bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nivolumab and ipilimumab population pharmacokinetics in support of pediatric dose recommendations—Going beyond the body‐size effect
Authors: Hu Zheyi , Liu Sihang , Zhao Yue , Du Shengnan , Hamuro Lora , Shen Jun , Roy Amit , Zhu Li
Published: December 2023

Body size has historically been considered the primary source of difference in the pharmacokinetics (PKs) of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) between children aged greater than or equal to 2 years and adults. The contribution of age‐associated differences (e.g., ontogeny) beyond body‐size differences in the pediatric PKs of mAbs has not been comprehensively evaluated. In this study, the population PK of two mAbs (nivolumab and ipilimumab) in pediatric oncology patients were characterized. The effects of age‐related covariates on nivolumab or ipilimumab PKs were assessed using data from 13 and 10 clinical studies, respectively, across multiple tumor types, including melanoma, lymphoma, central nervous system tumors (CNSTs), and other solid tumors. Clearance was lower in pediatric patients (aged 1–17 years) with solid tumors or CNST than in adults after adjusting for other covariates, including the effect of body size. In contrast, clearance was similar in pediatric patients with lymphoma to that in adults with lymphoma. The pediatric effects characterized have increased the accuracy of the predictions of the model, facilitating its use in subsequent exposure comparisons between pediatric and adult patients, as well as for exposure–response analyses to inform pediatric dosing. This study approach may be applicable to the optimization of pediatric dosing of other mAbs and possibly other biologics.
Progress and Outlook of 10% Efficient AlGaN‐Based (290–310 nm) Band UVB LEDs
Authors: Khan M. Ajmal , Yamada Yoichi , Hirayama Hideki
Published: December 2023

Eco‐friendly and low‐cost aluminum gallium nitride (AlGaN) for the epitaxial growth of ultraviolet‐B (UVB) light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) on c‐Sapphire has the possibility of high external‐quantum efficiency (EQE). In this review paper a special growth techniques for 50% relaxed and 4 μm thick AlGaN buffer layer underneath the multi‐quantum wells (MQWs) are challenged to achieve a maximum internal‐quantum efficiency of 50–57% in 310–290 nm band UVB LEDs. The influence of a thin “Valley” layer in p‐type multi‐quantum barrier electron‐blocking layer on 2D hole generation and injection via intraband tunneling was attempted. Finally, the influence of soft polarized Mg‐doped p‐type Al‐graded AlGaN hole injection layer assisted by excimer laser annealing for better hole injection toward the MQWs was investigated and quite high hole concentration of 2 × 1016 cm−3 and resistivity of 24 Ω‐cm at room temperature was achieved. Consequently, the EQE of transparent 310 and 304 nm UVB LEDs, respectively, reached to a confirmed world record values of ≈5% and ≈10% with light powers of 29 and 40 mW on wafer. This EQE value can surpass 21% if flip‐chip, nanoPSS, photonic crystal, and lens with highly reflective p‐electrodes are incorporated in LED.
Trauma‐informed health coaching: A practical guide for COVID‐19 and other disease intervention interviews
Authors: Mejía Patricia , Faustino Leona Smith Di , DiGiammarino Alicia , Sigerman Thea , Sanchez Sabrina , Dunn Caitlin , Tougas Jen , Kryger Valerie , Maher Andrew , Willard‐Grace Rachel
Published: December 2023

For people who have experienced psychological trauma, distressing experiences like being notified of exposure to an infectious disease, may trigger a trauma response, a natural, often unconscious, emotional reaction. Disease investigation specialists (DIS), including contact tracers and case investigators, may encounter clients who exhibit trauma responses during outreach calls. In this paper, we describe a novel approach to these calls that combines two evidence‐based approaches: trauma‐informed care and health coaching. These two approaches are put into practice using the HEAR technique, which uses the four steps of Hear, Express Gratitude, Ask, and Respond, to engage with emotionally triggered clients. We provide a series of case vignettes and practical examples of how disease investigation specialists can use the HEAR technique to support clients who may be experiencing trauma. Equipped with this approach, DIS can better engage with the public around existing and emerging infectious diseases, thereby improving both individual health outcomes and public health more broadly.
Synergistically Enhanced Electrochemical Sensing of Bisphenol A in Real Water Samples at Carbon Nanotubes/β‐Cyclodextrin/Gold Nanoparticles Composite
Authors: Atta Nada F. , Abdelkader Mohamed G. , Hamed Maher M. , Galal Ahmed
Published: December 2023

Monitoring of bisphenol A (BPHA) is required as its release with byproducts into the aquatic environment every year, causes pollution and toxicity which affects the human health. An efficient electrochemical sensor is therefore needed to determine BPHA in water from natural resources. To construct the sensor, a thin layer of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is applied to the surface of glassy carbon (GC) then β‐CD and Aunano are sequentially electrodeposited. The performance of the sensor is optimized and shows excellent catalytic effect in wide concentration range 7 nM to 700 μM with low detection limit of 5.02 nM compared to other cited modified electrodes. Each of the sensor constituents share in the enhancement of its performance; Aunano has intrinsic surface electroactivity, β‐CD “host” allows for BPHA “guest” surface accumulation, and CNTs with large conductive surface area realize homogeneous distribution of the other two components. The advantages of the BPHA electrochemical sensor are simple to prepare, timesaving, and shows good sensitivity, stability, selectivity in presence of interfering ions and compounds, it is suitable for use with portable simple equipment for in situ measurements. Furthermore, the application of the sensor in wastewater samples shows good recovery of BPHA.
Dynamics of Plasma‐Assisted Epitaxial Silicon Growth Driven by a Hydrogen‐Incorporated Nanostructure for Novel Applications
Authors: Oh Joon-Ho , Lee Tae Kyung , Kim Ryoon Young , An Jeong-Ho , Mo Sung-In , Hong Ji-Eun , Kim Sun-Wook , Keum Min Jong , Song Hee-eun , Kim Ka-Hyun
Published: December 2023

Plasma‐assisted epitaxially grown silicon (plasma‐epi Si) is a new silicon‐based material with a tailorable nanostructure. Nanovoids can be introduced into plasma‐epi Si during growth, enabling the bottom‐up fabrication of porous Si for applications such as batteries, hydrogen storage, and even explosives. To fully control the nanostructure of plasma‐epi Si, its growth dynamics must be studied. In this study, the correlation between hydrogen incorporation and defect nanostructures in plasma‐epi Si grown under various process conditions is investigated, and the experimental results are supported by molecular dynamics simulations. The nanostructural evolution during growth suggests a model in which plasma‐epi Si shows two growth stages distinguished by different dominant defect nanostructures. In the initial growth stage, the nanostructure can be controlled by the deposition conditions, whereas the nanostructure is dominated by interconnected voids, forming a porous structure. In the subsequent bulk growth stage, the material growth is less sensitive to the deposition conditions, whereas the nanostructure becomes prevalent isolated defects. In the results of this study, different strategies for the plasma‐epi Si growth process for different applications are suggested. In these results, a better understanding of this new material may be provided and the discovery of various applications for bottom‐up‐grown porous Si is facilitated.
Advances in Machine‐Learning Enhanced Nanosensors: From Cloud Artificial Intelligence Toward Future Edge Computing at Chip Level
Authors: Zhang Zixuan , Liu Xinmiao , Zhou Hong , Xu Siyu , Lee Chengkuo
Published: December 2023

Machine‐learning‐enhanced nanosensors are rapidly emerging as a promising solution in the field of sensor technology, as traditional sensors encounter limitations of data analysis in their development. Since the inception of machine‐learning algorithms being applied to enhance nanosensors, they have gained significant attention due to their adaptive and predictive capabilities, which promise to dramatically improve efficiency in data collection and processing applications. Herein, a comprehensive overview of technological innovation is provided by reviewing the latest developments in cloud computing, edge computing, and the burgeoning realm of neuromorphic computing. Cloud computing has emerged as a powerhouse, harnessing formidable computational capabilities to process vast volumes of high‐dimensional data. Then, the research directions for various applications of these cloud artificial intelligence (AI)‐enhanced nanosensors are outlined. Moreover, the integration of AI and nanosensor technology into chip‐level edge computing, although promising, still faces challenges such as energy‐efficient hardware development, algorithm optimization, and scalability for mass production. Finally, a forward‐looking perspective on the future of machine‐learning‐enhanced nanosensors is provided, delineating the challenges and opportunities for further research and innovation in this exciting field.
Functionally Graded Infiltration Triggering Ultrahigh Electrolytic Current in Robust Reversible Solid Oxide Cells
Authors: Zhang Lu , Hu Xueyu , Huan Daoming , Shi Nai , Dong Dehua , Xia Changrong
Published: December 2023

The reversible solid oxide cell (ReSOC) offers the dual capability to store electricity as chemical fuels and convert fuels to electricity, thereby enabling carbon neutral cycling. The nickel‐cermet fuel electrode exhibits high electrocatalytic activity for redox reactions while being particularly vulnerable to carbon deposition and nickel coarsening, especially at high current densities. Herein, a novel approach involving a graded infiltration onto a dendritic Ni–YSZ (yttria‐stabilized zirconia) skeleton with Pr6O11 nanoparticles/films is presented, demonstrating remarkable electrolytic current and coke tolerance in CO–CO2 conversion. At 800 °C, the current densities achieve approximately −2.0 and +2.0 A cm−2 under 1.3 and 0.6 V, respectively, showcasing robust cycling stability switching between two operational modes within 20 cycles. Notably, the attained electrolytic current density reaches an unprecedented −3.06 A cm−2 under 1.6 V. Furthermore, the button cell runs smoothly at ultrahigh electrolytic current densities ranging from −0.5 to −3.0 A cm−2 for nearly 270 h. The mechanism of high‐performance CO2 reduction is elucidated by in/ex situ experimental characterizations and theoretical calculations. These results indicate the viability of employing Ni–YSZ‐supported ReSOC for stable renewable electricity storage at previously unattainable reaction rates, and have implications for fundamental understanding of designing robust ReSOC based on the nickel‐cermet fuel electrode.
A rare case of Cysticercus tenuicollis infection in a neonate lamb: Evidence of prenatal transmission
Authors: Dehghan Rahimabadi Peyman , Abbasi Javad , Shaghayegh Alireza , Taefi Nasrabadi Nadia , Golchin Diba , Kavakebi Asar Yasaman , Ashrafi Tamai Iradj , Anoushepour Amin
Published: December 2023

Cysticercosis develops in lambs following a Cysticercus tenuicollis infestation, which is the larval stage of Taenia hydatigena. A 7‐day‐old lamb was examined for depression, anorexia, fever (40.5°C), congested mucus membranes, reluctance to move, and a hunched back. Upon necropsy, congestion was noted in the intestines and brain, and the heart had a loose consistency. Soft and pulpy kidneys were evident coupled with watery intestinal contents. Epsilon toxin (Clostridium perfringens type D toxin) was detected using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. A transparent cystic structure was incidentally found attached to the pancreas, within which a scolex was well demonstrated upon histopathology. Chronic active peritonitis was diagnosed at the cyst attachment site. C. tenuicollis was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction and genome sequencing. This report describes prenatal transmission of C. tenuicollis in the present lamb, although this condition is quite rare.
When the Post-Truth Devil Hides in the Details: A Digital Ethnography of Virtual Anti-Vaccination Groups in Lithuania
Authors: Dementavičienė Augustė , Mikutaitė Fausta , Žukauskas Aivaras
Published: December 2023

The main aim of this article is to understand how anti-vaccination communities on social media platforms can shape and rationalise their perception of truth, by using a theoretical lens of post-truth studies, and what contextual features frame the formulation of vaccine-related truth statements in post-Soviet contexts. This article explores two of the largest anti-vaccination Facebook groups in Lithuania. An attempt is made to get closer to the participants’ worldview by gathering data using a digital ethnography inspired approach, and then analysing the data with text-based methods. Content analysis was used to find the main themes and to merge them with wider analytical categories, which allows the ongoing process in the wider theoretical context to be investigated. Afterwards, discourse analysis was performed because the overall course of the research called for re-evaluation of the topic and methods from multiple angles. During the research, four analytical categories were outlined: crisis of trust, competing with science, populism, and an anti-public discourse. The Lithuanian case reveals that the proliferation of these narratives often originates in and is affected by contextual realities. It is argued that they must be considered when analysing occurrences of communities founded on alternative epistemologies.
Towards a Grammar of Manipulated Photographs: The Social Semiotics of Digital Photo Manipulation
Authors: Boeriis Morten
Published: December 2023

This article explores the visual grammatical implications of contemporary digital photo manipulation. The rapid and broad distribution of photographs via social media is leading to the conventionalisation of new social practices in photography (Johannessen & Boeriis, Visual Communication 20, 527–551, 2021), including the widespread use of image filters and other types of image manipulation. The smartphone camera has become a constantly available augmentation of our sensory motor apparatus and of our social environment (Blaagaard, Visual Communication 12, 359–374, 2013; Frosh, International Journal of Communication 9, 1607–1628, 2015; Han et al., 2017) and, consequently, manipulated photography is becoming an almost dialogical practice of expressing thoughts and emotions in real-time among individuals on a potentially very large scale (Boeriis, Discourse, Context & Media 41, 28–40, 2021).

From a point of departure in multimodal social semiotics (Hodge & Kress, 1988; Kress & van Leeuwen, Multimodal discourse: The modes and Media of Contemporary Communication. Hodder Arnold, 2001), this article explores how different visual meaning-making resources are involved in manipulating digital photographs. Kress and van Leeuwen’s visual grammar (2020) serves as a framework for the analysis and discussion of the options available for photo manipulation in digital software, both specialised for social media (e.g. Instagram or FaceApp) and for professional photography (e.g. Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom). Thus, the article unfolds the meaning-making of photo manipulations by relating different effects to the grammatical categories affected by different adjustments.
Humanism and Enlightenment
Authors: Nida-Rümelin Julian , Winter Dorothea
Published: December 2023

Some authors argue that digital transformation is a form of “counter-Enlightenment.” And indeed, there is a tendency of transhumanist and anti-humanist thought in present-day debates around digitalization. Software systems are described as if they were persons endowed with mental states and moral or immoral attitudes. For some, the values of humanism and Enlightenment that framed human rights and democratic constitutions have become obsolete. In fact, humans are delegating responsibility to artificial intelligence and digital tools. Simultaneously, digitalization can lead to a greater emphasis on humans as rational beings and grant them greater freedom for personal development. Therefore, the question “What is the relevance of humanism and Enlightenment in the era of digital transformation?” arises and more basically “What are the constitutive elements of humanism and Enlightenment and are they still relevant, or do they even gain importance in digital transformation processes?”. These and other questions will be addressed in this chapter.
Responsible Software Engineering: Requirements and Goals
Authors: Bennaceur Amel , Ghezzi Carlo , Kramer Jeff , Nuseibeh Bashar
Published: December 2023

In this chapter, we provide an introduction to the discipline of requirements engineering as part of the software engineering process. We indicate how to elicit, articulate, and organize the goals of complex software systems as an explicit expression of the requirements that the proposed or existing software system is expected to achieve and maintain, including what the system should avoid performing. We advocate that system requirements goals can and should be used to explicitly capture, express, and reason about the diverse digital humanism values which are of concern in socio-technical systems. This is an essential aspect of responsible software engineering.
Recommender Systems: Techniques, Effects, and Measures Toward Pluralism and Fairness
Authors: Knees Peter , Neidhardt Julia , Nalis Irina
Published: December 2023

Recommender systems are widely used in various applications, such as online shopping, social media, and news personalization. They can help systems by delivering only the most relevant and promising information to their users and help people by mitigating information overload. At the same time, algorithmic recommender systems are a new form of gatekeeper that preselects and controls the information being presented and actively shapes users’ choices and behavior. This becomes a crucial aspect, as, if unaddressed and not safeguarded, these systems are susceptible to perpetuate and even amplify existing biases, including unwanted societal biases, leading to unfair and discriminatory outcomes. In this chapter, we briefly introduce recommender systems, their basic mechanisms, and their importance in various applications. We show how their outcomes and performance are assessed and discuss approaches to addressing pluralism and fairness in recommender systems. Finally, we highlight recently emerging directions within recommender systems research, pointing out opportunities for digital humanism to contribute interdisciplinary expertise.
On Algorithmic Content Moderation
Authors: Prem Erich , Krenn Brigitte
Published: December 2023

This chapter provides an overview of the challenges involved in algorithmic content moderation. Content moderation is the organized practice of screening user-generated content (UGC) on Internet sites, social media, and other online outlets to determine the appropriateness of the content for a given site, locality, or jurisdiction. The most common technical approaches consist in using classifier systems that assign predefined category labels to individual posts. We briefly introduce pre- and post-moderation and provide real-world examples of algorithmic moderation systems used by an Austrian daily newspaper. We point to significant challenges of moderation such as the ambiguities of natural language and the implications for freedom of expression. We conclude with issues that algorithmic content moderation raises for societal power relations and democratic control.
Work in a New World
Authors: Samaan Daniel
Published: December 2023

Work has always played a central role in human lives, from ancient times to the modern age to contemporary history. How is the way we work changing in the digital economy, and how can we make sure that it is changing for the better and not worse? This chapter provides an overview of what we currently know about the future of work, such as potential job losses through automation, new emerging jobs, new skills, future social security systems, and wage inequality, and of chances and risks more generally of working in the digital economy. The focus is on presenting an overview of currently existing socioeconomic research on the “future of work” and to identify policy areas in which policymakers may have to become active, with either established labor market and social policies or with entirely new policy ideas.
The Digital Revolution in a Historical Perspective
Authors: Glenny Misha
Published: December 2023

The coincidence and interaction between political and technological revolutions have resulted in epoch-changing social, political, and economic developments on three occasions over the past 500 years: the Renaissance and Reformation with the invention of print and weapons technology, the French and American revolutions with the industrial revolution, and the collapse of communism with the information revolution. Each boast their specific attributes but follow a pattern which can assist us in understanding the implications of today’s technologies for our social and political structures.
The Social Responsibilities of Scientists and Technologists in the Digital Age
Authors: Akkermans Hans
Published: December 2023

What responsibilities do digital scientists and professionals have in serving society and the public, beyond doing “purely” “fundamental” scientific, technological, or academic inquiry alone? Now that “the digital” has become pervasive in society, even in normal people’s lives, these are pressing questions that call for answers. They go beyond individual ethical considerations or professional codes of conduct, as society-systemic aspects heavily come into play. We explore some of the complex historical and contemporary relationships between technology and society as a way to formulate useful insights for digital ethics and governance of digital technologies today.
Exact Solutions Modelling Nonlinear Atmospheric Gravity Waves
Authors: Henry David
Published: December 2023

Exact solutions to the governing equations for atmospheric motion are derived which model nonlinear gravity wave propagation superimposed on atmospheric currents. Solutions are explicitly prescribed in terms of a Lagrangian formulation, which enables a detailed exposition of intricate flow characteristics. It is shown that our solutions are well-suited to modelling two distinct forms of mountain waves, namely: trapped lee waves in the Equatorial f-plane, and vertically propagating mountain waves at general latitudes.
The role of seedbanks and hyporheic refuges in supporting benthic invertebrate community resistance and resilience to dry phases
Authors: Viza Aida , Arias-Real Rebeca , Menéndez Margarita , Muñoz Isabel
Published: December 2023

In intermittent streams, aquatic organisms use various strategies to face dry phases, but the relative contribution of these strategies to persist during dry phase remains unclear. Here, we investigated the in situ persistence of benthic invertebrates in the saturated hyporheic sediments and the “invertebrate seedbank” that persists in dry sediments across six Mediterranean intermittent streams. Taxonomic and functional responses within hyporheic and seedbank assemblages were compared with those in the benthic assemblages under connected flow conditions by combining field and mesocosms data. The dry phase duration in each stream was calculated to assess the responses of hyporheic and seedbank assemblages. Taxonomic composition and abundance-weighted traits related to resistance and resilience to face the dry phase in each assemblage type (benthic, hyporheic, seedbank) were determined. Taxonomic (richness and diversity) and functional (richness and dispersion) metrics were also calculated. We found that seedbank and hyporheic assemblages supported up to 16% and 40% of the benthic taxa, respectively. Only taxonomic and functional richness differed between assemblage types. Contrary to previous research, no clear relationship was established between diversity or the abundance of resistance traits and the duration of dry phase; however, a negative linear relationship was identified between the abundance of resilience traits and the duration of the dry phase. The increase in the frequency and duration of drying events due to climate change will reduce water availability in both saturated and unsaturated streambed sediments, compromising the persistence of aquatic biodiversity in intermittent streams.
Sexual behavior and chemical signaling in Opsiphanes cassina (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae)
Authors: Bustos-Cortés Jenifer J. , Aldana-De la Torre Rosa C. , Morales-Rodríguez Anuar , Chegwin-Angarita Carolina , Romero-Frías Alicia
Published: December 2023

Behavior modification using chemical stimuli is a promising tactic for integrated management of lepidopteran pests. Therefore, this approach was evaluated for the management of the butterfly Opsiphanes cassina Felder 1862, a defoliating pest in oil palm plantations. To achieve this aim, we observed adults’ sexual behavior under laboratory conditions and identified glandular structures in the abdomen and hind wings of males that are associated with the production of sexual pheromones in taxonomically related insects. It was also determined that male calls to females occur at 18:00 h when they fill their glandular structures, tremble, and make abdominal movements while possibly releasing pheromones. The hairpencils of the hind wings are also exposed during this time. Furthermore, the analysis using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) on the samples obtained by Solvent Assisted Extraction (SAE) revealed the identification of three male-specific volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including (E)-nerolidol, vanillin, and (Z)-7-heptadecene. The Electroantennographic (EAG) evaluation demonstrated that females respond to the compounds, indicating their likely involvement in intraspecific interactions of the species. However, the behavioral evaluation did not confirm their attractive effect under the conditions employed. Nevertheless, the identified male-specific semiochemicals could be an alternative for inclusion in integrated pest management (IPM) of this pest in oil palm crops. Therefore, it is recommended to evaluate them under field conditions.
Impact of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and PFAS mixtures on lipid metabolism in differentiated HepaRG cells as a model for human hepatocytes
Authors: Sadrabadi Faezeh , Alarcan Jimmy , Sprenger Heike , Braeuning Albert , Buhrke Thorsten
Published: December 2023

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are environmental contaminants with various adverse health effects in humans including disruption of lipid metabolism. Aim of the present study was to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of PFAS-mediated effects on lipid metabolism in human cells. Here, we examined the impact of a number of PFAS (PFOS, PFOA, PFNA, PFDA, PFHxA, PFBA, PFHxS, PFBS, HFPO-DA, and PMPP) and of some exposure-relevant PFAS mixtures being composed of PFOS, PFOA, PFNA and PFHxS on lipid metabolism in human HepaRG cells, an in vitro model for human hepatocytes. At near cytotoxic concentrations, the selected PFAS and PFAS mixtures induced triglyceride accumulation in HepaRG cells and consistently affected the expression of marker genes for steatosis, as well as PPARα target genes and genes related to lipid and cholesterol metabolism, pointing to common molecular mechanisms of PFAS in disrupting cellular lipid and cholesterol homeostasis. PPARα activation was examined by a transactivation assay in HEK293T cells, and synergistic effects were observed for the selected PFAS mixtures at sum concentrations higher than 25 µM, whereas additivity was observed at sum concentrations lower than 25 µM. Of note, any effect observed in the in vitro assays occurred at PFAS concentrations that were at least four to five magnitudes above real-life internal exposure levels of the general population.
Re-evaluating stoichiometric estimates of iron valence in magmatic clinopyroxene crystals
Authors: Neave David A. , Stewart Alexander G. , Hartley Margaret E. , McCammon Catherine
Published: December 2023

Clinopyroxene is a major rock forming mineral capable of incorporating diverse metal cations. As a consequence, clinopyroxene preserves valuable archives of magmatic processes. Understanding clinopyroxene is thus essential for understanding Earth’s wider chemical evolution. However, knowledge about the relative abundances of ferrous and ferric iron in magmatic clinopyroxene remains sparse because it is not currently possible to routinely measure the valence of iron in clinopyroxene crystals without either separating single crystals for bulk analysis or securing access to Mössbauer spectroscopy or a synchrotron radiation source to perform in-situ microanalysis. This is despite magmatic clinopyroxene crystals often containing appreciable quantities of ferric iron that affect its stability and behaviour in currently ill-constrained ways and limit our ability to exploit its chemistry to robustly reconstruct conditions of magma storage and evolution. Here we integrate optimised electron probe microanalysis and Mössbauer spectroscopy on endmember and single-crystal clinopyroxene samples to re-evaluate previously discredited approaches for estimating clinopyroxene ferric iron contents by stoichiometry. By ensuring that we measured all major and minor elements in clinopyroxene crystals with sufficient precision, we show that it is possible to readily obtain stoichiometric estimates of clinopyroxene ferric-to-total iron ratios with similar precisions to those derived from Mössbauer spectroscopy (1$${\sigma }$$
σ
$$\sim$$
∼
3.5% absolute). Being able to robustly determine clinopyroxene ferric iron contents enables us to propose a new empirical scheme for assigning clinopyroxene components that explicitly accounts for ferric iron, which is primarily hosted within esseneite component (CaFe$$^{3+}$$

3
+

AlSiO$$_{6}$$

6

) in clinopyroxenes dominated by quadrilateral components and aegirine component (NaFe$$^{3+}$$

3
+

Si$$_{2}$$

2

O$$_{6}$$

6

) in alkali clinopyroxenes. Our new scheme provides a framework for documenting the full spectrum of clinopyroxene compositions in both natural and experimental systems when analyses are performed with sufficient precision.
A comparative study of cyanoacrylate-based tissue adhesive and surgical sutures on marginal flap stability following coronally advanced flap
Authors: Pabst Andreas , Becker Philipp , Kuchen Robert , Schumann Sven , Kasaj Adrian
Published: December 2023

Introduction

The present study evaluated the biomechanical characteristics of cyanoacrylate-based tissue adhesive (TA) compared to surgical sutures in coronally advanced flap (CAF) procedures using an ex-vivo model.

Material and methods

Thirty-six half-pig mandibles were divided into three groups, n=12 each: (I) CAF fixed with sutures (sling and tag suture technique), (II) CAF fixed with TA, and (III) CAF fixed with sutures and TA. At mandibular premolars, gingival recession defects extending 3 mm apical to the cemento-enamel junction (CEJ) were created. CAF procedures were performed using a split-full-split approach, with coronal advancement of the flap to 1 mm above the marked CEJ and stabilization according to the respective groups I–III. Marginal flap stability against pull-of forces (maximum tensile force) was measured with a universal material testing machine until the CEJ became visible.

Results

The comparison between groups I–III demonstrated a significantly increased maximum tensile force for the TA (II) compared to the suture group (I) (p<0.001). A significantly increased maximum tensile force was found for the suture and TA (III) compared to the suture group (I) (p<0.001). There was also a significantly increased maximum tensile force in the suture and TA (III) compared to the TA group (II) (p<0.001).

Conclusion

The results suggest that cyanoacrylate-based TA can increase marginal flap stability compared to sutures in CAF procedures.

Clinical relevance

Cyanoacrylate-based TA can be considered a useful and valuable adjunct to conventional suturing techniques in periodontal plastic surgery, especially in cases where high flap stability is required. The results of this ex-vivo study can only be transferred to the clinical situation with limitations. Clinical long-term follow-up data must be generated.
Assessing collaboration, knowledge exchange, and stakeholder agency in coastal governance to enhance climate resilience
Authors: Rölfer Lena , Celliers Louis , Fernandes Meredith , Rivers Nina , Snow Bernadette , Abson David J.
Published: December 2023

Coastal governance plays a central role in building the capacities for adaptation and transformation towards climate resilience in coastal social-ecological systems (SES). However, enhancing climate resilience requires effective coordination between organisations involved in coastal governance. Therefore, more information about the role and agency of organisations and the relationships between them is needed. This paper aims to improve the understanding of collaboration, knowledge exchange, and stakeholder agency for enhancing climate resilience in coastal SES, using a case study in Algoa Bay, South Africa. We apply and combine stakeholder analysis and social network analysis, which is currently underrepresented in climate change adaptation research. Results suggest that different top-down and bottom-up processes are needed to improve knowledge exchange and enhance climate resilience in the coastal governance of the Algoa Bay SES. These include improved leadership, effective knowledge transfer, integration of climate information, support for bridging organisations, and inclusivity of marginalised stakeholders. These suggestions may also be more broadly applicable and transferable to similar coastal SES. Ultimately, the results of this study shed light on network structures in coastal governance facing climate change and advance research on combining stakeholder analysis and social network analysis in climate change adaptation and environmental governance research.
Generation of Orchard and Tree-Child Networks
Authors: Cardona Gabriel , Ribas Gerard , Pons Joan Carles
Published: December 2023

Phylogenetic networks are an extension of phylogenetic trees that allow for the representation of reticulate evolution events. One of the classes of networks that has gained the attention of the scientific community over the last years is the class of orchard networks, that generalizes tree-child networks, one of the most studied classes of networks. In this paper we focus on the combinatorial and algorithmic problem of the generation of binary orchard networks, and also of binary tree-child networks. To this end, we use that these networks are defined as those that can be recovered by reversing a certain reduction process. Then, we show how to choose a “minimum” reduction process among all that can be applied to a network, and hence we get a unique representation of the network that, in fact, can be given in terms of sequences of pairs of integers, whose length is related to the number of leaves and reticulations of the network. Therefore, the generation of networks is reduced to the generation of such sequences of pairs. Our main result is a recursive method for the efficient generation of all minimum sequences, and hence of all orchard (or tree-child) networks with a given number of leaves and reticulations. An implementation in C of the algorithms described in this paper, along with some computational experiments, can be downloaded from the public repository https://github.com/gerardet46/OrchardGenerator. Using this implementation, we have computed the number of binary orchard networks with at most 6 leaves and 8 reticulations.
Is magnesium deficiency the major cause of needle chlorosis of Pinus taeda in Brazil?
Authors: Motta Antônio Carlos Vargas , Maeda Shizuo , Rodrigues Valdécio dos Santos dos Santos , Ercole Tamires Maiara , Prior Stephen Arthur , Brumat Ana Elisa Lyra , Moura Amanda Pacheco Cardoso , Barbosa Julierme Zimmer , Gomes João Bosco Vasconcellos
Published: December 2023

Needle chlorosis (NC) in Pinus taeda L. systems in Brazil becomes more frequent after second and third harvest rotation cycles. In a study to identify factors contributing to yellowing needle chorosis (YNC), trees were grown in soils originating from contrasting parent materials, and soils and needles (whole, green and chlorotic portions) from 1- and 2-year-old branches and the first and second needle flush release at four sites with YNC on P. taeda were analyzed for various elements and properties. All soils had very low base levels (Ca2+, Mg2+ and K+) and P, suggesting a possible lack of multiple elements. YNC symptoms started at needle tips, then extended toward the needle base with time. First flush needles had longer portions with YNC than second flush needles did. Needles from the lower crown also had more symptoms along their length than those higher in the canopy. Symptoms were similar to those reported for Mg. In chlorotic portions, Mg and Ca concentrations were well below critical values; in particular, Mg levels were only one third of the critical value of 0.3 g kg−1. Collectively, results suggest that Mg deficiency is the primary reason for NC of P. taeda in various parent soils in Brazil.
Semiclassical analysis of a nonlocal boundary value problem related to magnitude
Authors: Gimperlein Heiko , Goffeng Magnus , Louca Nikoletta
Published: December 2023

We study a Dirichlet boundary problem related to the fractional Laplacian in a manifold. Its variational formulation arises in the study of magnitude, an invariant of compact metric spaces given by the reciprocal of the ground state energy. Using recent techniques developed for pseudodifferential boundary problems we discuss the structure of the solution operator and resulting properties of the magnitude. In a semiclassical limit we obtain an asymptotic expansion of the magnitude in terms of curvature invariants of the manifold and the boundary, similar to the invariants arising in short-time expansions for heat kernels.
Scattering theory with unitary twists
Authors: Doll Moritz , Fedosova Ksenia , Pohl Anke
Published: December 2023

We study the spectral properties of the Laplace operator associated to a hyperbolic surface in the presence of a unitary representation of the fundamental group. Following the approach by Guillopé and Zworski, we establish a factorization formula for the twisted scattering determinant and describe the behavior of the scattering matrix in a neighborhood of 1/2.
‘How Would you Score Yourself?’: The Effect of Self-assessment Strategy Through Robots on Children’s Motivation and Performance in Piano Practice
Authors: Song Heqiu , Tsiakas Konstantinos , Ham Jaap , Markopoulos Panos , Barakova Emilia I.
Published: December 2023

This research examines how to design social robots to support self-regulated learning skills for piano practice. More specifically, a social robot is used to provide feedback to children and initiate self-assessment. To assess the impact of this approach on children’s motivation and performance, we conducted an experiment in a music school where 50 children practiced with both a self-assessment and a non-evaluative robot. Results showed that when the children interacted with the self-assessment robot they had higher motivation and better performance than when they interacted with the non-evaluative robot. Furthermore, interaction effects were found between the robot conditions, the children’s learning stages, and their gender regarding their motivation and rhythm performance. Overall, the study demonstrates a positive influence of robot-initiated self-assessment on children’s musical instrument practice and provided insights for personalized child-robot interaction design.
Post-acute Cardiovascular Sequelae of COVID-19: an Overview of Functional and Imaging Insights
Authors: Rodriguez Carlos R. , Rodriguez Roy A. , Valbuena Silvia , Mueller Stephan , Halle Martin , Nagel Eike , Puntmann Valentina O.
Published: December 2023

Purpose of Review

To evaluate the potential role of advanced cardiac imaging and cardiopulmonary exercise testing in the diagnosis and evaluation of persistent cardiovascular conditions after SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Recent Findings

SARS-COV-2 has shown an overwhelming capacity to attack multiple organs, with the respiratory system being the most frequently involved. However, various cardiovascular complications have been reported during the course of the disease, becoming one of the most important causes of morbidity and mortality. Many articles have addressed the acute cardiovascular complications of SARS-CoV-2; however, chronic cardiovascular conditions that persist beyond acute infection are less well studied. Echocardiography has a role during the initial approach, but advanced cardiac images such as cardiac magnetic resonance and cardiac CT can be required since a normal echo finding does not exclude cardiovascular involvement. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing has proven to be a highly valuable tool in cases where the symptoms persist besides normal advanced images.

The present review includes the most relevant articles regarding the use of cardiac imaging and cardiopulmonary exercise testing in the evaluation of chronic cardiovascular manifestations of COVID-19.
Polarimetric Radar Signatures in Various Lightning Activities During Seoul (Korea) Flood on August 8, 2022
Authors: Kim Hee-Ae , Ho Junho , Zhang Guifu , Ha Kyung-Ja , Hong Song-You , Ho Chang-Hoi
Published: December 2023

On August 8 and 9, 2022, a record-breaking rain rate of 142 mm h−1, with an accumulated rainfall of more than 500 mm, was observed in the Seoul metropolitan area, Republic of Korea. This study focuses on analyzing the concentration of lightning in southern Seoul, which occurred solely on August 8. It is worth noting that the daily rainfall of August 8 was approximately twice that of August 9 (381 mm on August 8 vs. 198 mm on August 9). The RKSG (located in Yongin, 40 km south of Seoul) Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler was used to explore the characteristics of cloud microphysics associated with lightning activity. Four major heavy rain periods on August 8 were grouped into three categories of lightning rate (e.g., intense, moderate, and none), and their polarimetric signatures were compared. Significant differences in the vertical distribution of graupel were found within the temperature range of 0 °C and − 20 °C, as indicated by radar reflectivity (ZH) > 40 dBZ and differential reflectivity (ZDR) < 0.5 dB. Although graupel was detected in all three categories at the relatively warm temperatures of 0 °C to − 10 °C, its presence extended into colder regions exclusively in the intense category. This observation preceded the appearance of lightning by approximately 6 min. At heights with temperature ≤  − 20 °C, a high concentration of vertically aligned ice crystals was observed in lightning-prone regions, leading to a decrease in differential phase (ΦDP). In summary, this study provides valuable insights into the microphysical characteristics of thunderstorms and their relationship to lightning activity in the Seoul metropolitan area.
Personal Autonomy and (Digital) Technology: An Enactive Sensorimotor Framework
Authors: Pérez-Verdugo Marta , Barandiaran Xabier E.
Published: December 2023

Many digital technologies, designed and controlled by intensive data-driven corporate platforms, have become ubiquitous for many of our daily activities. This has raised political and ethical concerns over how they might be threatening our personal autonomy. However, not much philosophical attention has been paid to the specific role that their hyper-designed (sensorimotor) interfaces play in this regard. In this paper, we aim to offer a novel framework that can ground personal autonomy on sensorimotor interaction and, from there, directly address how technological design affects personal autonomy. To do this, we will draw from enactive sensorimotor approaches to cognition, focusing on the central notion of habits, understood as sensorimotor schemes that, in networked relations, give rise to sensorimotor agency. Starting from sensorimotor agency as a basis for more complex forms of personal autonomy, our approach gives us grounds to analyse our relationship with technology (in general) and to distinguish between autonomy-enhancing and autonomy-diminishing technologies. We argue that, by favouring/obstructing the enactment of certain (networks of) habits over others, technologies can directly act upon our personal autonomy, locally and globally. With this in mind, we then discuss how current digital technologies are often being designed to be autonomy-diminishing (as is the case of “dark patterns” in design), and sketch some ideas on how to build more autonomy-enhancing digital technologies.
The Inside Scoop: What We Learnt About Getting into Academic Publishing During Our Editorial Internship
Authors: H. R Church , L Govender
Published: December 2023

The world of publication can seem intimidating and closed to the newcomer. How then does one even begin to get a foot in the door? In this paper, the authors draw from the literature and their recent lived experience as editorial interns to consider this challenge under the theme of access, and how it overlaps with the various components of academic publication. The main three components of the publication ‘machine’ are discussed in this article, authoring, reviewing, and editing. These are preceded by the first, and arguably foundational, interaction with academic journal publishing—reading. Without reading articles across different journals, and even in different disciplines, understanding the breadth of scholarship and its purpose is impossible. The subsequent components of authoring, reviewing, and editing, which are all enhanced by ongoing familiarity with current literature through further reading, are considered in further detail in the remainder of this article, with practical advice provided as to how to gain access and experience in each of these areas, for example, writing non-research article manuscripts, engaging in collaborative peer review, and applying for editorial opportunities (with perseverance) when the opportunity presents itself. Medical education publication can seem daunting and closed to entry-level academics. This article is written to dispel this view, and challenges the notion that the world of publication is reserved for experts only. On the contrary, newcomers to the field are essential for academic publications to retain relevance, dynamism, and innovation particularly in the face of the changing landscape of medical education.