bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid Review: Die Lebensqualität nach adulter allogener Nierentransplantation in den letzten 5 Jahren
Authors: Brunaiova Lujza , Cermak Stefanie , Koneval Lukas , Roth Beat , Schneidewind Laila
Published: January 2025

Hintergrund

In aktuellen Studien konnte gezeigt werden, dass das klinische Monitoring der Lebensqualität (HRQoL) frühzeitig hilft, Nierentransplantatversagen zu erkennen.

Fragestellung

Aufgrund des Potenzials, das in der Verbesserung der HRQoL für die Langzeitergebnisse der Nierentransplantation steckt, führten wir ein Rapid Review der letzten 5 Jahre zur Evaluation der Lebensqualität nach adulter allogener Nierentransplantation durch.

Material und Methoden

Es wurde eine schnelle Evidenzanalyse mittels Literaturrecherche in MEDLINE im Zeitraum 2019 bis 2024 durchgeführt.

Ergebnisse

Die primäre Literatursuche ergab 554 Treffer, schließlich konnten lediglich 12 Kohortenstudien eingeschlossen werden, davon 2 retrospektive und zehn prospektive Arbeiten. Nierentransplantierte Patienten haben eine bessere HRQoL als Patienten mit terminaler Niereninsuffizienz. Das HRQoL wird durch körperliche, psychische und soziale Faktoren beeinflusst. Eine weitere Verbesserung der HRQoL bzw. der primären Einflussfaktoren hat das Potenzial, die Ergebnisse der Nierentransplantation weiter zu verbessern. Allerdings fehlen Studien zur Identifikation geeigneter Interventionen. Interessante zu beeinflussende Faktoren könnten z. B. Atemwegsbeschwerden und Unterstützung bei der beruflichen Wiedereingliederung sein.

Diskussion

Zukünftige Studien sollten auf die Identifikation adäquater Interventionen zur weiteren Verbesserung der HRQoL bei Nierentransplantierten fokussieren.
Reference materials for food authentication
Authors: Ulberth Franz , Koeber Robert
Published: January 2025

The global food industry faces significant challenges in ensuring the safety and authenticity of food products. Economic adulteration and counterfeiting of food are estimated to cost the industry US$30–40 billion annually. Analytical testing plays a vital role in detecting food fraud. For ensuring the metrological traceability and comparability of testing results, the use of reference materials (RMs) is crucial. The article describes the role of RMs in food authenticity testing, including their applications in method validation, calibration, quality control, and the definition of conventional measurement scales. It also reviews the availability of RMs that can be used in measurement procedures to authenticate food. Furthermore, the applications of RMs in targeted adulterant detection methods, for compositional parameters used to authenticate foods and food supplements, isotopic measurements, untargeted food authenticity testing methods, and detection and quantification of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), are explored. The document concludes by recommending the development of research grade test materials or representative test materials to harmonise untargeted testing methods and improve comparability of results across laboratories and over time.
Deletion of atypical type II restriction genes in Clostridium cellulovorans using a Cas9-based gene editing system
Authors: Schöllkopf Aline I. , Almeida Luciana , Krammer Karina , Rivero Cristina González , Liebl Wolfgang , Ehrenreich Armin
Published: January 2025

The anaerobic bacterium Clostridium cellulovorans is a promising candidate for the sustainable production of biofuels and platform chemicals due to its cellulolytic properties. However, the genomic engineering of the species is hampered because of its poor genetic accessibility and the lack of genetic tools. To overcome this limitation, a protocol for triparental conjugation was established that enables the reliable transfer of vectors for markerless chromosomal modification into C. cellulovorans. The availability of reporter genes is another requirement for strain engineering and biotechnological applications. In this work, the oxygen-free fluorescence absorption-shift tag (FAST) system was used to characterize promoter strength in C. cellulovorans. Selected promoters were used to establish a CRISPR/Cas system for markerless chromosomal modifications. For stringent control of expression of Cas9, a theophylline-dependent riboswitch was used, and additionally, the anti-CRISPR protein AcrIIA4 was used to reduce the basal activity of the Cas9 in the off-state of the riboswitch. Finally, the newly established CRISPR/Cas system was used for the markerless deletion of the genes encoding two restriction endonucleases of a type II restriction-modification (RS) system from the chromosome of C. cellulovorans. In comparison to the WT, the conjugation efficiency when using the deletion mutant as the recipient strain was improved by about one order of magnitude, without the need for prior C. cellulovorans-specific in vivo methylation of the conjugative plasmid in the E. coli donor strain.

Key points

• Quantification of heterologous promoters enables rational choice for genetic engineering.

• CRISPR/Cas with riboswitch and anti-CRISPR allows efficient gene deletion in C. cellulovorans.

• Conjugation protocol and type II REase deletion enhance genetic accessibility.
A boundary-based fourier neural operator (B-FNO) method for efficient parametric acoustic wave analysis
Authors: Li Ruoyan , Ye Wenjing , Liu Yijun
Published: January 2025

Repetitive wave analysis is required in various applications involving parametric analyses across different settings. However, traditional numerical methods based on domain discretization become computationally impractical due to the large number of simulations required, especially in unbounded domains. The boundary element method (BEM) is known for its effectiveness in solving wave equations, particularly in unbounded domains. Nevertheless, even with accelerated techniques, large-scale problems and those with high frequencies often necessitate numerous iterations, hampered by ill-conditioned system matrices. As a result, BEM becomes unsuitable for parametric analysis. To address these challenges, surrogate modelling techniques have been developed, and recent advancements in neural operators show promise in constructing surrogate models. However, they still face limitations when efficiently handling exterior and high-dimensional problems. In this study, we propose a novel data-driven surrogate modelling approach called B-FNO, which combines BEM and Fourier neural operator (FNO) for wave analysis in varying domains and frequencies. This approach formulates wave equations as integral formulations and utilizes FNO to map problem boundaries and other parameters to boundary solutions. Compared to existing surrogate modelling techniques, the B-FNO approach offers several advantages. These include reduced problem dimensionality and computational complexity, the ability to handle exterior problems without domain truncation, and significantly improved efficiency and accuracy compared to well-known neural network surrogate models. Moreover, compared to accelerated BEM, the B-FNO approach is better behaved and requires a much smaller number of iterations. We validate the effectiveness of our method through numerical experiments on a series of 2D and 3D benchmark problems, demonstrating its potential for broad application.
Co-infections of rickettsiales in clinically healthy, Leishmania infantum seropositive and seronegative dogs: a systematic literature review and new findings from Southern Italy
Authors: Gusatoaia Oana , Perles Livia , Cavalera Maria Alfonsa , Uva Annamaria , Gernone Floriana , Otranto Domenico , Zatelli Andrea
Published: January 2025

Canine leishmaniosis (CanL), caused by Leishmania infantum, is a widespread vector-borne disease. In Italy, an endemic region for CanL, overlapping transmission of L. infantum and tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) like Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Ehrlichia canis is increasingly reported. Dogs with clinical leishmaniosis often show higher co-infection rates and pronounced clinicopathological abnormalities. This study presents a systematic literature review and new findings from southern Italy, focusing on co-infections with E. canis and A. phagocytophilum in clinically healthy L. infantum seropositive and seronegative dogs. The systematic review identified two eligible studies. The first reported 34/488 (7%) dogs L. infantum seropositive, with 11.8% also seropositive for A. phagocytophilum. Among 454 seronegative dogs, 3% were seropositive for A. phagocytophilum and 2.4% for E. canis. The second study identified 154/1260 (12.2%) dogs L. infantum seropositive, with co-infection rates of 0.6% and 1.9% for A. phagocytophilum and E. canis, respectively. Among 1106 seronegative dogs, 1.3% were seropositive for A. phagocytophilum and 2.3% for E. canis. In the retrospective study from southern Italy, 90/154 (58.4%) dogs were L. infantum seropositive, with co-infection rates of 4.4% for A. phagocytophilum and 2.2% for A. phagocytophilum and E. canis. Among 64 seronegative dogs, 1.6% showed similar co-infections. This is the first systematic review in Italy, documenting low and comparable co-infection rates with A. phagocytophilum and E. canis in clinically healthy dogs, regardless of L. infantum serostatus. These findings suggest that co-infections may occur independently, offering insights into vector-borne disease dynamics in endemic areas.
Teleoperation von mobilen Bergbaumaschinen
Authors: Sifferlinger Nikolaus August
Published: January 2025

Im Bergbau ist das Bestreben, möglichst wenige Bergleute an exponierten Orten zu haben, seit jeher vorhanden.

Seit den 1990er-Jahren wird die Möglichkeit der Teleoperation im Untertagebergbau erfolgreich eingesetzt. Dies ermöglicht zeitweise den Betrieb mobiler Montanmaschinen aus der Ferne.

Von einem mannlosen Betrieb sind wir aber untertage noch weit entfernt, da für den Ein- und Ausbau von Einrichtungen, Wartung und Reparatur und Behebung von ungeplanten Situationen der Mensch noch unersetzlich ist.

Im Jahr 2025 gibt es Teleoperationslösungen für die meisten mobilen Bergbaumaschinen. Dies erhöht Sicherheit und Produktivität, da auch während des Schichtwechsels die betroffene Maschine weiterarbeiten kann.

Für die Wartung und Reparatur müssen aber weiterhin Menschen vor Ort. Bis Reparaturroboter diese Aufgabe, wahrscheinlich auch durch Teleoperation unterstützt, übernehmen können, wird es noch einige Zeit dauern.
Implementation Determinants of PrEP and Behavioral Health Treatment Referral among HIV Test Counselors
Authors: Harkness Audrey , Morales Vanessa , Grealis Kyle , Reyes Nequiel , Feaster Daniel J. , Safren Steven , Turner DeAnne , Balise Raymond R.
Published: January 2025

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), an effective biomedical prevention intervention, is not sufficiently reaching populations experiencing high HIV incidence. Behavioral health (BH) treatment addressing mental health and substance use similarly requires increased reach to HIV-affected populations. HIV testing is an opportunity to refer individuals to PrEP and BH treatment. This study, conducted in Miami-Dade County, FL, a domestic HIV epicenter, aimed to assess (1) self-reported rates at which HIV test counselors refer clients to PrEP and BH treatment, (2) barriers and facilitators to PrEP and BH treatment referral, and (3) the relationship between barriers and facilitators and test counselors’ referral rates. Among 127 HIV test counselors, the average PrEP referral rate was 63.8% (SD = 41.5) of those potentially meeting PrEP indications. Insufficient time was associated with lower PrEP referral (OR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.42–0.99, p = 0.023) and training in PrEP screening was associated with higher rates of PrEP referral (OR: 1.27, 95% CI: 0.98–1.64, p = 0.034). The average BH treatment referral rate was 52.7% (SD = 44.4) of clients who the counselor felt would potentially benefit from treatment. Counselors lacking knowledge of screening (OR: 0.4, 95% CI: 0.2–0.78, p = 0.004), referral procedures (OR: 0.45, 95% CI: 0.23–0.87, p = 0.008), or locations to refer clients (OR: 0.47, 95% CI: 0.25–0.86, p = 0.008), as well as those with higher caseloads (OR: 0.998, 95% CI: 0.997–0.999, p < 0.001) were less likely to refer for BH. Training in substance use screening (OR: 1.26, 95% CI: 0.96–1.64, p = 0.046) and referral (OR: 1.28, 95% CI: 0.99–1.66, p = 0.029) were associated with increased BH referral. Implementation strategies are needed to address key barriers to PrEP and BH referrals in HIV testing contexts.
On Master-Length Scale Formulations for Stable Conditions in Turbulence Closure Models
Authors: Porretta-Tomaszewska Paola , Łobocki Lech
Published: January 2025

Three formulations of the turbulence-length scales used in numerical modelling of atmospheric flows are compared. The comparison is made using the Mellor–Yamada–Nakanishi–Niino turbulence closure model within the stable boundary layer local similarity framework. With an appropriate choice of model constants, the model predictions are barely discernible and compare well with the empirical data obtained from the SHEBA campaign.
Nonlinear Morphoelastic Theory of Biological Shallow Shells with Initial Stress
Authors: Andrini D. , Chen X. , Ciarletta P.
Published: January 2025

Shallow shells are widely encountered in biological structures, especially during embryogenesis, when they undergo significant shape variations. As a consequence of geometric frustration caused by underlying biological processes of growth and remodeling, such thin and moderately curved biological structures experience initial stress even in the absence of an imposed deformation. In this work, we perform a rigorous asymptotic expansion from three-dimensional elasticitiy to obtain a nonlinear morphoelastic theory for shallow shells accounting for both initial stress and large displacements. By application of the principle of stationary energy for admissible variation of the tangent and normal displacement fields with respect to the reference middle surface, we derive two generalised nonlinear equilibrium equations of the Marguerre-von Kármán type. We illustrate how initial stress distributions drive the emergence of spontaneous mean and Gaussian curvatures which are generally not compatible with the existence of a stress free configuration. We also show how such spontaneous curvatures influence the structural behavior in the solutions of two systems: a saddle-like and a cylindrical shallow shell.
Understanding Rangeland Desertification at the Village Level: A Comparative Study with a Social-Ecological Systems Perspective in Namibia
Authors: Schwieger Diego Augusto Menestrey , Munyebvu - Chambara Faith , Hamunyela Ndamonenghenda , Tielbörger Katja , Nesongano Wellencia C. , Bilton Mark C. , Bollig Michael , Linstädter Anja
Published: January 2025

Desertification poses significant environmental and socio-economic threats to pastoral systems within the drylands of sub-Saharan Africa. However, there remains a paucity of interdisciplinary studies delving into the anthropogenic drivers of desertification at the local level of social-ecological systems, resulting in an inadequate understanding of its human-induced causes. This research aims to bridge this gap by presenting three case studies from Namibia’s eastern communal areas. Through an integrated approach drawing from rangeland ecology and anthropology, we offer a comparative analysis revealing nuanced differences among individual pastoral settlements, shaped by their distinct social contexts. Our findings elucidate the social determinants influencing varying degrees of desertification at the village level, highlighting local factors that mitigate the adverse impacts of grazing pressure and aridity on perennial grass populations. Notably, the study identifies the role of social institutions in managing critical environmental conditions and physical infrastructures, such as extensive pastures and cattle posts, which contribute to maintaining grassland resilience. Despite observable signs of desertification, the presence of perennial grasses both aboveground and in the soil seed bank across all settlements suggests that a tipping point has not yet been reached, emphasizing the window of opportunity for intervention. The discussion extends to the potential transferability of these findings to other Namibian communities within the existing socio-ecological framework, aiming to avert impending tipping points. Ultimately, the study challenges the notion of desertification in pastoral social-ecological systems as solely a tragedy of the commons, emphasizing the imperative of developing and implementing suitable social institutions within colonial and post-colonial contexts.
ConfExp: Root-Cause Analysis of Service Misconfigurations in Enterprise Systems
Authors: Mohammadi Koushki Negar , El-Shekeil Ibrahim , Kant Krishna
Published: January 2025

Misconfiguration is a known and increasingly serious problem in enterprise systems due to frequent code updates and retuning of the configuration parameters. Diagnosing complex, residual misconfiguration problems that lead to inaccessible services or failed transactions often starts with either a user complaint or observation by administrators, followed by a largely manual process of deciding what tests to run and how to proceed with further testing based on the test results. The goal of this paper is to automate this process and thereby make root-cause analysis of accessibility related misconfigurations much speedier and much more effective. We explore a domain-knowledge-driven methodology, called ConfExp using a network emulator that runs real enterprise networking protocols. Thus, by using commonly used tests, we show that the root-cause can be determined in all cases where discriminative tests exist. The methodology also highlights areas where more discriminative tests are needed to pinpoint the precise configuration variables at fault.
Referrals to Peer Support for Families in Pediatric Subspecialty Practices: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Kobrin Alex , Chan Olivia , Crabtree Emily , Zickafoose Joe , O’Reilly Amy Wodarek , Schor Edward , Henry Holly , Gray Allison
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Referrals to peer support (PS) can help families of children with special health care needs in providing emotional support, reducing feelings of stress and anxiety, and improving the care experience. This study aimed to gain providers’ perspectives about PS referrals for families of children with special health care needs, including their perspectives on logistics of, barriers to, and facilitators of making referrals as well as the perceived impacts of PS referrals.

Methods

This study builds on a 2022 survey of California pediatric subspecialists about the value and challenges of PS. The study team conducted 20 semistructured interviews with people from pediatric subspecialty practices in California and used a priori themes derived from the interview protocol to develop a codebook, code interview transcripts, conduct a thematic analysis, and summarize findings.

Results

Respondents offered a variety of PS referrals inside and outside their institutions, tailoring referrals to each family’s needs and preferences. Social workers and family liaisons were most commonly responsible for making PS referrals. Respondents found that care team collaboration and ease of sharing information about PS resources among colleagues facilitated the referral process. Respondents noted a need for more PS resources, including funding, education, and the need for a network where providers can identify PS resources.

Discussion

Encouraging PS program information-sharing within and across organizations could help connect more families to PS services. Future research should assess families’ experiences with PS referrals and services to understand approaches that can best meet their needs for information, instrumental, and emotional supports.
Silence as epistemic agency in mania
Authors: Degerman Dan
Published: January 2025

Silence is a byword for socially imposed harm in the burgeoning literature on epistemic injustice in psychiatry. While some silence is harmful and should be broken, this understanding of silence is untenably simplistic. Crucially, it neglects the possibility that silence can also play a constructive epistemic role in the lives of people with mental illness. This paper redresses that neglect. Engaging with first-person accounts of mania, it contends that silence constitutes a crucial form of epistemic agency to people who experience mania and that the prevailing failure to recognise this may harm them. The paper proceeds as follows. After briefly examining the negative understanding of silence in the epistemic injustice literature, it outlines three epistemically agential silences: communicative silence, listening silence, and withholding silence. It then deploys these concepts to explore how the ability to perform epistemically agential silence is impaired in mania and why such silences are vital to people. The penultimate section highlights two ways that the failure to recognise the epistemic value of silence can harm people with mania. The paper concludes by drawing out implications for future research on epistemic injustice in psychiatry.
Subjectless readings of again: A response to Bale (2007) and Smith and Yu (2021)
Authors: Asami Daiki , Bruening Benjamin
Published: January 2025

Under the widely adopted Kratzer (1996) model of argument structure, internal arguments are arguments of verbs but external arguments are not, they are arguments of a functional head, Voice. Bale (2007) and Smith and Yu (2021) present a strong challenge to this model with the claim that it makes incorrect predictions about readings of again. Specifically, they claim that an external argument cannot escape the presupposition of again if the verb is an unergative intransitive or a stative transitive, but only if it is an eventive transitive. Since the Kratzer model treats all external arguments the same—of eventive transitives, stative transitives, and unergatives—it apparently fails to capture the data. However, this paper shows that the empirical claims of Bale (2007) and Smith and Yu (2021) are incorrect, for both English and Japanese. Unergatives and stative transitives do allow subjectless readings if an appropriate context is set up. We also show that internal arguments never escape the presupposition of again; this includes the subjects of unaccusative intransitives. The overall pattern precisely matches the predictions of the Kratzer model.
The Mediating Role of Difficulties in Emotion Regulation and Earthquake Stress Coping in the Relationship Between Posttraumatic Cognitive Attribution and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Türkiye 2023 Earthquake Survivors
Authors: Çağlar Azmi
Published: January 2025

Natural disasters such as earthquakes leave deep psychological effects on individuals that can lead to posttraumatic stress disorder, and understanding these effects is vital to support psychological recovery processes after trauma. In this context, the aim of this study was to examine the mediating role of emotion regulation difficulties, religious coping, positive reappraisal and seeking social support in the relationship between posttraumatic cognitive attributions and posttraumatic stress disorder in 2023 Kahramanmaraş Pazarcık, Elbistan and Hatay Yayladağı earthquake survivors (N = 408). The findings from the multiple mediation analysis showed the indirect effect of posttraumatic cognitive attribution on PTSD through difficulties in emotion regulation, religious coping, positive reappraisal, and seeking social support. Therefore, difficulties in emotion regulation may be a risk factor for PTSD, while religious coping, positive reappraisal and seeking social support may be protective factors. Strategies to reduce difficulties in emotion regulation and to improve religious coping, positive reappraisal and social support seeking in earthquake survivors may be necessary to reduce PTSD that may be caused by the earthquake.
Big businesses versus institutions for entrepreneurship: new firm creation and growth in China
Authors: Xin Shanji , Lee Keun
Published: January 2025

This study on entrepreneurship in China compares the relative importance of institutions with that of a new and less studied variable—big businesses. This study considers two aspects of entrepreneurship: new firm creation and new firm growth. Regression analyses are conducted using province-year panel data from 174 observations. We first find some evidence of positive but diminishing marginal impacts of the aggregate index representing institutional development on new firm creation and growth. Second, we confirm the robust impact of the greater presence of big businesses in a province on the sales of new firms, measured by the sales sum of new firms per population in each province. This result is consistent with the linkage effect, whereby big businesses build their supply chains and promote new firms to be their suppliers. We find no evidence of a net barrier-to-entry effect of big businesses on new firm creation, suggesting that positive spillover effects tend to offset negative barrier-to-entry effects on new firm creation. In terms of policy implications, the results suggest that for an economy at the middle-income stage, promoting big businesses is justified as it has no negative effects on new firm creation, while it positively affects new firm growth.
SUDA: A SUrface Dust Analyser for Compositional Mapping of the Galilean Moon Europa
Authors: Kempf Sascha , Tucker Scott , Altobelli Nicolas , Briois Christelle , Cable Morgan L. , Grün Eberhard , Gudipati Murthy S. , Henderson Bryana L. , Hsu Hsian-Wen , Hand Kevin , Horanyi Mihaly , Postberg Frank , Schmidt Jürgen , Srama Ralf , Sternovsky Zoltan , Tobie Gabriel , Zolotov Mikhail Y. , Belting Chris , Bortfeldt Susan , Bouwman Jordy , Brennan Nat , Bryant Karen , Cassidy Timothy , Crotser David , Curtin Alexandra , DeVito Elz , Ebuen Donrich , Faber Nat , Fisher Melanie , Fontanese John , Fowle Maxwell , Frank Wendy , Gurst Scott , Haselschwardt Sally , Hoxie Vaughn , Hubbell Karl , James David , Kien Mark , Knappmiller Scott , Kohnert Rick , Lampe Alexander , Lankton Mark , Lev-Tov Sean , McGinn Crystal , Miller Marc , Newcomb Gregory , Oberg Samuel , O’Brien Leela , Pilewskie Kathrine , Polson Shawn , Scarffe-Barrett Victoria , Summers David , Wade Stacy , Ware Alexandria , Yehle Alan , Wuerthner Corinne , Garcia Arteaga Adrian , Oaida Bogdan , Eberl Chad , Fitton Polly , Goode William , Levin Zuni , Lowry Gwyneth , Stanley Jared , Tracy Anthony , Ulibarri Zach , Williams Ethan , Yoke Camille , Southworth Ben S. , Hillier Jonathan K. , Khawaja Nozair , Klenner Fabian , Napoleoni Maryse , Simolka Jonas , Sioeng Jason
Published: January 2025

The Surface Dust Analyser (SUDA) is a mass spectrometer onboard the Europa Clipper mission for investigating the surface composition of the Galilean moon Europa. Atmosphereless planetary moons such as the Galilean satellites are wrapped into a ballistic dust exosphere populated by tiny samples from the moon’s surface produced by impacts of fast micrometeoroids. SUDA will measure the composition of such surface ejecta during close flybys of Europa to obtain key chemical signatures for revealing the satellite’s composition such as organic molecules and salts, history, and geological evolution. Because of their ballistic orbits, detected ejecta can be traced back to the surface with a spatial resolution roughly equal to the instantaneous altitude of the spacecraft. SUDA is a Time-Of-Flight (TOF), reflectron-type impact mass spectrometer, optimized for a high mass resolution which only weakly depends on the impact location. The instrument will measure the mass, speed, charge, elemental, molecular, and isotopic composition of impacting grains. The instrument’s small size of

$268 ~\mathrm {mm} \times 250 ~\mathrm {mm} \times 171$

268

mm
×
250

mm
×
171

$~\mathrm {mm}$

mm

, radiation-hard design, and rather large sensitive area of 220 cm2 matches well the challenging demands of the Clipper mission.
Scaffolding and Individuality in Early Childhood Development
Authors: Carranza-Pinedo Víctor , Diprossimo Laura
Published: January 2025

Scaffolding interactions are typically portrayed optimistically within 4E frameworks of cognition. In this paper, we argue that this “dogma of harmony” has also influenced research on scaffolding interactions during development. Specifically, we show how some scaffolding interactions aimed at supporting task execution and skill acquisition in early childhood can inadvertently lead to detrimental effects on learners’ wellbeing, understood in terms of what individuals are capable of achieving rather than through the resources they possess. To characterise these effects, we propose a model that highlights the manifold ways in which individual differences interact with scaffolds’ features during developmental processes. Using this model, we discuss two types of maladaptive scenarios: those where the scaffolds are efficient to various degrees depending on inter-individual differences, and those where scaffolds’ efficiency is tied to particular timeframes depending on intra-individual differences. The upshot of this discussion is that, to challenge the harmony dogma, more inclusive education policies should not only consider scaffolds’ efficiency but also determine whether individuals can adequately transform their use into valuable opportunities for their learning across contexts and timescales.
A novel framework to construct quality indicators using the linear assignment problem
Authors: Valencia-Rodríguez Diana Cristina , Coello Coello Carlos A.
Published: January 2025

In multi-objective optimization problems (MOPs), we aim to simultaneously find the maximum or minimum values of two or more (often conflicting) objective functions. MOPs are often found in real-world applications and, consequently, many methods have been proposed to solve them. Multi-Objective Evolutionary Algorithms (MOEAs) are popular techniques to solve MOPs due to their ease of use and their generality. Assessing the performance of MOEAs has become increasingly important due to the high number of MOEAs that have been developed in recent years. This work presents a novel framework for creating quality indicators using the linear assignment problem. In addition, we introduce two novel quality indicators generated using this framework and present examples to validate their performance. Furthermore, we present a novel algorithm called MOEA-kAP that can incorporate any indicator generated using our proposed framework as a density estimator. Our experimental results show that MOEA-kAP outperforms state-of-the-art algorithms.
The impact of structured higher-order interactions on ecological network stability
Authors: Terry J. Christopher D. , Bonsall Michael B. , Morris Rebecca J.
Published: January 2025

The impact of higher-order interactions, those involving more than two species, is increasingly appreciated as having the potential to strongly influence the dynamics of complex ecological systems. However, although the critical importance of the structure of pairwise interaction networks is well established, studies of higher-order interactions still largely assume random structures. Here, we demonstrate the strong impact of structured higher-order interactions on simulated ecological communities. We focus on effects caused by interaction modifications within food webs, where a consumer resource interaction is modified by a third species, and for which plausible structures can be hypothesised. We show how interaction modifications introduced under a range of non-random distributions may impact the overall network structure. Local stability and the size of the feasibility domain are critically dependent on the inter-relationship between trophic and non-trophic effects. Where interaction modifications are structured into mutual interference motifs (associated with consumers switching between resources) synergistic signs and topological effects have particularly consequential impacts. Furthermore, we show that previous results of the impact of higher-order interactions on diversity-stability relationships can be reversed when higher-order interactions are structured, not random. Empirical data on interaction modifications will be a key part of improving understanding the dynamics of communities, particularly the distribution of interaction modification signs across networks.
The Effect of Anthocyanins on Cognition: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Clinical Trial Studies in Cognitively Impaired and Healthy Adults
Authors: Lorzadeh Elnaz , Weston-Green Katrina , Roodenrys Steven , do Rosario Vinicius , Kent Katherine , Charlton Karen
Published: January 2025

Purpose of the Review

Clinical trials suggest that dietary anthocyanins may enhance cognitive function. This systematic literature review and meta-analysis aimed to identify the effect of anthocyanin on cognition and mood in adults.

Recent Findings

Using a random-effects model, Hedge’s g scores were calculated to estimate the effect size. Across 30 randomized controlled trials, fourteen (n = 733 participants) met the criteria for meta-analysis following PRISMA guidelines (Registration number: CRD42021279470). Qualitative synthesis showed improvements in multiple domains after anthocyanin intake: short-term memory, verbal learning and working memory, executive function, visual-spatial function, psychomotor skills, attention and semantic memory. Four of 15 studies reported significant mood improvements, including anti-fatigue and reduced anxiety and depression scores. However, there were no significant effects for working memory (Hedges’s g = -0.183, 95% CI = -0.407 to 0.041, P = 0.110), verbal learning (Hedges’s g = 0.054, 95% CI = -0.215 to 0.324, P = 0.69), immediate memory (Hedges’s g = 0.196, 95% CI = -0.242 to 0.633, P = 0.38) and delayed memory (Hedges’s g = -0.188, 95% CI = -0.629 to -0.252, P = 0.402) according to the meta-analysis.

This review suggests potential benefits of anthocyanin intake on cognition and mood. However, in meta-analysis of 14 eligible studies, effects on working, immediate, delayed memory and verbal learning were not significant, likely due to study heterogeneity. Recommendations for future study designs are discussed.
Clinical Presentation, Diagnosis, and Outcomes of Pediatric Pericarditis in Acute Care Settings: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Alsabri Mohammed , Elsnhory Ahmed Bostamy , Ali Mohamed Ahmed , Elsayed Sarah Makarm , Rifai Mohamed , Elshanbary Alaa Ahmed , Ayyad Mohammed , Zaazouee Mohamed Sayed , Alkubati Sameer A.
Published: January 2025

Purpose of Review

Pediatric pericarditis, though rare, can lead to significant morbidity if not promptly addressed. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to consolidate evidence on the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and outcomes of pediatric pericarditis in emergency settings, with a focus on identifying gaps in diagnostic variability and outcomes.

Recent Findings

A comprehensive literature search identified nine studies encompassing 346 pediatric patients, predominantly male, with a mean age of 13.13 years. The most frequent clinical presentations were chest pain (87.5%), fever (71.3%), and dyspnea (26.3%). Other notable symptoms included abdominal pain, fatigue, vomiting, and precordial rub. Key ECG findings were ST-segment elevation (63.8%) and normal ECG (27.0%). Imaging findings revealed normal chest radiographs in 60.3% of cases, with cardiomegaly observed in 86.6%. Elevated C-reactive protein levels were a consistent finding. High admission rates (88.6%) and low mortality rates were associated with a generally favorable prognosis when timely intervention occurred. 

Pediatric pericarditis presents with a distinct clinical profile, prominently featuring chest pain and significant ECG and imaging findings. The high admission rates underscore the need for immediate and standardized management. Implementing comprehensive diagnostic and treatment protocols is essential to improving care and prognosis for pediatric patients with pericarditis. 

Registration

CRD42024538529
Improving outcomes with early and intensive metabolic control in patients with type 2 diabetes: a long-term modeling analysis of clinical and cost outcomes in Italy
Authors: Arietti Pierluca , Boye Kristina Secnik , Guidi Maurizio , Rachman Jonathan , Federici Marco Orsini , Raiola Rosanna , Avitabile Arianna , Valentine William J.
Published: January 2025

Objectives

This analysis quantifies the potential long-term clinical and cost benefits of early and intensive metabolic control (EIMC) versus conventional management in patients newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in Italy.

Methods

The PRIME T2D Model was used to project clinical and cost outcomes over long-term time horizons for a newly diagnosed cohort of patients receiving EIMC or conventional management. EIMC was associated with a mean glycated hemoglobin reduction of 0.6% from baseline and a mean weight loss of 9.5 kg (8.2%) for a duration of 6 years, before gradually returning to the same levels as the conventional management arm over 6 years. Modifiable risk factors were assumed to progress over time based on published regression functions. Direct and indirect costs associated with diabetes-related complications were accounted in 2021 Euros (EUR), with unit costs and health state utilities derived from published sources. Future costs and clinical benefits were discounted at 3% annually.

Results

For the population diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2021 (estimated at 216,417 cases), EIMC was projected to add approximately 33,112 years of life and 55,403 quality-adjusted life years versus conventional management. Cost savings with EIMC were estimated at EUR 494 million, EUR 608 million and EUR 628 million in the incident population at 10- and 20- and 50-year time horizons, respectively.

Conclusions

According to this modeling study, early and intensive metabolic control has the potential to substantially improve clinical outcomes and reduce economic burden compared with conventional management of patients with type 2 diabetes in Italy.
The Clinical Impact of Habenular Dysfunction on Depression and Suicidality: A Literature Review and Discussion on the Implications for Psychiatric Practice
Authors: Mannekote Thippaiah Srinagesh , Wang Michael , Ransdell Madison , Dwivedi Yogesh
Published: January 2025

Purpose of Review

The habenula has significant clinical importance, particularly in mood regulation and substance use disorders, both of which are closely linked to suicidal behavior. However, its full impact on human and primate brain function and mentation is not entirely understood. In this review, we explore the role of the habenula in depression and suicidal behavior, as well as its clinical implications.

Recent Findings

Recent advancements in neuroimaging technologies have begun to illuminate the habenula’s critical role in brain signaling and the processing of negative events in both human and animal models. Emerging research shows that the habenula is involved in various behavioral functions, including reward processing, mood regulation, motivation, and cognitive processing. Pathological dysfunction in the habenula can disrupt neurotransmitter signaling, particularly involving dopamine and serotonin, leading to negative affectivity and feelings of helplessness. These mood changes can promote the development of maladaptive coping strategies that are strongly associated with suicidal behaviors. Additionally, the literature suggests that hyperactivity in the habenula can lead to states of dysphoria and anti-reward avoidance, both of which are key features of depressive and mood dysregulation disorders. This hyperactivity has been observed in individuals with suicidal ideation and in those who have attempted suicide.

The habenula might have an important role in inducing suicidal behavior directly or indirectly through mechanisms such as negative reward processing, dysphoria, helplessness, and depressive disorders. A deeper understanding of habenular function and connectivity could significantly benefit psychiatric practice by informing targeted pharmacotherapies and serving as a diagnostic tool or risk assessment measure for suicide in patients with psychiatric illnesses.
An Overview of HIV-associated Neurocognitive Disorder in South Africa
Authors: Flepisi Brian Thabile , Balmith Marissa
Published: January 2025

Purpose of Review

It is well established that South Africa has the highest prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) worldwide. The increasing widespread availability of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) has improved the life-expectancy of people living with HIV. cART has dramatically reduced morbidity, however many people living with HIV continue to experience central nervous system (CNS) complications including neuropsychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, and neurocognitive disorders.

Recent Findings

The pathological effects of HIV on the CNS have not been well elucidated. There are limited studies focusing on the prevalence, screening, and treatment strategies of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) in South Africa. The few studies included in this review indicate that the prevalence of HAND may be higher than estimated. In addition, only a limited number of cases have been reported. This may be due to a lack of registry, screening tools, expertise, and awareness.

This review aimed to provide an overview of HAND in South Africa including prevalence, screening, and current treatment strategies. Whether South Africa has the necessary and effective screening tools remains to be determined; however, HAND screening should be mandated for all HIV-infected individuals. cART remains the mainstay treatment of HAND, currently there are no alternative treatment strategies other than adjuvant therapies. In addition, it is yet to be established whether cART plays a role in the development of HAND.
Thoracoabdominal normothermic regional perfusion: Is it ethical?
Authors: Turan Caner
Published: January 2025

Thoracoabdominal normothermic regional perfusion (TA-NRP), a new method of controlled donation after circulatory death, seems to provide more and better organs for patients on organ transplant waiting lists compared to standard controlled donation after circulatory death. Despite its benefits, the ethical permissibility of TA-NRP is currently a highly debated issue. The recent statement published by the American College of Physicians (ACP) highlights the reasons for these debates. Critics’ main concern is that TA-NRP violates the Dead Donor Rule. This paper presents an ethical analysis of the objections raised by the ACP against TA-NRP and argues that TA-NRP is not only morally permissible but also morally required where it is financially and technically feasible. To support this conclusion, the concepts of ‘resuscitation,’ ‘intention,’ ‘irreversibility,’ ‘permanence,’ ‘impossibility,’ and ‘respect’ in the context of TA-NRP are explored. Additionally, the ethical permissibility of this procedure is evaluated through the lenses of Utilitarianism, Kantianism, the core principles of bioethics, and the Doctrine of Double Effect. This ethical analysis demonstrates why the ACP’s objection lacks a solid moral foundation and conflates moral and legal considerations. This paper also argues that extra measures are needed to ensure the moral permissibility of TA-NRP, emphasizing the importance of informed consent, additional brain blood flow and activity monitoring, and a contingency plan to abort the organ procurement process if a sign of morally relevant brain activity is detected.
Population dynamic of the parasitoid Encarsia protransvena Viggiani (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) on its host, ficus whitefly Singhiella simplex singh (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae)
Authors: Kırmızıoğlu Muhammed Hüseyin , Yükselbaba Utku
Published: January 2025

Ficus whitefly Singhiella simplex is a pest of Asian origin that causes economic damage to various species of Ficus spp. In this study, the population fluctuation of the parasitoid Encarsia protransvena on S. simplex was investigated in Antalya, Turkey, between August 2018 and August 2020. Yellow sticky traps were hung as one trap per direction of the F. retusa trees, and a total of 120 shoots were sampled from each direction of the F. retusa plants at weekly intervals. On the shoots, S. simplex larval stages, and parasitized larvae were counted. In both years, whitefly adults began appearing on yellow sticky traps in the second half of February, whereas parasitoid adults appeared at the beginning of March. The number of E. protransvena began to increase in May, but the increase was limited over the summer months. The number of E. protransvena in the yellow sticky trap reached its highest level, with 106.5 adults per trap in October 2018 and 120.25 adults per trap in October 2019. In shoot sampling, the highest numbers of E. protransvena larvae and pupae were observed in October 2018 and 2019, with 7.55 and 5.65 individuals per shoot, respectively. In August, September, October, and November of 2018, parasitism rates were recorded as 16, 18, 27, and 34, respectively. In August, September, October, and November of 2019, parasitism rates were observed at 14, 12, 21, and 23%, respectively. The data obtained as a result of this study may contribute to the management of S. simplex.
Regime switching forecasting for cryptocurrencies
Authors: Agakishiev Ilyas , Härdle Wolfgang Karl , Becker Denis , Zuo Xiaorui
Published: January 2025

There are many ways to model complex time series. The simplest approach is to increase the complexity, and thus, the flexibility of the model, for the entire time series. As an example, one could use a neural network. Another solution would be to change the parameters of a model dependent on the “state” or “regime” of the time series. A typical example here would be the Hidden Markov model (HMM). This paper combines the two concepts to create a Reinforcement Learning (RL) model that adds variables that depend on the state of the time series. To test the concept, the RL model is used with cryptocurrency data to determine the share to invest into the cryptocurrency index CRIX in order to maximize wealth. The results have shown that cryptocurrency metadata is useful as supplementary data for analysis of the respective prices. The Reinforcement learning model with regimes shows potential for investment management, but comes with some caveats.
Collaborative modification strategy to improve the formation of biochar-derived persistent free radicals for aniline removal via peroxymonosulfate activation
Authors: Zhao Zilong , Zhu Shuting , Qi Shuyu , Zhou Ting , Yang Yang , Wang Feng , Han Qi , Dong Wenyi , Wang Hongjie , Sun Feiyun
Published: January 2025

This study explores a novel approach to biochar modification aimed at increasing persistent free radical (PFR) formation on biochar surfaces, thereby enhancing aniline removal via peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation. By adjusting pyrolysis temperatures and doping ratios, optimal conditions were established. Spearman's analysis highlighted the importance of C=C bonds, the ID/IG ratio, and pyridinic N in generating PFRs. The modified biochar derived at 500 ℃ (MB500), in conjunction with the PMS system demonstrated impressive efficiency, achieving 92% aniline removal within 30 min. Detailed adsorption tests and active species detection indicated that aniline degradation occurred through both direct oxidation by PFRs and indirect oxidation by reactive species, particularly superoxide radicals (O₂⋅⁻). Furthermore, the synergistic effects of heteroatom nitrogen and Na2CO3 modifications significantly impacted PFR formation and stability. These findings provide valuable insights into the mechanisms of PFR-mediated catalytic oxidation, highlighting the key roles of pyridinic rings, with or without oxygenated groups, in enhancing catalytic performance of biochar. This research advances the understanding of biochar surface chemistry and presents an effective strategy for developing high-performance biochar-based catalysts for environmental remediation, addressing the limitations of unmodified biochar through targeted surface modifications.

Graphical Abstract