bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Moderating Effect of Control Group Type on Intervention Effectiveness in School-Based Anxiety and Depression Prevention: Findings from a Rapid Review and Network Meta-analysis
Authors: Caldwell Deborah M. , Palmer Jennifer C. , Webster Katie E. , Davies Sarah R. , Hughes Hugo , Rona Joseph , Churchill Rachel , Hetrick Sarah E. , Welton Nicky J.
Published: February 2025

Many randomized controlled trials have investigated the role of school-based prevention interventions to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression in young people. Systematic reviews have subsequently demonstrated a small, beneficial effect of these interventions when compared to a combined control group including usual care, no intervention, or waiting list controls. However, evidence from behavioral science and clinical psychology suggests control group choice may influence the relative effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions. Here we explored whether separating this combined control group into distinct categories might influence the apparent effectiveness of preventive interventions. After updating an earlier review and network meta-analysis of preventive interventions for anxiety and depression in young people, we considered the impact of alternative control groups on estimates of effectiveness. This analysis was restricted to comparisons with cognitive-behavioral interventions only—the most common intervention used in the included studies. In targeted populations, for both anxiety and depression outcomes, the effect of a cognitive-behavioral intervention was larger when compared to waiting list controls than to usual curriculum, no intervention, or attention controls. For anxiety, the effect of no intervention was also considerably larger than waiting list control (standardized mean difference -0.37 [95% credible interval − 0.66, − 0.11], favoring no intervention). These results suggest that the beneficial effect of preventive school-based interventions previously observed in standard meta-analyses may be an artifact of combining control groups. Although exploratory, these findings indicate the impact of different control groups may vary considerably and should be taken into account when interpreting the effectiveness of interventions.
“You keep me hanging on”: Evidence from the Columbia door hanger experiment
Authors: Boehme Hunter M. , Tregle Brandon , Schnell Cory
Published: February 2025

Objectives

To investigate whether police deployment of door hangers providing crime prevention tips to recently victimized households and nearby households reduces property crime in treated areas.

Methods

A randomized field experiment was implemented by randomly assigning the intervention across six neighborhoods in Columbia, SC. The test period lasted 184 days, and the intervention effect was analyzed across burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft crime types.

Results

T-tests and negative binomial regression models indicated significant decreases across all property crimes and thefts in treated areas. However, there were decreases in burglaries and motor vehicle theft which were not statistically significant.

Conclusions

We provide experimental evidence on a light-footprint, super-cocooning police intervention targeting property crime. During a staffing crisis, and since Americans are more likely to experience property crime victimization compared to violent crime, police agencies should consider cost-effective and easy-to-implement strategies such as door hanger intervention to reduce property crime.
Multiphase photochemical reactions as sinks of nanoplastic photodissolution products in aqueous environments: a model study for benzene
Authors: Vione Davide , Passananti Monica , Minella Marco , Carena Luca
Published: February 2025

Carcinogenic benzene is the most concerning product of the irradiation of polystyrene nanoplastics in aqueous suspension. Interestingly, benzene formed in water from polystyrene can volatilise to the gas phase or react with aqueous-phase hydroxyl radicals (•OH(w)) to produce toxic phenol. The persistence of benzene in water would range from some weeks to some months, and the branching ratio between the •OH(w) reaction and volatilisation mainly depends on water depth and the DOC (dissolved organic carbon) concentration. Actually, benzene volatilisation is particularly important in shallow waters (1–2 m depth), or even in relatively deep waters (> 5 m) if the DOC value is high enough (> 5 mgC L−1). Aqueous phenol formed from benzene + •OH(w) reacts in turn with •OH(w), the carbonate radical (CO3
•–
(w)), and the triplet states of chromophoric dissolved organic matter (3CDOM*(w)) in different proportions, depending on water chemistry. In the gas phase, benzene reacts with •OH(g) to produce phenol, which in turn reacts with •OH(g) and especially with the nitrate radical (•NO3 (g)). The overall degradation is fast enough for phenol to reach an extremely low steady-state concentration in the atmosphere. However, up to 50% of the initial water-dissolved benzene would produce gas-phase phenol as intermediate compound and, eventually, yield phytotoxic nitrophenols. Among the latter, 4-nitrophenol has strong potential to partition into atmospheric waters and reach back aqueous environments (or soil) via wet depositions. To a lesser extent, similar phenomena would involve the highly phytotoxic 2,4-dinitrophenol.
Exploring the impact of a CALL tool for emergent bilinguals
Authors: Feroce Nicholas , Liu Jenny , Chattergoon Rajendra
Published: February 2025

This study evaluates the impact of a computer-assisted language learning (CALL) tool for the acquisition of academic English and oral language skills in children learning English as a second language. Using a quasi-experimental design, we compare English proficiency scores for K-5 students who did or did not use the program during the 2020–21 school year. Analyses showed that learners who used the program scored higher on the overall test, including on the oral and written domains, compared to students who did not use the program. When controlling for prior year achievement, we found small, positive but non-significant effects for program users. Proficiency analyses did not reveal any significant differences between student groups. The results show promising evidence that CALL tools, and particularly those focused on oral language development, can be used to provide structured support to students for learning academic English and developing greater overall English language proficiency.
Monitoring dynamics in ear-leaf physiology during maize grain filling: genotype and nitrogen impact on source–sink relations and yield
Authors: Abo-Hamed Sammy , Elghareeb Eman M. , El-Shahaby Omar , Ibraheem Farag
Published: February 2025

During maize grain filling, effective coordination between a high source capacity and a robust sink significantly enhances yield. These source–sink relationships are primarily influenced by genotype and nitrogen availability, and achieving a balance between them has been a challenge in modern maize hybrids. In this study, three maize hybrids (B73 × Mo17, B73 × Sids7, and B73 × NC358), sharing B73 as the female parent, were produced, field-grown, and maintained till maturity under limited and sufficient soil nitrogen. The impact of the developing reproductive sink on growth, yield, and dynamic changes in ear-leaf physiology was monitored at 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 days after pollination. Under limited and adequate N conditions, B73 × NC358 outperformed B73 × Mo17 and B73 × Sids7 in yield and most tested traits. The enhanced yield in B73 × NC358 was associated with increased sink-strength traits and improved source capacity-related morpho- physiological characteristics. As grain filling progressed, B73 × NC358 consistently demonstrated higher biomass accumulation, leaf nitrogen, stover nitrogen, chlorophyll content, total soluble proteins, and elevated activities of nitrate reductase (NR) and glutamine synthetase (GS) compared to the other hybrids. Nitrogen limitation curtails grain yield, growth, and leaf metabolites; however, it induces starch accumulation and increased protease and asparaginase (ASNase) activities in all hybrids. Our findings suggest that B73 × NC358 optimizes leaf nitrogen and balances source capacity and sink strength to enhance biomass, nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), and grain yield. The alleles from B73 and NC358 interact effectively to support a stay-green-like phenotype, promoting growth and grain yield across nitrogen conditions.
Severe burn injuries and the impact of mental health: insights from 7 years at Switzerland’s leading burn center
Authors: Pais Michael-Alexander , Vasella Mauro , Matthes Oliver , Millesi Elena , Kobler Alexander , Breckwoldt Tabea , Reid Gregory , Naef Lukas , Hofmann Luzie , Watson Jennifer Ashley , Bühler Philipp Karl , Giovanoli Pietro , Kim Bong-Sung
Published: February 2025

Severe burn injuries present significant global healthcare challenges, with outcomes significantly influenced by factors such as socioeconomic status, mental health conditions, and substance use, which vary across regions and healthcare systems. This study investigates the etiologies, treatment outcomes, and the impact of psychiatric conditions and controlled substance use on burn injuries in patients admitted to the intensive care unit at Switzerland’s largest Burn Center. Data were retrospectively analyzed from 438 patients admitted to the University Hospital Zurich Burn Center ICU between 2016 and 2022. Variables assessed included baseline characteristics, burn etiologies, injury mechanisms, treatment modalities, complications, discharge outcomes, and mortality. Statistical analyses employed generalized linear models and logistic regression. Most burns occurred at home/leisure activities (43.4%), 21.2% at work. Pre-existing psychiatric conditions were present in 38.8% of patients, and 24.4% were under influence of controlled substances at the time of injury. These factors were associated with higher complication rates, increased surgeries, longer hospital stays, and lower survival rates. The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 15.8%, significantly linked to a history of controlled substance use. These findings highlight the significant impact of psychiatric conditions and use of controlled substances on burn injury outcomes, underscoring the importance of an interdisciplinary approach to treatment and management, particularly for patients with mental health and substance abuse histories.
Cytisine for smoking cessation in hospitalised smokers with cardiovascular diseases: an observational study
Authors: Erika Tedesco , Sofia Ceccato , Alessandro Torazzi , Laura Santin , Lorenzo Losso , Andrea Bottardi , Rebecca Casari , Silvia Melchiori , Erica Secchettin , Valeria Ferrero , Elena Arzenton , Paola Marini , Fabio Lugoboni , Cristiano Chiamulera
Published: February 2025

Cigarette smoke is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Among pharmacotherapy for smoking cessation, the plant alkaloid cytisine (CYT) -a nicotinic receptors partial agonist- has been shown to have a safe profile, with a minimal risk for drug interactions. Since previous studies have excluded CVD patients, there are few existing data examining CYT safety in this critical population. An observational prospective study was conducted in the Verona University Hospital (AOUI), Italy, to assess the safety and efficacy of CYT for smoking cessation. Thirty-six hospitalised participants from the Cardiology Department received oral CYT 1.5 mg for 25 days, according to the West Dosing Schedule (6 capsules for the first 3 days, gradually decreased up to 2 capsules on the last 6 days), in combination with supportive care. The primary endpoint was CYT safety, with 11 mild-moderate Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) reported by 9 (25%) participants. Initial insomnia (11%), nausea (6%), sleep disorders (6%), headache (3%), gastritis (3%), and diarrhoea (3%) were the most frequent symptoms. No serious or unexpected ADRs were identified, with no increase in cardiovascular events. Efficacy was assessed as self-reported 7-day point prevalence abstinence (PPA) at 3, 6 and 12 months post-quit. At the first follow-up, abstinence was also biochemically verified by exhaled carbon monoxide (CO) measurement, which was confirmed for 36% of participants. Considering lost to follow-up as relapsed patients, the PPA was 50%, 47% and 36% at 1st, 2nd and 3rd follow-up, respectively. These results may suggest that CYT has a well-established safety profile in hospitalised CVD patients, but further investigation is needed.
Recent Advances in Perovskite-Based Heterojunction Photocatalysts: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications
Authors: Baray-Calderón A. , Aleman-Ramirez J. L. , Díaz-Cruz Evelyn B. , Martinez-Alonso Claudia , Fuentes-Pérez M. , Olvera-Vargas H. , Becerra-Paniagua Dulce K.
Published: February 2025

Photocatalysis has attracted increasing scientific interest since it represents a promising path to combat the growing energy crisis and environmental pollution problems. Among the various materials used in photocatalysis, perovskites have become ideal photocatalysts due to their superior optoelectronic, morphologic, and physicochemical properties. However, pristine perovskites still have issues, such as weak stability, limited carrier extraction, and restricted active sites. Therefore, various strategies have been developed to improve the photocatalytic activity of pure perovskites in combination with other materials to form more efficient heterojunction composites. This review paper aims to report on the latest advances in the development, characterization, and photocatalytic efficiency of perovskite-based heterojunction composites coupled with binary and ternary semiconductors, carbon materials, metal oxides, and sulfides. The photocatalytic processes covered in this work are CO2 reduction, H2 generation, and the degradation of organic pollutants. This study is expected to intensify research on the development of perovskite-based composites and their future application to obtain chemicals of industrial interest, biofuels, and clean water with perspective at pilot and industrial scale.
Forensic dental age estimation with deep learning: a modified xception model for panoramic X-Ray images
Authors: Yilmaz Ercument , Görürgöz Cansu , Kış Hatice Cansu , Canger Emin Murat , Öztaş Bengi
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aimed to develop an improved method for forensic age estimation using deep learning models applied to orthopantomography (OPG) images, focusing on distinguishing individuals under 12 years old from those aged 12 and above.

Methods

A dataset of 1941 pediatric patients aged between five and 15 years was collected from two radiology departments. The primary research question addressed the identification of the most effective deep learning model for this task. Various deep learning models including Xception, ResNet, ShuffleNet, InceptionV3, DarkNet, NasNet, DenseNet, EfficientNet, MobileNet, ResNet18, GoogleNet, SqueezeNet, and AlexNet were evaluated using traditional metrics like Classification Accuracy (CA), Sensitivity (SE), Specificity (SP), Kappa (K), Area Under the Curve (AUC), alongside a novel Polygon Area Metric (PAM) designed to handle imbalanced datasets common in forensic applications.

Results

“Forensic Xception” model derived from Xception outperformed others, achieving a PAM score of 0.8828. This model demonstrated superior performance in accurately classifying individuals’ age groups, with high CA, SE, SP, K, AUC, and F1 Score. Notably, the introduction of the PAM metric provided a comprehensive evaluation of classifier performance.

Conclusion

This study represents a significant advancement in forensic age estimation from OPG images, emphasizing the potential of deep learning models, particularly the “Forensic Xception” model, in accurately classifying individuals based on age, especially in legal contexts. This research suggests a promising avenue for further advancements in forensic dental age estimation, with future studies encouraged to explore additional datasets, refine models, and address ethical and legal considerations.
TRIB crack dataset: automatic recognition system for road cracks detection
Authors: Abrudan Dumitru
Published: February 2025

Road traffic infrastructure in a city is as essential as veins in the human body. In Romania, road infrastructure is classified based on traffic intensity into four types of streets: magistral (used for crossing the city), connection, collection, and local use. This study utilizes the TRIB crack dataset (Traffic Road Infrastructure from Bucharest crack dataset), which consists of high-quality images of various types of road cracks. The dataset can be effectively used for different computer vision tasks, such as classification, object detection, and more. To meet the diverse requirements of deep learning methods, the dataset includes images capturing different types of road cracks, such as longitudinal, transverse, block, and alligator cracks, as well as various artifacts like oil stains, road markings on asphalt, leaves, and more. The images were taken from a height of 100 centimeters above the road surface, resulting in a dataset of 137 RGB (red, green, blue) images. To make the images suitable for deep learning methods, they were divided into smaller images with a resolution of 256 × 256 pixels. Additionally, various image augmentation techniques were applied. During the splitting process, some images contained no cracks, while others included cracks. This resulted in the creation of two distinct subsets: one containing image with road cracks and another with images without cracks.
The First Steklov Eigenvalue on Manifolds with Non-negative Ricci Curvature and Convex Boundary
Authors: Duncan Jonah A. J. , Kumar Aditya
Published: February 2025

We establish a new lower bound for the first non-zero Steklov eigenvalue of a compact Riemannian manifold with non-negative Ricci curvature and (strictly) convex boundary. Related results are also obtained under weaker geometric hypotheses.
Beach Wrack on Baltic and Mediterranean Sea Beaches: Litter Pollution and Management Perspectives
Authors: von Thenen Miriam , von Loh Mona , Robbe Esther , Abdallah Lilia Ben , Escobar-Sánchez Gabriela , Haseler Mirco , M’hiri Fadhel , Schernewski Gerald
Published: February 2025

Beach wrack can accumulate in large quantities on beaches and is often regarded as a nuisance by beach managers, which is removed for the sake of tourists. The litter entangled in beach wrack can prevent further use of this natural resource. However, not much is known about the litter quantities in beach wrack nor their input paths. We applied an easy-to-use method for beach wrack monitoring in two case studies, in the southern Mediterranean Sea and the eastern German Baltic Sea. Our objective was to investigate whether litter found in beach wrack provides an indication for the input path “sea to beach” and whether there is a correlation between beach wrack and litter quantities, allowing an extrapolation of litter quantities to longer stretches of coastline based on beach wrack cover. The results of 14 surveys in Germany and 6 surveys in North Africa do not provide sufficient evidence for the input path “sea to beach” for litter in beach wrack nor for a correlation between beach wrack and litter quantities. However, we show that litter quantities in beach wrack at the waterline can be 3–13 times higher than what is found on bare sand and that old, scattered beach wrack may entrap 181 times more litter, evidencing that it serves as a sink of litter on beaches. We recommend further large-scale studies, targeting freshly deposited wrack, to gain more information on beach wrack litter quantities and input paths, and to support better decision-making on beach wrack management.
A Discussion About the “Geopark” Terminology Use Based on Turkish Researchers’ Conceptual Perceptions of Their Publications
Authors: Turoğlu Hüseyin
Published: February 2025

Differences are conspicuous in the perception of some terms of geopark terminology such as geosite, geoheritage, geoconservation, and geodiversity in the publications of Turkish researchers, as well as in international research and publications on geoparks. This different perception hinders the unity of language in geopark studies and causes confusion in conceptual expression. This study aims to understand and discuss the meaning and conceptual perceptions of the main geopark terms of Turkish researchers by analyzing their geopark-themed studies and national/international publications. In the analysis, a total of 100 publications of Turkish researchers, 71 national and 29 international publications on geopark themes published after the referee process were evaluated. The 100 publications were classified according to the origin of the author’s discipline, whether the publication was national or international, cited publications related to the basic concepts of geoparks, and the conceptual meaning in the most cited publications and the conceptual perception in the articles were discussed. The results of the analysis highlighted the following findings. There is no common perception in the use of the prefix Geo in Geopark terminology on a national scale and the prefix Geo is perceived differently between Turkish geologists and geographer authors. It is understood that Turkish geographers generally use terms such as geoheritage, geosite, geodiversity, geoconservation, etc., in their national and international publications. While Turkish geologist authors mostly use the prefix Geo in their international publications, they prefer the terms geological heritage, geological site, geological diversity, geological protection, etc., for the same basic concepts in their national publications. The use of basic geopark terms in the articles of authors with other backgrounds is mainly similar to the approach of authors with geology background. The conclusion of this discussion is that the difference in conceptual perception of geopark terms is a problem for the geopark integrity strategy, and that it would be better to ensure linguistic unity with terminology such as geosite, geoheritage, geoconservation, and geodiversity.
Archaeology, chronology, and sedimentological context of the youngest Middle Palaeolithic assemblage from Jebel Faya, United Arab Emirates
Authors: Bretzke Knut , Preusser Frank , Raith Kira , Preston Gareth , Kim Seolmin , Jasim Sabah , Yousif Eisa , Parker Adrian G.
Published: February 2025

Due to the scarcity of stratified and well-dated archaeological horizons, diachronic as well as spatial patterns of Pleistocene lithic traditions are not very well understood in Arabia. To contribute to this topic, we present new archaeological, sedimentological and chronological data from archaeological horizon II (AH II), the stratigraphically youngest Middle Palaeolithic assemblage at Jebel Faya, Emirate of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. Results of optically stimulated luminescence dating reveal that AH II was deposited about 80 ka ago at the end of Marine Isotope Stage 5 (MIS 5). The lithic assemblage shows a preference for elongated flakes and blades produced predominantly by bidirectional methods, both Levallois and non-Levallois. The few tools feature simple retouch often forming denticulated edges. Contemporaneous assemblages from Arabia are rare and show distinct technological characteristics, including a preference for the production of flakes with ovoid and triangular morphologies from centripetal as well as unidirectional convergent and bidirectional convergent Levallois methods. These differences indicate that traditions in the production of stone tool blanks follow distinct trajectories north and south of the Rub al-Khali desert at the termination of the MIS 5 humid period.
Evaluation of Stress in the Maxillary Complex of a Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate on Simulated Occlusal Loading Using Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Williams Fredrick , Eram Afiya , Zuber Mohammad , Srikanth G. , Singh Anupam , Prasad Rajendra , Khader S. M. Abdul , Barboza A. B. V.
Published: February 2025

Background

In individuals with a unilateral cleft lip and palate, there routinely exists an abnormality of the facial skeleton in all three planes (transverse, sagittal and coronal). Skeletal and facial asymmetry is pronounced in the anterior part of the maxilla with a smaller maxillary width and height on the cleft side. As a mechanical stimulant, occlusal forces and the resulting stress and strain distribution within the skeletal components lead to strain-induced bone remodeling. This study was done to observe the stress distribution pattern and displacement within the maxillary complex in a complete unilateral cleft lip and palate individual when subjected to simulated occlusal forces, using a three-dimensional finite element analysis.

Material and Methods

A three-dimensional finite element model of the maxillary complex of a unilateral cleft lip and palate individual was developed from sequential computed tomography scan images processed at 1-mm intervals. ANSYS™ 14.0 and MIMICS™ software were used for the same. Masseter forces of 300 N were applied at the zygomatic arch bilaterally, and occlusal loads of 100 N were applied vertically onto the framework surface at different locations to simulate occlusal loading. The displacement and von Mises stresses in different planes were studied on different nodes at various anatomical points within the maxillary complex.

Results

The unilateral cleft lip and palate led to a non-uniform, asymmetric stress distribution pattern within the maxillary complex: intensified on the non-cleft side and weakened on the cleft side. An asymmetric displacement pattern was noted between the cleft and non-cleft sides.

Conclusions

The results implied that an individual born with a complete unilateral cleft lip and palate would be expected to have an asymmetric facial development between the non-cleft and cleft sides as a result of an asymmetric occlusal loading pattern.
The Performance Evolution of the New Scatter Search Snake Optimization Algorithm for Feature Selection Problems
Authors: Bölükbaş Orhan , Haber Zeynep , Uğuz Harun
Published: February 2025

Feature selection is the process of determining which k features, out of n characteristics, best represent a dataset by evaluating the features in accordance with the method used. Selecting the fewest features without compromising the accuracy of the results is another optimization challenge in feature subset selection. Problems with a binary search space can be solved immediately via the very effective global search optimization technique known as scatter search. However, it might become stuck in local optimum solutions and be unable to locate the worldwide optimum answer. This work aims to achieve a balance between the local and global searches of the scatter search algorithm. By combining the concepts of scatter search and snake optimizer algorithms, a novel technique known as scatter search snake optimization (SSSO) is presented for this purpose. We evaluate the proposed method against well-known optimization methods on two different datasets, one with respect to epileptic disease and the other with respect to well-known machine learning datasets from the UCI Machine Learning Repository during the feature selection phase. The comparative results show that the proposed SSSO technique is an effective metaheuristic for feature selection problems.
Case report. Verdenking bilaterale testistumor blijkt polyarteritis nodosa
Authors: Sweere Vera , Disselhorst Guus W. , Jonges Trudy G. N. , Brinkman Willem M.
Published: February 2025

Samenvatting

Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) is een zeldzame vasculitis van de middelgrote en kleine arteriën. Meestal is er sprake van betrokkenheid van meerdere orgaansystemen, met name perifere zenuwen, huid, het gastro-intestinale systeem, spieren en nieren. Deze aandoening kan zich ook beperken tot één orgaansysteem. We beschrijven een casus van een 32-jarige man met linkszijdige scrotalgie en echografisch verdachte bilaterale testislaesies. Tumormarkers waren niet verhoogd. Er werd beiderzijds een radicale inguinale orchidectomie verricht. Histopathologisch onderzoek toonde geen maligniteit, maar PAN. De incidentie van PAN is slechts 1–8 gevallen per miljoen inwoners in Europa, maar toch is het van belang om benigne afwijkingen differentieel diagnostisch te overwegen, zeker bij bilaterale testisafwijkingen. Eerst dient enkelzijdige of partiële orchidectomie overwogen te worden vanwege de zeldzaamheid van bilaterale testistumoren en het belang van fertiliteitsbehoud.
Non-Specific Pleuritis: An Update
Authors: Neilly Mark DJ , Dick Craig , Blyth Kevin G
Published: February 2025

Purpose of Review

Non-Specific Pleuritis (NSP) is a common diagnosis following thoracoscopy and encompasses a broad range of aetiologies with heterogeneous outcomes. In this article, we review pathophysiology, associated syndromes, and current best practice in follow-up.

Recent Findings

NSP typically runs a benign disease course; however, the biomechanical consequences of subsequent tissue re-modelling can be severe. A proportion of patients develop malignancy, notably pleural mesothelioma (PM), and clinicians currently lack the ability to stratify those at risk. Some may be harbouring occult malignancy with false-negative pleural biopsies. Alternatively, NSP may represent a true pre-PM precursor supported by the recent characterisation of mesothelioma-in-situ.

Prospective surveillance of NSP patients could unlock the final biological milestone preceding PM evolution. Progress in this area would permit a more personalised patient stratification, whilst offering novel opportunities for translational research. The PREDICT-Meso International Accelerator Network has been established to focus on this goal.
Effetti metabolici delle terapie di affermazione di genere
Authors: Masi Marco , Muci Sara , Giorgino Francesco , Cignarelli Angelo
Published: February 2025

Sommario

La terapia di affermazione di genere è una componente essenziale nel percorso di cura delle persone transgender. Tuttavia, l’uso prolungato di farmaci e terapie ormonali per l’affermazione di genere può comportare variazioni significative del peso corporeo, della composizione corporea, dei parametri ematochimici, del profilo lipidico, della sensibilità insulinica e del rischio trombo-embolico e cardiovascolare. La determinazione precisa dei rischi metabolici e cardiovascolari della terapia ormonale di affermazione di genere (GAHT) risulta complessa a causa della varietà dei regimi di trattamento e delle molteplici variabili confondenti, tra cui le differenze nello stile di vita (es. fumo di sigaretta), le diverse vie di somministrazione della terapia ormonale, la marginalizzazione dovuta alle minoranze di genere con un tasso inferiore di accesso ai servizi sanitari primari, la chirurgia di riassegnazione di genere e l’uso di terapie psichiatriche che possono influenzare il peso e l’appetito. Inoltre, la prevalenza di studi retrospettivi con un numero ridotto di partecipanti e l’assenza di studi prospettici a lungo termine determinano un panorama incerto, con poche evidenze riconfermate. Questa rassegna ha l’obiettivo di riassumere le più recenti evidenze sugli effetti metabolici della GAHT, suddividendole in categorie per Assigned Male at Birth (AMAB) e Assigned Female at Birth (AFAB).
Modeling raster bead deformation process for monitoring fused filament fabrication using acoustic emission
Authors: Li Zhen , Fu Lei , Zou Xinfeng , Huang Baoshan , Gu Fengshou , Ball Andrew D.
Published: February 2025

In the fused filament fabrication (FFF) deposition process, the filament material undergoes a complex process of thermal melting and reshaping. Macroscopic geometric accuracy and mechanical strength are the main concerns of the printed model by most researchers. However, there is limited research on the microscopic raster bead process, especially on its dynamic evolution, even though this is crucial for ensuring accuracy and strength. In addition, the online monitoring system for FFF processes is not well-developed, the quality of finished samples being mainly evaluated by their appearance. To fill up these gaps, this study focuses on the investigation of the microprocesses of FFF to gain in-depth understanding of raster bead evolution and its acoustic emission (AE) generation characteristics. A model of material extrusion was developed based on the wall jet impingement model. A finite element (FE) analysis revealed a mutual microscopic compression between different raster beads, in which the deformed edges compress subsequent raster beads, leading to different dynamic stresses. Experimental studies based on AE show that raster compression becomes more severe with the increase in infill density, while higher material temperature exacerbates raster compression, and faster printing speed increases compression stress. The FE simulation and experiments reveal the cumulative effects of compression in continuous printing. This study demonstrated that AE can be an effective method for online monitoring of the micro-deposition process of raster beads. In summary, this study introduces an AE-based method for monitoring the interactions between raster beads during the deposition process. The research explores a method for online monitoring of the micro-deposition process of raster beads, which has the potential to improve the geometric accuracy of FFF.
Unmanned F/A-18 Aircraft Landing Control on Aircraft Carrier in Adverse Conditions
Authors: Kistyarev Mikhail , Wang Xinhua
Published: February 2025

Carrier landing of aircrafts is a challenge for control due to the existence of nonlinear wind disturbances and the requirements of changing reference trajectories. In this paper, a robust landing control system is presented for carrier landing of unmanned F/A-18 aircraft. In the control system, an augmented observer is applied to estimate the combined disturbances in the pitch dynamics of F/A-18 aircraft during carrier landing. Therefore, the control performance is improved through the control compensations from these estimations. Additionally, the controllers are designed to regulate the velocity, rate of descent and vertical position. A full model, including the nonlinear flight dynamics, controller, carrier deck motion, wind and measurement noise, is constructed numerically and implemented in software. Combining the observer with a proportional-derivative (PD) control, the proposed pitch control shows the better transient characteristics and stronger robustness than a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller. The simulations verify that the designed control system can make the aircraft quickly track a time-varying reference despite the existence of nonlinear disturbances and noise.
Effect of Dairy Manure Derived Bokashi Prepared From Different Organic Materials on Lettuce Growth and Mineral Nutrition
Authors: Erdal İbrahim , Ekinci Kamil , Kumbul Barbaros Salih , Madenli Evrim Celik
Published: February 2025

Bokashi is the product of an anaerobic process using beneficial microorganisms, molasses and water, in which a wide range of organic materials can be used. It has advantages over compost and other organic inputs on soil fertility due to its special properties. However, studies on bokashi compost are limited and much less is known of how bokashi compost affect properties of dairy manure in terms of the growth and mineral nutrition of a plant. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of different dairy manure bokashies on the growth and mineral nutrition of lettuce and to compare them with dairy manure. Eight-manure derived bokashi mixtures were compared with dairy manure. These materials were: Dairy manure bokashi (M1), Dairy manure bokashi + sour cherry stone biochar (M2), Dairy manure bokashi + dairy manure biochar (M3), Dairy manure bokashi + tomato harvest residue biochar (M4), Dairy manure bokashi + pomogranete peel biochar (M5), Dairy manure bokashi + straw (M6), Dairy manure bokashi + sawdust (M7), Dairy manure bokashi + tomato harvest residues (M8) and Dairy manure alone (M9). In the experiment, 9 different materials were weighed to the 2.5 kg soil containing pots at 0 (control), 7.5 and 15 t ha− 1 and pre-incubated for 60 days. The most effective treatments on head and root weights were 7.5 t ha− 1 of M1 and at 15 t ha− 1 of M7, respectively. While M1 was the most effective material on head weight, but there was no difference between the materials on root weight. Similarly, M1 proved to be the most effective material on plant’s nutrient uptake. The results showed that 7.5 t ha− 1 of M1 is the most favorable material for lettuce dry weights and mineral nutrition. It was concluded that there was no need to mix biochar or other organic materials into dairy manure bokashi if it is used for the soils having similar properties used in this research.
Outcomes in children with vesicoureteral reflux receiving antibiotic prophylaxis
Authors: Tompkins Madeline G , Kussin Michelle , Christenson John C , Boyd LaKeisha , Tat Kiet , Schneider Jack G , Han Rachel T
Published: February 2025

Antibiotic prophylaxis in children with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) remains controversial. We reviewed patients diagnosed with VUR after an index urinary tract infection (UTI) who subsequently received antibiotic prophylaxis. Recurrent UTIs in patients with and without urologic anomalies occurred in 57% and 33%, respectively. Multidrug-resistant organisms accounted for 25% of first UTI recurrences.
ASYMPTOTIC TRUTH-VALUE LAWS IN MANY-VALUED LOGICS
Authors: BADIA GUILLERMO , CAICEDO XAVIER , NOGUERA CARLES
Published: February 2025

This paper studies which truth-values are most likely to be taken on finite models by arbitrary sentences of a many-valued predicate logic. The classical zero-one law (independently proved by Fagin and Glebskiĭ et al.) states that every sentence in a purely relational language is almost surely false or almost surely true, meaning that the probability that the formula is true in a randomly chosen finite structures of cardinal n is asymptotically

$0$

or

$1$

as n grows to infinity. We obtain generalizations of this result for any logic with values in a finite lattice-ordered algebra, and for some infinitely valued logics, including Łukasiewicz logic. The finitely valued case is reduced to the classical one through a uniform translation and Oberschelp’s generalization of the zero-one law. Moreover, it is shown that the complexity of determining the almost sure value of a given sentence is PSPACE-complete (generalizing Grandjean’s result for the classical case), and for some logics we describe completely the set of truth-values that can be taken by sentences almost surely.
Crowdsourced Adaptive Surveys
Authors: Velez Yamil Ricardo
Published: February 2025

Public opinion surveys are vital for informing democratic decision-making, but responding to rapidly changing information environments and measuring beliefs within hard-to-reach communities can be challenging for traditional survey methods. This paper introduces a crowdsourced adaptive survey methodology (CSAS) that unites advances in natural language processing and adaptive algorithms to produce surveys that evolve with participant input. The CSAS method converts open-ended text provided by participants into survey items and applies a multi-armed bandit algorithm to determine which questions should be prioritized in the survey. The method’s adaptive nature allows new survey questions to be explored and imposes minimal costs in survey length. Applications in the domains of misinformation, issue salience, and local politics showcase CSAS’s ability to identify topics that might otherwise escape the notice of survey researchers. I conclude by highlighting CSAS’s potential to bridge conceptual gaps between researchers and participants in survey research.
Potential Health Impacts, Treatments, and Countermeasures of Martian Dust on Future Human Space Exploration
Authors: Wang Justin L. , Rosenbaum Jeremy J. , Prasad Ajay N. , Raad Robert R. , Putman Esther J. , Harrington Andrea D. , Aintablian Haig , Hynek Brian M.
Published: February 2025

The challenges of human space exploration produce some of humanity's greatest technological and scientific advances, not excluding innovations in medicine. The microgravity environment causes a host of physiological changes, and exposure to dust on the Moon caused considerable pulmonary distress to astronauts during the Apollo missions. As the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and other organizations prepare for long‐duration exploration missions to Mars, the hazards and consequences of the Martian surface need to be accounted for. This review investigates how substances analogous to hazardous components of Martian dust have caused disease in people on Earth. Because of its small grain size, dust on Mars is more likely to cause lung irritation, absorb into the bloodstream, and lead to diseases in astronauts. Toxic components of martian dust include perchlorates, silica, nanophase iron oxides, and gypsum in addition to trace amounts of toxic metals whose abundances are debated: chromium, beryllium, arsenic, and cadmium. Predicted effects of dust exposure ranges from asymptomatic to life‐threatening, with many substances being carcinogenic and most damage impacting the pulmonary system. The longer transit time for astronauts to return home makes the operations of performing emergency medical treatment more difficult and increases both the likelihood and consequences of developing chronic disease. Exposure mitigation needs to be prioritized; however, supplements may be taken to prevent disease from breakthrough exposures, and treatment regimens could lessen morbidity and mortality. Treatments and equipment need to be carefully considered and transported with the astronauts to be prepared for all possible scenarios.
Disentangling Ecological Restoration's Impact on Terrestrial Water Storage
Authors: Shen Xiaofan , Niu Liantao , Jia Xiaoxu , Yang Ting , Hu Wei , Wu Chaoyang , Chu Jiangdong , Biswas Asim , Shao Ming'an
Published: February 2025

Large‐scale ecological restoration (ER) in semiarid regions is often associated with substantial terrestrial water storage (TWS) depletion. This study challenged previous estimates by demonstrating the critical importance of considering other human activities when assessing ER impacts on TWS. Using a novel analytical framework integrating GRACE satellite data and ground observations, we analyzed TWS changes in China's Mu Us Sandyland under two scenarios: with and without considering mining and farming activities. Our results show that ER consumed TWS at an average rate of 11.7 ± 12.2 mm yr−1 from 2003 to 2022. Neglecting the impacts of mining and farming led to a 251% overestimation of ER's effect on TWS. This study provided a more nuanced understanding of water resource dynamics in restored ecosystems, emphasizing the need for comprehensive approaches in TWS assessments and informing sustainable land management strategies globally.
Tracing the Observed Causal Impact of Diminishing Summer Sea‐Ice Concentration on the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation
Authors: Nichita Denis‐Răducu , Dubet Irina , Dima Mihai , Ionita Monica
Published: February 2025

The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is a crucial component of the global climate system and is believed to have slowed down in recent decades. While models indicate that anthropogenic Arctic sea‐ice melting drives this slowdown, observational evidence for this connection remains lacking, leaving the attribution of the AMOC decrease unresolved. In this study, we present causal observational evidence, beyond correlation, that the recent weakening of the AMOC observed in its sea surface temperature (SST) fingerprint is influenced by the decline in summer Arctic sea‐ice concentration over the past century, particularly between the 1950s and 1980s, concurrent with the Great Salinity Anomaly. Using two methods—Convergent Cross Mapping from dynamical systems theory and Information Flow from information theory—we demonstrate that modes of AMOC variability are influenced by sea‐ice melting. The AMOC slowdown and its modes exhibit a causal lag of 1–3 decades relative to sea‐ice melting, aligning with model predictions.
Ozone Depletion Modulated by Arctic Polar Stratospheric Cloud Types
Authors: Zhang Jiahao , Zhao Zhixin , Wang Wencai , Wang Yuwei
Published: February 2025

Polar Stratospheric Clouds (PSCs) act as a reaction interface for polar stratospheric ozone depletion. In this study, we analyze the distribution characters of Arctic PSCs from 2006/2007 to 2020/2021, and investigate the impact of PSCs on ozone depletion using data from CALIPSO, OMI and MLS. Our results indicate that the dominant type of PSCs in the Arctic is Nitric Acid Trihydrate (NAT), followed by Supercooled Ternary Solution (STS), and ICE is the rarest. The spatio‐temporal distribution of different types of PSCs is significantly different, NAT appear at altitude below 20 km in the early stage of PSCs formation while STS occur at altitude above 20 km in the later stage of PSCs formation. Furthermore, ozone depletion is related to the type of PSCs, higher occurrences of ICE PSCs in the stratosphere hinder stratospheric ozone depletion. This investigation broadens our understanding of the multifaceted drivers influencing stratospheric ozone depletion.
Diurnal Trends and Meteorological Factors Influencing the Variability of Fluorescent Bioaerosol in Mt. Crested Butte, Colorado During SAIL
Authors: Shawon Abu Sayeed Md , Benedict Katherine B. , Gutierrez Alejandro , Aiken Allison C.
Published: February 2025

Despite the crucial role of bioaerosol particles (BAP) in our climate system, local ecosystems, and human health, our grasp on their atmospheric interactions is hampered by a lack of high‐resolution and long‐term data, which is essential for understanding their abundance and variability in response to meteorological conditions. To discern these relationships in a high‐altitude mountainous terrain is even less well‐studied. Therefore, we deployed a Wideband Integrated Bioaerosol Sensor (WIBS‐Neo) for three months during the first biologically active season of the Surface Atmosphere Integrated Field Laboratory (SAIL) campaign in summer 2022 on Mt. Crested Butte in Colorado (elevation 3,140 m ASL). Here, we report real‐time fluorescent BAP (FBAP) data collected from 15 June to 13 September 2022, sampled from within the ARM Aerosol Observing System (AOS). To our knowledge, these are the first high altitude (>3,000 m ASL) continuous measurements of FBAP made in North America. During this deployment, we observed on average 21% and as many as 48% (hourly maximum) of particles within the detection size range ( to ) of the WIBS as FBAP. Our analysis presents the diurnal cycles for seven distinct types of FBAP, showing unique patterns and, in some cases, correlations with temperature and solar radiation cycles. Abundance and composition of FBAP varied with relative humidity and precipitation. Precipitation events appeared to both cause emission and removal of FBAP, whereas dust and smoke events had no significant effect, highlighting the critical role of meteorology on FBAP at high altitudes.