bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quad-cascade picture of electrokinetic turbulence
Authors: Shi Yanxia , Pang Jin'an , Zhu Yueqiang , Zeng Ming , Nan Keyi , Chen Yu , Zhang Chen , Zhao Tianyun , Zhang Ce , Jing Guangyin , Wang Kaige , Bai Jintao , Zhao Wei
Published: February 2025

Turbulence, ubiquitous in nature and across various disciplines, exhibits chaotic and intermittent fluctuations in space and time, defying precise prediction. For nearly a century, extensive efforts have been made to uncover the underlying universality and invariant laws from the immense disorder and chaotic nature of turbulence. While the celebrated Kolmogorov −5/3 law stands as a robust cornerstone, it falls short in capturing the diverse scaling behavior exhibited in turbulence influenced by external volume forces, like thermal convection and electrokinetic flows. This study proposes a general framework that couples the fluxes of kinetic energy and scalar variance, culminating in the formulation of a universal conservation law. This framework offers a comprehensive quad-cascade depiction of turbulence, enabling predictions that go beyond the limitations of existing models. We illustrate this framework with microfluidic experiments on electrokinetic turbulence, wherein power spectra of concentration and velocity fluctuations exhibit the predicted scaling behaviors, providing remarkable agreement with theory. These findings not only deepen our understanding of the complete cascades in turbulence driven by external volume forces but also hold promise for insights into other turbulent phenomena.
Electron-propagator methods versus experimental ionization energies
Authors: Opoku Ernest , Pawłowski Filip , Ortiz J. V.
Published: February 2025

Select electron-propagator (EP) methods agree as closely with experimental standards for molecular vertical ionization energies as they do with computational data of nearly full-configuration-interaction quality. Several EP methods consistently attain higher accuracy than alternatives with equal arithmetic bottlenecks expressed in terms of occupied (O) and virtual (V) orbital dimensions. The cubically scaling methods realize a mean absolute error (MAE) below 0.2 eV and are feasible whenever conventional self-consistent-field calculations are performed. O2V3-scaling EP self-energies achieve an MAE slightly above 0.1 eV and are as feasible as conventional second-order perturbative calculations of total energies. OV4 methods are more accurate (MAEs ∼0.075 eV) than ΔCCSD(T) and are more efficient than third-order total-energy calculations. An equally accurate generalization with full self-energy matrices and non-iterative O2V4 contractions produces Dyson orbitals in their most general form. Composite EP models that accurately estimate the effects of basis-set saturation drastically improve efficiency without sacrificing accuracy. No adjustable parameters are employed in the self-energy formulas or in the generation of reference-state orbitals. When Dyson-orbital probability factors indicate that Koopmans’s theorem is qualitatively valid, simple perturbative corrections suffice to approach chemical accuracy.
Equations of fluid flow in capillaries under pressure gradient: A discussion on applicability and interrelations
Authors: Islam Md. Akhtarul , Talukder Md. Rashed , Ulbricht Mathias
Published: February 2025

Applying the overall friction forces concept that resistance to flow depends on the kinetic energy density and fluid–solid contact area, a general equation has been derived for fluid flow through capillaries. For laminar regime, the friction coefficient f has been assumed inversely proportional to a Reynolds number with a specific proportional constant a* depending on the shape of the capillary (circular, rectangular, or any other form). For specific values of a*, the general equation assumes specific forms for gas and liquid flow through capillaries of different shapes. Average gas pressure in the capillary during gas flow has been defined in a more justified way than that in literature till date. It is suggested that in order to make the liquid and gas flows through a given capillary mutually predictable, the gas viscosity could not be considered a constant, rather a function of the average pressure and hydraulic diameter of the capillary.
Control characteristics of vortex-generator height on asymmetric flow over a blunt-nose body
Authors: Zong Siyu , Wang Yankui , Qi Zhongyang
Published: February 2025

The study investigates the control characteristics of vortex-generator (VG) on asymmetric flow over a blunt-nose body at a high angle of attack by introducing the key parameter of height ratio (h/D), in which h stands for the height of VG and D is the diameter of the slender body. The results indicate that the two asymmetric vortex patterns emerge at different heights. When a VG of small h/D is applied to the nose, it induces flow acceleration, allowing the flow to acquire additional energy. This results in delayed flow separation and the formation of a low vortex on the VG side. As the height ratio of the vortex-generator increases, the flow ceases to gain energy from the VG and instead encounters an energy loss attributed to the obstructive impact of the VG. Furthermore, the augmentation of the VG-induced vortex results in the curvature of spatial streamlines downstream, leading to an earlier separation of the main vortex on the VG side. Consequently, an asymmetric vortex pattern, distinct from that observed at small h/D, is evident on the leeward side, characterized by a high vortex on the VG side. The characteristics of associated side forces, pressure distributions, and flow fields with the increasing h/D are presented in detail.
Ignition and lean blowout characteristics of a single vortex combustor
Authors: Duan Wei , Wang Jianchen , Hui Xin , Yang Fan , Chen Zijian , Wang Jicheng
Published: February 2025

Single vortex combustors (SVC) have recently gained increasing attention in small aeroengines due to their superior combustion stability and structural simplicity. Yet, despite these advantages, the fundamental mechanisms governing ignition and lean blowout (LBO) characteristics remain poorly understood, limiting our ability to optimize engine operability and reliability. This study presents a systematic experimental investigation of ignition and LBO limits utilizing four distinct SVC configurations. The investigation examines the effects of crucial geometric parameters, including injection angle, liner inclination, and primary hole position. Numerical simulations are conducted to provide detailed information on the flow field, vortex structure, and fuel distribution, revealing the underlying mechanisms that govern the ignition and LBO processes. The findings demonstrate that enlarged vortex size enhances fuel atomization and fuel–air mixing, while proper vortex positioning creates favorable flow conditions for ignition. Correlations of ignition and LBO limits using vortex volume as a key parameter are proposed and validated with experimental data. These insights establish quantitative design guidelines for developing more efficient and reliable SVCs for small aeroengines.
L2 Chinese learning motivation and learning
strategies
Authors: Cheng Zhao , Zheng Mengjuan , Yan Yupeng , Zhu Chang
Published: February 2025

Given the increasing number of L2 Chinese learners in Europe, it
is critical to understand their learning motivation and strategies to support
successful Chinese acquisition. This study aims to explore learners’ motivation
for learning Chinese and examines how these relate to their learning strategies.
With a mixed research design, SPSS 28 was utilized for descriptive analysis,
Mplus 8.3 was employed for Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), and STATA 18.0
was adopted for analysing the relationship between learning motivation and
learning strategies by a hierarchical regression model. In addition, MAXQDA2022
was employed for qualitative analysis of L2 Chinese learning motivation. The
findings highlight diverse motivation of European L2 Chinese learners and their
impact on the use of Chinese learning strategies. The study offers valuable
insights on Chinese learning motivation, various learning strategies and
provides implications for improving Chinese learning and teaching outcomes. It
also contributes to the understanding of how cultural background and
institutional contexts in Europe influence L2 Chinese learning, offering
guidance for refining strategies to promote Chinese language education in
European settings.
Novel essential oil extraction from the Himalayan
Hypericum oblongifolium
Wall. plant species and its analysis
Authors: Bhattacharya Riya , Bose Debajyoti , Laxmi Vijay , Ziyad Mohammad
Published: February 2025

Therapeutic potential of
Hypericum oblongifolium
from the biodiverse Himalayan region has not been widely reported. It is part of the Hypericum genus inhabiting the Western and Northern Himalayas. This work was aimed at extracting and analysing the chemical composition of essential oil (EO) from leaves of
H. oblongifolium
Wall. found in the Solan district of Himachal Pradesh in India. The EO content in the leaves of the
H. oblongifolium
was found to be 0.3% ± 0.07 v/w fresh weight. Gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) analysis of
H. oblongifolium
EO or HOEO led to the identification of ten major compounds. Caryophyllene (18.97%) was the major constituent in HOEO, followed by α-pinene (18.79%) and α-cuprenene (17.59%). Both caryophyllene and α-cuprenene are a class of sesquiterpene. Caryophyllene has properties that can support the immune system, alleviate pain, with ability to work as an anti-inflammatory agent. α-Cuprenene is another potent terpene bio-factory with several medicinal properties. Further, α-pinene belongs to the terpene class of organic compounds with potent antimetastatic and apoptotic properties. This is the first report on the extraction of EO from
H. oblongifolium
. The properties of HOEO make it an ideal candidate for potential applications as a conventional drug alternative and in the cosmetic industry for its fragrance.
RED-SLAM: real-time and effective RGB-D SLAM with spatial-geometric observations and fast semantic perception for dynamic environments
Authors: Liu Hailin , Tian Lianfang , Du Qiliang , Duan Ruxiang
Published: February 2025

Most visual simultaneous localization and mapping (vSLAM) methods assume a static scene, limiting their effectiveness in complex, real-world dynamic environments. This paper presents RED-SLAM-a real-time dynamic visual SLAM method based on the ORB-SLAM3 framework for RGB-D sensors, designed to effectively address the impact of dynamic objects. RED-SLAM leverages spatial-geometric observations combined with semantic cues to identify dynamic points within the field of view, thereby utilizing only static points for state estimation. In the geometric verification module, the initial distinction between static and dynamic points is achieved by checking the spatial projection ray distance error based on the matching between map points and feature points. To conserve computational resources, semantic segmentation is performed exclusively on designated semantic frames, which are constructed based on the changes of dynamic objects. The detected dynamic semantic objects are subsequently spread to successive frames using a semantic propagation technique. All map points associated with dynamic semantic objects are excluded to further enhance the identification accuracy of dynamic map point. Compared to existing methods that apply semantic segmentation across all frames or keyframes, RED-SLAM only performs segmentation when dynamic objects change, improving system’s performance and efficiency. Experimental results on public datasets and real-world scenes demonstrate that our method enhances pose estimation accuracy in dynamic environments, achieving competitive accuracy compared to state-of-the-art methods, while maintaining reliable real-time performance.
Thermodynamic topology of Kiselev-AdS black holes within f (R, T) gravity
Authors: Noori Gashti Saeed , Ali S. Afshar Mohammad , Reza Alipoury Mohammad , Sekhmani Yassine , Sadeghi Jafar , Rayimbaeva Javlon
Published: February 2025

In this paper, we investigate the topological charge and conditions for the existence of the photon sphere in Kiselev-anti-de Sitter (AdS) black holes within

gravity. Furthermore, we establish their topological classifications. We employ two different methods based on Duan’s topological current ϕ-mapping theory viz analysis of temperature and the generalized Helmholtz free energy methods to study the topological classes of our black hole. Considering this black hole, we discuss the critical and zero points (topological charges and topological numbers) for different parameters. Our findings reveal that the Kiselev parameter ω and

gravity parameter γ influence the number of topological charges of black holes, providing novel insights into topological classifications. We observe that for given values of the free parameters, total topological charges (

) exist for the T method and total topological numbers (

) for the generalized Helmholtz free energy method. Our research findings elucidate that, in contrast to the scenario in which

, in other cases, increasing γ increases the number of total topological charges for the black hole. Interestingly, for the phantom field (

), we observe that decreasing γ increases the number of topological charges. Additionally, we study the results for the photon sphere. The studied models reveal that the simultaneous presence of γ and ω effectively expands the permissible range for γ. In other words, the model can exhibit black hole behavior over a larger domain. Additionally, we observe that with the stepwise reduction of ω, the region covered by singularity diminishes and becomes more restricted. However, an interesting point about all three ranges is the elimination of the forbidden region in this model. In other words, this model and the investigated areas appear to have no region in which both the ϕ and metric functions simultaneously lack solutions. Additionally, we fully check the curvatures singularities and energy conditions for the mentioned black hole.
Design of 3 MeV electron linac prototype for irradiation research facility
Authors: Taufik  , Manasatitpong Keerati , Nuraini Elin , Darsono
Published: February 2025

The design of 3 MeV electron linac prototype for irradiation research facility has been done. The electron linac is designed to have a focusing beam and scanning beam outputs that can be used for multi-purpose applications. In this linac design, we decided to use a magnetron with a frequency of 2.998 GHz because it is cheaper than a klystron. We also decided to use a commercial electron gun to generate a beam current of 100 mA. The design was performed by simulating the electric field of the RF linac cavities using CST microwave studio program. Then, a particle tracking simulation was carried out using ASTRA code to check the linac cavities working well. The geometry of the cavity plays a role in producing a good design. Therefore, the optimal parameters can be obtained by varying its geometry. The design result shows that the linac cavities can resonate at frequency of 2.998 GHz and can accelerate electron beam up to 3 MeV. The cavity bore size of 3.5 mm is sufficient to pass most of the particles to the end of the cavity. Meanwhile, the required RF peak power for operating 100 mA electron beam peak current is 0.8631 MW with a repetition rate of 200 Hz.
Image fusion method for industrial X-Ray dual energy computed tomography based on VGG-19 network for improved image quality
Authors: Tris Susanto Andeka , Faqih Abdullah Febrian , Budi Sulistyo Jos , Prajitno Prawito , Kurnianto Kristedjo , Putu Susila I , Ardjo Pawiro Supriyanto
Published: February 2025

Currently, industrial X-ray computed tomography (CT) is widely used to test the quality of production results. However, the main problem with conventional CT is testing multi-material samples which produce such image imperfections as artifacts, noise, lack of contrast, and missing parts of detail. In this research, image acquisition for multi-material samples uses dual-energy X-ray computed tomography (DECT) to obtain low-and high-energy images. The image fusion method used to combine the two source images uses the VGG-19 network architecture. The source image fusion procedure, namely the VGG-19 network created, is used to extract in-depth features in the detailed part of the combined image, while the basic image features are combined directly by averaging the weights on the basic features. The proposed method is compared with other commonly used image fusion methods, namely discrete wavelet transform (DWT) and squeeze-and-excitation spatial frequency (SESF). Projection images acquired by self-developed 80 kV-160 kV DECT were used to evaluate the performance of these methods. Evaluation metric of fusion results is carried out using several image quality measurement parameters including structural similarity index measure (SSIM), feature mutual information (FMI), and noise added by the fusion (Nabf). The sample that has the best average metric value is the spark plug with the highest value of FMIdct evaluation metric is 2.96×10−1, FMIpixel value is 9.70×10−1, FMIw value is 3.69×10−1, SSIM value is 9.92×10−1, and the lowest Nabf value is 3.82×10−3. Experimental results show that the proposed method can produce fused images that are generally better than other comparison methods. The proposed method can improve image quality, the resulting tomographic image has less noise, good contrast, and can maintain object structure. This research implies that imaging using industrial X-ray CT can obtain more informative and accurate image results, especially for testing multi-material samples.
Mapping of seawater intrusion in coastal areas using resistivity geoelectric method in Dukuhseti, Pati
Authors: Koesuma Sorja , Afrian Pratama Daniel , Legowo Budi
Published: February 2025

Seawater mapping of the coastal area of the Dukuhseti District was carried out using the resistivity geoelectric method. The resistivity geoelectric method measures subsurface-specific resistance by passing an electric current into the ground. This geoelectric method uses a 1D Schlumberger configuration, and measurement is done at 12 points. Based on 1D data, seawater intrusion is present in shallow aquifers with a 5 to 50 meters depth range. Resistivity in shallow aquifers containing saltwater at 0.1Ωm - 2.5Ωm, low resistivity indicates the presence of saltwater rocks. Saltwater is not indicated at some locations with a long distance from the coast, 2000-3000 meters. The location has a shallow aquifer containing fresh water with a high enough resistivity. Deep aquifers contain fresh water at most measurement points, at 60-100 meters deep. The resistivity in the deep aquifer ranges from 10-30 Ωm; the resistivity value includes aquifers that contain fresh water in the sand layer, which has high permeability.
Identification of geothermal energy sources using gravity method (Satellite Gravimetry) in the Mount Lawu Area
Authors: Koesuma Sorja , Salsabila Sanjaya Azizah , Nuryani Nuryani
Published: February 2025

Mount Lawu, an active volcano in a tectonically active zone, presents significant potential for geothermal energy exploration. A study using the gravity method with data from the GRACE, GOCE, and EGM-2008 satellites with 2013 data. This research utilizes data from the GGM+ satellite because the data obtained is already corrected for free-air anomalies (FAA) and processed to eliminate various effects such as tides, drift, and latitude, which impact gravity measurements to produce accurate data. Additionally, satellite data have gravimeter sensors that have already compiled and corrected the data, minimizing human error. The measurements are also taken at relatively the same altitude, with the aim of revealing a subsurface structure dominated by volcanic rocks, such as tuff, breccia, and volcanic rocks from Mount Jobolarangan, along with andesite lava, basaltic igneous rocks, quartz metamorphic rocks, and volcanic sand. Four fault structures were identified, particularly in the western region, which are believed to facilitate the movement of hot fluids, indicating geothermal potential. This research contributes valuable insights for geothermal energy exploration at Mount Lawu, supporting both scientific advancement and the development of environmentally friendly energy solutions.
Abrasion Damage of Concrete for Hydraulic Structures after Exposure to Freeze-thaw Cycles
Authors: Shao Kean , Wang Tian , Wu Min
Published: February 2025

Concrete for hydraulic structures in cold regions is exposed to not only abrasion damage or hydraulic wear but also freeze-thaw (FT) damage. FT cycles may lead to surface or internal damage (though sometimes not observable) which would accelerate abrasion damage and further reduce the durability of hydraulic structures. In this work, a detailed experimental program was proposed to study concrete under the combined action of FT damage and hydraulic abrasion. More specifically, the concrete was first subjected to different FT cycles (0, 50, 75, 100 cycles) and then followed by abrasion test using a sediment-laden flow impact test method. Important parameters including compressive strength, ultrasonic pulse velocity, relative mass loss, abrasion depth as well as its distribution were tested to evaluate the concrete properties. The results indicated that both compressive strength and UPV results show the deterioration of concrete as the FT cycles increase, and air entrainment helps in reducing the deterioration of the properties in general. The exposure of concrete to FT cycles further accelerates the abrasion damage, while air entrainment is not very helpful in reducing the abrasion caused mass loss. Comprehensive analysis of the abraded surfaces is essential to reveal important characteristics of concrete abrasion damage.
Estimation of shear capacity for RC short columns using neural networks
Authors: Qi Yap Yong , Alih Sophia C. , Vafaei Mohammadreza
Published: February 2025

Reinforced concrete (RC) short columns have suffered significant damage during past earthquakes, demonstrating a brittle shear failure. Many design codes lack a specific equation to estimate the shear capacity of RC short columns; consequently, engineers have relied on existing equations for ordinary beams and columns. However, it has been shown that these equations do not accurately estimate the shear capacity of RC short columns. This study aims to develop a feedforward neural network model to predict the shear capacity of RC short columns under uni-directional seismic excitation. A dataset consisting of 57 test results and 258 simulations was prepared. The influential parameters affecting the shear capacity of RC short columns were identified and used as inputs for the neural networks in two scenarios. The first scenario included eight input parameters, while the second scenario contained six input parameters. Results indicated that both scenarios predicted the shear capacity of RC short columns with good accuracy; however, the first scenario yielded smaller prediction errors.
100 years of X-ray Kossel micro-diffraction and its advantages versus the exclusive application of EBSD: From the prediction to current developments A tribute to the memory of Priv.-Doz. Dr. habil. Siegfried Däbritz
Authors: Langer E
Published: February 2025

The year 2024 marks the 100th anniversary of the prediction of X-ray interferences from lattice sources by W. Kossel. The μ-X-ray Kossel Diffraction (μXKD) can be easily applied in combination with EBSD as additional complementary diffraction method in a SEM or in a microprobe. It has the highest informational content and precision compared to conventional diffraction methods. It is simply possible to use one single scintillator CCD detector combination to observe both diffraction methods, which will be especially discussed more in detail here, as our group has successfully demonstrated over 25 years. A historical overview of selected applications will be given as review, besides of precise local lattice constants measurements, the determination of phase angles of the structure factor and polar planes in non-centrosymmetric crystals at the semiconductors GaP and GaAs, the estimation of dislocation densities in sinter model materials, the local measurement of the thermal conductivity as well as thermal expansion coefficients and the phase identification in Au-Ti diffusion zones as example.
Coupled SEM-EDS-RAMAN: A complimentary approach for characterisation – Application to geomaterials
Authors: Wille G , Lahondère D , Kloppmann W
Published: February 2025

A combination of morphological, chemical, and crystallographic analysis is frequently required to characterise materials. Spectroscopic and/or imaging techniques are required to access a thorough knowledge of the sample, to better understand the structural, chemical, and textural factors that control their properties, their behaviour, and their reactivity, … Among these techniques, scanning electron microscopy and micro-Raman (μ-Raman) spectroscopy occupy a major place and have often been combined. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) provides information on morphology, topography, and chemistry, supplemented by electron beam-based techniques providing chemical or crystallographic information (EDS, WDS, EBSD, cathodoluminescence, etc.). μ-Raman is also widely used in materials characterisation. In geoscience, Raman offers information that includes, among others, polymorphism, crystallography, temperature and stress effects, complementary to that obtained from SEM. Both are often used in parallel. Switching from one to the other is in some cases considered a problem that cannot be solved easily. Then, coupling SEM-EDS and Raman on a unique system is an efficient method for the physicochemical characterisation at the micro/nanometric scale. The technical aspects of coupling are described, as well as practical aspects and limitations inherent in this coupling. The interest will be illustrated by application examples, including cultural heritage, and naturally occurring asbestos (NOA).
Feasibility study of synchronously increasing dose of multi-shell structure to improve stereotactic ablation radiotherapy central dose of large volume locally advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumors using cyberKnife
Authors: Xu Hui , Jia Zhen , Li Xiongfei , Li Mingzhu , Lin Hongyu , Bian Yunfei , Wang Wei , Zhang Lian , Li Ying
Published: February 2025

Purpose
. Increasing the central dose for large, locally advanced, drug-resistant gastrointestinal stromal tumors (LADR-GISTs) has consistently been a significant challenge. This study explores the feasibility of using multiple shell structures within the tumor to enhance the central ablation dose of large LADR-GIST by increasing the shell doses.
Methods and Materials
. This study involved five patients with large LADR-GIST who were treated with CyberKnife. The gross tumor volume (GTV) was delineated as a multi-shell structure. Five dose escalation plans (SIB-SBRT) were created for each patient, varying the dose escalation ratios. The radiation doses for the center of the GTV (GTV center) in these plans ranged from 49 Gy to 70 Gy. Parameter evaluations were conducted comparing the SIB-SBRT plans with conventional SBRT plans (Con-SBRT), focusing on equivalent uniform dose (EUD), relative equivalent uniform dose (rEUD), dose volume parameters, conformal index (CI), new conformal index (nCI), gradient index (GI), and monitor unit (MU). The Friedman Test was employed to determine statistical differences (P < 0.05), followed by pairwise comparisons.
Results
. When the dose escalation ratios reached 25% of the prescribed dose, the average rEUD increased to 6.92, and the proportion of the GTV volume with Biologically Equivalent Dose (BED)> 100 Gy increased to 30.69%. At dose escalation ratios of 30% of the prescribed dose, the rEUD stabilized, but the radiation dose received by the bladder, colon, and duodenum significantly increased. Except for the SIB25-SBRT and SIB30-SBRT groups, no statistically significant differences were observed between the other SIB-SBRT groups and the Con-SBRT group across various evaluation metrics.
Conclusions
. The method of synchronously increasing the dose using a multi-shell structure is feasible for stereotactic ablation in the treatment of LADR-GISTs using CyberKnife. The results indicate that dose escalation ratios of 25% of the prescribed dose can provide a satisfactory ablation dose (BED > 100 Gy), covering 31% of the large tumor volume.
Korngold, Materiality, and Worldbuilding
Authors: Winters Ben
Published: February 2025

Chapter 5 shows how Korngold’s film scores can be thought of as a material, even a “sounding,” presence in the worlds of his characters. As such, they challenge standard theoretical models concerned with music’s narrative source in film. The chapter then explores the ways in which Korngold’s scores can be interrogated in terms of the modern onscreen subjectivities they might appear to illuminate. In other words, in regarding music as somehow fundamental to the worlds we see onscreen, rather than merely part of the film’s presentation of those worlds, a newfound significance is found for the score’s ability to contribute to critical spaces where gender, disability, and race might be brought into sharper focus.
Models of Emerging Adults’ Financial Literacy
Authors: Lep Žan
Published: February 2025

Financial literacy is an important precursor of positive financial outcomes and is crucial for good financial functioning in an ever-changing economy. Because young people acquire knowledge and develop skills that influence future behavior, the importance of financial literacy in emerging adulthood should not be understated. In the literature, financial literacy comprises a range of concepts including financial knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors, but some also state that financial literacy should be considered not as the goal but rather as the means to favorable financial behavior and well-being. Thus, the chapter provides a narrative review of extant definitions of financial literacy, how its aspects could be interrelated, and presents two models that consider financial literacy within the financial socialization paradigm. Finally, it discusses how financial literacy relates to other constructs, how it could be measured, and what we should consider when working with diverse emerging adults in fostering their financial flourishing.
Feeding the Critique of Standards with Waste
Authors: Arnold Nadine
Published: February 2025

Standards permeate society, promising quality and values as well as compatibility and coordination. Focusing on food systems, this chapter explains how standards fulfil their promises through exclusion. Specifically, it illuminates how food standards generate waste through hierarchization, filtering, and division processes, and the reactions provoked by these processes. Two reactions that diverge in their approach—one that adds new standards and another that bypasses existing standards—stand out. In both reactions, the waste excluded by standards rebounds and standards continue to play a pivotal role. This chapter refines the critique of the excluding nature of standards, highlights that mitigating reactions drive standards’ pervasiveness, and concludes with an appeal for a more reflective approach to standards.
From Refuse to Refusal
Authors: Solomon Marisa
Published: February 2025

Within the material worlds of racial capitalism, waste produces and is produced by anti-Black geographies. From landfill siting to a patchwork of regulatory authority, violent geographies are an asset to waste management. Living and working in the United States, it becomes clear that where landfills are sited exposes the long durée of racist economic enclosures as a method by which waste is ‘disappeared’. What if we were to approach the landfill differently? Not primarily as the site that manages waste’s ‘imagined’ end, but a technique of enclosure that socializes, racializes, and naturalizes a set of meanings? This chapter argues that under these conditions, Black people’s living mounts an environmental critique (a refusal) of the landfill as a technology of racial capitalism.
Waste as a Critique of the Concept of the Economy
Authors: Gille Zsuzsa
Published: February 2025

This chapter advances a critique of the concept of the economy made possible by waste as an entry point of analysis. First, it argues that in contrast to the assumptions of both Marxist and liberal approaches, the economy is not simply about producing value; it is a sphere in which value begets waste, waste begets value and waste begets waste. Second, it evaluates the promise of Michel Callon’s economization framework to remedy this shortcoming. Callon’s goal is to focus on processes and actors that make the economy and thereby show points of entry for concerns and people usually left out of the narrow circle of sellers and buyers. By demonstrating how his ideas are in evidence in today’s zero-waste and circular economy projects, I conclude that this theory of economization neither transcends the value-centred perspective of economics, nor does it guarantee that it will become more democratic and environmentally sustainable.
Waste, Temporalities, and Critique on Event-Based Environment Justice
Authors: Wang Kun , Wang Raymond Yu
Published: February 2025

This chapter explores the intersection of waste, temporalities, and environmental justice in China’s production wastescapes. It emphasizes the gradual, insidious harms that accrue over protracted periods, often mirroring the slow violence of systemic and structural constraints. It theorizes the dispersed village industrial wastescapes and toxic agricultural wastescapes in China’s Pearl River Delta as a project of conceded harm. In this context, local communities and rural migrants actively participate in an opportunistic and short-term developmental trajectory co-orchestrated by the state and transnational firms as a response to the exigencies of their circumstances. This orchestrated short-termism in China’s political-economic transition highlights the pivotal concerns of intergenerational injustices and the internal heterogeneity of marginalized groups. These arise from the uneven apportionment of benefits and burdens among disparate community members and across generational divides in grappling with the ethical paradox birthed by the tension between developmentalism and the environmentalism of the poor.
Waste and the Historical Future
Authors: Riebeling Zachary
Published: February 2025

This chapter explores how waste can serve as a critical foundation for rethinking our conceptions of historical time. In recent years, theorists of history have been interrogating the future, asking what it has become in the face of impending upheavals that threaten human existence. Waste, despite its role in all manner of crises, has not been integrated into this new body of theory on the historical future. Considering both waste-as-object and waste-as-practice, this chapter unfolds the effects of waste on historical time by arguing that wasting is an act of sovereignty as well as a maker of Anthropocene time. Focusing on non-biodegradable detritus, it argues that wasting as an act is an expression of a deep anxiety about a temporality that outstrips familiar human reckonings of life-spans and generations. Pieces of waste, in this theorization, are in part artifacts of the future, comprised of material we know will outlast us into a future that we shy away from comprehending.
Preoperative localization of parathyroid glands in secondary hyperparathyroidism: correlations between 99mTc-MIBI-SPECT/CT, ultrasound, and pathological characteristics
Authors: Li Binghan , Zhao Xiaoli , Luo Sha , Zhong Qi , Zhao Hanxue , Du Chengxiang , Zhang Guojuan
Published: February 2025

Objective

To investigate the association between imaging findings and histopathological characteristics of parathyroid glands in patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT).

Design and Methods

74 glands from 21 patients with SHPT who underwent parathyroidectomy were evaluated for their pathological characteristics. The detection rates of parathyroid glands using ultrasound (US) and 99Tc-MIBI-SPECT/CT (MIBI) were compared. Glands were classified as either US-positive or US-negative, and MIBI-positive or MIBI-negative. Morphological and pathological differences between the positive and negative groups were systematically analyzed.

Results

The detection rates for parathyroid glands were 71% with US, 65% with MIBI, and 82% when combining both methods. US and MIBI showed similar localization accuracy in SHPT (P = 0.38). MIBI-positive glands had significantly larger oxyphil nodules compared to MIBI-negative glands (area: 10.92 mm² vs 3.09 mm², P < 0.01; area proportion: 61% vs 30%, P = 0.002), while no significant differences were found in chief nodules. US-positive group had fewer and smaller chief nodules (number: 2 vs 9, P = 0.005; area: 1.53 mm² vs 11.08 mm², P = 0.033) and a higher percentage of oxyphil nodules (74% vs 33%, P = 0.003) compared to US-negative group. 13 glands undetected by both US and MIBI had smaller oxyphil nodule areas (3.59 mm² vs 13.24 mm²) and lower oxyphil nodule area percentages (25% vs 68%). These pathological features, including adipose infiltration, intra-gland hemorrhage, cyst formation, and calcification, showed no correlation with the gland's imaging results.

Conclusion

Ultrasound and 99Tc-MIBI-SPECT/CT had similar value in preoperative localization of SHPT. Parathyroid glands with more and larger oxyphil nodules were more likely to be detected by both 99Tc-MIBI-SPECT/CT and ultrasound.
Comparison between the effect of mid-late-life high-intensity interval training and continuous moderate-intensity training in old mouse hearts
Authors: Li Qiaowei , Liu Qin , Lin Zhong , Lin Wenwen , Lin Zhonghua , Huang Feng , Zhu Pengli
Published: February 2025

The impact of mid-late-life exercise on the aging heart remains unclear, particularly the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and continuous moderate-intensity training (CMIT). This study was the first to examine cardiac function, tissue characteristics, electrical remodeling, mitochondrial morphology and homeostasis in old mice subjected to CMIT or HIIT, compared to untrained controls. Our results showed that 8-week HIIT significantly improved the survival rate of old mice. HIIT presented advantages on cardiac function, deposition of collagen fibers, neovascularization, aging biomarkers and mitochondrial homeostasis. Only CMIT alleviated age-related cardiac hypertrophy. However, CMIT potentially exacerbated adverse cardiac electrical remodeling. Those findings suggested HIIT as a particularly appealing option for clinical application for aging populations.
A8 GREATER DISEASE BURDEN AMONG CANADIANS WITH CELIAC DISEASE MOST ECONOMICALLY DEPRIVED: FINDINGS FROM THE NATIONWIDE STATE OF CELIAC SURVEY
Authors: King J A , McAuley C , Secord M , pinto-sanchez M , Turner J , Gidrewicz D , Case S , Duerksen D
Published: February 2025

Background

Individuals with celiac disease (CeD) most economically deprived may face challenges adhering to the gluten-free diet (GFD). However, it is less clear how income may be associated with symptoms or comorbidity.

Aims

To determine symptom and comorbidity status across the economic spectrum among Canadians living with CeD.

Methods

At the end of 2022, the State of Celiac Disease in Canada Survey was administered to individuals living with CeD in Canada. Questions on GFD adherence, symptoms, and comorbidities were recorded by respondents. Participants who did not provide information on their household income (before tax) were excluded from analysis. The total number of symptoms and comorbidities were calculated per respondent, with symptoms further stratified into gastrointestinal (n=10), non-gastrointestinal (n=15), and neuropsychiatric (n=5). Tests of proportions and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to assess for differences in outcomes across income levels. The Benjamini-Hochberg correction was used to account for multiple testing.

Results

A total of 3,950 respondents were included. Significant differences in gastrointestinal symptoms before and after diagnosis were detected across income groups (e.g., p<0.05 for those under $30,000 compared to all other income groups). Similar findings were present for non-gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., p<0.01 for those under $30,000 compared to all other income groups except $30,000–49,999 before diagnosis) and neuropsychiatric symptoms (e.g., p<0.01 for those under $30,000 compared to all other income groups). The number of comorbidities also differed significantly across certain income levels (e.g., p<0.01 for those under $30,000 compared to all other income groups). There were no differences in accidental gluten consumption across income categories, although a borderline significant difference (p=0.06) was observed for intentional gluten consumption between those with income under $30,000 compared to those with income greater than $150,000.

Conclusions

There are notable differences in CeD across an economic gradient, with those in lower income brackets living with a greater number of symptoms and comorbidities. Further attention is warranted to minimize additional burden from CeD among individuals with limited income.

Comorbidity status and gluten consumption across income levels

Symptoms experienced before and after diagnosis across income level

Funding Agencies

Celiac Canada
A11 FERMENTABLE DIETARY FIBER INTAKE IS ASSOCIATED WITH A DECREASED RISK OF DEVELOPING CROHN’S DISEASE IN HEALTHY FIRST-DEGREE RELATIVES
Authors: McShane C , Xue M , Kim J , Leibovitzh H , Shao J , LI Q , Khorasaniha R , Madsen K , Griffiths A , Moayyedi P , Lee S , Armstrong H , Croitoru K , Turpin W
Published: February 2025

Background

The cause of Crohn’s Disease (CD) remains unclear; however evidence suggests that diet plays a key role. With a rising incidence and no definitive cure, identification of modifiable risk factors is critical in preventing CD development.

Aims

To study the association between fermentable dietary fiber intake and the future development of CD in an at risk population.

Methods

Participants were recruited in the CCC-GEM study, a prospective cohort study of healthy first-degree relatives of patients with CD. At enrolment, a validated food frequency questionnaire was administered. Pectin, β-glucan, inulin, fructooligosaccharides (FOS), and arabinoxylan intake were quantified, and values energy-adjusted. Survival analysis was used to test the association between intake of fiber subtypes and risk of CD development. Generalized estimating equation was used to test the association between fiber intake and baseline impaired intestinal permeability (fractional urinary excretion of lactulose to mannitol ratio (LMR)>0.025); gut sub-clinical inflammation (fecal calprotectin (FCP)>100 μg/g); and fecal microbiome composition via 16s rRNA sequencing.

Results

Of the 2,659 participants 76 developed CD with a median follow-up of 8.9 years (IQR=5.7-12.3). Median age at recruitment was 17 years (IQR=12-25). 47% were male. Higher intake of inulin (HR = 0.78; 95% CI=0.61–0.99; p=0.04) and β-glucan (HR = 0.78; 95% CI=0.61–0.99; p=0.04) were associated with a reduced risk of CD development. No fiber subtype was associated with a higher risk of CD development. Lower intake of pectin, inulin, FOS and β-glucan was associated with impaired intestinal permeability. Lower inulin intake was associated with high FCP levels. Higher pectin intake was associated with increased alpha diversity. Higher inulin, FOS and pectin intake was associated with a shift in microbial taxa previously shown to be protective against CD onset in the GEM cohort; a reduction in Ruminococcus torques and an increase in NK4A214 group (phylum Firmicutes) presence (3.25×10−10<q<0.04).

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that fermentable fiber subtypes are associated with a reduced risk of CD development as well as with pleiotropic changes in CD risk biomarkers including microbiome, intestinal permeability, and subclinical inflammation. This suggests that the potential benefit of fermentable fibers on CD risk may involve changes in barrier function, and microbiome composition and function. Targeted interventions based on these findings could prove effective in preventing the onset of CD.

Submitted on behalf of the Crohn’s and Colitis Canada GEM Project Research Consortium, www.gemproject.ca.

Funding Agencies:
A17 ROLE OF SEX-SPECIFIC GUT EPITHELIAL α2,6-SIALYLATED GALACTOSE IN COLONIC MUCUS FUNCTION, MICROBIAL ECOLOGY, AND PROTECTION FROM COLITIS.
Authors: Bergstrom K , Melvin M , Jafaripour S , Fancy N , Irungu J , Daneshgar P , Inaba R , Hans G , ma c , Liang Q , vallance B , Zandberg W
Published: February 2025

Background

The heavily glycosylated Mucin-2 (MUC2) comprises gut mucus, which protects the colon from microbially-induced inflammation. Over 100 unique oligosaccharides (glycans) are found on MUC2, contributing to its barrier and microbiota-modulating functions. A major sugar on MUC2 glycans is sialic acid (Sia), which can occur via different stereoisomeric linkages, including an α2,6 linkage to galactose (Siaα2,6Gal). Siaα2,6Gal is a capping structure on mucus glycans that interacts with the microbiota. Synthesis of Siaα2,6Gal epitopes is mediated by beta-galactoside alpha-2,6-sialyltransferase 1 (ST6Gal1), and is implicated in sex-specific pathologies. However, its impact on gut mucus, microbiota, and colitis, along with the degree to which this is sex-specific, is unknown.

Aims

The aim of this study was to determine if the loss of gut epithelial Siaα2,6Gal has a sex-specific impact on gut mucus, microbiota and susceptiblity to colitis.

Methods

To address our aim, we generated mice conditionally deficient in ST6Gal1 in intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) using CreLox technology (IEC St6gal1-/- mice). We compared “floxed” male and female St6gal1f/f (wild-type, WT) and IEC St6gal1-/- littermates, focusing on mucus structure in situ, mucin glycomics via High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-MS), and microbiota composition through 16S rRNA profiling and metabolomic analysis. Clinical disease activity and histologic scores of colitis were assessed at baseline and following exposure to chemical (2.5% Dextran Sodium Sulfate, DSS) and microbial (Citrobacter rodentium) agents.

Results

Lectin staining confirmed a complete loss of Siaα2,6Gal in the colon crypts of IEC St6gal1-/- mice, validating the functionality of our model. At baseline, no major clinical symptoms or differences in mucus barrier integrity were observed between WT and IEC St6gal1-/- mice of either sex. However, sialomic and glycomic analyses revealed sex- and genotype-specific differences, with a notable impact on the relative mucin sulfation status in female IEC St6gal1-/- mice. Microbiota profiling highlighted an increased abundance of Bifidobacterium spp. in WT mice, a higher proportion of certain Firmicutes members in male IEC St6gal1-/- mice, and sex-specific differences in short-chain fatty acid production. DSS-induced colitis showed mildly worsened disease outcomes in male IEC St6gal1-/- mice, while acute bacterial-induced colitis caused by C. rodentium led to more severe large-intestinal inflammation in female IEC St6gal1-/- mice.

Conclusions

This work expands the current knowledge of the role of Siaα2,6Gal in vivo and its sex-specific impact on overall glycosylation, microbial ecology, and colitis susceptiblity.

Funding Agencies

CCC
A21 MINIMAL MIMETIC MATRICES DRIVE COLONIC ORGANOIDS TOWARD A DISEASE-ASSOCIATED STRESS RESPONSE
Authors: Bat V , Jones C , Nassari S , Boudreau F , Faucheux N , Perreault N
Published: February 2025

NOT PUBLISHED AT THE AUTHOR’S REQUEST

Please acknowledge the funding agency below

Funding Agencies: CIHR