bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of pockmark activity on iron cycling and mineral composition in continental shelf sediments (southern Baltic Sea)
Authors: Kurowski Stanisław , Łukawska-Matuszewska Katarzyna , Čović Anđela , Jozić Dražan , Brodecka-Goluch Aleksandra
Published: March 2024

Pockmarks are formed as a result of gas (methane) or/and groundwater outflow from the sea bottom. Methane, the second most important (after CO2) greenhouse gas, has a significant impact on biogeochemical processes in the bottom sediments by affecting the cycling of some elements, e.g. C, Fe, and S. Active pockmarks may also lead to changes in water column conditions by causing nutrients release from sediments. In the present study, we have focused on the impact of biogeochemical processes in pockmarks (methanogenesis, anaerobic methane oxidation, and groundwater seepage) on the transformation of iron (Fe) and the mineral composition of the sediment. In pore water, concentrations of hydrogen sulfide, phosphate, ammonia, sulfate, chloride, dissolved inorganic carbon, iron, and methane were analyzed. In the sediment, Fe speciation was performed using sequential extraction. The mineral composition was determined using powder X-Ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The results from two pockmarks (with active gas seepage and groundwater infiltration) and two reference stations in the southern Baltic Sea show that geochemical conditions in pockmark sediments are significantly different from those in the typical muddy sea bottom. Pore water in pockmarks is characterized by lower sulfate and higher dissolved carbon concentrations as compared to areas of the seafloor where such structures are absent. This is due to the outflow of groundwater, which was confirmed by lower chloride concentration. In addition, sulfate is used to oxidize methane diffusing from deeper layers. Sediments in pockmarks are enriched in Fe(II) carbonates and depleted in Fe(III) (oxy)hydroxides, resulting from the anaerobic oxidation of methane with Fe(III) (Fe-AOM). Ferrous iron produced in large quantities during Fe-AOM is precipitated with carbonates.
A privacy-preserving federated learning framework for blockchain networks
Authors: Abuzied Youssif , Ghanem Mohamed , Dawoud Fadi , Gamal Habiba , Soliman Eslam , Sharara Hossam , ElBatt Tamer
Published: March 2024

In this paper we introduce a scalable, privacy-preserving, federated learning framework, coined FLoBC, based on the concept of distributed ledgers underlying blockchains. This is motivated by the rapid growth of data worldwide, especially decentralized data which calls for scalable, decenteralized machine learning models which is capable of preserving the privacy of the data of the participating users. Towards this objective, we first motivate and define the problem scope. We then introduce the proposed FLoBC system architecture hinging on a number of key pillars, namely parallelism, decentralization and node update synchronization. In particular, we examine a number of known node update synchronization policies and examine their performance merits and design trade-offs. Finally, we compare the proposed federated learning system to a centralized learning system baseline to demonstrate its performance merits. Our main finding in this paper is that our proposed decentralized learning framework was able to achieve comparable performance to a classic centralized learning system, while distributing the model training process across multiple nodes without sharing their actual data. This provides a scalable, privacy-preserving solution for training a variety of large machine learning models.

Graphical abstract
Effects of adaptive feedback through a
digital tool – a mixed-methods study on the course of self-regulated
learning
Authors: Mejeh Mathias , Sarbach Livia , Hascher Tina
Published: March 2024

Lifelong learning is emerging as a key priority for promoting equity and
sustainability in societies. Self-regulated learning (SRL) is a fundamental
requirement for achieving successful lifelong learning, and digitization is
increasingly influential in this regard. This mixed-methods study explores the
degree to which adaptive learning technology (ALT) can assist university students in
their SRL with timely and personalized support. Additionally, the study examines how
students perceive this feedback and incorporate it into their learning behavior.
Using hierarchical linear modeling, we investigated the development of SRL over a
9-week period. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with purposively selected
learners, based on stimulated recalls. The quantitative results demonstrate positive
development in certain components of SRL. Furthermore, the results indicate that
metacognitive activity can be partially predicted by motivational and emotional
states. The qualitative findings reveal that learners have varying perceptions of
feedback received from ALT and integrate it into their learning behaviors based on
their individual benefits. The results support the assumption that feedback provided
through educational technology must be precisely tailored to the needs of learners,
taking into account the dynamics of their individual learning processes. The study
contributes to the ongoing discussion on the design of educational
technology.
An effort to understand parents’ media mediation roles and early childhood children's digital game addiction tendency: A descriptive correlational survey study
Authors: Çalhan Ceren , Göksu İdris
Published: March 2024

This study aims to determine whether parents' media mediation roles are related to their early childhood children's digital game addiction tendencies. In addition, it examines whether these variables are related to the child's and parent's digital device usage habits and whether they differ according to various sociodemographic variables and digital device usage habits. In this context, we collected data from 433 parents (mother = 336, father = 97) with children aged 3–6. We analyzed the data using correlation analysis, one-way ANOVA, and t-test. Active-supportive, restrictive-supportive, active-limiting, restrictive-limiting, and active-interpreter roles of parents were negatively related to children's digital game addiction tendencies. In addition, parents' and children's digital device screen time was negatively associated with parents' media mediation roles and positively with children's digital game addiction tendencies. Mothers found their children more likely to have digital game addiction than fathers. Children of parents who play digital games have higher digital game addiction than those of parents who do not play, male children than female, children who have their own digital devices than those who do not, and children who only watch YouTube videos than those who only watch television channels for kids. Finally, we observed that mothers are more active in media mediation roles than fathers and that parents behave more restrictive toward their daughters.
The global challenge of reducing mercury contamination from artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM): evaluating solutions using generic theories of change
Authors: Aldous Allison R. , Tear Tim , Fernandez Luis E.
Published: March 2024

Mercury contamination from artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) currently accounts for 37% of the global total, often affecting tropical regions where regulations, if they exist, are often poorly enforced. Ingestion by people and other animals damages the nervous, reproductive, and cognitive systems. Despite the efforts of many organizations and governments to curb mercury releases from ASGM, it is increasing globally. There are many possible interventions, all with significant complexity and cost. Therefore, we recommend taking an established systematic approach to articulate the current situation and construct theories of change (ToC) for different possible interventions for any government or organization trying to solve this problem. Here we present a high-level situation analysis and generic ToC to support a more coordinated approach that explicitly builds upon previous experience to identify organization- and situation-appropriate engagement on this issue. We then illustrate the use of these generic models to construct a specific ToC with a policy-focused entry point. This includes interventions through (1) engagement with the global Minamata Convention on Mercury; (2) support for existing national laws and policies connected to ASGM and mercury contamination; and (3) engagement of indigenous people and local communities with governments to meet the governments’ legal obligations. By methodically articulating assumptions about interventions, connections among actions, and desired outcomes, it is possible to create a more effective approach that will encourage more coordination and cooperation among governments and other practitioners to maximize their investments and support broad environmental and socio-political outcomes necessary to address this pernicious problem.
Eye movements in the development of geometric shape recognition: from sensory-motor processes to theoretical perception
Authors: Chumachenko Dmitry , Shvarts Anna , Dreneva Anna , Krichevets Anatoly
Published: March 2024

Efficient recognition of geometric shapes is an important aspect of proficiency in geometry. Building theoretically on the cultural-historical approach enriched by the physiology of activity, we investigate theoretical perception in geometry—the ability to recognize conceptual geometric aspects of visual figures. Aiming to understand the development of theoretical perception, we investigate how sensory-motor processes of eye movements differ between adults and children when perceiving geometric figures. In an empirical study, we explored the variety of perceptual strategies used by first-grade students and compared them with the adults’ perception. The results reveal the contraction of eye movements: with growing expertise, foveal analysis—namely, an inspection of the figures by directing the gaze to their parts—is substituted by extrafoveal analysis—namely, perceiving without looking directly. The variety of the observed children’s perceptual strategies demonstrates that theoretical perception of different figures is heterogeneous. From the suggested theoretical perspective, the direct foveal inspection of particular figures is critical for the development of general anticipatory images of geometric shapes. Our theoretical analysis and empirical findings lead to distinguishing several functions of sensory-motor processes in theoretical perception in geometry. Those functions include positioning the retina in the best way for the comparison of sensory feedback with the geometric shape’s anticipatory image, advancing an anticipatory image based on visual experience, and regulating covert attention. All of these functions need to be taken into account when interpreting the results of eye-tracking studies in mathematics education research. Notably, our research highlights the limitations of the eye-mind hypothesis: direct fixations on a figure are not always needed for its theoretical perception and, the other way around, a fixation position may indicate the comparison of a broad extrafoveal region with an anticipatory image.
Comparison of individual and ensemble machine learning models for prediction of sulphate levels in untreated and treated Acid Mine Drainage
Authors: Hasrod Taskeen , Nuapia Yannick B. , Tutu Hlanganani
Published: March 2024

Machine learning was used to provide data for further evaluation of potential extraction of octathiocane (S8), a commercially useful by-product, from Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) by predicting sulphate levels in an AMD water quality dataset. Individual ML regressor models, namely: Linear Regression (LR), Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO), Ridge (RD), Elastic Net (EN), K-Nearest Neighbours (KNN), Support Vector Regression (SVR), Decision Tree (DT), Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), Random Forest (RF), Multi-Layer Perceptron Artificial Neural Network (MLP) and Stacking Ensemble (SE-ML) combinations of these models were successfully used to predict sulphate levels. A SE-ML regressor trained on untreated AMD which stacked seven of the best-performing individual models and fed them to a LR meta-learner model was found to be the best-performing model with a Mean Squared Error (MSE) of 0.000011, Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of 0.002617 and R2 of 0.9997. Temperature (°C), Total Dissolved Solids (mg/L) and, importantly, iron (mg/L) were highly correlated to sulphate (mg/L) with iron showing a strong positive linear correlation that indicated dissolved products from pyrite oxidation. Ensemble learning (bagging, boosting and stacking) outperformed individual methods due to their combined predictive accuracies. Surprisingly, when comparing SE-ML that combined all models with SE-ML that combined only the best-performing models, there was only a slight difference in model accuracies which indicated that including bad-performing models in the stack had no adverse effect on its predictive performance.
Shifting the terrain, enriching the academy: Indigenous PhD scholars’ experiences of and impact on higher education
Authors: Andrews Shawana , Gallant David , Mazel Odette
Published: March 2024

In Australia, much like other colonized locations such as Canada, New Zealand, and the USA, the colonial legacies embedded within higher education institutions, including the history of exclusion and the privileging of Western epistemologies, continue to make universities challenging places for Indigenous PhD scholars. Despite this, and while the numbers of Indigenous PhD scholars remain well below population parity, they are carving a space within the academy that is shifting the academic terrain and enriching the research process. Drawing on in-depth interviews with Indigenous PhD scholars working in the field of health and a qualitative survey of doctoral Supervisors and Advisory Committee Chairs, this paper explores the doctoral experience of Indigenous scholars. What becomes apparent, through this research, is that despite ongoing experiences of racism and alienation, these scholars are finding ways to circumvent inadequate supervisory processes, systems support, and research paradigms, to carve a path that centers Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing.
A New Strategy for Targeting UCP2 to Modulate Glycolytic Reprogramming as a Treatment for Sepsis A New Strategy for Targeting UCP2
Authors: Li Na , Deng Jiali , Zhang Junli , Yu Fei , Ye Fanghang , Hao Liyuan , Li Shenghao , Hu Xiaoyu
Published: March 2024

Sepsis is a severe and life-threatening disease caused by infection, characterized by a dysregulated immune response. Unfortunately, effective treatment strategies for sepsis are still lacking. The intricate interplay between metabolism and the immune system limits the treatment options for sepsis. During sepsis, there is a profound shift in cellular energy metabolism, which triggers a metabolic reprogramming of immune cells. This metabolic alteration impairs immune responses, giving rise to excessive inflammation and immune suppression. Recent research has demonstrated that UCP2 not only serves as a critical target in sepsis but also functions as a key metabolic switch involved in immune cell-mediated inflammatory responses. However, the regulatory mechanisms underlying this modulation are complex. This article focuses on UCP2 as a target and discusses metabolic reprogramming during sepsis and the complex regulatory mechanisms between different stages of inflammation. Our research indicates that overexpression of UCP2 reduces the Warburg effect, restores mitochondrial function, and improves the prognosis of sepsis. This discovery aims to provide a promising approach to address the significant challenges associated with metabolic dysfunction and immune paralysis.
Maternal Trauma and Psychopathology Symptoms Affect Refugee Children’s Mental Health But Not Their Emotion Processing
Authors: Michalek Julia E. , Qtaishat Lina , von Stumm Sophie , El Kharouf Amal , Dajani Rana , Hadfield Kristin , Mareschal Isabelle
Published: March 2024

Refugee children’s development may be affected by their parents’ war-related trauma exposure and psychopathology symptoms across a range of cognitive and affective domains, but the processes involved in this transmission are poorly understood. Here, we investigated the impact of refugee mothers’ trauma exposure and mental health on their children’s mental health and attention biases to emotional expressions. In our sample of 324 Syrian refugee mother-child dyads living in Jordan (children’s Mage=6.32, SD = 1.18; 50% female), mothers reported on their symptoms of anxiety and depression, and on their children’s internalising, externalising, and attention problems. A subset of mothers reported their trauma exposure (n = 133) and PTSD symptoms (n = 124). We examined emotion processing in the dyads using a standard dot-probe task measuring their attention allocation to facial expressions of anger and sadness. Maternal trauma and PTSD symptoms were linked to child internalising and attention problems, while maternal anxiety and depression symptoms were associated with child internalising, externalising, and attention problems. Mothers and children were hypervigilant towards expressions of anger, but surprisingly, mother and child biases were not correlated with each other. The attentional biases to emotional faces were also not linked to psychopathology risk in the dyads. Our findings highlight the importance of refugee mothers’ trauma exposure and psychopathology on their children’s wellbeing. The results also suggest a dissociation between the mechanisms underlying mental health and those involved in attention to emotional faces, and that intergenerational transmission of mental health problems might involve mechanisms other than attentional processes relating to emotional expressions.
On the optimisation of phase fractions in harmonic structure materials
Authors: Shokry Abdallah , Ståhle Per , Orlov Dmytro
Published: March 2024

Materials with heterogeneous microstructures architected across several scales are becoming increasingly popular in structural applications due to unique strength–ductility balance. One of the most popular 3D-architected structure designs is harmonic structure (HS) where soft coarse-grain (CG) islands are embedded in a hard continuous 3D skeleton of ultrafine grains (UFGs). In this work, a series of HS with varying phase fractions and rheologies are studied based on several models. Model A focuses on a good fit with experimental data in the elastic–plastic transition region, model B focuses on a good fit at large-scale yielding, while in five intermediate models, phase rheology parameters are varied on a linear scale between the values for A and B. For each of the seven selected HS material models, structures with 19 different volumetric fractions of UFG were examined. It is found that the increase of UFG fraction leads to the monotonic increase of strength characteristics in HS material, while higher strain hardening rates in the phases lead to the enhancement of this effect. By contrast, the dependence of ductility characteristics on UFG fraction is non-monotonic having a local minimum at 30% UFG and a maximum at 60% UFG, while also significantly dependent on strain hardening in the phases. Namely, HS material with phases having significant strain hardening reveals the highest uniform elongation exceeding that in 100% CG material already at 40% UFG fraction. The fractions of UFG in a range of 58–62% form HS material with the highest possible uniform elongation.
A Convergent Numerical Algorithm for $$\alpha $$-Dissipative Solutions of the Hunter–Saxton Equation
Authors: Christiansen Thomas , Grunert Katrin , Nordli Anders , Solem Susanne
Published: March 2024

A convergent numerical method for $$\alpha $$
α
-dissipative solutions of the Hunter–Saxton equation is derived. The method is based on applying a tailor-made projection operator to the initial data, and then solving exactly using the generalized method of characteristics. The projection step is the only step that introduces any approximation error. It is therefore crucial that its design ensures not only a good approximation of the initial data, but also that errors due to the energy dissipation at later times remain small. Furthermore, it is shown that the main quantity of interest, the wave profile, converges in $$L^{\infty }$$

L
∞

for all $$t \ge 0$$

t
≥
0

, while a subsequence of the energy density converges weakly for almost every time.
Towards accurate keyspace analysis of chaos-based image ciphers
Authors: Abba Abubakar , Teh Je Sen , Alawida Moatsum
Published: March 2024

In recent years, there has been a surge in new chaos-based cryptographic algorithms, many of which claim to have unusually large keyspaces. Although cryptographic primitives such as symmetric-key ciphers should have a secret keyspace large enough to resist brute force attacks, simply increasing the size of a secret key may not lead to improved security margins. An n-bit key may not necessarily have a keyspace of $$2^n-1$$

2
n

-
1

due to the key scheduling algorithm or how the key is used. In this paper, we cryptanalyse several chaos-based algorithms from the perspective of their key schedules. Our numerical analysis is based on the known-plaintext attack model, Kerckhoff’s principle and considers the number representations used for real number computation. Our analysis reveals that the actual security margins for these ciphers are significantly lower, some by a factor of over $$2^{100}$$

2
100

than what was claimed. We then provide accurate keyspace estimates for these ciphers. Finally, we highlight alternative solutions for how secret keys can be used in the context of chaos-based cryptography and propose a simple key schedule as a proof of concept. Despite its simplicity, the proposed key schedule not only ensures that the keyspace matches the key length but also passes both the NIST and ENT statistical test suites, making it a viable option for generating secure cryptographic keys. Our work contributes towards addressing one of the fundamental problems in chaos-based cryptography that limits its real-world impact and reputation within the cryptographic community.
The effects of rutin coat on the biodistribution and toxicities of iron oxide nanoparticles in rats
Authors: Mohamed Ehsan Khedre , Fathy Mohamed Mahmoud , Sadek Nehad Ahmed , Eldosoki Doaa Ebrahim
Published: March 2024

Rutin (Ru) is a flavonol glycoside, has significant scavenging characteristics against various reactive oxygen species, which exploits for widespread pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects. This study aims to improve the bioavailability of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) by coating them with Ru (Ru-IONPs). Considering this, IONPs and Ru-IONPs were prepared and characterized via various physical techniques. In addition, atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) has been used to assess the bio-distribution of the prepared formulation in vivo. Results revealed that the prepared IONPs and Ru-IONPs have a spherical shape with an average diameter of about 8 nm and 10 nm, respectively. Their surface potentials were found to be −19 ± 3.9 and −29.5 ± 5.4 mV, respectively. In vivo results revealed that single dose of IV administration of IONPs (16 mg/kg) elevated oxidative stress, indicated by the reduction of GSH in both heart and liver tissues, and increased their MDA contents. Also, IONPs administration resulted in hepatotoxicity characterized by a significant increase in ALT and AST levels in addition to cardiotoxicity characterized by a significant increase in CK-MB and LDH, in addition to the downregulation of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) expression, while upregulation of TNF-α expression in both heart and liver tissues. Conversely, nearly all of these alterations were significantly ameliorated for animal groups administrated Ru-IONPs and the morphological injury’s counteraction in both heart and liver tissues. Therefore, we suggest that Ru could be used to alleviate the harmful effects and damages associated with IONPs administration due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and free radical scavenging properties.
Stability and Hopf Bifurcation Analysis of A Fractional-Order BAM Neural Network with Two Delays Under Hybrid Control
Authors: Ma Yuan , Lin Yumei , Dai Yunxian
Published: March 2024

In this paper, considering that fractional-order calculus can more accurately describe memory and genetic properties, we introduce fractional integral operators into neural networks and discuss the stability and Hopf bifurcation of a fractional-order bidirectional associate memory (BAM) neural network with two delays. In addition, the hybrid controller is proposed to achieve Hopf bifurcation control of the system. By taking two time delays as the bifurcation parameters and analyzing of the corresponding characteristic equation, stability switching curves of the controllable system for two delays are obtained. The direction of the characteristic root crossing the imaginary axis in stability switching curves is determined. Sufficient criteria are sequentially given to judge the local stability and the existence of Hopf bifurcation of a fractional-order BAM neural network system. The numerical simulation results show that the hybrid controller can effectively control Hopf bifurcation of a fractional-order BAM neural network system with two delays.
The analysis and mapping of an urban planning area in risk and hazard dimensions using earthquake-MASW-VES data: the case of Yenişehir (Bursa), Turkey
Authors: Bayramoğlu Murat , Özel Sevda
Published: March 2024

The study area was defined by geophysical level maps and earthquake parameters. Geophysical measurements were collected from the Mesudiye formation and alluvial units. The seismic Vs–Vp–Vs30, dynamic parameter and electrical resistivity values of the layers were calculated. Vs–Vp–Gmax–σ–Ak and ρ level maps were prepared for depths of 0–5, 5–10, and > 10 m. Seismic Vs30 and groundwater maps were prepared for risk/hazard and liquefaction interpretations, and a risk map was drawn from Ak–Vs30–groundwater maps. In the Mesudiye formation, the average ground amplification value is Ak = 2.21 and according to this value, the danger level is class A and low (Ansal et. all 2004). In alluviums, the average Ak was calculated as 2.51. According to this value, its class is B (medium) and the danger level is medium level. According to the level maps, it was observed that seismic velocities and electrical resistivities increased, and they were compatible with the geological units when passing to the more tight-ground Mesudiye formation from loose-porous-water-saturated alluvial units towards the north and deeper. It was determined that the alluvial grounds with low resistivity (8–30 Ohm m) are moderately corrosive–corrosive; groundwater levels are at ~ 5 m and contain different geological gradations. Therefore, the alluviums were interpreted as a risky area. This interpretation was also proved and supported with the results of the earthquake parameters. It was determined that as the magnitude of the earthquake increased, the probability of a larger earthquake occurred with a longer recurrence year. It was found that the frequency of recurrence of earthquakes with M ≤ 5.5 within 10–50–75–100 years was higher, and M ≥ 6 decreased. For M = 7.4, the average amax = 0.31 g was calculated, and it was determined the liquefaction risk is high hazard, especially in fine-gravel-sandy alluviums (in the south). Therefore, these areas may be more affected by the earthquake.
Revealing the effects of electron beam irradiation on the structural, optical, thermal, and dielectric properties of PVC/Ag2WO4 nanocomposite films
Authors: Abdel Maksoud M. I. A. , Fahim Ramy Amer , Kassem Said M. , Gobara Mohamed , Awed A. S.
Published: March 2024

Herein, rod-like shape of Ag2WO4 was synthesized using the co-precipitation approach. These rods were mixed with PVC using the solution casting process to create a PVC/Ag2WO4 nanocomposite film. The effect of exposing the PVC/Ag2WO4 nanocomposite film to varying doses of the electron beam (E-beam) irradiation (0, 25, 50, and 100) kGy on its structural, optical, thermal, electric modulus, complex impedance, and dielectric properties was investigated. XRD results showed that Ag2WO4 has mixed phases. The optical properties have been addressed. The thermal evaluations were performed at three distinct heating rates: 6, 8, and 10 °C/min. In the same context, the thermal activation energy (Ea) of the unirradiated PVC/Ag2WO4 nanocomposite films increased from 12.89 to 31.17 kJ/mol with the increase in E-beam irradiation doses. As a result, E-beam irradiation reduces the values of the real (ɛ′) and imaginary (ε″) components of PVC/Ag2WO4 nanocomposite films. The electric modulus analyses showed that the magnitude of the grain capacitance increased as the E-beam doses increased, while the magnitude of the grain boundary capacitance exhibited a decreasing trend. Meanwhile, a progressive reduction in the diameter of the two semicircular arcs for complex impedance analyses was observed as the doses of E-beam irradiation increase.
Soil nutrient availability and understorey composition beneath plantations of ecto- and arbuscular mycorrhizal Chilean native trees
Authors: Lusk C. H. , Godoy R. , Donoso P. J. , Dickie I. A.
Published: March 2024

Background and aims

Several lines of evidence indicate that arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) and ectomycorrhizal (ECM) associations can have different effects on soil nutrient dynamics. Some lineages of ECM fungi can extract N from organic matter, with varying impacts on decomposers, soil carbon pools, mineral N availability, and plants that lack ECM. However, these effects are not always observed, and it is not clear how they are mediated by environmental factors.

Methods

We used Plant Root Simulator probes to compare soil availability of a wide range of nutrients beneath replicated 30-yr old plantations of Chilean Nothofagus (ECM) and Cupressaceae (Austrocedrus, Fitzroya: AM) on a lowland temperate site. Probes were buried for two 8-week periods in early spring and late summer. We also compared understorey composition beneath plantations, to test for evidence of different successional trajectories beneath Nothofagus and Cupressaceae.

Results

Soil organic carbon, total N and total phosphorus did not differ significantly between Nothofagus and Cupressaceae stands. Redundancy analysis revealed significant effects of both plantation type (Nothofagus vs. Cupressaceae) and season on overall mineral nutrient availability. Mineral N availability did not differ significantly between Nothofagus and Cupressaceae plots, but pH and calcium availability were significantly lower beneath Nothofagus. Manganese (Mn) was much more available beneath Nothofagus stands, which might reflect abundant Mn-peroxidase, a key enzyme involved in breakdown of lignin by ECM fungi. Understorey composition varied considerably between individual plantations, but did not differ significantly between Nothofagus and Cupressaceae plantations.

Conclusions

Despite an overall effect on the stoichiometry of nutrient availability, we found little evidence of modification of the local N cycle by ECM fungi, or of divergent regeneration patterns beneath AM and ECM plantations. This might reflect the relatively N-rich character of this site, and/or mycorrhizal effects being counteracted by leaf trait differences between Chilean Cupressaceae and Nothofagus species.
Informing Equitable Prevention Practices: A Statewide Disaggregated Analysis of Suicide for Ethnoracially Minoritized Adolescents
Authors: Richardson Sonyia C. , Williams John A. , Vance Michelle M. , Phipps-Bennett Margaret , Stevenson Andre P. , Herbert Rehaana
Published: March 2024

The increase in adolescent suicide rates in the United States is a pervasive public health issue, and ethnoracial youth with diverse identities are disproportionately impacted, yet less studied. National planning efforts reinforce state-level approaches to suicide prevention through an equitable lens to prevent adolescent suicide. This study examined disaggregated state-level data over time to determine changes to suicide outcomes based on race/ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, and the intersection of these identities and determined which sub-groups had higher odds of suicide outcomes. Data from the 1991–2019 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Youth Risk Behavioral Surveillance System were analyzed for 17,419 ethnoracially minoritized high school adolescents in North Carolina. Descriptive analyses and multinominal logistic regression models were employed. Findings indicated that subgroups within categories of ethnoracial populations, specifically Black female adolescents unsure of their sexual orientation, reported higher rates of suicide attempts. Additionally, Multiracial adolescents reported higher means for suicide consideration and attempts over time. Recommendations for investigating state-level suicide data by focusing on diverse intersecting identities to illuminate areas for potential prevention efforts and support health equity are provided.
Efficacy of Behavioral Economic Nudges to Assist Teen Mothers: the Healthy Adolescent Transitions Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Stevens Jack , Rausch Joseph , Osuagwu Ngozi , Lutz Robyn
Published: March 2024

Communities may often lack the resources to deliver intensive programs to assist teen mothers, and many eligible adolescents may decline participation in lengthy interventions. Therefore, alternative approaches involving less resource and time may be needed. Behavioral economics (BE) can inform the development of such novel interventions. BE often feature low-intensity approaches designed to “nudge” people to help them reach their long-term goals. Nudges can include giving reminders, making the desired behavior more convenient, and optimizing the verbal presentation of recommended options. Three hundred thirty-one American adolescents (ages 14 to 19) who were 22 to 35 weeks pregnant were enrolled in the present trial. One hundred sixty-six participants were randomly assigned to the intervention condition featuring a three-month BE intervention delivered by a registered nurse and social worker. The remaining 165 youths were assigned usual care. Surveys were completed at baseline, 3 months, 12 months, and 18 months. Data collection occurred from 2017 to 2021. Qualitative feedback indicated that the BE intervention was well-received by adolescents. However, there were no significant differences between the intervention and control groups at any time point regarding repeat pregnancy, contraceptive usage, financial literacy, school completion, job attainment, HPV vaccinations, nicotine usage, perception of having a medical home, urgent care/ED usage, and nutritional intake (all p > .05). Our findings suggest that a BE-based intervention may not be sufficient to facilitate change for teen mothers. Future programs should consider lasting longer, featuring a higher dose, and/or incorporating systems-level changes. This trial was prospectively registered (NCT03194672 clinicaltrials.gov).
Heavy traffic analysis of multi-class bipartite queueing systems under FCFS
Authors: Hillas Lisa Aoki , Caldentey René , Gupta Varun
Published: March 2024

This paper examines the performance of multi-class, multi-server bipartite queueing systems, where each arriving customer is compatible with only a subset of servers. We focus on the system’s performance under a first-come, first-served-assign longest idle server service discipline. In this discipline, an idle server is matched with the compatible customer who has been waiting the longest, and a customer who can be served by multiple idle servers is routed to the server that has been idle for the longest period. We analyse the system under conventional heavy-traffic conditions, where the traffic intensity approaches one from below. Building upon the formulation and results of Afèche et al. (Oper Res 70(1):363–401, 2022), we generalize the model by allowing the vector of arrival rates to approach the heavy-traffic limit from an arbitrary direction. We characterize the steady-state waiting times of the various customer classes and demonstrate that a much wider range of waiting time outcomes is achievable. Furthermore, we establish that the matching probabilities, i.e. the probabilities of different customer classes being served by different servers, do not depend on the direction along which the system approaches heavy traffic. We also investigate the design of compatibility between customer classes and servers, finding that a service provider who has complete control over the matching can design a delay-minimizing matching by considering only the limiting arrival rates. When some constraints on the compatibility structure exist, the direction of convergence to heavy-traffic affects which compatibility structure minimizes delay. Additionally, we discover that the bipartite matching queueing system exhibits a form of Braess’s paradox, where adding more connectivity to an existing system can lead to higher average waiting times, despite the fact that neither customers nor servers act strategically.
Acknowledging that Men are Moral and Harmed by Gender Stereotypes Increases Men’s Willingness to Engage in Collective Action on Behalf of Women
Authors: Vázquez Alexandra , López-Rodríguez Lucía , Brambilla Marco
Published: March 2024

The rise of far-right parties with antifeminist sentiments constitutes a new challenge in the path to gender equality. Here, we aim to identify strategies to promote men’s acceptance of social change towards equality. Thus, we first examined key concerns about gender equality held by far-right supporters through a discourse analysis of 120 men. The findings revealed a focus on male victimhood, the negation and only partial recognition of inequality, and the delegitimization of feminism. Given the centrality of victimhood in the discourse of far-right male supporters and its social relevance, we developed several non-confrontational strategies based on men’s suffering and supposed (im)morality, and then compared the effectiveness of these strategies for getting men to commit more to gender equality. Two experimental studies (n = 417 and 428 men) revealed that recognizing that men are generally moral or that they also suffer because of gender stereotypes led participants to increase their willingness to participate in collective action for women’s rights. In contrast, questioning their morality by denouncing men’s violence against women had no impact on their intentions. We conclude that non-confrontational strategies that address men's concerns about feminist advancement can prevent potential defensive reactions and make them more receptive to social change towards gender equality.
Doubled haploidy methodology for three forage grasses [crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum (L.) Gaertn.), hybrid bromegrass (Bromus riparius x B. inermis), and meadow bromegrass (Bromus riparius Rehm.)]
Authors: Ferrie Alison M. R. , Nelson Kim , Biligetu Bill
Published: March 2024

Doubled haploidy (DH) methodology is used in many plant species to accelerate crop improvement and cultivar development; however not all species are amenable to the tissue culture technique. Experiments were undertaken to develop DH protocols for three perennial grasses [crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum (L.) Gaertn.), hybrid bromegrass (Bromus riparius x B. inermis), and meadow bromegrass (Bromus riparius Rehm.)]. The initial experiment screened these forage grass species to established wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) microspore culture protocols. Following the initial screen, several factors influencing microspore embryogenesis were evaluated. These included genotype, donor plant conditions, developmental stage of the microspore, pretreatments, media composition, and culture conditions. For regeneration of the embryos to plants, media composition and culture conditions were assessed. Microspore-derived embryos/calli as well as green haploid/doubled haploid plants were regenerated from all three forage grasses. Differences were observed between species and genotypes within species in terms of embryogenic response. Modifications to the initial wheat DH protocol included the donor plant conditions, developmental stage of the microspore to late uninucleate to early binucleate and media composition. Regenerated plants were grown in the greenhouse.
Digital Slot Machines: Social Media Platforms as Attentional Scaffolds
Authors: Voinea Cristina , Marin Lavinia , Vică Constantin
Published: March 2024

In this paper we introduce the concept of attentional scaffolds and show the resemblance between social media platforms and slot machines, both functioning as hostile attentional scaffolds. The first section establishes the groundwork for the concept of attentional scaffolds and draws parallels to the mechanics of slot machines, to argue that social media platforms aim to capture users’ attention to maximize engagement through a system of intermittent rewards. The second section shifts focus to the interplay between emotions and attention, revealing how online attentional capture through emotionally triggering stimuli leads to distraction. The final section elucidates the collective implications of scaffolding attention through social media platforms. The examination of phenomena such as emotional contagion and the emergence of group emotions underscores the transition from individual experiences to shared collective outcomes. Employing online moral outrage as a case study, we illustrate how negative emotions serve as scaffolds for individuals’ attention, propagate within social groups, and give rise to collective attitudes.
Recycling of animal protein wastes in the formulation of feed for Labeo rohita and Mystus vittatus—a comparative evaluation
Authors: Samaddar Ayan , Kaviraj Anilava , Nielsen Izabela , Saha Subrata
Published: March 2024

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are key players in the fermentation of organic wastes and their recycling as feedstuff for fish. Whey, a common dairy byproduct in India, is a cheap source of LAB and can be used to ferment animal byproducts. An experimental study was designed to explore whether the whey fermented animal protein blend (WFAPB) could be used as a fishmeal replacer in the formulation of feed for both stomach-less carp fish Labeo rohita and stomach-bearing catfish Mystus vittatus. Experiments were performed with five isoproteinous, isolipidous, and isoenergetic feeds with WFAPB replacing fishmeal (FM) by 0% (T1), 25% (T2), 50% (T3), 75% (T4), and 100% (T5). Fifteen days of laboratory experiments with these experimental feeds revealed that more than 50% FM replacement level could result in excess postprandial absorption (6 h) of some essential and non-essential amino acids in the plasma of both fish. The postprandial absorption was more in M. vittatus than L. rohita. Ninety-day experiments were conducted in outdoor cement vats to measure growths and deposition of amino acids (AA) in muscle. Regression analysis was performed to find the optimal FM replacement based on four growth parameters and fifteen AA deposition in muscle. A two-phase fuzzy methodology was used to obtain Pareto-optimal replacement levels for each fish. The results demonstrated that FM replacement levels were 7.63% and 36.79% respectively for L. rohita and M. vittatus when only four growth parameters were considered. However, based on the FM replacement level that maximized deposition of 15 amino acids and growth parameters, it was found that 12.23% and 40.02% replacement of FM by the WFAPB was ideal respectively for L. rohita and M. vittatus. The results revealed that only a fraction of both essential and non-essential amino acids absorbed in plasma could be converted into protein and deposited as bound amino acids in the muscle. It is concluded that fermentation by whey is an inexpensive, easily available, and environmentally sustainable technique to recycle animal protein in the formulation of feed for fish, and the stomach-bearing carnivorous fish are more efficient in utilizing fermented animal protein blend than the stomach-less carps.
Features of rare earth elements geochemistry in coals of Central Kazakhstan
Authors: Kopobayeva Aiman Nygmetovna , Amangeldikyzy Altynay , Blyalova Gulim Galymzhanovna , Askarova Nazym Srajadinkyzy
Published: March 2024

This research presents the results of a comprehensive study of mineralogical and geochemical features of REE distribution in coals of Central Kazakhstan deposits—Karaganda coal basin and Shubarkol deposit, which have large hard coal reserves and are industrially important for the coal industry of Kazakhstan; the research is based on 205 samples of clayey interlayers and coal seams. It shows basic patterns of distribution and features of concentration for impurity elements, gives an estimate of the impurity elements concentration, including REE, defines conditions and factors of their accumulation, and studies features of their forms in coal and coal-bearing rocks, which allows estimating the mechanisms of their migration and conditions of accumulation. According to the results of geochemical indicators, the article establishes the factors of REE dislocation, reveals the composition of margin rocks that have influenced REE concentration in coal seams, and the presented latest data on mineralogy allowed to establish the ways of their transportation to the paleobasin during the syn- and epigenetic periods of formation of the coal deposits of Central Kazakhstan being researched. It was found that the coals are insignificantly enriched with heavy lanthanides from Ho to Lu. The distribution curves of UCC normalized REE values in the coals are similar and coincide, but they are less than the average value for world coal, and amount to only one-third of the UCC. It was found that the highest concentrations of all REE are characteristic of clayey interlayers and oxidized coals. The La/Yb ratio in this case increases upwards along the section, indicating mainly clastogenic mechanism of REE delivery to the coals. In coal and clay samples, the predominant mineral form of REE is light lanthanide phosphates. Identified particles of REE from minerals and their composition peculiarities suppose autigene nature of their formation. The formation of the bulk of autigene minerals occurred during the maturation of brown coals and their transformation into hard ones.
Lymph Node Dissection in Testicular Cancer: The State of the Art and Future Perspectives
Authors: Małkiewicz Bartosz , Świrkosz Gabriela , Lewandowski Wojciech , Demska Katarzyna , Szczepaniak Zuzanna , Karwacki Jakub , Krajewski Wojciech , Szydełko Tomasz
Published: March 2024

Purpose of Review

This narrative review provides a comprehensive overview of the evolving role of retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) in the management of testicular cancer (TC). It explores the significance of RPLND as both a diagnostic and therapeutic tool, highlighting its contribution to accurate staging, its impact on oncological outcomes, and its influence on subsequent treatment decisions.

Recent Findings

RPLND serves as an essential diagnostic procedure, aiding in the precise assessment of lymph node involvement and guiding personalized treatment strategies. It has demonstrated therapeutic value, particularly in patients with specific risk factors and disease stages, contributing to improved oncological outcomes and survival rates. Recent studies have emphasized the importance of meticulous patient selection and nerve-sparing techniques to mitigate complications while optimizing outcomes. Additionally, modern imaging and surgical approaches have expanded the potential applications of RPLND.

In the context of TC management, RPLND remains a valuable and evolving tool. Its dual role in staging and therapy underscores its relevance in contemporary urological practice. This review highlights the critical role of RPLND in enhancing patient care and shaping treatment strategies, emphasizing the need for further research to refine patient selection and surgical techniques.