bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcutaneous electrical acustimulation promotes wound healing in mice by modulating signaling molecules and mitochondria function
Authors: Han Rong , Chen Menghua , Peng Wang , Yue Jianbo , Hu Jinlian
Published: February 2025

Previous research has identified a variety of factors that contribute to the development and maintenance of wounds. Concurrently, electroacupuncture has been demonstrated to facilitate wound healing. However, the effects of transcutaneous electrical acustimulation (TEA) on wound healing, as well as its relationship with key factors such as Wnt3a, TGF-β, Akt, c-Myc, VEGF-A, SP1, nitric oxide (NO), and mitochondrial function, remain largely unexplored. We hypothesize that TEA will activate the signaling factors and enhance mitochondrial functions to promote the repair of skin wounds in mice. An in vivo experimental study was conducted utilizing mouse models with skin wounds. The study comprised three groups: a TEA treatment with wound group, a skin wound model group, and a control group. Wound areas were measured by calculating the product of the length and width of each wound using calipers. Single-cell suspensions were prepared by excising the wound and the immediately surrounding tissue. These suspensions were stained with Trypan blue to assess cell viability, with specific probes to measure the rate of reactive oxygen species (ROS) positivity, and with reagents to quantify NO content. Western blotting (WB) was employed to evaluate protein levels associated with tissue changes, while quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to assess RNA expression levels. Immunofluorescence staining was performed to visualize protein content and other relevant cellular structures within tissue sections. TEA exhibited anti-inflammatory properties and promoted wound healing in mice. Western blot analysis revealed that TEA enhanced the expression of proteins associated with Wnt3a, TGF-β, Akt, c-Myc, VEGF-A, and SP1 during the wound healing process. Immunofluorescence staining of tissue sections indicated that TEA upregulated the expression of COL1A1, MFN1, GRP75, GRP78, GRP75/ROS, GRP78/ROS, ISCU, and UCP1 while downregulating FIS1. Additionally, qPCR results demonstrated that TEA promoted the expression of IL-10 and miRNA205-5p while inhibiting MMP9 levels. TEA modulates various signaling molecules, influences chaperone proteins related to stress recovery responses, along with mitochondrial dynamics and metabolism.

Graphical abstract
Developmental processes in the Rosaceae through the lens of DNA and RNA methylation
Authors: Lawson Tamunonengiye-Ofori , Selva Juan-Pablo , Carballo José , Caccamo Mario , Sargent Daniel J. , Šurbanovski Nada
Published: February 2025

Main conclusion

This review discusses the DNA and RNA methylation pathways and their biological roles in Rosaceae developmental processes relevant for breeding and production.

The Rosaceae is a plant family of great importance for human nutrition and health. Many traits and developmental processes of the Rosaceae are influenced by epigenetic methylation, functions of which are now being unravelled in several important species of this family. Methylation of DNA at the 5th position of cytosine (5mC) is a well-established epigenetic mark that affects important cellular processes such as gene expression and genome stability and is involved in a wide range of plant biological functions. Further to this, recent technological advances have uncovered other naturally occurring chemical modifications of DNA and RNA as additional layers of regulatory epigenetic information in plants. In this review we give a comprehensive summary of plant 5-methylcytosine DNA methylation mechanisms and review their components identified in species of the Rosaceae family. We detail and discuss the role of 5mC DNA methylation dynamics in Rosaceae developmental processes, including phase transition, bud development, bud dormancy, plant architecture, plant regeneration, fruit development, ripening and senescence. We then review recent advances in understanding the newly identified nucleic acid modifications, N

6
-adenosine methylation of DNA (6mA) and RNA (m6A) as additional epigenetic mechanisms. We summarise identified components of adenosine methylation pathways in the Rosaceae and discuss the emerging roles of this modification in plant development including recent findings in Rosaceous species. Integrating epigenetic aspects of plant development with plant genetics and physiology is crucial for understanding biological processes in Rosaceous plants.
On the maximization of the likelihood for the generalized gamma distribution: the modified maximum likelihood approach
Authors: Arslan Talha , Acitas Sukru , Senoglu Birdal
Published: February 2025

Maximum likelihood (ML) estimation of parameters of the generalized gamma (GG) distribution has been considered in several papers, and some of them stated that the ML estimation has some computational difficulties. Therefore, different approaches including numerical methods have been proposed for the ML estimation of parameters of the GG distribution. However, it is known that using numerical methods may have some drawbacks, e.g., non-convergence of iterations, multiple roots, and convergence to the wrong root. In this study, we rehabilitate the ML procedure via the modified ML (MML) methodology and obtain the likelihood equations in which two of them have explicit solutions, and the remaining one should be solved numerically. Since the MML methodology explicitly solves two of three likelihood equations, the mentioned drawbacks are alleviated. We also propose a simple algorithm to obtain the estimates of the parameters of the GG distribution. Then, the GG distribution is used for modeling the real data sets, and the performance of the proposed algorithm is compared with the Broyden–Fletcher–Goldfarby–Shanno (BFGS) and Nelder–Mead (NM) algorithms. The results show that the proposed algorithm is preferable to the BFGS and NM algorithms in terms of computational sense when considering the GG distribution.
Screening for depression, anxiety, and psychological distress associated with low back pain by musculoskeletal and spinal clinicians. A scoping review
Authors: Sugrue Julie , McKenna Sean , Purtill Helen , O’Sullivan Kieran
Published: February 2025

Purpose

A biopsychosocial assessment of a person with low back pain (LBP) should include the detection of psychological risk factors. Pragmatically, clinicians often use their clinical impression rather than questionnaires to screen for psychological risk factors. This scoping review explores how accurately depression, anxiety, and psychological distress can be identified by musculoskeletal (MSK) or spinal clinicians using clinical impression alone.

Methods

The study protocol was pre-registered on Open Science Framework (OSF) https://osf.io/pt3a6/. A comprehensive search strategy using five databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, Academic Search Complete, APA PsycInfo, APA PsycArticles) was conducted by two independent reviewers, with additional searching of references. Studies must have included adults with LBP, who were assessed by MSK or spinal clinician for depression, anxiety or psychological distress using their clinical impression as well as a reference standard questionnaire. Data were synthesised descriptively and thematically for each psychological factor separately.

Results

Eight studies involving MSK clinicians (n = 4) and spinal clinicians (n = 4) were eligible. Four different reference standard questionnaires were used. Overall MSK and spinal clinicians were not accurate at identifying depression, anxiety or psychological distress in adults with LBP using only clinical impression. Mean sensitivity for accurate identification of high reference standard questionnaire scores for depression, anxiety, and psychological distress ranged between 12.0% and 40.0%. Mean sensitivity was marginally higher when the threshold was reduced to analyse clinician ability to accurately capture any abnormal psychological state (34.0% to 54.1%). Mean specificity values across higher thresholds ranged from 88.7% to 93.6%.

Conclusion

Overall, clinician impression alone is insufficient for MSK and spinal clinicians to accurately identify depression, anxiety and psychological distress in adults with LBP. The general tendency of the clinicians was to underestimate their presence. Without formal assessment of the psychological status of patients with LBP, clinicians will have an incomplete understanding of concordant psychological factors, and may fail to notice the requirement to refer on for appropriate psychological management.
Clinical and epidemiological differences in staphylococcal osteoarticular infections: insights for developing hospital-based infection control interventions
Authors: Figueiredo João , Lindo Jorge , Chaves Catarina , Nogueira Célia
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Osteoarticular infections (OAI) are serious clinical conditions with Staphylococcus aureus and Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CoNS) responsible for up to two-thirds of cases. This work aimed to compare the epidemiological, clinical, and microbiological characteristics of OAI caused by S. aureus versus CoNS to aid in clinical management and infection control strategies.

Methods

A single-centre retrospective study was performed at the Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra for the period of January 2011 to December 2021. A total of 458 cases of OAI were gathered. Data was retrieved from medical records and statistical analysis was performed with SPSS.

Results

S. aureus accounted for 60.7% of infections, followed by S. epidermidis (29.9%). Independent risk factors for S. aureus infections included being male (p < 0.001; OR = 0.47) and a history of osteomyelitis (p < 0.001; OR = 0.18). In contrast, CoNS infections were associated with older age (p = 0.018), carrying a prosthetic device (p < 0.001; OR = 2.92), and a prior periprosthetic infection (p = 0.023; OR = 1.86). Both groups exhibited significant antimicrobial resistance, with CoNS showing greater resistance to gentamicin, linezolid, teicoplanin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, while S. aureus was more commonly resistant to clindamycin.

Conclusion

Our findings show the distinct characteristics of OAI caused by S. aureus and CoNS, highlighting the need for targeted risk factor management and tailored empiric antibiotic therapy to reduce incidence and improve outcomes.
Three-dimensional architecture of the palmar plate of the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint in infant macaque
Authors: Sato Hiroko , Shimada Tatsuo , Hosoyama Tsuguaki , Shibuta Yutaro , Kaku Nobuhiro
Published: February 2025

The palmar plate is a crucial structural part of hand, associated with metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joints. Pediatric disorders involving the palmar plate of thumb metacarpophalangeal joint include trigger thumb, hyperextension, instability, and dislocation. While anatomical differences exist between children and adults, detailed microstructure evaluations in infants remain unexplored. In this study, we provide a histological and structural assessment of the previously unresolved microstructure of the palmar plate in the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint of infant Japanese macaques (Cercopithecidae, Macaca fuscata), a relevant model for human development. Histological staining (light microscopy) and scanning electron microscopy were employed to visualize the three-dimensional microstructure. The palmar plate of the infant macaque was found to contain (1) elastic fibers, (2) hyaline cartilage composed of type II collagen, and (3) type I collagen fibers arranged in distinct patterns. The cartilaginous region exhibited a reticulate fiber arrangement on its periphery, while the membranous region displayed dense and complex fibers on the proximal phalanx side and parallel on the metacarpal side, respectively. This is the first comprehensive three-dimensional investigation of the infant’s thumb’s palmar microanatomy, providing a foundation for understanding its development and implications for pediatric disorders.
Enhancing display resolution through virtual pixel creation: a software-based approach for existing displays
Authors: Carmona-Ballester David , Bonaque-González Sergio , Trujillo-Sevilla Juan M. , Ceruso Sabato , Rodríguez-Ramos José M.
Published: February 2025

The increasing demand for high-resolution displays has spurred advancements in pixel density; however, certain applications, such as head-mounted displays (HMDs) and image projectors, still suffer from noticeable pixel structures that degrade user experience. Conventional methods of resolution enhancement are often complex and costly, limiting their practicality. To address this, we propose a software-based methodology for improving screen resolution through controlled optical defocus. This method introduces a blur into the system, generating overlapping virtual pixels in the image space. The original image is pre-compensated, considering the altered intensity distribution caused by these virtual pixels. Consequently, the displayed image is perceived as having higher resolution than the native display. We present the mathematical foundations of this methodology, which were validated through computational analysis and real-world implementations on HMDs and projectors. The proposed approach distinguishes itself from previous works on overlapping sub-frames by requiring only a single display and a single optical element, offering a simpler and more cost-effective solution. Experimental results demonstrate a significant reduction in the screen-door effect for HMDs and an enhanced resolution for projectors, with minimal loss of quality, particularly in contrast. The findings highlight the potential of our approach to open new avenues for the development of these technologies. By providing a practical and effective means of resolution improvement, our methodology holds promise for addressing the challenges associated with pixel structures in various display applications.
The relative risk of infection in people with multiple sclerosis using disease-modifying treatment: a systematic review of observational studies
Authors: Leung M. W. Y. , Garde E. M. W. Van de , Uitdehaag B. M. J. , Klungel O. H. , Bazelier M. T.
Published: February 2025

Background

Some disease-modifying treatments (DMTs) for multiple sclerosis (MS) increase the risk of infection, but it remains unknown how the risk compares between trials and observational studies.

Objective

To assess the current state of observational research on the risk of infection in people with MS and using DMTs.

Methods

PubMed and Embase were searched for observational studies published on or before 4 April 2023 describing infection in people with MS, with a comparison of at least 1 DMT to no DMT or another DMT. We examined which DMT contrasts and types of infection were studied and how often; and compared observational results of the most frequently studied DMT to trial data from a network meta-analysis.

Results

Out of 5373 search records 22 papers were eligible, of which 5 reported relative risks (RRs). In total, 9 DMTs were studied. Out of 45 possible contrasts, 9 were not studied, and 19 once. The most assessed specific type of infection was neurological (n = 11/22 studies). Natalizumab was the most studied DMT contrasting 7 other DMTs or no DMT, with 12 RRs reported. Point estimates of the RRs (compared to no DMT) for respiratory and urinary tract infections were in opposite direction compared to trial data.

Conclusion

Observational study data on the risk of infection in people with MS on DMT are sparse. The growing availability of real-world data on MS and DMT use provides an opportunity to study specific infections on DMT, which is particularly valuable to populations underrepresented in trials.
Effect of Er: YAG laser and different surface treatment methods on the push-out bond strength of glass fiber post to self adhesive resin cement
Authors: Elalfy Nouran Samy Mohammed , Elbasty Reham Said
Published: February 2025

To compare the push-out bond strength of adhesive resin cement and glass fiber posts (GFP) at different root levels after exposure to Er: YAG laser irradiation compared to other conventional surface treatment procedures. A total of 24 mandibular premolars were decoronated, root canal treatment was done, post spaces were prepared, and roots were mounted in acrylic resin blocks. Fiber posts were divided into four groups (n = 6) according to surface treatment methods: (1) silane only (control group), (2) Er: YAG laser 1.5 W + silane, (3) 30% hydrogen peroxide + silane, (4) sandblasting with 50 μm aluminum oxide particles + silane. GFP were cemented using self-adhesive resin cement. Scanning electron microscope images with 500x magnification were taken for all groups. Push-out test was performed using a universal testing machine at different root levels. The difference between groups was statistically significant with laser group recording the highest mean ± SD value of push-out bond strength (5.668042 ± 1.16 MPa), followed by the H2O2 group, then the control group, meanwhile the lowest value was recorded with Sand-blasting group. There were no statistically significant differences between the Control group and Er: YAG group; Control group and sandblasted group. The difference between the radicular regions was not statistically significant, with the middle region recorded the highest push-out bond strength (4.746851 ± 0.73 MPa). GPF surface treatment using an Er: YAG laser is effective as it increases the retention to resin cement, while sandblasting decreases fiber post retention to resin cement. The hydrogen peroxide and the control groups give similar bond strength. The middle and apical regions of GFP have better retention to resin cement than the coronal one.
Pharmacogenomic insights: IL-23R and ATG-10 polymorphisms in Sorafenib response for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: El-Sheshtawy Asmaa M. , Werida Rehab H. , Bahgat Monir Hussein , El-Etreby Shahira , El-Bassiouny Noha A.
Published: February 2025

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer. Sorafenib is the first FDA-approved systemic therapy for advanced HCC. This study investigates the influence of IL-23R (rs7517847) and ATG-10 (rs10514231) genetic polymorphisms on Sorafenib response, survival outcomes, average tolerable dose, and adverse events. This prospective open-label cohort study included 100 HCC patients, assessing IL-23R and ATG-10 genotypes via real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Patient's responses were evaluated using modified RECIST criteria. Statistical analyses evaluated the association of genetic variants with response, progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), average tolerable Sorafenib dose, and adverse events. IL-23R TT carriers had the highest Sorafenib response rate (80%) compared to GT (13.3%) and GG (6.7%) (P = 0.021), while ATG-10 TT carriers had a 13.9-fold increased response likelihood (P = 0.001). The T allele in ATG-10 significantly predicted longer PFS (P = 0.025) and OS (P = 0.011), suggesting a potential prognostic role. IL-23R GG carriers received significantly higher Sorafenib doses than TT (P = 0.0174) and GT (P = 0.0227), whereas ATG-10 had no effect on dosage. However, its CT genotype was significantly associated with a higher risk of Hand–Foot Syndrome (P = 0.012), and independent of dose (P = 0.0018). IL-23R and ATG-10 polymorphisms influence Sorafenib response, survival, and tolerability in HCC patients. Genetic screening may improve personalized treatment strategies by optimizing Sorafenib efficacy and minimizing toxicity.

This trial was registered on clinicaltrials.gov with registration number NCT06030895, registered on “September 11th, 2023,” retrospectively.
Efficacy of irrigation activation methods in removal of bioceramic-based sealer in retreatment
Authors: Cıkrık Büşra Nur , İnce Yusufoğlu Selen
Published: February 2025

In cases where initial root canal therapy is unsuccessful, retreatment is the first treatment choice. However, when bioceramic-based sealers have been used in the initial treatment, their complete removal can be challenging. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of three final irrigation activation methods-conventional needle irrigation, passive ultrasonic activation, and EDDY activation—using a scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) to evaluate the removal of bioceramic-based sealers after retreatment. A total of 108 single-rooted teeth were prepared using ProTaper Next rotary files. The samples were obturated with either MTAFillapex or BioSerra (n = 54) and stored for 2 weeks post-obturation. After the retreatment procedures, the teeth were divided into six groups (n = 18 per group) based on final irrigation activation method used. Group1:MTAFillapex-CNI, Group2:BioSerra-CNI, Group3:MTAFillapex-EDDY, Group4:Bioserra-EDDY, Group5:MTAFillapex-UltraX, Group6:Bioserra-UltraX. The roots were sectioned longitudinally, and the coronal, middle and apical parts were investigated under a SEM. The data were then statistically analysed. The EDDY activation technique proved significantly more effective in removing MTA Fillapex across all sections of the root canal (p < 0.001). In contrast, Ultra-X was more effective in removing Bioserra in the middle and apical sections (p = 0.003, p < 0.001). These findings suggest that activation procedures may be preferable for removing bioceramic-based root canal sealer.
Damage triggered by bioerosion and surface residence time in Holocene shell beds from Brazil
Authors: Sedorko Daniel , Barros João Paulo Porto , Nebelsick James H. , de Barros Gabriel Eduardo Barea , Xavier Juan Bueno , Bó Patrick Führ Dal’ , Castro João Wagner Alencar
Published: February 2025

Holocene shell beds along the Brazilian coast provide critical records of sea level variations influenced by climatic changes. This study examines the taphonomic implications of bioerosional traces in bioclastic accumulations from coastal sites in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. By integrating sedimentological, taphonomic, and taxonomic data, the relationship between bioerosion and shell damage signatures was explored, focusing on three Quaternary localities rich in mollusk shell remains. Detailed analyses using thin sections, X-ray microtomography, and compaction tests identified four distinct bioerosion incipient- traces: Entobia, Caulostrepsis, Meandropolydora, and Oichnus. The results show that the one active depositional site has a higher proportion of bioclasts with bioerosion but fewer shells with taphonomic damage compared to two Holocene sites. The higher fragmentation rates at Holocene sites are linked to longer exposure times of bioeroded shells before final burial. These differences suggest that shorter exposure times lead to lower fragmentation rates despite higher bioerosion levels. Mechanical tests confirmed that bioeroded shells are more fragile, breaking into angular fragments, thereby contributing significantly to shell damage. Thus, bioerosion coupled with moderate surface residence times, plays a crucial role in shell fragmentation, with hydrodynamic conditions being a secondary agent of shell damage in high-energy environments.
Healthy lifestyle changes can improve quality of life: the Healthy Lifestyle Community Program (cohort 2; HLCP-2)
Authors: Weber Ragna-Marie , Anand Corinna , Koeder Christian , Husain Sarah , Schoch Nora , Kettler Carmen , Buyken Anette , Englert Heike
Published: February 2025

Aim

Since unhealthy lifestyle behaviors, risk factors for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), and diseases themselves can independently influence quality of life, lifestyle intervention programs addressing all of these may yield benefits for quality of life. This study aimed to examine the impact of the Healthy Lifestyle Community Program (HLCP-2) on quality of life in adults.

Subject and methods

Data stem from a 24-month, non-randomized controlled lifestyle program which aimed to improve markers of NCD risk. Overall, 187 participants were assigned to either the intervention group (IG; n = 112) receiving a 10-week intensive lifestyle intervention on plant-based diet, physical activity, stress management, and community support, followed by a 22-month alumni phase, or a control group (CG; n = 75), without intervention. Quality of life was assessed by the EQ-5D-3L questionnaire at six measurement time points. Problems in five health dimensions (“mobility”, “self-care”, “usual activities”, “pain/discomfort,” and “anxiety/depression”), a visual analogue scale on self-rated health (EQ VAS), and the German EQ-5D index were addressed.

Results

At baseline, 59.8% of the IG and 59.4% of the CG reported problems in ≥ 1 health dimension, with improvement in the IG at all time points. Compared to baseline, the EQ VAS increased significantly in the IG compared to CG at all time points. The mean EQ-5D index tended to improve in the IG, but changes did not differ significantly from changes in the CG.

Conclusion

A lifestyle community program addressing lifestyle behaviors provides benefits for participants’ self-rated health status, with the greatest effect after the intensive phase.

Trial registration

German Clinical Trials Register DRKS (reference: DRKS00018775; 12.09.2019; retrospectively registered).
Detecting and Salvaging Head Impacts with Decoupling Artifacts from Instrumented Mouthguards
Authors: Gellner Ryan , Begonia Mark T. , Wood Matthew , Rockwell Lewis , Geiman Taylor , Jung Caitlyn , Gellner Blake , MacMartin Allison , Manlapit Sophia , Rowson Steve
Published: February 2025

In response to growing evidence that repetitive head impact exposure and concussions can lead to long-term health consequences, many research studies are attempting to quantify the frequency and severity of head impacts incurred in various sports and occupations. The most popular apparatus for doing so is the instrumented mouthguard (iMG). While these devices hold greater promise of head kinematic accuracy than their helmet-mounted predecessors, data artifacts related to iMG decoupling still plague results. We recreated iMG decoupling artifacts in a laboratory test series using an iMG fit to a dentition mounted in a NOCSAE headform. With these data, we identified time, frequency, and time-frequency features of decoupled head impacts that we used in a machine learning classification algorithm to predict decoupling in six-degree-of-freedom iMG signals. We compared our machine learning algorithm predictions on the laboratory series and 80 video-verified field head acceleration events to several other proprietary and published methods for predicting iMG decoupling. We also present a salvaging method to remove decoupling artifacts from signals and reduce peak resultant error when decoupling is detected. Future researchers should expand these methods using on-field data to further refine and enable prediction of iMG decoupling during live volunteer use. Combining the presented machine learning model and salvaging technique with other published methods, such as infrared proximity sensing, advanced triggering thresholds, and video review, may enable researchers to identify and salvage data with decoupling artifacts that previously would have had to be discarded.
Lallement Functor is a Weak Right Multiadjoint
Authors: Climent Vidal J. , Cosme Llópez E.
Published: February 2025

For a plural signature

$$\Sigma $$

Σ

and with regard to the category

$$\textsf {NPIAlg}(\Sigma )_{\textsf {s}}$$

NPIAlg

(
Σ
)

s

, of naturally preordered idempotent

$$\Sigma $$

Σ

-algebras and surjective homomorphisms, we define a contravariant functor

$$\textrm{Lsys}_{\Sigma }$$

Lsys
Σ

from

$$\textsf {NPIAlg}(\Sigma )_{\textsf {s}}$$

NPIAlg

(
Σ
)

s

to

$$\textsf {Cat}$$

Cat

, the category of categories, that assigns to

$${\textbf {I}}$$

I

in

$$\textsf {NPIAlg}(\Sigma )_{\textsf {s}}$$

NPIAlg

(
Σ
)

s

the category

$${\textbf {I}}$$

I

-

$$\textsf {LAlg}(\Sigma )$$

LAlg
(
Σ
)

, of

$${\textbf {I}}$$

I

-semi-inductive Lallement systems of

$$\Sigma $$

Σ

-algebras, and a covariant functor

$$(\textsf {Alg}(\Sigma )\,{\downarrow _{\textsf {s}}}\, \cdot )$$

(
Alg

(
Σ
)

↓

s

·
)

from

$$\textsf {NPIAlg}(\Sigma )_{\textsf {s}}$$

NPIAlg

(
Σ
)

s

to

$$\textsf {Cat}$$

Cat

, that assigns to

$${\textbf {I}}$$

I

in

$$\textsf {NPIAlg}(\Sigma )_{\textsf {s}}$$

NPIAlg

(
Σ
)

s

the category

$$(\textsf {Alg}(\Sigma )\,{\downarrow _{\textsf {s}}}\, {\textbf {I}})$$

(
Alg

(
Σ
)

↓

s

I
)

, of the coverings of

$${\textbf {I}}$$

I

, i.e., the ordered pairs

$$({\textbf {A}},f)$$

(
A
,
f
)

in which

$${\textbf {A}}$$

A

is a

$$\Sigma $$

Σ

-algebra and "Equation missing" a surjective homomorphism. Then, by means of the Grothendieck construction, we obtain the categories

$$\int ^{\textsf {NPIAlg}(\Sigma )_{\textsf {s}}}\textrm{Lsys}_{\Sigma }$$

∫

NPIAlg

(
Σ
)

s

Lsys
Σ

and

$$\int _{\textsf {NPIAlg}(\Sigma )_{\textsf {s}}}(\textsf {Alg}(\Sigma )\,{\downarrow _{\textsf {s}}}\, \cdot )$$

∫

NPIAlg

(
Σ
)

s

(
Alg

(
Σ
)

↓

s

·
)

; define a functor

$$\mathfrak {L}_{\Sigma }$$

L
Σ

from the first category to the second, which we will refer to as the Lallement functor; and prove that it is a weak right multiadjoint. Finally, we state the relationship between the Płonka functor and the Lallement functor.
On the Impact of CFD Turbulence Models for Premixed $${\text{NH}}_{3}$$/$${\text{H}}_{2}$$ Combustion on Emissions and Flame Characteristics in a Swirl-Stabilized Burner
Authors: Mazzotta Luca , Lamioni Rachele , Agati Giuliano , Evangelisti Adriano , Rispoli Franco , Valera-Medina Agustin , Borello Domenico
Published: February 2025

Ammonia combustion is gaining interest as a feasible alternative to traditional fossil fuels because of to the low environmental impact and as hydrogen and energy carrier. This study used Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations to compare various turbulence models for premixed ammonia/hydrogen combustion in a swirl-stabilized burner. The primary aim was to identify the best turbulence model for accurately predicting the flow dynamics, combustion behaviour, and emissions profiles of ammonia/hydrogen fuel blends. The turbulence models evaluated were Large Eddy Simulation (LES), Realizable k-

$$\epsilon$$

ϵ

, Renormalization Group (RNG) k-

$$\epsilon$$

ϵ

, k-

$$\omega$$

ω

SST, and Reynolds Stress Model (RSM). On the LES side, a further comparison of two subgrid models (Smagorinsky-Lilly and WALE) was investigated. The Flamelet Generated Manifold (FGM) method was utilized with a detailed chemistry scheme taking into consideration all

$$\hbox {NO}_x$$

NO
x

reactions. To improve the prediction of

$$\hbox {NO}_x$$

NO
x

emissions, additional scalar transport equations for NO and

$$\hbox {NO}_2$$

NO
2

were included. This methodology aimed to be a balance between computational efficiency and the accuracy expected of detailed chemistry models. Validation was done with a swirl burner from Cardiff University’s Gas Turbine Research Centre. Results showed that all turbulence models accurately captured flame characteristics in terms of exhaust temperature and axial velocity with minor differences in the recirculation zones, where only the RSM model can predict the velocity trend as the LES simulation while other RANS models differ by at least 7 m/s. The temperature reached by the LES resulted 100 K higher than the other models in the flame zone. LES simulation can predict the emission value with an error of less than 10

$$\%$$

%

. Moreover, the error related to emissions derived from the RANS simulations was not negligible, underestimating

$$\hbox {NO}_x$$

NO
x

emissions by about 35

$$\%$$

%

. However, RSM model produced results that were closer to those derived from the high-fidelity LES when compared to the others RANS models, particularly in terms of flame thickness and emissions. It was concluded that it is mandatory to perform an unsteady analysis to reach reasonable results.
Relationship of bioelectrical impedance to organoleptic sensory data of farm-raised olive flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus
Authors: Colman Jack , Zimmerman Scott , Hoenig Ronald H. , Cox M. Keith , Stieglitz John D.
Published: February 2025

There exists a need for simple, objective, noninvasive digital testing methods to ensure the quality of seafood products as they move from harvest sites to consumers. In this study, Paralichthys olivaceus sourced from a land-based aquaculture tank were harvested and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) scores and organoleptic sensory data were recorded for each fish. The Certified Quality Reader 3.0 BIA device (“CQR®;” CQ Foods Inc.) used BIA data to generate a certified quality number (CQN) that was used to objectively quantify results. Organoleptic scores were obtained by Safe Quality Seafood Associates (SQSA) using standard methods. Mean CQN increased from day 1 to day 5 post-harvest and then decreased from day 5 to day 20 post-harvest. There was strong correlation between BIA data and organoleptic data, indicating the usefulness of BIA for objectively quantifying levels of degradation in this species of fish. Mean CQN and mean organoleptic scores were inversely related in post rigor mortis fish. Notably, BIA was able to differentiate objectively between fresh versus frozen fish samples. This study suggests that BIA can be used for rapid, noninvasive quality assurance of the degradation state of fish, though individual variability is high for measurements which may be controlled by the development of a standardized sample location.
On the use of restriction of the right-hand side in spatial branch-and-bound algorithms to ensure termination
Authors: Kirst Peter , Füllner Christian
Published: February 2025

Spatial branch-and-bound algorithms for global minimization of non-convex problems require both lower and upper bounding procedures that finally converge to a globally optimal value in order to ensure termination of these methods. Whereas convergence of lower bounds is commonly guaranteed for standard approaches in the literature, this does not always hold for upper bounds. For this reason, different so-called convergent upper bounding procedures are proposed. These methods are not always used in practice, possibly due to their additional complexity or possibly due to increasing runtimes on average problems. For that reason, in this article we propose a refinement of classical branch-and-bound methods that is simple to implement and comes with marginal overhead. We prove that this small improvement already leads to convergent upper bounds, and thus show that termination of spatial branch-and-bound methods is ensured under mild assumptions.
Examining the link between load capacity and income inequality: evidence from OECD countries
Authors: Savaş Yunus
Published: February 2025

Income inequality represents one of the most pertinent issues in economics, exerting a profound influence on all economic and socio-economic relationships. The relationship between income inequality and environmental concerns has been insufficiently explored in academic literature. To address this gap, this study employs Pedroni and Westerlund co-integration tests in conjunction with the panel autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model and incorporates Dumitrescu-Hurlin (Economic Modelling, 29:1450–1460, 2012) panel causality tests to analyse the relationship between income inequality and environmental factors in OECD countries from 1990 to 2020. The analysis examines Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita, trade openness, renewable energy consumption, and the Gini coefficient as key variables. Co-integration tests confirm the existence of co-integration among the analyzed variables. The results of the panel ARDL model indicate that income inequality has a negative short-term impact on the load capacity factor, while renewable energy consumption exerts a positive long-term influence on the load capacity factor. Moreover, the findings of this study demonstrate that both trade openness and economic growth exert a significant impact on load capacity factor, both in the short and long term. An increase in income disparities can potentially result in an increase in short-term environmental degradation. Conversely, in the long term, an increase in renewable energy consumption is positively correlated with environmental degradation. In light of these findings, this study makes a significant contribution to our understanding of the complex relationship between income inequality and environmental concerns, offering valuable insights for policymakers and researchers alike.
Deformation Behaviour of Secant Pile Walls in Layered Soil–Rock Profiles: Lessons Learned from Deep Excavations in Copenhagen
Authors: Panagiotis E. , Rocchi I. , Petrella F. , Paulatto E. , Zania V.
Published: February 2025

The performance of deep excavations in layered stiff ground conditions (overconsolidated soil overlying rock) remains largely unexplored, with few published case studies available, hindering the understanding of performance and key indicators for deep excavations in such ground conditions. This study addresses this gap by comprehensively investigating seven deep excavations for a new metro line in Copenhagen. These excavations utilized temporary retaining walls constructed via the bottom-up method in stiff, layered ground conditions embedded in limestone. Through a long-term instrumentation program, the major factors influencing deformation behaviour were examined, including secant pile wall deflections, anchor and strut axial forces, and groundwater levels inside and outside the pits. During the cantilever stage, the maximum normalized deflections (uh,max/He) ranged from 0.05 to 0.25%, aligning closely with other reported case studies in the literature. Ground stiffness emerged as the critical factor affecting wall deflections, both in the cantilever and supported stages. The relationship between soil stiffness and deflections transitioned from linear to non-linear as construction progressed. Predictive equations for supported cases are derived based on monitoring data, and 3D effects were estimated in four excavations, consistently with existing studies in layered soft soil. This paper expands the literature on secant pile wall behaviour in stiff ground conditions, offering theoretical support for similar projects.
Exploring VR User Experiences
Authors: Ferguson Sarah , Smith-Mutegi Demetrice , Cook-Snell Brett
Published: February 2025

Virtual reality (VR) has unique potential for simulating environments and situations beyond real-life experiences. This study investigates the limitations of VR equipment design for learning spaces, specifically online environments. Presented are the findings of an exploratory study that examined the immersion, ease of use, and physiological and emotional experiences of seven university students participating in a 30–60 min VR session. Given the small sample size, the findings were analyzed with descriptive statistics and qualitatively. The results revealed that participants recognized the potential of VR as a teaching and learning tool, while also identifying certain limitations associated with health and safety. To supplement this analysis, a post-hoc Wilcoxon rank test was conducted which suggested a critical t yielding significance (p < .05) of the role of VR equipment design in use for online spaces. While further research with larger sample sizes is needed, this study provided additional considerations for instructors and instructional designers when creating VR learning spaces online and face-to-face.
On computing the zeros of Laguerre–Sobolev polynomials
Authors: Laudadio T. , Mastronardi N. , Marcellán Español F. J. , Van Buggenhout N. , Van Dooren P.
Published: February 2025

In this work, we focus on the computation of the zeros of a monic Laguerre–Sobolev orthogonal polynomial of degree n. Taking into account the associated four–term recurrence relation, this problem can be formulated as a generalized eigenvalue problem, involving a lower bidiagonal matrix and a 2–banded lower Hessenberg matrix of order n. Unfortunately, the considered generalized eigenvalue problem is very ill–conditioned, and classical balancing procedures do not improve it. Therefore, customary techniques for solving the generalized eigenvalue problem, like the QZ method, yield unreliable results. Here, we propose a novel balancing procedure that drastically reduces the ill–conditioning of the eigenvalues of the involved matrix pencil. Moreover, we propose a fast and reliable algorithm, with

$$ \mathcal {O}(n^2) $$

O
(

n
2

)

computational complexity and

$$ \mathcal {O}(n) $$

O
(
n
)

memory, exploiting the structure of the considered matrix pencil.
Mental disorder and its treatment as a transformative experience
Authors: Villiger Daniel
Published: February 2025

According to L.A. Paul, undergoing an experience is transformative if we learn something we cannot learn without having the experience and if it substantially changes our point of view. While the implications of transformative experiences have primarily been discussed in the context of rational choice, their underlying concept has also proven fruitful in the context of unchosen occurrences. The present paper examines mental disorder and its treatment from a transformative experiential perspective, using major depressive disorder as an exemplary case. It shows that developing a mental disorder typically requires a transformative experience since the two popular mental disorder classification systems primarily classify such disorders on an experiential basis. This provides an explanation for the lack of understanding mentally disordered people often face: their experiential state is epistemically inaccessible for those who have not experienced a similar state before. Furthermore, successful treatment of mental disorder again requires a (personally) transformative experience that results in the disorder’s overcoming. The paper examines pharmacological, psychological, and psychedelic-assisted treatment and reveals that each of them uses a different transformative route to recovery: a finding relevant, for example, to ongoing debates in medical ethics about informed consent.
Fat-calling: ascriptions of fatness that subordinate
Authors: Cousens Chris
Published: February 2025

Calling someone fat is not only cruel and unkind—it also subordinates them. While the sharpest and most immediate harms of fatphobic bullying are emotional and psychological, these vary according to the resilience of the target. What one person can laugh off, another feels deeply, perhaps for years. But ‘fat-calling’ does not only have individual harms—it also perpetuates a subordinating social structure ranking fat people as inferior. Despite recent work on obesity and fatphobia, the conversational dynamics of ascribing fatness to someone else (rather than oneself) are relatively unexplored, especially in philosophy. This paper argues that fat-calling assigns its target a subordinate discourse role, constraining their subsequent conversational behaviour and permitting further discriminatory behaviour from interlocutors. And these conversational norm-changes alter the initial permissibility conditions of future conversations to the detriment of fat people. This is not to say that fat-calling is morally equivalent to slurs and hate speech—but it does show that it leverages similar conversational mechanisms to entrench injustice.
Exopolysaccharides in biological soil crusts are important contributors to carbon and nutrient storage after the restoration of inland sand dunes
Authors: Chowaniec Karolina , Zubek Szymon , Skubała Kaja
Published: February 2025

Background and aims

Inland sand dunes in a temperate climate constitute challenging environments for plant colonization. Organisms forming biological soil crusts (BSCs) secrete exopolysaccharides (EPS), which are key for soil aggregation and water/nutrient accumulation. We aimed to estimate the contribution of EPS excreted by BSCs to total organic carbon (TOC) and cationic nutrient accumulation and the contribution of photoautotrophs to C fixation and production of EPS in the succession process of inland dunes.

Methods

We quantified EPS, TOC, exchangeable K, and Ca concentrations, and photosynthetic biomass in BSCs collected from three successional stages after the restoration of inland dunes.

Results

Our study showed that C originated from EPS contributed mostly to TOC accumulated in BSC in the initial succession stage, however, this contribution was lower than observed in BSCs from arid climates. EPS content increased with BSC development, which was facilitated by photoautotrophs, yet participation of heterotrophs in EPS secretion cannot be excluded. Glycocalyx EPS fraction dominated and contributed to nutrient enrichment in BSCs.

Conclusion

Our results contribute to a deeper understanding of the importance of BSC in the accumulation of organic carbon and nutrients. This may prove useful in the restoration aimed at maintaining the specific vegetation of temperate inland dune ecosystems. Locally dispersed mechanical disturbances of biocrusts should be applied already in the initial stages of succession to maintain the aeolian activity and prevent accumulation of carbon and nutrients caused by the development of BSC.
Nonparametric analysis of firm size and innovation intensity in Circular Economy adoption
Authors: Bonnini Stefano , Borghesi Michela , Giacalone Massimiliano
Published: February 2025

The concept of Circular Economy (CE) is nowadays a much-discussed topic because the idea that a linear production system is no longer sustainable from an environmental point of view is taking hold. Some empirical studies have been published on the topic but there is a lack of literature about valid statistical approaches for testing complex hypotheses about CE. One of such interesting but complex hypotheses concerns the effect of companies’ size on the intensity of innovation for CE. The intensity of innovation is measured by the number of innovations adopted to implement CE practices. The main difficulties of such a problem, usually ignored by the empirical literature on CE, are the discrete multivariate nature of the response variable, the need to control for company’s age and business sector, the small sample sizes and the non-monotonic relationship ("inverted U-shaped" or "inverted V-shaped") between firm size and intensity of innovation for CE. These difficulties can be overcome with the use of a nonparametric approach based on a combined permutation test. The scientific innovation of the paper consists of the application of this advanced method to prove that the innovation intensity is a non-monotonic function of the firm’s size. Furthermore, such a result depends on the firm’s age and on the economic sector.