basis of design and linear supported glazing) are published in final version in 2020, recently a draft of revised part 3 (point fixed glazing), part 4 (balustrade glazing) and part 5 (walk-on glazing) were published with date November 2023. Revision is based on experience from its practical application and implements recently finished research activities; it also takes development of other glass design codes including basis of future Eurocode Design of Glass Structures (CEN/TS 19100) into account. The paper shows the developments like reduced safety level for selected applications with lower consequence class (which is revolutionary for Germany), simplified calculation of conical point fixings, revised concept of classification and newly developed flow charts for design of balustrades. Overall, the field of application covered by the code is widened, more economic glass structures can be designed within the code. Calculation examples for IGU show difference of old and revised German standard for different applications to complete the picture.
An equivalent stress approach for predicting fatigue behavior of additively manufactured AlSi10Mg
Authors: Strauß Lea , Duarte Larissa , Kruse Julius , Madia Mauro , Löwisch Günther
Published: February 2025

Laser-based powder bed fusion (PBF-LB) is an advanced additive manufacturing technique renowned for its precision and capability to fabricate complex metal components. However, the high thermal gradients and rapid cooling rates intrinsic to this process introduce significant process-induced effects, such as inhomogeneities, surface roughness, anisotropy, and residual stress, all of which critically influence the fatigue behavior of the produced parts. This study investigates the fatigue performance of AlSi10Mg samples produced by PBF-LB, examining the impact of varying surface conditions, geometries, and residual stress levels. Fatigue-life prediction models are formulated based on nominal stress amplitude, residual stress, form factor, crack-initiating inhomogeneity, and surface roughness, with smooth samples serving as a baseline reference. The study presents two empirical models for predicting fatigue life and fatigue strength using S–N curves and the Kitagawa–Takahashi diagram with the El Haddad approach, derived from comprehensive experimental data, including finite element modeling, fatigue-life measurements, surface roughness evaluations, and residual stress analysis.
Brushite: a Reclaimed Phosphorus Fertilizer for Agricultural Nutrient Fertilization
Authors: Coker Harrison R. , Yang Rui , Robertson Isaiah J. , Doria Joshua M. , Lewis Katie L. , Howe Julie A.
Published: February 2025

Phosphorus fertilizers are typically produced from mined and chemically processed rock phosphate, which is a diminishing non-renewable resource. Wastewater-reclaimed phosphorus minerals, such as brushite (CaHPO4·2H2O), have the potential to be utilized as agricultural fertilizers. The commercial recovery of brushite from wastewater processing is a recent advancement; however, its efficacy as an agricultural fertilizer has yet to be evaluated. Wastewater-reclaimed brushite was tested in a greenhouse and field setting. In the greenhouse study, two P-limited soils were used to grow corn fertilized using brushite and were compared with struvite (NH4MgPO4·6H2O), another reclaimed P source, and conventional P fertilizers, triple super phosphate (TSP) and monoammonium phosphate (MAP). In the field, corn, wheat, and cotton were grown in two ecoregions for two sites years to compare brushite and struvite with conventional fertilizers. Plants were evaluated for P uptake and yield, and P availability was determined as extractable P. Results indicate that brushite promoted plant productivity similar to conventional fertilizers in P-limited greenhouse soils. Field studies demonstrated similar uptake and assimilation of brushite-P compared to synthetic fertilizers and struvite. Soil acidification occurred across all fertilization treatments. The use of reclaimed brushite as a P fertilizer appears to be as effective as commercially available synthetic fertilizers.
The Burden of Asymptomatic Malaria Infection in Children in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Exploring Barriers to Elimination and Prevention
Authors: Asmelash Daniel , Agegnehu Wubetu , Fenta Wondaya , Asmelash Yemane , Debebe Shibihon , Asres Abyot
Published: February 2025

Background

Malaria remains a major public health problem that continues to cause death in under-five children nearly every minute. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the pooled prevalence and predictors of asymptomatic malaria in children in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods

Relevant studies were retrieved from Web of Science, Cochrane Library, PubMed, Google Scholar, Gray Literature, Embase, and African Online Journal databases published between 2014 and 2024. Data quality was assessed by a tool developed by Hoy and colleagues and classified as low, moderate, or high risk of bias. We performed a random effects model and sub-group analysis by age group, region, and diagnostic methods. The protocol was registered in the PROSPERO (CRD42024584354).

Results

A total of 24 cross-sectional studies with 19,169 participants from 10 Sub-Saharan Africa countries were included in the analyses under the age of 15 years. The overall prevalence of asymptomatic malaria was 25% (95% CI: 20–30%) and showed no evidence of publication bias. Utilization of insecticide-treated nets was significantly associated with asymptomatic malaria. In addition, the overall prevalence of anemia in asymptomatic Plasmodium-infected children under the age of 15 was found to be 35% (95% CI: 24–46%). Subgroup analysis showed significant regional and diagnostic tool differences in asymptomatic Plasmodium infection.

Conclusion

The findings of this study revealed a high prevalence of asymptomatic plasmodium infection in children with significant regional variations. There was a significant association with anemia and the utilization of insecticide-treated nets.
Human-centered GeoAI foundation models: where GeoAI meets human dynamics
Authors: Ye Xinyue , Du Jiaxin , Li Xinyu , Shaw Shih-Lung , Fu Yanjie , Dong Xishuang , Zhang Zhe , Wu Ling
Published: February 2025

This study examines the role of human dynamics within Geospatial Artificial Intelligence (GeoAI), highlighting its potential to reshape the geospatial research field. GeoAI, emerging from the confluence of geospatial technologies and artificial intelligence, is revolutionizing our comprehension of human-environmental interactions. This revolution is powered by large-scale models trained on extensive geospatial datasets, employing deep learning to analyze complex geospatial phenomena. Our findings highlight the synergy between human intelligence and AI. Particularly, the humans-as-sensors approach enhances the accuracy of geospatial data analysis by leveraging human-centric AI, while the evolving GeoAI landscape underscores the significance of human–robot interaction and the customization of GeoAI services to meet individual needs. The concept of mixed-experts GeoAI, integrating human expertise with AI, plays a crucial role in conducting sophisticated data analyses, ensuring that human insights remain at the forefront of this field. This paper also tackles ethical issues such as privacy and bias, which are pivotal for the ethical application of GeoAI. By exploring these human-centric considerations, we discuss how the collaborations between humans and AI transform the future of work at the human-technology frontier and redefine the role of AI in geospatial contexts.
Natural Antioxidants: New Possibilities For The Treatment and Prevention of Acute Pancreatitis
Authors: Kňazovický M. , Roškovičová V. , Gajdzik T. , Hildebrand T. , Kaťuchová J.
Published: February 2025

Acute pancreatitis is one of the serious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract with possible systemic complications. The goal of AP therapy is thorough supportive treatment after obtaining hemodynamic status, prevention of necrosis, infection of the pancreas and organ failure. At present, however, there is no suitable pharmacological treatment that would act in the basic process of the pathology of acute pancreatitis. According to available scientific information, suitable candidates could be natural antioxidants that act on processes affecting oxidative stress in pancreatic acinar cells and thus have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-tumour effects.
How can blue biomass contribute to a more sustainable built environment?
Authors: Nicholas Paul , Parker Brenda
Published: February 2025

The implementation of a circular bioeconomy in the construction industry is a necessary strategy to tackle our global climate crisis. With any single solution having practical and environmental limitations, it is clear that creating a material palette of renewable biogenic building materials will expands access to bio-based construction. Photosynthetic organisms, including marine biomass such as seaweeds and microalgae, utilise solar energy to sequester CO₂, producing biomolecules that can be harnessed for a variety of biomaterials. Organisms such as mussels and oysters mineralise carbon into shells that are often dis-carded as residues. These second and third-generation feedstocks present an opportunity to decarbonise the construction industry. However, we need to better understand how to renew our relationship to this resource in a sustainable manner. This question seeks to explore how we can design and fabricate with, and for, blue biomass materials
William Bynum Prize 2023: Highly Commended Overcoming Childlessness: Narratives of Conception in Early Modern North India
Authors: Wigh Sonia
Published: February 2025

This article discusses early modern North Indian ways of expressing how barrenness could be mapped onto a woman’s maternal identity. Scholars have engaged with the historical evolution of women’s identities, focusing overwhelmingly on their economic and political potential. This article is the first to use medical and erotological sources from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries to study women as procreative agents, and the socio-sexual anxieties prompted by infertile female bodies. Through a critical study of a wide range of medical material, I demonstrate that by the eighteenth century, several transformations in medical discourses can be mapped onto textual transmissions from Sanskrit (and Braj Bhasha) to Persian, as well as between competing but conterminously flourishing medical paradigms, Ayurveda and Yunani. While cures for childlessness have a much longer history, a new genre of ‘anonymous’ sources, particularly focused on the sexual diseases of men and women emerged in early modern North India. Lastly, my comparative methodological approach to different textual genres will complicate our understanding of early modern medical episteme and its intended audience.
Parents Subjected to the Asylum System Navigating Racist Discourse: Through the Lens of Resistance and Accommodation
Authors: Krachum Ott Priscilla , In ’t Veld Jaël , Schachner Maja , Juang Linda , Moffitt Ursula
Published: February 2025

Racism permeates societies globally, including within Germany’s educational system. Specifically, people from the SWANA (Southwest Asia and North Africa) region experience anti-Muslim racism. This study explores how racially minoritized parents subjected to the asylum system navigate racist discourse within societal and institutional structures, focusing on their strategies of resistance and accommodation. Guided by a social constructionist epistemology, interviews were conducted with 11 parents migrating from regions and countries with a majority of Muslim residents. Utilizing reflexive thematic analysis, four themes were constructed: Language as an exclusion and excuse mechanism, Meaning-making of being racialized, Good Migrant, and Going the extra mile. The analysis highlights the dialectical tension parents experience as they navigate racist discourse within social and institutional structures. Parents resisted by challenging school practices, defending “cultural norms”, and advocating for their children’s educational opportunities. Simultaneously, they strategically accommodated by stressing gratefulness, assimilation, and praising German systems. This research illuminates how racially minoritized parents navigate oppressive systems and racist discourse, emphasizing the interplay between resistance and accommodation. It underscores the importance of recognizing informal resistance within societal constraints, offering a nuanced perspective through the resistance and accommodation framework. Additionally, it informs policy and social responses to migration by elucidating racialization and oppression dynamics.