bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metal-polymer friction stir spot welding enhanced by meso-mechanical interlocking
Authors: Pereira Miguel A. R. , Galvão Ivan , Costa José D. M. , Amaro Ana M. , Leal Rui M.
Published: February 2025

The main goal of this study is to present an alternative method of pretreating metal surfaces, entitled mechanical grooving, for metal-polymer joining by friction stir spot welding (FSSW). This pretreatment consists of the successive passage of a rotating engraving tip on the metal surface, creating a multilinear textured pattern, being an innovative pretreatment for the production of hybrid structures by FSSW. Mechanical grooving results in the creation of a well-defined serrated profile that, when interacting with the polymer during welding, promotes the mutual anchoring of the dissimilar materials. Mechanically grooved and grinded aluminium were joined to polyamide 6 by FSSW, and the welds were characterised based on cross-section morphology, fractography, tool axial force, and tensile-shear testing. FTIR-ATR characterization demonstrated that the chemical degradation is not significant during welding and that at the metal/polymer interface, there is adhesion between the materials. The axial force during the plunging stage of welds produced with the mechanically grooved aluminium is around 900 N, while for the welds produced with grinded aluminium is close to 1900 N. Furthermore, the resulting meso-mechanical interlocking mechanism provides superior mechanical performance (4.00 kN ± 82 N) compared to welds executed using grinded aluminium (3.02 kN ± 420 N). Finally, different fracture modes were observed depending on the surface pretreatment used. For instance, while adhesive failure was observed in the grinded aluminium welds, a mixed adhesive-cohesive failure was observed in the mechanically grooved aluminium welds. The cohesive failure is mainly attributed to the good performance of the interlocking mechanism.
Isolation of lignocellulosic biomass-degrading bacteria from Porcellio dilatatus gut-enriched cultures
Authors: Coelho Catarina , Martins Lígia O. , Tiago Igor
Published: February 2025

The lignocellulosic biomass (LCB) is an attractive, sustainable, and environmentally friendly alternative to fossil sources to produce biofuel, biomaterials, and biochemicals. However, its recalcitrant and heterogenous structure challenges its biodegradation and valorization. The gut microbiome of soil invertebrate species has emerged as a rich source of LCB-degrading bacteria and enzymes in terrestrial ecosystems. The primary objective of this investigation was to identify the bacterial communities within the Porcellio dilatatus gut (Crustacea: Isopods), to obtain enriched cultures, and to identify bacterial isolates with LCB-degrading activity. A total of 112 enriched cultures were screened, all exhibiting xylanolytic activity. Among them, 94 displayed cellulolytic activity, 30 showed chitinolytic activity, and 21 demonstrated ligninolytic activity. Four enriched cultures were selected, and 128 bacteria with cellulolytic, xylanolytic, chitinolytic, or ligninolytic activity were isolated and taxonomically classified. The obtained results reinforce the potential of bacterial communities within the digestive tract of soil invertebrates as a valuable source of lignocellulose-degrading microorganisms. Thirty-one isolates underwent in-depth enzymatic characterization, and five were selected and functionally evaluated. An artificial bacterial consortium was constructed to assess the potential benefits of using consortia to achieve enhanced LCB degradation. The positive results of this proof-of-concept artificial consortium (PdG-AC) can be used in future applications and is a valuable tool for enzymatic and microbial consortia engineering by, e.g., changing growth conditions for enhanced LCB-degrading abilities.

Key points

• The gut microbiome of Porcellio dilatatus was characterized.

• Porcellio dilatatus gut hosts many lignocellulose-degrading bacteria.

• Developed an artificial bacterial consortium for lignocellulose degradation.
Lessons (to be) learned from liquid biopsies: assessment of circulating cells and cell-free DNA in cancer and pregnancy-acquired microchimerism
Authors: Bergmann Lina , Afflerbach Ann-Kristin , Yuan Tingjie , Pantel Klaus , Smit Daniel J.
Published: February 2025

Tumors constantly shed cancer cells that are considered the mediators of metastasis via the blood stream. Analysis of circulating cells and circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in liquid biopsies, mostly taken from peripheral blood, have emerged as powerful biomarkers in oncology, as they enable the detection of genomic aberrations. Similarly, liquid biopsies taken from pregnant women serve as prenatal screening test for an abnormal number of chromosomes in the fetus, e.g., via the analysis of microchimeric fetal cells and cfDNA circulating in maternal blood. Liquid biopsies are minimally invasive and, consequently, associated with reduced risks for the patients. However, different challenges arise in oncology and pregnancy-acquired liquid biopsies with regard to the analyte concentration and biological (background) noise among other factors. In this review, we highlight the unique biological properties of circulating tumor cells (CTC), summarize the various techniques that have been developed for the enrichment, detection and analysis of CTCs as well as for analysis of genetic and epigenetic aberrations in cfDNA and highlight the range of possible clinical applications. Lastly, the potential, but also the challenges of liquid biopsies in oncology as well as their translational value for the analysis of pregnancy-acquired microchimerism are discussed.
Ultra-low-dose coronary CT angiography via super-resolution deep learning reconstruction: impact on image quality, coronary plaque, and stenosis analysis
Authors: Zou Li-Miao , Xu Cheng , Xu Min , Xu Ke-Ting , Zhao Zi-Cheng , Wang Ming , Wang Yun , Wang Yi-Ning
Published: February 2025

Objectives

To exploit the capability of super-resolution deep learning reconstruction (SR-DLR) to save radiation exposure from coronary CT angiography (CCTA) and assess its impact on image quality, coronary plaque quantification and characterization, and stenosis severity analysis.

Materials and methods

This prospective study included 50 patients who underwent low-dose (LD) and subsequent ultra-low-dose (ULD) CCTA scans. LD CCTA images were reconstructed with hybrid iterative reconstruction (HIR) and ULD CCTA images were reconstructed with HIR and SR-DLR. The objective parameters and subjective scores were compared. Coronary plaques were classified into three components: necrotic, fibrous or calcified content, with absolute volumes (mm3) recorded, and further characterized by percentage of calcified content. The four main coronary arteries were evaluated for the presence of stenosis. Moreover, 48 coronary segments in 9 patients were evaluated for the presence of significant stenosis, with invasive coronary angiography as a reference.

Results

Effective dose decreased by 60% from LD to ULD CCTA scans (2.01 ± 0.84 mSv vs. 0.80 ± 0.34 mSv, p < 0.001). ULD SR-DLR was non-inferior or even superior to LD HIR in terms of image quality and showed excellent agreements with LD HIR on the plaque volumes, characterization, and stenosis analysis (ICCs > 0.8). Moreover, there was no evidence of a difference in detecting significant coronary stenosis between the LD HIR and ULD SR-DLR (AUC: 0.90 vs. 0.89; p = 1.0).

Conclusions

SR-DLR led to significant radiation dose savings from CCTA while ensuring high image quality and excellent performance in coronary plaque and stenosis analysis.

Key Points

Question

How can radiation dose for coronary CT angiography be reduced without compromising image quality or affecting clinical decisions?

Finding

Super-resolution deep learning reconstruction (SR-DLR) algorithm allows for 60% dose reduction while ensuring high image quality and excellent performance in coronary plaque and stenosis analysis.

Clinical relevance

Dose optimization via SR-DLR has no detrimental effect on image quality, coronary plaque quantification and characterization, and stenosis severity analysis, which paves the way for its implementation in clinical practice.
Gantry-free cone-beam CT arthrography for diagnosis of scapholunate ligament injuries: accelerating the preoperative work-up in acute wrist trauma
Authors: Luetkens Karsten Sebastian , Kunz Andreas Steven , Paul Mila Marie , Hölscher-Doht Stefanie , Huflage Henner , Heidenreich Julius Frederik , Müller Lukas , Bley Thorsten Alexander , Schmitt Rainer , Grunz Jan-Peter
Published: February 2025

Objective

Combining fluoroscopy and high-resolution cone-beam CT (CBCT) in a multipurpose scanner without a conventional gantry holds the potential for time-saving in musculoskeletal interventions. This study investigated the performance of gantry-free CBCT arthrography in patients with suspected scapholunate ligament (SLL) tears.

Materials and methods

Fifty-five patients (29 men, 46.0 ± 15.3 years) who underwent preoperative gantry-free CBCT arthrography between June 2021 and March 2024 were analyzed retrospectively. Three radiologists assessed CBCT arthrograms for tears of the palmar and dorsal SLL segments. Surgical reports served as the reference standard for calculating indicators of diagnostic accuracy. Interreader agreement was tested by computing Krippendorff α. Radiation dose and examination time were recorded.

Results

Tears of the palmar and dorsal SLL segment were recorded in 25 (45%) and 6 patients (11%), respectively. CBCT arthrography facilitated good sensitivity (range for all readers: 84–92%) and excellent specificity (93–97%) in the assessment of the palmar SLL. For the dorsal SLL, sensitivity (83–100%) and specificity (96–98%) were even higher. Substantial agreement was determined for both the palmar (α = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.74–0.90) and dorsal SLL (0.84, 0.70–0.95). The mean volume CT dose index for CBCT arthrography was 3.2 ± 1.4 mGy. Not requiring patient repositioning, the median time between fluoroscopy-guided contrast injection and CBCT was 3:05 min (2:31–3:50 min).

Conclusion

Gantry-free CBCT arthrography allows for excellent accuracy in the preoperative diagnosis of SLL tears with low radiation dose. The ability to alternate between fluoroscopy and CBCT without repositioning facilitates a “one-stop-shop” approach with short examination time.

Key Points

Question

Performing fluoroscopy-guided arthrography and high-resolution cone-beam CT without patient repositioning appears advantageous for the preoperative work-up of distal radius fractures with concomitant scapholunate ligament injuries.

Findings

Gantry-free cone-beam CT arthrography allowed for short examination times and high diagnostic accuracy for either segment of the scapholunate ligament (89–98% versus surgery).

Clinical relevance

Preoperative assessment of scapholunate instability influences treatment since surgeons can reduce radius fractures and perform osteosynthesis via a dorsal portal to simultaneously stabilize the scapholunate compartment or use an additional dorsal access route for ligament suture and transfixation.
Vitamin and dietary supplements are not associated with total or cardiovascular mortality in Switzerland: the CoLaus|PsyCoLaus prospective study
Authors: Lourenço Rosa , Vidal Pedro-Marques
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Vitamin-mineral and dietary supplements (VMDS) are taken by a large fraction of the population. Whether their long-term consumption impacts mortality and cardiovascular disease (CVD) has seldom been studied.

Methods

Prospective study from a population-based cohort from Lausanne, Switzerland. Participants were categorized as non-users (no consumption at baseline and first follow-up), persistent users (consumption at baseline and follow-up), and occasional users (consumption either at baseline or follow-up). Incidence of CVD and of total mortality was assessed after the first follow-up.

Results

Data from 4261 participants (57.4 ± 10.4 years, 55% females) was used. Median follow-up was 9 years (interquartile range 7.0–9.2) After multivariable analysis, no association was found between VMDS use and total mortality: hazard ratio and (95% confidence interval) 0.95 (0.71–1.28) and 0.83 (0.55–1.26) for occasional and persistent consumers, respectively, CVD mortality: 1.00 (0.47–2.11) and 1.30 (0.53–3.18), or CVD events: 0.96 (0.72–1.27) and 0.95 (0.64–1.42). Similar findings were obtained after inverse probability weighting, using only vitamin-mineral supplement users, or considering only participants at baseline. When CVD events were split into coronary heart disease (CHD) or stroke, persistent use of VMDS was associated with a higher risk of CHD in females: 3.12 (1.52–6.41), p = 0.002, but not in males, 0.25 (0.03–1.82), p = 0.171, p for interaction < 0.05. No association was found between VMDS use and incidence of stroke in both sexes.

Conclusion

We found no association between vitamin and dietary supplement use and total or CVD mortality, or CVD events. The higher risk of CHD for persistent use in females should be further explored.
Traumatic lumbosacral instability: part 2—indications and techniques for surgical management
Authors: Lindtner Richard A. , Krappinger Dietmar , Lindahl Jan , Bellabarba Carlo
Published: February 2025

Traumatic lumbosacral instability (TLSI) refers to a traumatic disruption of the axial skeleton at the level of the lumbosacral motion segment and/or sacrum, resulting in mechanical separation of the caudal spinal column from the posterior pelvic ring. Managing TLSI and its four underlying conditions poses unique challenges among spinal and pelvic injuries. This second part of a two-part series focuses on treatment strategies and decision making in TLSI, with an emphasis on surgical stabilization techniques. The primary objectives of this article are to: (1) elucidate factors influencing clinical decision-making, (2) synthesize current treatment options for the injury patterns underlying TLSI, and (3) briefly outline expected outcomes and complications.
Sex-specific differences in recurrence and progression following cytostatic intravesical chemotherapy for non-muscle invasive urothelial bladder cancer (NMIBC)
Authors: Schneidewind Laila , Kiss Bernhard , Neumann Thomas , Kranz Jennifer , Zengerling Friedemann , Graf Sebastian , Graser Annabel , Uhlig Annemarie
Published: February 2025

Purpose

To systematically analyze gender-specific differences in recurrence-free survival (RFS), progression-free survival (PFS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), and overall survival (OS) as well as adverse events and quality of Life (QoL) as secondary aims in NMIBC patients undergoing cytostatic intravesical chemotherapy.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted on studies published between 1976 and 2024, following PRISMA guidelines. MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane Library were used as literature sources. No restrictions were made concerning language, study region or publication type. Data from 12 studies encompassing 1,527 patients were analyzed. Outcomes were assessed using random-effects models, with gender as a primary variable of interest. A risk of bias assessment was done using the ROBINS-I tool or RoB2 as appropriate.

Results

The pooled analysis demonstrated no statistically significant gender-specific differences in RFS (HR = 1.0625, 95% CI 0.8094–1.0526) or PFS (HR = 1.0861, 95% CI 0.7038–1.6760). Data on CSS and OS were insufficient for meaningful conclusions. Two included studies analyzed in univariate or multivariate regression gender as risk factor for recurrence or progression, but gender was not a significant risk factor. Adverse events and QoL outcomes were notably underreported, with no gender-specific data available.

Conclusions

While this study found no significant gender-based differences in NMIBC outcomes following intravesical chemotherapy, the findings are limited by the small number of studies, underrepresentation of women, and inconsistent reporting of critical outcomes. Future research should prioritize gender-focused analyses and explore the molecular and genetic basis of potential differences to inform precision medicine and equitable care.
Adaptafood: an intelligent system to adapt recipes to specialised diets and healthy lifestyles
Authors: Morales-Garzón Andrea , Gutiérrez-Batista Karel , Martin-Bautista Maria J.
Published: February 2025

This paper presents AdaptaFood, a system to adapt recipes to specific dietary constraints. This is a common societal issue due to various dietary needs arising from medical conditions, allergies, or nutritional preferences. AdaptaFood provides recipe adaptations from two inputs: a recipe image (a fine-tuned image-captioning model allows us to extract the ingredients) or a recipe object (we extract the ingredients from the recipe features). For the adaptation, we propose to use an attention-based language sentence model based on BERT to learn the semantics of the ingredients and, therefore, discover the hidden relations among them. Specifically, we use them to perform two tasks: (1) align the food items from several sources to expand recipe information; (2) use the semantic features embedded in the representation vector to detect potential food substitutes for the ingredients. The results show that the model successfully learns domain-specific knowledge after re-training it to the food computing domain. Combining this acquired knowledge with the adopted strategy for sentence representation and food replacement enables the generation of high-quality recipe versions and dealing with the heterogeneity of different-origin food data.
Perioperative complications in spinal trauma patients: does timing matter?
Authors: Adegeest Charlotte Y. , Hilke Cas J. , de Ruiter Godard C. W. , Arts Mark P. , Vleggeert-Lankamp Carmen L. , Martin Raoul D. , Peul Wilco C. , ter Wengel Paula Valerie
Published: February 2025

Background

Early surgery in traumatic spinal fracture treatment may facilitate prompt mobilization, encountering affiliated complications. However, the safety and the benefits of early surgery are being questioned in spinal trauma patients. Therefore, the objective of this retrospective study is to investigate the effect of surgical timing on perioperative complications in these patients.

Methods

Spinal trauma patients who underwent surgery between 2010 and 2020 in two Dutch Level-I trauma centers were included retrospectively and divided into an early (< 24 h), late (between 24 and 72 h) and delayed (> 72 h) surgical cohort. The primary outcome was the occurrence of peri-operative complications. Besides surgical timing, trauma and patient-specific factors were also analyzed as potential risk factors for the occurrence of complications.

Results

A total of 394 patients were included, of whom 149 received early, 159 late and 86 delayed surgical treatment. The occurrence of perioperative complications was significantly associated with age, body mass index, comorbidities, ASA grade 3 and 4, spinal cord injury (SCI), AO Spine type C injury, additional chest injury, and surgical delay. A multivariable analysis showed that age, ASA category, AO Spine classification and SCI were significantly associated with perioperative complications. Moreover, a subsequent analysis in non-SCI patients demonstrated an association between perioperative complications and delayed surgery.

Conclusions

In this study, delayed surgical treatment is potentially associated with more perioperative complications compared to early surgery in non-SCI patients. Other possible risk factors for the occurrence of perioperative complications may be older age, ASA 3 and 4, AO spine C injury and SCI.
Modeling commodity price co-movement: building on traditional time series models and exploring applications of machine learning algorithms
Authors: Kozian Luca L. , Machado Marcos R. , Osterrieder Joerg R.
Published: February 2025

In this study, we explore the efficacy of various methodologies and co-movement measures for modeling the co-movement of cross-commodity prices, using macroeconomic variables. Applying Vector Autoregression (VAR), VAR with exogenous variables (VARX), multiple regressions, and Random Forest regressions, alongside Pearson correlations and Gerber statistics, we analyze the price co-movement of 20 key commodities over the period from mid-2003 to early 2023. Our results reveal that VAR and VARX models notably outperform Random Forests and multiple regressions, achieving

$$R^2$$

R
2

values of up to 89%. Although Random Forests marginally outperform multiple regressions, they are still inferior to VAR-based approaches. Furthermore, we observe that the inclusion of Gerber statistics (differently from the Pearson correlation metric) enhances the effectiveness of VAR and VARX models, while their influence on Random Forests and multiple regression models remains indeterminate. This research contextualizes and contributes to the existing literature on commodity price dynamics, providing insights into the relative strengths of various modeling approaches and setting the stage for future methodological advancements, especially in the applications of Machine Learning (ML) in the field.
How sea ice affects edge waves in the Sea of Okhotsk
Authors: Kovalev Peter D. , Kovalev Dmitry P. , Zarochintsev Vitaly S. , Squire Vernon A.
Published: February 2025

Long-term observations, which were collected in the Sea of Okhotsk coastal zone under open-water conditions and at times when the sea was ice-covered from mid-January to mid-March 2022, are interpreted. The project augments preceding work using three synchronously-recording, seafloor-mounted, pressure transducers sampling at 1 Hz to acquire time series of inshore wave oscillations. Units are deployed nearer to the shore and closer together than was done during the previous studies. Spectral analyses of open-water sea level oscillations perpendicular to the coast reveal a wide band of energy, suggestive of a propagating edge wave at about 5-min period with an offshore-to-inshore gain up to 1.5. Similar wave characteristics occur alongshore. Intriguingly, the peak edge wave period at 5 min migrates to 6–7 min when the sea becomes covered with ice, and narrower bands at periods from 0.5 to about 3 min emerge. Other period ranges also appear to be affected by the onset, presence and eventual disintegration of sea ice. Whilst a shift of the dominant edge wave period can be attributed to changes in spectral refraction arising from the incoming swells being low-pass filtered by sea ice, because of the observed tidal signal it is speculated in this case that the observed period adjustment and attendant expansion of bandwidth may also be associated with instability around the fundamental frequency. The potential for edge wave solitons to exist is explored.
Deep learning initialized compressed sensing (Deli-CS) in volumetric spatio-temporal subspace reconstruction
Authors: Schauman S. Sophie , Iyer Siddharth S. , Sandino Christopher M. , Yurt Mahmut , Cao Xiaozhi , Liao Congyu , Ruengchaijatuporn Natthanan , Chatnuntawech Itthi , Tong Elizabeth , Setsompop Kawin
Published: February 2025

Object

Spatio-temporal MRI methods offer rapid whole-brain multi-parametric mapping, yet they are often hindered by prolonged reconstruction times or prohibitively burdensome hardware requirements. The aim of this project is to reduce reconstruction time using deep learning.

Materials and methods

This study focuses on accelerating the reconstruction of volumetric multi-axis spiral projection MRF, aiming for whole-brain T1 and T2 mapping, while ensuring a streamlined approach compatible with clinical requirements. To optimize reconstruction time, the traditional method is first revamped with a memory-efficient GPU implementation. Deep Learning Initialized Compressed Sensing (Deli-CS) is then introduced, which initiates iterative reconstruction with a DL-generated seed point, reducing the number of iterations needed for convergence.

Results

The full reconstruction process for volumetric multi-axis spiral projection MRF is completed in just 20 min compared to over 2 h for the previously published implementation. Comparative analysis demonstrates Deli-CS’s efficiency in expediting iterative reconstruction while maintaining high-quality results.

Discussion

By offering a rapid warm start to the iterative reconstruction algorithm, this method substantially reduces processing time while preserving reconstruction quality. Its successful implementation paves the way for advanced spatio-temporal MRI techniques, addressing the challenge of extensive reconstruction times and ensuring efficient, high-quality imaging in a streamlined manner.
HIV Testing and PrEP Use Among Trans and/or Non-binary Participants in the TASG Study, a Participatory Study in Germany
Authors: Koppe Uwe , Hamm Jonas A. , Spurgat Chris , Hahne Alexander , Saalfeld Robin K. , Garcia Manuel Ricardo , Bremer Viviane , Pöge Kathleen ,   for the TASG study group, Schlögl Teo , Appenroth Max Nicolai , Fink Né , Voß Heinz-Jürgen , Schuler Christoph , Plaßmann Kuem-Song , Rentzsch Silvia
Published: February 2025

HIV testing and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) are recommended in Germany for individuals at increased HIV risk. However, data on HIV testing, PrEP use, and PrEP knowledge among trans and non-binary people are limited. We analysed data from the ‘Sexuelle Gesundheit in trans und nicht-binären Communitys’ (TASG) study, a participatory study on HIV/STI and sexual health among trans and non-binary people in Germany. The study was designed, promoted, and analysed with active involvement of community members. Participants were invited to complete an anonymous online survey between 1 March and 1 July 2022. The outcomes included HIV testing within the last 5 years, PrEP use, and PrEP-specific knowledge. Predictors for HIV testing were identified using a bootstrap stepwise selection procedure. Among 2468 HIV-negative participants with information on potential HIV risks, 21.5% had potential needs for HIV testing and PrEP. Of these, only 44.3% (208/470, missing: 60) reported testing for HIV within the last 5 years. Older participants, those living in larger cities, and those with higher education levels were more likely to have tested for HIV. Additionally, only 8.3% (38/459, missing: 71) reported ever using PrEP. Among 451 participants with potential PrEP needs (missing: 79), only 57.4% knew at least one of three key PrEP-related facts at the time of the survey. Our findings highlight substantial gaps in HIV testing and prevention among trans and non-binary individuals in Germany with potential needs for these services. Reducing barriers to testing and prevention is essential to enable broader access to these critical services.
GenomicSEM Modelling of Diverse Executive Function GWAS Improves Gene Discovery
Authors: Perry Lucas C. , Chevalier Nicolas , Luciano Michelle ,   CHARGE Consortium
Published: February 2025

Previous research has supported the use of latent variables as the gold-standard in measuring executive function. However, for logistical reasons genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of executive function have largely eschewed latent variables in favour of singular task measures. As low correlations have traditionally been found between individual executive function (EF) tests, it is unclear whether these GWAS have truly been measuring the same construct. In this study, we addressed this question by performing a factor analysis on summary statistics from eleven GWAS of EF taken from five studies, using GenomicSEM. Models demonstrated a bifactor structure consistent with previous research, with factors capturing common EF and working memory- specific variance. Furthermore, the GWAS performed on this model identified 20 new genomic risk loci for common EF and 4 for working memory reaching genome-wide significance beyond what was found in the constituent GWAS, together resulting in 29 newly mapped EF genes. These results help to clarify the underlying genetic structure of EF and support the idea that EF GWAS are capable of measuring genetic variance related to latent EF constructs even when not using factor scores. Furthermore, they demonstrate that GenomicSEM can combine GWAS with divergent and non-ideal measures of the same phenotype to improve statistical power.
Where Is the Parent’s Voice? A Meta-Synthesis of Parental Experiences of Video Feedback Parenting Interventions
Authors: Wan Ming Wai , Johal Tarendeep. K. , Wittkowski Anja
Published: February 2025

Video-aided feedback (VF) is a well-evidenced intervention technique to enhance the relationship between a parent and their young child. While parental acceptability is foundational to engagement and intervention efficacy, the parent’s perspective is only now emerging as a valued consideration when evaluating VF-based interventions. This systematic review metasynthesised qualitative research on the experiences of primary caregivers with a young child (primarily 0–30 months) of participating in a VF parenting intervention. A search of nine databases yielded 17 studies (10 published since 2020) involving parents who had participated in range of VF-focussed programmes. Thematic synthesis identified six themes: (1) Getting past the fear and discomfort: Being ‘good enough’ and ‘doing the right thing’; (2) The power of video: “I had never really noticed that before‟ (with two subthemes: video as validation and for seeing child behavioural intentionality; video as an agent for change); (3) The practitioner’s skill and role in creating a safe space; (4) The approach was too intangible, inflexible, positive, unclear; (5) When the intervention is over: Positive change and generalisation; (6) Parental engagement and involvement: Barriers and enhancements. While most parents reported experiencing a range of interpersonal and intrapersonal benefits from taking part in a VF parenting intervention, having to overcome initial strong negative and uncomfortable feelings were an important part of the journey. Some parents could not see the value of the approach or did not perceive the intervention to meet their needs. Insights into parental experience are complementary to outcome-based evaluations. However, biased design (e.g., only one study included intervention non-completers) and variable study quality need addressing in future studies. Implications for practice are discussed.
Do Foreign Service Providers Simply Ignore the EU Consumer Law? An Empirical Study of 100 Online Terms of Service
Authors: Pałka P. , Porębski A. , Pałosz R. , Wiśniewska K.
Published: February 2025

This article reports the results of an empirical study conducted on 100 online terms of services offered in the EU. It documents the prevalence of (potentially) unfair clauses in these contracts and discusses the outcomes of the inferential statistical analysis performed to discover any patterns of this widespread incompliance. It shows that contracts accompanying services with the main headquarters outside of the EU are significantly more likely to contain unfair terms than those originating from the EU. The article offers several possible explanations of this phenomenon, including the features of the corporations and the particularities of the European consumer law enforcement structure. Based on these findings, we offer several possible policy interventions. These include closer scrutiny of corporations from outside the Union, operationalisation of the tools for automated detection of unfair clauses, and potential legal reform, including the possibility of leveraging the enforcement structure put in place by the Digital Services Act.
Developmental Differences in Cognitive Restructuring Skill Acquisition across the Lifespan: Age Differences between Children, Adults and Older Adults, and the Role of Cognitive Flexibility
Authors: Johnco Carly J. , Muir Courtney , Stalley Christopher , Wuthrich Viviana M.
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Replacing irrational or unhelpful thoughts with more rationale and helpful ones is a core skill in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, but there is limited research examining the neuropsychological mechanisms underpinning this process. This study examined age-differences in cognitive restructuring skill acquisition between children, younger adults and older adults; whether individual differences in cognitive flexibility influences the ability to learn cognitive restructuring across the lifespan; and whether cognitive flexibility explains age-differences in cognitive restructuring ability.

Method

Participants were 114 individuals with anxiety disorders, including 35 children (aged 7–12, M = 9.14, SD = 1.44), 32 younger adults (aged 18–53, M = 23, SD = 7.84) and 47 older adults (aged 61–78, M = 66.81, SD = 4.43). Participants completed neuropsychological measures of cognitive flexibility and learned cognitive restructuring, which was coded for quality and efficacy.

Results

More than half the participants of all ages showed good quality cognitive restructuring skill acquisition with only brief instruction. Older adults showed comparable cognitive restructuring skills to children, with slightly better skills among younger adults. However, after accounting for individual differences in cognitive flexibility, there were no age-differences in cognitive restructuring quality. Greater perseveration was associated with poorer cognitive restructuring skill acquisition in younger and older adults, and mediated age-differences in cognitive restructuring skill acquisition.

Conclusions

Among younger and older adults, individual differences in perseveration, rather than chronological age, underpins the ability to learn cognitive restructuring. There is little evidence that cognitive flexibility plays a role in cognitive restructuring skill acquisition among children.
The profile and detection of bribery in South Korea
Authors: Hock Branislav , Park Hyeonho , Oh Jeehyun , Button Mark
Published: February 2025

Bribery, including its various forms such as political contributions and gift-giving in return for favourable treatment in government tenders, present a challenge for law enforcement authorities around the world. While bribery undermines the well-being of people, the rule of law, and harms market competition around the globe, the vast majority of white-collar-crime research is Western focused. This paper is the first significant analysis of the profile and detection of bribery involving perpetrators convicted in South Korea. Based upon a sample of 174 cases involving 198 convicted individuals collected through searches of the media and other relevant sources, we explore the profile of both bribe payers and bribe takers. The paper finds that South Korean prosecuted bribers are predominantly male public administrators involved in cases with the monetary value associated with bribery within the $10,000 to $99,999 range. The South Korea policing authorities predominantly focus on policing bribery of their public administrators and there is only limited evidence that they are able to do the same on the supply side of bribery, and against their own corporations. Unlike in other countries such as the UK and Norway, the South Korean enforcement landscape is associated with higher prison sentences and monetary sanctions, and a high degree of secrecy with laws mandating a rapid destruction of case files, and therefore a very limited publicly accessible information about the detection source. The paper contributes to the economic criminology literature by offering insights into the characteristics of bribery in South Korea and South Korean anti-bribery response in a rarely researched area.
Cognitive biases in user experience and spreadsheet programming
Authors: Máté Domicián , Kiss Judit T. , Csernoch Mária
Published: February 2025

The impact of cognitive biases, particularly biased self-assessment, on learning outcomes and decision-making in higher education is of great significance. This study delves into the confluence of cognitive biases and user experience in spreadsheet programming as a crucial IT skill across various academic disciplines. Through a quantitative analysis, we investigate whether structured learning in spreadsheet programming can counteract self-assessment biases among higher education students. Specifically, our focus is on scrutinizing the accuracy of self-assessment in Excel proficiency among professional STEM students at the University of Debrecen, Hungary, by comparing traditional written and digital assessments. Our findings reveal that while high-achieving students tend to exhibit more accurate self-assessments, many students have a pervasive tendency to overestimate their spreadsheet competencies. These results emphasize the necessity for educational strategies that acknowledge cognitive biases in self-assessment, with far-reaching implications for curriculum design and lean management in higher education, by integrating evidence-based approaches to enhance digital competencies. This study makes a valuable contribution to the broader dialogue on improving learning outcomes and user experience in spreadsheet programming. Additionally, the research provides valuable insights for educators and policymakers, advocating for pedagogical adjustments that can assist students in better evaluating their skills and knowledge, thereby promoting more precise self-assessment practices.
Metal(loid)s and their bioaccessibility in urban soils from residential areas of a medieval mining town
Authors: Ettler Vojtěch , Waldhauserová Jitka , Drahota Petr , Tuhý Marek , Mihaljevič Martin , Racek Martin
Published: February 2025

In historic mining towns, where mining activities were abandoned many decades or even centuries ago, legacy contaminations can be remobilized and redispersed, representing a threat for the environment and human health. This study focuses on urban soils (n = 19) in the town of Jihlava, the Czech Republic, one of the medieval centers of silver mining in central Europe. The basic geochemical characterization of the soils was combined with mineralogical investigations to understand the solid speciation of the metal(loid) contaminants, oral bioaccessibility tests, and exposure assessment. The total concentrations of the metal(loid)s in the original soils were not excessively high (up to 45.8 mg As/kg, 19.2 mg Cd/kg; 205 mg Cr/kg; 91.8 mg Cu/kg, 163 mg Pb/kg, 253 mg V/kg, 262 mg Zn/kg), although, in some cases, they exceeded the regulatory guidelines for agricultural and/or residential soils. A substantial increase in the metal(loid)s contents was confirmed for the < 48-µm soil fraction that was later used for the bioaccessibility tests. Scanning electron microscopy and the electron microprobe showed that ore-derived primary sulfides were rare in the studied soils. Still, hydrous ferric oxides rich in Cu, Pb and Zn and fragments of metallurgical slags composed of metal-containing glass and silicates (olivine) were prone to dissolution during extraction in a simulated gastric fluid (SGF, glycine solution acidified to pH 1.5 by HCl). The maximum bioaccessible concentrations corresponded to 4.69 mg As/kg, 1.75 mg Cd/kg, 2.02 mg Cr/kg, 20.3 mg Cu/kg, 81.6 mg Pb/kg, 16.2 mg V/kg, and 233 mg Zn/kg. Exposure estimates were carried out for children (10 kg) as a target group and a conservative soil ingestion rate (100 mg/d). However, the daily intake of all the studied contaminants was far below the tolerable limits. Our results show that the human health risk based on incidental soil ingestion in the studied area seems limited.
Aquaculture potential of Atlantic wolffish (Anarhichas lupus): stress and physiological responses to acute handling
Authors: Hedén Ida , Roques Jonathan Armand Charles , Andersson Marica , Warwas Niklas , de Fonseka Raneesha , Doyle Darragh , Hinchcliffe James , Jönsson Elisabeth , Sundell Kristina , Sundh Henrik
Published: February 2025

The Atlantic wolffish (Anarhichas lupus) is a cold-water species with the potential to diversify aquaculture in Northern countries. Few studies have investigated the stress physiology of Atlantic wolffish, and the current knowledge on stress in wolffish species is largely derived from the closely related spotted wolffish (Anarhichas minor). In the current study, Atlantic wolffish were exposed to handling stress mimicking common husbandry conditions in aquaculture such as repeated air exposure and net-chasing. Samples were taken prior to stress exposure (pre-stress; control) as well as 5- and 24-h post-stress. A series of primary and secondary acute stress response parameters were assessed: plasma cortisol, glucose and lactate levels, hematological indices (hemoglobin, Hb; hematocrit, Hct; mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, MCHC), and osmoregulatory capacity through plasma osmolality and gill Na+/K+ATPase (NKA) activity. Other secondary stress responses with implications for fish health and welfare are intestinal integrity and transport functions. These parameters were assessed using the Ussing chamber technique. The cortisol peak values were low in comparison to other fish species studied after acute handling stress and occurred as late as 24 h post-stress, suggesting that Atlantic wolffish is a slow and low cortisol responder. Plasma glucose remained stable, whereas lactate concentrations significantly decreased between 5 and 24 h after stress. There was no effect on pH, Hb, or Hct, although a significant increase in MCHC was found after 5 h and 24 h, originating from a small increase in Hb. This result suggests a minor increase in Hb synthesis after stress exposure. The intestinal integrity and transport functions as well as gill NKA-activity remained unchanged after stress exposure. In conclusion, Atlantic wolffish appears to exhibit a relatively moderate stress response, characterized by a slow and low primary stress response and minimal secondary effects following husbandry-related acute stress. These findings contribute to the understanding of the species’ potential for development as a candidate for marine, cold-water aquaculture.
Exporting the just transition? The European Investment Bank, the European Green Deal and environmental and social rules for green projects outside the EU
Authors: de Simone Sara , Nicolò Marco , Parks Louisa
Published: February 2025

The European Union’s European Green Deal (EGD) aims for a just transition to carbon neutrality both within and beyond its borders. This contribution to the special issue on the external dimensions of the EGD focuses on the role of the European Investment Bank (EIB). As a newly declared climate bank and a major funder of ‘green’ projects, the EIB’s role in this vein deserves attention. Do the environmental and social principles the EIB uses to judge funding applications contribute to an environmentally just transition? We explore this question by identifying key issues in impact assessment processes in the literature, brought into focus through an original illustrative case study on the Gibe III hydroelectric dam inaugurated in 2016 in Ethiopia, and linking these to three central aspects of Environmental Justice: recognitional, procedural and redistributive justice. This forms the basis for an analysis of the EIB’s environmental and social statements over time, and a reflection on how far current rules address critical issues. While the EIB’s rules pay increasing attention to critical issues such as the content of Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs), and questions around inclusion, timing, and trust, their contribution to a just transition could be strengthened by sharing responsibility for impact assessments with funding applicants and including rules about their co-design. A bottom-up approach to environmental and social issues could contribute to building shared norms amongst funders and a more universal adoption of ESIAs, and to strengthening networks of grassroots expertise to tackle power asymmetries.
Unsupervised classification of organic coating performance using electrochemical impedance data
Authors: Bongiorno V. , Michailidou E. , Curioni M. , Lyon S.
Published: February 2025

In this study, the use of unsupervised machine learning for grouping organic coatings performance during corrosion testing is evaluated. Coatings with various pigments and pigment volume concentrations (PVC) were applied to AA2024-T3 and cold-rolled mild steel. The coated specimens were immersed in selected environments and periodically monitored with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Post-testing, the specimens were classified into three performance groups based on their appearance. The KMeans algorithm was employed to group the systems using three datasets based on the electrochemical. Comparing KMeans results with performance-based groups yielded an accuracy of 73%, highlighting both the potential and limitations of this approach.

Graphical abstract
Clomiphene citrate throughout the duration of ovarian stimulation in patients with diminished ovarian reserve: an approach to decrease costs, reduce injection burden, and prevent premature ovulation
Authors: Mandelbaum Rachel S. , Melville Samuel , Masjedi Aaron , Raj-Derouin Natasha , Sriprasert Intira , Quinn Molly M. , Paulson Richard J. , Wilcox John G. , Guner Joie Z.
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Clomiphene citrate (CC) is often utilized as an adjunct in in vitro fertilization (IVF) protocols during the first 5 days of stimulation for endogenous FSH release. However, due to its antiestrogenic mechanism of action, CC may also effectively prevent the LH surge, and hence premature ovulation, if continued until the day of trigger. The objective of this study was to evaluate a “long CC” protocol, in which CC is continued throughout the entire cycle in-lieu of GnRH antagonist, and to compare IVF outcomes with a standard 5-day CC + GnRH antagonist protocol in patients with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) undergoing IVF with high-dose gonadotropins.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study of all CC-based IVF cycles at a single institution between 9/2020 and 9/2022. Mild stimulation protocols were excluded. The long CC group received CC throughout the entire cycle without GnRH antagonist. The CC + GnRH antagonist group received CC for the first 5 days of stimulation followed by GnRH antagonist when the lead follicle reached 14 mm. The primary outcome was mature oocyte yield.

Results

There were 361 cycles (77%) in the long CC group and 108 (23%) in the 5-day CC + GnRH antagonist group. Age and AMH levels were similar between the two groups. There was no significant difference in mature oocyte yield between the long CC and 5-day CC + GnRH antagonist groups (median 5 (IQR 5) vs. 4.5 (IQR 5), respectively, (P = 0.922)). MII oocytes/AFC did not differ (0.69 vs. 0.56, respectively, P = 0.16). Premature ovulation occurred in 0.3% of cycles in the long CC group vs. 3.0% of cycles in the 5-day CC + GnRH antagonist group (P = 0.019).

Conclusions

In DOR patients undergoing IVF, a long CC protocol is an effective and patient-friendly approach associated with non-inferior oocyte yield.