bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatiotemporal Diffusion Variability of Injection-Induced Seismicity in Enhanced Geothermal Systems
Authors: Michas Georgios
Published: February 2025

Injection-induced seismicity represents a major challenge for the development of Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS). To effectively mitigate the associated seismic hazard, a better understanding of the spatiotemporal evolution of induced seismicity and its efficient modeling are required. Towards that end, a stochastic framework within the continuous time random walk (CTRW) theory is used to make inferences regarding the diffusion properties of injection-induced seismicity in three cases of hydraulic stimulations in EGS. The analysis of seismicity within the CTRW context indicates multi-scaling variations in the waiting times distributions and in the evolution of the mean squared distance of seismicity with time, both associated with the co- and post-injection periods, respectively. During fluid-injections, an almost Poissonian waiting times distribution is followed by broad distributions during post-injection, enhancing long-term clustering effects and inter-earthquake interactions. At the same time, the rate of triggered earthquake diffusion drastically drops during the post-injection period for all the studied cases. Such properties may have implications on the main driving mechanisms of injection-induced seismicity in EGS, highlighting the transition from a dominant pressure-driven triggering mechanism during fluid-injections, to a mixed mechanism after termination of injections, where stress transfer effects and inter-earthquake interactions become more important.
Wirkungen der Beteiligung und Partizipation von Bürger:innen in Erkenntnisprozessen der integrierten kommunalen Gesundheitsförderung. Ein systematischer Scoping-Review
Authors: Hartung Susanne , Houwaart Stefanie , von Rüden Ursula , Schaefer Ina
Published: February 2025

Hintergrund

Beteiligung und Partizipation von Bürger:innen sind anerkannte Anforderungen in verschiedenen Handlungsfeldern von Public Health. Mittels eines Scoping-Reviews sollen die Wirkungen von Beteiligung und Partizipation von Bürger:innen in Erkenntnisprozessen der integrierten kommunalen Gesundheitsförderung systematisch untersucht und aufbereitet werden.

Methoden

Der anhand des PRISMA-Frameworks durchgeführte Scoping-Review wurde durch eine systematische Handrecherche ergänzt. Basierend auf dem Modell der Partizipativen Gesundheitsforschung und dem PHINEO-Wirkungsmodell wurde für die Aufbereitung der Ergebnisse ein Analyseraster entwickelt.

Ergebnisse

Insgesamt wurden 30 Publikationen aus 6 Teilprojekten von Forschungsverbünden (darunter auch forschungsverbundübergreifende Publikationen) sowie aus 6 eigenständigen Projekten in die Auswertung eingeschlossen. Wirkungen wurden hauptsächlich für positive Veränderungen hinsichtlich des Bewusstseins und der Fähigkeiten der direkt beteiligten und partizipierenden Bürger:innen und Projektpartner:innen berichtet sowie darüber hinaus in geringerem Umfang für nicht direkt beteiligte Bürger:innen und Stakeholder. Verhältnisänderungen leiteten sich aus den Veränderungen im Bewusstsein und Handeln der Stakeholder ab, die in den Projekten beteiligt waren.

Diskussion

Die Wirkungen von Beteiligung und Partizipation von Bürger:innen in Erkenntnisprozessen der kommunalen Gesundheitsförderung sind vielfältig und betreffen nicht nur die Zielgruppe des jeweiligen (Teil‑)Projektes. Zugleich gibt es nur wenige Wirkungsbeschreibungen, die über die Ebene der direkt Beteiligten hinausreichen. Für die systematische Implementierung, Evaluation und Veröffentlichung partizipativer Erkenntnisprozesse sind adäquate Förderung und Strukturen nötig.
Whither the price of coffee? An analysis of trends and shocks since the coffee crisis
Authors: Ghoshray Atanu , Mise Emi
Published: February 2025

This short paper examines two potent issues that affect coffee producers worldwide. First, we estimate whether the real price of coffee received by producers are declining over time, making the coffee growers worse off. Secondly, we estimate how long it takes for exogenous shocks to dissipate, so that farmers can be better informed to manage volatile coffee prices. We find no evidence of any prevalent declining trend, and the time taken for a price shock to dissipate by half can vary widely from 5 to 18 months for individual coffee prices.
Detection of PRKAR1A gene mutations in sporadic cardiac myxomas: a study of 24 cases
Authors: Bekers Elise , van Bladel Diede A. G. , Berendsen Madeleine R. , Eijkelenboom Astrid , van Krieken J. Han J. M. , Ooft Marc , Ruijter Emiel , Verhagen Ad , Flucke Uta E. , Scheijen Blanca
Published: February 2025

The benign neoplasm cardiac myxoma represents one of the hallmarks of Carney complex (CNC), a familial multiple neoplasia syndrome. About 80% of the index cases have germline mutations in PRKAR1A encoding the RIα regulatory subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA). However, the role of PRKAR1A gene mutations in the pathogenesis of non-CNC-associated sporadic cardiac myxoma is less well established. Here, we investigated the presence of PRKAR1A gene variants in a cohort of 24 sporadic cardiac myxomas using targeted next-generation sequencing. Our study shows that 14 out of 24 cases (58%) harbor PRKAR1A gene mutations, represented mostly by frameshift, nonsense, and splice site mutations (together 84%), leading to a premature stop codon predicted to be degraded via non-sense mediated mRNA decay. The other 16% of PRKAR1A genetic alterations involved missense mutations, often located in important functional domains of the regulatory subunit RIα. Notably, 64% (n = 9/14) of the cases harbored more than one PRKAR1A gene variant, suggesting compound heterozygous mutations either in cis or trans. In conclusion, PRKAR1A gene mutations associated with loss of RIα function leading to increased PKA activity were observed in ~ 60% of sporadic cardiac myxomas, strongly supporting an essential role for PKA in mediating formation of cardiac myxoma.
Update on esophageal function, acid and non-acid reflux after one-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB): high-resolution manometry, impedance-24-h pH-metry, and gastroscopy in a prospective mid-term study
Authors: Felsenreich D. M. , Vock N. , Zach M. L. , Kristo I. , Jedamzik J. , Bichler C. , Eichelter J. , Mairinger M. , Gensthaler L. , Nixdorf L. , Richwien P. , Pedarnig L. , Langer F. B. , Prager G.
Published: February 2025

Background

One-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) is the third most common metabolic/bariatric procedure worldwide. A point for discussion regarding OAGB is acid and non-acid reflux in mid- and long-term follow-up. The aim of this study was to objectively evaluate reflux and esophagus motility by comparing pre- and postoperative results of 24-h pH-metry, high-resolution manometry (HRM), and gastroscopy.

Setting

Cross-sectional study and university hospital based.

Methods

This study includes primary OAGB patients operated at the Medical University of Vienna before 31st December 2022. After a mean follow-up of 4.1 ± 2.9 years, the preoperative examinations were repeated. Additionally, history of weight, remission of obesity-related complications (ORC), and quality of life (QOL) were evaluated.

Results

A total of 50 patients were included in this study and went through all examinations. Preoperative weight was 125.5 ± 21.0 kg with a BMI of 44.6 ± 5.4 kg/m2 and total weight loss after 4.1 ± 2.9 years was 37.1 ± 8.1%. Remission of ORC and QOL outcomes was successful in all categories. Gastroscopy showed anastomositis, esophagitis, Barrett’s esophagus, and bile in the pouch in 38.0%, 34.0%, 6.0%, and 48.0%, respectively. In HRM, the postoperative lower esophageal sphincter pressure was 29.6 ± 15.1 mmHg (unchanged to preoperative). The total number of refluxes was equal to preoperative, whereas decreased acid refluxes were replaced by increasing non-acid refluxes. Impedance-24-h pH-metry showed that acid exposure time of the esophagus and DeMeester score decreased significantly to 1.6 ± 1.4% (p = 0.001) and 10.3 ± 9.6 (p = 0.046).

Conclusion

This study has shown decreased rates of acid reflux and increased rates of non-acid reflux after a mid-term outcome of primary OAGB patients. Gastroscopy showed significant signs of chronic reflux exposure of the anastomosis, the pouch, and the distal esophagus, even in asymptomatic patients. General follow-up visits in patients after OAGB should be considered.

Graphical abstract
Partial Groupoid Actions on Smooth Manifolds
Authors: Marín Víctor , Pinedo Héctor , Rodríguez José L. Vilca
Published: February 2025

Given a smooth partial action

$$\alpha $$

α

of a Lie groupoid G on a smooth manifold M,  we provide necessary and sufficient conditions for

$$\alpha $$

α

to be globalizable with smooth globalization. As an application, we provide results on the differentiable structure of orbit and stabilizer spaces induced by

$$\alpha ,$$

α
,

which leads to other criteria for its globalization in terms of its orbit maps in the case that

$$\alpha $$

α

is free and transitive. Further, under the assumption that

$$\alpha $$

α

is free and proper, we prove that there exists exactly one differentiable structure on the quotient structure of the orbit equivalence space M/G such that the quotient map

$$\pi :M\rightarrow M/G$$

π
:
M
→
M
/
G

is a submersion.
Development and application of predictive clinical biomarkers for low back pain care: recommendations from the ISSLS phenotype/precision spine focus group
Authors: Hodges Paul W. , Sowa Gwendolyn , O’Neill Conor , Vo Nam , Foster Nadine , Samartzis Dino , Lotz Jeffrey
Published: February 2025

Predictive biomarkers (or moderators of treatment) are features, or more likely feature clusters, that discriminate individuals who are more likely to experience a favourable or unfavourable effect from a specific treatment. Utilization of validated predictive biomarkers for chronic low back pain (CLBP) treatments is a plausible strategy to guide patients more rapidly to effective treatments thereby reducing wastage of finite healthcare funds on treatments that are ineffective (or potentially harmful). Yet, few predictive biomarkers have been successfully validated in clinical studies. This paper summarizes work by the Phenotype/Precision Spine Focus Group of the International Society for the Study of the Lumbar Spine that addressed: (1) relevant definitions for terminology; (2) advantages and disadvantages of different research approaches for the specification of predictive biomarkers; (3) methods for assessment of clinical validity; (4) approaches for their implementation; (5) barriers to predictive biomarker identification; and (6) a prioritised list of recommendations for the development and refinement of predictive biomarkers for CLBP. Key recommendations include the harmonisation of data collection, data sharing, integration of theoretical models, development of new treatments, and health economic analyses to inform cost-benefit of assessments and the application of matched treatments. The complexity of CLBP demands large datasets to derive meaningful progress. This will require coordinated and substantive collaboration involving multiple disciplines and across the research spectrum from the basic sciences to clinical applications.
An immunohistochemical approach to cell wall polysaccharide specialization in maritime pine (Pinus pinaster) needles
Authors: Michavila Santiago , Encina Antonio , De la Rubia Alfonso G. , Centeno María Luz , García-Angulo Penélope
Published: February 2025

Pine needles are specialized leaves bearing distinctive anatomical features whose function is to minimize water loss. At the molecular level, needle specialization is expected to lead to heterogeneity in cell wall (CW) composition. By immunohistochemical analysis of CW epitopes in maritime pine (Pinus pinaster) needles, we described the variability of CW composition in all tissues, discussing its possible relationship with the cell function. Cells specialized in water transport, tracheids, transfusion tracheids, and endodermis, together with epi/hypodermal and stomatal cells, had similar CW composition, where epitopes for pectins (homogalacturonan and rhamnogalacturonan-I), xyloglucan, and heteroxylans were abundant. Heteroxylans differ between the dermis, enriched in arabinoxylan, and endodermis, enriched in glucuronoxylan. Xylem CWs were very rich in (arabino)xylans and homogalacturonan and distinctively lacked immunolabelling for rhamnogalacturonan-I. CWs from phloem, transfusion phloem, mesophyll, and resin ducts were enriched in homogalacturonan, rhamnogalacturonan-I, and xyloglucan, showing a low content for heteroxylan epitopes. Arabinogalactan proteins were detected in mesophyll and in cells specialized in solute transport such as phloem, duct sheath, and guard cells. These results show that tissues with similar functions have similar polysaccharide composition, shedding light on the role of CW components through different tissues.
Mapping the therapeutic landscape in emergency incisional hernia: a scoping review
Authors: Quiroga-Centeno Andrea Carolina , Schaaf Sebastian , Morante-Perea Ana Pilar , Antoniou Stavros A. , Bougard Heather , Bracale Umberto , Giovannini Sara Capoccia , Deerenberg Eva , Fortelny René H. , Gaarder Christine , García-Ureña Miguel Ángel , Gilmore Katie , Gomez-Ochoa Sergio Alejandro , Köckerling Ferdinand , Pawlak Maciej , Pecchini Francesca , Pereira-Rodriguez José A. , Renard Yohann , Romain Benoît , Schembari Elena , Theodorou Alexis , Stabilini Cesare
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Incisional hernias (IH) represent common complications following abdominal surgeries, with emergency repair associated with increased morbidity and mortality. This scoping review aimed to map the existing literature on emergency incisional hernia repair, identify research gaps, and inform future guideline development.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed MEDLINE and SCOPUS for studies published between January 2000 and August 2024. Articles addressing any aspect of emergency incisional hernia repair in adults were included. Data extraction focused on study characteristics, patient demographics, surgical approaches, and outcomes.

Results

Of 801 unique articles identified, 73 met the inclusion criteria. Most were cohort studies (73.97%), with only one randomized trial. The primary areas of interest were repair methods (47.95%), operative outcomes (31.51%), risk assessment (16.44%), and diagnosis (5.48%). Pooled analysis revealed a predominantly female (63%), elderly (mean age 62.3 years), and comorbid patient population. The most frequent study endpoints were readmission (18%), surgical site infection (12%), reoperation (8%), and mortality (4%). Significant heterogeneity was observed in defect characterization and surgical techniques.

Conclusion

This review highlights a paucity of randomized studies guiding emergency incisional hernia management. Key issues identified include inconsistent definitions of emergency presentation, limited data on hernia characteristics, and a lack of standardized outcome reporting. Future research should focus on developing a unified classification system for emergency incisional hernias, evaluating the role of imaging in decision-making, and conducting comparative studies on various treatment strategies across different clinical scenarios.
Long-term follow-up and operative performance metrics of inguinal hernioplasty training in the Dominican Republic
Authors: Diaz Quilvio Colon , Morel Jose , Castillo Cesar , Velasquez Alvaro Torres , Novas Taty Gisselle Medina , Walters Ryan W. , Lawson Corey , Sosa Sardis , Nunez Cynthia , Rodriguez Jorge , Campanelli Giampiero , Chen David , Filipi Charles J.
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The long-term outcomes of inguinal hernioplasty are crucial for evaluating patient benefits, though follow-up can be challenging, especially in low and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Methods

Program coordinators in the Dominican Republic reached out to 288 patients operated on between 2014 and 2019 under a Hernia Repair for the Underserved (HRFU) training initiative. Each patient underwent an anterior Lichtenstein procedure performed by either an international HRFU expert surgeon (128 patients) or two local Dominican surgeons (160 patients) certified using the Operative Performance Rating Scale (OPRS).

Results

Long-term outcomes were obtained from 30% (86/288) of patients. Follow-up data were obtained from 12% (35/288) of patients by a history and physical examination by independent Dominican surgeons. 18% (51/288) completed telephone follow-up using a four-question survey tailored for standard inguinal hernia outcomes. The phone questionnaire follow-up method (18%) was more effective than the H & P. One patient required reoperation for a mesh granuloma and one had a reoperation for a recurrent hernia. The average length of follow-up was 52 months.

Conclusion

This study reports the longest durations of follow-up after inguinal hernia repair performed in a LMIC and the longest clinical outcomes follow-up of operations performed using the OPRS training method.
Exclusive application of tree-ring anatomy for reconstruction of past landslide behavior
Authors: Šilhán Karel
Published: February 2025

Tree-ring-based analyses currently represent a modern, continuously evolving, and effective tool for the spatio-temporal reconstruction of past landslide movements. Although the use of standard macroscopic landslide signals is still more common, this classical approach has significant limitations. Recent research, however, shows that changes in the anatomical structure of tree rings can serve as a more efficient source of landslide signals. Thus, this unique pioneering study was conducted on two active landslides with the aim of reconstructing their spatio-temporal behavior using only anatomical responses, which are not accompanied by macroscopic manifestations. A total of 54 disturbed trees (Fagus sylvatica L. and Acer pseudoplatanus L.) were sampled. The only anatomical parameter examined was the change in vessel lumen area (VLA), which was analyzed to detect landslide signals. The results identified 17 and 12 landslide signals at the two sites, respectively, corresponding to four and three landslide events over the past several decades. The study found that anatomical changes in vessel lumen area effectively captured landslide events, offering advantages over traditional macroscopic approaches by minimizing noise and avoiding the masking of younger events by older ones. However, this methodology is most suitable for certain types of landslides, particularly flow-like and translational types with tension cracks that affect the root systems of trees. The results suggest that further refinement, including geophysical surveys to optimize sampling locations, could enhance the accuracy of this dendrogeomorphic approach. Thus, this study demonstrates the potential of using exclusively anatomical responses in tree rings for landslide reconstruction. While this method requires more resources than traditional approaches, it provides a clearer, less noisy record of landslide activity.
Landslide studying and monitoring by combining digital models from aerial visible and infrared photogrammetry
Authors: Mineo Simone , Caliò Davide , Intelisano Marco , Pappalardo Giovanna
Published: February 2025

In this paper, a methodological framework to study and monitor a landslide through visible and infrared photogrammetry is presented. The procedure is applied to a coastal landslide that occurred within a nature reserve in 1993, which was surveyed using aerial sensors. Two types of landslide dense point clouds were generated through photogrammetry algorithms: the first arose from photos taken in daylight, while the second was realized with infrared images taken in dark environmental conditions, providing an innovation hint to the study. The combined analysis of the two models allowed achieving a morphological characterization of the landslide, through the recognition and mapping of the main features. Both models gave also hints on the presence of major structural planes controlling the landsliding motif of the studied cliff, which were measured at both the cliff and rock mass scales, through digital rock mass surveys at selected outcrops. Results allowed recognizing two main discontinuity sets, likely related to the major tectonic systems crossing the area. Finally, since the daylight surveys were repeated in 2021 and 2024, the resulting models were compared also to a preliminary dense point cloud built by using some 2014 landslide perspective photos. The so set 10-year monitoring suggested that the zone of depletion is affected by secondary movements, such as minor rockfalls and shallow denudation, while the foot is undergoing erosion by wave action. The combined analysis of visible and thermal dense point clouds proved a successful procedure for a complete landslide morphological and structural characterization, resulting in a reliable operation alternative to conventional surveys in restricted areas. Moreover, the digital monitoring allowed evaluating the evolution of key parts of the landslides, providing useful information in the frame of possible stabilization works or territorial planning.
Is Stalnaker’s Semantics Complete?
Authors: Kocurek Alexander W.
Published: February 2025

It is shown that one common formulation of Stalnaker’s semantics for conditionals is incomplete: it has no sound and (strongly) complete proof system. At first, this seems to conflict with well-known completeness results for this semantics (e.g., Stalnaker and Thomason 1967, Stalnaker 1970 and Lewis 1973, ch. 6). As it turns out, it does not: these completeness results rely on another closely-related formulation of the semantics that is provably complete. Specifically, the difference comes down to how the Limit Assumption is stated. I close with some remarks about what this means for the logic of conditionals.
X-Ray Computed Tomography Study of the Microstructure of Superconducting MgB2 Bulks
Authors: Wang Yingqing , Grovenor Chris , Speller Susannah , Shollock Barbara , Mousavi Tayebeh
Published: February 2025

MgB2 is a promising candidate for commercial superconducting applications because, as grain boundaries in MgB2 are not weak links, there are fewer limitations on the choice of processing technique compared to high-temperature superconducting (HTS) cuprates. MgB2 bulks are usually manufactured by powder processing techniques followed by a sintering process. After sintering, the impurity phases such as MgO and MgB4 along with porosity are formed which strongly affect the superconducting properties mainly the macroscopic path for supercurrent in MgB2 bulks. Investigation of these microstructural features is essential to improve the superconducting properties of these bulks. In this work, high-resolution laboratory X-ray computed tomography (XCT) has been used to investigate the microstructure of MgB2 bulks in three dimensions. The volume fraction of defects and impurity phases along with the size distribution of pores have been studied using this advanced technique. A comparison has been made between the data extracted from conventional characterization techniques such as XRD and SEM and those obtained from the advanced XCT analysis.
Superclub, splitting, separating statements
Authors: Garti Shimon , Shelah Saharon
Published: February 2025

We prove that superclub implies

$$\mathfrak {s}=\omega _1$$

s
=

ω
1

. More generally, if

$$\kappa $$

κ

is weakly compact then superclub implies

$$\mathfrak {s}_\kappa =\kappa ^+$$

s
κ

=

κ
+

. Based on this statement, we separate tiltan from superclub at successors of supercompact cardinals. We also use the Galvin property in order to separate tiltan from superclub at both successors of regular and successors of singular cardinals.
Nonlinear aeroelastic modelling and analysis of a geometrically nonlinear wing with combined unsteady sectional and lifting line aerodynamics
Authors: Jayatilake Sanuja , Lowenberg Mark , Woods Benjamin K. S. , Titurus Branislav
Published: February 2025

This research develops a novel geometrically nonlinear aeroelastic model of a cantilevered flexible wing capable of capturing unsteady aerodynamics with finite span effects. The structural model is developed using a Chebyshev-Ritz approach with the ONERA unsteady aerodynamic formulation coupled to a three-dimensional wing analysis based on the lifting line approach. The resulting system describing the evolution of the generalised structural coordinates and the aerodynamic states is formulated as a continuous state space model. The model is validated against experimental results from the wind tunnel testing of a highly flexible wing demonstrator at the University of Bristol. The numerical results are computed by applying a numerical continuation procedure, exercising the benefits of the state space formulation. The extensive numerical-experimental comparative analysis includes the bifurcation characteristics of the system and the behaviour of the aeroelastic modes. The developed model reflected the experimentally identified bifurcation behaviour. The predicted variations of the flutter onset speed with the wing root pitch angles were found to be within 5% of the experimental values. The model also correctly captured the post-flutter Limit Cycle Oscillation (LCO). This work further showed that the predicted flutter speeds are sensitive to the semi-empirical coefficients present in the ONERA unsteady aerodynamics formulation. Consequently, further calibration of the model was based on the analysis of the experimental flutter speeds and airspeed-driven eigenvalue variations. This approach was necessitated by the influence of application-specific conditions (e.g., the Reynolds number) on the unsteady aerodynamic characteristics. Despite this limitation, the tuned model agreed with the experimental observations across a wide range of test conditions. The approaches presented in this work can benefit multiple applications during research on geometrically nonlinear wings, such as the analysis of root causes influencing critical aeroelastic phenomena or design of aeroelastic control laws.
Prevalence and risk of complications in untreated patients with adult growth hormone deficiency
Authors: Fukuoka Hidenori , Endo Takaaki , Tsuboi Satoshi , Fujio Shingo
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Adult growth hormone deficiency (AGHD) increases the prevalence of complications, including metabolic disorder, leading to increased cardiovascular mortality from cardiovascular diseases. However, no large database studies have evaluated AGHD patients without GH replacement therapy (GHRT). We investigated the prevalence of AGHD-related complications in patients without GHRT.

Methods

Patients with AGHD and associated complications were identified from the Medical Data Vision claims database using Japanese local disease codes mapped to ICD-10 codes. The prevalence of AGHD-related complications in 2020 was estimated to compare with the prevalence in the Japanese general population in the latest available year 2020. Risk factors for complications were evaluated by Kaplan-Meier curves and a Cox proportional hazard model.

Results

We identified 8,809 untreated patients with AGHD from April 2008 to September 2022, including 3,430 in 2020. In 2020, the prevalence of complications was higher in the AGHD population adjusted for sex and age than in the Japanese general population, e.g., diabetes mellitus, 9.3% vs. 3.6%; osteoporosis, 4.8% vs. 1.3%; and dyslipidemia, 22.0% vs. 3.9%. Age was a significant risk factor for most complications, and female sex for osteoporosis. Diabetes mellitus was a significant risk factor for dyslipidemia, ischemic heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, and all-cause death.

Conclusion

Untreated patients with AGHD have a higher prevalence of metabolic complications than the general population despite no difference in their related risk factors. Given the low use of GHRT in this study, comprehensive treatment approaches that include GHRT need to be considered to alleviate the risk of complications.
Reconfiguring History Teachers’ Assessment Practices in the Context of ChatGPT: Charting the New Terrain
Authors: Chimbunde Pfuurai , Moreeng Boitumelo Benjamin
Published: February 2025

Despite extensive research on the concerns with the use of ChatGPT that evolve around cheating, academic integrity, and plagiarism, very little is known on the assessment practices in school history, obscuring our understanding on how history teachers can assess students amid ChatGPT driven challenges. This conceptual paper discusses the challenges of ChatGPT in assessing history students and how history teachers’ assessment practices can be reconfigured to address the ChatGPT-driven challenges. Employing documents and extant literature from the public domain, the paper grounded in Christensen’s theory of disruptive behaviour responded to two questions that underpin the study: what are the challenges of using ChatGPT to assess history students, and how can history teachers reconfigure their assessment practices to address these challenges? Findings shows that while ChatGPT can help students generate and outsource answers for their written assignments, there are clear advantages to its use, which history teachers must consider as they reimagine and reconceptualise how to evade the destructive roles of ChatGPT in assessment practices. The study recommends that educational institutions explore the potential and difficulties associated with ChatGPT in specific subject areas and develop suitable implementation techniques to contribute to a more fair and effective learning environment for students.
Busy boards and environmental, social and governance performance: a gender perspective on NASDAQ-100 firms
Authors: Piñeiro-Chousa Juan , López-Pérez M. Luisa , López-Cabarcos M. Ángeles , Šević Aleksandar
Published: February 2025

The composition of corporate boards determines board governance and influences firm performance. In the current corporate environment, greater emphasis is being placed on the environmental, social and governance performance of companies. In this sense, board members serving on multiple corporate boards have emerged as relevant corporate governance mechanisms. Using the OLS model on sample data composed of companies listed on the NASDAQ-100 Index, this research aims to evaluate the effect of busy boards and the tenure of board members on ESG performance from a gender perspective. The results indicate that board networks, experience, and knowledge have a positive effect on Bloomberg’s and S&P Global ESG scores, with female directors and independent directors playing an important role. In this way, the human and social capital of corporate boards is a valuable resource for corporate governance. This research contributes to identifying the principal attributes of corporate boards that influence ESG performance.
Dance and the Embodied Social Cognition of Mating: Carlos Saura’s Tango in the Perspective of the Tie-Up Theory
Authors: Lucchi Basili Lorenza , Sacco Pier Luigi
Published: February 2025

This paper analyzes Carlos Saura’s film Tango through the theoretical lens of the Tie-Up Theory to explore how fictional narratives can serve as laboratories for investigating the embodied social cognition of romantic relationships. The study shows how dance, particularly tango, functions both as subject matter and cognitive metaphor in representing the complex dynamics of couple formation and maintenance. The film’s meta-representational structure, combining the creation of a dance performance with the exploration of actual relationships, reveals how cultural forms serve as cognitive scaffolds for understanding complex social dynamics. The study contributes to our understanding of how artistic representation can reveal typically implicit aspects of relationship cognition by demonstrating the value of integrating multidisciplinary perspectives of cognitive theory, psychology of mating, and cultural theory.
Scientific investigation of the 20th century bronze bell in Asyut, Egypt: insight into materials, chemical composition and preservation status
Authors: Mohamed Niazy Mostafa , Elmetwaly Mohammed Samir
Published: February 2025

This research presents an historical background and an analytical and study of a bell dating back to the 20th century, currently located at Al Salam Modern School, an ancient school, formerly known as the American College in Asyut, Egypt, which was established during the period between 1901 and 1909. The bell consists of metal parts (Bowl, Yoke, Standards, Clapper, Clevis Bolt, Toller, and Bearing) and wooden parts (Base or Frame and Wheel). These components were studied and analyzed using microscopic examination, Portable X-ray fluorescence (p-XRF) Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), coupled with an energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Visual and microscopic examination revealed the presence of corrosion products on the surface of the bell and its metal parts, bird droppings, embrittlement of the wood structure, fiber breakage, and accumulation of dust. The bell’s wooden parts were identified as oak using a light microscope. The body of the bell itself was analyzed using p-XRF and EDX, which revealed that the alloy used for its making is mainly composed of copper and tin, known as tin-bronze alloy. XRD analysis was used to identify the corrosion products on the surface of the bronze bell as well as the corrosion products of the parts made of iron. The results revealed that the corrosion products formed on the bell surface are Nantokite, Paratacamite, Atacamite, Brochantite, Antlerite, Cassiterite and Gypsum, while the rust products on the iron parts are Magnetite, Hematite, Goethite, Akaganeite, Lepidocrocite and Gypsum. FTIR analysis of the wooden parts of the bell showed the embrittlement and the decomposition of hemicellulose and lignin. This analysis also showed that the paints used in painting the wooden parts is a local paint known as ARTEX (Pachin).
How do Process Mining Users Act, Think, and Feel?
Authors: Ammann Jana , Lohoff Laura , Wurm Bastian , Hess Thomas
Published: February 2025

Process mining, a family of techniques for analyzing large amounts of data collected on business processes, has gained significant practical and academic importance. Extant process mining research mainly examines technical aspects. Only recently has research started to investigate organizational aspects of process mining, such as how organizations use process mining to create business value. On an individual level, research has examined the analysis strategies of individual process mining analysts. So far, however, the literature does not provide a holistic investigation of individual process mining use, including individuals’ behavior, cognition, and affective states. Yet, understanding individual process mining use is pivotal for realizing its organizational value. To address this shortcoming, this paper examines the individual use of process mining employing a multiple case study with process mining users from six large organizations in a post-adoption context, i.e., in organizations that have several years of experience with process mining. Based on the configuration of how process mining users act, think, and feel in practice, four distinct process mining user categories were identified: (1) process mining influencers, (2) power users, (3) process participants, and (4) strategic users. For practitioners, the findings provide insights into the actual process mining use of individuals and what shapes their use patterns. This information enables tailoring process mining training and algorithms to specific user categories.
Discovering new interaction between genes in extrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma using Bayesian networks
Authors: Salboukh Fatemeh , Jahanimoghadam Aria , Mousavi Yashar
Published: February 2025

Extrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma (eCCA) is one of the most severe cancers, owing to ineffective therapeutics and resistance to treatments. There has been a lack of knowledge on the pathogenesis of eCCA, which necessitates the investigation of fine biomarkers and the discovery of targeted therapies. Bayesian networks (BNs) are known as impactful tools for dissecting gene-gene interaction in complex biological networks. Initially, we identified differentially expressed genes in eCCA using the GSE132305 dataset from GEO. eCCA-related genes were obtained separately from DisGeNET. The overlap of these two gene sets resulted in a robust minimal gene list with known roles in eCCA. We then proceeded to select the highest up-and down-regulated genes to combine them with the overlapped genes. This led us to the final dataset which was later used as the input for “bnlearn” R package to generate BNs. Investigation of the generated BNs, led to the detection of candidate genes being connected to the parent nodes, namely APOC1, PIGR, FOSB, RPS6, FGA, CTSE, and ITIH2. Further literature review revealed that out of seven candidate genes, only two (FOSB and FGA) had been reported previously in the context of cholangiocarcinoma. The other five (APOC1, PIGR, RPS6, CTSE and ITIH2) have not been reported to have any roles in eCCA. Our results can potentially be the foundation for designing new studies on the mentioned genes to delve into the molecular mechanism behind the pathogenesis of eCCA and the discovery of novel drug targets. This study emphasizes the power of BNs combined with bioinformatics tools to unlock new avenues in the understanding and treatment of complex diseases such as eCCA.
Investigation of welded joints on a medium-manganese steel for use under cryogenic conditions as an alternative to 9% Ni steels
Authors: Reppin Christoph , Treutler Kai , Brätz Oliver , Gericke Andreas , Henkel Knuth-Michael
Published: February 2025

The importance of technical gases has been increasing worldwide for several years. Liquefied natural gas for shipping and land-based transport are becoming increasingly important, especially as a result of political requirements to reduce emissions and climate targets. The significantly increased storage efficiency due to lower volumes means that transport and storage are mainly carried out in a cryogenic condition. However, these conditions imply special requirements for the materials used. In recent years, the 9% Ni steel has been increasingly used for cryogenic applications. This is due to the significantly higher strength properties and the resulting mass reduction compared with cold-tough high-nickel austenitic steels. In addition to the comparatively low strength of high-nickel austenites, the higher prices and susceptibility to raw material market-based price fluctuations make the materials economically unattractive for use with high material requirements. The increased requirements of liquid hydrogen storage for low-temperature toughness are pushing the conventional low-temperature materials used to their limits. For the qualification of medium manganese austenites for the maritime applications, the welding processing of an X2CrMnNiN17-7–5 is investigated and compared with results of the 9% Ni steel.
Neurodiversity: A Behavior Analyst’s Perspective
Authors: Nicolosi Michael , Dillenburger Karola
Published: February 2025

A neurodiversity movement (NDM) has gained momentum, mainly driven by autistic self-advocates. The main argument of the NDM is that neurodivergent people experience discrimination that is on par with the historical discrimination of other minority groups. In this article, we propose a behavior analyst’s perspective on the NDM. We first explore the history and emergence of the concept of neurodiversity and its neurological as well as psychological basis. We consider its potential for generating what some consider a zero-sum game, in which one group makes all the gains potentially at the expense of another group. We finish with the suggestion that a win–win situation is possible if the focus shifts proactively to advocacy for all persons with autism, including those with very high support needs who often are not able to advocate actively for themselves and who tend to benefit greatly from evidence-based behavior-analytic interventions.
Spectroscopy on superconductor surface modulated by periodic nanostructures
Authors: Yu Qiaoyan , Liu Yufeng , Yang Yi , Liu Dang , Xue Shasha , Chen Xingsen , Xi Ruijun , Sun Jice , Du Xian , Zhang Yi , Ning Xuhui , Miao Tingwen , Hu Pengyu , Luo Weidong , Yang Hao , Guan Dandan , Liu Xiaoxue , Liu Liang , Li Yaoyi , Wang Shiyong , Liu Canhua , Zheng Hao , Jia Jinfeng
Published: February 2025

Superconductors covered with periodic superstructures have attracted enormous research attention recently. However, most studies focus on the superstructures with periodicity longer than the superconductor coherence length. Here, we investigate the vacuum-cleaved 2H-NbSe2 by scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy. We reveal single-layer-high periodic nanostructures on the 2H-NbSe2 surface, which arranges in about 15 nm period, i.e. similar to the coherence length of 2H-NbSe2. Our position-dependent tunneling spectroscopy uncovers that the superconductivity at zero magnetic field is only marginally affected by the nanostructure, but the vortex shape is drastically altered. Our results establish the foundation for further research on nanostructures on superconductors.
Monotheism and Peacebuilding
Authors: Brewer John D
Published: February 2025

This Element addresses the opportunities and constraints operating on monotheistic peacebuilding, focusing on the three Abrahamic faiths, Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, which share a common origin. These opportunities and constraints are approached through what the volume calls 'the paradox of monotheism'. Monotheism is defined by belief in one omnipotent, benign, and loving God, but this God does not or cannot prevent violence, war, and conflict. Moreover, monotheism can actually promote conflict between the Abrahamic faiths, and with other world religions, giving us the puzzle of holy wars fought in God's name. The first section of the Element outlines the paradox of monotheism and its implications for monotheistic peacebuilding; the second section addresses the peacebuilding efforts of three Abrahamic monotheistic religions and the constraints that operate as a result of the paradox of monotheism. This paradox tends to limit monotheistic peacebuilding to inter-faith dialogue, which often does not go far enough.
Presidential Address. Revise that Syllabus: Malthus and the Historical Imagination
Authors: Valenze Deborah
Published: February 2025

This article was presented as the Presidential Address at the North American Conference on British Studies in Baltimore in November 2023.
It Was Never About the Snakes: Synanon, Cult, and the Devil in Religious Studies
Authors: Logan Dana
Published: February 2025

Against historians of religion who have argued that “cult” is just a term for a religion that people do not like, this article argues that “cult” has historical definitions in addition to its normative dimensions. The term’s meaning as a group that “brainwashes” stems in part from the post–World War II rise of groups that blend religion and recovery, and which are promoted by the American judicial system and federal dollars. Synanon, a group that originated the American model of a drug treatment center, allows us a unique entry point into this reassessment. Synanon argued that addiction, as just one of many “life-controlling issues,” required mutual discipline and containment. The article affirms members’ and critics’ description of the group as a cult that incarcerated its members and designed rituals to hurt them. Because of Synanon’s unique relationship to state-sponsored drug rehab, these conditions are not unique to the group. Further, the author’s affirmation of her subjects’ language cannot be separated from the normative valence of “cult.” Counter to the arguments of scholars such as J.Z. Smith, David Chidester, and Robert Orsi, scholars need to do more than describe when religions hurt people. We can also, through historical work, name when religion is designed to abuse, incarcerate, and experiment on people.
Morphology and molecular characterization of a new species of Tereancistrum parasite from the gills of Brycon nattereri
Authors: Hasuike W.T. , Scorsim B. , Arjona I.S. , Amaral R.B. , Damacena-Silva L. , Araújo G.A. , Bellay S. , de Oliveira A.V. , Takemoto R.M.
Published: February 2025

A new species of Tereancistrum Kritsky, Thatcher & Kayton, 1980, collected from the gills of Brycon nattereri (Bryconidae) in the Cerrado, in the state of Goiás, Brazil, is described based on morphological and molecular data, based on the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) gene region. Tereancistrum campanum n. sp. is distinguished from all its congeners by the unique ‘bell-shaped’ accessory piece in the male copulatory complex. Molecular analysis revealed that the specimens analyzed formed a distinct group from other Tereancistrum sequences and that the sequences of Tereancistrum kerri showed genetic divergence when compared to T. campanum n. sp., confirming the molecular distinction between the two species. This study also expands the knowledge of parasitic diversity in the Tocantins-Araguaia River Basin and extends the geographical distribution of the genus Tereancistrum. The combination of morphological and genetic data was essential for delimiting this new species, highlighting the importance of integrative approaches in understanding the diversity of monogeneans in freshwater fish in Brazil.
Major life events as drivers of perceived linguistic change across adulthood
Authors: Wirtz Mason A. , Pickl Simon
Published: February 2025

This article is the first to quantify the interindividual effects of different major life events (MLEs) on retrospective perceptions of individual-level linguistic change across the adult lifespan. In this cross-sectional study, 701 German-speaking participants from Austria completed an online survey measuring the extent to which MLEs in the educational, occupational, and personal domain are associated with perceived changes in productive and affective-attitudinal aspects of the sociolinguistic repertoire. Bayesian modeling revealed that events such as beginning a tertiary degree, entry into the workforce, and retirement were perceived to impact participants’ varietal use. Overall, however, affective-attitudinal factors such as dialect identity appear to be more readily susceptible to perceived MLE-related change. These results help pave a new path for variationist agendas that approach lifespan linguistic change not as a result of chronological age, but rather as a phenomenon influenced by individual experiential factors complexly intertwined with the process of aging.
Language switch costs in sentence comprehension between Chinese and English: Evidence from self-paced reading
Authors: Zhu Mengyan , Sturt Patrick , Damian Markus
Published: February 2025

Effects of language switching in bilinguals have been extensively investigated, but the majority of studies have focused on switching in language production. Here we explored intrasentential switching between Chinese and English, employing a self-paced reading paradigm, with Chinese/English using radically different orthographic systems. In addition, we investigated whether L2 (English) proficiency influences switch costs. Results revealed that switch costs emerged only when switching into L1 (Chinese); by contrast, when switching into L2, a less reliable facilitatory effect was observed. L2 proficiency affected reading speed for English stimuli, but it did not directly modulate switch costs. Moreover, we have integrated various findings from previous research and identified that the use of different comparison patterns is a major contributing factor to the inconsistency in results among prior studies. We suggest that in cross-script language switching, switch costs stem from a general cognitive control mechanism rather than from activation within the bilingual mental lexicon.