bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does the Self-Reported Classification on the Income Scale at the Regional Level Correlate with Quality of Life?
Authors: Murgaš František , Macků Karel , Petrovič František
Published: February 2025

Inspired by the well-known Easterlin paradox stating that higher income over time does not lead to a higher level of happiness, this study explores the impact of self-reported income (affluence) on the quality of life in Slovakia at two levels - national and regional. We innovatively use data from the World Value Survey on respondents’ subjective self-assignment to income groups to describe affluence, complemented with the subjective quality of life evaluation. The study reveals that while a generally positive (albeit weak) correlation exists between self-reported income and quality of life, the strength of this relationship is not uniform across all income groups - in the highest income group, this correlation is not significant. Furthermore, deviations from the general relationship exist not only across income groups but also across geographic regions. In two of the eight regions of Slovakia, but without an obvious geographical pattern, regional analysis revealed an insignificant relationship between affluence and quality of life. The findings indicate that subjective income perceptions significantly influence the quality of life assessments, but the data from subjective surveys have inherent limitations for exact quantification. Our results highlight the importance of subjective income assessments in understanding the quality of life, which has implications for public policy, particularly in addressing regional disparities within countries, and emphasise the relevance of specific data used in the context of Slovak conditions.
Professional development research on promoting productive practices for teachers’ handling of typical tasks of mathematics teaching: a systematic review
Authors: Shure Victoria , Lehmann Malte , Friesen Marita , Roesken-Winter Bettina , Prediger Susanne
Published: February 2025

While existing surveys on professional development (PD) programs for mathematics teachers revealed a substantial growth in PD research studies, there has been a call for more in-depth reports. Inspired by reviews on practice-based pre-service teacher education, this systematic review focuses on PD activities developed and investigated for enhancing teachers’ practices for handling relevant tasks of mathematical teaching, to provide an overview of the state of PD research for practicing teachers. To accomplish this, keywords were used to identify relevant research, complemented by hand-searched papers which are in the core of the topic yet do not use the keywords. Based on the full-text analysis of 32 peer-reviewed studies, this systematic review uncovered the emphasis of the most studies on the task of supporting and enhancing student learning followed by noticing and assessing student thinking, with variation in associated teaching practices. Differences in the level of reporting on PD activities were revealed concerning both the PD design and the research about PD. Tendencies in the types of frameworks for designing PD were also found, with almost half the studies situating teacher learning in practice. Overall, this review not only advances the field by making findings on teacher practices to handle tasks of teaching more comparable, but by gaining insights into the types of corresponding PD activities.
Juglone Encapsulation in PLGA Nanoparticles Improves Solubility and Enhances Apoptosis in HeLa Cells
Authors: Yilmaz Duygu Elif , Gumus Busra , Demirci Hasan
Published: February 2025

The anticancer potential of juglone, a naphthoquinone derived from walnut trees, has been extensively studied; however, its hydrophobicity and toxicity obstruct its therapeutic applications. This study aimed to overcome these challenges by encapsulating juglone into poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles and evaluating their antiproliferative and apoptotic effects on HeLa cells. Juglone nanoparticles (JNP) were obtained by single emulsion solvent evaporation method. Its key physicochemical properties, such as particle size, zeta potential, drug loading, release yield, and encapsulation efficiency values were calculated as 207.45 ± 1.67 nm, −24.12 ± 2.21 mV, 47.80, 66.90 and 90.12%, respectively. JNP’s antiproliferative effects were compared to those of free juglone on HeLa cells. The calculated IC50 values for free juglone and JNPs were 17.07 µM and 20.64 µM, respectively. Both formulations exhibited comparable dose-dependent antiproliferative effects across the tested concentrations. However, the nanoparticle-based delivery system demonstrated enhanced apoptotic activity, as evidenced by increased caspase-3 activation and greater suppression of BCL-2 levels relative to free juglone. These findings were further corroborated by TUNEL and immunocytochemical analyses, which confirmed the superior apoptotic induction by the nanosystem. Collectively, the results highlight the potential advantages of PLGA-based nanoparticle systems for the delivery of juglone, thereby improving its water solubility—a key limiting factor for its use—while minimizing its toxicity. These findings offer a promising approach for its application as an effective anticancer agent via nanoparticle-based delivery.

Graphical Abstract
An overview of Metaverse in healthcare. Potential application in forensic and legal medicine
Authors: Ferorelli Davide , Sirago Gianmarco , Calò Francesco , Vinci Annachiara , Visci Paolo , Solarino Biagio , Dell’Erba Alessandro
Published: February 2025

In this review, we holistically consider healthcare as an ecosystem that includes forensic pathology and legal medicine and probe why these areas have largely ignored the use of Metaverse. This effort is directed at understanding the potential impact of virtual worlds on these areas and ultimately asks if forensic sciences are missing an opportunity or multiple opportunities. We reviewed the scientific literature to identify clinical trials and observational or other study types using PubMed Central, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane, including terms related to the Metaverse and healthcare, with a screen of 1,200 relevant articles. Applications were from future clinical applications, training, treatment, prediction/prevention, and diagnosis, focusing on finding blanks in forensic and legal medicine. The study carried out in-depth research with the Metaverse regarding all areas of medicine. Despite this, significant forensic pathology or legal medicine research has yet to be identified. The gap may implicate a critical oversight in forensic areas, specifically autopsies, crime scene investigation, and field reconstruction of legal cases that could benefit from implementing virtual simulations. In this regard, incorporating virtual environments in these areas can provide new training tools, case scenarios, and even a revision mechanism for cold cases, leading to an essential trend in the evolution of legal medicine.
Transportation security at hubs: addressing key challenges across modes of transport
Authors: O’Kelly Morton E.
Published: February 2025

This paper examines critical vulnerabilities in transportation security across ports, highways, railways, and aviation. It highlights key threats, including cyber-attacks, terrorism, and systemic infrastructure weaknesses, demonstrating how disruptions at transport hubs can cause cascading effects on global supply chains. The analysis focuses on five strategic defense measures: networked defense, hub protection, targeted resource allocation, asymmetrical threat anticipation, and prevention-focused strategies. Findings emphasize the necessity of coordinated international security efforts, advanced monitoring technologies, and proactive risk mitigation. The paper concludes with recommendations for improved cybersecurity frameworks, enhanced operational resilience, and better human-factor considerations in transportation security.
Examples in Discrete Iteration of Arbitrary Intervals of Slopes
Authors: Contreras Manuel D. , Cruz-Zamorano Francisco J. , Rodríguez-Piazza Luis
Published: February 2025

Given a compact interval

$$[a,b] \subset [0,\pi ]$$

[
a
,
b
]
⊂
[
0
,
π
]

, we construct a parabolic self-map of the upper half-plane whose set of slopes is [a, b]. The nature of this construction is completely discrete and explicit: we explicitly construct a self-map and we explicitly show in which way its orbits wander towards the Denjoy–Wolff point. We also analyze some properties of the Herglotz measure corresponding to such example, which yield the regularity of such self-map in its Denjoy–Wolff point.
Lerend monitoren en evalueren binnen gemeentelijke gezondheidsprojecten: inzichten op basis van elf projecten
Authors: ter Bogt Maud J. J. , Penders Sid , Fransen Gerdine A. J. , Gubbels Jessica S.
Published: February 2025

Samenvatting

Veel Nederlandse gemeenten implementeren een of meer gezondheidsaanpakken, bijvoorbeeld rond roken, bewegen of gezond gewicht. Lerend Monitoren en Evalueren (LME) is hier vaak – in meer of mindere mate – onderdeel van. Dit artikel beschrijft hoe elf projecten binnen het ZonMw-programma Gemeenten Samen Gezond LME toepassen, en wat hierbij de ervaren kernelementen zijn: effectief diverse stakeholders erbij betrekken, cyclisch tot acties komen en bijsturen, continu monitoren en informatie verzamelen, LME (resultaten) borgen en continueren na de projectperiode, en LME (resultaten) overdragen naar andere contexten. We adviseren stakeholders LME toe te passen op een manier die past bij hun lokale context, doel en de betreffende onderzoeks-/praktijkvraag.
Inconclusive Prospective Effect of Dispositional Mindfulness on Looming: A Simulated Reanalysis and Comment on Prieto-Fidalgo and Calvete (2024)
Authors: Sorjonen Kimmo , Melin Bo
Published: February 2025

Based on results from analyses with cross-lagged panel models, Prieto-Fidalgo and Calvete (2024) proposed that non-judging and non-reactivity, two facets of dispositional mindfulness, protect against looming. For the present commentary, we simulated data that resembled the data analyzed by Prieto-Fidalgo and Calvete. Triangulation was employed by fitting complementary models to the simulated data. The results indicated contradicting negative, positive, and null associations between prior dispositional mindfulness and subsequent change in looming. These discrepant results indicate that it is premature to postulate a protective effect of dispositional mindfulness on looming and the conclusions by Prieto-Fidalgo and Calvete in this regard can be questioned. It is vital for researchers to be mindful of the fact that adjusted cross-lagged effects, as well as other correlations, do not prove causality. Otherwise, researchers risk overinterpreting results, something that seems to have happened to Prieto-Fidalgo and Calvete. More broadly, the present commentary underscores the importance of methodological rigor and carefulness when interpreting findings from observational (i.e., non-experimental) studies on mindfulness as well as in other research areas. Researchers are encouraged to use triangulation and to fit complementary models to their data. This allows evaluation if observed associations might suggest true causal effects or if the associations seem to be spurious.
Mapping, characterisation, and analysis of initiatives with transformative capacity: A scoping review
Authors: Sardão Maíra , Silva Pedro Gabriel
Published: February 2025

The increasing complexity of socio-environmental vulnerabilities and inherent challenges have led scholars to study nonlinear systemic societal changes. Approaches to address these challenges range from adaptation to the predominant system, to the reconfiguration of the social and ecological life system. The study identifies the key characteristics, dynamics and contextual features of transformative initiatives and assesses their potential to challenge the dominant system. It also aims to review the studies of alternative non-capitalist experiences across a diverse geographic and cultural contexts. To achieve that purpose, a scoping review of empirical studies published since 2000 was conducted. The 88 cases analysed evidence practices rooted in cooperative and solidarity values. These practices include alternative approaches to production, consumption, and distribution, as well as the sharing of knowledge, experiences, and resources. The studies also point to the need to recreate and reorganise the commons, to change human and non-human interactions, and to achieve self-sufficiency.
Nitrogen and phosphorus removal from wastewater using Chlorella vulgaris and Scenedesmus
quadricauda microalgae with a batch bioreactor
Authors: Göncü S. , Şimşek Uygun B. , Atakan S.
Published: February 2025

The excess nutrients in the wastewater, like ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and phosphates, are leading water bodies to eutrophication. The traditional biological treatment methods for removing nitrogen and phosphorus from wastewater are expensive, mainly because there's not enough natural material to help break them down. Microalgae hold immense potential as an environmentally sustainable resource in treatment plants for wastewater treatment. This study aims to understand how nitrogen and phosphorus pollution can be reduced in household wastewater using special types of algae called Chlorella vulgaris and Scenedesmus quadricauda in a controlled three batch bioreactor to see how they affect the organic carbon content. It has been observed that Scenedesmus quadricauda is more effective in removing ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) (83.5%), orthophosphate (PO4
−3) (57.9%), and total carbon (TC) (86.7%) from household wastewater compared to Chlorella vulgaris. On the other hand, Chlorella vulgaris shows double the efficiency in removing total nitrogen (TN) (%76.5) compared to Scenedesmus quadricauda. While both types of algae are good at removing inorganic carbon and ammonia nitrogen, they show relatively lower efficiency in removing nitrate nitrogen (NO3
−-N) (%39) and orthophosphate. The kinetic modeling of Chlorella vulgaris and Scenedesmus quadricauda microalgaes are determined for optimize water treatment process. For substrate of NH3-N due to their consumption priority, µmax is 1.85 day−1, Ks is 33.3 mg/L. Besides, for Chlorella vulgaris, using the substrate of NH3-N, µmax is 1.05 day−1, Ks is 11.2 mg/L.
Electron beam powder bed fusion of Ti–6Al–2Sn–4Zr–2Mo alloy: microstructure evolution and high-temperature mechanical properties
Authors: Saboori Abdollah , Tognoli Emanuele , Galati Manuela , Denti Lucia
Published: February 2025

Ti–6Al–2Sn–4Zr–2Mo (Ti6242) is a promising alloy for hot engine parts and gas turbine components, such as discs, impellers, and turbines, due to its excellent performance, particularly at high working temperatures. However, there has been limited research on its thermomechanical performance and microstructural evolution at high temperatures. This study aims to investigate the microstructural evolution and flow behaviour of this alloy produced via the electron beam powder bed fusion process. The plastic response in a temperature range of 25–620 °C was investigated using warm tensile tests under a constant strain rate. The outcomes showed that the plastic deformation capacity of the alloy extends significantly by increasing the temperature due to the annihilation of the dislocation density and activation of pyramidal slip systems. Microstructural observations revealed that with increasing temperature, even if the initial size of the β-grains remained in the range of 30–60 µm, the width of α lath enlarged. In addition, it was found that with higher test temperatures, the lattice strain diminished, while the crystallite size increased, which affected the tensile strength of the material. Analysis of the fracture surface revealed a mixed fracture mode of ductile and brittle nature at room temperature, while a completely ductile fracture was obtained at high temperatures. All in all, it can be concluded that among the materials produced by electron beam powder bed fusion, the mechanical performance of Ti6242 alloy can surpass that of Ti-6Al-4 V(Ti64) in the temperature range studied and is also superior to the same Ti6242 alloy produced by casting. This work paves the way for the replacement of the widely used Ti64 or heavier alloys, particularly for highly loaded parts at high temperatures.
A Multidecadal Assessment of Drought Intensification in the Middle East and North Africa: The Role of Global Warming and Rainfall Deficit
Authors: Kenawy Ahmed El , Al-Awadhi Talal , Abdullah Meshal , Ostermann Frank O. , Abulibdeh Ammar
Published: February 2025

This study provides a comprehensive assessment of drought distribution and severity across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region from 1981 to 2021, utilizing two widely recognized drought indices: the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI). We employed the CRU TS v. 4.07 datasets to assess changes in drought characteristics (e.g., frequency, intensity, duration, and severity) at the 12-months timescale for the main Koppen-Geiger climate zones in the region. Results indicate a significant shift from wetter conditions before 1998 to more frequent drought occurrences post-1998, particularly in northern MENA, including North Africa, the Levant, and western parts of the Arabian Peninsula, northern Iraq, and western Iran. Both the SPI and SPEI indicate significant positive changes in drought frequency across 19.4% of the MENA region during the period 1998–2021, compared to 12.9% in the earlier period of 1981–1997. The SPEI, which incorporates the effects of evapotranspiration, demonstrated a more pronounced increase in drought frequency and severity than the SPI, reflecting the growing impact of rising temperatures in the most recent decades. The region experienced more frequent and prolonged, but less intense, droughts in the past two decades. Spatially, the SPEI highlighted significant drought intensification in temperate and cold desert (CWb, BWk) zones across the region, primarily driven by increasing air temperatures. On the other hand, SPI tended to capture well the mild and moderate drought events, while it underestimated the severity of the most anomalous dry events (i.e., severe, extreme, and very extreme). For example, in comparison to the SPI, the SPEI indicated an increase of 15% in the areas affected by severe to very extreme droughts in arid regions (Aw). The study also noted discrepancies between the SPI and SPEI in hyper-arid regions like the Sahara and Arabian Peninsula (BWh), emphasizing the importance of using temperature-inclusive indices like SPEI for more accurate drought assessments in warmer and water-limited climates in the region. Our findings indicate that the SPEI can be seen as a more reliable indicator for understanding drought severity in the region in the context of global warming. Overall, our findings emphasize the urgency of adopting adaptation and mitigation strategies to address the increasing frequency and severity of droughts due to global warming.
How Do Preservice Teachers Plan to Respond to Perpetrators and Victims of Bullying? A Qualitative Investigation
Authors: Dawes Molly , Lohrbach Emily
Published: February 2025

Bullying is a critical problem for schools with teachers serving as key agents in antibullying efforts. To evaluate preservice teachers’ readiness to deal with bullying in the classroom, the current study assessed how preservice teachers plan to respond to perpetrators and victims of bullying using a qualitative design. Using a sample of preservice teachers (N = 68, 82.4% female, 73.5% White) drawn from an initial teacher education program, we thematically analyzed their responses to bullying vignettes. A wide range of intervention responses were found that fell within three broad themes: no intervention, passive/indirect responses, and active/direct responses. Comparing preservice teachers’ planned responses to existing recommendations yielded three overarching findings. First, some preservice teachers plan to use recommend practices including confronting (i.e., discipline) and non-confronting (i.e., empathy-arousal) approaches toward perpetrators, supportive-individual strategies toward victims (e.g., validate harm caused, offer emotional support), enlisting other adults (e.g., parents, guidance counselors), and engaging in peer social dynamics management practices (e.g., facilitating peer interaction opportunities). Second, and concerningly, some preservice teachers may not intervene at all or may use passive/indirect responses (e.g., encourage perpetrator to befriend victim, encourage victim to ignore, stand up for themselves, or brush it off). Third, additional themes in preservice teachers’ responses emerged that require investigation to clarify their effectiveness (e.g., addressing perpetrators and victims privately versus publicly). Implications for research on teacher interventions and practice are discussed.
A Novel Method for Deriving High-Order Frequency Equations with Applications to Cantilever Beam Vibrations
Authors: Farghaly S. H. , El-Sayed T.A.
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The determination of natural frequencies in structural systems is governed by the order of the underlying partial differential equation that describes the system behavior. In the specific case of beam transverse vibration, the equation of motion is represented by a fourth order differential equation. Consequently, four distinct frequency equations are obtained by imposing appropriate boundary conditions. To calculate the natural frequencies in such scenarios, it becomes necessary to solve a determinant equation of size

$$4\times 4$$

4
×
4

. However, in more complex situations involving the study of coupled longitudinal and transverse vibration, where the frequency equations surpass the dimensions of

$$4\times 4$$

4
×
4

, it is customary to express these equations in matrix form and employ computational programs to solve them. The current manuscript introduces novel systematic methodologies for the expansion of determinant matrices of dimensions

$$4\times 4$$

4
×
4

,

$$6\times6$$

6
×
6

, and

$$8\times8$$

8
×
8

.

Methods

This paper introduces a set of procedures that facilitate the derivation of exact closed-form solutions for frequency equations of dimensions

$$6\times6$$

6
×
6

and

$$8\times8$$

8
×
8

. These procedures are based on established numerical procedures applied to the constituent elements of the matrices. By employing these procedures, accurate and efficient determination of natural frequencies in coupled longitudinal and transverse vibration systems can be achieved.

Results

Numerical examples and practical applications were used to compute the determinants of matrices ranging from

$$4\times4$$

4
×
4

to

$$8\times8$$

8
×
8

, validating the proposed analysis. These examples included lateral vibration problems. The results were consistent with both the traditional numerical matrix expansion method and the literature, matching up to the third decimal place.

Conclusion

The proposed analysis is effective for the symbolic expansion of determinants for matrices of sizes

$$4\times4$$

4
×
4

and

$$8\times8$$

8
×
8

. Its utility extends beyond vibration analysis, with potential applications in various fields, including mechanical, structural, and aerospace engineering.
Remimazolam in children: a comprehensive narrative review
Authors: Hansen Tom G. , Engelhardt Thomas
Published: February 2025

Remimazolam is a novel ultra-short-acting benzodiazepine gaining attention for its rapid onset, predictable pharmacokinetics, and favorable safety profile in adult procedural sedation and anesthesia. Early pediatric data suggest it may offer significant advantages over traditional sedatives, including enhanced predictability, improved safety, and faster recovery times. Despite these promising attributes, its routine use in pediatric populations remains underexplored and unestablished. This narrative review examines remimazolam’s pharmacological properties, including its mechanism of action, metabolism, and elimination, and evaluates its safety and efficacy in pediatric sedation. Potential clinical applications are highlighted, such as procedural sedation, intensive care, and anesthesia induction, with comparisons to conventional agents. While initial studies suggest benefits, critical gaps remain in understanding its use in children. These include age-specific dosing strategies, long-term safety considerations, and its efficacy in children with comorbid conditions or undergoing complex procedures. Addressing these gaps will require robust clinical trials and large-scale observational studies. This review synthesizes current evidence and explores the potential of remimazolam to enhance pediatric sedation and anesthesia practices. By identifying key knowledge gaps and proposing future research directions, it aims to inform clinicians and researchers about the role of remimazolam in improving safety and outcomes in pediatric anesthesia.
Human Rights Due Diligence Within the Arms Industry: Challenges, Practices and Opportunities
Authors: Baydas Lana
Published: February 2025

The defence industry plays a critical role in maintaining international peace and security, yet its activities inherently have human rights implications. This article examines the industry’s responsibility to respect human rights in conformity with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. It explores challenges, practices, and opportunities of human rights due diligence within the arms sector—including the end-use monitoring component. It seeks to inform policymakers, industry, scholars and activists working towards a rights-respecting arms trade regime. The article will explore human rights due diligence’s foundations in international human rights law and corporate social responsibility frameworks, as well as emerging shifts and standards in the legal landscape at the national, regional, and international levels. Drawing on the American Bar Association Center for Human Rights evidence-based research, this piece will also explore the industry’s response to its due diligence obligations and how these narratives cannot shield the industry from legal, financial and reputational risks.
Bridging the Gap: Utilization of Data Trends to Understand Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management Training Enrollment Among Health Care Professionals
Authors: Keenan Kayla Marie , Gujral Rashmeet , Harris Matthew Isaac , Martinez Corey , Mahoney Mary
Published: February 2025

Objective

The frequency of disaster and emergency events continues to rise. Despite this, healthcare staff report a lack of emergency preparedness knowledge and training. Therefore, this study aims to understand the professional backgrounds of students enrolled in healthcare emergency management training, with the goal of highlighting enrollment trends to better utilize resources and expand training opportunities.

Methods

Over two thousand data points were retrospectively collected from emergency management course registrations. Occupational backgrounds were categorized for ease of analysis. Test of associations between occupation and course enrollment were based on the chi-square test.

Results

Non-clinical professionals were significantly more likely to be enrolled in emergency management courses than clinical professionals. Of the clinical professionals, nurses represented the highest rates of enrollment, while physicians had the lowest enrollment rates, representing less than 2% of the data set.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that occupation is correlated to variances in emergency management course enrollment. Additionally, there is a lack of clinical professionals adequately trained in disaster response, especially physicians. Thoughtfully designed emergency management courses tailored to different professional roles could be a key strategy for improving enrollment.
Affixation patterns in native language and sequence processing by statistical learning mechanisms
Authors: Ordin Mikhail
Published: February 2025

The suffixing bias (the tendency to exploit suffixes more often than prefixes to express grammatical meanings) in world’s languages was identified a century ago, yet we still lack a clear account for why it emerged, namely, whether the bias emerged because general cognitive mechanisms shape languages to be more easily processed by available cognitive machinery, or the bias is speech-specific and is determined by domain-specific mechanisms. We used statistical learning (SL) experiments to compare processing of suffixed and prefixed sequences on linguistic and non-linguistic material. SL is not speech-specific, and we observed the suffixing preference only on linguistic material, suggesting its language-specific origin. Moreover, morphological properties of native languages (existence of grammatical prefixes) modulate suffixing preferences in SL experiments only on linguistic material, suggesting limited cross-domain transfer.
Chatting new territory: large language models for infection surveillance from pilot to deployment
Authors: Wu Julie T. , Langford Bradley J. , Shenoy Erica S. , Carey Evan , Branch-Elliman Westyn
Published: February 2025

Rodriguez-Nava et al. present a proof-of-concept study evaluating the use of a secure large language model (LLM) approved for healthcare data for retrospective identification of a specific healthcare-associated infection (HAI)—central line-associated bloodstream infections—from real patient data for the purposes of surveillance.1 This study illustrates a promising direction for how LLMs can, at a minimum, semi-automate or streamline HAI surveillance activities.
Non-equivalence of quasi-linear dynamical systems and their statistical closures
Authors: Nivarti G.V. , Kerswell R.R. , Marston J.B. , Tobias S.M.
Published: February 2025

It is widely believed that statistical closure theories for dynamical systems provide statistics equivalent to those of the governing dynamical equations from which the former are derived. Here, we demonstrate counterexamples in the context of the widely used mean-field quasi-linear approximation applied to both deterministic and stochastic two-dimensional fluid dynamical systems. We compare statistics of numerical simulations of a quasi-linear model (QL) with statistics obtained by direct statistical simulation via a cumulant expansion closed at second order (CE2). We observe that although CE2 is an exact statistical closure for QL dynamics, its predictions can disagree with the statistics of the QL solution for identical parameter values. These disagreements are attributed to instabilities, which we term rank instabilities, of the second cumulant dynamics within CE2 that are unavailable in the QL equations.
When the Courtiers Return to the Marble Palace: The Impact of U.S. Supreme Court Lawyers’ Prior Appellate Clerkship Experiences
Authors: Shieh Marcy , Szmer John , Bird Megan
Published: February 2025

Most Supreme Court (SCOTUS) clerk studies explore selection, or impact, during the clerkship. The existing research examining the benefits of clerking for those returning to the Court suggests relational expertise from clerking for a specific justice, not process expertise from the clerkship, enhances SCOTUS oral argument success. Our study suggests the benefits of prior appellate clerkships likely stem from both relational and process expertise. Specifically, justices tend to favor parties represented by former US Court of Appeals (USCA) clerks who never clerked for the SCOTUS and prior SCOTUS clerks, even when the clerk did not serve in the justice’s chambers.
Reliability and optimal age replacement policy of a system subject to shocks following a Markovian arrival process
Authors: Goyal Dheeraj , Xie Min , Gong Min
Published: February 2025

This paper defines and studies a broad class of shock models by assuming that a Markovian arrival process models the arrival pattern of shocks. Under the defined class, we show that the system’s lifetime follows the well-known phase-type distribution. Further, we examine the age replacement policy for systems with a continuous phase-type distribution, identifying sufficient conditions for determining the optimal replacement time. Since phase-type distributions are dense in the class of lifetime distributions, our findings for the age replacement policy are widely applicable. We include numerical examples and graphical illustrations to support our results.
VARIABILITY REGIONS FOR THE nth DERIVATIVE OF BOUNDED ANALYTIC FUNCTIONS
Authors: CHEN GANGQIANG
Published: February 2025

Let

$\mathcal {H}$

be the class of all analytic self-maps of the open unit disk

$\mathbb {D}$

. Denote by

$H^n f(z)$

the nth-order hyperbolic derivative of

$f\in \mathcal H$

at

$z\in \mathbb {D}$

. We develop a method allowing us to calculate higher-order hyperbolic derivatives in an expeditious manner. We also generalise certain classical results for variability regions of the nth derivative of bounded analytic functions. For

$z_0\in \mathbb {D}$

and

$\gamma = (\gamma _0, \gamma _1 , \ldots , \gamma _{n-1}) \in {\mathbb D}^{n}$

, let

${\mathcal H} (\gamma ) = \{f \in {\mathcal H} : f (z_0) = \gamma _0,H^1f (z_0) = \gamma _1,\ldots ,H^{n-1}f (z_0) = \gamma _{n-1} \}$

. We determine the variability region

$\{ f^{(n)}(z_0) : f \in {\mathcal H} (\gamma ) \}$

to prove a Schwarz–Pick lemma for the nth derivative. We apply this result to establish an nth-order Dieudonné lemma, which provides an explicit description of the variability region

$\{h^{(n)}(z_0): h\in \mathcal {H}, h(0)=0,h(z_0) =w_0, h'(z_0)=w_1,\ldots , h^{(n-1)}(z_0)=w_{n-1}\}$

for given

$z_0$

,

$w_0$

,

$w_1,\ldots ,w_{n-1}$

. Moreover, we determine the form of all extremal functions.
Fixing the Past: The Effects of Human Rights Trials on Political Attitudes in Argentina
Authors: Edwards Pearce , Gandhi Jennifer , Grasse Donald
Published: February 2025

Does prosecuting perpetrators of repression under a dictatorship promote public support for human rights and the courts? We argue that convicting perpetrators in human rights trials reduces public acceptance of these violations. However, while convictions signal judicial efforts to end impunity, they may also call attention to the politicized process by which transitional justice begins. We estimate the effects of human rights trial verdicts on attitudes in Argentina, a country ruled by a military dictatorship from 1976–1983 that, twenty-five years later, initiated sweeping human rights trials for past repression. Using observational day-level opinion data from a survey fielded around the guilty verdict for one of the dictatorship’s top-ranking generals, we find the trial verdict increased the public’s rejection of torture and political killings. Yet belief in judicial fairness declined. These results suggest that trials solidify public commitments to human rights, but confidence in the judiciary is not a necessary condition for this effect.
First molecular characterisation of a species of Pharyngodon Diesing, 1861 (Nematoda: Pharyngodonidae), and description of Pharyngodon ameivulum n. sp. in a lizard from Caatinga in Brazil
Authors: Ferreira A.C.S. , Vieira F.M. , Diniz M.C. , Silva D.C.N. , Ribeiro L.B. , Muniz-Pereira L.C.
Published: February 2025

This study describes a new species of Pharyngodon Diesing, 1961 (Nematoda: Pharyngodonidae) in teiid lizards Ameivula ocellifera (Spix, 1895) (Squamata: Teiidae) from a Caatinga morphoclimatic domain in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. Pharyngodon ameivulum n. sp., like 11 other species of the genus, features males without spicules, females with truncated eggs, and no tail spines. However, the new species is distinguished by a unique set of morphological characteristics, such as males possessing three pairs of caudal papillae, with the first pair precloacal, the second adcloacal, and the third postcloacal (arrangement 1:1:1), the second pair (adcloacal) of papillae having a bifurcated distal end, and females with lateral body alae. Molecular analysis of the 18S rDNA, 28S rDNA, and 18S + 28S concatenated sequences genes reveals that P. ameivulum n. sp. clusters with representatives of Pharyngodonidae from the genera Skrjabinodon Inglis, 1968 and Spauligodon Skrjabin, Schikhobalova & Lagodovska, 1960, forming a basal clade to the clade composed of Spauligodon spp. and Skrjabinodon trimorphi Ainsworth, 1990. These are the first phylogenetic assays to include a species of Pharyngodon.
Remaining useful life prediction methods of equipment components based on deep learning for sustainable manufacturing: a literature review
Authors: Pan Yao , Kang Shijia , Kong Linggang , Wu Jiaju , Yang Yonghui , Zuo Hongfu
Published: February 2025

The operational reliability of large mechanical equipment is typically influenced by the functional effectiveness of key components. Consequently, prompt repair before their failure is necessary to ensure the dependability of mechanical equipment. The prognostic and health management (PHM) technology could track the system’s health state and timely detect faults. Therefore, the remaining useful life (RUL) prediction as one of the key components of PHM is rather important. Accurate RUL prediction results could be the data support for condition-based equipment maintenance plans. Also, it could increase the dependability and safety of mechanical equipment while reducing the loss of human and financial resources and meet the requirements of sustainable manufacturing in the Industry 4.0 era. However, with the widespread use of deep learning in the field of intelligent manufacturing, there is a lack of review on RUL prediction based on deep learning. In this paper, different deep learning-based RUL prediction methods for mechanical components are summarized and classified, along with their pros and cons. Then, the case study on the C-MAPSS dataset is mainly conducted and different methods are compared. And finally, the difficulties and future directions of the RUL prediction in practical scenarios are discussed.
The impact of alternate nostril breathing on the severity and frequency of migraine attacks: a randomized control trial
Authors: Çöme Oğulcan , Limnili Gizim , Güldal Azize Dilek
Published: February 2025

Background

Migraine is a prevalent and debilitating neurological disorder that significantly affects quality of life. While pharmacological treatments exist, they can have limitations such as side effects, contraindications, and incomplete relief, prompting interest in non-pharmacological approaches for better symptom management.

Objective

This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of alternate nostril breathing (ANB) as a non-pharmacological intervention to reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks and associated disability in adult patients.

Methods

A single-center, open-label, two-arm, parallel-group randomized controlled trial was conducted at six Family Health Centers (FHCs) of Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey. A total of 86 migraine patients aged 18–50 years, diagnosed with migraine based on ICD-10 criteria, were randomized into control (n = 43) and intervention (n = 43) groups. The intervention group practiced ANB three times daily for three months, while the control group continued their usual care. The primary outcomes were changes in migraine frequency and severity. Secondary outcomes included changes in migraine-related disability, both outcomes measured using the Migraine Disability Assessment Scale (MIDAS).

Results

The intervention group showed a significant reduction in migraine attack frequency (P = 0.002) and MIDAS scores (P = 0.003) compared to the control group. Both groups experienced a reduction in attack severity (P = 0.001), though no significant difference was observed between the groups (P = 0.074). Within-group comparisons showed significant improvements in attack frequency, severity, and MIDAS scores in the intervention group (P = 0.001 for all).

Conclusion

ANB significantly reduced migraine frequency and disability, making it a promising non-invasive and accessible treatment option for migraine management. Further research with longer follow-up periods is needed to explore its long-term effects and broader applicability.
Creating a ‘Classic’ in the Programme Notes of the Crystal Palace Saturday Concerts
Authors: Bower Bruno
Published: February 2025

The Crystal Palace held a key position in London concert life during the 1860s and 70s as one of the few public venues to host high quality orchestral music. Importantly, audience members were able to buy single tickets on the day, as opposed to the prevailing practice of paying for a whole-season subscription, making the Saturday Concerts accessible to a much greater range of people. To cater to this newly-broadened audience, the programme booklets featured lengthy programme notes, a form of writing that was still in its infancy (the earliest examples date from the 1840s). These notes were a crucial part of the institutional context for performances of new or unfamiliar music in the nineteenth century, helping create the idea of ‘classic’ works and composers at the key moment of first impressions.

The Saturday Concerts were especially important for Schubert reception in Britain. The promotional efforts of August Manns, the conductor, and George Grove, then Secretary of the Crystal Palace Company, led to important performances of several early symphonies and the incidental music for Rosamunde. Grove's programme notes were especially influential on an audience that had never heard this music before. A close examination Grove's texts shows how they made ‘classics’ of Schubert and his music, referring to financial status, gender, religion, classical history, and imperial identity. This strategy was common to all composers that Grove and Manns wished to promote, though Schubert required special handling on certain key issues. However, these texts also suggest that ‘classic’ did not necessarily equate to ‘canonic’. After all, the ideological promotion of Schubert often failed to secure his works a permanent place the repertoire of the Saturday Concerts. Overall these programme notes suggest some complexity to the emergence of ‘the classics’, and provide valuable insights many areas of Victorian thinking around music.
Shifting Stereotypes About Men and Women Candidates: Experimental Evidence from the United States
Authors: Gothreau Claire , Laustsen Lasse
Published: February 2025

Conventional wisdom holds that women’s political underrepresentation partly stems from gendered stereotypes, with women candidates perceived as lower in ability and assertiveness, and as less competent to handle key issues like the economy and national security. However, recent research uncovers how societal leadership stereotypes have become less advantageous for men. Two conjoint experiments show that Americans’ stereotypes about political candidates follow similar trends: although women candidates (following conventional expectations) are perceived as friendlier and more moral than men, they are also seen as higher in ability and as equally assertive. Similarly, men and women candidates are perceived as equally competent to handle the economy, crime, and national security. Further analyses reveal that liberals and individuals low in hostile sexism hold stereotypes most favorable to women. These findings suggest that gendered candidate stereotypes likely constitute less of a hindrance to women seeking political nominations than in the past.
Rainfall shocks and child health in rural Pakistan
Authors: Ahmed Hamna
Published: February 2025

In utero exposure to income shocks has a lasting effect on child well-being. In an agricultural economy, fluctuations in rainfall directly affect household income. In this paper, we investigate the short- and long-run impact of pre-pregnancy, prenatal, and early-life exposure to fluctuations in rainfall on height for a sample of 2290 children in rural Pakistan. Given the widespread canal irrigation system prevalent in the country, we also investigate how fluctuations in river water flows affect child health. We find that fluctuations in rainfall during the pre-pregnancy period have the most lasting effects on the stature of children in the short and long run. Exposure of a mother to a 1 standard deviation reduction in rainfall during the pre-pregnancy period led her child to be 0.17 standard deviations (0.53 cm) shorter by age four. This negative impact of a pre-pregnancy rainfall shock on height persisted over time; the child continued to be 0.12 standard deviations (0.83 cm) shorter, on average, by 13 years of age. However, we find that the effect of pre-pregnancy rainfall fluctuations on children’s height is smaller in districts that have access to irrigation facilities.
Patient Characteristics and Treatment Outcome Predictors Among Older Adults in Routine Care Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder
Authors: Behrendt Silke , Kuerbis Alexis , Wallhed Finn Sara , Mejldal Anna , Andersen Kjeld , Nielsen Anette Søgaard
Published: February 2025

Abstract: Background: Knowledge on age-specific patient characteristics and treatment outcome predictors from routine-care is needed to understand the treatment needs of older adults (OA; age 60+) with alcohol use disorder (AUD). Aims: To explore age-specific patient characteristics and age-specific predictors of AUD-treatment outcomes. Methods: Routine-care data from n = 125 young adults (18–39 years), n = 216 middle-aged adults (40–59 years), and n = 80 OA who began outpatient AUD-treatment in a Danish municipality between 2019 and 2022. Patients underwent a clinical interview, including the Addiction Severity Index (ASI), at intake and three months after intake. Treatment outcome predictors were investigated with Generalized Linear Models with and without interactions with age group. Results: At intake, OA had greater health and financial problems than younger patients. OA more often had a higher secondary education and were not working. Being an OA (vs. young adults) predicted a lower ASI alcohol score at three months (p<0.001). In the whole sample, more days with health problems, greater financial problems, and previous AUD treatment predicted less favorable treatment outcomes (p<0.05). Most interactions with age were non-significant (p≥0.05). Conclusions: No set of age-specific predictors of treatment outcomes among OA was identified. Predictors of negative treatment outcomes are very prevalent among OA (e. g., health problems) and deserve attention in AUD interventions with OA.