bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
School counselors' burnout, hope, and self‐efficacy: A sequential regression analysis
Authors: Niles Jennifer K. , Dorais Stephanie , Cashwell Craig , Mullen Patrick R. , Jensen Samantha
Published: July 2024

School counselors serve as frontline mental health professionals in schools. Although school counselors have a meaningful impact on students and the school climate, burnout negatively impacts school counselors’ self‐efficacy. Hope may serve as a protective resource for school counselors’ self‐efficacy. We conducted a sequential regression among 102 school counselors to determine if burnout and hope predicted their self‐efficacy. While burnout predicted school counselors’ self‐efficacy, hope contained the largest single explanative influence on self‐efficacy scores. In this study, we provide evidence to support hope as a statistically significant and substantial protective factor for enhancing school counselor self‐efficacy. We provide implications for school counseling practice, training, and research.
Insight into the variation of soil hydraulic properties under beech and spruce forest—A case study in the forest of Tharandt, NE Germany
Authors: Virano‐Riquelme Victoria , Feger Karl‐Heinz , Julich Stefan
Published: July 2024

Background

The increasing vulnerability of forests in the temperate zone due to climate change has led to modification in the forest structure to secure woody raw materials and ecosystem benefits. Such changes will influence hydrological processes both at the stand and catchment scale. Soil hydraulic properties (SHP) play an important role in assessing the water cycle in these ecosystems. Yet, knowledge regarding the effect of forest‐ and site‐specific conditions on SHP in temperate climates is scarce.

Aims

This work addresses this research gap by assessing the variation of SHP under two common European forest stands, Fagus sylvatica and Picea abies (1) with comparable site conditions, and (2) across differing site conditions.

Methods

We determined the soil water retention curve (WRC) and the hydraulic conductivity curve (HCC) in several plots with the bimodal Kosugi–Mualem's hydraulic model. These functions were determined using combined field and laboratory measurements, including hydraulic conductivity and water content from soil samples.

Results

(1) We observed distinct variations in SHP between beech and spruce forest stands with comparable site conditions; however, no clear pattern in the variation was discernible. (2) A noticeable effect of the site‐specific characteristics on the SHP was detected. Moreover, SHP in each analysed forest type presented individual variations.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that SHP present a wide range of variations in terms of both forest‐ and site‐specific conditions. Hence, due to its heterogeneity, we emphasise the need for more research to better characterise SHP in temperate zone forests. Moreover, this study underlines the urgent use of a minimum set of parameters in studies when addressing SHP (e.g., tree age, soil texture).
Digital horizontal crosstalk compensation in 8K LCD displays for enhanced image quality
Authors: Lee Yongwoo , Choi Kiwon , Park Hyeryoung , Kim Yong Ju , Choi Kookhyun , Ko Min Jae
Published: July 2024

As ultra‐high‐definition displays have gained popularity, mitigating the horizontal crosstalk effect in 8K LCD panels is crucial. High display resolution requires narrower signal line integration, intensifying the coupling effect. Traditional methods like Vcom feedback and increasing analog voltage drain‐drain (AVDD) load are slower and less accurate, leading to increased power consumption. In response, we propose an advanced digital signal compensation method. In this study, we developed a predictive model and investigated the intricate relationships among AVDD, Vcom, and storage capacity (Cst) ripples on horizontal crosstalk. Optimizing the ripple change (∆G) by varying the compensation coefficient (a) and decay ratio (τ) significantly reduces crosstalk effects. The digital compensation method allows rapid and precise compensation without delays, reducing horizontal crosstalk in 8K LCD panels from 4% to below 0.9%. This surpasses the requirement of minimizing crosstalk to less than 2%, substantially enhancing the image quality of high‐resolution displays.
Association between pemphigus vulgaris and pyoderma gangrenosum
Authors: Cano Ana M. , Burbano Valentina , Rueda Ricardo A.
Published: July 2024

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a neutrophilic dermatosis associated with certain neoplasms, predominantly of haematological origin, and autoimmune diseases. Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a disease in which antibodies target crucial intercellular junction components. A few cases of PG associated with PV have been described. We present a woman with a high phototype presenting this rare association and highlight the diagnostic challenge of diagnosing rare diseases in patients with high phenotypes.
Interplanted crops and rainfall variability regulate soil erosion in rainfed maize of the Indian Himalayas
Authors: Yadav Devideen , Singh Deepak , Madhu M. , Singh D. V. , Islam Sadikul , Kumar Gopal , Gupta Anand Kumar , Mandal D. , Babu Subhash , Barh Anupam , Kumawat Anita , Dubey Rajiv , Pati Kalidas , Bhargavi B. , Yadav Dinesh Kumar
Published: July 2024

Soil erosion is a serious threat to agriculture and environmental sustainability in the risk‐prone rainfed Himalayan ecosystem. Hence, runoff and soil loss mitigation ability of four maize‐based intensified systems; maize (Zea mays) + turmeric (Curcuma longa), maize + ginger (Zingiber officinale), maize + colocasia (Colocasia esculenta), and maize + sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) were tested against the sole maize. The study recorded 41 erosive events during the 2020–2022 monsoon season. A principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to transform correlated rainfall parameters into orthogonal principal components. A two‐dimensional biplot analysis examined the relationship between PCs, rainfall events, and rainfall parameters. The rainfall events were divided into three regimes based on cluster analysis using PC. Rainfall regime 1 was characterized by low rainfall, I30, rainfall erosivity (E), and moderate rainfall duration (D), regime2 with moderate rainfall, short duration, high I30, and E, and regime3 with high D, I30, and rainfall erosivity. The soil loss of regime‐3 was 9.29 and 3.24 times higher than regime‐1 and regime‐2, respectively. Cover crops reduced runoff by 21.5%–69.3% and soil loss by 54.1%–77.0% over control. Redundancy analysis (RDA) showed that rainfall parameters (I30, I60, D, and E) had a significant direct influence across the systems, explaining 37.7%–54.9% of response variable variance, with E being the most influential (47.4%–54.9%), indicating varied impacts on runoff and soil loss. The sweet potato was best suited with maize as an intercrop to minimize soil erosion and maximize the system's profitability.
Short-term survival and growth of American Eel elvers marked with visible implant elastomer tags
Authors: Eissenhauer Felix , Martin Malik , Adesola Joke , Curry R. Allen , Linnansaari Tommi , Harrison Philip M.
Published: July 2024

Objective

Visible implant elastomer (VIE) tags are commonly used as a cost-effective tool for marking small fish, making them valuable in mark–recapture studies. It is crucial to quantify the impact of tagging procedures on fish survival to address inferential bias in mark–recapture studies. We assessed marking-related mortality and growth in American Eel Anguilla rostrata elvers in a 40-day laboratory experiment, following VIE tag application.

Methods

There were 500 elvers (80–149 mm) that were divided into four treatment groups and one control group. Treatment groups were tagged with two tags in three body locations (anterior, central, posterior on left bilateral side) or with two tags in all three locations, while the control group remained untagged. Eels were retained in experimental tanks, and mortality rates were compared.

Result

The VIE tagging did not significantly affect survival, which was 90.9% across all treatment groups and 92% for the untagged control group; nor did it affect growth.

Conclusion

The application of VIE tags on various body parts should be a safe and effective method for marking American Eel elvers.
The relationship between nocturia and suicidal ideation: A study on The National Health and Nutrition Survey data
Authors: Ma Ke , Chen Chen , Shen Liyang , Tang Peng , Guan Rijian
Published: July 2024

Objectives

The focus of this research was to explore any potential link between nocturia and the risk of suicidal ideation.

Methods

Drawing from the National Health and Nutrition Survey, data relating to 25 241 participants was scrutinized. This included 13 421 individuals identifying as male and 11 820 individuals identifying as female. Participants provided information on nocturia and suicidal ideation via self‐completed questionnaires. To determine if nocturia was independently related to suicidal ideation, a multivariable logistic regression analysis was employed. Analyses were also undertaken separately for adult males and females.

Results

It was found that around 3.5% of participants had experienced suicidal ideation. The results indicated that nocturia increased the risk for suicidal ideation in all adult groups (odds ratio [OR] = 1.67, 95% confidence interval[CI]: 1.37−2.03, p < 0.0001), including both males (OR = 1.91, 95% CI: 1.38−2.65, p < 0.001) and females (OR = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.158−1.90, p = 0.002). The risk for suicidal ideation increased with the severity of nocturia, with significant trends observed in adult males (p for trend = 0.04) and adult females (p for trend = 0.01). Additionally, subgroup examination showed a significant interaction between nocturia and educational level in adult males (p for interaction = 0.03). Among adult females, a noteworthy interaction was observed between nocturia and body mass index (p for interaction = 0.02).

Conclusion

The research uncovered a connection between nocturia and an elevated risk of suicidal ideation.
Bio‐based semi‐aromatic waterborne PIEK‐C sizing agent to construct a robust interface for CF/PEEK composites
Authors: Xie Yujia , Zhuang Hailin , Pei Weibing , Guo Jiaming , Ma Yan , Kong Lingqiang , Ao Yuhui , Liu Liu , Liu Yu
Published: July 2024

Despite the impressing advances on sizing agents for CF/PEEK composites, the aromatic backbone of the polymer precursors utilized in the vast majority of reports compromises the dispersity and ductility of the slurry, subsequently resulting in inferior overall performance of the composites. Meanwhile, most resins employed for sizing agents in existing reports are based on petroleum resources. Herein, a bio‐based waterborne sizing agent utilizing semi‐aromatic poly ether ketones (PIEK‐C) derived from isosorbide and phenolphthalein has been disclosed, featured by its salutary dispersity, exceptional thermal stability, higher glass transition temperatures, and broader applicability. Due to the structural similarity between the sizing and resin matrix, the protocol endowed CF/PEEK composites with ameliorated overall performance, addressing issues related to inadequate adhesion of CF with PEEK resin, as well as environmental pollution commonly associated with existing commercial epoxy and solvent‐based sizing agents. The Tg and T5% of PIEK‐C‐5050 were 205.08 and 427.16°C, respectively. The particle size range of the PIEK‐C sizing agents spanned from 66.32 to 84.63 nm. The flexural strength and interlaminar shear strength of the composites experienced a respective 993.92 MPa (30.73%) and 83.32 MPa (36.97%) increase compared to untreated CF/PEEK composites following sizing treatment with PIEK‐C‐5050, underscoring expedient intermolecular interactions based on comparable solubility and π‐π stacking effects between the PEEK and PIEK‐C components. This study introduced an efficient and eco‐friendly approach to enhance the interfacial properties of CF/PEEK composites.

Highlights

PIEK‐C resin is employed for the first time to prepare carbon fiber sizing agents.

The PIEK‐C sizing agent significantly fortified the surface energy and wettability of carbon fibers.

The CF/PEEK composites after treatment with PIEK‐C sizing agent showed excellent heat resistance.

The ILSS and bending strength of the composites were significantly increased by 36.97% and 30.73%, respectively.
Synthesis and evaluation of antibacterial and antioxidant effects of propolis nanoparticles and cinnamon nanostructures in preventive dentistry: Experimental and theoretical approaches
Authors: Hamze Faeze , Amiri Mahnaz , Islami Zeinab Sadat , Shamspur Tayebeh , Razavi Razieh , Khazaeli Payam
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Natural products such as green propolis and cinnamon have been used traditionally in medicine due to their medicinal value. Recently, interest has grown in developing nanotechnology‐based approaches to enhance the biological activity of these compounds.

Objective

This study evaluated the antioxidant and antibacterial properties of macro‐sized and nanostructured forms of green propolis and cinnamon against Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and the 2,2‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay.

Material and Methods

The sonochemical method was used to synthesize green propolis nanoparticles (PNPs) and cinnamon nanoparticles (CNPs). Their size was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and dynamic light scattering measurements, while they were compared with propolis (P) and cinnamon (C). The antioxidant activity was measured using the DPPH assay, while the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) test determined the antibacterial activity against S. mutans. One‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's post hoc tests (α = 0.05) were conducted to analyze the data. Furthermore, docking calculations were carried out to examine the potential of incorporating any new supplements or therapies into your routine.

Results

The MIC were 5.46, 21.87, 21.87, and 175 g/L for PNPs, P, CNPs, and C groups, respectively. The PNPs exhibited the most significant antibacterial effect while C was weakest. About antioxidant activity, PNPs and P exhibited significant differences from other groups (P = 0.000 and 0.001, respectively), while CNPs and C showed no significant difference between each other (P = 0.07). The docking calculations revealed a strong interaction between both nanoparticles and S. mutans. The binding energy of dihydroflavonols on propolis nanoparticles was −6.83 kcal/mol, indicating a stable connection.
Antipsychotics: beyond dopamine
Authors: Greener Mark
Published: July 2024

People with schizophrenia often experience considerable difficulties in daily life because of a wide constellation of symptoms associated with the condition. This article examines the pharmaceutical targets that are being investigated to provide greater efficacy and tolerability than the current dopamine‐focussed drugs.
Beware stewardship in silos
Authors: Thompson Angus
Published: July 2024

With the WHO estimating that global medication errors cost approximately US$42 billion annually, it is perhaps not surprising that we hear a lot about medicines stewardship these days. Although the descriptions and goals of medicines stewardship vary, common themes are that it involves careful and responsible management, it is targeted at drug classes that are associated with a high risk of adverse outcomes and it aims to reduce variations in practice and improve patient outcomes.
Why discussion of sculptures and monuments is sadly outdated
Authors: Wu Yingjie , Rich Paul
Published: July 2024

This article explores the evolving discourses on sculptures, monuments and open space, under the context of recent changes in the world that influence people's perception of public artworks, shifting from original artistic appreciation to increasingly intense socio‐political scrutiny. It considers multiple statues of importance, which were erected, admired, or disdained by the public. This article calls for an urgent need to take inclusive approaches to the representation of artworks in public space that honor women and minorities. Potential solutions are explored, including relocating controversial statues to places of less centrality, adding explanatory plaques, and considering virtual sculptures to preserve open spaces. This article acknowledges that history is not always static and that there's an ongoing trend that artworks in public are placed to inspire new meanings. It contributes to the critical discussion of how art should be and in what way can artworks influence people's perceptions over time.
Numerical study of low‐rise composite steel frame responses to blast loading using direct simulation method
Authors: Sharaf Tarek , Ismail Sara , Elghandour Mohamed , Turk Ahmed
Published: July 2024

This paper investigated the blast behavior of a low‐rise composite steel structure of three stories subjected to internal and external explosions for the same explosive charge of 250 kg TNT. A comparison of three various blast scenarios is aimed at better understanding how blast waves propagate in confined risk zones and their damage effects on far and exposed elements to an explosive charge. Evaluation of the damage level and the overall response of the proposed numerical model is done by estimating the adequacy of structural members subjected to blast loading using general limits in attempting to check the structure's strength and regularity. The analysis was based on load combinations and damage criteria according to the Unified Facilities Criteria which are general design approaches suitable for civil design applications in forecasting blast loads and structural system responses. The overall behavior of this structure was simulated based on a dynamic analysis by the direct simulation approach, which was chosen for modeling blast loads using the Friedlander blast load equation, and the simpler, less expensive, more accurate, and realistic A.T.‐BLAST model to deduce the simplified blast‐wave overpressure profile. The material nonlinearity at a high strain rate using the Johnson‐Cook strength and concrete plasticity damage model is studied dynamically using ABAQUS finite element code to simulate the explicit dynamic nonlinear analysis. The overall response of the proposed numerical model was evaluated by estimating the adequacy of structural members, considering the blast load as the initial cause of failure, such as axial plastic strain, internal forces limits, maximum deformation, support rotation, demand‐capacity‐ratio (DCRshear/moment), drift index and material damage model. The position of the explosive charge played an important role in determining the rate at which the structural element begins to plastic strains, displacements, moments, or rotations beyond the limits, and then key elements should be considered in structural design against progressive collapse. Results showed that steel members exhibit early indicators of failure, such as buckling necking, shear tearing, or plastic hinges, whereas concrete slabs break up immediately due to brittleness. DCRmoment values successfully showed the columns in which the first plastic joint can occur, whereas DCRshear values signaled the onset of shear failure at connections. Besides, plastic hinges played an important role in dissipating energy and preventing total structural collapse via the Strong Column‐Weak Beam design concept, which appears repeatedly in this study. The structure is a well‐designed and ductile building capable of supporting higher loads and is considered to be repairable and intact.
Impact of preanaesthetic electrocardiogram on decision making and modification of anaesthetic protocols in dogs
Authors: Bustamante Rocío , González‐Pérez Eva , Caro‐Vadillo Alicia , Aguado Delia
Published: July 2024

Background

This retrospective observational study explored the impact of preanaesthetic electrocardiogram (ECG) assessment on preoperative echocardiography requests and modifications to a standardised anaesthetic protocol in healthy dogs.

Methods

A total of 228 healthy dogs with no previously diagnosed heart disease that underwent general anaesthesia at Complutense Veterinary Teaching Hospital from December 2017 to June 2018 were included. Preanaesthetic ECGs were assessed for abnormalities, and the findings were documented. The number of dogs requiring echocardiography, based on ECG findings, and the echocardiography results were recorded. All anaesthesia‐related decisions were documented.

Results

Overall, 72 dogs (31.6%) exhibited ECG abnormalities. Echocardiography was requested for five dogs (2.2%). The anaesthetic protocol was changed in 11 dogs (15.3% of those with ECG abnormalities). P wave disturbances, ventricular premature complexes and impulse conduction issues were abnormalities that prompted echocardiography. Bradycardia and electrical impulse conduction abnormalities influenced protocol modifications.

Limitations

The limited sample size meant that it was not possible to investigate potential correlations between demographics and ECG alterations.

Conclusions

Preanaesthetic ECG screening was useful for promoting echocardiography and influencing anaesthesia plans in a subset of dogs. Despite this, further assessment of the impact of routine use of non‐targeted preoperative ECG on anaesthesia‐related outcomes is warranted.
Politicians and climate change: A systematic review of the literature
Authors: Moore Brendan , Geese Lucas , Kenny John , Dudley Harriet , Jordan Andrew , Prados Pascual Alba , Lorenzoni Irene , Schaub Simon , Enguer Joan , Tosun Jale
Published: July 2024

Politicians' engagement with climate change is the focus of an emerging literature, but this research has not been subjected to systematic analysis. To address this important gap, we perform a systematic review of 141 articles on politicians and climate change published between 1985 and 2021. We find a growing research area; almost half of the articles were published after 2018. Existing research is fragmented and focused on a small number of democracies in the Global North, with the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Norway and Australia being the most‐heavily studied. Substantively, we analyze politicians' motivations, the incentives and barriers they face, and the strategies they employ to block/enable climate action. We find evidence of politicians being both intrinsically and extrinsically motivated. Intrinsic motivations often derive from formative experiences occurring prior to entering politics. Extrinsic motivations most commonly include publics/voters and external events. Importantly, intrinsic and extrinsic motivations vary in different political contexts, and indeed these two motivations may pull politicians in different directions. Politicians may employ various strategies—such as reframing—to achieve their desired policy outcomes. Moreover, politicians' motivations and strategies in relation to climate change are not static, but often vary. We conclude that there is an urgent need for research on how politicians are enabled and/or constrained by political system characteristics. Research is especially called for in the Global South and/or less democratic systems, as well as on investigating how politicians are (not) decarbonizing difficult‐to‐abate sectors and how they reconcile the sometimes‐competing demands for climate change mitigation and adaptation.

This article is categorized under:

Policy and Governance > National Climate Change Policy

Policy and Governance > Multilevel and Transnational Climate Change Governance
Urbanization in Europe 2000–2018: Amount, Density, and Form
Authors: Evers David , Katurić Ivana , van der Wouden Ries
Published: July 2024

This chapter provides an overview of urban development in Europe in the 2000–2018 period, which has been greatly enabled by new land-use data. Urbanization (land take) was found to be greatest in the largest countries, but most intense in the Netherlands. When controlled for population, a different picture emerges with countries like Poland, Spain, and Iceland exhibiting relatively high urbanization rates. One drawback of the analysis was the failure of the data to adequately capture small-scale developments. Various measures were employed to measure densities, showing the complexity of this relatively simple but essential concept. Finally, European regions were evaluated by a manual assessment of urban form. This again revealed the heterogeneity of Europe, but also hotspots of ‘diffuse’ (urban sprawl) development.
Future Urbanization Pathways: Compact, Polycentric, or Diffuse
Authors: Evers David , van der Wouden Ries , Katurić Ivana
Published: July 2024

This chapter presents the three future urbanization scenarios created as part of the ESPON SUPER project: compact, polycentric, and diffuse. The research design is explained using a four-step procedure and discusses the distinction between exogenous (environmental) and normative (policy) scenarios. It also explores the qualitative and quantitative approaches for the analysis and communication of scenarios and, specifically, the use of the LUISETTA land-allocation model to simulate urbanization in the three scenarios. After presenting the scenario storylines, the impacts on the physical landscape are discussed as well as changes in urbanization and population density. The chapter concludes by emphasizing the potential of these scenarios to serve as a basis for public debate on preferred policy directions and as a tool for drafting a strategy to achieve sustainable urbanization.
The Sustainability of European Urbanization
Authors: Evers David , Katurić Ivana , van der Wouden Ries
Published: July 2024

This chapter critically examines the sustainability of urbanization in Europe. The first analysis appraises the changes in urban land cover and urban form in the 2000–2018 period, revealing a complex picture at the regional level. The second analysis applies an evidence-based sustainability assessment framework to three urban forms: compact, polycentric, and diffuse. This revealed trade-offs within and between dimensions of sustainability. The final analysis, based on case study research, examined how interventions affected development practices. This revealed that there is scope for positive change. The Chapter concludes with a reflection on the tensions between the domains of environment and planning and between academia and practice.
Interpreting 95 GeV di-photon/$$ b\overline{b} $$ excesses as a lightest Higgs boson of the MRSSM
Authors: Kalinowski Jan , Kotlarski Wojciech
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The Minimal R-symmetric Supersymmetric Standard Model (MRSSM) is a well motivated BSM model which can accommodate the observed 125 GeV Higgs boson in agreement with electroweak precision observables, in particular with the W boson mass and T parameter. In the 2016 paper we showed that the SM-like 125 GeV Higgs state can be also realised as the second-to-lightest scalar of the MRSSM, leaving room for another sub-100 GeV state. Motivated by the recent ATLAS and CMS observation of the di-photon excess at a mass of around 95 GeV we investigate the possibility whether this could be the lightest CP-even MRSSM scalar in a variation of our benchmarks presented in the 2016 work. We show that such a state can also simultaneously explain the excess in the $$ b\overline{b} $$
b

b
¯

final state observed around the same mass value at LEP. Due to the R-symmetric nature of the model, a light singlet-like Higgs state leads necessarily to a light bino-singlino Dirac dark matter candidate, which can give a correct relic density while evading current experimental bounds. Dark matter and LHC searches place further bounds on this scenario and point to parameter regions which are viable and of interest for the LHC Run III and upcoming dark matter experiments.
Effect of different optimization parameters in single isocenter multiple brain metastases radiosurgery
Authors: Altergot Angelika , Ohlmann Carsten , Nüsken Frank , Palm Jan , Hecht Markus , Dzierma Yvonne
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Automated treatment planning for multiple brain metastases differs from traditional planning approaches. It is therefore helpful to understand which parameters for optimization are available and how they affect the plan quality. This study aims to provide a reference for designing multi-metastases treatment plans and to define quality endpoints for benchmarking the technique from a scientific perspective.

Methods

In all, 20 patients with a total of 183 lesions were retrospectively planned according to four optimization scenarios. Plan quality was evaluated using common plan quality parameters such as conformity index, gradient index and dose to normal tissue. Therefore, different scenarios with combinations of optimization parameters were evaluated, while taking into account dependence on the number of treated lesions as well as influence of different beams.

Results

Different scenarios resulted in minor differences in plan quality. With increasing number of lesions, the number of monitor units increased, so did the dose to healthy tissue and the number of interlesional dose bridging in adjacent metastases. Highly modulated cases resulted in 4–10% higher V10% compared to less complex cases, while monitor units did not increase. Changing the energy to a flattening filter free (FFF) beam resulted in lower local V12Gy (whole brain-PTV) and even though the number of monitor units increased by 13–15%, on average 46% shorter treatment times were achieved.

Conclusion

Although no clinically relevant differences in parameters where found, we identified some variation in the dose distributions of the different scenarios. Less complex scenarios generated visually more dose overlap; therefore, a more complex scenario may be preferred although differences in the quality metrics appear minor.
Nonuniqueness of Weak Solutions to the Dissipative Aw–Rascle Model
Authors: Chaudhuri Nilasis , Feireisl Eduard , Zatorska Ewelina
Published: July 2024

We prove nonuniqueness of weak solutions to multi-dimensional generalisation of the Aw-Rascle model of vehicular traffic. Our generalisation includes the velocity offset in a form of gradient of density function, which results in a dissipation effect, similar to viscous dissipation in the compressible viscous fluid models. We show that despite this dissipation, the extension of the method of convex integration can be applied to generate infinitely many weak solutions connecting arbitrary initial and final states. We also show that for certain choice of data, ill posedness holds in the class of admissible weak solutions.
Falx cerebelli and its associated occipital venous sinus: an anatomical study
Authors: Hosapatna Mamatha , Kunder Kushi , Bhat Nandini Prashanth , Shetty Ashwija , Sanyal Sanjoy , Prabhath Sushma , Sumalatha Suhani
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study presents the morphological variation of falx cerebelli, which helps to identify the possible variations in the presence of the occipital sinus in the posterior margin of the fold whose damage during midline incision of posterior cranial fossa surgeries may lead to internal hemorrhage.

Method

The study was conducted on 48 cranial cavities exploring the falx cerebelli. Variations in the number of folds, its proximal and distal attachments, and the drainage pattern of the occipital sinus were evaluated by histological processing of the upper 1/3rd section of the falx fold.

Results

The variation in the number of folds recorded are single folds in 87.5%, double folded in 8.3%, and multiple folds (five and seven folded) in 4.2% of the cases. The variation in the proximal and distal attachments in single falx folds showed three combinations: Ramified triangular in 66.7%, both ramified type in 12.5%, and both triangular type in 8.3% of the cases. Double and multiple folds showed ramified and triangular types of variation in their attachments. Histological findings showed the presence of occipital venous sinuses in most of the single falx fold. Two aberrant venous sinuses were seen in a double and five-folded falx cerebelli.

Conclusions

This study records the variations in the morphology of falx cerebelli. The histological data of this study sheds light on the drainage pattern of venous sinuses in the area whose negligence during midline incisions of brain surgeries may increase the possibility of hemorrhage.
Internal and external factors affecting the performance score of surgical trainees doing laparoscopic appendectomy: a prospective, observational cohort study in a structured training programme
Authors: Skjold-Ødegaard Benedicte , Ersdal Hege Langli , Assmus Jörg , Søreide Kjetil
Published: July 2024

Background

Laparoscopic appendectomy is a common procedure and introduced early in general surgical training. How internal (i.e. surgeon’s experience) or external (i.e. disease severity) may affect procedure performance is not well-studied. The aim of this study was to evaluate factors that may have an influence on the performance scores for surgical trainees.

Methods

A prospective, observational cohort study of laparoscopic appendectomies performed by surgical trainees (experience < 4 years) operating under supervision. Trainers evaluated trainees’ overall performance on a 6-point scale for proficiency. Perioperative data were recorded, including appendicitis severity, operating time and the overall difficulty of the procedure as assessed by the trainer. A “Challenging” procedure was defined as a combination of either/or “perforation” and “difficult”. Trainees who had performed > 30 appendectomies were defined as “experienced”. The trainees were asked if they had used simulation or web-based tools the week prior to surgery.

Results

142 procedure evaluation forms were included of which 19 (13%) were “perforated”, 14 (10%) “difficult” and 24 (17%) “Challenging”. Perforated appendicitis was strongly associated with procedure difficulty (OR 21.2, 95% CI 6.0–75.6). Experienced trainees performed “proficient” more often than non-experienced (OR 34.5, 95% CI 6.8–176.5). “Difficult” procedures were inversely associated with proficiency (OR 0.1, 95% CI 0.0–0.9). In “Challenging” procedures, identifying the appendix had lowest proficiency (OR 0.4, 95% CI 0.1–0.9). The procedures assessed as “difficult” had significantly longer operating time with a median (IQR) of 90 (75–100) min compared to 59 (25–120) min for the non-difficult (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Both internal and external factors contribute to the performance score. Perforated appendicitis, technical difficult procedures and trainee experience all play a role, but a “difficult” procedure had most overall impact on proficiency evaluation.

Graphical Abstract
Exogenous systemin peptide treatment in olive alters Bactrocera oleae oviposition preference
Authors: Sánchez Luiza , Cunha Ana E. , Rodrigues Nuno , Pereira José Alberto , Baptista Paula
Published: July 2024

The olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae (Rossi), is a key pest of the olive crop, whose control relies mostly on the use of insecticides. Plant peptides may represent a more environmentally-friendly tool to manage olive fly, due to their recognized role to activate and/or prime plant defence responses against pests. In this work, behavioural experiments (no-choice and two-choice) and analysis of volatile compounds were carried out to evaluate the impact of the exogenous application of the peptide systemin to olive tree on olive fly infestation, and to elucidate its mode of action to prime plant defence. The treatment of olive branches with 10 nM systemin showed to confer protection against olive fly, by reducing significantly the ovipositions (up to 3.0-fold) and the number of infested fruits (up to 2.9-fold) when compared to non-treated branches. This protective effect was even detected in neighbouring non-treated branches, suggesting the ability of systemin to trigger plant-to-plant communication. The deterrent activity of the primed olives was associated with the emission of the volatiles 2-ethyl-1-hexanol, 4-tert-butylcyclohexyl acetate and 1, 2, 3-trimethyl-benzene, which were negatively correlated with oviposition and fly infestation. Systemin has also showed to trigger the biosynthesis of specific volatiles (esters) in olives in response to fly attacks. Overall, the observed protection conferred by systemin against olive fly is likely due to the emission of specific volatiles that can act as a defence and/or as signalling molecules to upregulate the plant defence response. Thus, systemin represents a novel and useful tool to manage olive fruit fly.
From large language models to small logic programs: building global explanations from disagreeing local post-hoc explainers
Authors: Agiollo Andrea , Siebert Luciano Cavalcante , Murukannaiah Pradeep K. , Omicini Andrea
Published: July 2024

The expressive power and effectiveness of large language models (LLMs) is going to increasingly push intelligent agents towards sub-symbolic models for natural language processing (NLP) tasks in human–agent interaction. However, LLMs are characterised by a performance vs. transparency trade-off that hinders their applicability to such sensitive scenarios. This is the main reason behind many approaches focusing on local post-hoc explanations, recently proposed by the XAI community in the NLP realm. However, to the best of our knowledge, a thorough comparison among available explainability techniques is currently missing, as well as approaches for constructing global post-hoc explanations leveraging the local information. This is why we propose a novel framework for comparing state-of-the-art local post-hoc explanation mechanisms and for extracting logic programs surrogating LLMs. Our experiments—over a wide variety of text classification tasks—show how most local post-hoc explainers are loosely correlated, highlighting substantial discrepancies in their results. By relying on the proposed novel framework, we also show how it is possible to extract faithful and efficient global explanations for the original LLM over multiple tasks, enabling explainable and resource-friendly AI techniques.
Orbital analysis in the gravitational potential of elongated asteroids
Authors: Gutiérrez José D. , Tresaco Eva , Riaguas Andrés
Published: July 2024

This work studies the motion around irregular elongated asteroids through two approaches. Firstly, it revisits the dipole-segment model, identifying families of periodic orbits for asymmetric mass distribution. Additionally, a new model incorporating variable density for elongated asteroids is introduced and compared to the dipole-segment model. Several families of periodic orbits have been found through continuation of planar orbits and out-of-plane bifurcation processes, obtaining results in agreement with previous studies about the dynamics around irregular asteroids. This highlights the relevance of simple mathematical models in studying asteroid dynamics and the importance of accounting for density and geometric properties. Although the families of periodic orbits studied in this work are not comprehensively sampled, they constitute an example of the variety of orbits that can be followed by a particle orbiting the asteroid, helping us to better understand the dynamics around these elongated bodies.
Discovering Maximum Entropy Knowledge
Authors: Landes Jüergen
Published: July 2024

This paper seeks to determine a rational agent’s evidential constraints given her beliefs. Rationality is here construed as adherence to a principle of entropy maximisation. I determine the rational agent’s set of probability efunctions compatible with the evidence, $${\mathbb {E}}$$
E
, given the maximum entropy function and given some constraints on the shape of $${\mathbb {E}}$$
E
. I also consider agents employing a centre of mass approach to form their beliefs rather than entropy maximisation.
Differential survival of Ilyanassa obsoleta to water temperature and association with the non-native red alga Gracilaria vermiculophylla
Authors: Lee Timothy S. , Fowler Amy E. , Largen Jessica R. , Russo Jonathan P. , Schlegel Zackary J. , Wright Dawson K. , Blakeslee April M. H.
Published: July 2024

Along the U.S. east coast, the widespread non-native red alga Gracilaria vermiculophylla provides habitat for an array of macroinvertebrates, including the eastern mudsnail Ilyanassa obsoleta. Though I. obsoleta tolerates a wide temperature range, increases in summer water temperatures may enhance mortality; furthermore, the presence of non-native algae in rising seawater temperatures could exacerbate harmful conditions. We tested how the presence or absence of G. vermiculophylla influenced snail mortality across a range of summer temperatures over a 3-week period. We found that I. obsoleta survived the longest in the lowest temperature (27 °C), followed by the medium (32 °C), and lastly the highest (36 °C) where all snails died within 2 days. Mortality was also higher and faster for snails in the presence versus absence of G. vermiculophylla. We suspected dissolved oxygen became very low at the higher temperatures with G. vermiculophylla; thus we conducted a laboratory-based dissolved oxygen experiment. We found that G. vermiculophylla degraded and oxygen declined faster at the highest temperature treatment, thereby creating anoxic conditions. Altogether, our results demonstrate that G. vermiculophylla could enhance anoxic conditions at high summer temperatures, potentially leading to enhanced faunal mortality.
Effect of silica addition on the photocatalytic activity of MO2@SiO2 (M=Ti, Zr, Sn, Ce) nanocomposites prepared by sol-gel
Authors: Monrós G. , Delgado C. , Llusar M. , Badenes J.
Published: July 2024

Photocatalysis uses wide band gap ceramic semiconductors (anatase, zirconia, ceria, cassiterite…) that have the ability to promote electron-hole pairs by UV light irradiation producing both reducing and oxidants ions and radicals. In general, oxidizing species are more efficient, using photocatalysis as an advanced oxidation process (AOP) for the biodegradation of organic substances refractory to conventional treatments, such as azo dyes, or atmospheric pollutants as NOx. In this communication, the photocatalytic activity of xSiO2@(1-x)MO2 (M = TiO2, ZrO2, SnO2, CeO2, x = 0, 0.1, 0.3 and 0.5) composites on the Orange II azo dye in solution, as well as on NOx in air, was analysed. The composites were obtained by Sol-Gel methods based on the hydrolysis-condensation of alcoholic solutions of silicon tetraethoxide (TEOS) and titanium n-butoxide, zirconium iso-propoxide, SnCl2.2H2O and Ce(NO3)3.6H2O as precursors of MO2 oxides. The resulting xerogels were studied by XRD, bandgap measurements from UV-Vis-NIR diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, photocatalytic activity against Orange II in dissolution and NOx in air (efficiency in nitrate abatement), and SEM-EDX microstructural analysis. In the case of non-stabilized samples, charring samples at 300 °C/1 h and fired samples at 500 °C/1 h were also studied. The cassiterite-silica composite stands out for its photocatalytic activity against Orange II in solution and the cerianite-silica composite against NOx in air. Silica increases the photocatalytic activity on NOx in zirconia, tin oxide and ceria composites and also on Orange II in zirconia and tin oxide.

Graphical Abstract
Progress and challenges of developing volatile metabolites from exhaled breath as a biomarker platform
Authors: Chou Hsuan , Godbeer Lucy , Allsworth Max , Boyle Billy , Ball Madeleine L.
Published: July 2024

Background

The multitude of metabolites generated by physiological processes in the body can serve as valuable biomarkers for many clinical purposes. They can provide a window into relevant metabolic pathways for health and disease, as well as be candidate therapeutic targets. A subset of these metabolites generated in the human body are volatile, known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can be detected in exhaled breath. These can diffuse from their point of origin throughout the body into the bloodstream and exchange into the air in the lungs. For this reason, breath VOC analysis has become a focus of biomedical research hoping to translate new useful biomarkers by taking advantage of the non-invasive nature of breath sampling, as well as the rapid rate of collection over short periods of time that can occur. Despite the promise of breath analysis as an additional platform for metabolomic analysis, no VOC breath biomarkers have successfully been implemented into a clinical setting as of the time of this review.

Aim of review

This review aims to summarize the progress made to address the major methodological challenges, including standardization, that have historically limited the translation of breath VOC biomarkers into the clinic. We highlight what steps can be taken to improve these issues within new and ongoing breath research to promote the successful development of the VOCs in breath as a robust source of candidate biomarkers. We also highlight key recent papers across select fields, critically reviewing the progress made in the past few years to advance breath research.

Key scientific concepts of review

VOCs are a set of metabolites that can be sampled in exhaled breath to act as advantageous biomarkers in a variety of clinical contexts.
Modelling and simulation of natural hydraulic fracturing applied to experiments on natural sandstone cores
Authors: Wang Junxiang , Sonntag Alixa , Lee Dongwon , Xotta Giovanna , Salomoni Valentina A. , Steeb Holger , Wagner Arndt , Ehlers Wolfgang
Published: July 2024

Under in-situ conditions, natural hydraulic fractures (NHF) can occur in permeable rock structures as a result of a rapid decrease of pore water accompanied by a local pressure regression. Obviously, these phenomena are of great interest for the geo-engineering community, as for instance in the framework of mining technologies. Compared to induced hydraulic fractures, NHF do not evolve under an increasing pore pressure resulting from pressing a fracking fluid in the underground but occur and evolve under local pore-pressure reductions resulting in tensile stresses in the rock material. The present contribution concerns the question under what quantitative circumstances NHF emerge and evolve. By this means, the novelty of this article results from the combination of numerical investigations based on the Theory of Porous Media with a tailored experimental protocol applied to saturated porous sandstone cylinders. The numerical investigations include both pre-existing and evolving fractures described by use of an embedded phase-field fracture model. Based on this procedure, representative mechanical and hydraulic loading scenarios are simulated that are in line with experimental investigations on low-permeable sandstone cylinders accomplished in the Porous Media Lab of the University of Stuttgart. The values of two parameters, the hydraulic conductivity of the sandstone and the critical energy release rate of the fracture model, have turned out essential for the occurrence of tensile fractures in the sandstone cores, where the latter is quantitatively estimated by a comparison of experimental and numerical results. This parameter can be taken as reference for further studies of in-situ NHF phenomena and experimental results.