bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Altitudinal variation of microplastic abundance in lakeshore sediments from Italian lakes
Authors: Parolini Marco , Perin Elena , De Felice Beatrice , Gazzotti Stefano , Palazzi Adriano , Conti Luca , Conterosito Eleonora , Rosio Emanuela , Bruno Francesco , Gianotti Valentina , Cavallo Roberto
Published: May 2024

Microplastic (MP) contamination represents an issue of global concern for both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, but only in recent years, the study of MPs has been focused on freshwaters. Several monitoring surveys have detected the presence of a wide array of MPs differing in size, shape, and polymer composition in rivers and lakes worldwide. Because of their role of sink for plastic particles, the abundance of MPs was investigated in waters, and deep and shoreline sediments from diverse lakes, confirming the ubiquity of this contamination. Although diverse factors, including those concerning anthropogenic activities and physical characteristics of lakes, have been supposed to affect MP abundances, very few studies have directly addressed these links. Thus, the aim of the present study was to explore the levels of MP contamination in mountain and subalpine lakes from Northern Italy. Fourteen lakes dislocated at different altitudes and characterized by dissimilar anthropic pressures were visited. Lakeshore sediments were collected close to the drift line to assess MPs contamination. Our results showed the presence of MPs in lakeshore sediments from all the lakes, with a mean (± standard deviation) expressed as MPs/Kg dry sediment accounting to 14.42 ± 13.31 (range 1.57–61.53), while expressed as MPs/m2, it was 176.07 ± 172.83 (range 25.00–666.67). The MP abundance measured for Garda Lake was significantly higher compared to all the other ones (F1,13 = 7.344; P < 0.001). The pattern of contamination was dominated by fibers in all the lakes, but they were the main contributors in mountain lakes. These findings showed that the MP abundance varied according to the altitude of the lakes, with higher levels measured in subalpine lakes located at low altitudes and surrounded by populated areas.
Support for a Single Underlying Dimension of Self-Reported Health in a Sample of Adults with Low Back Pain in the United States
Authors: Hays Ron D. , Rodriguez Anthony , Qureshi Nabeel , Zeng Chengbo , Edelen Maria Orlando
Published: May 2024

There is increasing interest in measuring “whole person” health and deriving an overall summary score. Underlying physical and mental health dimensions have been found consistently in prior studies of self-reported health, but it is unclear whether a single underlying health factor is supported across health domains. We examine the dimensionality of nine domains from the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS®)-29 + 2 profile measure, the PROMIS social isolation scale, the Personal Wellbeing Index, and the EQ-5D-5L preference score in a sample of 1256 adults with back pain in the United States: mean age was 55 (range 18–94), 52% female, 74% non-Hispanic White, 61% were married or living with a spouse, and the highest level of education completed for 35% of the sample was a high school degree or general education diploma. The sample reported substantially more pain intensity, pain interference, and worse physical function than the U.S. general population. Product-moment correlations among the measures ranged from 0.25 to 0.83 (median correlation = 0.52). A bifactor model showed that a general health factor accounted for most of the covariation among measures, but physical function, pain interference, and pain intensity loaded slightly more on the physical health group factor than on the general health factor. The study provides some support for combining multiple aspects of self-reported health into an overall indicator of whole-person health.
Osteoporosis management in Australian aged care facilities: a mixed method study
Authors: Laird Catherine , Williams Kylie A. , Benson Helen
Published: May 2024

Osteoporosis is a common but sub-optimally managed disease amongst aged care residents. Pharmacists undertaking comprehensive medication reviews is one strategy to improve osteoporosis management. Analysis of pharmacist medication review recommendations has identified common clinical practice issues that can be addressed to optimise osteoporosis management for aged care residents.

Purpose

This study investigates the prevalence of osteoporosis medicine use amongst Australian aged care residents and explores drug-related problems (DRPs) identified during medication reviews and pharmacist recommendations to resolve them.

Methods

Resident demographics, medications, diagnoses, osteoporosis related DRPs, and recommendations to resolve them were extracted from medication review reports. A mixed methods approach was taken to analysis, involving descriptive statistical analysis and content analysis.

Results

Medication review reports relating to 980 residents were collected. Antiresorptive therapies were used by 21.7% of residents, of which 87.2% were prescribed denosumab. Osteoporosis related DRPs represented 14.0% of all DRPs identified by pharmacists. Vitamin D was involved in 55.4% of these DRPs, the remainder concerned antiresorptive therapies (23.4%), medications contributing to osteoporosis (16.3%), and calcium (4.9%). Frequent deviations in practice from aged care clinical guidelines and consensus recommendations concerning vitamin D and calcium were found. DRPs and accompanying recommendations relating to denosumab revealed inadequate monitoring and inadvertent therapy disruptions.

Conclusion

Pharmacist identified DRPs and recommendations revealed common aspects of clinical practice that can be addressed to improve osteoporosis management for aged care residents. A need to raise awareness of aged care-specific consensus recommendations concerning vitamin D and calcium is evident. Facility protocols and procedures must be developed and implemented to ensure safe and effective use of denosumab.
Spatial variability of dust concentration and deposition around an industrial port in South Africa emphasises the complexity of sources and transport
Authors: Vos Heleen C. , Kangueehi Kaukurauee I. , Toesie René , Eckardt Frank D. , Ravenscroft Grant , Fietz Susanne
Published: May 2024

The port and industrial zone of Saldanha Bay in South Africa accommodates activities related to the transport, processing, and production of commodities such as iron ore, manganese ore, and steel. The visible emission of dust from this area raised concerns for public health and to address this, the municipality has monitored the fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentration and dust deposition since 2015. Here, this monitoring data served to assess spatial and temporal changes and to evaluate the potential contribution of industrial and meteorological processes to these changes. We observed high temporal variability in both PM2.5 concentration and dust deposition, and high spatial variation in dust depositions. Dust originated from local sources such as industry and traffic, but industrial activities could not explain the observed spatial variability, and concentration and deposition fluxes did not significantly increase over the years despite the extension of industrial activities. Meteorological factors such as rain, wind speed, wind direction, as well as topography exerted an important influence, but could also only partially explain the observed variability in both dust concentration and deposition. Furthermore, the PM2.5 concentration and dust deposition are not significantly correlated, which highlights the challenges in appropriate dust monitoring. It follows that such monitoring efforts, though meeting national standards, require improvement to assess risks accurately. Our study illustrates that in areas with such high complexity of industrial activities, the high variability of dust load and deposition must be considered to evaluate implications for public and environmental health, adherence to guidelines, and mitigation strategies.
Evaluation of Possible Toxic Effects of Boric Acid in Palourde Clam (Ruditapes decussatus) Through Histological Changes and Oxidative Responses
Authors: Ertürk Gürkan Selin , Gürkan Mert , Sarıtunç Volkan , İbiş Ezgi Can , Güneş Berkay
Published: May 2024

The extensive utilization of boric acid, particularly in industrial and agricultural sectors, also engenders concerns regarding the toxicity of boron and its derivatives. Particularly, the behavior of boric acid at increasing concentrations in aquatic ecosystems remains poorly understood. In light of these concerns, this study aimed to investigate the toxicity of boric acid in bivalves, which occupy a critical position in the food chain. Specimens of Ruditapes decussatus, which had not been previously exposed to any pollutants and were cultivated under controlled conditions, were subjected to three different concentrations of boric acid (0.05 mg/L, 0.5 mg/L, and 5 mg/L) in vitro for 96 h. Following the exposure period, the specimens were assessed for histological changes (the mantle, gill, and digestive gland) and specific oxidative parameters (the gill and digestive gland), including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione-S-transferase, and lipid peroxidation (LPO). The research findings indicated that boric acid primarily induced oxidative damage at the applied concentrations and increased antioxidant levels (p < 0.05). Moreover, although no significant histopathological abnormalities were observed in the examined histological sections, subtle changes were noted. This study evaluated the potential adverse effects of boric acid on bivalves, which are crucial components of the aquatic food chain, utilizing histological and specific physiological parameters following its introduction into aquatic environments. It is anticipated that the findings of this study will contribute to the development of new insights and perspectives regarding the extensive use of boric acid.
Unraveling the Endocannabinoid System: Exploring Its Therapeutic Potential in Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Jana Ankit , Nath Arnab , Sen Palash , Kundu Swikriti , Alghamdi Badrah S. , Abujamel Turki S. , Saboor Muhammad , Woon-Khiong Chan , Alexiou Athanasios , Papadakis Marios , Alam Mohammad Zubair , Ashraf Ghulam Md
Published: May 2024

The salient features of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) encompass persistent difficulties in social communication, as well as the presence of restricted and repetitive facets of behavior, hobbies, or pursuits, which are often accompanied with cognitive limitations. Over the past few decades, a sizable number of studies have been conducted to enhance our understanding of the pathophysiology of ASD. Preclinical rat models have proven to be extremely valuable in simulating and analyzing the roles of a wide range of established environmental and genetic factors. Recent research has also demonstrated the significant involvement of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the pathogenesis of several neuropsychiatric diseases, including ASD. In fact, the ECS has the potential to regulate a multitude of metabolic and cellular pathways associated with autism, including the immune system. Moreover, the ECS has emerged as a promising target for intervention with high predictive validity. Particularly noteworthy are resent preclinical studies in rodents, which describe the onset of ASD-like symptoms after various genetic or pharmacological interventions targeting the ECS, providing encouraging evidence for further exploration in this area.
Lopezia guerrerensis (Onagraceae, sect. Lopezia), una nueva especie del estado de Guerrero, México
Authors: Jiménez Ramírez Jaime , Cruz Durán Ramiro
Published: May 2024

Lopezia guerrerensis is described as a new species for the flora of the state of Guerrero, Mexico. It is similar to the species of the Lopezia miniata complex, but is distinguished from them by its habit (subshrubs or shrubs to 3.5 m tall), whorled leaves (three per node) with brochidodromous venation and 12–14 (–17) secondary veins per side, flowers with larger lower petals and a longer fertile stamen, and inflorescences in corymbiform racemes, these axillary or grouped together in terminal panicles. For section Lopezia and the tribe Lopeziae, two new characters are added: whorled leaves (three per node) and whorled inflorescences.
Seasonal variation in the activity pattern of red squirrels and their mammalian predators
Authors: Kalb Nadine , Schlindwein Xenia , Gottschalk Thomas K. , Dvorak Jan , Randler Christoph
Published: May 2024

Camera traps are a powerful tool to monitor the activity pattern of species over long time periods. Camera data can be used to analyze activity patterns of or temporal niche partitioning among species. Temporal niche partitioning plays an important role for species coexistence and is under constant evolutionary pressure from predator-prey relationships. Our study aimed to investigate temporal shifts in activity patterns of red squirrels and two mammalian predators, red fox and marten (Martes spec.). Previous studies yielded different activity patterns for these species depending on location, season, predator-prey interactions, and food- availability. We used camera traps to monitor the activity of squirrels, red fox and martens throughout a whole year in a mountainous forest in southwestern Germany. We also investigated a possible difference in activity among different color morphs as coloration in mammals is often associated with concealment, for squirrels, however, such an effect could not be demonstrated so far. We found a diurnal activity for squirrels in all seasons with a bimodal activity pattern during spring, trimodal in summer and unimodal in fall and winter. Activity patterns did not differ between black and red color morphs. The activity of the squirrels showed only low to moderate overlaps with fox and marten, but there was still slight variation among seasons. Activity overlaps were higher in spring and summer, which coincides with breeding season. Our results suggest that predators might adjust their activity during squirrel breeding season to increase the chance of preying on their offspring. Squirrels in turn could benefit by minimizing the activity overlap during wintertime when they are highly visible to predators as trees are leaf-free or even snow might enhance the contrast between them and their background. Lastly, our results indicate that temporal niche portioning among red squirrel, red fox and martens might be rather fine scaled.
Use of Simulation to Teach Obstetrics and Gynecology Residents How to Care for Transgender & Gender Diverse Patients
Authors: Neumann Olivia , Higgins Erin
Published: May 2024

Purpose of Review

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other gender diverse (LGBTQ+) individuals face barriers in access to healthcare and face poorer healthcare outcomes than the cisgender population. Gynecologists provide routine health maintenance and primary care for LGBTQ + patients. Lack of physician knowledge of the unique healthcare considerations of LGBTQ+ patients heightens barriers to care. Healthcare simulation can serve to provide Ob/Gyn residents with practice implementing and strengthening their communication skills and cultural competence with LGBTQ+ patients. There are various simulation modalities, including standardized patients, virtual reality, and high-fidelity manikins, which can be implemented for LGBTQ+ simulation. This article will review implementation of simulation-based training, creating a safe learning environment, and strategies for debriefing and feedback.

Recent Findings

Various governing bodies of medical education list education on LGBTQ+ care within key learning objectives for medical students and obstetric and gynecologic (Ob/Gyn) residents. However, program directors and residents have identified LGBTQ+ healthcare as a gap in their education, often citing lack of curriculum as an educational barrier. Among Ob/Gyn residents who have participated in healthcare simulation on LGBTQ+ care, there has been a qualitative improvement in comfort with and knowledge of medical care (Ruud et al. in J Midwifery Womens Health 2021;66(6):778–86), (Kreines  et al. in J Assist Reprod Genet 2022;39(12):2755–66).

Healthcare simulation should be implemented within medical training to improve the care and medical outcomes of LGBTQ+ patients. While some qualitative studies have shown resident self-reported improvement after healthcare simulation with LGBTQ+ patients, longitudinal studies need to be done to assess long-term impact. Additionally, educational grants for simulation equipment and curricula can improve access to healthcare simulation.
CO2 conversion to synthetic fuels using flow cell reactor over Cu and Ag based cathodes
Authors: Zignani Sabrina C. , Aricò Antonino S.
Published: May 2024

As a result of electrochemical conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2), value-added chemicals like as synthetic fuels and chemical feedstocks can be produced. In the current state of the art, copper-based materials are most widely used being the most effective catalysts for this reaction. It is still necessary to improve the reaction rate and product selectivity of CuOx for electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR). The main objective of this work was synthesized and evaluate the copper oxide electrocatalyst combined with silver (CuO 70% Ag 30%) for the conversion of carbon dioxide into synthetic fuels. The catalysts have been prepared by the oxalate method and assessed in a flow cell system. The results of electrochemical experiments were carried out at room temperature and at different potentials (-1.05 V–0.75 V vs. RHE in presence of 0.1 M KHCO3) and gas and liquid chromatographic analysis are summarized. The CuOx-based electrodes demonstrated the selective of ~ 25% at -0.55 V for formic acid (HCOOH) and over CuO -Ag and selective of ethylene at ~ 20% over CuOx at -1.05 V. Other products were formed as ethylene, ethanol, and propanol (C2H4, EtOH, PrOH) at more positive potentials. On the other hand, carbon monoxide, acetate, ethylene glycol, propinaldehyde, glycoaldehyde and glyoxal (CO, CH3COO, C2H6O2, C3H6O, C2H4O2, C2H2O2) have been formed and detected. Based on the results of these studies, it appears that the formation of synthetic fuels from CO2 at room temperature in alkaline environment can be very promising.
High-Speed Motion Planning with Object Acceleration Constraint for Industrial Robots
Authors: Le Hieu Minh , Appuhamillage Gayan Kahandawa , Nguyen Linh
Published: May 2024

In this paper, we propose a new approach to efficiently plan trajectories for industrial robots, where total trajectory time is reduced while limiting the robot end-effector acceleration to a safe threshold, which guarantees an object to be transported safely without damage or spills. We also propose to solve the optimization problem in two steps by utilizing both the quadratic programming algorithm and sparse sequential quadratic programming method. The proposed two-step procedure empirically proves that computing time of solving the optimization problem is significantly reduced. Effectiveness of the proposed approach was verified in Drake, where the obtained results are highly promising.
Transforming Driver Education: A Comparative Analysis of LLM-Augmented Training and Conventional Instruction for Autonomous Vehicle Technologies
Authors: Murtaza Mohsin , Cheng Chi-Tsun , Fard Mohammad , Zeleznikow John
Published: May 2024

As modern vehicles continue to integrate increasingly sophisticated Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and Autonomous Vehicles (AV) functions, conventional user manuals may no longer be the most effective medium for conveying knowledge to drivers. This research analysed conventional, paper and video-based instructional methods versus a Large Language Model (LLM)-based instructional tool to educate 86 participants about the operation of specific ADAS and AV functionalities. The study sampled participants aged between 20 and over 40, with driving experience ranging from one to over six years. The first group was educated using the conventional methods. In contrast, the second group received instructions via an LLM, i.e., users learn via ChatGPT interaction. Our goal was to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of these teaching methodologies based on the reaction times participants required to activate ADAS functions and the corresponding accuracies. Our findings revealed that the group trained via ChatGPT demonstrated significantly improved learning outcomes compared to conventional training. This included shorter activation times, higher consistency, and higher accuracy across examined functions. This study further proposed a framework to effectively use ChatGPT for different training scenarios and education purposes, offering a valuable resource for leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) in training users to handle complex systems. The framework empowers educators to tailor ChatGPT’s interactions, ensuring efficient, guided learning experiences for learners. For researchers, this study lays the foundation for exploring the role of LLM-based instructional tools in a broader range of applications.
Facile Semiconductor p–n Homojunction Nanowires with Strategic p-Type Doping Engineering Combined with Surface Reconstruction for Biosensing Applications
Authors: Li Liuan , Fang Shi , Chen Wei , Li Yueyue , Vafadar Mohammad Fazel , Wang Danhao , Kang Yang , Liu Xin , Luo Yuanmin , Liang Kun , Dang Yiping , Zhao Lei , Zhao Songrui , Yin Zongzhi , Sun Haiding
Published: May 2024

Photosensors with versatile functionalities have emerged as a cornerstone for breakthroughs in the future optoelectronic systems across a wide range of applications. In particular, emerging photoelectrochemical (PEC)-type devices have recently attracted extensive interest in liquid-based biosensing applications due to their natural electrolyte-assisted operating characteristics. Herein, a PEC-type photosensor was carefully designed and constructed by employing gallium nitride (GaN) p–n homojunction semiconductor nanowires on silicon, with the p-GaN segment strategically doped and then decorated with cobalt–nickel oxide (CoNiOx). Essentially, the p–n homojunction configuration with facile p-doping engineering improves carrier separation efficiency and facilitates carrier transfer to the nanowire surface, while CoNiOx decoration further boosts PEC reaction activity and carrier dynamics at the nanowire/electrolyte interface. Consequently, the constructed photosensor achieves a high responsivity of 247.8 mA W−1 while simultaneously exhibiting excellent operating stability. Strikingly, based on the remarkable stability and high responsivity of the device, a glucose sensing system was established with a demonstration of glucose level determination in real human serum. This work offers a feasible and universal approach in the pursuit of high-performance bio-related sensing applications via a rational design of PEC devices in the form of nanostructured architecture with strategic doping engineering.
Making the Complicated Simple: A Minimizing Carrier Strategy on Innovative Nanopesticides
Authors: Shangguan Wenjie , Huang Qiliang , Chen Huiping , Zheng Yingying , Zhao Pengyue , Cao Chong , Yu Manli , Cao Yongsong , Cao Lidong
Published: May 2024

The flourishing progress in nanotechnology offers boundless opportunities for agriculture, particularly in the realm of nanopesticides research and development. However, concerns have been raised regarding the human and environmental safety issues stemming from the unrestrained use of non-therapeutic nanomaterials in nanopesticides. It is also important to consider whether the current development strategy of nanopesticides based on nanocarriers can strike a balance between investment and return, and if the complex material composition genuinely improves the efficiency, safety, and circularity of nanopesticides. Herein, we introduced the concept of nanopesticides with minimizing carriers (NMC) prepared through prodrug design and molecular self-assembly emerging as practical tools to address the current limitations, and compared it with nanopesticides employing non-therapeutic nanomaterials as carriers (NNC). We further summarized the current development strategy of NMC and examined potential challenges in its preparation, performance, and production. Overall, we asserted that the development of NMC systems can serve as the innovative driving force catalyzing a green and efficient revolution in nanopesticides, offering a way out of the current predicament.
Paternal Incarceration, Family Relationships, and Adolescents’ Internalizing and Externalizing Problem Behaviors
Authors: Venema Simon D. , Haan Marieke , Blaauw Eric , Veenstra René
Published: May 2024

Little is known about the conditions under which paternal incarceration is harmful to children and the mechanisms that explain this. This study addressed the family relationship context in the associations between paternal incarceration and adolescents’ internalizing and externalizing problem behaviors. Using data from the Future of Families and Child Wellbeing Study, a moderated mediation model was specified where paternal incarceration predicted adolescents’ internalizing and externalizing problem behaviors through family relationship quality, and where the mediating role of family relationship quality was moderated by pre-incarceration family relationship characteristics. Using latent profile analyses, three pre-incarceration family clusters were identified (“Cohesive”; “Fragmented”; “Disharmonious”). Analyses indicated that the association between paternal incarceration and family relationship quality differed across pre-incarceration family clusters and that decreased father-mother relationship quality mediated the negative association between paternal incarceration and adolescents’ internalizing and externalizing problem behaviors among “Cohesive” and “Fragmented”, but not among “Disharmonious” family clusters. The findings suggest that adolescents with more harmonious pre-incarceration family relationships are most vulnerable to the negative consequences of paternal incarceration. The study demonstrates the need to consider the family relationship context to understand the intergenerational consequences of incarceration.
Experimental study of mechanical properties of artificial dam for coal mine underground reservoir under cyclic loading and unloading
Authors: Lyu Xin , Yang Ke , Xu Chaoshui , Fang Juejing , Duan Minke , Zhang Zhainan
Published: May 2024

This study investigates the stability of an artificial dam used in an underground reservoir in a coal mine under periodic weighting imposed by overlying rock strata. For this purpose, cyclic loading and unloading tests with different stress amplitudes were designed. Differences in the mechanical performance of the artificial dam with and without overlying strata were analyzed using a uniaxial compression test. The mechanical properties of the structure under constant-amplitude cyclic loading and unloading were characterized. Further, the law of influence of stress amplitude on stability was discussed. A formula for predicting the mechanical performance of the artificial dam with its overlying rocks (hereafter referred to as the complex) was finally derived and was suitable for clarifying the law of damage in the complex under cyclic loading and unloading. The results showed that the complex had changed the internal structure of rocks. The strength and deformation of the complex were intermediate to that of either single structure. All three underwent brittle failure. During the constant-amplitude loading and unloading tests, the hysteresis loop could be divided into three phases, namely, sparse, dense, and sparse again, with a shift in the turning point in rock deformation memory effect. As the stress amplitude increased during the test, the damping ratio of the specimens decreased, and the area of the hysteresis loop increased non-linearly. The dynamic elastic modulus decreased first and then increased. The confidence interval for the formula fitted based on the test results was above 97%. Damage to the complex caused by constant-amplitude loading and unloading could be divided into three stages. An increase in peak stress served as a catalyst for the evolution of small cracks within the specimens into median and large cracks, thereby accelerating the damage process.
Additive manufacturing of carbon-martensitic hardening ledeburitic cold work tool steels using Fused Filament Fabrication and subsequent Supersolidus Liquid-Phase Sintering
Authors: Röttger A. , Wieczorek L. , Schmidtseifer N. , Katzwinkel T. , Blüm M. , Löwer M.
Published: May 2024

In this work, the microstructure property relationship of D2 (X153CrMoV12; 1.2379) ledeburitic cold work steel processed by filament extrusion is investigated. Contrary to the conventional process, which involves a multi-step process of printing, debinding, and solid-state sintering, the specimens in this study were densified using Supersolidus Liquid-Phase Sintering (SLPS). SLPS occurs after thermal debinding in the interval between the solidus and liquidus temperatures. Optimized liquid-phase volume fraction was evaluated by means of thermodynamic calculations using the CALPHAD method and their experimental validation. The microstructure formation process during debinding, solid state, and SLPS sintering was investigated by X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy. Tomography studies confirm a relative density of 99.92% by volume during SLPS sintering at 1280 °C and provide a deep insight into local densification behavior during SLPS processing. In addition, surface roughness, as determined by confocal laser scanning microscopy, could be reduced. The reduction in porosity and surface roughness can be attributed to the presence of a liquid phase during SLPS. Using adapted heat treatment parameters determined by hardness-tempering curves, higher hardness values were achieved for SLPS-post-compacted specimens compared to conventionally processed specimens and the same material in the cast and heat-treated reference state.
Vom Teufelsquadrat zum nachhaltigen Engelsdiamanten und holistischen Bow-Tie-Modell: Methodenentwicklung für die ganzheitliche Analyse, Gestaltung und Entwicklung von nachhaltigen Arbeitssystemen
Authors: Flemisch Frank , Preutenborbeck Michael , Herzberger Nicolas , Wasser Joscha
Published: May 2024

Um globalen Krisen wie dem Klimawandel oder Covid-19 entgegenzuwirken, wird es immer wichtiger, Arbeitssysteme nachhaltiger und resilienter zu gestalten. Dies betrifft nicht nur die ökologische, sondern auch die ökonomische, soziale und sicherheitspolitische Nachhaltigkeit. Vor diesem Hintergrund stellt sich die Aufgabe, etablierte Forschungsmethoden kritisch zu reflektieren, anzupassen und weiterzuentwickeln. In der vorliegenden Arbeit wurden Ansätze zur wertebasierten Systemgestaltung und -entwicklung untersucht, insbesondere mit dem Fokus, Nachhaltigkeit als grundlegenden Wert in der Systemgestaltung zu verankern. Es wurden zwei Modelle entwickelt, die einen ersten qualitativen Ansatz hierzu liefern können: Das „Engelsdiamant“-Diagramm zeigt Nachhaltigkeit auf der gleichen Ebene wie Zeit, Kosten, Funktionen und Qualität, die im klassischen Teufelsquadrat-Diagramm beschrieben werden. Das „holistische Bow-Tie-Modell“ zeigt die Verbindungen und Interaktionen zwischen einem lokalen soziotechnischen System und seinen globalen Metasystemen wie Organisationen, Gesellschaften und Umwelt. Die praktische Anwendung der Modelle im Rahmen eines NATO-Workshops im Kontext der Gestaltung eines KI-basierten Sicherheitssystems zeigt die Relevanz und erste Wirksamkeit beider Modelle.

Praktische Relevanz:Die praktische Relevanz des Beitrags liegt in der Entwicklung und Anwendung von Modellen, die zur systematischen Integration von Nachhaltigkeitsaspekten in die Gestaltung von Arbeitssystemen beitragen. Sie ermöglichen es, die Auswirkungen auf ökologische, ökonomische, soziale und sicherheitspolitische Nachhaltigkeit bei Entscheidungen in der Systementwicklung zu berücksichtigen und fördern ein umfassenderes Verständnis der Wechselwirkungen zwischen lokalen und globalen Systemen. Die Anwendung der Modelle unterstützt dabei, komplexe Wechselwirkungen zu analysieren und Entscheidungen über ökologische, ökonomische und soziale Auswirkungen von Produkten oder Systemen zu treffen.
Techniques modernes de biopsies de prostate
Authors: Feldman Manuel , Buchs Sonia , Valerio Massimo , Windisch Olivier
Published: May 2024

Les méthodes de biopsie de prostate n’ont cessé d’évoluer. La technique conventionnelle, où l’échantillonnage était réalisé de manière randomisée et systématique, par voie transrectale, s’est considérablement modifiée. L’IRM de prostate multiparamétrique avec injection de Gadolinium est désormais recommandée dans l’algorithme diagnostique des patients avec une suspicion de cancer de prostate. Le score PI-RADS v2.1 standardise l’acquisition des images et leur interprétation et permet d’éviter des biopsies chez une importante proportion des patients sans lésion suspecte. Les biopsies sont désormais principalement réalisées de manière ciblée sur les zones d’IRM suspectes. Ceci a permis de diminuer les prélèvements systématiques, avec finalement un meilleur diagnostic, mieux représentatif de la maladie. Les biopsies systématiques restent pertinentes pour détecter les cas de cancer non visibles à l’IRM.

L’approche transrectale, longtemps utilisée en raison de sa facilité d’utilisation, est progressivement abandonnée au profit des biopsies transpérinéales qui ont l’avantage de limiter le risque infectieux en l’absence de contamination par le tube digestif. De plus, la performance diagnostique entre les deux techniques est similaire, avec même un probable bénéfice de diagnostic en faveur des biopsies par voie transpérinéale au niveau de l’apex prostatique, et de la zone antérieure qui sont difficilement échantillonnable par voie transrectale. Le développement de technique d’anesthésie et des biopsies ciblées par voie transpérinéale a également rendu ce geste faisable en anesthésie locale.
Corticotropin-releasing hormone deficiency results in impaired analgesic response during CFA-induced inflammation
Authors: Karagianni Efthymia , Rassouli Olga , Poulaki Smaragda , Dermitzaki Eirini , Liapakis George , Margioris Andrew N. , Venihaki Maria
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) plays an important role in relief of pain by releasing analgesia-associated molecules in several inflammatory states. During inflammation, peripheral CRH acts on cells of the immune system to stimulate the local expression of proopiomelanocortin (POMC) and the production of β-endorphin, which in turn binds to opioid receptors on sensory neurons to produce antinociception. In the present study, we further investigated the role of endogenous CRH in inflammatory pain by determining the effects of Crh-deficiency on this process.

Methods

For this purpose, we used Crh-deficient (Crh-/-) mice and their wildtype (Crh + / +) littermates in the CFA (Complete Freund’s Adjuvant)-induced inflammatory pain model. Pain thresholds were evaluated with the Hargreaves apparatus.

Results

Our experiments showed that Crh deficiency led to increased pain response, which was associated with decreased POMC mRNA levels in locally inflamed paws of these mice. Furthermore, Crh-/- mice had higher paw edema than Crh + / + mice. Histological evaluation of inflamed paw tissues revealed increased inflammatory response in Crh-/- mice. Protein levels of proinflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β, were higher in inflamed tissue of Crh-/- mice compared to wildtype mice. Corticosterone replacement increased the pain threshold of Crh-/- mice, restored their paw volume to the levels of wildtype mice, and significantly reduced their proinflammatory cytokine levels. Furthermore, glucocorticoid administration significantly increased POMC mRNA expression in the inflamed paw.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that genetic deficiency of CRH is associated with increased pain. This effect is likely attributable to the accompanying glucocorticoid insufficiency and is in part mediated by opioids expressed locally.
RSR-YOLO: a real-time method for small target tomato detection based on improved YOLOv8 network
Authors: Yue Xiang , Qi Kai , Yang Fuhao , Na Xinyi , Liu Yanhua , Liu Cuihong
Published: May 2024

In tomato producing fields, automated large-area detection method is critical for fruit health monitoring and harvesting. However, due to the limited feature information included in tomatoes, large-area detection across long distances results in more missing or incorrect detections. To address this issue, this research proposes an improved YOLOv8 network, RSR-YOLO, for long-distance identification of tomato fruits. Firstly, this paper designs a partial group convolution (PgConv) and furthermore an innovative FasterNet (IFN) module for feature extraction, taking into account the impact of split operations on the computational complexity of the backbone network. The IFN module is lightweight and efficient, which improves the detection accuracy and real-time detection performance of the model. Secondly, this research combines the Gather and Distribute mechanism (GD) and redesigns the feature fusion module to implement the extraction and fusion of various levels of tomato features, given the critical significance that low-dimensional features play in small target recognition and localization. Finally, Repulsion Loss is used in this paper to examine the impact of fruit overlap and leaf occlusion on detection outcomes. RSR-YOLO achieves precision, recall, F1 score, and mean average precision (mAP@0.5) of 91.6%, 85.9%, 88.7%, and 90.7%, respectively, marking increases of 4.2%, 4%, 4.2%, and 3.6% compared to YOLOv8n. In addition, this paper designs a specialized Graphical User Interface (GUI) for the real-time detection task of tomatoes.
Generalized Cesàro operator acting on Hilbert spaces of analytic functions
Authors: Mas Alejandro , Merchán Noel , de la Rosa Elena
Published: May 2024

Let $$\mathbb {D}$$
D
denote the unit disc in $$\mathbb {C}$$
C
. We define the generalized Cesàro operator as follows: $$\begin{aligned} C_{\omega }(f)(z)=\int _0^1 f(tz)\left( \frac{1}{z}\int _0^z B^{\omega }_t(u)\,\textrm{d}u\right) \,\omega (t)\textrm{d}t, \end{aligned}$$

C
ω

(
f
)

(
z
)

=

∫
0
1

f

(
t
z
)

1
z

∫
0
z

B
t
ω

(
u
)

d
u

ω

(
t
)

d
t
,

where $$\{B^{\omega }_\zeta \}_{\zeta \in \mathbb {D}}$$

{

B
ζ
ω

}

ζ
∈
D

are the reproducing kernels of the Bergman space $$A^{2}_{\omega }$$

A
ω
2

induced by a radial weight $$\omega $$
ω
in the unit disc $$\mathbb {D}$$
D
. We study the action of the operator $$C_{\omega }$$

C
ω

on weighted Hardy spaces of analytic functions $$\mathcal {H}_{\gamma }$$

H
γ

, $$\gamma >0$$

γ
>
0

and on general weighted Bergman spaces $$A^{2}_{\mu }$$

A
μ
2

.
Scaling Up Whole Child Development Initiatives: Lessons from the Early Journey of Life Program in Vietnam
Authors: Guzman Bautista Patricia , Lam Jasmine , Radner James
Published: May 2024

Human development programs—for example, early childhood interventions—often depend on high-quality, respectful human relationships. This creates a challenge for implementation at large scale. Here, we review how this challenge was addressed in the scale-up of the Early Journey of Life (EJOL) program, an evidence-based initiative in Vietnam that supports parents and families in the first 1,000 days of children’s lives. The program’s experience highlights the value of an approach to scaling that aims to energize stakeholders, including at the front line as well as among government leaders; rapidly learn and adapt based on new evidence; empower leadership across the delivery system; rebalance agency to the front line; and gradually but systematically embed program principles and activities in large government systems. Our findings suggest that EJOL’s work to implement scale-up along these lines was in turn grounded in high-quality relationships with those engaged in the program, from family members to frontline workers to middle managers and senior government officials. The EJOL program has successfully scaled to reach 109 rural communes in Ha Nam province and continues to expand and diversify while retaining its core focus on high-quality human relationships.
The interplay of religious values, servant leadership and teacher job satisfaction in Bangladeshi education institutions
Authors: Hossain Mohammed Zaber , Islam Md Shamimul , Ali Isahaque , Baikady Rajendra , Azman Azlinda , Uddin Muhammed Kabir
Published: May 2024

The interplay of principals’ religious values and servant leadership can play a prominent role in promoting job satisfaction among teachers in Bangladeshi schools and colleges. This study aimed to examine the mediating role of servant leadership style in the relationship between the principals’ religious values and the job satisfaction of teachers in Bangladesh. The study surveyed 335 participants from schools and colleges using a self-administered questionnaire and analyzed the data using Partial Least Square Structural Equations Modeling (PLS-SEM) via Smart PLS 4 software. The findings showed that principals’ religious values and servant leadership style have a positive impact on teachers’ job satisfaction, with servant leadership serving as a mediator in the relationship. The research expands upon the servant leadership theory in an educational setting where religious values play a significant role. It offers valuable insight into the impact of principals’ religious values and servant leadership style on teachers’ job satisfaction. The study has practical implications, in a setting where Islam as a dominating religion, for educational administrators, as it sheds light on how principals’ religious values and servant leadership impact teachers’ job satisfaction in schools and colleges in Bangladesh.
The effect of sand-crumb rubber mixture treatment on the seismic response of a low-rise building located on liquefiable soil
Authors: Tareghian Benyamin , Baradaran Mohammad Saleh , Akhtarpour Ali
Published: May 2024

One of the most effective measures to reduce earthquake risks in high-seismic areas is to reduce the input forces caused by earthquakes to the structure. The properties of rubber materials in geotechnical projects are energy absorption, dynamic deformation change as well as damping of latent energy in loads, high shear modulus and damping ratio, easy access and their economic nature. In this research, with finite difference modeling, the effect of using sand- crumb rubber layer on the seismic behavior of the model has been obtained. In the following, by changing the thickness and depth of the sand-crumb rubber layer, the seismic behavior such as floor displacement and internal forces have been investigated. This research numerically models liquefaction (UBCsand with FLAC) and predicts the effects of the sand-crumb rubber layer of different thicknesses (as % weight of the mixture) under the foundation and evaluates the structure's damage and settlement interacting with the soil by validating the numerical model with the laboratory model and calibrating it with different ratios. The results show that liquefaction, pore water pressure excess ratio and soil settlement will be significantly reduced with the presence of sand-crumb rubber layer, and also the base shear has shown an increase, but the structural damage is reduced.

Graphical Abstract
Our Urban Planet in Theory and History
Authors: Nightingale Carl
Published: May 2024

This Element offers seven propositions toward a theory of 'Our Urban Planet' that is useful to global urban historians. I argue that historians have much to offer to theorists particularly those involved in debates over planetary urbanization theory and the Anthropocene. We must enlarge our concept of 'urban' to include spaces that make cities possible and that cities make possible and become comfortable with longer temporal frames that nest global urban history within Earth Time. Above all we need to add the crucial dimension of power, redefining cities as spaces that humans produce to amplify harvests of geo-solar energy and deploy human power within space and time. The element uses insights from 'deep history' to set the stage for a 'theory by verb' elaborating the many paradoxes of humans' 6,000-year gamble with the Urban Condition and explaining cities' own intrinsic capacity to outrun their own theorizability.
Can Governance be Intelligent?
Authors: Vigoda-Gadot Eran
Published: May 2024

Intelligence is a concept that occurs in multiple contexts and has various meanings. It refers to the ability of human beings and other entities to think and understand the world around us. It represents a set of skills directed at problem-solving and targeted at producing effective results. Thus, intelligence and governance are an odd couple. We expect governments and other governing institutions to operate in an intelligent manner, but too frequently we criticize their understanding of serious public problems, their decisions, behaviors, managerial skills, ability to solve urgent problems, and overall governability wisdom. This manuscript deals with such questions using interdisciplinary insights (i.e., psychological, social, institutional, biological, technological) on intelligence and integrating it with knowledge in governance, administration, and management in public and non-profit sectors. We propose the IntelliGov framework, that may extend both our theoretical, methodological, analytical, and applied understanding of intelligent governance in the digital age.
Nationhood in South Sudan Cinema: The Iconicity of Motherhood in Akuol de Mabior’s No Simple Way Home (2023)
Authors: Mututa Addamms Songe
Published: May 2024

Post-cessation nationhood in South Sudan presented a paradoxical situation: a country united during struggle is fragmented after independence. Among the triggers for this scenario was the death of Dr John Garang de Mabior—the country’s founding father. This article is a multidisciplinary semiotic critique of Akuol de Mabior’s film, No Simple Way Home (2023), against the history of South Sudanese nationhood. Without claiming a political scientific analysis, the author proposes that South Sudan’s crisis of nationhood is symptomatic of a quest for a unifying icon. He theorizes the protagonist’s quintessence of motherhood as a semiotic gesture of her de jure iconicity of unified nationhood.
What passes through the extinction filter? Historical and contemporary patterns of vulnerability of the most extinction-prone bird family (Aves: Rallidae)
Authors: Lévêque Lucile , Carver Scott , Buettel Jessie , Brook Barry
Published: May 2024

Patterns of extinction risk can vary across taxa, with species of some groups being particularly vulnerable to extinction. Rails (Aves: Rallidae) represent one of the most extreme yet well-documented cases of mass extinction within a modern vertebrate group. Between 54 and 92% of rail species became extinct following waves of human contact during both the Holocene and the Anthropocene eras, and a third of the extant species are currently threatened or near-threatened. Here, we (1) examine extinction filters through consecutive human contacts with rails, investigating the role of intrinsic life-history traits and (2) investigate the drivers of contemporary vulnerability. During the most recent wave of extinction, we found that body size was an important correlate of rail extinctions, with both smaller and larger bodied species more likely to become extinct. Island endemism and small clutch size were the strongest predictors of contemporary vulnerability. Overall, island endemic rails tend to follow the same trajectory as extinct species, suffering mostly from invasive predators and overhunting, but with different traits targeted contemporarily compared to past extinctions. Moreover, modern anthropogenic threats have created the potential for new intricate pathways – or a contemporary ‘field of bullets’ – making future vulnerability potentially less predictable.