bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Urbanization Influences on Beach Sediment Contamination with Heavy Metals Along the Littoral Zone of Alexandria City, Egypt
Authors: Mostafa Mouataz T. , El-Nady Habash , Gomaa Ramadan M. , Salman Salman A. , Khalifa Ibrahim H.
Published: October 2024

The western coastal area of Alexandria City, Egypt, faces significant environmental challenges due to heavy metal (HM) contamination in beach sediments, driven by intensive urbanization, tourism, commercial harbors, and industrial activities. Therefore, this study focuses on geochemically assessing HM levels in sediment samples from 28 sites and employed various descriptive and multivariate statistical approaches, pollution indices, and sediment quality guidelines (SQGs) to identify pollution hotspots, define contamination grades, and assess the quality of beach sediments. The average concentrations of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn were 25.7, 30, 2.2, 7.5, 2.9, and 8.0 times, respectively, compared to the geochemical background (carbonate sedimentary rocks). et al.-Hanuvil Beach, relatively elevated contents of these metals were recorded. In addition, samples showed Zn levels higher than the corresponding probable effect concentration (PEC) and effect range medium (ERM) values, suggesting adverse impacts on biota. The principal component (PC) analysis revealed the anthropogenic origin of Cd, Co, and Pb in PC1, the mixed origin of Cr, Cu, Mn, and Zn in PC2, and the natural source of Fe in PC3. According to the applied single pollution indices, HM contamination grades were ranked in ascending order of Mn < Fe < Cr < Cd < Cu < Pb < Zn < Co. In conclusion, the HMs (Cu, Zn, Cd, Co, Pb, and Cr) in the study area are anthropogenic, attributed mainly to untreated discharge of municipal and industrial wastewater and solid wastes, atmospheric deposition of air pollutants, and tourism activities.
Predicting USCS soil texture classes utilizing soil spectra and deep learning
Authors: Kasaragod Anush Kumar , Thomas Jobin , Oommen Thomas , Williams Ryan , Paheding Sidike , Angulo Abel Reyes , Ewing Jordan , Cole Michael , Jayakumar Paramsothy
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Soil texture identification is vital for various agricultural and engineering applications but generally involves rigorous laboratory work, especially for estimating USCS (Unified Soil Classification System) soil texture classes. Soil texture influences soil water storage capacity, soil fertility, compaction characteristics, and soil strength. Soil spectroscopy offers a reliable approach that is non-destructive, rapid, and cost-effective to estimate several soil properties including texture. For engineering applications, the USCS soil texture classes are preferred, but very few studies have focussed on estimating USCS soil texture using soil spectroscopy or remote sensing data in general.

Methods

Two large soil spectral libraries (SSLs), viz., Kellog Soil Spectral Library (KSSL) and Open-source Soil Spectral Library (OSSL), as well as three deep learning algorithms (VGG-16, ResNet-16, and Swin transformers), were used in this study to predict six USCS soil texture classes and three USCS soil texture groups. The USCS soil texture classes and groups were derived by grouping clay, sand, and silt fractions that are closely associated with the corresponding USCS soil texture classes.

Results

The results indicate that the Swin transformer model performed the best with an accuracy of 67% for six USCS soil texture class predictions and 81% for three USCS soil texture group predictions. Cohen’s kappa value implies a moderate agreement (0.55) for soil texture class predictions and a substantial agreement (0.64) for soil texture group predictions.

Conclusion

The proposed methodology offers a novel approach for USCS soil texture class predictions utilizing SSLs and deep learning techniques.
Cortex level connectivity between ACT-R modules during EEG-based n-back task
Authors: Das Chakladar Debashis
Published: October 2024

Finding the synchronization between Electroencephalography (EEG) and human cognition is an essential aspect of cognitive neuroscience. Adaptive Control of Thought-Rational (ACT-R) is a widely used cognitive architecture that defines the cognitive and perceptual operations of the human mind. This study combines the ACT-R and EEG-based cortex-level connectivity to highlight the relationship between ACT-R modules during the EEG-based n-back task (for validating working memory performance). Initially, the source localization method is performed on the EEG signal, and the mapping between ACT-R modules and corresponding brain scouts (on the cortex surface) is performed. Once the brain scouts are identified for ACT-R modules, then those scouts are called ACT-R scouts. The linear (Granger Causality: GC) and non-linear effective connectivity (Multivariate Transfer Entropy: MTE) methods are applied over the scouts’ time series data. From the GC and MTE analysis, for all n-back tasks, information flow is observed from the visual-to-imaginal ACT-R scout for storing the visual stimuli (i.e., input letter) in short-term memory. For 2 and 3-back tasks, causal flow exists from imaginal to retrieval ACT-R scout and vice-versa. Causal flow from procedural to the imaginal ACT-R scout is also observed for all workload levels to execute the set of productions. Identifying the relationship among ACT-R modules through scout-level connectivity in the cortical surface facilitates the effects of human cognition in terms of brain dynamics.
(FOR: Current Bladder Dysfunction Reports) Revisiting Intravesical Dimethyl Sulfoxide
Authors: Sweeney Tara , Matthews Michael , Rovner Eric S.
Published: October 2024

Purpose of Review

Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) remains an option for the treatment of bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC) in select patients. This review will discuss the mechanism of action and the role of intravesical DMSO cocktail therapy, as well as outcomes and adverse events for this therapy.

Recent Findings

Several, but not all historical studies have demonstrated some efficacy for DMSO in the treatment of BPS/IC symptoms including pain and lower urinary tract symptoms such as urgency and frequency. Although DMSO appears superior to placebo, there remain few well-done studies demonstrating support for DMSO use versus other intravesical or alternative BPS/IC treatments. AUA guidelines regarding the role of DMSO have been recently updated.

Despite a long history of utilization in the treatment of BPS/IC, the literature supporting its use is not particularly robust. Current AUA guidelines support DMSO as an option in selected patients with a modest level of evidence.
Generalisation of the hydrodynamics model method for hot and cold strip rolling application
Authors: Mimoune Derrez , Zaaf Mohamed , Balan Tudor , Lemmoui Abdennacer
Published: October 2024

The present work constitutes a generalization of the hydrodynamic model used to predict the pressures and the rolling speeds during the hot rolling of aluminum and copper strips. The hydrodynamic model with a linear behavior (Newton viscous) of the materials shows good predictions in the literature but its applicability is questionable in non-linear cases, when the materials exhibit viscoplastic or plastic behavior. This work extends the model to accommodate non-linear cases commonly encountered in rolling models (viscoplastic and plastic behaviors). The obtained results are in good agreement with experimental data from the literature. The validated model can, therefore, be considered an enhanced hydrodynamic model for predicting pressures and velocities during both hot and cold rolling of thin strips.
K-means for earthquakes: disaggregation analyses of small events by considering wave components and soil types
Authors: Zacchei Enrico , Brasil Reyolando
Published: October 2024

In this paper, k-means algorithm has been used to disaggregate seismic parameters to evaluate their inter-correlations. A goal is to quantify in a disaggregated way the weights and effects of each parameter with respect to other ones. From the database, about 4900.0 data, divided into 22.0 categories, have been collected. The main divisions regard the wave components in horizontal and vertical axis and the soil characteristics. The studied seismic zone is the “Norpirenaica oriental,” placed in the Pyrenees area between Spain and France, classified as a very high seismic hazard. Numerical and analytical analyses have been carried out to implement the algorithm. Preliminary analyses and results would quantify the role of the sand horizontal stratigraphy, the non-linear effects, the elasticity of the soil, and the energy damping phenomenon. Curves are plotted in stochastic distributions and elastic spectra accelerations. Results show good prediction for vertical spectral accelerations and for far and relative strong events. Rigorously, results are valid only for the studied seismogenic zone under predefined constrictions and ranges.
Underdetermination in classic and modern tests of general relativity
Authors: Wolf William J. , Sanchioni Marco , Read James
Published: October 2024

Canonically, ‘classic’ tests of general relativity (GR) include perihelion precession, the bending of light around stars, and gravitational redshift; ‘modern’ tests have to do with, inter alia, relativistic time delay, equivalence principle tests, gravitational lensing, strong field gravity, and gravitational waves. The orthodoxy is that both classic and modern tests of GR afford experimental confirmation of that theory in particular. In this article, we question this orthodoxy, by showing there are classes of both relativistic theories (with spatiotemporal geometrical properties different from those of GR) and non-relativistic theories (in which the lightcones of a relativistic spacetime are ‘widened’) which would also pass such tests. Thus, (a) issues of underdetermination in the context of GR loom much larger than one might have thought, and (b) given this, one has to think more carefully about what exactly such tests in fact are testing.
Model-driven development for functional correctness of avionics systems: a verification framework for SysML specifications
Authors: Kausch Hendrik , Pfeiffer Mathias , Raco Deni , Rumpe Bernhard , Schweiger Andreas
Published: October 2024

Currently, the most widespread software quality assurance methods in the avionics domain are semi-automated reviews and testing. However, their effort grows disproportionately to the size of the system under development. Also, these methods cannot achieve exhaustive coverage due to the complexity of today’s avionics systems and their potentially infinite set of combinations of possible inputs and system states. Furthermore, the later software issues are detected in the development process, the more expensive it is to fix them. To overcome these issues, a model-driven verification approach for modeling and analyzing avionics systems in early phases of the development is presented. To this end, semantics is given to SysML v2 models by a mapping to a theorem prover encoding. The development of a dedicated SysML v2 profile supporting event-driven data flow specifications, the encoding of corresponding structures in the theorem prover Isabelle, and a generator creating theorems from SysML v2 models are presented. The approach is evaluated by formally proving a representative liveness property of a hierarchical system model from the avionics domain. Since liveness properties can be negated only by infinite data sequences and thus cannot be covered exhaustively by testing, this case study demonstrates the added value for meeting typical safety requirements in the avionics domain. The results can be transferred from avionics to other domains, as well.
An Investigation of the Effects of Flame Straightening Heating on the High-Strength Structural Steels Microstructure
Authors: Molnar R. , Feier A. , Chivu O. , Banciu F. V. , Coteaţă M.
Published: October 2024

In this research, the effects of heating cycles that are performed correctly and excessively—well above the limitations given by the steel manufacturer—on flame straightening are assessed and analyzed. The paper focuses on the microstructural changes caused by the overheating during the flame straightening process. To create geometrical changes in a metal construction, a tiny section of the element or structure is heated to the straightening temperature during the flame straightening process. Strenx® 960 is typically produced through a combination of thermomechanical rolling and quenching and tempering, resulting in a fine-grained martensitic or bainitic microstructure. These processes are designed to achieve a balance of high strength and good toughness. The microstructural changes associated with different working conditions in the case of welding include HAZ softening and grain growth. The study aimed to highlight the influence of flame hardening on the microstructure of the material.
Influence of trains meeting on the ventilation performance of equipment compartment with independent air duct in high-speed train: numerical and experimental study
Authors: Wu Yitong , Zhou Wei , Liang Xifeng , Su Xinchao , Xu Kewei , Xia Yutao , Wang Zhixin , Krajnović Sinisa
Published: October 2024

During the train meeting events, train equipment compartments are exposed to the worst pressure changes, potentially affecting the ventilation performance of equipment, particularly for electrical facilities equipped with independent air ducts. In this paper, a two-step method is used for numerical computation: (1) obtaining the temporal and spatial transient node data of the flow field sections during the train-passing simulation and (2) using the data as the input data for the equipment compartment simulation. In addition, this paper also compares the difference in equipment ventilation between the single-train and train-passing scenarios in real vehicle tests. The results indicate that the primary factors influencing ventilation effectiveness are the aerodynamic compression and deceleration of airflow induced by the other train’s nose, as well as the instability of the external flow field in the wake of the other train. During train crossing, the air is forced into the air duct, with a maximum ratio of the airflow in-duct to the airflow out-duct reaching 3.2. The average mass flow falls below the rated mass flow for the converter. Compared to the rated air volume of converter, the maximum suppression rates obtained from testing and simulation are – 24.5% and – 16.8%, respectively. Compared to the single-train operation, the maximum suppression rates obtained from testing and simulation are – 15% and – 18%, respectively. These findings provide valuable insights into the design and operation of high-speed trains.
Rebound effect of hypothalamic-pituitary thyreotropic activity: a new model to better understand hypothyroidism
Authors: Piticchio T. , Luongo C. , Trimboli P. , Salvatore D. , Frasca F.
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Hypothalamic-pituitary thyrotropic activity (HPta) is crucial since TSH is the mainstay for evaluating primary hypothyroidism (hT) and replacement therapy in clinical practice. Despite TSH values, some patients experience symptoms and metabolic alterations, raising several issues about hT. The aim of the study was to investigate factors influencing the TSH values achieved after a period of hT induced in a standardized and controlled manner (TSH_time1).

Methods

Our institutional database was searched to extract records of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) patients undergoing a LT4 withdrawal protocol prior to radioiodine (RAI) administration. We collected clinical and biochemical parameters before LT4 discontinuation and after one month of induced hT. We performed Mann-Whitney U-test and linear regression analyses.

Results

We included 102 patients, with a median age of 44 years. In univariate analyses, TSH_time1 was correlated with age (p 0.005) and the dose pro Kg/die of LT4 assumed until the discontinuation of LT4 (LT4_dose) (p 0.023). The higher the age, the lower the TSH_time1 level. The higher the LT4_dose, the higher the TSH_time1 level. After multivariate analysis, the fittest model included age, BMI, LT4_dose, and systemic inflammation response index with an adjusted R2 of 0.4.

Conclusion

The study highlights new mechanisms that influence HPta. HPta progressively reduces with age, and this must be considered when evaluating TSH values in the elderly. Furthermore, we report for the first time a rebound effect of HPta, determined by the dose pro Kg/die of LT4 taken prior to its discontinuation. Inflammation and metabolic status also affect these phenomena.
Young Women’s Sexual Expression and Vulnerability in Youth Leisure Spaces: The Affective Atmosphere of “Attacking”
Authors: Levi Herz Rachel
Published: October 2024

This article analyzes the phenomenon of “attacking”, a slang term referring to a common Israeli heterosexual script for casual sexual interactions in youth nightclubs, in order to reveal different affective relations that inform young women’s intensified vulnerability and sexual expression. Based on the theory of vulnerability and the theory of affect, it applies the relational standpoint to suggest the ambiguity of the affective atmosphere as a path to rethinking young women’s sexual expression in youth leisure spaces. Based on 39 semi-structured interviews with young women aged 18–23, this framework uses a wide range of affective responses as epistemic resources. The findings show how the affective atmosphere in “attacking” spaces reflects blurred social boundaries, intensified vulnerability, and affective relations, all of which inform young women’s sexual expression. They demonstrate the manifestations of the gender role division but also show how young women’s vulnerability serves as an affective resource for subjectification. The findings contribute to theorizing young women’s vulnerability as ambiguous, revealing how the leisure space offers different affective experiences – some deconstruct the subject, while others allow relational subjectification.
Foliar Nourishment with Different Potassium Sources to Maximize Yield Through Improving Nutrient Uptake in Citrus Aurantifolia Trees Grown in Potassium-Deficient Soil
Authors: Awad Ahmed A. M. , Hussein Hamdy A. Z. , El Samad Asmaa G. A. Abd , Belal Hussein E. E. , Beheiry Hamada R.
Published: October 2024

Purpose: Based on its crucial regulatory role in several biochemical processes, potassium (K) is considered to greatly influence fruit yield and quality. Methods: Two field experiments were carried out in two seasons (2021 and 2022) to explore the response of lemon (Baladi cv.) trees grown in K-deficient soil to four different K fertilizer sources applied individually as a foliar spray. K citrate (KC1 = 1.3 vs. KC2 = 2.6 g L− 1), K nitrate (KN1 = 1.5 vs. KN2 = 3.0 g L− 1), K tartrate (KT1 = 1.5 vs. KT2 = 3.0 g L− 1), and K thiosulfate (KS1 = 1.25 vs. KS2 = 2.5 g L− 1) were applied three times, and the treated trees were compared with untreated trees. This study was established with a randomized complete block design (RCBD) using four replicates. Results: The findings revealed that the KC treatment, regardless of dosage, showed clear superiority in terms of the values for the leaf phosphorus (%), manganese, and zinc contents (mg kg− 1), as well as fruit firmness, fruit dry matter, and total soluble solids in both seasons. In second place was the KT treatment, which yielded the best values for fruit length and width in 2021, the best values for leaf nitrogen and iron contents and fruit weight and volume in 2022, and the best values regarding variable fluorescence by maximum fluorescence, relative chlorophyll content (SPAD readings), the photosynthetic performance index, total acidity, and vitamin C in both seasons. Furthermore, the highest total lemon yield and leaf potassium contents were achieved with the KN treatment in both seasons. The heat map illustrating that most of the studied characteristics were positively and significantly correlated with total lemon yield (TLY). Conclusions: The KN treatment, closely followed by the KC treatment, is regarded to be the best treatment for most of the studied trails.
Synthetic free fatty acid receptor (FFAR) 2 agonist 4-CMTB and FFAR4 agonist GSK13764 inhibit colon cancer cell growth and migration and regulate FFARs expression in in vitro and in vivo models of colorectal cancer
Authors: Binienda Agata , Owczarek Katarzyna , Sałaga Maciej , Fichna Jakub
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Free fatty acid receptors (FFARs) are G protein-coupled receptors that divide into 4 subtypes; FFAR2 and FFAR3 are activated by short-chain fatty acids, while FFAR1 and FFAR4 - by long-chain fatty acids. Recent studies show the potential involvement of FFARs in the pathophysiology of colorectal cancer (CRC). A decrease in FFAR2 and FFAR4 gene expression is observed in patients with CRC. The aim of our study was to evaluate the anti-cancer effect of FFAR2 and FFAR4 stimulation by selective synthetic agonists in in vitro and in vivo models of CRC.

Materials and methods

FFAR2 agonist, 4-CMTB, and FFAR4 agonist, GSK137647 were used. Cell viability (CCD 841 CoN and SW-480) was determined after 48 h incubation with tested compounds using MTT assay. Real-time qPCR and Western Blot were used to identify changes in FFARs expression. Migration and invasion were characterized by commercially available tests. Colitis-associated CRC (CACRC) mouse model was induced by azoxymethane and dextran sodium sulfate.

Results

4-CMTB and GSK137647 significantly reduced cancer cell growth as well as migration and invasion capacities. Both synthetic compounds increased FFAR2 and FFAR4 expression in SW-480 cells. Neither 4-CMTB nor GSK137647 influenced the course of AOM/DSS-induced CACRC in mice, however, 4-CMTB elevated FFAR2 protein expression in mouse tissues.

Conclusion

We presented that stimulation of FFAR2 and FFAR4 may inhibit CRC cell viability and migration and that the FFAR2 and FFAR4 expression decreased in CRC can be restored by treatment with respective agonists, indicating new promising pharmacological targets in CRC treatment.
Electing in the dark? Voting behavior in light of polarization
Authors: May Marius D.
Published: October 2024

This paper develops a behavioral public choice model. It provides testable hypothesis to explain voter shifts in European national elections in the last decade. The model comprises three blocs of parties, the government, the opposition and so-called “profiteers”. Retrospective voters evaluate the performance of each bloc. Furthermore, it introduces an exogenous polarizing event that can affect the government’s and the profiteers’ chance to satisfy voters. Moreover, voters are subject to the negativity bias, which means that negative changes in probabilities to satisfy are stronger than positive changes. This framework yields various results on voting behavior under polarization. Most are robust to the introduction of non-voting. The government only profits from polarization iff sufficiently many positively voters are polarized in their favor to outweigh both the negativity bias and the increased competitiveness by profiteers due to polarization. Profiteers, strengthened by polarization, harm the opposition and increase voter turnout. Additionally, a higher negativity bias impairs the government, decreases voter turnout and benefits the opposition and profiteers.
Sun-protection factor of zinc-oxide sunscreens: SPFin vitro too low compared to SPFin vivo—a brief review
Authors: Osterwalder Uli , Hubaud Jean-Claude , Perroux-David Eva , Moraine Thibault , van den Bosch Jeroen
Published: October 2024

Sunscreens are mainly characterized by their sun-protection factor (SPF), which is measured according to the in vivo gold standard ISO 24444. Although the SPF concept is simple, SPF values are difficult to measure, due to the rather high variability caused by the complex interaction of light and skin. For half a century, there have been attempts to correlate the costly and ethically controversial in vivo procedure with a non-invasive (in vitro) method. After decades of development, alternative non-invasive SPF methods are expected to become available as ISO standards in early 2025. In particular, sunscreen manufacturers who use zinc oxide (ZnO) in higher concentrations (conc.) (10–25%) in their formulations, are concerned that these new in vitro methods would not confirm the SPF-values on their labels that have been determined in vivo, according to ISO 24444. This brief review reveals that sunscreen formulations with high conc. of ZnO often yield SPFin vitro values that are lower than the SPFin vivo values. This can be explained by the fact that in vitro methods have been developed for conventional emulsions products with organic UV filters, but not for highly concentrated ZnO-alone sunscreens. Fortunately, there seems to be a fix for this problem. There is a difference in density between ordinary emulsions with organic filters (density of the residual oil phase ~ 1.0 g/ml) and highly concentrated ZnO-alone formulations (~ 1.3–1.7 g/ml). As the application of current standards is weight-based, this makes the film on the PMMA plate much thinner, which is likely to lead to lower SPFin vitro values. Preliminary experiments show that using the same volume on the PMMA plates instead of the same weight as organic UV filters gives a much better correlation between in vitro and in vivo SPF results. A recent evaluation of three samples of highly concentrated ZnO sunscreens by the Dutch NVWA seems to confirm these findings. Further experimental evidence is required to fully understand this phenomenon and to adapt the in vitro method for higher conc. ZnO formulations accordingly.
Appealing, but misleading: a warning against a naive AI realism
Authors: Engel-Hermann Patricia , Skulmowski Alexander
Published: October 2024

Scientists, educators, and instructional designers are facing numerous challenges due to the introduction of generative AI tools that can create appealing realistic imagery based on text prompts. Given that realism contributes to the trustworthiness of images coupled with people’s eagerness to externalize complex tasks to AI systems, the problem of a naive AI realism arises in which image creation and optimization is offloaded without considering the limitations of AI-driven technology. However, scientific visualizations and images used for educational purposes must go beyond an appealing presentation; above all, they should be accurate and factually correct. We argue that the utilization of generative AI tools for these types of visualizations requires human oversight, subject matter knowledge, and knowledge of effective design. In particular, we warn of a naive adoption of technological possibilities to “optimize” visualizations for educational purposes, such as memorability. A reductionist and naive view of AI-based optimization that fails to take into account the complex prerequisites for learning and instruction is likely to have negative consequences.
A three-pronged new development model for overcoming the middle-technology trap in China
Authors: Yongnian Zheng , Randong Yuan
Published: October 2024

This article addresses a critical issue facing developing countries: overcoming the “middle-technology trap” to achieve sustainable economic growth. It posits that transitioning to an innovation-driven economic growth model is pivotal for surmounting this trap and is an essential prerequisite for high-quality development. This study introduces a strategic approach through a new development model, emphasizing the synergy among three core systems: basic scientific research, applied technology, and financial support. This “three-pronged” collaboration model is argued to foster sustainable innovation-driven growth, essential for leaping over the “middle-income trap” towards high-quality development. By analyzing the historical trajectories of the Soviet Union and the United States, the article delineates the critical role of the proposed model in fostering an innovation economy. The Soviet Union’s failure and the United States’ success are examined through the lens of their respective approaches to integrating basic scientific research, applied technology, and financial systems. The analysis underscores the necessity of a balanced and interactive relationship among these systems for technological innovation, industrial development, and sustainable economic growth. The article concludes that for China to overcome the “middle-technology trap” and achieve long-term prosperity, it should embrace this “three-pronged” new development model, ensuring continuous scientific exploration, technological innovation, and productivity enhancement.
12-year-old students of Spain and their digital ecosystem: the cyberculture of the Frontier Collective
Authors: Tejada-Garitano Eneko , Ruiz Urtza Garay , Berasaluce Javier Portillo , Alonso Ander Arce
Published: October 2024

In the context of primary education, students aged 11–12 years old begin to integrate digital devices and online behaviours that are more common and widespread at the secondary level. The objective of this study is to understand the factors that determine the initial digital ecosystem of students, and to evaluate the risks that these students face at a certain threshold age. The 356 participants in the sample completed a questionnaire designed ad hoc based on the findings of other studies with the same aim. The identified correlations and the regression equations obtained indicate, fundamentally, that two out of every three students who own a smartphone use it to communicate with family and friends. Furthermore, the use of mobile phones encourages young people to join and participate in social networks at an early age. The study also reveals that at this age, students use social networks mainly for the consumption of audiovisual content and not so much to share personal information of a critical nature. Finally, students in this particular age group are considered at a threshold age because they begin using smartphones regularly, making autonomous decisions without sufficient supervision regarding digital risks, thus becoming part of the Frontier Collective.
The Uses of Humour in Spanish Environmental Education: An Exploratory Qualitative Analysis of the Potentialities, Limitations and Good Practices of Humour
Authors: Alcántara-Manzanares Jorge , Medina Quintana Silvia , García-Morís Roberto , Jesús López Serrano Miguel
Published: October 2024

This article is an exploratory analysis of the use of humour in Environmental Education, from the perspective of 10 Spanish specialists and educators. Research is carried out using a qualitative methodology through semistructured interviews and a focus group of specialists. The results point to a positive perception of the use of humour and the need for flexibility on the part of the educator to adapt to the particularities of the group and the topics addressed. The differences of opinion lie in the limitations in the use of humour as well as in the recommendations made by the specialists participating in the study, which, given their background, can be considered relevant to the use of humour for environmental education in the Spanish context.
Deriving iceberg ablation rates using an on-iceberg autonomous phase-sensitive radar (ApRES)
Authors: Schild Kristin M. , Vaňková Irena , Sutherland David A. , Nicholls Keith
Published: October 2024

The increase in iceberg discharge into the polar oceans highlights the importance of understanding how quickly icebergs are deteriorating and where the resulting freshwater injection is occurring. Recent advances in quantifying iceberg deterioration through combinations of modeling, remote sensing and direct in situ measurements have successfully calculated overall ablation rates, and surface and sidewall ablation; however, in situ measurements of basal melt rates have been difficult to obtain. Radar has successfully measured iceberg thickness, but repeat measurements, which would capture a change in iceberg thickness with time, have not yet been collected. Here we test the applicability of using an on-iceberg autonomous phase-sensitive radar (ApRES) to quantify basal ablation rates of a large (~800 m long) non-tabular Arctic iceberg during an intensive 2019 summer field campaign in Sermilik Fjord, southeast Greenland. We find that ApRES can be used to measure basal ablation even over a short deployment period (10 d), and also provide a lower bound on sidewall melt. This study fills a critical gap in iceberg research and pushes the limits of field instrumentation.
State-sponsored cyber attacks and co-movements in stock market returns: evidence from US cybersecurity defense contractors
Authors: Akoto William
Published: October 2024

State-sponsored cyber attacks are increasingly attracting attention in the literature, with many analysts interested in the firm-level economic implications of these attacks. Nevertheless, the bulk of these studies focus on firms directly targeted in the attacks. In this paper, I examine the broader, often overlooked ripple effects of these attacks on third-party entities like cybersecurity service providers who are frequently at the frontlines of dealing with these attacks. Leveraging data on cyber attacks and stock market returns for a sample of U.S. based cybersecurity defense contractors from 2000 to 2020, I empirically demonstrate that an escalation in the intensity of state-sponsored cyber attacks prompts a behavioral shift among investors and regulators, leading to increased co-movement in firms’ stock returns. This paper thus adds a novel dimension to our understanding of the complex interplay between state-sponsored cyber attacks and the market dynamics of cybersecurity defense contractors, with important implications for national cybersecurity.
Future Generations in Climate Litigation: Early Whispers of an Intergenerational Law?
Authors: Drigo Alessandro
Published: October 2024

The “migration” of Future Generations from a moral to a judicial context represents a captivating development in contemporary legal discourse. Recent years have seen a surge in courts across various nations addressing the intersection of future generations and climate litigation. This nexus, far from being coincidental or sporadic, epitomizes a deeper societal and legal dilemma that necessitates a nuanced articulation for effective resolution. The main objective of this Article is to provide preliminary insights for contextualizing this legal evolution. Initially, the Article delineates the journey towards social legitimacy of climate science. Subsequently, it examines the impact of this social legitimation on judicial rulings, particularly observing an emerging trend in climate litigation to expand the temporal scope of legal relevance. The Article culminates in an exploration of the possible interplay between the legal significance of future generations and the extension of the law’s temporal horizon. This conjectural postulation is substantiated through select historical precedents.
Multicenter study on Clostridioides difficile infections in Mexico: exploring the landscape
Authors: De-la-Rosa-Martinez Daniel , Vilar-Compte Diana , Martínez-Rivera Nancy , Ochoa-Hein Eric , Morfin-Otero Rayo , Rangel-Ramírez María Esther , Garciadiego-Fossas Pamela , Mosqueda-Gómez Juan Luis , Rodríguez Zulueta Ana Patricia , Medina-Piñón Isaí , Franco-Cendejas Rafael , Alfaro-Rivera Christian Gerardo , Rivera-Martínez Norma Eréndira , Mendoza-Barragán Jonathan , López-Romo Alicia Estela , Manríquez-Reyes Marisol , Martínez-Oliva David Humberto , Flores-Treviño Samantha , Azamar-Marquez Jhoan M , Valverde-Ramos Lirio Nathali , Nieto-Saucedo José Raúl , Aguirre-Díaz Sara Alejandra , Camacho-Ortiz Adrián
Published: October 2024

Objective:

This study aims to outline Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) trends and outcomes in Mexican healthcare facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design:

Observational study of case series.

Setting:

Sixteen public hospitals and private academic healthcare institutions across eight states in Mexico from January 2016 to December 2022.

Patients:

CDI patients.

Methods:

Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data of CDI patients were obtained from clinical records. Cases were classified as community or healthcare-associated infections, with incidence rates calculated as cases per 10,000 patient days. Risk factors for 30-day all-cause mortality were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression.

Results:

We identified 2,356 CDI cases: 2,118 (90%) were healthcare-associated, and 232 (10%) were community-associated. Common comorbidities included hypertension, diabetes, and cancer. Previous high use of proton-pump inhibitors, steroids, and antibiotics was observed. Recurrent infection occurred in 112 (5%) patients, and 30-day mortality in 371 (16%). Risk factors associated with death were a high Charlson score, prior use of steroids, concomitant use of antibiotics, leukopenia, leukocytosis, elevated serum creatine, hypoalbuminemia, septic shock or abdominal sepsis, and SARS-CoV-2 coinfection. The healthcare-associated CDI incidence remained stable at 4.78 cases per 10,000 patient days during the pre-and pandemic periods. However, the incidence was higher in public hospitals.

Conclusions:

Our study underscores the need for routine epidemiology surveillance and standardized CDI classification protocols in Mexican institutions. Though CDI rates in our country align with those in some European countries, disparities between public and private healthcare sectors emphasize the importance of targeted interventions.
Quantified growth and possible heterochronic development of two corynexochid trilobites from the middle Cambrian (Miaolingian Series, Wuliuan Stage) Mount Cap Formation, eastern Mackenzie Mountains, northwestern Canada
Authors: Handkamer Neal M. , Pratt Brian R.
Published: October 2024

The ontogeny of two species of corynexochid trilobites from the middle Cambrian Mount Cap Formation of the eastern Mackenzie Mountains, northern Canada, is documented. Sahtuia carcajouensis (Dolichometopidae) and Mackenzieaspis parallelispinosa (Zacanthoididae) are both endemic to this formation and only known from one locality. They, along with several other corynexochid taxa, occur in a succession of mudstone with scattered carbonate interbeds, deposited in a weakly storm-agitated setting near the flank of a semi-enclosed basin. The ontogeny of both species is characterized by mainly normal cranidial development, but a unique distribution of segments in their thoraxes and pygidia. The number of trunk segments was typical for their respective families, whereas the final number of segments released into the thorax was reduced. This occurred in both species through timing modifications to segment release, indicating heterochrony. Sahtuia carcajouensis and Mackenzieaspis parallelispinosa are likely derived from two separate clades, and heterochrony probably arose separately but synchronously. The endemicity of both species probably reflects unique paleoecological conditions in this part of the basin. Preliminary results indicate that the fossil-bearing mudstone was deposited under well-oxygenated conditions that underwent high nutrient flux and possibly experienced varying salinity. These factors may have affected the organisms’ physiology, or perhaps provoked an adaptation to achieve early maturation.
Are Mathematical Objects ‘sui generis Fictions’? Some Remarks on Aquinas’s Philosophy of Mathematics
Authors: Usma Gómez Daniel Eduardo
Published: October 2024

This contribution proposes an interpretation of Thomas Aquinas’s philosophy of mathematics. It is argued that Aquinas’s philosophy of mathematics is a coherent view whose main features enable us to understand it as a moderate realism according to which mathematical objects have an esse intentionale. This esse intentionale involves both mathematicians’ intellectual activity and natural things being knowable mathematically. It is shown that, in Aquinas’s view, mathematics’ constructive part does not conflict with mathematical realism. It is also held that mathematics’ imaginative reasoning is coherent with Aquinas’s doctrine of formal abstraction and his realistism. It focuses on some of Aquinas’s texts, which it places within their textual and doctrinal context and interprets them in the light of some historical elements.
Renewing hope for Cyprus peace: a novel approach to reconcile the negotiation positions of the Turkish Cypriot side and the Greek Cypriot side
Authors: Sözen Ahmet , Şahin Devrim
Published: October 2024

Focusing on the achievements and failures of the 2017 Crans-Montana negotiations, this study examines the research question of how and why the last talks failed to resolve the Cyprus issue. It argues that progress in the negotiations was hindered by the enduring mistrust between the community leaders and the inadequacy of their resolve to reach common ground by reconciling their respective differences about the security and guarantees issue. The study suggests the process that helped bring about the Northern Ireland Good Friday Agreement offers a practical and effective approach to compare with the case of a seemingly intractable situation such as the Cyprus problem. The Irish–British negotiations were open to and involved a wide range of parties including the government, civil society, and international stakeholders. Moreover, they benefited from the decision to set a firm deadline for the conclusion of the negotiations. The findings of this study stress that because the previous Cyprus talks lacked an inclusive and transparent negotiation process – one with stated deadlines complete with alternative scenarios in the event of a referendum – they failed to address the broad gap of trust between the two Cypriot communities.
To date or not to date? A comparison of different 14C pretreatment methods applied to archeological marine shells from Vale Boi (Portugal)
Authors: Paleček Dragana , Falini Giuseppe , Wacker Lukas , Mannino Marcello A. , Bicho Nuno , Cascalheira João , Rombolà Alessandro G. , Fabbri Daniele , Talamo Sahra
Published: October 2024

Mollusk shells are often found in archeological sites, given their great preservation potential and high value as a multipurpose resource, and they can often be the only available materials useful for radiocarbon (14C) dating. However, dates obtained from shells are often regarded as less reliable compared to those from bones, wood, or charcoals due to different factors (e.g., Isotope fractionation, reservoir effects etc.). The standard acid etching pretreatment for mollusk shells is the most used in many 14C laboratories, although another protocol known as CarDS (Carbonate Density Separation) was introduced just over a decade ago. We compare these two methods with two newly proposed methods for intracellular organic matrix extraction. We applied all four methods to samples selected from different archeological layers of the well-known Upper Paleolithic site of Vale Boi, rich in mollusk specimens throughout the stratigraphic sequence. Here we compare our results to previous dates to determine which of these pretreatment methods results in the most reliable 14C dates. Based on the results of this study, all four methods gave inconsistent ages compared to previous dates and the stratigraphic attribution.
Global Reflections on Mohammad Mosaddeq
Authors: Sternfeld Lior B.
Published: October 2024

The seventieth anniversary of the 1953 coup that toppled the government of Mohammad Mossadeq in Iran provides the opportunity to assess not only the history of Iran during Mossadeq's premiership and the consequential oil crisis, but also to examine Mossadeq's legacy, the oil nationalization, and the conflict between Iran and the West. Mosaddeq's personality and distinct profile, which continued to haunt the West for decades even after his death, contributed to the mythical place this affair has occupied in the Iranian national memory, but now, seven decades later, how do we use that period as a lens through which to examine other chapters in Iran's history? What can we make of the scholarship and sources about Iran before 1951 or after 1953? What is the impact of this affair on the collective memory of Iranians in and outside Iran as we enter the second quarter of the 21st century?
“A Roaring Farce”: The State Department, Sinclair Oil, and Iranian Economic Sovereignty in the Early 1920s
Authors: Dietrich Christopher R. W.
Published: October 2024

On May 17, 1924, Mohammad Mosaddeq stood up in the Majlis to complain about the government's inaction regarding a new oil concession for Iran's northern provinces. He could hardly have predicted the future course of his public life or how intertwined it would be with international questions about national sovereignty and natural resources. But he did know how he felt right then. The concession proposed for the Sinclair Oil Company was “of vital importance to the country and should no longer be delayed,” he said. “We should not come here only to take tea!”
Oil and the US Decision to Overthrow Mosaddeq
Authors: Brew Gregory
Published: October 2024

On August 19, 1953, Prime Minister Mohammed Mosaddeq was removed from office by a coalition of Iranians, including Mohammed Reza Shah Pahlavi (r. 1941–79) and members of the armed forces, supported by the United States and Great Britain. The US provided considerable financial, logistical, and organizational support to the coup, which was code-named Operation TPAJAX by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Although the British had been committed, in one form or another, to removing Mosaddeq since he first became prime minister and nationalized Iran's British-owned oil industry in May 1951, the US did not determine to overthrow Mosaddeq by coup d'etat until spring 1953, shortly after the administration of President Dwight D. Eisenhower came to office.
Refracted: Mohammad Mosaddeq and Iranian National Identity
Authors: Razavi Sahar
Published: October 2024

A long history of political power struggles has shaped Iranian national identity. Each successive regime has sought to take control of Iranian political currents to reach its own objectives, and in the process has influenced Iranian identity in important ways. Few political figures in Iranian history have been as significant as Mohammad Mosaddeq in the shaping of Iranian identity, which he represents in ways that other political figures have failed to capture. His power to shape Iran's relationship with Western powers and his ability to project the image of Iran onto the world stage have enabled the endurance of his significance in the Iranian national psyche, which continues to show itself with his symbolic appearance in a range of political activities, including student rallies and public demonstrations.
Dissociation between caloric test and the video head impulse test in individuals with auditory neuropathy spectrum disorders
Authors: Sinha Sujeet Kumar , Neupane Anuj Kumar , Gururaj Krithika
Published: October 2024

Objectives

The present study aimed to measure an association between the caloric test and vestibulo-ocular reflex gain and refixation saccades in individuals with auditory neuropathy spectrum disorders.

Methods

Twenty individuals (9 males and 11 females), in the age range of 17 to 38 years, diagnosed with auditory neuropathy spectrum disorders, and 20 normal-hearing individuals (age and gender matched) participated in the study. All the individuals underwent case history, pure tone audiometry, immittance evaluation, otoacoustic emissions, auditory brainstem response, caloric tests and video head impulse tests.

Results

All the patients with auditory neuropathy spectrum disorders in the present study had hypoactive caloric responses, which suggested peripheral vestibular lesions. The mean vestibulo-ocular reflex gain was reduced in few patients with auditory neuropathy, whereas few patients had normal vestibulo-ocular reflex gain.

Conclusions

The present study revealed a discrepancy between the caloric and video head impulse test results in auditory neuropathy spectrum disorders. The vestibular evaluation should be done for all patients with auditory neuropathy spectrum disorders to understand the various types of vestibular nerve lesions.