bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An 211At-labeled alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone peptide analog for targeted alpha therapy of metastatic melanoma
Authors: Suzuki Hiroyuki , Yamashita Saki , Tanaka Shoko , Kannaka Kento , Sasaki Ichiro , Ohshima Yasuhiro , Watanabe Shigeki , Ooe Kazuhiro , Watabe Tadashi , Ishioka Noriko S. , Tanaka Hiroshi , Uehara Tomoya
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Patients who develop metastatic melanoma have a very poor prognosis, and new treatments are needed to improve the response rates. Melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) is a promising target for radionuclide therapy of metastatic melanoma, and alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) peptide analogs show high affinities to MC1Rs. Because targeted alpha therapy (TAT) can be a desirable treatment for metastatic melanoma, this study aimed to develop an 211At-labeled α-MSH peptide analog for TAT of metastatic melanoma.

Methods

We designed an α-MSH analog labeled with 211At using a neopentyl glycol scaffold via a hydrophilic linker. Preliminary studies using 125I-labeled α-MSH analogs were performed to identify suitable hydrophilic linkers. Then, [211At]NpG-GGN4c was prepared using a procedure similar to that of the 125I-labeled counterpart, [125I]NpG-GGN4b. The biodistribution profile of [211At]NpG-GGN4c in B16F10 tumor-bearing mice was compared with that of [125I]NpG-GGN4b. B16F10 tumor-bearing mice were treated with a single dose of vehicle or [211At]NpG-GGN4c (1 or 0.4 MBq).

Results

The D-Glu-D-Arg linker was identified as the optimal hydrophilic linker because of its high affinity for MC1R and good biodistribution profile, especially with low accumulation in the liver and intestine. [211At]NpG-GGN4c showed tumor accumulation comparable to that of [125I]NpG-GGN4b and maintained the tumor radioactivity retention from 1 to 3 h postinjection. [211At]NpG-GGN4c exhibited a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on B16F10 xenograft growth without apparent body weight loss.

Conclusion

[211At]NpG-GGN4c showed dose-dependent efficacy against B16F10 xenografts, suggesting that [211At]NpG-GGN4c is a promising TAT agent for treating metastatic melanoma.
Spinal cord injury in abusive and accidental head injury in children, a neuropathological investigation
Authors: Colombari Michela , Troakes Claire , Verzeletti Andrea , Al-Sarraj Safa
Published: January 2025

The diagnosis of abusive head trauma (AbHT) in children is a challenging one that needs to be differentiated from natural disease and accidental head injury (AcHT). There is increasing evidence from the Neuroradiology field showing spinal cord injury in children subject to AbHT, which has, so far, been poorly investigated pathologically. In this study we retrospectively reviewed the forensic records of 110 paediatric head injury cases over an eight-year-period. The records included detailed circumstances of death and clinical history alongside neuropathology, ophthalmic pathology and osteo-articular pathology. Based on the final multidisciplinary agreement, the 110 case were grouped into AbHT (n = 40), AcHT (n = 9), not clearly accidental or abusive (“undetermined” (UHT) n = 8) and non-traumatic brain injury (NTBI, n = 53). The spinal cord pathology present within each group was compared. Spinal subdural haematoma (SDH) was present in 71% of AbHT and 50% of AcHT cases and were located predominantly at the thoracolumbar level. In AbHT cases without spinal SDH, the suspected mechanism of injury was that of head impact rather than shaking, whilst cases of AcHT with spinal SDH were associated with direct trauma to the spinal cord. Injury of spinal nerve roots in AbHT was almost three times that seen in the accidental head injury group (58% vs. 17%). The study shows that pathological examination of the spinal cord and spinal nerve roots is of high value in investigating AHT and may help in differentiating AbHT from AcHT.
Germline variants detected by multigene panel testing in patients with suspected hereditary breast cancer
Authors: Togashi Yusa , Nagahashi Masayuki , Kashima Mina , Okada Chiho , Kinjo Chinatsu , Miyazaki Ayako , Ueda Mako , Tsubamoto Hiroshi , Sawai Hideaki , Miyoshi Yasuo
Published: January 2025

Purpose

To clarify the status of multigene panel testing for suspected hereditary breast cancer in our institute, and disclose the characteristics of the variants detected.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of individuals who underwent next-generation sequencing-based multigene panel testing at our institute to investigate hereditary genetic variants for suspected hereditary breast cancer.

Results

We identified 36 women who underwent multigene panel testing: 8 (22.2%) had a pathogenic variant, with or without other variants of uncertain significance (VUSs); 15 (41.7%) had VUSs only; and 13 (36.1%) had negative genetic test results. Of the eight pathogenic variants, five were BRCA2 variants and one each were BRCA1, MLH1, and RINT1 variants. The VUSs included BRCA1 and BRCA2, as well as other breast cancer-associated genes, such as ATM, CDH1, CHEK2, and PALB2. Referring to the latest ClinVar database, one of the variants identified as a VUS at diagnosis was re-determined as likely pathogenic, and three of the variants identified as VUSs at diagnosis were re-determined as benign.

Conclusion

VUSs are frequently identified during testing and it is important to monitor these individuals because VUS evaluations can change over time.
RADAR – Radiomics on aSDH: predicting outcome with surface area
Authors: Richter Antonia , Wach Johannes , Basaran Alim , Kasper Johannes , Wilhelmy Florian , Wende Tim , Arlt Felix , Güresir Ági , Güresir Erdem , Vychopen Martin
Published: January 2025

Background

Acute subdural hematoma is a critical condition, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. Despite advancements in surgical techniques, a portion of patients only show limited clinical improvement post-evacuation. Surgical intervention decisions are critically important, as they can either improve or worsen a patient’s condition. Radiomics offers significant potential by extracting complex patterns from digital medical images and transforming them into high-dimensional data that reflect the underlying pathophysiology. By integrating Radiomics with individual patient characteristics, we can develop decision support models. This study aims to analyze radiomic parameters of aSDH to determine whether they support the decision to proceed with urgent surgery or opt for a conservative approach. We hypothesized that surface area could be a significant predictor of neurological outcome such as maintaining independent mobility (mRS ≥ 3) and survival rates.

Methods

This retrospective study involved radiomic analysis according to neurological outcome and survival. Radiomic parameters were measured using 3D Slicer software. Statistical analyses explored correlations, employing AUC-analysis and Kaplan-Meier survival.

Results

Our findings revealed significant correlations between hematoma and surface area with poorer neurological prognosis. Further subgroup analysis showed surface area as a significant predictor for poorer outcomes in patients undergoing craniotomy (p = 0.006 in univariant- and p = 0.020 in multivariant analysis). In the total cohort, among conservatively managed and craniotomy subgroups, survival analysis highlighted an advantageous survival for patients exhibiting smaller surface areas (< 339.50 cm2).

Conclusions

Especially in craniotomy patients, surface area emerged as a possible predictor for neurological outcome and survival.
Social Entrepreneurship: A Well-Being Based Approach
Authors: Kummitha Rama Krishna Reddy , Honig Benson , Urbano David
Published: January 2025

We systematically review social entrepreneurship literature to analyse how the notion of well-being is perceived. We found that well-being in social entrepreneurship is accounted for in two forms: self-oriented and other-oriented. Our review indicates that both hedonic and eudaimonic well-being have received significant research attention, although the latter has gained more prominence. We found that negative well-being resulting from social entrepreneurial interventions is a matter of concern. Apart from critically synthesizing the literature, this paper offers a number of avenues for future research connecting well-being and social entrepreneurship.
Come for syntax, stay for speed, write secure code: an empirical study of security weaknesses in Julia programs
Authors: Zhang Yue , Murphy Justin , Rahman Akond
Published: January 2025

Context

Practitioners prefer to achieve performance without sacrificing productivity when developing scientific software. The Julia programming language is designed to develop performant computer programs without sacrificing productivity by providing a syntax that is scripting in nature. According to the Julia programming language website, the common projects are data science, machine learning, scientific domains, and parallel computing. While Julia has yielded benefits with respect to productivity, programs written in Julia can include security weaknesses, which can hamper the security of Julia-based scientific software. A systematic derivation of security weaknesses can facilitate secure development of Julia programs—an area that remains under-explored.

Objective

The goal of this paper is to help practitioners securely develop Julia programs by conducting an empirical study of security weaknesses found in Julia programs.

Method

We apply qualitative analysis on 4,592 Julia programs used in 126 open-source Julia projects to identify security weakness categories. Next, we construct a static analysis tool called Julia Static Analysis Tool (JSAT) that automatically identifies security weaknesses in Julia programs. We apply JSAT to automatically identify security weaknesses in 558 open-source Julia projects consisting of 25,008 Julia programs.

Results

We identify 7 security weakness categories, which include the usage of hard-coded password and unsafe invocation. From our empirical study we identify 23,839 security weaknesses. On average, we observe 24.9% Julia source code files to include at least one of the 7 security weakness categories.

Conclusion

Based on our research findings, we recommend rigorous inspection efforts during code reviews. We also recommend further development and application of security static analysis tools so that security weaknesses in Julia programs can be detected before execution.
Introduction to the SRL-S Rubric for Evaluation of Innovative Higher Educational Technology for Self-Regulated Learning
Authors: Radović Slaviša , Seidel Niels
Published: January 2025

The integration of advanced learning analytics and data-mining technology into higher education has brought various opportunities and challenges, particularly in enhancing students' self-regulated learning (SRL) skills. Analyzing developed features for SRL support, it has become evident that SRL support is not a binary concept but rather a continuum, ranging from limited to advanced levels of SRL support. This article introduces the rubric, designed to evaluate the degree of self-regulated learning support available within technology enhanced learning environments. Following rubric design best practices, we took a multifaceted methodological approach to ensure rubric validity and reliability: consulting Zimmerman's theoretical model, comparing technological features distilled from empirical studies that demonstrated significant effectiveness, consulting SRL experts, and iterative development and feedback. Across three phases of SRL the rubrics describe evaluation criteria and in detail define performance levels (Limited, Moderate and Advance). By employing the rubric, educators and researchers can 1) gain insights into the extent of implemented SRL approaches, 2) further develop SRL support of learning environments, and 3) better support students on their journey towards becoming self-regulated learners. Finally, the reliability analysis demonstrated a high degree of agreement among different raters evaluating the same course, indicating that the rubric is a reliable tool for obtaining relevant evaluations of SRL support in higher education. We conclude by discussing the significance of the rubric in promoting self-regulated learning within the current pedagogical and technological landscape.
The Extended Pulse Method for the Measurement of the Thermal Diffusivity of Solids
Authors: Wakeham William A. , Gaal Peter S. , Withrow Zachary D. , Gaal Daniela S.
Published: January 2025

The paper presents a complete theory for a new method for the determination of the thermal diffusivity of a bulk solid in the form of a cylinder using a pulse of energy of finite duration delivered on one face and the subsequent temperature rise detected on a parallel face. It is an important feature of the method that the departure from equilibrium in the solid sample is small so that the temperature rise is no more than a few degrees Kelvin. The energy pulse may be of any temporal distribution and the detection of the temperature rise can be conducted at any point on the opposing face of the sample. The theory explicitly accounts for heat losses at all the surfaces of the sample and enables absolute measurement of the thermal diffusivity of the sample. A prototype instrument is described to realize this theory in which the heating pulse is generated by an array of light emitting diodes in a circular configuration which is then guided by a light pipe so that a uniform distribution is ensured across the flat face of the solid sample being tested. The instrument is designed for operation over the temperature range from ambient to 1300 K but, in the current proof of principle, measurements are conducted at room temperature on a sample of Pyroceram™ 9606.1 In this case, the detection is performed with a micro-thermocouple at the center of the sample. Several different rectangular heating pulse durations are employed to show that the theory provides an appropriate description of the experiment. The potential for future applications of the technique is demonstrated.
New Evidence on Price Effects of Transparency Regulations in European Fuel Markets
Authors: Bernhardt Lea , Breiderhoff Xenia , Dewenter Ralf
Published: January 2025

This paper analyses the impact of transparency regulations on Super 95 and Diesel prices in Austria, France, and Germany to shed new light on the price effects of regulatory policies. To identify the effects of regulation, we use publicly available data from January 2005 to the end of December 2018 and estimate synthetic difference-in-difference models. In summary, our findings reveal notable differences. While prices in France did not change significantly, the results for Austria suggest that the price-reducing effect of the 2011 Price Fixing Act was offset by the transparency policy, ultimately leading to a price increase for Super 95 prices. In Germany, the Market Transparency Unit (MTU) has a price-reducing effect of two to three cents per litre, especially in the long term.
The use of the surgical pleth index to guide anaesthesia in gastroenterological surgery: a randomised controlled study
Authors: Bergman Tommi , Kalliomäki Maija-Liisa , Särkelä Mika , Harju Jarkko
Published: January 2025

The measurement of nociception and the optimisation of intraoperative antinociceptive medication could potentially improve the conduct of anaesthesia, especially in the older population. The Surgical Pleth Index (SPI) is one of the monitoring methods presently used for the detection of nociceptive stimulus. Eighty patients aged 50 years and older who were scheduled to undergo major abdominal surgery were randomised and divided into a study group and a control group. In the study group, the SPI was used to guide the administration of remifentanil during surgery. In the control group, the SPI value was concealed, and remifentanil administration was based on the clinical evaluation of the attending anaesthesiologist. The primary endpoint of this study was intraoperative remifentanil consumption. In addition, we compared the durations of intraoperative hypotension and hypertension. No difference in intraoperative remifentanil consumption (4.5 µg kg− 1h− 1 vs. 5.6 µg kg− 1h− 1, p = 0.14) was found. Furthermore, there was no difference in the proportion of hypotensive time (mean arterial pressure, MAP < 65) (3.7% vs. 1.6%, p = 0.40). However, in the subgroup of patients who underwent operation with invasive blood pressure monitoring, there was less severe hypotension (MAP < 55) (0.3% vs. 0.0%, p = 0.02) and intermediate hypotension (MAP < 65) (10.2% vs. 2.6%, p = 0.07) in the treatment group, even though remifentanil consumption was higher (3.5 µg kg− 1h− 1 vs. 5.1 µg kg− 1h− 1
p = 0.03). The use of SPI guidance for the administration of remifentanil during surgery did not help to reduce the remifentanil consumption. However, the results from invasively monitored study group suggest more timely administered opioid when SPI was used.
Sparse Wasserstein Barycenters and Application to Reduced Order Modeling
Authors: Do Minh-Hieu , Feydy Jean , Mula Olga
Published: January 2025

We develop a general theoretical and algorithmic framework for sparse approximation and structured prediction in

$${\mathcal {P}}_2(\varOmega )$$

P
2

(
Ω
)

with Wasserstein barycenters. The barycenters are sparse in the sense that they are computed from an available dictionary of measures, but the approximations only involve a reduced number of atoms. We show that the best reconstruction from the class of sparse barycenters is characterized by a notion of best n-term barycenter which we introduce, and which can be understood as a natural extension of the classical concept of best n-term approximation in Banach spaces. We show that the best n-term barycenter is the minimizer of a highly non-convex, bi-level optimization problem, and we develop algorithmic strategies for practical numerical computation. We next leverage this approximation tool to build interpolation strategies that involve a reduced computational cost, and that can be used for structured prediction, and metamodeling of parametrized families of measures. We illustrate the potential of the method through the specific problem of Model Order Reduction (MOR) of parametrized PDEs. Since our approach is sparse, adaptive and preserves mass by construction, it has potential to overcome known bottlenecks of classical linear methods in hyperbolic conservation laws transporting discontinuities. It also paves the way towards MOR for measure-valued PDE problems such as gradient flows.
Sol-gel technologies for additive manufacturing glass materials
Authors: Murthi Monisha , Destino Joel F.
Published: January 2025

The sol-gel method has shown immense potential in materials science and nanotechnology. One of the cornerstone applications of the sol-gel technique includes the fabrication of inorganic glasses and glass-ceramics at relatively low temperatures as an alternative to conventional high-temperature melt-quench techniques. In recent times, glass fabrication with the sol-gel method has extended to additive manufacturing (AM), also referred to as 3D printing. Current sol-gel, glass AM uses solution-based gel compositions to produce three-dimensional glasses through layer-by-layer deposition and/or using photocurable polymer resins. Owing to its significant advantages of being able to fabricate glass components with arbitrary and complex geometry, AM presents a tantalizing opportunity to fabricate functionalized glass materials, increasing the technique’s popularity over the past decade. In this review and perspective, recent progress in combining sol-gel synthesis and additive manufacturing technologies used for obtaining inorganic glasses are discussed, specifically highlighting the research carried out in North America, and a prospectus of the field and emerging areas of interest and need is presented.

Graphical Abstract
Potential of black soldier fly larvae frass (BSFL) as a novel fertilizer: impacts on tomato growth, nutrient uptake, and mycorrhizal formation
Authors: Salomon Matthias J. , Cavagnaro Timothy R. , Burton Rachel A.
Published: January 2025

Background and Aims

The growing rates of production of edible insects is leading to an increase in the availability of insect frass, comprising mostly the solid excretions of larvae and undigested substrate. Insect frass is considered a novel organic fertilizer, rich in nutrients and believed to further boost plant growth through its high content of substances like chitin. This study investigated the fertiliser potential of black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) frass, its ecotoxicity, and its interactions with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF).

Methods

Two commercial BSFL frass products were analysed for plant nutrient concentration and effects on seed germination under laboratory conditions. In a greenhouse bioassay, using only one of the products, its impact on tomato biomass production and AMF colonisation was evaluated.

Results

Chemical analysis of the frass products revealed more macro-nutrients than typically found in composts with between 1.3% to 1.6% total phosphorus and 3.6% and 3.9% total nitrogen (N). 98% of the mineral N was in the form of ammonium. Total carbon was between 44 and 45% for both products. Micronutrient concentrations varied between the products, with iron reaching up to 1236 mg kg−1 or zinc up to 206 mg kg−1. Variability was also observed in seed germination inhibition, with one product demonstrating stronger inhibitory effects than the other. The greenhouse bioassay revealed issues around ammonia toxicity at higher application rates of 150 to 250 kg N ha−1 and an almost complete inhibition of arbuscular mycorrhizal root colonization between 100 and 250 kg N ha−1. Biomass production increased rapidly with higher frass application rates and plateaued between 150 and 250 kg N ha−1.

Conclusion

Insect frass shows significant potential as a nutrient-rich organic fertiliser, with some imbalances that, if improved, could further strengthen its efficiency as a fertiliser.
Enhancing yields and climate resilience through conservation agriculture: multi-year regional on-farm trials in Zambia
Authors: Phiri Mirriam , Martinsen Vegard , Simusokwe Gibson , Smebye Andreas Botnen , Obia Alfred , Shitumbanuma Victor , Selby Jeremy , Cornelissen Gerard , Makate Clifton , Mulder Jan
Published: January 2025

Background and aims

Conservation agriculture (CA) has gained traction as a climate-smart management strategy to enhance food security and maintain soil quality. However, nearly all investigations are based on controlled experimental studies with few long-term on-farm trials. The objective of the study was to assess the effect of CA on maize yield and soil fertility at smallholder farms in Zambia (2016–2021).

Methods

About 100 on-farm trials were established. CA plots with maize (Zea mays L.) in annual rotation with soybean were compared pairwise with conventional plots, with maize monocropping, which were managed in accordance with local practices. Maize grain yield and soil pH, organic carbon, phosphorus and nitrogen were investigated.

Results

Maize grain yield was significantly higher in CA (+ 24% to + 39%) compared to conventional management, due to early sowing and more effective use of precipitation. However, after 5 years, there was no significant difference in soil fertility between CA and conventional agriculture.

Conclusion

CA provides a viable option for climate change adaptation due to increased yields and drought resilience. The higher yield under CA provides an opportunity to enhance food security. However, our results do not support that CA enhances soil organic carbon, available phosphorus and nitrogen after 5 years of maize-soybean rotation.
Balancing act or two roads to travel: Evaluating the trade-offs between digitalization and net zero innovation in SMEs
Authors: Kesidou Effie , Ri Anastasia , Roper Stephen
Published: January 2025

As firms face the dual challenges of digitalization and net zero innovation to combat climate change, understanding how these twin transitions relate is crucial. This study examines potential synergies or trade-offs between digital technologies and net zero innovations in UK SMEs. By integrating the Resource-Based View (RBV) and the Attention-Based View (ABV), we explore how categories of digital adopters relate to categories of net zero innovation adopters. Utilizing novel survey data for 964 UK SMEs, we employ ordered Probit estimation to examine the relationship between digital and net zero adoption. Our results reveal that digitally advanced SMEs are more likely to be advanced adopters of net zero innovations, suggesting that digital complementarities and enhanced capabilities can reinforce environmental innovations that reduce carbon emissions. We offer valuable contributions for both theory and practice, highlighting the importance of supporting SMEs in their twin transitions.
Concept-formation and deep disagreements in theoretical and practical reasoning
Authors: Wee Michael
Published: January 2025

This paper explores the idea that deep disagreements essentially involve disputes about what counts as good reasoning, whether it is theoretical or practical reasoning. My central claim is that deep disagreements involve radically different paradigms of some principle or notion that is constitutively basic to reasoning—I refer to these as “basic concepts”. To defend this claim, I show how we can understand deep disagreements by accepting the indeterminacy of concept-formation: concepts are not set in stone but are responsive to human needs, and differences in individuating and ordering concepts lead to clashes in paradigms of reasoning. These clashes can be difficult to resolve because linguistic concepts, especially basic concepts, impose a normative structure onto thought to make reasoning possible at all. This, I also argue, is an authentically Wittgensteinian account of the nature of reasoning. While deep disagreements involving theoretical and practical reasoning both stem from the same root problem of clashing paradigms of basic concepts, I will also draw attention to the particularly radical indeterminacy of moral concept-formation, which makes moral deep disagreements more difficult to resolve. Over the course of the paper, I will discuss two examples of deep disagreements to illustrate and defend my central claim: deep disagreements over vaccines and the concept of “evidence” (theoretical reasoning) and deep disagreements over affirmative action and the concept of “fairness” (practical reasoning). I conclude by suggesting how my account of reasoning does not lead to moral relativism.
Assessing the impact of network embeddedness on SMEs innovation performance through resource bricolage: a mediated-moderated model
Authors: Li Chunyan , Shafait Mohsin
Published: January 2025

The main objective of this study is to investigate the impact of network embeddedness, resource bricolage and organizational readiness on innovation performance based on social network theory and resource-based view. The study employed a convenience sampling technique for research survey. Data was collected from owners and CEOs of 379 small and medium-sized enterprises, operating in Pakistan. The study carried out partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) for data analysis. The results showed that network embeddedness significantly affects innovation performance through partial mediation of resource bricolage, whereas organizational readiness positively moderates the relationship between resource bricolage and innovation performance. These findings provide a novel theoretical framework to bridge critical gaps in the existing literature. Current research extends the existing literature by integrating social network theory and resource-based view, particularly in the context of innovation performance of small and medium-sized enterprises. These results indicate that enterprises can manage resource-constraint challenges through business networks and bricolage practices and foster innovation performance. The study findings also provide practical insights for entrepreneurs, policymakers and institutions and recommends that business collaborations with efficient resource management and strategic preparedness, can achieve high level of innovation performance. The theoretical and practical implications improvise the strategic competitiveness, industrial collaborations and long-term sustainability for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Transverse varestraint weldability testing in laser powder bed fusion 316L stainless steel
Authors: Guzman Jhoan , Riffel Kaue C. , Berkson Jacque W. , Casto Samuel , Ramirez Antonio J.
Published: January 2025

The use of laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) for faster and more customized manufacturing has grown significantly. However, LPBF parts often require welding to other components, raising concerns about their weldability due to differences in microstructure compared to conventionally manufactured parts. Despite its importance, research on the weldability of additive manufacturing materials remains limited. This study aims to evaluate the susceptibility of LPBF 316L stainless steel to weld solidification cracking using transverse varestraint testing and compare results with conventional 316L. Tests were conducted across strain levels from 0.5 to 7%, revealing a saturated strain of 4%, with maximum crack length (MCL), maximum crack distance (MCD), and total number of cracks (TNC) of approximately 0.36 mm and 31, respectively. Compared to existing literature, LPBF 316L produced with optimized printing parameters and low nickel equivalent content exhibited higher resistance to weld solidification cracking, reflected in lower MCL and MCD values. Cracks initiated at the solidus interface and propagated along the ferrite–austenite boundary under strain. Microstructural changes were observed after testing, transitioning from cellular austenitic solidification in LPBF to a skeletal ferrite-austenitic mode due to material remelting and slower cooling rates. These findings highlight that reduced nickel equivalent, alongside optimized printing parameters, contribute to enhanced weld solidification cracking resistance in LPBF 316L. This study advances understanding of the weldability of LPBF materials.
“We are Running a Marathon not a Sprint”: Educators’ Experiences and Perspectives on Inclusion for Autistic Students Through Strengths-Based Approaches in Mainstream High Schools
Authors: White Jia , McGarry Sarah , Williams P. John , Black Melissa H.
Published: January 2025

As part of global efforts in inclusive education, more autistic students are attending mainstream schools. However, many have negative school experiences and lower educational attainment. Strengths-based approaches have been proposed to improve these outcomes, but there is limited research on their implementation in mainstream high schools. Understanding educators’ experiences with these approaches could provide insights into improving the inclusion of autistic students. This study aimed to understand educators’ experiences and perspectives on implementing strengths-based approaches for autistic students in mainstream high schools. Thirty-nine high school educators participated in semi-structured interviews or provided written responses in an online survey which were analysed phenomenologically. Ten themes were identified: (1) educator understanding of strengths-based approaches; (2) implementation of strengths-based approaches in schools; (3) identifying strengths through a holistic profile; (4) building student–teacher relationships through genuine interests; (5) strengths-based pedagogical strategies providing individualised support; (6) strengths-based curriculum adding meaning into standard curriculum; (7) strengths-based post-school transition providing pathways to adulthood; (8) the central role of collaboration in strengths-based approaches; (9) ongoing professional development equipping educators for strengths-based approaches; and (10) the impact of strengths-based approaches on individuals and school community. Educators reported favourable views towards strengths-based approaches but faced barriers across the educational system and school environment. Insights provided by educators play an essential role in closing the gap between inclusive education theory and practice, thereby improving school experiences and educational outcomes for autistic students.
Beneficial Effects of a 26-Week Exercise Intervention Using IoT Devices on Cognitive Function and Health Indicators
Authors: Soga Keishi , Higuchi Akira , Tomita Naoki , Kobayashi Koki , Kataoka Hiroki , Imankulova Aizhan , Salazar Carlos , Thyreau Benjamin , Nakamura Shota , Tsushita Yuki , Uchiyama Akiyoshi , Taki Yasuyuki
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study examines the impact of 26-week exercise intervention facilitated by IoT devices on cognitive function, hippocampal volume, and health indicators in a real-world setting based on the Transtheoretical Model.

Methods

Middle-aged participants (n = 121, mean age = 49.8 ± 7.62 years) were randomly assigned to BrainUp (n = 61) or Sham (n = 60) application groups. Both groups engaged in voluntary aerobic exercise over a period of 26 weeks using an IoT device. The BrainUp application was designed to deliver personalized exercise routines aimed at enhancing participants’ cognitive function and hippocampal volume based on their individual level.

Results

Linear mixed models revealed that both groups exhibited improvements in cognitive function and health indicators at post-intervention compared to pre-intervention, but no significant changes in hippocampal volume in either group over time. Path analysis and structural equation modeling indicated that motivation for exercise at 26 weeks played a key role in improving cognitive function and blood glucose, and alleviating depression.

Conclusions

Integrating physical activity with IoT devices in real-world settings shows promise for enhancing brain health and preventing hippocampal volume loss due to aging. Motivation might play a crucial role in maximizing the health benefits of physical activity, especially during the transition from the Action to Maintenance stages of behavioral changes to an active lifestyle.
Honeycomb-structured biochar from waste pomelo peel for synergistic adsorptive and photocatalytic removal of Cr(VI)
Authors: Wang Wei , Wei Pengfei , Wang Chenjun , Liang Pengfei , Tao Feifei , Yang Song , Dou Weidong , Hu Baowei
Published: January 2025

Efficient removal of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) as a well-known highly toxic heavy metal is extremely necessary for people’s health and environmental safety. Biochar from waste biomass has attracted widespread attention in pollutant removal due to abundant pores, high surface area and low-cost, especially the presence of persistent free radical (PFRs). Here, waste pomelo peel was utilized to synthesize the activated biochar with the interconnected porous frameworks (APC). The obtained APC has an exponentially high specific surface area of 997.46 m2·g−1 as compared with pristine biochar (PPC) (8.78 m2·g−1) due to distinctive three-dimensional (3D) honeycomb-structured framework with interconnected pores. Meanwhile, through such green synthesis with the introduction of no other substances besides KOH, the APC is enriched with the oxygen-containing functional groups of C=O, C-H and O–H, which can firmly grasp Cr(VI) ions and convert them into low toxic Cr(III) ions. The APC exhibits excellent adsorption and photocatalytic removal of Cr(VI). The adsorption capacity of Cr(VI) reaches a maximum of 307.3 mg·g−1 as compared with the PPC (194.2 mg·g−1), which obeys pseudo-second-order kinetics and is a spontaneous endothermic process mainly controlled by intraparticle diffusion. Subsequently, the enriched Cr(VI) can be completely reduced under illumination by the existence of PFRs. Compared with PPC, the APC has strong light absorption, low band gap, more reactive oxygen species (ROS) and rapid charge carrier transfer, leading to high photocatalytic activity. Based on the trapping experiments and quantitative analysis of reactive species, the removal mechanism of Cr(VI) over APC is proposed. This work affords an effective approach to construct the honeycomb-like APC for the synergistic adsorptive and photocatalytic removal of Cr(VI), and hierarchical porous frameworks and PFRs are particularly beneficial for the enhancement of Cr(VI) removal, exhibiting potential practical application in wastewater treatment.

Graphical Abstract
Resilient isolation valve system design considering water shortage equity of water distribution system
Authors: Kwon Soon Ho , Lee Seungyub
Published: January 2025

The water distribution system (WDS) plays a crucial role in sustaining our society, serving as a vital lifeline. However, the performance of WDS is often compromised by various disturbances. To address this challenge and prevent functionality losses, isolation valves are strategically installed within the WDS. This study introduces a novel approach to isolation valve system (IVS) design, aiming to maximize equity during segment isolation. The proposed method utilizes an objective function centered on equity maximization. To achieve this, the study extends the conventional Gini coefficient by incorporating water demand ratio (reliability) instead of income. This adaptation results in the creation of the Water Lorenz Curve and Water Gini coefficient, which serve as essential metrics for assessing equity in the context of water distribution. An optimization model based on the genetic algorithm (GA) is developed, leveraging the newly introduced metrics. To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed design approach, a comparison is drawn with the traditional reliability-based design approach. The study applies both models to five benchmark networks, providing insights into their respective performances. The application of these models to the benchmark networks highlights that, while the proposed approach may involve trade-offs in traditional reliability metrics, it excels in various performance indicators. This suggests the potential for a shift from reliability-based designs to equity-based designs without imposing significant cost burdens. Key performance metrics, including reliability, system robustness, resilience, hydraulic geodesic index, and valve installation cost, are employed to comprehensively compare the outcomes of the two design approaches.
Measurement for Improvement
Authors: Toulany Alene , Shojania Kaveh G.
Published: January 2025

The main principles underpinning measurement for healthcare improvement are outlined in this Element. Although there is no single formula for achieving optimal measurement to support improvement, a fundamental principle is the importance of using multiple measures and approaches to gathering data. Using a single measure falls short in capturing the multifaceted aspects of care across diverse patient populations, as well as all the intended and unintended consequences of improvement interventions within various quality domains. Even within a single domain, improvement efforts can succeed in several ways and go wrong in others. Therefore, a family of measures is usually necessary. Clearly communicating a plausible theory outlining how an intervention will lead to desired outcomes informs decisions about the scope and types of measurement used. Improvement teams must tread carefully to avoid imposing undue burdens on patients, clinicians, or organisations. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.
The evolution of similarity-biased social learning
Authors: Smaldino Paul E. , Velilla Alejandro Pérez
Published: January 2025

Humans often learn preferentially from ingroup members who share a social identity affiliation, while ignoring or rejecting information when it comes from someone perceived to be from an outgroup. This sort of bias has well-known negative consequences – exacerbating cultural divides, polarization, and conflict – while reducing the information available to learners. Why does it persist? Using evolutionary simulations, we demonstrate that similarity-biased social learning (also called parochial social learning) is adaptive when (1) individual learning is error-prone and (2) sufficient diversity inhibits the efficacy of social learning that ignores identity signals, as long as (3) those signals are sufficiently reliable indicators of adaptive behaviour. We further show that our results are robust to considerations of other social learning strategies, focusing on conformist and pay-off-biased transmission. We conclude by discussing the consequences of our analyses for understanding diversity in the modern world.
Floer homology and non-fibered knot detection
Authors: Baldwin John A. , Sivek Steven
Published: January 2025

We prove for the first time that knot Floer homology and Khovanov homology can detect non-fibered knots and that HOMFLY homology detects infinitely many knots; these theories were previously known to detect a mere six knots, all fibered. These results rely on our main technical theorem, which gives a complete classification of genus-1 knots in the 3-sphere whose knot Floer homology in the top Alexander grading is 2-dimensional. We discuss applications of this classification to problems in Dehn surgery which are carried out in two sequels. These include a proof that

$0$

-surgery characterizes infinitely many knots, generalizing results of Gabai from his 1987 resolution of the Property R Conjecture.
Rigidity of symmetric simplicial complexes and the lower bound theorem
Authors: Cruickshank James , Jackson Bill , Tanigawa Shin-ichi
Published: January 2025

We show that if
$\Gamma $
is a point group of
$\mathbb {R}^{k+1}$
of order two for some
$k\geq 2$
and
$\mathcal {S}$
is a k-pseudomanifold which has a free automorphism of order two, then either
$\mathcal {S}$
has a
$\Gamma $
-symmetric infinitesimally rigid realisation in
${\mathbb R}^{k+1}$
or
$k=2$
and
$\Gamma $
is a half-turn rotation group. This verifies a conjecture made by Klee, Nevo, Novik and Zheng for the case when
$\Gamma $
is a point-inversion group. Our result implies that Stanley’s lower bound theorem for centrally symmetric polytopes extends to pseudomanifolds with a free simplicial automorphism of order 2, thus verifying (the inequality part of) another conjecture of Klee, Nevo, Novik and Zheng. Both results actually apply to a much larger class of simplicial complexes – namely, the circuits of the simplicial matroid. The proof of our rigidity result adapts earlier ideas of Fogelsanger to the setting of symmetric simplicial complexes.
Urban History in Kumase, Ghana: A Note on Archives
Authors: Manu-Osafo Manuel J. , Bob-Milliar George M. , Jones Ben
Published: January 2025

This note seeks to bring awareness to the wide variety of archival documents available for research in urban history in Kumase, Ghana’s second city and capital of the historic Asante Kingdom. We draw mainly on our experiences researching the history of Jackson Park, one of colonial Kumase’s earliest public parks.
Exploring the distribution and correlates of future self-continuity in a large, nationally representative sample
Authors: Hershfield Hal E. , Brimhall Craig I. , Kerbel Susan
Published: January 2025

Many people struggle to make tradeoffs between present wants and future wishes, resulting in the tendency to overly discount the value of future rewards. To explain such behavior, past work has pointed to future self-continuity or the perceived connection between a person’s current and future selves. Yet, most of this past work has been conducted on small-to-medium size convenience samples, and as such, little is known regarding the population-level statistics of future self-continuity or how its link to important financial health variables like saving behavior and financial well-being play out in a nationally representative sample. Here, we use a nationally representative sample of over 6,000 Americans to investigate the generalizability of future self-continuity and its connection to financial outcomes such as savings behavior and global financial well-being. We also examine the strength of these associations in the face of a host of other relevant constructs. Overall, this research replicates and extends existing work on the relationship between future self-continuity and financial decision-making among a representative population, and sheds further insight on its potential implications for interventions aimed at enhancing long-term financial well-being.
Covering convection with thermal blankets: fluid–structure interactions in thermal convection
Authors: Huang Jinzi Mac
Published: January 2025

The continental plates of Earth are known to drift over a geophysical time scale, and their interactions have led to some of the most spectacular geoformations of our planet while also causing natural disasters such as earthquakes and volcanic activity. Understanding the dynamics of interacting continental plates is thus significant. In this work, we present a fluid mechanical investigation of the plate motion, interaction and dynamics. Through numerical experiments, we examine the coupling between a convective fluid and plates floating on top of it. With physical modelling, we show the coupling is both mechanical and thermal, leading to the thermal blanket effect: the floating plate is not only transported by the fluid flow beneath, it also prevents the heat from leaving the fluid, leading to a convective flow that further affects the plate motion. By adding several plates to such a coupled fluid–structure interaction, we also investigate how floating plates interact with each other, and show that under proper conditions, small plates can converge into a supercontinent.
Challenging the Indian Child Welfare Act: colorblind racism, whiteness as property, and the legal architecture of settler colonialism
Authors: Brown Hana E.
Published: January 2025

Bringing critical race theory and settler colonial theory to bear on legal mobilization scholarship, this article examines the ongoing campaign to strike down the 1978 Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA). ICWA sought to end the forced removal of American Indian children from their tribes. If successful, the challenges to ICWA’s constitutionality stand to undermine tribal sovereignty writ large. Drawing on a content analysis of documents from 17 major court cases (2013–2023) and a unique dataset of public-facing documents from the leading ICWA challengers, I interrogate the argumentative architecture of this legal mobilization. I find that the campaign to strike down ICWA is structured around three ideological maneuvers: erasure, settler normativity, and reclassification. These maneuvers scaffold a fourth – colorblindness – and the claim that ICWA is an unconstitutional race-based statute. I show how ICWA adversaries use these ideological maneuvers to legitimate white possession of Indigenous children and delegitimize tribal sovereignty. While existing work tends to treat colorblind racism and settler colonialism as analytically distinct, these findings shed light on the linkages between the two. They also marshal empirical analysis to illustrate how the embeddedness of settler colonialism and racism in the law enables broad claims to and defense of whiteness as property.