bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of graft detachment on the central corneal thickness after uncomplicated Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty
Authors: Lohmann Tibor , Baumgarten Sabine , Kürten David , Prinz Julia , Plange Niklas , Walter Peter , Fuest Matthias
Published: March 2024

Purpose

To determine if early central corneal thickness (CCT) and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) changes indicate graft detachment after uncomplicated Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK).

Methods

In this analysis of our prospectively collected ADDA registry data (https://drks.de/search/de/trial/DRKS00027180), 45 pseudophakic eyes underwent DMEK surgery at the Department of Ophthalmology, RWTH Aachen University. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT), the presence of stromal ripples on the posterior corneal surface, and BCVA measurements were assessed prior to, 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, and 6 months after surgery.

Results

Eyes were categorized into three groups: no graft detachment (group 1) (20/45; 44.4%), < 1/3 graft detachment (group 2) (14/45; 31.1%), ≥ 1/3 graft detachment followed by rebubbling (group 3) (11/45; 24.4%). Eyes in group 3 had a greater CCT prior to (746.8 ± 95.8 µm vs. 665.0 ± 74.4 µm, P = 0.041), and 1 week (666.8 ± 119.5 µm vs. 556.5 ± 56.8 µm, P = 0.001) after DMEK compared to group 1. By 1 month, CCT in all groups aligned. Comparing prior to and 1 week after DMEK, none of the eyes in group 1 had an increase in CCT, while the CCT increased in 25.0% of eyes in group 2 and 22.2% in group 3. In group 1, 90.0% had a CCT of < 600 µm 1 week after DMEK, compared to only 50.0% in group 2 and 36.4% in group 3. In group 1, 90.0% (18/20) had an improved BCVA 1 week after DMEK, while in groups 2 and 3, 86.7% (12/14) and 18.2% (2/11) improved, respectively. One patient in group 3 showed posterior stromal ripples 1 day and 1 week after DMEK.

Conclusion

If 1 week after uncomplicated DMEK CCT is < 600 µm and has decreased from before surgery, BCVA has improved, and there are no posterior stromal ripples, a graft detachment ≥ 1/3 and the need for rebubbling are very unlikely. In all other cases, meticulous slit-lamp and OCT inspection of the peripheral graft for detachments should be advised.
Digital counting of tissue cells for molecular analysis: the QuANTUM pipeline
Authors: L’Imperio Vincenzo , Cazzaniga Giorgio , Mannino Mauro , Seminati Davide , Mascadri Francesco , Ceku Joranda , Casati Gabriele , Bono Francesca , Eloy Catarina , Rocco Elena Guerini , Frascarelli Chiara , Fassan Matteo , Malapelle Umberto , Pagni Fabio
Published: March 2024

The estimation of tumor cellular fraction (TCF) is a crucial step in predictive molecular pathology, representing an entry adequacy criterion also in the next-generation sequencing (NGS) era. However, heterogeneity of quantification practices and inter-pathologist variability hamper the robustness of its evaluation, stressing the need for more reliable results. Here, 121 routine histological samples from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cases with complete NGS profiling were used to evaluate TCF interobserver variability among three different pathologists (pTCF), developing a computational tool (cTCF) and assessing its reliability vs ground truth (GT) tumor cellularity and potential impact on the final molecular results. Inter-pathologist reproducibility was fair to good, with overall Wk ranging between 0.46 and 0.83 (avg. 0.59). The obtained cTCF was comparable to the GT (p = 0.129, 0.502, and 0.130 for surgical, biopsies, and cell block, respectively) and demonstrated good reliability if elaborated by different pathologists (Wk = 0.9). Overall cTCF was lower as compared to pTCF (30 ± 10 vs 52 ± 19, p < 0.001), with more cases < 20% (17, 14%, p = 0.690), but none containing < 100 cells for the algorithm. Similarities were noted between tumor area estimation and pTCF (36 ± 29, p < 0.001), partly explaining variability in the human assessment of tumor cellularity. Finally, the cTCF allowed a reduction of the copy number variations (CNVs) called (27 vs 29, − 6.9%) with an increase of effective CNVs detection (13 vs 7, + 85.7%), some with potential clinical impact previously undetected with pTCF. An automated computational pipeline (Qupath Analysis of Nuclei from Tumor to Uniform Molecular tests, QuANTUM) has been created and is freely available as a QuPath extension. The computational method used in this study has the potential to improve efficacy and reliability of TCF estimation in NSCLC, with demonstrated impact on the final molecular results.
Comparative MRI analysis of the forebrain of three sauropsida models
Authors: Jiménez S , Santos-Álvarez I , Fernández-Valle E , Castejón D , Villa-Valverde P , Rojo-Salvador C , Pérez-Llorens P , Ruiz-Fernández M. J. , Ariza-Pastrana S. , Martín-Orti R. , González-Soriano Juncal , Moreno Nerea
Published: March 2024

The study of the brain by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allows to obtain detailed anatomical images, useful to describe specific encephalic structures and to analyze possible variabilities. It is widely used in clinical practice and is becoming increasingly used in veterinary medicine, even in exotic animals; however, despite its potential, its use in comparative neuroanatomy studies is still incipient. It is a technology that in recent years has significantly improved anatomical resolution, together with the fact that it is non-invasive and allows for systematic comparative analysis. All this makes it particularly interesting and useful in evolutionary neuroscience studies, since it allows for the analysis and comparison of brains of rare or otherwise inaccessible species. In the present study, we have analyzed the prosencephalon of three representative sauropsid species, the turtle Trachemys scripta (order Testudine), the lizard Pogona vitticeps (order Squamata) and the snake Python regius (order Squamata) by MRI. In addition, we used MRI sections to analyze the total brain volume and ventricular system of these species, employing volumetric and chemometric analyses together. The raw MRI data of the sauropsida models analyzed in the present study are available for viewing and downloading and have allowed us to produce an atlas of the forebrain of each of the species analyzed, with the main brain regions. In addition, our volumetric data showed that the three groups presented clear differences in terms of total and ventricular brain volumes, particularly the turtles, which in all cases presented distinctive characteristics compared to the lizards and snakes.
Chemotherapy-initiated cysteine-rich protein 61 decreases acute B-lymphoblastic leukemia chemosensitivity
Authors: Shi Pengchong , Lin Zhen , Song Yanfang , Li Zhaozhong , Zeng Menglu , Luo Li , Cao Yingping , Zhu Xianjin
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Chemoresistance is a major challenge for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treatment. Cysteine-rich protein 61 (Cyr61) plays an important role in drug resistance modulation of tumor cells, and Cyr61 levels are increased in the bone marrow of patients with ALL and contribute to ALL cell survival. However, the effect of Cyr61 on B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) cell chemosensitivity and the regulatory mechanisms underlying Cyr61 production in bone marrow remain unknown.

Methods

Nalm-6 and Reh human B-ALL cell lines were used in this study. Cyr61 levels were assessed using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), western blot analysis, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The effect of Cyr61 on B-ALL cell chemosensitivity to daunorubicin (DNR) was evaluated using cell viability and flow cytometry analyses. The regulatory mechanisms of Cyr61 production in bone marrow were examined using qRT-PCR and western blot analysis.

Results

Cyr61 knockdown and overexpression increased and decreased the chemosensitivity of B-ALL cells to DNR, respectively. Cyr61 attenuated chemotherapeutic drug-induced apoptosis by upregulating B cell lymphoma-2. Notably, DNR induced DNA damage response and increased Cyr61 secretion in B-ALL cells through the ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM)-dependent nuclear factor kappa B pathway.

Conclusion

DNR induces Cyr61 production in B-ALL cells, and increased Cyr61 levels reduce the chemosensitivity of B-ALL cells. Consequently, targeting Cyr61 or related ATM signaling pathway may present a promising treatment strategy to enhance the chemosensitivity of patients with B-ALL.
Connection probabilities of multiple FK-Ising interfaces
Authors: Feng Yu , Peltola Eveliina , Wu Hao
Published: March 2024

We find the scaling limits of a general class of boundary-to-boundary connection probabilities and multiple interfaces in the critical planar FK-Ising model, thus verifying predictions from the physics literature. We also discuss conjectural formulas using Coulomb gas integrals for the corresponding quantities in general critical planar random-cluster models with cluster-weight $${q \in [1,4)}$$

q
∈
[
1
,
4
)

. Thus far, proofs for convergence, including ours, rely on discrete complex analysis techniques and are beyond reach for other values of q than the FK-Ising model ($$q=2$$

q
=
2

). Given the convergence of interfaces, the conjectural formulas for other values of q could be verified similarly with relatively minor technical work. The limit interfaces are variants of $$\text {SLE}_\kappa $$

SLE
κ

curves (with $$\kappa = 16/3$$

κ
=
16
/
3

for $$q=2$$

q
=
2

). Their partition functions, that give the connection probabilities, also satisfy properties predicted for correlation functions in conformal field theory (CFT), expected to describe scaling limits of critical random-cluster models. We verify these properties for all $$q \in [1,4)$$

q
∈
[
1
,
4
)

, thus providing further evidence of the expected CFT description of these models.
Ethical implications of blockchain technology in biomedical research
Authors: Rubeis Giovanni
Published: March 2024

Definition of the problem

Biomedical research based on big data offers immense benefits. Large multisite research that integrates large amounts of personal health data, especially genomic and genetic data, might contribute to a more personalized medicine. This type of research requires the transfer and storage of highly sensitive data, which raises the question of how to protect data subjects against data harm, such as privacy breach, disempowerment, disenfranchisement, and exploitation. As a result, there is a trade-off between reaping the benefits of big-data-based biomedical research and protecting data subjects’ right to informational privacy.

Arguments

Blockchain technologies are often discussed as a technical fix for the abovementioned trade-off due to their specific features, namely data provenance, decentralization, immutability, and access and governance system. However, implementing blockchain technologies in biomedical research also raises questions regarding consent, legal frameworks, and workflow integration. Hence, accompanying measures, which I call enablers, are necessary to unleash the potential of blockchain technologies. These enablers are innovative models of consent, data ownership models, and regulatory models.

Conclusion

Blockchain technologies as a technical fix alone is insufficient to resolve the aforementioned trade-off. Combining this technical fix with the enablers outlined above might be the best way to perform biomedical research based on big data and at the same time protect the informational privacy of data subjects.
Long-term survival and clinical outcomes of delayed chest closure following lung transplantation
Authors: Hirama Takashi , Akiba Miki , Ui Masahiro , Shibata Saori , Tomiyama Fumiko , Watanabe Tatsuaki , Watanabe Yui , Notsuda Hirotsugu , Suzuki Takaya , Oishi Hisashi , Niikawa Hiromichi , Noda Masafumi , Okada Yoshinori
Published: March 2024

Purposes

Delayed chest closure (DCC) is a widely accepted procedure in the context of lung transplantation (LTx); yet there are few reports detailing its long-term survival and clinical outcomes.

Methods

We reviewed the medical records of recipients who underwent deceased-donor lung transplantation (LTx) at Tohoku University Hospital. Long-term survival, including overall survival, freedom from chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD), and CLAD-free survival and the clinical outcomes of graft function and physical performance and constitution were reviewed in recipients with DCC.

Results

Between 2009 and 2022, 116 patients underwent LTx, 33 of whom (28.4%) required DCC. The intra—and post-operative courses of the recipients who required DCC were more complicated than those of the recipients who underwent primary chest closure (PCC), with frequent volume reduction surgery and longer periods of invasive mechanical ventilation. Pulmonary vascular disease was considered a risk factor for these complications and DCC. Nonetheless, long-term survival and graft functions were comparable between the DCC and PCC groups. The physical performance and constitution of recipients who required DCC continued to improve, and by 2 years after transplantation, exhibited almost no difference from those who underwent PCC.

Conclusions

In view of the profoundly complicated intra- and post-operative courses, DCC should be performed cautiously and only when clinically indicated, despite which it can result in equivalent long-term survival and acceptable outcomes to PCC.
Host and geography impact virus diversity in New Zealand’s longfin and shortfin eels
Authors: Waller Stephanie J. , Egan Eimear , Crow Shannan , Charsley Anthony , Lokman P. Mark , Williams Erica K. , Holmes Edward C. , Geoghegan Jemma L.
Published: March 2024

The fishing and aquaculture industry is vital for global food security, yet viral diseases can result in mass fish die-off events. Determining the viromes of traditionally understudied species, such as fish, enhances our understanding of the global virosphere and the factors that influence virome composition and disease emergence. Very little is known about the viruses present in New Zealand’s native fish species, including the shortfin eel (Anguilla australis) and the longfin eel (Anguilla dieffenbachii), both of which are fished culturally by Māori (the indigenous population of New Zealand) and commercially. Through a total RNA metatranscriptomic analysis of longfin and shortfin eels across three different geographic locations in the South Island of New Zealand, we aimed to determine whether viruses had jumped between the two eel species and whether eel virome composition was impacted by life stage, species, and geographic location. We identified nine viral species spanning eight different families, thereby enhancing our understanding of eel virus diversity in New Zealand and the host range of these viral families. Viruses of the family Flaviviridae (genus Hepacivirus) were widespread and found in both longfin and shortfin eels, indicative of cross-species transmission or virus-host co-divergence. Notably, both host specificity and geographic location appeared to influence eel virome composition, highlighting the complex interaction between viruses, hosts, and their ecosystems. This study broadens our understanding of viromes in aquatic hosts and highlights the importance of gaining baseline knowledge of fish viral abundance and diversity, particularly in aquatic species that are facing population declines.
Energy price reform to mitigate transportation carbon emissions in oil-rich economies
Authors: Shannak Sa’d A. , Mikayilov Jeyhun I. , Dua Rubal
Published: March 2024

This study examines the impact of domestic fuel prices, population, and economic activity on transport CO2emissions, employing Saudi Arabia as a case study. The research uncovers statistically significant long-term associations between these variables. Despite transport CO2emissions demonstrating slight responsiveness to fuel price alterations, with estimated elasticity values between – 0.1 and – 0.15, the study affirms the relevance and timeliness of the Saudi government's strategy to curtail fuel incentives. Projections for a 2030 scenario, encompassing heightened economic activity aspirations and further escalations in domestic fuel prices to mirror true market costs, revealed a 1.8 percent annual reduction in transport CO2emissions from 2021 to 2030 compared to a scenario with unchanging fuel prices. The insights from this study bear significance not only for Saudi Arabia but also for other oil-rich nations striving to pave the way toward a sustainable transportation future.
Trained quantity discrimination in the invasive red-eared slider and a comparison with the native stripe-necked turtle
Authors: Lin Feng-Chun , Shaner Pei-Jen Lee , Hsieh Ming-Ying , Whiting Martin J. , Lin Si-Min
Published: March 2024

Little is known about the behavioral and cognitive traits that best predict invasion success. Evidence is mounting that cognitive performance correlates with survival and fecundity, two pivotal factors for the successful establishment of invasive populations. We assessed the quantity discrimination ability of the globally invasive red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans). We further compared it to that of the native stripe-necked turtle (Mauremys sinensis), which has been previously evaluated for its superior quantity discrimination ability. Specifically, our experimental designs aimed to quantify the learning ability as numerosity pairs increased in difficulty (termed fixed numerosity tests), and the immediate response when turtles were presented with varied challenges concurrently in the same tests (termed mixed numerosity tests). Our findings reaffirm the remarkable ability of freshwater turtles to discern numerical differences as close as 9 vs 10 (ratio = 0.9), which was comparable to the stripe-necked turtle’s performance. However, the red-eared slider exhibited a moderate decrease in performance in high ratio tests, indicating a potentially enhanced cognitive capacity to adapt to novel challenges. Our experimental design is repeatable and is adaptable to a range of freshwater turtles. These findings emphasize the potential importance of cognitive research to the underlying mechanisms of successful species invasions.
CRP under 130 mg/L rules out the diagnosis of Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 (URINELLA Study)
Authors: Klopfenstein Timothée , Zayet Souheil , Poloni Samantha , Gendrin Vincent , Fournier Damien , Vuillemenot Jean-Baptiste , Selles Philippe , Dussaucy Alain , Coureau Gaelle , Avalos-Fernandez Marta , Toko Lynda , Royer Pierre-Yves , Lavoignet Charles-Eric , Amari Bouchra , Puyraveau Marc , Chirouze Catherine
Published: March 2024

Introduction

In case of pneumonia, some biological findings are suggestive for Legionnaire’s disease (LD) including C-reactive protein (CRP). A low level of CRP is predictive for negative Legionella Urinary-Antigen-Test (L-UAT).

Method

Observational retrospective study in Nord-Franche‐Comté Hospital with external validation in Besançon University Hospital, France which included all adults with L-UAT performed during January 2018 to December 2022. The objective was to determine CRP optimal threshold to predict a L-UAT negative result.

Results

URINELLA included 5051 patients (83 with positive L-UAT). CRP optimal threshold was 131.9 mg/L, with a negative predictive value (NPV) at 100%, sensitivity at 100% and specificity at 58.0%. The AUC of the ROC-Curve was at 88.7% (95% CI, 86.3–91.1). External validation in Besançon Hospital patients showed an AUC at 89.8% (95% CI, 85.5–94.1) and NPV, sensitivity and specificity was respectively 99.9%, 97.6% and 59.1% for a CRP threshold at 131.9 mg/L; after exclusion of immunosuppressed patients, index sensitivity and NPV reached also 100%.

Conclusion

In case of pneumonia suspicion with a CRP level under 130 mg/L (independently of the severity) L-UAT is useless in immunocompetent patients with a NPV at 100%. We must remain cautious in patients with symptoms onset less than 48 h before CRP dosage.
Artificial intelligence in the detection of non-biological materials
Authors: Eibschutz Liesl , Lu Max Yang , Abbassi Mashya T. , Gholamrezanezhad Ali
Published: March 2024

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force within medical imaging, making significant strides within emergency radiology. Presently, there is a strong reliance on radiologists to accurately diagnose and characterize foreign bodies in a timely fashion, a task that can be readily augmented with AI tools. This article will first explore the most common clinical scenarios involving foreign bodies, such as retained surgical instruments, open and penetrating injuries, catheter and tube malposition, and foreign body ingestion and aspiration. By initially exploring the existing imaging techniques employed for diagnosing these conditions, the potential role of AI in detecting non-biological materials can be better elucidated. Yet, the heterogeneous nature of foreign bodies and limited data availability complicates the development of computer-aided detection models. Despite these challenges, integrating AI can potentially decrease radiologist workload, enhance diagnostic accuracy, and improve patient outcomes.
Simulating cable corridors based on terrestrial LiDAR data
Authors: Retzlaff Carl O. , Gollob Christoph , Nothdurft Arne , Stampfer Karl , Holzinger Andreas
Published: March 2024

This article introduces a new basis for optimising cable corridor layouts in timber extraction on steep terrain by using a digital twin of a forest. Traditional approaches for generating cable corridor layouts rely on less accurate contour maps, which can lead to layouts which rely on infeasible supports, undermining confidence in the generated layouts. We present a detailed simulational approach which uses high-resolution tree maps and digital terrain models to compute realistic representations of all possible cable corridors in a given terrain. We applied established methods in forestry to compute feasible cable corridors in a designated area, including rope deflection, determining sufficient tree anchors and placing intermediate supports where necessary. The proposed individual cable corridor trajectories form the foundation for an optimised overall layout that enables a reduction of installation and operation costs and promotes sustainable timber extraction practices on steep terrain. As a next step we aim to mathematically optimise the layout of feasible cable corridors based on multiple criteria (cost, ergonomic aspects, ecological aspects), and integrate the results into an user-friendly workflow.
Sun Dual Theory For Bi-Continuous Semigroups
Authors: Kruse K. , Schwenninger F.L.
Published: March 2024

The sun dual space corresponding to a strongly continuous semigroup is a known concept when dealing with dual semigroups, which are in general only weak
$$^*$$

∗

-continuous. In this paper we develop a corresponding theory for bi-continuous semigroups under mild assumptions on the involved locally convex topologies. We also discuss sun reflexivity and Favard spaces in this context, extending classical results by van Neerven.
Language as a Source of Epistemic Injustice in Organisations
Authors: Wilmot Natalie Victoria
Published: March 2024

Although there is now a substantial body of literature exploring the effects of language diversity in international management contexts, little attention has been paid to the ethical dimensions of language diversity at work. This conceptual paper draws on the concept of epistemic injustice in order to explore how language, and in particular corporate language policies, may act as a source of epistemic injustice within the workplace. It demonstrates how language competence affects credibility judgements about a speaker, and also considers how corporate language policies can create situations of hermeneutic injustice, in which marginalised groups are denied the vocabularies to understand their own experiences. Finally, ways in which such epistemic harms can be reduced are discussed, and the possibilities for management education to create epistemically responsible managers are highlighted.
Moral Economy and the Ethics of the Real Living Wage in UK Football Clubs
Authors: Dobbins Tony , Prowse Peter
Published: March 2024

Real living wages (RLWs) are an important ethical and moral policy to ensure that employees earn enough to live on. In providing ‘a fair day's pay for a fair day's work’, they set an ethical foundation for liveability. This article explores the ethics and moral economy of the RLW for lower-paid staff in the overlooked economy context of UK professional football, illustrated by a qualitative case study of Luton Town Football Club (LTFC). The article provides theoretical insights grounded in moral economy concepts about how a RLW contributes to a broader common good means of enabling fuller human participation in decent working and living conditions. Applying these concepts using a multi-disciplinary moral economy interpretation offers deeper theoretical contributions than economistic interpretations restricted to mainly technocratic economic distributive issues. LTFC are evidently ethically embedded in a moral economy as a local community club paying a RLW, and part of the overlooked economy. The research also contributes to contemporary debates on ‘Common Good’ HRM regarding the role of living wages in addressing grand common good challenges like inequality and quality of working lives.
Characteristics and situational aspects of seafood fraud: a comparative crime script analysis
Authors: Lawrence Sophie , van Ruth Saskia , Elliott Christopher , Huisman Wim
Published: March 2024

Seafood fraud is a global concern. High-value products with a diversity of species, production methods and fishery origins provide a business environment that is both conducive to criminality and financially lucrative. However, there is scarce empirical evidence on the nature of seafood fraud. This study aims to increase the understanding of deceptive practices in the seafood industry, the crime commission process and to identify possible intervention points. Ten case studies that had resulted in successful prosecutions were analysed using performed crime scripts to understand the actors, resources, processes, fraud techniques, conditions and the payment, sale and distribution of illicit products through legitimate supply chains. The crime scripts for each fraud were created using open-source intelligence, including media sources, publicly available court filings and company records. Similar to other white-collar offences, fraud opportunity was facilitated by leveraging existing resources, relationships and industry reputation to enable and conceal fraudulent practices. In all cases, fraud was perpetrated by senior management, undermining internal control mechanisms. Other fraud enablers included the availability and pricing of substitute products, lack of end-to-end traceability and the inability of supply chain actors, including consumers, to detect fraud. Also notable was the extent of employee involvement, so this paper considers impediments to external disclosure, particularly for migrant workers. The study enriches the food fraud literature by using crime script analysis to understand preparation, execution, and opportunity structures of seafood fraud. By emphasising the nature of fraudulent activities in specific markets, rather than solely focusing on perpetrators, it offers a more comprehensive approach to understanding environmental and situational influences. These insights, scarce in the current literature, are vital for shaping effective intervention strategies.
School Entry-Age Effect on Student’s Affective–Motivational Attitudes in German Elementary Schools
Authors: Ghosh Saikat , Kleine Lydia
Published: March 2024

The effect of school entry age on children’s later performance is a long-debated topic without any convergence. Besides, existing studies have mostly limited themselves to examining the impact of entry age on children’s cognitive achievements. In Germany, where different entry-age regulations exist across federal states and academic tracking takes place very early, it is crucial to investigate whether these differential school entry ages affect children’s outcomes. This study, based on the longitudinal data available from the National Educational Panel Study, investigates the possible entry-age effect on children’s willingness to make an effort and their school enjoyment in the German elementary school context. The study found a positive entry-age effect only for willingness to make an effort but not for school enjoyment, and the existing entry-age effect decreases over time. Therefore, empirical evidence confirms that, in Germany, the entry-age effect persists in the short run and some child outcomes seem more sensitive to entry age than others. These are important findings in the German context where students’ academic tracking starts from lower secondary schooling and entry-age effects may significantly influence it.
Hybridizing Motivational Strains: How Integrative Models Are Crucial for Advancing Motivation Science
Authors: King Ronnel B. , Fryer Luke K.
Published: March 2024

This special issue was motivated by the realization that student motivation is inherently complex and no single framework can capture it in its full richness. However, the current zeitgeist in educational psychology seems to explicitly discourage attempts at integration as researchers are incentivized to stay within their own theoretical camps. In this special issue, we asked seven research teams to revisit their theoretical assumptions and cross-fertilize their own theories with other frameworks. We also invited three distinguished luminaries to critique and comment on this undertaking. We highlighted key issues that prevent cross-fertilization of ideas across theoretical borders, surfaced potential dangers associated with naïve integration, and proffered future directions that could nudge motivation science towards a more cumulative and integrative approach.
The effect of copper reduction on the control of downy mildew in Mediterranean grapevines
Authors: Roda Rafael , Prats-Llinàs María Teresa , Forcadell Sergi , Mazzieri Marcelo , Calvo-Garrido Carlos , Nadal Montse , de Lamo Sergi , Ferrer-Gallego Raúl
Published: March 2024

The application of copper-based fungicides has led to the problematic accumulation of copper in the soil of many European vineyards. In this work, we tested the effectiveness of downy mildew control strategies that considerably reduce the amount of copper, through the application of other non-toxic compounds. The study took place in three different regions of Catalonia, by combining smaller and larger-scale trials for two growing seasons. Although variations among experiments were detected, the treatments used here may reduce the applied copper content by up to 77 percent. The cooper reduction-strategies, which alternated standard copper application of copper oxychloride with applications of products based on Equisetum arvense L., or with applications of products with heptagluconic acid (an alternative formulation with a very low-rate of copper), provided the most consistent protection against downy mildew. Moreover, these treatments reduced copper inputs by 63 and 47 percent as compared to conventional treatments based on repeated applications of copper oxychloride. This work underlines the possibility of reducing the amount of copper applied to control downy mildew in Mediterranean vineyards, through the use of newly-developed formulations.
Too Much Self-Control?
Authors: Altehenger Hannah
Published: March 2024

Although it seems commonsensical to say that one cannot merely have too little, but also too much self-control, the philosophical debate has largely focused on failures of self-control rather than its potential excesses. There are a few notable exceptions. But, by and large, the issue of having too much self-control has not received a lot of attention. This paper takes another careful look at the commonsensical position that it is possible to have too much self-control. One key insight that will emerge is that there are certain important confusions surrounding this view. Once these are removed, however, we are led to the conclusion that there need not be anything intrinsically problematic about being a paragon of self-control.
A New Approach for Better Industrial Strategies
Authors: Criscuolo Chiara , Lalanne Guy
Published: March 2024

Industrial policy is back. After having been considered a taboo since the 1970s, “new industrial policies” are at the core of governments’ strategies to support countries during crises and enable the green and digital transitions. Virtually, every government has used and uses industrial policy, despite continued concerns related to anticompetitive effects, within and across countries, captured by vested interests and the opportunity cost of public funds, which economists have pointed out, based on previous unsuccessful experiences. In this paper, we contribute to the debate on industrial policy by presenting both a sound and simple framework to help design industrial policies and also data that allow the comparison of industrial strategies and their priorities across countries. First, this paper summarises our recent framework for industrial strategies, which is designed to offer practical policy advice and shed light on the complementarities between different policy instruments. Such a framework is particularly useful when designing complex mission-oriented industrial strategies promoting the green transition of the business sector. Second, this paper presents some salient results from the new “Quantifying Industrial Strategies” (QuIS) project, which gathers harmonised data on industrial policy expenditures, policy priorities, and policy instruments, thereby allowing the benchmarking of industrial strategies across countries. Based on the aforementioned conceptual framework, QuIS measures industrial policy expenditures across 9 OECD members, for the period 2019–2021. The data, now publicly available on the OECD website, show the importance of industrial policy expenditures, and the growing role of green industrial policies in countries industrial strategies.
Synthesis and Characterization of Poly(glycerol sebacate), Poly(glycerol succinate) and Poly(glycerol sebacate-co-succinate)
Authors: Godinho Bruno , Nogueira Rosana , Gama Nuno , Ferreira Artur
Published: March 2024

In recent years, thermoset elastomers, particularly polyesters derived from the polycondensation of glycerol and non-toxic diacids, have garnered significant interest. This study focuses on the synthesis of poly(glycerol-co-diacids) polymers using varying molar ratios of glycerol (G), sebacic acid (S), and succinic acid (Su). Seven distinct ratios were investigated (PGS (1:1), PGSSu (1:0.9:0.1), PGSSu (1:0.8:0.2), PGSSu (1:0.5:0.5), PGSSu (1:0.2:0.8), PGSSu (1:0.1:0.9) and PGSu (1:1)). The resulting polymers were analyzed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), dynamic mechanical analyses (DMA), tensile tests, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), gel fraction and degree of swelling determination. Among the synthesized polymers, PGS (1:1) and PGSu (1:1) exhibited superior mechanical robustness than the polymers obtained by mixing diacids. The results show that the incorporation of succinic acid in the synthesis of the polymers progressively led to rougher surfaces and a reduction in thermal resistance compared to PGS (1:1). PGSu (1:1) showed the highest surface roughness and the lowest thermal resistance. The glass transition temperature (Tg) for these elastomers ranged from − 30 °C to 30 °C. Additionally, higher ratios of succinic acid led to increased polymer density and less degree of swelling. The gel fraction of these polymers ranged from 70 to 95%. PGS (1:1) with the lowest and PGSu (1:1) with the highest gel fraction, respectively.

Graphical Abstract
Behaviour and landscape contexts determine the effects of artificial light on two crepuscular bird species
Authors: Adams Carrie Ann , Clair Colleen Cassady St. , Knight Elly C. , Bayne Erin M.
Published: March 2024

Context

Artificial light at night (ALAN) is increasing worldwide, with many ecological effects. Aerial insectivores may benefit from foraging on insects congregating at light sources. However, ALAN could negatively impact them by increasing nest visibility and predation risk, especially for ground-nesting species like nightjars (Caprimulgidae).

Objectives

We tested predictions based on these two alternative hypotheses, potential foraging benefits vs potential predation costs of ALAN, for two nightjar species in British Columbia: Common Nighthawks (Chordeiles minor) and Common Poorwills (Phalaenoptilus nuttallii).

Methods

We modeled the relationship between ALAN and relative abundance using count data from the Canadian Nightjar Survey. We distinguished territorial from extra-territorial Common Nighthawks based on their wingboom behaviour.

Results

We found limited support for the foraging benefit hypothesis: there was an increase in relative abundance of extra-territorial Common Nighthawks in areas with higher ALAN but only in areas with little to no urban land cover. Common Nighthawks’ association with ALAN became negative in areas with 18% or more urban land cover. We found support for the nest predation hypothesis: the were strong negative associations with ALAN for both Common Poorwills and territorial Common Nighthawks.

Conclusions

The positive effects of ALAN on foraging nightjars may be limited to species that can forage outside their nesting territory and to non-urban areas, while the negative effects of ALAN on nesting nightjars may persist across species and landscape contexts. Reducing light pollution in breeding habitat may be important for nightjars and other bird species that nest on the ground.
Generative adversarial networks (GANs): Introduction, Taxonomy, Variants, Limitations, and Applications
Authors: Sharma Preeti , Kumar Manoj , Sharma Hitesh Kumar , Biju Soly Mathew
Published: March 2024

The growing demand for applications based on Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) has prompted substantial study and analysis in a variety of fields. GAN models have applications in NLP, architectural design, text-to-image, image-to-image, 3D object production, audio-to-image, and prediction. This technique is an important tool for both production and prediction, notably in identifying falsely created pictures, particularly in the context of face forgeries, to ensure visual integrity and security. GANs are critical in determining visual credibility in social media by identifying and assessing forgeries. As the field progresses, a variety of GAN variations arise, along with the development of diverse assessment techniques for assessing model efficacy and scope. The article provides a complete and exhaustive overview of the most recent advances in GAN model designs, the efficacy and breadth of GAN variations, GAN limits and potential solutions, and the blooming ecosystem of upcoming GAN tool domains. Additionally, it investigates key measures like as Inception Score (IS) and Fréchet Inception Distance (FID) as critical benchmarks for improving GAN performance in contrast to existing approaches.
Computational aspects of simultaneous Gaussian quadrature
Authors: Laudadio T. , Mastronardi N. , Van Dooren P.
Published: March 2024

In this paper, we derive a new method to compute the nodes and weights of simultaneous n-point Gaussian quadrature rules. The method is based on the eigendecomposition of the banded lower Hessenberg matrix that contains the coefficients of the recurrence relations for the corresponding multiple orthogonal polynomials. The novelty of the approach is that it uses the property of total nonnegativity of this matrix associated with the particular considered multiple orthogonal polynomials, in order to compute its eigenvalues and eigenvectors in a numerically stable manner. The overall complexity of the computation of all the nodes and weights is $$\mathcal {O}(n^2)$$

O
(

n
2

)

.
Operationalizing Lasswell’s call for clarification of value goals: an equity-based approach to normative public policy analysis
Authors: Linquiti Peter
Published: March 2024

In 1951, Harold Lasswell defined the ability to clarify value goals as integral to a policy analyst’s job. But graduate education in public policy analysis has paid insufficient attention to the skills needed to investigate and clarify value disputes. In turn, practicing policy analysts don’t have ready access to a set of methods for normative analysis that serves Lasswell’s vision of a contextualized, holistic, and interdisciplinary policy science. I start by describing calls for more emphasis on social equity in policy analysis and explore the complementary relationship of empirical, fact-based analysis and normative, value-driven analysis. I then propose seven competencies that policy analysts should be expected to master. They need to understand how normative issues arise in and adjacent to the classical model of policy analysis. They need to master a vocabulary for normative analysis and understand how humans make moral judgments, recognizing the distinction between moral rationalism and moral intuitionism. To engage in moral rationalism, practitioners need to be able to use the tools of analytic political philosophy. When it comes to moral intuitionism, they need to recognize the emotion-driven foundations of moral judgement and personal values. Finally, policy analysts also need to know where to find the values that are relevant to their analysis. Mastery of these competencies will allow analysts to better serve what Laswell describes as the intelligence needs of policymakers.
Inertial Krasnoselskii-Mann Iterations
Authors: Maulén Juan José , Fierro Ignacio , Peypouquet Juan
Published: March 2024

We establish the weak convergence of inertial Krasnoselskii-Mann iterations towards a common fixed point of a family of quasi-nonexpansive operators, along with estimates for the non-asymptotic rate at which the residuals vanish. Strong and linear convergence are obtained in the quasi-contractive setting. In both cases, we highlight the relationship with the non-inertial case, and show that passing from one regime to the other is a continuous process in terms of the hypotheses on the parameters. Numerical illustrations are provided for an inertial primal-dual method and an inertial three-operator splitting algorithm, whose performance is superior to that of their non-inertial counterparts.
Proposed spatial decision support system for delineating ecological corridors in green infrastructure planning constrained by lack of data: a case study in Galicia, Spain
Authors: Losada-Iglesias Rocío , García Andrés M. , Díaz-Varela Emilio , Miranda David
Published: March 2024

In response to the constant loss of biodiversity in European ecosystems, which is partly due to the impacts of climate change, the European Commission urges member states to include Green Infrastructure (GI) in their land-use plans. However, although the European Commission establishes the fundamental principles to be applied, the ambiguity of some terms generates a certain degree of complexity regarding the delineation of GI elements, especially Ecological Corridors (ECs). Thus, a straightforward methodology for delineating GI elements is required. Here, we propose a Spatial Decision Support System (SDSS) that could help non-expert planners identify areas with a high potential to function as ECs and that could thus facilitate the inclusion of these areas in regional GI plans. Probability distribution maps were constructed by fitting a maximum entropy model (MaxEnt) to publicly available data on selected focal species. The maps were combined with other variables that negatively affect species mobility and later inserted in a graph theory tool to determine the least-cost path that would serve as the basis for delineating ECs. The method was applied to the design of an EC network in Galicia (NW Spain), and use of the system as a tool to help spatial decision-making was evaluated. Despite some limitations, the method yielded promising results that could help non-expert planners to establish the basis for delineating EC networks and other GI elements.
Determination of caffeine in treated wastewater discharged in the Nile River with emphasis on the effect of zinc and physicochemical factors
Authors: Tawfik Nouran A. I. , El-Bakary Zienab A. , Abd El-Wakeil Khaleid F.
Published: March 2024

The present study aimed to investigate the occurrence of caffeine residues in the Nile River according to drainage of treated wastewater at Assiut, Egypt, and the effects of physicochemical parameters and zinc on its concentration. Four different sites were selected to perform the study: S, wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) canal (source site); J, a junction site between WWTP canal and the Nile; R, a reference site in the Nile before J site; and A, a site located after J site in the Nile. Water and sediment samples were collected in Summer 2022 and Winter 2023. Caffeine and Zn concentrations and physicochemical parameters were measured in the collected samples. The caffeine concentrations in water samples ranged from 5.73 to 53.85 μg L−1 at S in winter and summer, respectively, while those in sediment ranged from 0.14 mg kg−1 at R in winter to 1.54 mg kg−1 at S in summer. Caffeine and Zn concentrations were higher in summer samples. The Water Quality Index (WQI) of the collected samples recorded the lowest values in winter season at S and J sites. The study found that caffeine and zinc concentrations are positively correlated with water temperature and conductivity, while negatively correlated with pH. The association between caffeine and Zn highlights the environmental impact of heavy metals and pharmaceutical residues, and stresses the need for future research on these interactions.
Mean-field ranking games with diffusion control
Authors: Ankirchner S. , Kazi-Tani N. , Wendt J. , Zhou C.
Published: March 2024

We consider a stochastic differential game, where each player continuously controls the diffusion intensity of her own state process. The players must all choose from the same diffusion rate interval $$[\sigma _1, \sigma _2]$$

[

σ
1

,

σ
2

]

, and have individual random time horizons that are independently drawn from the same distribution. The players whose states at their respective time horizons are among the best $$p \in (0,1)$$

p
∈
(
0
,
1
)

of all terminal states receive a fixed prize. We show that in the mean field version of the game there exists an equilibrium, where the representative player chooses the maximal diffusion rate when the state is below a given threshold, and the minimal rate else. The symmetric n-fold tuple of this threshold strategy is an approximate Nash equilibrium of the n-player game. Finally, we show that the more time a player has at her disposal, the higher her chances of winning.
What Is A Family? A Constitutive-Affirmative Account
Authors: Lee J. Y. , Bentzon R. , Di Nucci E.
Published: March 2024

Bio-heteronormative conceptions of the family have long reinforced a nuclear ideal of the family as a heterosexual marriage, with children who are the genetic progeny of that union. This ideal, however, has also long been resisted in light of recent social developments, exhibited through the increased incidence and acceptance of step-families, donor-conceived families, and so forth. Although to this end some might claim that the bio-heteronormative ideal is not necessary for a social unit to count as a family, a more systematic conceptualization of the family—the kind of family that matters morally—is relatively underexplored in the philosophical literature. This paper makes a start at developing and defending an account of the family that is normatively attractive and in line with the growing prevalence of non-conventional families and methods of family-formation. Our account, which we call a constitutive-affirmative model of the family, takes the family to be constituted by an ongoing process of relevant affective and affirmative relations between the putative family members.