bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patellae as a source of DNA in forensic and archaeological analysis
Authors: Geršak Živa Miriam , Golob Aja , Kravanja Pia , Concato Monica , Leskovar Tamara , Pajnič Irena Zupanič
Published: November 2024

Analysing genetic material from skeletonised human remains has become valuable in forensic and archaeological contexts. While the petrous bone is often preferred for DNA extraction, its availability is not guaranteed, and because of destructive sampling, it is not frequently used in forensic cases. This study explores the potential of patellae as an alternative source of bone material for genetic investigations. Forty-five patellae were sampled from a post-World War II mass grave and an archaeological Christian cemetery dated from the 13th to 19th centuries. A full demineralisation extraction method was used to obtain the DNA, and real-time PCR quantification was used to determine the quantity and quality of DNA. To evaluate the suitability of patellae for forensic and archaeological analyses, short tandem repeat (STR) typing was performed using the ESI17 Fast PCR amplification kit (Promega). To explore the difference in DNA yield, DNA degradation and STR typing success between the post-World War II and archaeological patellae, statistical analysis was performed. The results revealed significantly higher DNA yield and STR typing success in WWII patellae and higher degradation of DNA in archaeological patellae, highlighting the impact of environmental exposure time on genetic material preservation. Almost all WWII patellae achieved a high success rate in STR typing with full profiles generated. More than half of the archaeological patellae showed high STR typing performance and highly informative partial profiles were obtained, indicating the suitability of patellae not only for forensic purposes but also for archaeological genetic analyses.
Specificity ratings for English data
Authors: Ravelli Andrea Amelio , Bolognesi Marianna Marcella , Caselli Tommaso
Published: November 2024

A dataset of specificity ratings for English words is hereby presented, analyzed and discussed in relation with other collections of speaker-generated ratings, including concreteness. Both, specificity and concreteness are analyzed in their ability to explain decision latencies in lexical and semantic tasks, showing important individual contributions. Specificity ratings are collected through best–worst scaling method on the words included in the ANEW dataset (Bradley and Lang in Affective norms for English words (ANEW): instruction manual and affective ratings (Tech. Rep.). Technical report C-1, the center for research in psychophysiology, 1999), chosen for its compatibility with many other collections of rating resources, and for its comparability with Italian specificity data (Bolognesi and Caselli in Behav Res Methods 55(7):3531–3548, 2023), allowing for cross-linguistic comparisons. Results suggest that specificity plays an important role in word processing and the importance of taking specificity into consideration when investigating concreteness effects.
Approximating the Pareto frontier for bi-objective preventive maintenance and workshop scheduling: A Lagrangean lower bounding methodology for evaluating contracting forms
Authors: Obradović Gabrijela , Strömberg Ann-Brith , Held Felix , Lundberg Kristian
Published: November 2024

Effective planning of preventive maintenance plays an important role in maximizing the operational readiness of any industrial system. We consider an operating system and a maintenance workshop governed by two stakeholders who collaborate based on a mutual contract: components of the operating system that need maintenance are sent to the maintenance workshop, where necessary maintenance activities are performed and after which the maintained components are returned to the operating systems and ready to be used again. While the maintenance activities must obey the workshop capacity, the components should be returned to the operating system within a contracted time frame. For this problem, we developed in a previous work a mixed-integer linear optimization model incorporating stocks of damaged as well as repaired components, workshop scheduling, and preventive maintenance planning for the operating system. We then investigated an availability contract between the stakeholders and which is in the paper at hand compared with a turn-around time contract type, which is more often used in reality. Since, for real instance sizes, the latter leads to a computationally demanding bi-objective optimization problem, we use Lagrangean relaxation and subgradient optimization to compute local lower bounds on the set of non-dominated points, complemented with math-heuristics to identify good feasible solutions (i.e., local upper bounds). Our suggested method thus provides a bounding of the set of non-dominated points for a turn–around time contract.
Changes in Negative Emotions Across Five Weeks of HRV Biofeedback Intervention were Mediated by Changes in Resting Heart Rate Variability
Authors: Jung Heidi , Yoo Hyun Joo , Choi Paul , Nashiro Kaoru , Min Jungwon , Cho Christine , Thayer Julian F. , Lehrer Paul , Mather Mara
Published: November 2024

Resting heart rate variability (HRV) is typically higher in those with better emotional well-being. In the current study, we examined whether changes in resting HRV mediated changes in negative emotions during a 7-week clinical trial of HRV biofeedback. Younger and older adults were randomly assigned to one of two daily biofeedback practices for 5 weeks: (1) engage in slow-paced breathing to increase the amplitude of oscillations in heart rate at their breathing frequency (Osc+); or (2) engage in self-selected strategies to decrease heart rate oscillations (Osc−). We assessed negative emotion using the State Anxiety Inventory (SAI) and Profile of Mood States (POMS). Resting HRV at pre-intervention was significantly higher among those with lower negative emotion scores. Those participants showing greater increases in resting HRV showed greater decreases in negative emotion. In a mediation model with all participants, resting HRV changes significantly mediated the relationship between training performance (i.e., heart rate oscillation during practice sessions) and changes in negative emotion. However, additional analyses revealed this mediation effect was significantly moderated by condition and was only significant in the Osc+ condition. Thus, resting HRV changes mediated how biofeedback to increase amplitude of heart rate oscillations reduced negative emotion.
The Social Representations of Pornography Consumers Among Individuals in Romantic Relationships: Exploring the Roles of Gender, Relationship Satisfaction, and Sexual Satisfaction in a Romanian Sample
Authors: Huțul Tudor-Daniel , Huțul Andreea , Holman Andrei Corneliu
Published: November 2024

Understanding the psychological conflicts associated with pornography consumption can help professionals tailor their interventions to address the mental health risks faced by individuals struggling with issues related to their pornography use. The main objective of this research was to investigate how pornography consumers are perceived from a social representation theoretical perspective and to examine variations in these perceptions—or social representations—according to gender, relationship satisfaction, and sexual satisfaction. All participants (N = 875 Romanians) were in a romantic relationship at the time of participation. Our results indicated that the social representation of pornography consumers varied significantly depending on gender, sexual satisfaction, and relationship satisfaction. Also, our findings showed a potential psychological conflict in the long run, which can put individuals at risk for self-stigma, guilt, and subsequent mental health consequences. We discuss conclusions from both a theoretical and practical perspective, with a focus on the utility of our conclusions in the clinical practice context of psychologists, psychotherapists, and mental health workers when dealing with issues related to pornography use.
Prognosis impact and clinical findings in renal cancer patients: comparative analysis between public and private health coverage in a cross-sectional and multicenter context
Authors: Barrera-Juarez Eduardo , Halun-Trevino Antonio Nassim , Ruelas-Martinez Manuel , Madero-Frech Andres , Camacho-Trejo Victor , Estrada-Bujanos Miguel , Bojorquez David , Uribe-Montoya Jhonatan , Rodriguez-Covarrubias Francisco , Villarreal-Garza Cynthia
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Research on disparities in prognosis and clinical characteristics between public and private healthcare sectors in developing countries remains limited. The study aimed to determine whether patients with public health coverage (1) have a greater mean tumor size at diagnosis compared to those with private health coverage; (2) exhibit differences in clinical staging and TNM classification between groups; and (3) show variations in demographic, clinical characteristics, histopathological findings, and surgical approaches among cohorts.

Methods

A cross-sectional, multicenter study was conducted on 629 patients from both private and public healthcare sectors, all histologically confirmed and surgically treated for Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC), between 2011 and 2021 in high-volume hospitals in Monterrey, Mexico. To compare variables between groups, we employed independent samples t-tests, Mann Whitney U nonparametric test, along with Pearson’s chi-square test complemented by post hoc analyses.

Results

Mean tumor size in the public group was 1.9 cm greater than in the private group (7.39 vs. 5.51 cm, p < 0.001). Patients in the public sector more frequently presented with larger tumors, a higher prevalence of risk factors (excluding BMI and hypertension), advanced disease (OR 2.12, 95% CI 1.43–3.16, p < 0.001), presence of symptoms, elevated TNM, lymphovascular invasion and a lower prevalence of minimally invasive surgery. A male-to-female ratio of 2.6:1 was noted in the private coverage group.

Conclusions

This study highlights a notable association between public health coverage and a higher prevalence of advanced RCC, with tumors in private coverage patients being smaller yet larger than commonly reported. There is a crucial need to develop new health policies for early detection of renal cancer in developing countries.
Conferencing: A Catalyst for Developing Children’s Writing
Authors: Sherman Jayne , Croix Leslie La , Kidd Julie K. , Parsons Allison W.
Published: November 2024

The writing process approach is recognized as an effective instructional practice for engaging children in the writing process and developing emerging writing skills. The writing conference is an integral component of the writing process. One-on-one conferencing sessions create differentiated instructional spaces for teachers to respond to the individual needs of learners. Understanding how teachers leverage conferencing sessions to effectively engage and support young learners’ writing remains a limited area of research. This case study documents one experienced teacher’s conferencing practices with 19 first-grade writers. Findings show conferencing conversations worked in an integrated, multidimensional way to support young writers. Conferencing dimensions leveraged children’s funds of knowledge, questioning and affirming statements, and writers’ craft components to nurture relationships and offer feedback aligned with children’s zone of proximal development.
SNOOKER: a dataset generator for helpdesk services
Authors: Ferreira Leonardo , Silva Daniel Castro , Uriarte-Itzazelaia Mikel
Published: November 2024

The availability of suitable datasets and data generators is crucial for developing intelligent systems, especially in helpdesk services. However, the lack of publicly accessible data generators focused on helpdesk operations, where incidents are often closed without detailing the treatment procedures, poses challenges to implementing intelligent systems such as recommender systems. To address this issue, a dataset generator can be employed to simulate helpdesk incidents. This paper introduces SNOOKER (dataSet geNeratOr fOr helpdesK sERvices), a customizable dataset generator designed to create and treat helpdesk tickets, including domain-specific incidents (e.g., cybersecurity) by orchestrating simulated actions and multiple IT teams. SNOOKER’s output is compared against a real anonymized dataset from S21Sec Cyber Solutions by Thales. The datasets are evaluated using Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Kullback-Leibler Divergence, and Hellinger distance tests, with results indicating similar distributions. For example, the first metric returned a low K-S value and a p-value exceeding 5%, while the second and third measures presented 0.003 and 0.03, respectively. Furthermore, experiments with different team configurations revealed that ticket scheduling highly depends on each team’s operators’ numbers and work shifts, increasing with unbalanced shifts and fewer operators.
Model-informed precision dosing of vancomycin in clinical practice: an intervention development study
Authors: Swartling Maria , Hamberg Anna-Karin , Furebring Mia , Tängdén Thomas , Nielsen Elisabet I.
Published: November 2024

Background

Current guidelines recommend dosing vancomycin based on the area under the concentration time curve (AUC) to maximise efficacy and minimise the risk of nephrotoxicity. The preferred approach to AUC-guided therapy is to apply model-informed precision dosing (MIPD). However, the adoption in clinical practice has been slow.

Aim

We aimed to develop an intervention, including a standardised MIPD workflow and an implementation plan for vancomycin AUC-guided dosing, in a Swedish tertiary hospital.

Method

The intervention was developed in a framework-guided process. The design phase included stakeholder feedback (nurses, pharmacists, physicians), local data collection and feasibility testing of intervention components with parallel consideration of implementation aspects. The hypothesised relationships between the different components, implementation strategies and the mechanism of action resulting in expected outcomes were represented by a logic model.

Results

The final intervention consisted of a workflow for MIPD, with defined roles and responsibilities, as well as processes for data and information transfer. Details were provided in supportive documents; an instruction on therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) sampling and documentation for nurses, and a detailed dosing software instruction for MIPD consultants and clinical pharmacists. Activities to facilitate implementation included the development of a local clinical routine for vancomycin dosing, staff training and recurring MIPD rounds.

Conclusion

An intervention for MIPD, with an implementation plan for AUC-guided dosing of vancomycin, was developed for a tertiary hospital setting. The process can be used as guidance for other institutions with similar context wishing to initiate MIPD.
Content determination in dreams supports the imagination theory
Authors: Gregory Daniel
Published: November 2024

There are two leading theories about the ontology of dreams. One holds that dreams involve hallucinations and beliefs. The other holds that dreaming involves sensory and propositional imagining. I highlight two features of dreams which are more easily explained by the imagination theory. One is that certain things seem to be true in our dreams, even though they are not represented sensorily; this is easily explained if dreams involve propositional imagining. The other is that dream narratives can be temporally segmented, involving events which take place across long spans of time; this makes sense if dreams involve sensory imagining, for we often sensorily imagine narratives during wakefulness in the same way. The two considerations are unified by the fact that both highlight forms of content determination characteristic of imagining.
Testing the waters meetings, retail trading, and capital market frictions
Authors: Alhusaini Badryah , Chapman Kimball L. , White Hal D.
Published: November 2024

Pre-IPO firms may “test the waters” by meeting privately with investors in order to allow access to management and more time to make an investment decision. However, these meetings have the potential to undermine the SEC’s objectives of protecting investors and supporting market efficiency by allowing institutional investors, but not retail investors, private access to management. We find lower retail trading after IPOs of firms that held testing-the-waters meetings, consistent with the meetings reducing retail investor participation. Moreover, retail investors that still participate in the market in the presence of testing-the-waters meetings have inferior investment outcomes. Nonetheless, we find no evidence of lower overall market liquidity or slower price discovery following testing-the-waters meetings. In fact, we observe a reduction in stock return volatility. Overall our evidence suggests that, while testing-the-waters meetings may harm retail investors, there does not appear to be a negative impact on overall market function.
Fuzzy clustering with Barber modularity regularization
Authors: D’Urso Pierpaolo , De Giovanni Livia , Federico Lorenzo , Vitale Vincenzina
Published: November 2024

In this paper, we propose a new algorithm for the joint clustering of two sets of statistical units $$\mathcal {N}$$
N
and $$\mathcal {M}$$
M
which are also equipped with an adjacency structure which is represented by a bipartite network. Our model is based on the fuzzy Partition Around Medoids, and it combines it with techniques for community detection in bipartite complex networks based on Barber modularity maximization. The goal is to produce a partition of $$\mathcal {N}\cup \mathcal {M}$$

N
∪
M

into clusters, each of which is also identified by two medoids, one in $$\mathcal {N}$$
N
and one in $$\mathcal {M}$$
M
, which represent the typical units in the cluster for each set. Such clusters are optimized so that units in the same cluster both have similar values on their attributes and are likely to be adjacent. We test the algorithm on both simulated and real data, to show how it is able to capture a wide range of different interactions between the distribution of the attributes and the network structure.
Predictors of progression of arterial hypertension in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Zagorski Tabea , Arzt Michael , Driendl Sarah , Stark Klaus , Kmiec Lukasz , Stadler Stefan
Published: November 2024

Background

Arterial hypertension (aHT) is a common comorbidity in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). The aim of the present analysis was to determine which predictors are associated with the progression of aHT in participants with T2D.

Methods

We analyzed data from the sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) sub-study of the DIACORE study, a prospective cohort study of participants with T2D. Blood pressure values were determined at baseline and after a mean follow-up of 2.7 years in a standardized manner with three repeated measurements at rest. Arterial hypertension was defined as blood pressure ≥140/80 mm Hg. Progression of aHT was defined as systolic blood pressure ≥140 mm Hg at follow-up with a concomitant increase of at least 10 mm Hg.

Results

Of 1122 participants (41% female, age 66 ± 9 years, body mass index 30.7 ± 5.3 kg/m2), 925 had pre-existing aHT at baseline. At follow-up, 280 had aHT with additional progression. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that systolic blood pressure at baseline (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 0.984 [0.976;0.993]; p < 0.001) and age (OR [95%CI]: 1.024 [1.002;1.047]; p = 0.015) were associated with progression of aHT, independently of known modulators. Neither SDB nor its treatment were associated with progression of aHT.

Conclusion

In participants with T2D, lower systolic blood pressure at baseline and age but not SDB were associated with progression of aHT.
Trade credit and family control
Authors: Díaz-Díaz Nieves Lidia , García-Teruel Pedro J. , Martínez-Solano Pedro
Published: November 2024

This paper analyses whether trade credit strategies depend on the family identity of the controlling shareholder. We use a sample of 4,022 private Spanish firms for the years 2004 and 2013 and examine family firm heterogeneity by analysing different thresholds of control, involvement in management and firm identification with the family name. The results reveal that family firms have more restrictive trade credit strategies than non-family firms. Moreover, among family-controlled firms, those with the strongest identification between the family shareholders and their firms are the most restrictive. However, family-controlled firms reduced trade credit less after the financial crisis of 2008. These firms supported their customers by limiting the impact of liquidity shocks during the crisis.
Kontestierte Verantwortung. Zur Disruption ordnungspolitischer Gewissheiten nach dem Afghanistanrückzug
Authors: Hubert Florian , Serpa da Silva Isabel
Published: November 2024

Wie sich internationale Ordnung nach einschneidenden Krisen verändert, bleibt eine zentrale Frage der Internationalen Beziehungen. Aus pragmatistischer Perspektive erfasst der Beitrag Prozesse der Ordnungsbildung als eine soziale Praxis, die sich entlang des Be‑, Zu- und Abschreibens von kollektiven Verantwortlichkeiten entwickelt. Dabei wird empirisch rekonstruiert, wie sich nach dem Afghanistanrückzug die Zusammenhänge, in denen Handlungen als „verantwortlich“ perzipiert werden, verschoben haben.
Effects of subject-specific professional knowledge and skills of physical education teachers on students’ learning progress
Authors: Wittwer Matthias , Messmer Roland , Vogler Jolanda
Published: November 2024

Although the subject-specific professional knowledge of teachers is considered to be of central importance with regard to the learning performance of their students, there is only sparse empirical evidence on this issue. Moreover, current studies are primarily limited to the subject of mathematics. The aim of this article is to investigate the significance of subject-specific professional knowledge and skills of physical education (PE) teachers on the practical learning gains of their students based on a panel study. In order to measure both non-contextual knowledge and contextual skills on the teachers’ side, paper–pencil tests as well as video and text vignettes were used as test instruments. On the students’ side, practical sport skills were assessed in a pretest–posttest design to evaluate competence growth with regard to complex sports performance. An effect chain with mediation processes was postulated. Multilevel modeling analyzing 1669 students who were taught by 74 teachers could prove significant performance improvements for the students, but none of the four differentiated knowledge dimensions (content knowledge, non-contextual; pedagogical content knowledge, non-contextual; content knowledge, contextual; pedagogical content knowledge, contextual) of the teachers could explain these learning gains. Thus, the results are in line with various studies in mathematics and suggest that direct effects of teachers’ professional knowledge on students’ learning gains seem to be lost. The results therefore suggest that while basic and broad professional knowledge is required for instructional success, specific expertise in certain competence areas does not lead to additional learning success among students. Further research within the EPiC-PE study is needed to provide a more comprehensive picture of the relationships between professional knowledge and skills, classroom behavior, instructional processes, and learning outcomes.
Junior Doctor Retention Strategies: Integrating Knowledge Management with Supportive Leadership and Organizational Climate
Authors: Jankelová Nadežda , Dabić Marina , Maley Jane F. , Joniaková Zuzana , Némethová Ildikó
Published: November 2024

This study aims to evaluate interventions and strategies used to retain junior doctors, with a specific focus on the roles of organizational climate, supportive leadership, and work engagement influenced by effective knowledge management practices. We examine how knowledge management—the systematic process of creating, sharing, using, and managing the knowledge and information of an organization—contributes to creating a favorable organizational climate and supportive leadership strategies. Engaging in a quantitative study with a sample of 950 junior doctors across four Central European countries, we explore the impact of an integrated approach that combines traditional performance-oriented climate models (rational goals model) with knowledge management practices tailored to the unique demands of healthcare settings influenced by current healthcare reforms and bureaucratic systems. Our findings suggest that not only do supportive leadership and a positive organizational climate enhance work engagement among junior doctors, but robust knowledge management practices also play a crucial role in improving retention rates by facilitating continuous learning and effective information sharing. To the best of our knowledge, our research is the first to draw on the synergy between rational goals, organizational climate, supportive leadership, and knowledge management practices to explain the antecedents of junior doctor work engagement and retention. This approach offers new insights into the dynamics of employee retention and underscores fundamental factors influencing junior doctors’ retention, paving the way for a more resilient and thriving healthcare workforce amidst the ongoing turbulence in global healthcare.
Innovative management strategies for groundwater logging in Aswan city and maximization of its benefits using modeling techniques
Authors: Hossen Hickmat , Nour-Eldeen Ahmed S. , Abd-Elaty Ismail , Hamdan Ali M. , Negm Abdelazim , Elsahabi Mohamed
Published: November 2024

Groundwater levels vary from region to another and sometimes in different zones in the same country due to different boundary conditions and extraction rates. Therefore, understanding intricate aquifer systems and predicting how they will react to hydrological changes require the use of groundwater models. In Egypt, the groundwater levels in the Nile Delta aquifer decrease causing problems to the delta ecosystem while it is rising in Aswan area due to the presence of Nasser Lake causing several damages to the city’s buildings and infrastructures. In order to maximize its benefits and lessen the harm brought on by inadequate groundwater management in the city of Aswan, the height of the groundwater level in that city was examined, appraised, and groundwater management scenarios were established in this study. To achieve the objectives of the study, a simulation of Aswan aquifer’s groundwater system is built based on a quasi-three-dimensional transient groundwater flow model using MODFLOW. The model was calibrated and verified. Four management scenarios are tested. The fifth scenario, in this scenario, the four scenarios combined together at the same time and with the same conditions and ratios were proposed to be implemented. The results of the proposal to implement the four scenarios together showed that the rates of decline in groundwater levels in the last stage will be 12.44%. The study results reveal that a better understanding of the simulated long-term average spatial distribution of water balance components is useful for managing and planning the available water resources in the Aswan aquifer.
Assembly and characterization of the complete chloroplast genome of the Colombian coffee varieties Caturra Chiroso, Bourbon Chiroso and Chiroso, Coffea arabica L. (Rubiaceae), with insights on their phylogenetic relationships
Authors: Chica-Acosta Mariana , Ibarra-Arcila Hayler Edu , Martínez José Gregorio
Published: November 2024

Varieties represent a defined group with differentiated characteristics derived through natural selection and/or selective breeding from within a species. In the Central-Andean region of Colombia (Urrao) there are three endemic varieties of the species Coffea arabica L [“Caturra Chiroso” (CCH), “Bourbon Chiroso” (BCH), and “Chiroso” (CHCH)], known as “Chiroso” group, globally renowned for their high quality and distinctive cup profile. Despite its significance, there is a lack of reported genomic resources or basic biological information for these. In this study, we conducted the first assembly and characterization of the complete chloroplast (Cp) genomes of these varieties and reconstructed their ancestry relationships. The Cp genomes were 155,188 bp in length (A = 30.93%; C = 19.06%; G = 18.37%; T = 31.64%); containing 131 genes, comprising 86 protein-coding genes, 8 rRNA genes, and 37 tRNA genes. They consisted of four subregions: the large single-copy (LSC) region (85,159 bp; 83 genes), the short single-copy (SSC) region (18,136 bp; 12 genes), and the inverted repeats IRA (25,944 bp; 18 genes) and IRB (25,945 bp; 18 genes). Likewise, among 26 intraspecific varieties analyzed, CCH + BCH formed a unique haplotype, and CHCH + Bourbon + Caturra formed another. CCH and BCH featured an exclusive Cytosine mutation (SNP: C/A), position 47,413 bp (intergenic spacer region trnT(UGU)-trnL(UAA)]. Likewise, a total of 445 short tandem repeats were found in the Cp genomes (dinucleotides: 370; trinucleotides: 71; tetranucleotides: 1). Finally, the three formed a well-supported monophyletic group with conspecific varieties, being more closely related to Eastern Ethiopian-origin varieties [e.g. Berbere region], as well as with traditional ones like Typica, Bourbon, and Caturra. These coffee varieties are a valuable new genetic resource for use as a gene source for genetic improvement, biotechnology, direct exploitation and cultivation worldwide.
Seasonal persistence of the nitrogen oxides production in Mexico City
Authors: Matias-Gutierres S. , García-Otamendi E. I. , Sánchez-Chávez H. D.
Published: November 2024

This study investigates the seasonal influence on the nitrogen oxide NOx pollution records at four monitoring sites in Mexico City from 2010 to 2018. The analysis employs the second-order structure function to examine the trends in NOx concentration fluctuations. The findings reveal that the fluctuations follow a power law pattern characterized by Hurst exponents, predominantly in the statistical persistence regime, with a scaling range spanning three orders of magnitude. Specifically, the autumn period exhibits fluctuations with an exponent of $$\overline{H}=0.72$$

H
¯

=
0.72

, indicating relatively smaller fluctuations compared to other seasons, but with the potential for NOx concentrations to surpass those in other periods. In contrast, for spring, summer, and winter, the fluctuations are characterized by exponents of$$\overline{H}=0.59$$

H
¯

=
0.59

,$$\overline{H}=0.61$$

H
¯

=
0.61

, and$$\overline{H}=0.62$$

H
¯

=
0.62

, respectively, demonstrating greater fluctuations with lower NOx concentrations compared to autumn. These results are consistent with various studies conducted worldwide. Additionally, a negative correlation between NOx and ozone (O3) has been established during the winter season, as NOx and O3 fluctuations display persistent and anti-persistent behavior, respectively.
Pharmacological Treatment of Obesity in Older Adults
Authors: Žižka Ondřej , Haluzík Martin , Jude Edward B.
Published: November 2024

Obesity is a complex health issue with growing prevalence worldwide. It is also becoming more prevalent in the population of older adults (i.e., 65 years of age and older), affecting frequency and severity as well as other comorbidities, quality of life and consequently, life expectancy. In this article we review currently available data on pharmacotherapy of obesity in the population of older adults and its role in obesity management. Even though there is growing evidence, in particular in the general population, of favourable efficacy and safety profiles of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists liraglutide and semaglutide, and recently dual GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) agonist tirzepatide, concise guidelines for older adults are not available to this day. We further discuss specific approaches to frequently represented phenotype of obesity in older adults, in particular sarcopenic obesity and rationale when to treat and how. In older adults with obesity there is a need for more drug trials focusing not only on weight loss, but also on geriatric endpoints including muscle mass preservation, bone quality and favourable fat distribution changes to get enough data for evidence-based recommendation on obesity treatment in this growing sub-population.
Distribution of Pb, Zn, Fe, As, Sn, Sb, Bi, and Ni Between Oxide Liquid and Metal in the ‘CuO0.5’-CaO-AlO1.5 System in Equilibrium with Cu Metal at 1400 °C
Authors: Khartcyzov G. , Shevchenko M. , Jak E.
Published: November 2024

The increasing complexity of ore resources and recycled materials in the feed of pyrometallurgical processes present a technical challenge to the metallurgical engineers working on maximizing the recovery of the valuable elements and minimizing the environmental impact of the processes. To address this challenge, the availability of computational tools that can predict the mass and energy balance in complex systems is required. Then, the accurate description of phase equilibria in the complex multicomponent systems describing the chemistry of the pyrometallurgical processes becomes critical for the correct implementation of the indicated tools and facing the outlined industrial challenges. In the present study, the distribution of selected elements (Pb, Zn, Fe, As, Sn, Sb, Bi, and Ni) between oxide liquid and metal in the ‘CuO0.5’–CaO–AlO1.5 system in equilibrium with Cu metal at 1400 °C (liquidus of CaAl2O4) was experimentally studied using the equilibration and quenching technique followed by the electron probe X-ray microanalysis of the resulted samples. The study covered a wide range of effective p(O2) over the system from 10−11 to 10−3.5 (corresponding to formation of immiscible CuO0.5-rich slag). To avoid loss of volatile elements (Pb, Zn, As, Sn, Sb, and Bi), a correlation between ‘CuO0.5’ in oxide liquid and p(O2) in open system was obtained first, followed by studying the volatile elements distribution in closed conditions (Al2O3 crucible sealed in SiO2 ampoule), where ‘CuO0.5’ concentration was used as a marker to evaluate the effective p(O2) over the system. The experimental results were then used for the optimization of the thermodynamic model parameters of the system as part of the integrated experimental and self-consisting thermodynamic modeling research program of phase equilibria in the Cu–Pb–Zn–Fe–Ca–Si–Al–Mg–O–S–(As, Sn, Sb, Bi, Ag, Au, Ni, Cr, Co, and Na) gas/oxide liquid/matte/speiss/metal/solids system.

Graphical Abstract
Islamism and nationalism: how did old enemies become new allies?
Authors: Kuru Ahmet T.
Published: November 2024

Historically, religion and nationalism were opposing forces in many countries. Recently, however, they began to converge as part of rising populist movements globally. In the Muslim world, the partnership between Islamists and nationalists has become evident in several important countries such as Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Malaysia. This merging of Islamism and populist nationalism in the last decade signifies a third period in the Muslim world, following the era of secularist domination (1920s–1970s) and the era of Islamization (1970s–2010s). Some Islamic conservatives might regard the unification of religious and nationalist forces as beneficial to their conservative agenda. Nonetheless, this comes at the high cost of discrimination against Muslim minorities in several countries, such as India, Israel, the United States, and France. Beyond Muslim-majority countries and Muslim minorities, the global trend of advancing a religious-nationalist agenda threatens minority rights. This trend poses a major challenge to democracy, equal citizenship, and minority rights worldwide.
U.S.–India defense cooperation: progress, motivation and constraints
Authors: Lou Chunhao
Published: November 2024

Defense cooperation is an important pillar of the strategic partnership between the United States and India. Since the Modi government came to power in 2014, the defense cooperation between the United States and India has entered the fast lane. The two countries have made breakthroughs on multiple fronts, such as the signing of foundational agreements, the transfer of sensitive technologies, the joint research and development of advanced military equipment, and interoperability exercises. The deepening of defense cooperation reflects the two countries’ strategic convergence based on their respective national interests. Nevertheless, the structural gaps concerning their ideology, strategic goals, and industrial capability will pose limits on their cooperation. Therefore, it is unlikely that the United States and India will become a military alliance in the full sense, but rather the two sides will more likely adopt a quasi-alliance. Defense cooperation between the United States and India has become increasingly focused on targeting China, creating real challenges for China's national security.
Typha domingensis (Pers.) Poir. ex Steud. Potential to Restore Contaminated Wetlands in Egypt
Authors: Soliman Manar A. , Ahmed Dalia A. , Mansour Khalid H. , Gharib Fatma A. , Galal Tarek M. , Slima Dalia F.
Published: November 2024

Several studies have reported Typha domingensis (Typhaceae) as a heavy metal (HM) hyperaccumulator. This study aims to assess the seasonal variations in the accumulation potential of T. domingensis (TD) for HM in polluted wetlands in Greater Cairo, Egypt. Sampling of fresh wild plants from the TD’s subterranean (Root and stem) and surface components were gathered from different polluted sites distributed in the canal of Ismailia and Nahia drain, as well as from the River Nile as an unpolluted site (control). The findings showed that pollution negatively affected the chemical characteristics of sediment and water. Except for the TD’s leaf area, there were significant seasonal variations in the growth characteristics (density, stem diameter, leaf length, and width, fresh and dry biomass). The subterranean parts stored higher amounts of HM than the aboveground shoots. Manganese (Mn) concentration (413.2 mg kg− 1) was greater in the roots of autumn plants, whereas their shoots recorded the highest Pb (225.8 mg kg− 1). Al, Cd, Cu, Fe, Ni, and Zn concentrations in summer plant roots (1499.9, 74.8,1356.1, 3948.8, 403.8, and 1294.2 mgkg− 1, respectively). The factor of metal bioaccumulation (BF) values, was high in TD plants growing in a polluted Ismailia canal, but translocation factor (TF) values for all measured elements were lower than one, except for Pb. Summer is the best season for TD growth to sequester high HM concentrations. The authors recommended that TD be employed to mitigate HM pollution in wetlands and restore them.
Bioactive MgO/MgCO3/Polycaprolactone Multi-gradient Fibers Facilitate Peripheral Nerve Regeneration by Regulating Schwann Cell Function and Activating Wingless/Integrase-1 Signaling
Authors: Yao Zhi , Chen Ziyu , He Xuan , Wei Yihao , Qian Junyu , Zong Qiang , He Shuxian , Song Lili , Ma Lijia , Lin Sien , Li Linlong , Xue Lixiang , Fu Siu Ngor , Zhang Jin , Li Ye , Wang Deli
Published: November 2024

Peripheral nerve defects present complex orthopedic challenges with limited efficacy of clinical interventions. The inadequate proliferation and dysfunction of Schwann cells within the nerve scaffold impede the effectiveness of nerve repair. Our previous studies suggested the effectiveness of a magnesium-encapsulated bioactive hydrogel in repairing nerve defects. However, its rapid release of magnesium ions limited its efficacy to long-term nerve regeneration, and its molecular mechanism remains unclear. This study utilized electrospinning technology to fabricate a MgO/MgCO3/polycaprolactone (PCL) multi-gradient nanofiber membrane for peripheral nerve regeneration. Our findings indicated that by carefully adjusting the concentration or proportion of rapidly degradable MgO and slowly degradable MgCO3, as well as the number of electrospun layers, the multi-gradient scaffold effectively sustained the release of Mg2+ over a period of 6 weeks. Additionally, this study provided insight into the mechanism of Mg2+-induced nerve regeneration and confirmed that Mg2+ effectively promoted Schwann cell proliferation, migration, and transition to a repair phenotype. By employing transcriptome sequencing technology, the study identified the Wingless/integrase-1 (Wnt) signaling pathway as a crucial mechanism influencing Schwann cell function during nerve regeneration. After implantation in 10 mm critically sized nerve defects in rats, the MgO/MgCO3/PCL multi-gradient nanofiber combined with a 3D-engineered PCL nerve conduit showed enhanced axonal regeneration, remyelination, and reinnervation of muscle tissue 12 weeks post-surgery. In conclusion, this study successfully developed an innovative multi-gradient long-acting MgO/MgCO3/PCL nanofiber with a tunable Mg2+ release property, which underscored the molecular mechanism of magnesium-encapsulated biomaterials in treating nervous system diseases and established a robust theoretical foundation for future clinical translation.

Graphical abstract
Unpacking norms shaping disclosure of intrafamilial child sexual abuse
Authors: Mensah Felix , Abdullah Alhassan , Cudjoe Ebenezer
Published: November 2024

Cultural norms and beliefs that negatively sanction discussions about child sexual abuse (CSA) behaviours remain significant barriers to victim disclosure and prevention in Ghana, particularly in cases of intrafamilial child sexual abuse (IFCSA). These cultural norms could influence how survivors of IFCSA interpret the abuse and cope with associated trauma. We explored the life stories of four IFCSA survivors in Ghana through a biographical narrative interview, and the findings highlighted cases of gender dynamics, rationalisation of IFCSA, and challenging family practices. The findings highlight multiple cultural norms that underlie IFCSA cases, including taboos on disclosure of IFCSA, gender norms regarding male victims, and the importance of “face-saving” and safeguarding family image. Implications for practice are discussed.
Isolating influences of varying pitch from the effects of non-zero compound angles on effusion cooling
Authors: Pyo Y. , Son J. , Richer P. , Jodoin B. , Broumand M. , Yun S. , Hong Z.
Published: November 2024

Effusion cooling is the state-of-the-art cooling technology for gas turbine hot-gas path components. Typically, effusion cooling holes across the entire combustor liner are aligned with the combustor axis, rendering a nominal zero compound angle between highly directional miniature effusion cooling jets and the main flow direction. The pitch of effusion cooling holes is optimised accordingly. However, the swirling main flow results in a non-zero compound angle and an effectively different pitch from the design. The directional effect of effusion cooling as a result of swirling main flow on the adiabatic film cooling effectiveness (AFE) is a combined effect of a non-zero compound angle and a varied pitch. The current experimental study aims to investigate the isolated effects of compound angle on AFE by excluding the influences of varying pitch. With an improved understanding of the sole effects of non-zero compound angles on AFE, the roles that a varied pitch plays in modifying AFE are further discussed to guide future effusion cooling designs under swirling main flow conditions. Binary pressure sensitive paint (PSP) was used to determine AFE experimentally.
Forecast Errors and Welfare Conclusions Based on the Flyvbjerg Database
Authors: Välilä Timo
Published: November 2024

The so-called Flyvbjerg database is the largest source of data on the performance of major investment projects. It has generated influential analyses of the magnitude of and reasons for cost overruns and demand shortfalls in major projects. Those analyses have demonstrated, among other things, the systematic presence of large forecast errors in both construction costs and in user demand in the first year of operation. They have also linked those results to the social welfare consequences of the underlying projects, suggesting that the large and systematic forecast errors are indicative of welfare destruction. Given how influential those analyses have been, this paper examines the link between the database, empirical analyses thereof, and social benefit–cost analysis (BCA). To that end, both the measurement of variables in the database and the estimation of forecast errors are contrasted against BCA. The conditions for the estimated forecast errors to approximate those obtained from a BCA are spelled out, and the scope for drawing welfare conclusions based on those estimates is discussed. Furthermore, numerical simulations are presented to explore whether the estimated forecast errors do indeed imply likely welfare destruction. The simulations suggest that as large as the forecast errors are, welfare destruction is no foregone conclusion.
Recruitment and retention strategies to promote research engagement among caregivers and their children: A scoping review
Authors: Corr Tammy E. , Jusufagic Alma , Basting James , Caldwell Catherine , King Steven , Zgierska Aleksandra E.
Published: November 2024

Long-term health and developmental impact after in utero opioid and other substance exposures is unclear. There is an urgent need for well-designed, prospective, long-term observational studies. The HEALthy Brain and Child Development Study aims to address this need. It will require optimizing recruitment and retention of caregivers and young children in long-term research. Therefore, a scoping review of original research articles, indexed in the PubMed database and published in English between January 1, 2010, and November 23, 2023, was conducted on recruitment and retention strategies of caregiver–child (≤6 years old) dyads in observational, cohort studies. Among 2,902 titles/abstracts reviewed, 37 articles were found eligible. Of those, 29 (78%) addressed recruitment, and 18 (49%) addressed retention. Thirty-four (92%) articles focused on strategies for facilitating recruitment and/or retention, while 18 (49%) described potentially harmful approaches. Recruitment and retention facilitators included face-to-face and regular contact, establishing a relationship with study personnel, use of technology and social platforms, minimizing inconveniences, and promoting incentives. This review demonstrates that numerous factors can affect engagement of caregivers and their children in long-term cohort studies. Better understanding of these factors can inform researchers about optimal approaches to recruitment and retention of caregiver–child dyads in longitudinal research.