bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Palliative care case management in a surgical department for patients with gastrointestinal cancer—a register-based cohort study
Authors: Gerhardt Stine , Benthien Kirstine Skov , Herling Suzanne , Villumsen Marie , Krarup Peter-Martin
Published: August 2024

Background

The effectiveness of generalist palliative care interventions in hospitals is unknown.

Aim

This study aimed to explore the impact of a palliative care case management intervention for patients with gastrointestinal cancer (PalMaGiC) on hospital admissions, healthcare use, and place of death.

Design

This was a register-based cohort study analyzing data from the Danish Register on Causes of Death, the Danish National Patient Register, and the Danish Palliative Database.

Setting/participants

Deceased patients with gastrointestinal cancer from 2010 to 2020 exposed to PalMaGiC were compared over three periods of time to patients receiving standard care.

Results

A total of 43,969 patients with gastrointestinal cancers were included in the study, of whom 1518 were exposed to PalMaGiC. In the last 30 days of life, exposed patients were significantly more likely to be hospitalized (OR of 1.62 (95% CI 1.26–2.01)), spend more days at the hospital, estimate of 1.21 (95% CI 1.02–1.44), and have a higher number of hospital admissions (RR of 1.13 (95% CI 1.01–1.27)), and were more likely to die at the hospital (OR of 1.94 (95% CI 1.55–2.44)) with an increasing trend over time. No differences were found for hospital healthcare use.

Conclusion

Patients exposed to the PalMaGiC intervention had a greater likelihood of hospitalizations and death at the hospital compared to unexposed patients, despite the opposite intention. Sensitivity analyses show that regional differences may hold some of the explanation for this. Future development of generalist palliative care in hospitals should focus on integrating a home-based approach, community care, and PC physician involvement.
The first report of porcine parvovirus 8 (PPV8) on the American continent is associated with pigs in Colombia with porcine respiratory disease
Authors: Vargas-Bermudez Diana S. , Jaime Jairo
Published: August 2024

Seven novel porcine parvoviruses (PPV2 to PPV8) have been discovered in the last two decades. The last one reported was PPV8 in China in 2022, which was proposed to be a member of the genus Protoparvovirus. Here, we report the first detection of PPV8 outside China – in two provinces from Colombia. Six out of 146 (4.1%) pigs showing porcine respiratory disease (PRD) tested positive for PPV8. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of two Colombian PPV8 isolates (GenBank database accession numbers PP335559 and PP335560) showed them to be members of the genus Protoparvovirus. Furthermore, PPV8 was detected in coinfections with porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), which are associated with PRD.
Bluetooth security analysis of general and intimate health IoT devices and apps: the case of FemTech
Authors: Cook Stephen , Mehrnezhad Maryam , Toreini Ehsan
Published: August 2024

The number of digital health products is increasing faster than ever. These technologies (e.g. mobile apps and connected devices) collect massive amounts of data about their users, including health, medical, sex life, and other intimate data. In this paper, we study a set of 21 Internet of Things (IoT) devices advertised for general and intimate health purposes of female bodies (aka female-oriented technologies or FemTech). We focus on the security of the Bluetooth connection and communications between the IoT device and the mobile app. Our results highlight serious security issues in the current off-the-shelf FemTech devices. These include unencrypted Bluetooth traffic, unknown Bluetooth services and insecure Bluetooth authentication when connecting to the app. We implement Bluetooth attacks on the communication between these devices and apps, resulting in malfunctioning of the device and app. We discuss our results and provide recommendations for different stakeholders to improve the security practices of Bluetooth-enabled IoT devices in such a sensitive and intimate domain.
Born This Way? National Collective Narcissism, Implicit Homophobia, and Homosexual Essentialism in Populist Poland
Authors: Lantos Dorottya , Mole Richard C. M. , Golec de Zavala Agnieszka
Published: August 2024

Prejudice toward the LGBT community has become prevalent in Poland under the ultraconservative populist government. The results of three studies conducted between 2018 and 2019 (N1 = 879, N2 = 324, and N3 = 374) indicate that Polish collective narcissism—the belief that the exaggerated greatness of the nation is not recognized by others—is associated with implicit homophobia assessed as the intuitive disapproval of gay men and automatic evaluative preference of heterosexuality over homosexuality. Those associations were to a large extent explained by the relationships between collective narcissism and (1) the belief that groups defined by sexual orientations are essentially distinct; (2) the belief that homosexuality is a personal choice, not genetically determined or culturally universal. The experimental results of Study 3 indicated that inducing the belief that non-normative sexuality is genetically determined and culturally universal reduced automatic preference for heterosexuality over homosexuality (but not intuitive disapproval of gay men) across levels of collective narcissism (contrary to predictions). The obtained results complete the picture of the association of narcissistic beliefs about the nation and homophobia emerging from previous studies. National narcissism is linked not only to explicit but also to latent, implicit homophobia likely to be triggered by increased presence of national narcissism in public discourse. Moreover, national narcissism is linked to implicit homophobia, especially via the agentic belief that sexual orientation is a matter of choice. Changing this belief reduces implicit homophobia also among national narcissists.
Sorption behavior of strontium ions by graphene oxide decorated with chitosan nanoparticles from aqueous solutions
Authors: Abd-Elhamid A. I. , Abu Elgoud E. M. , Aly H. F.
Published: August 2024

This study provides and investigates the fabrication of graphene oxide (GO) sheets decorated with chitosan nanoparticles (CSNP) through the hybridizing of GO and CS, by the addition of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) as a cross-linker agent. The fabricated GO-CSNP composite was characterized using several advanced techniques. Furthermore, various parameters affect the sorption of Sr(II), such as contact time, pH, initial concentration, dosage, temperature, and coexisting ions. The experimental results were in accordance with the pseudo-second-order reaction. The interaction mechanism between Sr(II) and GO-CSNP composite was accurately described by the Langmuir isotherm model with a maximum adsorption capacity of 473.93 mg/g. The GO-CSNP composite demonstrated exceptional selectivity for the sorption of Sr(II) over Y(III) at a high concentration ratio of 10:1 for Sr2+ to Y3+, respectively. Furthermore, the GO-CSNP adsorbent demonstrated considerable potential as a highly effective sorbent for the adsorption of Sr(II), Mo(VI), Cd(II), and Cs(I) ions. The results revealed that the prepared composite was effectively capable of removing various fission products.
Proteomic and Cytokine Profiling in Plasma from Patients with Normal-Tension Glaucoma and Ocular Hypertension
Authors: Langbøl Mia , Saruhanian Arevak , Saruhanian Sarkis , Tiedemann Daniel , Baskaran Thisayini , Vohra Rupali , Rives Amalie Santaolalla , Moreira José , Prokosch Verena , Liu Hanhan , Lackmann Jan-Wilm , Müller Stefan , Nielsen Claus Henrik , Kolko Miriam , Rovelt Jens
Published: August 2024

Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is subdivided depending on eye pressure. Patients with normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) have never had high intraocular pressure (IOP) measured while patients with ocular hypertension (OHT) have high eye pressure but no signs of glaucoma. Although IOP is considered to be a risk factor for all glaucoma patients, it is reasonable to assume that other risk factors such as inflammation play a role. We aimed to characterize the proteome and cytokine profile during hypoxia in plasma from patients with NTG (n = 10), OHT (n = 10), and controls (n = 10). Participants were exposed to hypoxia for two hours, followed by 30 min of normoxia. Samples were taken before (“baseline”), during (“hypoxia”), and after hypoxia (“recovery”). Proteomics based on liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC–MS) was performed. Cytokines were measured by Luminex assays. Bioinformatic analyses indicated the involvement of complement and coagulation cascades in NTG and OHT. Regulation of high-density lipoprotein 3 (HDL3) apolipoproteins suggested that changes in cholesterol metabolism are related to OHT. Hypoxia decreased the level of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in OHT patients compared to controls. Circulating levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were decreased in NTG patients compared to controls during hypoxia. After recovery, plasma interleukin-6 (IL-6) was upregulated in patients with NTG and OHT. Current results indicate an enhanced systemic immune response in patients with NTG and OHT, which correlates with pathogenic events in glaucoma. Apolipoproteins may have anti-inflammatory effects, enabling OHT patients to withstand inflammation and development of glaucoma despite high IOP.

Graphical Abstract
Seasonal habitat use of white sucker Catostomus commersonii in a small Boreal lake
Authors: Richter Ian A. , Smokorowski Karen E. , Blanchfield Paul J.
Published: August 2024

White sucker (Catostomus commersonii) is a large-bodied benthic fish species that is found across a broad geographic region in North America. Often overlooked, white suckers are an integral component of aquatic ecosystems in their role as the dominant nearshore benthivore in many lakes. Few detailed field investigations on habitat use and thermal occupancy of white sucker exist, limiting our ability to predict the risk of habitat loss from development and climate warming for this cool-water species. Here we investigated seasonal depth, temperature and spatial occupancy patterns of white suckers in a lake located in northern Ontario, Canada. Using a combination of positioning acoustic telemetry and environmental data, we determined depth and space use patterns, seasonal temperature preference indices, and the affinity of white sucker to the lake bottom (i.e., benthic habitat) over a year long period. We found that the white suckers were consistently observed in shallow waters (< 10 m depth) and near the lake bottom across all seasons but were positioned slightly deeper in the winter. The tagged white suckers showed a strong temperature selection preference for thermal habitat between 10 and 16 °C during the open-water seasons and tended to avoid cold (< 6 °C) thermal habitat. Space use patterns, calculated using kernel utilization distributions, and daily movement rates were surprisingly consistent across all seasons, with regular occupancy of only some nearshore areas. This study highlights a highly restrictive pattern of habitat use by white sucker that is consistent across seasons, suggesting that this generalist species may be more vulnerable to anthropogenic disturbance than previously thought.
Confabulations in Korsakoff’s Syndrome: Defending an Error-Based Account
Authors: Bielecka Krystyna
Published: August 2024

This paper investigates confabulations in Korsakoff’s syndrome (KS) from the perspective of error-based teleosemantics, a framework that emphasizes the role of error detection in mental representation. I introduce a distributed and communicative model of memory, framing it as a network of information transfer encompassing both internal cognitive processes and external social interactions. This model, grounded in teleosemantics, allows for an understanding of how confabulations arise not solely from internal memory deficits, but also from disruptions in the feedback loops between individuals and their social environments. By analyzing cases of provoked and spontaneous confabulations in KS patients, I demonstrate how this framework illuminates the crucial role of external consumers (e.g., caregivers) in either reinforcing or correcting erroneous memory reports. This approach, emphasizing error detection mechanisms, offers a new lens for examining the interplay between individual cognitive processes and social scaffolding in shaping memory and its pathologies.
Thermal behavior of mercury carboxylates as paintings’ degradation products
Authors: Barannikov Ruslan , Vykydalová Anna , Bezdička Petr , Hermans Joen , Plocek Jiří , Švarcová Silvie
Published: August 2024

Mercury long-chain carboxylates have been identified recently as degradation products resulting from saponification occurring in painted artworks. Saponification belongs among the degradation processes endangering undesirably the appearance and stability of painted artworks, significant treasures of humanity. The mechanism of saponification has not been still fully understood because of the enormous complexity of both painting materials and factors triggering the deterioration. Moreover, the properties and stability of metal soaps resulting from this degradation are also poorly understood, complicating the choice of suitable conservation treatment. Relining, a heat-based restoration technique for reinforcing deteriorated canvases, can induce irreversible changes in paint layers, being applied inappropriately. Within this study, we report thermal behavior and stability of mercury palmitate (Hg(C16)2), mercury stearate (Hg(C18)2), and their respective mixtures with linseed oil in the temperature range of 25–150 °C, employing a combination of techniques, including DSC, TG-MS, FTIR, XRPD, and in situ high-temperature FTIR and XRPD. It was observed that while Hg(C16)2 and Hg(C18)2 undergo partial decomposition around 150 °C, in a mixture with linseed oil, they decompose rapidly at significantly lower temperature (around 100 °C). The decomposition of mercury carboxylates results in the formation of metallic mercury, a volatile toxic substance, and free fatty acids, reactants capable of further development of saponification in paint layers. In addition, a structural polymorph of Hg(C16)2 and Hg(C18)2 with a different arrangement of carboxylate groups around the mercury atom was formed after the heat treatment during the cooling down at ca 120 °C as documented by in situ high-temperature XRPD and FTIR.
Landscape properties and density dependence shape the movement patterns of three threatened butterflies
Authors: Franzén Markus , Askling John , Kindvall Oskar , Johansson Victor , Sunde Johanna , Forsman Anders
Published: August 2024

Context

Conservation of endangered species necessitates an in-depth understanding of their ecological requirements. Particularly in landscape ecology, the behavioural tendencies of threatened butterfly species in Gotland, a biodiversity-rich island in the Baltic Sea, become crucial.

Objectives

The primary aim of this study was to elucidate the movement patterns of three threatened butterfly species—Euphydryas aurinia, Parnassius apollo, and Phengaris arion—in Gotland and to identify the influence of specific land characteristics on these patterns.

Methods

Our study, conducted from 2017 to 2020 across 60 km2 in Gotland, involved detailed capture-mark-recapture (CMR) efforts of 29,584 captures including 16,223 unique butterflies. We investigate the departure and arrival events of butterflies, specifically focusing on the associations between movements when individuals leave or enter a hectare grid different from their previously recorded location and key landscape features: open vegetated land, ground moisture, and forest cover. We model landscape features to examine the interplay between these and butterfly movement patterns, providing insights into preferred landscape features and conservation strategies.

Results

Among the 4821 arrivals and 5083 departures documented, the species exhibited differential responses to the evaluated habitat features. Both E. aurinia and P. apollo displayed a positive density-dependent dispersal, while P. arion’s movements were not significantly associated with any of the examined habitat features. Landscape properties like open vegetated land and ground moisture index statistically influenced the likelihood of arrival and departure.

Conclusions

The study accentuates the relationship between land cover and the behavioural tendencies of the subject butterfly species. It has broader implications for the targeted habitat management strategies that would benefit threatened butterfly populations in Gotland.
Advances in polymeric and non-polymeric nanocarriers for the magnified delivery of levofloxacin against bacterial infection
Authors: Safaran Negar , Javadi Shohreh , Pourmadadi Mehrab , Ghaemi Amirhossein , Yazdian Fatemeh , Rashedi Hamid , Rahdar Abbas , Aboudzadeh M. Ali
Published: August 2024

This review examines the latest developments in nanoscopic antibiotic formulations used to treat infections caused by bacteria. A wide range of nanocarrier platforms are discussed, including polymer-based nanoparticles (NPs), lipid-based vesicles, mesoporous silica, and other inorganic materials. The antibiotic levofloxacin (LVF) is predominantly used as a model drug given its broad-spectrum activity. Studies in this regard have evaluated drug loading and encapsulation efficiency (EE) using analytical techniques such as FTIR, DLS, and TEM. In vitro release kinetics was characterized through dialysis and fluorescence-based assays. Zone of inhibition and viability studies provided insights into antibacterial efficacy. Some approaches incorporated stimuli-responsive polymers or targeting ligands to facilitate controlled or targeted drug release. Overall, the nanocarriers demonstrated potential for sustained antibiotic levels, reduced dosing, and improved treatment of biofilms and intracellular infections compared to free drug administration. The review offers a comprehensive analysis of this promising field with implications for combating antibiotic resistance.
Some Notes on Savage’s Representation Theorem
Authors: Frahm Gabriel , Hartmann Lorenz
Published: August 2024

Savage’s famous representation theorem is based on seven postulates of rational choice. We resolve some loose ends in the literature concerning the relationship between different versions of Savage’s axioms. This leads us to the present form of the representation theorem. We also discuss some issues regarding the historical development of Savage’s representation theorem.
Leveraging the trend analysis for modeling of the greenhouse gas emissions associated with coal combustion
Authors: Karakurt Izzet , Avci Busra Demir , Aydin Gokhan
Published: August 2024

In this paper, it is aimed, for the first time, at deriving simple models, leveraging the trend analysis in order to estimate the future greenhouse gas emissions associated with coal combustion. Due to the expectations of becoming the center of global economic development in the future, BRICS-T (Brazil, the Russian Federation, India, China, South Africa, and Turkiye) countries are adopted as cases in the study. Following the models’ derivation, their statistical validations and estimating accuracies are also tested through various metrics. In addition, the future greenhouse gas emissions associated with coal combustion are estimated by the derived models. The results demonstrate that the derived models can be successfully used as a tool for estimating the greenhouse gas emissions associated with coal combustions with accuracy ranges from at least 90% to almost 98%. Moreover, the estimating results show that the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions associated with coal combustions in the relevant countries and in the world will increase to 14 BtCO2eq and 19 BtCO2eq by 2035, with an annual growth of 2.39% and 1.71%, respectively. In summary, the current study’s findings affirm the usefulness of trend analysis in deriving models to estimate greenhouse gas emissions associated with coal combustion.
First report of accumulation of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) in platypuses (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Warwick Katherine G. , Wright Ian A. , Whinfield Jessica , Reynolds Jason K. , Ryan Michelle M.
Published: August 2024

The platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) is a semi-aquatic monotreme that occupies a high trophic position in the freshwater ecosystems of eastern mainland Australia and Tasmania. Platypuses are continuously exposed to anthropogenic contaminants including perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). This study examined PFOS concentrations in the livers of deceased platypuses (eight wild; one captive) that were opportunistically collected across NSW over a two- and a half-year period. There was a large variation in PFOS concentrations, ranging from < 1 µg/kg to 1200 µg/kg. This study presents the first report of PFOS contamination in platypuses, revealing their PFOS levels are broadly similar to those found in river otters (Lutra canadensis) and lower than those in American mink (Mustela vison), both which occupy similar ecological niches in freshwater systems. This study raises concerns about the impact of PFOS on platypus health.
Functional Studies of the Pollen-Specific Genes, StLAT52s in Potato
Authors: Han Zhijun , Yin Wenqian , Zhang Binhuan , Han Yuzhu , Zhang Jingying
Published: August 2024

Pollen viability is a limiting factor in potato hybridization, although it varies considerably among potato varieties. Exploring the molecular basis of pollen viability will give a theoretical foundation for improving hybridization. In this research, we showed that the four StLAT52 genes, namely StLAT52a, StLAT52b, StLAT52c and StLAT52d were the key genes affecting potato pollen viability, and they were only expressed in flowers. It was also noted that these genes were localized in the nucleus. An assessment of protein–protein interactions showed that StLAT52a and StLAT52b proteins, StLAT52a and StLAT52c proteins, and StLAT52b and StLAT52c proteins interacted both in vitro and in vivo. When these genes were transferred into tobacco, the number of pollen grains significantly increased, and the pollen viability increased by almost 10%. In addition, the expression of the StLAT52 genes in tobacco resulted in significant changes in genes associated with the proteasome, ribosome biogenesis and plant hormone signal transduction pathways during the flowering stage. Taken together, this research provided an in-depth understanding of the structure and functions of the LAT52 genes in potatoes and their association with pollen viability. The results of this research can be used as a basis for further exploring the molecular mechanism underlying pollen viability.
Taxonomic reintroduction of the holarctic saprotrophic fungus Crepidotus cinnamomeus
Authors: Jančovičová Soňa , Adamčíková Katarína , Caboň Miroslav , Graddy Mary G. , Matheny P. Brandon , Noffsinger Chance R. , Wheeler Tim B. , Adamčík Slavomír
Published: August 2024

Crepidotus is a genus of common saprotrophic fungi well known especially in the Northern Hemisphere, but distribution patterns of individual species are not sufficiently understood. We redefined a taxonomic circumscription of Crepidotus cinnamomeus based on morphological and molecular congruencies between the type material and recent collections. The species is well delimited from other similar and currently accepted species of the genus. Crepidotus cinnamomeus was found to have a broad holarctic distribution with occurrences in North America, Europe and Asia where it grows on twigs and branches of deciduous trees and shrubs in preferably cold humid habitats. Here we present the first multilocus phylogeny of the genus, including portions of the RPB2 gene. Our study highlights the importance of sufficient sampling from broader areas supported by sequence data, which is essential for estimation of species delimitation, distribution and correct name assignment for Crepidotus species.
Value of gadoxetic acid-enhanced MR imaging for preoperative prediction of future liver regeneration after hemihepatectomy
Authors: Fujita Nobuhiro , Ushijima Yasuhiro , Itoyama Masahiro , Okamoto Daisuke , Ishimatsu Keisuke , Tabata Kosuke , Itoh Shinji , Ishigami Kousei
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Liver resection is currently considered the most effective treatment for patients with liver cancer. To the best of our knowledge, no study has investigated the association between gadoxetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and liver regeneration in patients who underwent hemihepatectomy. We aimed to clarify the relationship between the signal intensity (SI) of the liver parenchyma on gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI and the degree of liver regeneration in patients who underwent hemihepatectomy.

Materials and methods

Forty-one patients who underwent gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI before hemihepatectomy were enrolled. We calculated the liver-to-erector spinae muscle SI ratio (LMR) in the hepatobiliary phase and the precontrast images. ΔLMR was calculated using the following equation: ΔLMR = (LMR in the hepatobiliary phase−LMR in the precontrast image)/LMR in the precontrast image. The preoperative and postoperative remnant liver volumes (LVs) were calculated using CT volumetry. We calculated the resection rate (RR) and liver regeneration index (LRI) using the following formulas: RR = Resected LV/Total LV × 100 and LRI = (postoperative remnant LV−preoperative remnant LV)/preoperative remnant LV × 100. The relationships among LRI, imaging, and clinicopathological factors were analyzed.

Results

Univariate analysis showed RR and ΔLMR showed a positive correlation with LRI (ρ = 0.4133, p = 0.0072 and ρ = 0.7773, p < 0.001, respectively). Spleen volume showed a negative correlation with LRI (ρ = −0.3138, p = 0.0486). Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed ΔLMR and RR were independently correlated with LRI (β coefficient = 44.8771, p = 0.0198 and β coefficient = 1.9653, p < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusion

ΔLMR may serve as a preoperative predictor of liver regeneration in patients undergoing hemihepatectomy.
Mental models of aquaculture governance in Indonesia
Authors: Nagel Ben , Anggraini Eva , Buhari Nurliah , Gray Steven , Partelow Stefan , Schlüter Achim
Published: August 2024

Aquaculture stakeholders have mental models, which are the internal cognitive representations of how they understand and prioritize the different features of their aquaculture systems. Individuals and stakeholder groups are likely to have different mental models, with implications for making cooperative governance work and guiding the rapidly emerging sector’s sustainable development. We apply a participatory approach called fuzzy cognitive mapping to capture and compare the mental models of community-based coastal pond aquaculture stakeholders in Indonesia, including farmers, government managers, and researchers who need to work together to govern a rapidly expanding aquaculture sector which faces critical sustainability challenges. To conceptually structure our comparison, we use Elinor Ostrom’s social–ecological systems framework. Our results highlight important differences between stakeholder group mental models which represent potential conflicts of interest and barriers for collaborative governance. Fish farmer models emphasize resource system challenges relating to production instability and risk, while government managers emphasize increasing production intensity to meet sectoral growth targets. Researchers, in contrast, tend to focus on pond waste treatment and water quality management. Governance attributes were consistently perceived as less frequent and less influential compared to other social–ecological dimensions, reflecting perceptions of weak governance in the sector. We identify a critical need for programs aimed at strengthening community-level institutional arrangements for governing shared aquaculture resources, increasing technical knowledge capacity, and managing financial risk. By merging all stakeholder models into a single “community” model, we identify key consensus action situations across the three groups as potential focal points for aquaculture development which may serve as a starting point for actors to work together to identify context-appropriate institutional solutions to these sustainability challenges.
Visual spatial attention to sexual stimuli
Authors: Snowden Robert J. , Kydd-Coutts Megan , Varney Ellie-May , Rosselli Olivia , Gray Nicola S.
Published: August 2024

Visual events of high salience are thought to automatically attract visual processing resources to their location. Hence, we should expect that stimuli with sexual content should trigger such a movement of visual resources. However, evidence for such an allocation of visual resources is sparse and rather contradictory. In two studies we tested this hypothesis. Using a dot-probe task, Experiment 1 showed that targets occurring at the location of a briefly presented and uninformative cue (hence engaging “exogenous” attention) with sexual content were responded to more rapidly than those that occurred at the location of the neutral cue - thus confirming that sexual stimuli can attract automatic attention to their location. However, the effect was small and had a low level of reliability. No consistent gender differences were found. In Experiment 2, we examined whether this cueing effect remained even for low-visibility cues. No cueing effects were found, but the task manipulation also abolished the cueing effect for high visibility cues. While the study supports the notion of spatial allocation of visual resources to sexual stimuli, it highlights that this effect is not robust or reliable, and discusses the implications of this.
Oil Adulteration Evaluation Using High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography
Authors: Rogeboz Paul , Latado Hélia , Sharma Ajay , Chaubey Neha , Kadian Shalu , Chavez Enrico , Do Thi Kieu Tiên , Dubois Mathieu , Giuffrida Francesca , Patin Amaury , Marin-Kuan Maricel
Published: August 2024

Assessment of food authenticity from upstream in the supply chain is critical for the food industry. Environmental challenges and geo-political situations are causing shortages of raw materials resulting in a potential risk for food fraud. An example of this issue is the adulteration of edible oils by the addition of low-price oil, frying oil, or even non-edible grade oils mixtures threatening foods industries, consumer safety, and trust. Reliable screening tools to assess raw materials authenticity are therefore needed. Assessment of an improved alternative approach using high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) is shown as a tool to evaluate edible oil authenticity and adulteration. Two methods were tested including an untargeted method based on fingerprints profiling for detection of adulteration with vegetable oil and a targeted method for mineral oil adulteration detection (e.g., paraffin wax). Statistical analysis was applied to determine acceptance criteria range to assess variability, limit of adulteration detection, and reproducibility. The robustness of the method was tested within an interlaboratory study using palm oil. Detection of adulteration with edible oils was achieved at levels from 5 to 25% while < 5% was predicted for mineral oils adulteration. Both methods showed promising results in terms of adulteration detection capability making this approach a reliable, and efficient tool to assess and monitor edible oils quality with added value in the field.
Urofacial (Ochoa) syndrome with a founder pathogenic variant in the HPSE2 gene: a case report and mutation origin
Authors: Del Valle-Peréz Manuela , Mejía-García Alejandro , Echeverri-López Dayana , Gallo-Bonilla Katherine , Tejada-Moreno Johanna A. , Villegas‑Lanau Andrés , Chvatal-Medina Mateo , Restrepo Jorge E. , Cuartas-Montoya Gina , Zapata-Builes Wildeman
Published: August 2024

Urofacial syndrome or Ochoa syndrome (UFS or UFOS) is a rare disease characterized by inverted facial expression and bladder dysfunction that was described for the first time in Colombia. It is an autosomal recessive pathology with mutations in the HPSE2 and LRIG2 genes. However, 16% of patients do not have any mutations associated with the syndrome. Despite the importance of neurobiology in its pathophysiology, there are no neurological, neuropsychological, or psychological studies in these patients. A 30-year-old male from Medellín, Colombia, with a significant perinatal history, was diagnosed with grade 4 hydronephrosis on his first ultrasound test. At 4 months of age, symptoms such as hypomimia, lagophthalmos, and recurrent urinary tract infections started to manifest. Imaging studies revealed urinary tract dilatation, vesicoureteral reflux, and a double collector system on his left side, which led to the diagnosis of UFS. Multiple procedures, including vesicostomy, ureterostomy, and enterocystoplasty, were performed. At 20 years of age, he achieved urinary sphincter control. Genetic analysis revealed a founder pathogenic variant, c.1516C > T (p.Arg506Ter), in the HPSE2 gene, which produces a truncated protein that lacks 86 amino acids. This variant is classified as pathogenic according to the ClinVar database for UFS. The mutation age is approximately 260–360 years, and the two alleles share a 7.2–7.4 Mb IBD segment. Moreover, we detected European local ancestry in the IBD segment, which is consistent with a Spanish introduction. Neurological examination, neuropsychological assessment, and psychological testing revealed no abnormalities, except for high stress levels. Clinical analysis of this patient revealed distorted facial expression and detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia, which are typical of patients with UFS. Genetic analysis revealed a pathogenic variant in the HPSE2 gene of European origin and a mutation age of 260–360 years. From a neurological, neuropsychological, and psychological (emotional and personality) perspective, the patient showed no signs or symptoms of clinical interest.
Habitat suitability and representation of the potential distribution of the lowland tapir (Tapirus terrestris) within land cover types and protected areas of eastern Colombia
Authors: Mosquera-Guerra Federico , Moreno-Niño Nathalia , Barreto Sebastian , Armenteras-Pascual Dolors
Published: August 2024

The lack of knowledge about the distributional patterns of threatened ungulates hinders the implementation of effective strategies for the conservation of their populations in Neotropical savannas. The Orinoquia is one of those ecoregions with limited data, poorly represented in the Colombian National System of Protected Areas. Nevertheless, the savannas of the Orinoquia serve as the habitat for 70% of the ungulate species reported in the country. The objective of our research was to identify the presence of the lowland tapir (Tapirus terrestris) and evaluate its representation in different land cover types and within Protected Areas (PAs) in the department of the Vichada. To accomplish this, we: (i) modeled the ecological niche of the lowland tapir using the MaxEnt algorithm, (ii) classified the potential distribution into three zones of habitat suitability, and (iii) assessed the representativeness of habitat suitability within the land cover of the savanna ecosystem and PAs. The suitable area for the lowland tapir was 134,575 km2, with the most representative savanna landscapes being: (i) savannas (118,125 km2, 87.8%) and (ii) evergreen broadleaf forests (12,550 km2, 9.3%). Furthermore, (2,925 km2, 2.2%) of the suitable area was reported within of the Natural Reserves of Civil Society. Our results highlight the ecological importance of private conservation initiatives as a complementary strategy to government PAs as well as contributing to functional connectivity on the regional scale. We provide information on the spatial ecology of the lowland tapir as an input for conservation practitioners and land planning in the savanna of eastern Colombia.
A geometric classification of equilibria by spectral types
Authors: Giacobbe Andrea
Published: August 2024

We write three algebraic equations whose variables are the principal invariants of a matrix. When the matrix is the linearization of a vector field at an equilibrium, the loci defined by such equations correspond to specific types of bifurcations, and the complement of such loci is a decomposition of the space of principal invariants in open domains in which the equilibrium has a given spectral type. When dealing with a parameter-dependent dynamical system, the three equations can be pulled back from the space of invariants to the parameter space, and provide the bifurcation decomposition of parameter space for the dynamical system. In this article, we develop and apply this technique thoroughly in dimensions 3 and 4, and we give effective methods to compute the spectral indices.
Additive manufacturing of geopolymer composites for sustainable construction: critical factors, advancements, challenges, and future directions
Authors: Krishna R. S. , Rehman Asif Ur , Mishra Jyotirmoy , Saha Suman , Korniejenko Kinga , Rehman Rashid Ur , Salamci Metin Uymaz , Sglavo Vincenzo M. , Shaikh Faiz Uddin Ahmed , Qureshi Tanvir S.
Published: August 2024

Increasing pollution poses enormous pressure on the global ecosystem, with a need to limit the carbon emissions from the construction materials industry. Mitigation of this carbon is possible by converting industrial wastes into alternative cement and optimisation in the building process. Taking this into account, advancement is taking place in sustainable geopolymer composites-based additive manufacturing (AM) technology. Typical precursors for geopolymer binder are industrial waste by-products (such as slag, fly ash, and metakaolin). In another aspect, AM entails several benefits such as easy fabrication, freedom of design, the ability to generate sophisticated structural elements and reduce: expenses, time, waste generation, and labor demands. This review journal paper on geopolymer AM presents a bibliometric study followed by an overview of AM methods and influencing parameters, techniques in geopolymer AM (such as extrusion and powder bed), materials, improvements in AM process, and fresh-state and hardened-state properties. Recent developments in AM processes within the geopolymer are critically discussed while investigating the properties and applications of the same. The discussion includes an analysis pinpointing research gaps essential in developing geopolymer AM.

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A Possible Depiction of a Woolly Rhino from the Late Magdalenian Hunting Camp of Bad Kösen-Lengefeld in Central Germany
Authors: Richter Jürgen , Sauer Florian , Orrin Joel , Hageneuer Sebastian
Published: August 2024

In Central Germany, rhino images were engraved on stone objects during the Magdalenian period, before the global extinction of the woolly rhino around 14,000 cal BP. Our recent excavations, at the Magdalenian open-air settlement site of Bad Kösen-Lengefeld, added to this record, yielding a limestone slab with a presumptive rhino portrait from an exactly stratified, thoroughly documented and well-dated cultural context. Here we present the unique limestone slab with an engraved animal image, unusual because of the head omitted, but — by contrast — aspects of the rear expressed in detail. During the excavation, the limestone slab was found related to a dwelling structure marked by postholes grouped around a central fireplace. Reindeer and horse were hunted close to, and killed at the site, and ice foxes were exploited for their furs. 14C-samples collected from all parts of the settlement attest for a short period of occupation(s) around 15,350 ± 50 cal BP making the rhino portrait one of the latest of its kind, eventually documenting the last sightings of woolly rhino in general, by humans. Moreover, its found context would make this animal portrait a fixture in Magdalenian style chronology.
Beyond Large-Shaped Tools: Technological Innovations and Continuities at the Late Early Pleistocene Assemblage of El Barranc de la Boella (Tarragona, Spain)
Authors: Lombao Diego , Morales Juan I. , Mosquera Marina , Ollé Andreu , Saladié Palmira , Vallverdú Josep
Published: August 2024

The emergence of the mode 2 technocomplex, traditionally characterized by the development of large cutting tools (LCTs) or standardized large-shaped tools, has also implied a range of new technological behaviours. These include enhanced raw material management, more sophisticated knapping strategies, and transport patterns, among other innovations. Unit II of the localities of La Mina, El Forn, and Pit 1 in El Barranc de la Boella (Tarragona, Spain) — dating back to between 0.99–0.78 million years ago — contains the oldest mode 2 assemblages in the European subcontinent and represents an exceptional opportunity to examine the technological features associated with the appearance of LCTs in Europe and to provide clues to shed light to different hypotheses about their appearance. The presence of functionally diverse but environmentally similar localities enables a study of behavioural flexibility and technological variation, marking a critical contribution to understanding early human technological evolution. Our research focuses on the technological behaviours of hominins in unit II of Pit 1, La Mina, and El Forn at Barranc de la Boella, examining five keys technological aspects such as (1) raw material management, (2) core reduction sequences, (3) reduction intensity, (4) large flake production, and (5) the spatiotemporal integrity of reduction sequences. We compare these behaviours with those observed in mode 1 (~ 1.8–0.9 Ma) and early Middle Pleistocene (~ 0.78–0.6 Ma) assemblages across western Europe. Our findings reveal significant advancements and anticipatory behaviours at El Barranc de la Boella, such as the use of procedural templates for core reduction strategies and the production of large-shaped tools governed by principles of gestural economy, and also the existence of different reduction sequences in different raw materials according to specific purposes. The technological behaviours observed at El Barranc de la Boella seem to be more indicative of population dispersals rather than local evolutionary developments from mode 1 technologies. The non-linear evolution of core knapping strategies, along with the variability in large-shaped tool types, suggests multiple waves of hominin dispersals into Europe during this crucial period. We propose that El Barranc de la Boella may represent an early dispersal of the Acheulean from Africa around 1.4 million years ago, potentially connected to assemblages such as ‘Ubeidiya. This study underscores the complexity of lithic technology during this period and contributes significantly to our understanding of the complex emergence and adoption of new technological behaviours in European early mode 2 assemblages, extending beyond the mere appearance of LCTs.
Reconfigurable Framework for Data Extraction Using Interoperable Brokers in Manufacturing
Authors: Freitas Nelson , Rocha Andre Dionisio , M-Oliveira Fábio , Alemão Duarte , Barata José
Published: August 2024

Technology is an integral part of society and has undergone significant evolution across various domains, such as production and recreation, leading to the emergence of heterogeneous systems. These diverse systems often need to communicate and interact with one another to fully leverage their capabilities and resources, aiming for maximum efficiency. One effective method to achieve this is through the use of a message broker, a tool that facilitates communication between multiple heterogeneous systems. However, setting up message brokers can be complex, requiring access to multiple systems for configuration and lacking automation tools to streamline the process. The proposed solution involves creating a tool that can be instantiated on different machines to control the deployment, configuration, and usage of any message broker. Early results are promising, demonstrating enhanced data collection from industrial robots and improved connectivity between different message brokers.
Evaluation of acute, repeated dose 28-day and 13-week oral toxicity and genotoxicity of a standardized fraction (HemoHIM) from Angelica gigas, Cnidium officinale, and Paeonia lactiflora
Authors: Kim Ju Gyeong , Bak Su-Bin , Kim Gyoung-Deuck , Choi Han-Sol , Kwon Da-Ae , Kim Ha-Young , Son Dong-Won , Jeong Jang-Hun , Lee Byung-Woo , An Hyo-Jin , Lee Hak Sung
Published: August 2024

HemoHIM is a functional food ingredient comprising a triple herbal combination of extracts from Angelica gigas Nakai, Cnidium officinale Makino, and Paeonia lactiflora Pallas. It was developed to aid the recovery of impaired immune function. Although it is widely used to treat various immune disorders in Korea, its potential toxicity has not been extensively investigated. Therefore, a comprehensive study was conducted to assess the safety of HemoHIM, including acute oral dose toxicity, 28-day and 13-week repeated-dose toxicity, and genotoxicity. To evaluate its safety profile, the dose was increased to 2,000 mg/kg/day, which corresponds to the dose limit for acute toxicity as per the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development Test Guideline 423. No abnormal findings were observed at the higher doses. For the 28-day and 13-week repeated-dose toxicity studies, HemoHIM was administered at doses of 500, 1,000, and 2,000 mg/kg/day to examine subchronic toxicity in male and female rats. No test item-related clinical signs or mortality was observed at any of the tested doses. Gross pathology, hematology, blood chemistry, and histopathology evaluations further supported the safety of HemoHIM. Therefore, the NOAEL of HemoHIM was considered to be at 2,000 mg/kg/day for both sexes of rats. Bacterial reverse mutation tests, a chromosome aberration test in human peripheral blood lymphocytes, and a mouse micronucleus test were conducted to determine the genotoxicity of HemoHIM, which revealed that HemoHIM was non-mutagenic and non-clastogenic. Collectively, these findings provide valuable evidence to support the safe use of HemoHIM as a functional food ingredient.
Challenges with developing and deploying AI models and applications in industrial systems
Authors: Sinha Sudhi , Lee Young M.
Published: August 2024

The adoption of artificial intelligence into industrial settings promises notable enhancements in productivity, quality, efficiency, competitiveness, and innovations. However, transitioning AI models from concept to full-scale industrial applications involves various complexities and challenges. These challenges are not only technical but also extend into the ethical and regulatory realms, calling for a comprehensive approach to AI integration. This paper examines the diverse hurdles faced during developing and deploying AI applications in the industrial domain. It addresses challenges in collecting the right data, construction of AI models, and ensuring that these models work accurately and responsibly when deployed in real industrial environment. Furthermore, the paper presents strategic recommendations, underscoring the necessity of ethical considerations and regulatory compliance to effectively overcome these obstacles. We provide guidelines aimed at maximizing AI's benefits in industrial environments while minimizing potential risks.