bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of the Golden2-like (GLK) transcription factor in regulating terpenoid indole alkaloid biosynthesis in Catharanthus roseus
Authors: Cole-Osborn Lauren F. , McCallan Shannon A. , Prifti Olga , Abu Rafay , Sjoelund Virginie , Lee-Parsons Carolyn W. T.
Published: May 2024

Key message

A GLK homologue was identified and functionally characterized in Catharanthus roseus. Silencing CrGLK with VIGS or the chloroplast retrograde signaling inducer lincomycin increased terpenoid indole alkaloid biosynthesis.

Catharanthus roseus is the sole source of the chemotherapeutic terpenoid indole alkaloids (TIAs) vinblastine and vincristine. TIA pathway genes, particularly genes in the vindoline pathway, are expressed at higher levels in immature versus mature leaves, but the molecular mechanisms responsible for this developmental regulation are unknown. We investigated the role of GOLDEN2-LIKE (GLK) transcription factors in contributing to this ontogenetic regulation since GLKs are active in seedlings upon light exposure and in the leaf’s early development, but their activity is repressed as leaves age and senesce.

We identified a GLK homologue in C. roseus and functionally characterized its role in regulating TIA biosynthesis, with a focus on the vindoline pathway, by transiently reducing its expression through two separate methods: virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) and application of chloroplast retrograde signaling inducers, norflurazon and lincomycin. Reducing CrGLK levels with each method reduced chlorophyll accumulation and the expression of the light harvesting complex subunit (LHCB2.2), confirming its functional homology with GLKs in other plant species. In contrast, reducing CrGLK via VIGS or lincomycin increased TIA accumulation and TIA pathway gene expression, suggesting that CrGLK may repress TIA biosynthesis. However, norflurazon had no effect on TIA gene expression, indicating that reducing CrGLK alone is not sufficient to induce TIA biosynthesis. Future work is needed to clarify the specific molecular mechanisms leading to increased TIA biosynthesis with CrGLK silencing. This is the first identification and characterization of GLK in C. roseus and the first investigation of how chloroplast retrograde signaling might regulate TIA biosynthesis.
Comprehensive evaluation of vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia development after hysterectomy: insights into diagnosis and treatment strategies
Authors: Wei Jiahui , Wu Yumei
Published: May 2024

Vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia (VaIN), a precancerous lesion associated with human papillomavirus (HPV), impacts women’s health and quality of life. However, the natural progression of VaIN after hysterectomy remains uncertain, due to its low incidence. The existing literature predominantly consists of single-center retrospective studies lacking robust evidence-based medicine. The management of VaIN after hysterectomy is diverse and controversial, lacking a consensus on the optimal approach. Therefore, it is imperative to investigate the development of VaIN after hysterectomy, emphasizing the importance of accurate diagnosis and effective management strategies.
Regional hippocampal atrophy reflects memory impairment in patients with early relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis
Authors: Cortese Rosa , Battaglini Marco , Stromillo Maria Laura , Luchetti Ludovico , Leoncini Matteo , Gentile Giordano , Gasparini Daniele , Plantone Domenico , Altieri Manuela , D’Ambrosio Alessandro , Gallo Antonio , Giannì Costanza , Piervincenzi Claudia , Pantano Patrizia , Pagani Elisabetta , Valsasina Paola , Preziosa Paolo , Tedone Nicolo’ , Rocca Maria Assunta , Filippi Massimo , De Stefano Nicola ,   INNI Network, Bisecco Alvino , Esposito Fabrizio , De Rosa Alessandro , Ruggieri Serena , Tommasin Silvia , Petsas Nikolaos , Storelli Loredana , Sala Stefania
Published: May 2024

Background

Research work has shown that hippocampal subfields are atrophic to varying extents in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. However, studies examining the functional implications of subfield-specific hippocampal damage in early MS are limited. We aim to gain insights into the relationship between hippocampal atrophy and memory function by investigating the correlation between global and regional hippocampal atrophy and memory performance in early MS patients.

Methods

From the Italian Neuroimaging Network Initiative (INNI) dataset, we selected 3D-T1-weighted brain MRIs of 219 early relapsing remitting (RR)MS and 246 healthy controls (HC) to identify hippocampal atrophic areas. At the time of MRI, patients underwent Selective-Reminding-Test (SRT) and Spatial-Recall-Test (SPART) and were classified as mildly (MMI-MS: n.110) or severely (SMI-MS: n:109) memory impaired, according to recently proposed cognitive phenotypes.

Results

Early RRMS showed lower hippocampal volumes compared to HC (p < 0.001), while these did not differ between MMI-MS and SMI-MS. In MMI-MS, lower hippocampal volumes correlated with worse memory tests (r = 0.23–0.37, p ≤ 0.01). Atrophic voxels were diffuse in the hippocampus but more prevalent in cornu ammonis (CA, 79%) than in tail (21%). In MMI-MS, decreased subfield volumes correlated with decreases in memory, particularly in the right CA1 (SRT-recall: r = 0.38; SPART: r = 0.34, p < 0.01). No correlations were found in the SMI-MS group.

Conclusion

Hippocampal atrophy spreads from CA to tail from early disease stages. Subfield hippocampal atrophy is associated with memory impairment in MMI-MS, while this correlation is lost in SMI-MS. This plays in favor of a limited capacity for an adaptive functional reorganization of the hippocampi in MS patients.
Melatonin and mesenchymal stem cells co-administration alleviates chronic obstructive pulmonary disease via modulation of angiogenesis at the vascular-alveolar unit
Authors: Hanna Mira , Elnassag Sabreen Sayed , Mohamed Dina Hisham , Elbaset Marawan Abd , Shaker Olfat , Khowailed Effat A. , Gouda Sarah Ali Abdelhameed
Published: May 2024

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is considered a severe disease mitigating lung physiological functions with high mortality outcomes, insufficient therapy, and pathophysiology pathways which is still not fully understood. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from bone marrow play an important role in improving the function of organs suffering inflammation, oxidative stress, and immune reaction. It might also play a role in regenerative medicine, but that is still questionable. Additionally, Melatonin with its known antioxidative and anti-inflammatory impact is attracting attention nowadays as a useful treatment. We hypothesized that Melatonin may augment the effect of MSCs at the level of angiogenesis in COPD. In our study, the COPD model was established using cigarette smoking and lipopolysaccharide. The COPD rats were divided into four groups: COPD group, Melatonin-treated group, MSC-treated group, and combined treated group (Melatonin–MSCs). We found that COPD was accompanied by deterioration of pulmonary function tests in response to expiratory parameter affection more than inspiratory ones. This was associated with increased Hypoxia inducible factor-1α expression and vascular endothelial growth factor level. Consequently, there was increased CD31 expression indicating increased angiogenesis with massive enlargement of airspaces and thinning of alveolar septa with decreased mean radial alveolar count, in addition to, inflammatory cell infiltration and disruption of the bronchiolar epithelial wall with loss of cilia and blood vessel wall thickening. These findings were improved significantly when Melatonin and bone marrow-derived MSCs were used as a combined treatment proving the hypothesized target that Melatonin might augment MSCs aiming at vascular changes.
Distribution of pathogenic variants in the CFTR gene in a representative cohort of people with cystic fibrosis in the Kingdom of Bahrain
Authors: Majed Osama A. Karim , Majed Fatema Osama , Almoamen Nabeel Jasim , Alsatrawi Husain Baqer , Shehabi Salma Dawood , Hrbková Jana , Libik Malgorzata , Macek Milan
Published: May 2024

Background

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a rare multi-systemic recessive disorder. The spectrum and the frequencies of CFTR mutations causing CF vary amongst different populations in Europe and the Middle East. In this study, we characterised the distribution of CF-causing mutations (i.e. pathogenic variants in the  CFTR gene) in a representative CF cohort from the Kingdom of Bahrain based on a three-decade-long analysis at a single tertiary centre. We aim to improve CF genetic diagnostics, introduce of CF neonatal screening and provide CFTR modulator therapy (CFTRm).

Methods

CFTR genotyping  and associated clinical information were drawn from a longitudinal cohort. We sequenced 56 people with CF (pwCF) that had one or both CFTR mutations unidentified and carried out comprehensive bioinformatic- and family-based segregation analyses of detected variants, including genotype–phenotype correlations and disease incidence estimates. The study methodology could serve as a basis for other non-European CF populations with a high degree of consanguinity.

Results

Altogether 18 CF-causing mutations  were identified, 15 of which were not previously detected in Bahrain, accounting for close to 100% of all population-specific alleles. The most common alleles comprise c.1911delG [2043delG; 22.8%], c.2988+1G > A [3120+1G>A; 16.3%], c.2989-1G>A [3121-1G>A; 14.1%], c.3909C>G [N1303K; 13.0%], and c.1521_1523delCTT [p.PheF508del; 7.6%]. Although the proportion of 1st cousin marriages has decreased to 50%, the frequency of homozygosity in our pwCF is 67.4%, thereby indicating that CF still occurs in large, often related, families. pwCF in Bahrain present with faltering growth, pancreatic insufficiency and classical sino-pulmonary manifestations. Interestingly, two pwCF also suffer from sickle cell disease. The estimated incidence of CF in Bahrain based on data from the last three decades is 1 in 9,880 live births.

Conclusion

The most commonCF-causing  mutations in Bahraini pwCF were identified, enabling more precise diagnosis, introduction of two-tier neonatal screening and fostering administration of CFTRm.
Clinical outcomes of posterior fossa arteriovenous malformations: a single center experience
Authors: Miron Ioana , Prună Viorel M. , Visarion Dan , Giovani Andrei , Sandu Aurelia M. , Brehar Felix M. , Petrescu George E. D. , Gorgan Radu M.
Published: May 2024

Background

Posterior fossa arterio-venous malformations (pfAVMs) are challenging lesions due to the anatomical particularities of the posterior fossa, and the high incidence of hemorrhagic presentation. The two most important goals when treating AVMs are preserving neurological function and preventing rupture, or a second hemorrhage. The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical and imaging features of pfAVMs to identify the factors that influence the prognosis of these patients.

Methods

We conducted a single-center retrospective observational study that included patients treated at our institution with pfAVMs between January 1997 and December 2021.

Results

A total of 48 patients were included. A good modified Rankin score (mRS) was observed in 33 cases (69%) at presentation. Thirty-four patients (71%) presented with a ruptured AVM. Out of these, 19 patients (40%) had intraventricular hemorrhage. Microsurgical resection was performed in 33 cases (69%), while in the other cases, the patients opted for conservative management (7 cases, 15%), stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) (6 cases, 12%), or endovascular treatment (2 cases, 4%). Patients ≤ 30 years old were more prone to hemorrhagic presentation (OR: 5.23; 95% CI: 1.42–17.19; p = 0.024) and this remained an independent risk factor for rupture after multivariate analysis as well (OR: 4.81; 95% CI: 1.07–21.53; p = 0.040). Following multivariate analysis, the only factor independently associated with poor prognosis in the surgically treated subgroup was a poor clinical status (mRS 3–5) at admission (OR: 96.14; 95% CI: 5.15–1793.9; p = 0.002).

Conclusions

Management of posterior fossa AVMs is challenging, and patients who present with ruptured AVMs often have a poor clinical status at admission leading to a poor prognosis. Therefore, proper and timely management of these patients is essential.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence and global distribution of middle mesial canals in mandibular molars identified by CBCT
Authors: Motamedi Mahmood Reza Kalantar , Amirzade-Iranaq Mohammad Hosein , Ha William N.
Published: May 2024

Objectives

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the prevalence of middle mesial canal (MMC) in permanent mandibular molars of different populations and regions based on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) studies.

Materials and methods

PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and Open-Grey were searched up to October 2023 according to specific keywords. A hand search was conducted on the references of the included studies and articles from three peer-reviewed journals in endodontics. The main variable of interest was the prevalence of MMC. Additional data such as the total number of included cases, age and country of the population, CBCT device information, voxel size, and field of view details were also extracted. Extracted data were analyzed qualitatively with the JBI quality assessment checklist and quantitatively with STATA software.

Results

Of 32,793 studied teeth, the cumulative prevalence of MMC in both mandibular 1st and 2nd molars was 3.11% (95% CI: 2.00-4.44%). The subgroup analysis reveals a prevalence of 4.15% (95% CI: 2.69-5.89%) for mandibular 1st molars and 1.2% (95% CI: 0.2-2.83%) for mandibular 2nd molars. The highest prevalence of MMC in 1st molar was attributed to South Asia (11.24%) and Africa (6.61%).

Conclusions

The prevalence of MMC varies among regions. Clinicians should be aware of the potential prevalence of MMC, particularly in mandibular first molars, as a missed MMC could result in endodontic failure.

Clinical relevance

The presence of MMCs varies in different geographic regions (0% to 29.7%). Clinicians should always look for MMC when doing an endodontic treatment on mandibular molars, as the presence of this canal is not uncommon. We suggest searching for this canal as if searching for the second mesiobuccal canal of maxillary 1st molars.
Communication strategies to contrast anti-vax action: a differential game approach
Authors: Buratto Alessandra , Cesaretto Rudy , Muttoni Maddalena
Published: May 2024

Vaccination is one of the greatest discoveries of modern medicine, capable of defeating many diseases. However, misleading information on the effectiveness of vaccines has caused a decline in vaccination coverage in some countries, leading to the reappearance of related diseases. Therefore, a proper and well-planned pro-vax communication campaign may be effective in convincing people to get vaccinated. We formulate and solve a differential game with an infinite horizon played à la Nash. The players involved in the game are the national healthcare system and a pharmaceutical firm that produces and sells a certain type of vaccine. The former aims to minimize the healthcare costs that unvaccinated people would entail. In turn, the pharmaceutical firm wants to minimize the missed profits from unsold vaccines. The two players run suitable vaccination advertising campaigns to diminish the à-régime number of unvaccinated. The Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman approach is used to determine a Markovian-Nash equilibrium, studying how communication strategies can be effective in reducing the strength of anti-vax word of mouth.
Belief in science and climate anxiety: findings from a quota-sample
Authors: Hajek André , König Hans-Helmut
Published: May 2024

Aim

To date, no studies exist investigating whether belief in science is associated with climate anxiety. Thus, our goal was to examine the link between belief in science and climate anxiety (also among different age groups).

Subject and methods

Data were taken from a general adult population online sample (n = 3091 persons aged 18 to 74 years; spring 2022). Climate anxiety was measured with the Climate Anxiety Scale. The Belief in Science Scale was used to measure belief in science. Multiple log-linear regressions were used, adjusting for a wide array of covariates.

Results

Multiple log-linear regressions showed that a greater belief in science was significantly associated with higher (log) climate anxiety (β = .003, p < .001) among the total sample, particularly driven by younger adults. More precisely, a greater belief in science was significantly associated with higher (log) climate anxiety (β = .006, p < .001) among individuals aged 18 to 29 years, whereas these factors were not significant in the other age groups (i.e., among individuals aged 30 to 49 years, among individuals aged 50 to 64 years, and among individuals aged 65 to 74 years). There was a significant interaction between individuals aged 65 years to 74 years (reference category: individuals aged 18 to 29 years) and belief in science (β = −0.007, p = .03).

Conclusion

This study identified an association between a greater belief in science and higher climate anxiety, particularly among younger individuals, whereas this link was not present among older age groups. Further studies are required to confirm our current findings.
Free breakfast in primary schools: feasibility of a municipal offer in Germany
Authors: Hockamp Nele , Schmitz Helena , Lücke Thomas , Kersting Mathilde , Sinningen Kathrin
Published: May 2024

Aim

The aim of this survey was to assess the feasibility and acceptance of a free breakfast offer (model project “School Breakfast”) at interested primary schools in the city of Bonn, Germany, with a focus on the food offer and framework conditions.

Subject and methods

In 2019, all 54 primary schools were invited to participate in the new offer. To evaluate the project, a semi-structured questionnaire was used for data collection in an interview with the person responsible for the breakfast in each of the participating schools. For the nutritional assessment of the food offer, the schools' self-selected food choices were compared with the breakfast recommendations of the Optimized Mixed Diet (OMD) for children and adolescents in Germany.

Results

Fourteen of the 54 schools (26%) participated in the project. The motivation for participation was most often the observation that children brought breakfast of poor quality. Breakfast was offered on almost all school days, and children could decide whether they wanted to take advantage of the food offer. Of the four components of breakfast required in the OMD, 100% of schools regularly offered vegetables and fruits, 79% offered cereal products and milk products, and 36% a beverage. Acceptance by the pupils was evaluated positively by the schools.

Conclusion

The municipal school breakfast project seems suitable for providing children with low-threshold access to a healthy breakfast, as the project schools generally selected foods in line with the OMD and were therefore able to tackle the problem of inadequate breakfast provision at home.
Performance of a winter wheat composite cross population in two temperate agroforestry systems – a Swiss case study
Authors: den Hond-Vaccaro Christina , Mascher Fabio , Six Johan , Schöb Christian
Published: May 2024

In agroforestry systems (AFS), where environmental conditions are highly variable at small spatial scales, the use of uniform genetic material of a single cultivar commonly grown in monoculture cropping might not be optimal. However, the use of composite cross populations (CCPs) that contain an inherent genetic variability might be a promising approach under the environmental variability created by trees in AFS. In this experimental trial, the performance of a CCP (‘CC-2 k’) of winter wheat was compared to a commercial variety (‘Wiwa’) in a split-plot design at two AFS (Feusisberg and Wollerau) in Central Switzerland. Yield of CC-2k (1.9 ± 0.7 Mg ha−1) was higher than yield of Wiwa (0.7 ± 0.4 Mg ha−1) in Wollerau, but yields did not differ between CCP and variety in Feusisberg (1.9 ± 0.7 Mg ha−1 and 2.0 ± 0.8 Mg ha−1, respectively). The interaction of site and variety was significant (p < 0.05). Wiwa had a higher protein, Fe and Ca content than CC-2k. Therefore, while the CC-2k outperformed Wiwa in terms of yield in one of the two AFS, Wiwa outperformed CC-2k in terms of quality. In this one-year field experiment, the composite cross population might have been better adapted to the heterogenous environment of agroforestry systems (found in one out of two sites) but failed to reach the high-quality product of modern cultivars. These initial results must be seen as first insights which need to be complemented by larger field experiments for generalisation. The findings of this study may be interpreted as an indication that further improvements in terms of quality might make CCPs a viable option for diversified agricultural systems with larger environmental heterogeneity than common monoculture cropping systems.
The Role of Beta2-Microglobulin in Central Nervous System Disease
Authors: Liu Zhen-Yuan , Tang Feng , Yang Jin-Zhou , Chen Xi , Wang Ze-Fen , Li Zhi-Qiang
Published: May 2024

Central nervous system (CNS) disorders represent the leading cause of disability and the second leading cause of death worldwide, and impose a substantial economic burden on society. In recent years, emerging evidence has found that beta2 -microglobulin (B2M), a subunit of major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) molecules, plays a crucial role in the development and progression in certain CNS diseases. On the one hand, intracellular B2M was abnormally upregulated in brain tumors and regulated tumor microenvironments and progression. On the other hand, soluble B2M was also elevated and involved in pathological stages in CNS diseases. Targeted B2M therapy has shown promising outcomes in specific CNS diseases. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary and discussion of recent advances in understanding the pathological processes involving B2M in CNS diseases (e.g., Alzheimer's disease, aging, stroke, HIV-related dementia, glioma, and primary central nervous system lymphoma).
Non-parental Childcare During Early Childhood and Problem Behaviour Trajectories from Ages 5 to 14 Years
Authors: Burdenski K. , Johnson W. , Petherick E. , Costa S.
Published: May 2024

Using data from the nationally representative Millennium Cohort Study, this study examined the association between age of starting and weekly hours in formal childcare between birth and 5 years with internalising and externalising behaviour trajectories from ages 5 to 14 years in England (N = 6194 children). Associations were analysed using multilevel general linear regression models, with adjustment for socio-economic position, maternal mental health, demographics, and child temperament. Later entry was associated with more internalising behaviours at age 14 years. Children who spent > 40 h per week in childcare between birth and 3 years displayed more externalising behaviour at 5 years than children who did not attend childcare. Controlling for socio-economic position and parental mental health attenuated findings.
Lived Experiences of Parenting Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Youth: Implications for Clinical Social Work Practice
Authors: Powell Zalia , Angeltveit Emily , Davis Cindy , Dodds Laura
Published: May 2024

Transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) youth are the focus of media attention, policy and practice changes, and multidisciplinary research. Due to their disproportionate risk of self-harm, depression, and suicidality, family support of TGNC youth is a key focus. Despite growing community awareness, TGNC children, and their families, continue to navigate a complex myriad of challenges, including at an individual, family, community, and societal level. Parents are likely influenced by their child’s TGNC identity however little is known about how this parenting experience is perceived and navigated, with most research exploring the TGNC person’s perspective. Using qualitative photovoice methodology, this study explored the lived experience of raising a TGNC child from the parent perspective. Eight Australian parents of a TGNC young person aged between 10 and 18 years participated in an in-depth interview guided by their chosen photographs as the stimulus. Thematic analysis identified five key findings: 1. crossing the threshold: finding out and figuring it out; 2. changing and adapting; 3. same but different: attachment and family dynamic; 4. letting go and holding on; and 5. finding a path forward. Findings suggest complex psychosocial impacts on parenting. Recommendations include targeted support for parents that addresses grief, social isolation, career stress, and access to relevant information and services. Clinical social workers can play a vital role in supporting parents of TGNC children by providing trauma informed responses that recognise disenfranchised grief, acknowledge socioemotional impacts, and empower parents with appropriate resources to meet their needs, and those of their TGNC child.
Mediation of work-and-family conflict in the relationship between social-and-organizational support and teaching self-efficacy: The case of parent-teachers working remotely
Authors: Rabin Eyal , Goldberg Shira , Blau Ina
Published: May 2024

In times of crisis (e.g., during the COVID-19 pandemic), teachers face the dual responsibility of caring for their own children, while adapting to remote instruction. This study explores the interplay between social and organizational support, teaching self-efficacy, and the mediating effect of work-family conflict in remote teaching. The participants were 472 teachers who are parents of children aged 0–12. This mixed-methods study revealed that low levels of family-work and work-family conflict were associated with higher levels of social and organizational support, and teaching self-efficacy. A mediation effect revealed that social and organizational support predicted family-work conflict, which in turn predicted teaching self-efficacy. Qualitative findings highlighted the challenges and coping strategies used while working remotely. This research enhances our understanding of the work-family conflict encountered by parent-teachers, with important implications for teacher education. Such understanding facilitates effective management of family-work conflict during remote work, future epidemics, military conflicts, or natural disasters.
Learning Together Through Shared Book Reading: Experiences of Burmese Refugee Mothers and Their Preschoolers
Authors: Boit Rachel , Bayer Savannah , Birabwa Joy , Hestenes Linda , Mckoy Mauri , Eastern Amanda
Published: May 2024

Shared book reading at home is a beneficial language and literacy learning experience for young children. While there has been extensive research on shared book reading in general, more is needed on understanding what this looks like for multilingual refugee families and their preschool children, particularly among Burmese families in the United States. Past research has focused on literacy development among Burmese refugee children in the school context, but few studies exist on shared book reading among Burmese refugees and their preschoolers in the home context. This qualitative study highlights four Burmese mothers and their young children’s use of dual language books in shared book reading while incorporating interactive reading strategies like questioning, pointing and extratextual talk. Findings indicate that these mothers’ capacities to engage in book talk and scaffolding promote children's and caregivers' literacy skills. The study also highlights the need for resources and interventions that might be developed to support these families in their efforts to boost young children’s literacy using shared book reading strategies.
Forecasting municipal solid plastic waste generation and management policy using system dynamics: a case study of Khulna City in Bangladesh
Authors: Rafizul Islam M. , Kraft Eckhard , Haupt Thomas , Rafew S. M.
Published: May 2024

A comprehensive analysis of municipal solid plastic waste (MSPW) management while emphasizing plastic pollution severity in coastal cities around the world is mandatory to alleviate the augmenting plastic waste footprint in nature. Thus, decision-makers’ persuasion for numerous management solutions of MSPW flow-control can be met through meditative systematic strategies at the regional level. To forecast solutions focused on systematic policies, an agent-based system dynamics (ASD) model has been developed and simulated from 2023 to 2040 while considering significant knit parameters for MSPW management of Khulna City in Bangladesh. Baseline simulation results show that per-capita plastic waste generation will increase to 11.6 kg by 2040 from 8.92 kg in 2023. Eventually, the landfilled quantity of plastic waste has accumulated to 70,000 tons within 18 years. Moreover, the riverine discharge has increased to 834 tons in 2040 from a baseline quantity of 512 tons in 2023. So the plastic waste footprint index (PWFI) value rises to 24 by 2040. Furthermore, the absence of technological initiatives is responsible for the logarithmic rise of non-recyclable plastic waste to 1.35*1000=1350 tons. Finally, two consecutive policy scenarios with baseline factors such as controlled riverine discharge, increased collection and separation of plastic waste, expansion of recycle business, and locally achievable plastic conversion technologies have been simulated. Therefore, policy 2, with 69% conversion, 80% source separation, and 50% riverine discharge reduction of MSPW, has been found adequate from a sustainability perspective with the lowest PWFI ranges of 3.97 to 1.07 alongside a per-capita MSPW generation of 7.63 to 10 kg from 2023 till 2040.

Graphical abstract
Investigating the drivers of solid waste generation and disposal: evidence from South Africa
Authors: Omotayo Abiodun Olusola
Published: May 2024

With rapid population growth and urbanization, the global annual waste generation is expected to increase to 3.40 billion tonnes by the year 2050, while improper waste disposal poses a potential threat of growing concern. Using a South African nationally representative survey dataset, the General Household Survey, this study unraveled the determinants of solid waste generation and factors influencing payment for its disposal. The estimation approach employed was essentially based on descriptive (percentage, standard deviation, mean) statistics. Additionally, Tobit regression of the composite solid waste were generated from the Principal Component Analysis, while Probit Regression model assessed the factors influencing the household’s payment for solid waste. The empirical results revealed that household’s socio-economic characteristics contributes to solid waste generation and payment for its disposal. The results of the two models indicated that, although household’s asset portfolio (financial, physical, natural, and human assets) appear intangible, they contributed significantly to solid waste generation and payment for its disposal. Therefore, policy incentives targeted at investment in human capital, environmental awareness programmes and clearer solid waste management strategies should be encouraged in South Africa, given that environmental sustainability is key to the households’ health and economic prosperity.
Clashing perspectives: Kantian epistemology and quantum chemistry theory
Authors: Vivas-Reyes Ricardo
Published: May 2024

In this contribution, the role of epistemology in understanding quantum chemistry is discussed. Quantum chemistry is the study of the behavior of atoms and molecules using the principles of quantum mechanics. Epistemology helps us evaluate claims to knowledge, distinguish between justified and unjustified beliefs, and assess the reliability of scientific methods. In quantum chemistry, the epistemology of knowledge is heavily influenced by the mathematical nature of quantum mechanics, and models can be tested, proven, and validated through experimentation. This paper also discusses key concepts used in quantum chemistry, such as the wave-particle duality of matter and the uncertainty principle. This work utilizes Kant’s philosophy of science to frame debates and discussions in quantum chemistry, particularly with regard to the interplay between empirical observation and theory. Additionally, the text explores how Kant’s ideas about the role of the mind in constructing our understanding of the world can help us comprehend the counterintuitive phenomena of quantum mechanics and its applications in quantum chemistry theory.
Cereal Silo-pits, Agro-pastoral Practices and Social Organisation in 19th Century Algeria
Authors: Bevan A. , Cutler B. , Hennig C. , Yermeche O.
Published: May 2024

Quantifiable, spatially-resolved, large-scale evidence about traditional food storage facilities is extremely rare, and yet highly insightful for researchers across subjects such as human ecology, anthropology, agronomy, archaeology and economic history. This paper takes advantage of some unusually detailed French colonial era records of cereal storage and agro-pastoral practice in 19th century central Algeria that inventory the underground food stores of different sedentary and nomadic tribes at a moment of colonial confrontation in which these stores were central to ecological and political resilience. We consider how different aspects of these food stores relate to environmental, social and economic variables across the study area. The overall results suggest important north-south trends in agro-pastoral lifestyle and storage practice.
“Getting Autism”: Educators, Parents, and Autistic Adults and Teens Reflect on the Importance of Teachers Who Understand
Authors: Anderson Connie , Wood Caroline I. , Franklin Leah , Iampieri Alan , Sarsony Clare
Published: May 2024

Purpose

To explore the perspectives of educators, parents, and individuals on the autism spectrum regarding the qualities of teachers best equipped to support autistic students.

Methods

In qualitative interviews parents of autistic adults (n = 35) discussed experiences they and their child faced during the school years, as did young autistic adults (n = 12) and teens (n = 11). Nineteen educators were also interviewed regarding how autistic students and their teachers were faring in public schools as well as what qualities and skills teachers needed to best support these students.

Results

A critical emergent theme was the importance of educators who possess a deep, intuitive understanding of autistic individuals. “Getting autism” involved autism knowledge, obtained through training or experience; an intuitive ability to read, respond to, and appreciate autistic students; and flexibility adapting to these students’ needs. Autistic students, parents, and educators alike experienced a stigmatizing judgement and lack of support from unenlightened individuals in the schools. In contrast, there was great appreciation for those who “got autism” and were able to ease the way of autistic students, or support autism-friendly teachers, in whatever grade or situation.

Conclusion

Research investigating how to cultivate, support, and reward autism-affirming teachers is needed. This will likely involve both didactic and experiential autism-focused training as well as recognition of the importance of high emotional intelligence and other qualities of teachers who “get autism.” Future research should also explore the effects on these teachers and their students of larger systems, policies, and practices.
Generalisation of Social Communication Skills by Autistic Children During Play-Based Assessments Across Home, School and an Unfamiliar Research Setting
Authors: Carruthers Sophie , Charman Tony , Leadbitter Kathy , Ellis Ceri , Taylor Lauren , Moore Heather , Taylor Carol , James Kirsty , Balabanovska Matea , Langhorne Sophie , Aldred Catherine , Slonims Vicky , Grahame Vicki , Howlin Patricia , McConachie Helen , Parr Jeremy , Emsley Richard , Le Couteur Ann , Green Jonathan , Pickles Andrew ,   and the PACT-G Trial Group
Published: May 2024

We investigated autistic children’s generalisation of social communication over time across three settings during a play-based assessment with different adults and explore the potential moderating effects on generalisation of age, nonverbal IQ and level of restricted and repetitive behaviours. The social communication abilities of 248 autistic children (2–11 years, 21% female, 22% single parent, 60% white) from three UK sites were assessed from 1984 video interactions in three contexts with three different interaction partners (parent/home, teaching assistant/school, researcher/clinic) at baseline, midpoint (+ 7m) and endpoint (+ 12m) within the Paediatric Autism Communication Trial-Generalised (PACT-G), a parent-mediated social communication intervention. Children’s midpoint social communication at home generalised to school at midpoint and to clinic at endpoint. Generalisation was stronger from home to school and clinic than school to home and clinic. Generalisation was not moderated by age, nonverbal IQ or restricted and repetitive behaviour. Broader child development did not explain the pattern of results. The current study is the largest study to date to explore generalisation with autistic children and provides novel insight into their generalisation of social communication skills. Further research is needed to gain a more comprehensive understanding of facilitators of generalisation across settings and interaction partners in order to develop targeted strategies for interventions to enhance outcomes for young autistic children.
Validation of a prediction model for early reconnection after cryoballoon ablation
Authors: van Waaij Kevin , Keçe Fehmi , de Riva Marta , Alizadeh Dehnavi Reza , Wijnmaalen Adrianus P. , Piers Sebastiaan R. D. , Mertens Bart J. , Zeppenfeld Katja , Trines Serge A.
Published: May 2024

Background

We previously developed an early reconnection/dormant conduction (ERC) prediction model for cryoballoon ablation to avoid a 30-min waiting period with adenosine infusion. We now aimed to validate this model based on time to isolation, number of unsuccessful cryo-applications, and nadir balloon temperature.

Methods

Consecutive atrial fibrillation patients who underwent their first cryoballoon ablation in 2018–2019 at the Leiden University Medical Center were included. Model performance at the previous and at a new optimal cutoff value was determined.

Results

A total of 201 patients were included (85.57% paroxysmal AF, 139 male, median age 61 years (IQR 53–69)). ERC was found in 35 of 201 included patients (17.41%) and in 41 of 774 veins (5.30%). In the present study population, the previous cutoff value of − 6.7 provided a sensitivity of 37.84% (previously 70%) and a specificity of 89.07% (previously 86%). Shifting the cutoff value to − 7.2 in both study populations resulted in a sensitivity of 72.50% and 72.97% and a specificity of 78.22% and 78.63% in data from the previous and present study respectively. Negative predictive values were 96.55% and 98.11%. Applying the model on the 101 patients of the present study with all necessary data for all veins resulted in 43 out of 101 patients (43%) not requiring a 30-min waiting period with adenosine testing. Two patients (2%) with ERC would have been missed when applying the model.

Conclusions

The previously established ERC prediction model performs well, recommending its use for centers routinely using adenosine testing following PVI.

Graphical Abstract
A novel method based on deep learning algorithms for material deformation rate detection
Authors: Özdem Selim , Orak İlhami Muharrem
Published: May 2024

Given the significant influence of microstructural characteristics on a material’s mechanical, physical, and chemical properties, this study posits that the deformation rate of structural steel S235-JR can be precisely determined by analyzing changes in its microstructure. Utilizing advanced artificial intelligence techniques, microstructure images of S235-JR were systematically analyzed to establish a correlation with the material’s lifespan. The steel was categorized into five classes and subjected to varying deformation rates through laboratory tensile tests. Post-deformation, the specimens underwent metallographic procedures to obtain microstructure images via an light optical microscope (LOM). A dataset comprising 10000 images was introduced and validated using K-Fold cross-validation. This research utilized deep learning (DL) architectures ResNet50, ResNet101, ResNet152, VGG16, and VGG19 through transfer learning to train and classify images containing deformation information. The effectiveness of these models was meticulously compared using a suite of metrics including Accuracy, F1-score, Recall, and Precision to determine their classification success. The classification accuracy was compared across the test data, with ResNet50 achieving the highest accuracy of 98.45%. This study contributes a five-class dataset of labeled images to the literature, offering a new resource for future research in material science and engineering.
NO2 and NH3 detection using work function measurement of solvothermal synthesised ZnO–NiO nanocomposites: a case study
Authors: Goyal Deepak , Goyal Chandra Prakash , Chidambaram David , Sivalingam Yuvaraj , Ikeda Hiroya , Ponnusamy S. , Ramgir Niranjan S.
Published: May 2024

Work function measurement using Kelvin probe method has been demonstrated as an effective and novel approach towards detection of NH3 and NO2 gases using ZnO–NiO based nanocomposites. For this the nanocomposites were synthesised in different compositions using the solvothermal method. Formation of ZnO–NiO nanocomposites was confirmed using XRD and EDS studies. It is found that the nanoparticle morphology of NiO changes with different percentages of Zn addition. The work function of the sensing film was found to decrease and increase upon exposure to NH3 (1.51) and NO2 (1.18) gases owing to the reducing and oxidising nature of the test gases. Of the different composites, Zn0.75Ni0.25O exhibited highest sensor response towards the test gases. The increased response is attributed to the nanostructured morphology of the nanocomposite and the formation and collapse of the p-n heterojunction formed between p-type NiO and n-type ZnO. Besides, incorporation of NiO enhances the oxygen adsorption on the sensor surface assigned to the Ni2+ ions getting readily oxidised to Ni3+. Our results clearly suggest that the work function measurements could also be used as an effective way for NO2 and NH3 detection.
Integrating the Philosophy and Psychology of Well-Being: An Opinionated Overview
Authors: Brown James L. D. , Potter Sophie
Published: May 2024

This paper examines the integration and unification of the philosophy and psychology of well-being. For the most part, these disciplines investigate well-being without reference to each other. In recent years, however, with the maturing of each discipline, there have been a growing number of calls to integrate the two. While such calls are welcome, what it means to integrate well-being philosophy and psychology can vary greatly depending on one’s theoretical and practical ends. The aim of this paper is to provide a novel conceptual framework for thinking about integrating well-being philosophy and psychology that systematically categorizes different kinds of integration projects. We divide existing attempts in the literature into three broad categories according to the perspective from which the integration takes place: (1) top-down meta-theoretical unification; (2) psychological integration within philosophy; and (3) philosophical integration within psychology. These categories are then broken down into various further subcategories. Our aim in providing this framework is both to facilitate the assessment and comparison of existing integration attempts and to provide a roadmap for future integration attempts. For each category, we discuss one or two representative examples of the approaches. By doing so, we hope to generate interest in the wide variety of existing integration projects, as well as to generate discussion concerning the benefits and pitfalls of different approaches.
WELL-POSEDNESS OF A NONLINEAR INTERFACE PROBLEM DESCRIBED BY HEMIVARIATIONAL INEQUALITIES VIA BOUNDARY INTEGRAL OPERATORS
Authors: Gwinner Joachim
Published: May 2024

This paper is devoted to the well-posedness of a novel nonlinear interface problem on an unbounded domain with nonmonotone set-valued transmission conditions. This interface problem involves a nonlinear monotone partial differential equation in the interior domain and the Laplacian in the exterior domain. Such a scalar interface problem models nonmonotone frictional contact of elastic infinite media. The variational formulation of the interface problem leads to a hemivariational inequality (HVI), which however lives on the unbounded domain, and thus cannot be analyzed in a reflexive Banach space setting. Boundary integral methods lead to another HVI that is amenable to functional analytic methods using standard Sobolev spaces on the interior domain and Sobolev spaces of fractional order on the coupling boundary. Broadening the scope of the paper, we consider extended real-valued HVIs augmented by convex extended real-valued functions. Under a smallness hypothesis, we provide existence and uniqueness results and, moreover, establish a stability result for extended real-valued HVIs with respect to the extended real-valued function as a parameter. Based on the latter general stability result, we provide various stability results for the interface problem, as well as the stability of a related bilateral obstacle interface problem with respect to the obstacles.
Model-based deep reinforcement learning for accelerated learning from flow simulations
Authors: Weiner Andre , Geise Janis
Published: May 2024

In recent years, deep reinforcement learning has emerged as a technique to solve closed-loop flow control problems. Employing simulation-based environments in reinforcement learning enables a priori end-to-end optimization of the control system, provides a virtual testbed for safety-critical control applications, and allows to gain a deep understanding of the control mechanisms. While reinforcement learning has been applied successfully in a number of rather simple flow control benchmarks, a major bottleneck toward real-world applications is the high computational cost and turnaround time of flow simulations. In this contribution, we demonstrate the benefits of model-based reinforcement learning for flow control applications. Specifically, we optimize the policy by alternating between trajectories sampled from flow simulations and trajectories sampled from an ensemble of environment models. The model-based learning reduces the overall training time by up to$$85\%$$85%for the fluidic pinball test case. Even larger savings are expected for more demanding flow simulations.
Inquiry, value, and some peculiarities of the Pyrrhonist’s psychology
Authors: Bowden Chelsea
Published: May 2024

This paper offers a new psychological reading of the Pyrrhonian Skeptic and their way of life (the so-called Skeptic Way). The Pyrrhonist, I suggest, has three peculiar psychological hallmarks: (1) she is psychologically compelled to inquire after the truth, (2) she is persistently and repeatedly disturbed by anomaly in the facts, and (3) she is able to achieve tranquility (ataraxia) as a result of suspension of judgment (epochē). This new psychological interpretation has two payoffs. First, it helps us resolve the “inquiry problem”—how can the Pyrrhonist possibly engage in genuine inquiry into the truth, when it also seems to the Pyrrhonist that holding beliefs of any kind, but particularly evaluative beliefs, causes psychological disturbance? Second, it allows us to appreciate a new kind of value for Pyrrhonism, what I term psychological value. We can discern two distinct types of ataraxia, both a moderate type resulting from the simple, temporary cessation of inquiry and a more significant, enduring type achieved by failing to hold any evaluative beliefs. On the whole, the Pyrrhonist fares better than the non-Pyrrhonist by acquiring both forms of ataraxia more regularly.