bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding the anatomical basis of anorectal fistulas and their surgical management: exploring different types for enhanced precision and safety
Authors: Almughamsi Asim M. , Elhassan Yasir Hassan
Published: January 2025

Anorectal fistulas remain one of the most challenging conditions in colorectal surgery and require precise anatomical knowledge for successful management. This comprehensive review synthesizes the current evidence on the anatomical foundations of fistula development and treatment, particularly focusing on the cryptoglandular hypothesis and its clinical implications. A systematic analysis of the recent literature has examined the relationship between anatomical structures and fistula formation, classification systems, diagnostic modalities, and therapeutic approaches. The review revealed that anatomical considerations fundamentally influence treatment outcomes, with modern imaging techniques achieving up to 98% accuracy in delineating fistula anatomy. Key findings demonstrate that surgical success rates vary significantly based on anatomical complexity: 92–97% for simple fistulas versus 40–95% for complex cases using sphincter-sparing techniques. Emerging minimally invasive approaches and regenerative therapies, including mesenchymal stem cells, show promising results with 50–60% healing rates in complex cases. Special considerations are needed for complex cases such as Crohn's disease-related and rectovaginal fistulas. This review provides surgeons with an evidence-based framework for selecting optimal treatment strategies based on anatomical considerations, emphasizing the importance of preserving the anal sphincter function while achieving complete fistula eradication. Integrating advanced imaging, surgical techniques, and emerging therapies offers new possibilities for improving patient outcomes. This review aimed to bridge the gap between anatomical knowledge and practical surgical application, enhance clinical decision-making, and improve patient outcomes in anorectal fistula management.
Thermo-electrochemical coupled modeling of solid-state supercapacitors
Authors: Hedayati Davood Peyrow , Singh Gita , Schelkow Rafael , Kucher Michael , Malik Sharali , Keene Tony D. , Böhm Robert
Published: January 2025

Solid-state supercapacitors (SSC) are pivotal in modern energy storage technologies due to their high power density, rapid charge–discharge cycles, and extended lifespan. They can be used in both structural and flexible configurations with innovative applications across industries. For practical applications, SSCs need to preserve their electrochemical performance at elevated service temperatures. Therefore, the interplay and effect of high temperatures on the electrochemical performance of SSCs need to be investigated. In this work, for the first time, a multiphysics thermo-electrochemical coupled continuum modeling framework is developed to capture the effect of temperature on the frequency-dependent behavior of SSCs. This novel approach employs finite element analysis (FEA) instead of conventional equivalent circuit methods, enabling more detailed insights into the internal structure effects of temperature on performance parameters such as resistance, diffusion, and double-layer capacitance. The model is numerically solved by means of finite element analysis (FEA). To validate the simulations, a sustainable solid-state supercapacitor was fabricated using biocarbon and chemical vapor deposition. The use of biowaste-derived biocarbon as a novel sustainable electrode material aligns with global sustainability goals. The temperature-dependent impedance of the supercapacitor was measured at temperatures within 20 to 50 °C. The results showed that the model is able to predict the cell impedance behavior at various elevated temperatures. Furthermore, a sensitivity study was conducted to examine the effects of various coupling parameters. Key findings reveal the substantial impact of high temperature on resistance, diffusion, and double-layer capacitance. The system response trend was changed at 50 °C due to polymer electrolyte degradation. This thermo-electrochemical framework provides valuable insights for the design and optimization of next-generation solid-state supercapacitors, contributing to the development of sustainable energy storage solutions.
Minimally invasive biomarkers for triaging lung nodules—challenges and future perspectives
Authors: Afridi Waqar Ahmed , Picos Samandra Hernandez , Bark Juliana Muller , Stamoudis Danyelle Assis Ferreira , Vasani Sarju , Irwin Darryl , Fielding David , Punyadeera Chamindie
Published: January 2025

CT chest scans are commonly performed worldwide, either in routine clinical practice for a wide range of indications or as part of lung cancer screening programs. Many of these scans detect lung nodules, which are small, rounded opacities measuring 8–30 mm. While the concern about nodules is that they may represent early lung cancer, in screening programs, only 1% of such nodules turn out to be cancer. This leads to a series of complex decisions and, at times, unnecessary biopsies for nodules that are ultimately determined to be benign. Additionally, patients may be anxious about the status of detected lung nodules. The high rate of false positive lung nodule detections has driven advancements in biomarker-based research aimed at triaging lung nodules (benign versus malignant) to identify truly malignant nodules better. Biomarkers found in biofluids and breath hold promise owing to their minimally invasive sampling methods, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness. Although several biomarkers have demonstrated clinical utility, their sensitivity and specificity are still relatively low. Combining multiple biomarkers could enhance the characterisation of small pulmonary nodules by addressing the limitations of individual biomarkers. This approach may help reduce unnecessary invasive procedures and accelerate diagnosis in the future. This review offers a thorough overview of emerging minimally invasive biomarkers for triaging lung nodules, emphasising key challenges and proposing potential solutions for biomarker-based nodule differentiation. It focuses on diagnosis rather than screening, analysing research published primarily in the past five years with some exceptions. The incorporation of biomarkers into clinical practice will facilitate the early detection of malignant nodules, leading to timely interventions and improved outcomes. Further efforts are needed to increase the cost-effectiveness and practicality of many of these applications in clinical settings. However, the range of technologies is advancing rapidly, and they may soon be implemented in clinics in the near future.

Graphical abstract
Methodological and Ethical Approaches to Studying Contract Cheating: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Liyanagamage Nilupulee , Asylguzhina Elvira , Vel Prakash , Khan Zeenath Reza , Fernando Mario , Lancaster Thomas
Published: January 2025

Contract cheating remains an academic integrity concern in higher education institutions, and scholarly studies in this area have continued to increase. While highly informative systematic literature reviews on contract cheating exist, they have mainly focused on the concept of contract cheating, causal factors, and prevention strategies through detection and punitive measures. To broaden the understanding and study of contract cheating, exploring the research philosophy and theoretical approach underpinning the methodological aspects is essential. This paper aims to identify, synthesize, and critically evaluate methodologies used in the study of contract cheating and provide methodological developments for future research avenues. The findings identify a lack of theoretical foundation, methodological rigour, limited research approaches, data sources, sample diversity, and ethical considerations. Accordingly, the review brings out several methodological implications for data sources, research approaches, type of analysis, and the nature of sample diversity, with special emphasis on the ethical considerations to be aware of when conducting research with sensitive participant groups related to a sensitive research area.
Mobile Applications for Longitudinal Data Collection: Web-based Survey Study of Former Intensive Care Patients
Authors: Molinnus Denise , Mainz Anne , Kurth Angelique , Lowitsch Volker , Nüchter Matthias , Bloos Frank , Wendt Thomas , Potratz Philipp , Marx Gernot , Meister Sven , Bickenbach Johannes
Published: January 2025

Purpose: Mobile health plays an important role in providing individualized information about the health status of patients. Limited information exists on intensive care unit (ICU) patients with the risk of suffering from the post-intensive care syndrome (PICS), summarizing long-term physical, mental and cognitive impairment. This web-based survey study aims to identify specific needs of former ICU patients for utilizing a newly developed, so called Post-Intensive Care Outcome Surveillance (PICOS) app to collect relevant PICS-related parameters. Methods: A prototype app was developed following interaction principles for interactive systems of usability engineering. Patients from four different German hospitals were asked about demographics, interaction with technology and their perception of the prototype regarding hedonic motivation, perceived ease of use and performance expectancy. Results: 123 patients participated in the survey; the majority owned and used smartphones. Nearly half of respondents would seek help from family members or caregivers using the app. There was a difference in affinity for technology for participants who own a smartphone and those who do not, t(116) = − 0.97, p = .335, and no significant difference in affinity for technology whether the participants would like support when using the app or not, t(97) = 1.81, p = .073. The average hedonic motivation for using the app was M = 4.44 (SD = 1.304). Conclusion: This app prototype was perceived as both beneficial and easy to use, indicating its success among former ICU patients. Due to aging and ongoing health impairments, every second patient would need assistance with the initial use of the app.
Suffering of Common Mental Disorders but Still at Work: A Longitudinal Study During Periods of Differences in Regulations for Having Sick Leave
Authors: Helgesson Magnus , Gustafsson Klas , Leineweber Constanze
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The aim was to analyse the relationships between work environment characteristics and periods of sick leave (> 14 days) in individuals diagnosed with common mental disorders (CMDs) across 1993–2014. Additionally, the study describes changes in the work environment and sick leave trends over these two periods.

Methods

From the Swedish Work Environment Surveys (SWES) 1993–2013, participants with a diagnosis of a CMD up to five years before the interview were drawn (n = 3795). Risk ratios (RRs) of the annual average number of sick leave days one year after the interview in SWES (1993–2014) were calculated for various work environment characteristics, along with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

Having flexible working hours (RR 0.65: 0.46–0.91) and having an active job (RR 0.60: 0.41–0.88), that is, high job demands and high job control, were associated with a significantly decreased risk for a spell of sick leave > 14 days after adjusting for interview year, age, sex, and educational level. There was a tendency that also some aspects of job control, i.e. influence over working hours (RR 0.79: 0.62–1.01) and influence over work pace (0.80: 0.62–1.03), were associated with a lower risk of having  > 14 days of sick leave. There was a more substantial effect on these work environment factors in 2009–2013 than 1993–2007.

Conclusion

Enabling flexible working hours and influencing work pace and working hours can decrease the risk of sick leave among employees diagnosed with a CMD.
Effects of individual incentive reforms in the public sector: the case of teachers
Authors: Martins Pedro S. , Ferreira João R.
Published: January 2025

Can incentive schemes deliver value in the public sector, despite major principal-agent challenges? We evaluate a reform that introduced individual teacher performance-related pay and tournaments in public schools in Portugal, despite trade union opposition. We find evidence that the focus on individual performance decreased student achievement (as measured by national exams) and increased grade inflation. The results follow from a difference-in-differences analysis of matched student-school panels and two complementary control groups (including private schools). Students with a higher proportion of teachers exposed to tournaments also perform worse. Overall, our results highlight the social costs of disrupting workers’ cooperation, a possible unintended consequence of public-sector tournaments.
Nocturia as a clinical marker of loss of function and resilience or risk factor for frailty in older adults? Results of the Berlin Aging Study II
Authors: König Maximilian , Malsch Carolin , Mariño Joany , Vetter Valentin Max , Komleva Yulia , Demuth Ilja , Steinhagen-Thiessen Elisabeth
Published: January 2025

The current study examined cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between nocturia and frailty in a cohort of men and women aged 60 years and older, as evidence on this topic was lacking. We analyzed baseline and follow-up data (n = 1671) from the Berlin Aging Study II (BASE-II), a prospective longitudinal cohort study focusing on the factors associated with “healthy” vs. “unhealthy” aging. Self-reported nocturia was dichotomized into < / ≥ 2 micturitions per night, and frailty was assessed using the Fried frailty phenotype. Covariables were identified a priori based on a review of the existing literature. At baseline, 70.2% of the participants were robust, 28.9% were pre-frail, and 0.9% were frail; 254 participants (23.6%) had self-reported nocturia. In longitudinal analyses, the prevalence and incidence of frailty at follow-up significantly increased when nocturia was present at baseline. Over a median follow-up of 7.1 years, there were 41 incident frailty cases (IR 5.6, 95%-CI 3.9–7.2 per 1000 person-years). After adjusting for age, sex, morbidity burden, and baseline frailty status, baseline nocturia was associated with a 2.23-fold increased risk (95%-CI 1.17–4.18) of frailty at follow-up. Nocturia is associated with an increased risk of developing or progressing in frailty in older adults, and may serve as an early clinical marker for the progression of frailty.
Stochasticity in dietary restriction-mediated lifespan outcomes in Drosophila
Authors: Mosley Olivia L. , Villa Joel A. , Kamalakkannan Advaitha , James Eliyashaib , Hoffman Jessica M. , Lyu Yang
Published: January 2025

Dietary restriction (DR) is widely considered to be one of the most potent approaches to extend healthy lifespan across various species, yet it has become increasingly apparent that DR-mediated longevity is influenced by biological and non-biological factors. We propose that current priorities in the field should include understanding the relative contributions of these factors to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of DR. Our work conducted in two laboratories represents an attempt to unify DR protocols in Drosophila and to investigate the stochastic effects of DR. Across 64 pairs of survival data (DR/ad libitum, or AL), we find that DR does not universally extend lifespan. Specifically, we observed that DR conferred a significant lifespan extension in only 26.7% (17/64) of pairs. Our pooled data show that the overall lifespan difference between DR and AL groups is statistically significant, but the median lifespan increase under DR (7.1%) is small. The effects of DR were overshadowed by stochastic factors and genotype. Future research efforts directed toward gaining a comprehensive understanding of DR-dependent mechanisms should focus on unraveling the interactions between genetic and environmental factors. This is essential for developing personalized healthspan-extending interventions and optimizing dietary recommendations for individual genetic profiles.
The Analysis of Classroom Management Challenges Faced by Teachers in Online Classrooms
Authors: Adsız Mustafa , Dinçer Serkan
Published: January 2025

This study explores the classroom management challenges encountered by teachers in online classrooms compared to traditional classrooms. A qualitative case study approach was employed, whereby 97 teachers with experience of remote teaching were interviewed using semi-structured questions to identify and analyze the challenges encountered. The findings indicate that online classrooms present a number of challenges, primarily in the form of low student participation, a lack of interaction, technical issues such as internet connectivity and hardware deficiencies, and varying levels of technology literacy among teachers. However, traditional classrooms also present challenges, including discipline problems, overcrowding, and issues related to student motivation and readiness. The study revealed that effective classroom management in online classrooms is crucial for academic success and that teachers should receive continuous in-service training to enhance their technology literacy. Furthermore, improving technical infrastructure, such as internet speed and hardware quality, is recommended to support synchronous learning.
Improving permeability modeling using artificial neural networks in Lower Safa sand reservoir, JG field, Abu El-Gharadig basin, Western Desert, Egypt
Authors: Khalid Mostafa S.
Published: January 2025

Predicting permeability along and between wells to obtain the 3D spatial distribution is challenging in reservoir modeling. Permeability measurements using core sampling are time-consuming and accord too limited subsurface coverage. This study presents a systematic approach based on artificial neural networks (ANNs) to integrate core data and well logs to overcome these challenges and construct a robust 3D permeability model for the Lower Safa sand reservoir, JG field, Abu El-Gharadig basin, Egypt. The routine core analysis was performed to determine the reservoir quality and heterogeneity. Core-log depth match was performed, and the influential well logs, including effective porosity, bulk density, and deep resistivity logs, were selected to build the permeability model. ANN is applied to integrate the core permeability with the logs to predict permeability logs in the two studied wells. The dataset is randomly split into training, validation, and testing sets to evaluate the model's performance, and different hyperparameters are tuned to improve the prediction accuracy. A detailed comparison between the conventional method and the proposed ANN approach is provided in this study. Results demonstrate that the proposed ANN model was able to improve the permeability prediction performance by capturing the complex relationships between permeability and well logging data. The model achieves outstanding performance, where the coefficient of determination (R2) between the predicted permeability and core permeability is 0.90, 0.91, and 0.88 for the training, validation, and testing datasets, respectively. The developed model was used to predict the permeability logs along the reservoir intervals of the two studied wells. Ultimately, the Sequential Gaussian Simulation algorithm was used to populate the predicted logs in 3D. The outcomes of the study will aid users of deep learning to make informed choices on the appropriate ANN models to use in clastic reservoir characterization for more accurate permeability prediction with limited available data.
Brain Preservation and Cryonics Through the Lens of Moral Psychology
Authors: German Alexander , Tretter Max
Published: January 2025

Structural brain preservation (SBP) and classical cryonics are techniques aimed at preserving the human brain for potential future applications. Reluctant public discourse around these techniques may be explained with intuitive aversions identified by moral psychology. In the first part of the paper, we conjecture the existence of a self-sustaining cycle of moral condemnation of SBP and classical cryonics due to quick, affect-laden moral intuitions. In the second part, we propose an alternative framing of SBP and classical cryonics through a thought experiment featuring a time machine metaphor called "Schrödinger’s chrono-cat", which might avoid triggering aversive moral intuitions and foster public discourse. We discuss the limitations of this framing and its consequences.
Spanish-Speaking Children’s Attitudes Toward School Science: Instrument Development and Psychometric Analysis
Authors: Quílez-Cervero César , Toma Radu Bogdan , Queiruga-Dios Miguel Ángel
Published: January 2025

The current research evaluated the psychometric properties of a questionnaire measuring 1st and 2nd graders' attitudes toward school science (CASS). In Study 1, an exploratory factor analysis revealed a two-factor structure, consisting of the 'enjoyableness' and 'self-efficacy' dimensions of school science. This analysis also provided initial evidence of satisfactory internal consistency reliability. In Study 2, confirmatory factor analysis showed that the two-factor model provided a better fit than a unidimensional structure and further supported the internal consistency reliability of the instrument. Study 3 provided strong evidence for test–retest reliability. Study 4 offered promising evidence of construct validity by identifying a positive and significant relationship between the 'enjoyableness' and 'perceived self-efficacy' in school science and leisure interest in science-related activities. Finally, Study 5 assessed the instrument's responsiveness to an inquiry-based intervention, showing that it can effectively detect changes over time. Taken together, these findings suggest that the proposed instrument, CASS, yields scores with adequate validity and reliability, making it a reliable tool for assessing young students' attitudes toward school science and evaluating the effectiveness of educational interventions in the early elementary school years.
Influence of photobiomodulation therapy on regenerative potential of non-vital mature permanent teeth in healthy canine dogs
Authors: Khattab S. F. , Gomaa Y. F. , Abdelaziz E. A. E. , Khattab N. M. A.
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the influence of photobiomodulation therapy on the regenerative potential of non-vital mature permanent teeth of healthy Canine dogs.

Methods

54 mature roots, obtained from 27 premolars, in dogs, were selected and divided into three equal groups where Group I received regenerative endodontic procedures (REPs) using blood clot as a scaffold (positive control), Group II received similar treatment as Group I, followed by photobiomodulation therapy (study group) and Group III did not receive any intervention (negative control). Each group was further divided into three equal subgroups for the evaluation of the vascular area percentage and fibroblast count at 3 different intervals; 3, 10, and 15 weeks. Statistical analysis was performed with R statistical analysis software version 4.1.3

Results

Data analysis for vascular area percentages, revealed an insignificant increase in mean values at 3 and 10 weeks for both the positive control and study group, and all values were significantly lower than the negative control (p < 0.001). At 15 weeks, there was an insignificant difference between the study group and the negative control group, with mean values was 9.76 ± 2.25, and 11.97 ± 2.37, respectively. However, both values were significantly higher than the positive control group (2.47 ± 1.0), (p < 0.001).

Regarding fibroblast count, there was a gradual increase in mean values recorded at different intervals, reaching its maximum at the 15th week period; they were 41.40 ± 1.14, 56.60 ± 6.11 and 44.67 ± 17.04 for positive control, study group, and negative control respectively, with insignificant differences between the study group and negative control.

Conclusion

The results of this study support the revascularization of non-vital mature permanent teeth as an alternative treatment modality. Photobiomodulation could improve the construction of regenerated blood vessels and fibroblasts. However, further studies with longer flow-up periods and different animal models are recommended.
Novel Cellulosic Fiber Composites with Integrated Multi-Band Electromagnetic Interference Shielding and Energy Storage Functionalities
Authors: Han Xuewen , Hao Cheng , Peng Yukang , Yu Han , Zhang Tao , Zhang Haonan , Chen Kaiwen , Chen Heyu , Wang Zhenxing , Yan Ning , Pu Junwen
Published: January 2025

In an era where technological advancement and sustainability converge, developing renewable materials with multifunctional integration is increasingly in demand. This study filled a crucial gap by integrating energy storage, multi-band electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, and structural design into bio-based materials. Specifically, conductive polymer layers were formed within the 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxide (TEMPO)-oxidized cellulose fiber skeleton, where a mild TEMPO-mediated oxidation system was applied to endow it with abundant macropores that could be utilized as active sites (specific surface area of 105.6 m2 g−1). Benefiting from the special hierarchical porous structure of the material, the constructed cellulose fiber-derived composites can realize high areal-specific capacitance of 12.44 F cm−2 at 5 mA cm−2 and areal energy density of 3.99 mWh cm−2 (2005 mW cm−2) with an excellent stability of maintaining 90.23% after 10,000 cycles at 50 mA cm−2. Meanwhile, the composites showed a high electrical conductivity of 877.19 S m−1 and excellent EMI efficiency (> 99.99%) in multiple wavelength bands. The composite material’s EMI values exceed 100 dB across the L, S, C, and X bands, effectively shielding electromagnetic waves in daily life. The proposed strategy paves the way for utilizing bio-based materials in applications like energy storage and EMI shielding, contributing to a more sustainable future.
Assessing job satisfaction in the era of digital transformation: a comparative study of the first wave of tasks digitalization in Japan and France
Authors: Lechevalier Sébastien , Mofakhami Malo
Published: January 2025

This paper aims at analysing the diverse effects of the first wave of digitalization (2000s) on job satisfaction through a comparison between Japan and France. We propose a simplified mediation model that incorporates work organization characteristics and synthesizes the different relations at stake. We do not find substantial differences between the two countries regarding the impact of digital use on work organization practices. Then, we find no direct effect of digital use on job satisfaction. However, digital use is correlated to some work organization practices (mainly autonomy and flexibility; learning), through which it has positive mediated effects. Finally, the major source of the digital divide, in terms of satisfaction, is, in both countries, related to the perceived absence of digital skills by some workers.
Historisch-semantische Überlegungen zum Konzept ›Rat‹ im Diskursfeld von Didaxe, Herrschaft, Kunst, Macht, Ökonomie und Wissen
Authors: Wenzel Franziska , Runow Holger
Published: January 2025

Der Beitrag greift den linguistisch-kognitionswissenschaftlichen Ansatz der Frame‑, Konzept- und Netzwerksemantik auf und verbindet ihn mit einer genuin literaturwissenschaftlichen Perspektive. Ausgehend vom Wort- und Begriffsfeld ›Rat‹ werden handlungspragmatische und diskursive Formationen im Rahmen spezifischer gattungs- und wissensgeschichtlicher Kontexte interpretiert. Ziel ist weniger eine quantitative Auswertung auf der Grundlage einer methodisch strengen Korpusbildung als vielmehr ein qualitativ-textanalytischer Zugriff. So soll das Konzept ›Rat‹ historisch-semantisch genauer bestimmt werden, indem Frame-Interferenzen v. a. in der Gattung der Sangspruchdichtung auf Bedeutungsvarianz, Bedeutungsverschiebung und Bedeutungsschärfung hin befragt werden.
Experimental and computational studies of Schiff bases derived from 4-aminoantipyrine as potential antibacterial and anticancer agents
Authors: Zúñiga-Miranda Johana , González-Pastor Rebeca , Carrera-Pacheco Saskya E. , Rodríguez-Pólit Cristina , Barba-Ostria Carlos , Machado Antonio , Guamán Linda P. , Alcivar-León Christian D. , Heredia-Moya Jorge
Published: January 2025

Schiff bases are organic compounds recognized for their biological activities, including antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer properties, making them promising candidates in medicinal chemistry. In this studio, a series of Schiff bases 3a–h derived from 4-aminoantipyrine and substituted cinnamaldehydes were evaluated in vitro against liver (HepG2) and thyroid (THJ29T) cancer cells, Gram-positive and Gram-negative multidrug-resistant bacteria, and biofilm-forming pathogens. Six compounds demonstrated anticancer activity, though some exhibited toxicity to non-tumor cells. Compounds 3b, 3f, and 3h showed notable anticancer potential, while 3f and 3h also exhibited strong antibacterial effects, with 3f being the most effective against multidrug-resistant bacteria strains. These Schiff bases also inhibit biofilm formation, suggesting their potential for treating biofilm-related infections. In-silico analyses of their ADME properties, global reactivity descriptors, and binding affinities corroborated these findings. The Schiff base 3f has a strong binding affinity for DNA gyrase and vitamin D receptor, suggesting potential mechanisms for its antibacterial and anticancer activities.
The Smooth Snake is not a threat to the Meadow Viper: predator–prey interactions of a reptile specialist snake
Authors: Wenner Bálint , Móré Attila , Radovics Dávid , Bancsik Barnabás , Budai Mátyás , Rák Gergő , Kovács Gergő , Szabolcs Márton , Korsós Zoltán , Mizsei Edvárd
Published: January 2025

Ecological data on the Smooth Snake (Coronella austriaca) remains limited. Previous studies report that it mainly consumes lizards, but also mammals and snakes. Its habitat selection remains poorly understood, especially regarding prey availability. As there is limited data on the diet of this species from Central Europe, and it was considered a potential predator of the endangered Vipera ursinii rakosiensis (Hungarian Meadow Viper), we conducted a study concerning the diet of C. austriaca in one of the largest V. ursinii habitats in Hungary. We also tested if the availability of prey species affects its occupancy. Smooth Snake individuals were captured to collect faecal samples, in which the remains were identified. In the obtained samples, we found remains of lizards (65%, namely Lacerta viridis, Podarcis tauricus and Lacerta agilis), mammals (20%), insects (12.5%) and Smooth Snake (2.5%). We found no remains of V. ursinii in the samples. We used two-species occupancy modelling to test if the occupancy of C. austriaca is linked to the presence of prey species in the area. We found interactions between C. austriaca and its lizard prey, as occupancy of the Smooth Snake had a higher probability when these species were present. We found no interaction between the Smooth Snake and V. ursinii. Our results support that C. austriaca mainly preys on lizards and its occupancy depends on prey availability. Importantly, we found no evidence that C. austriaca consumes V. ursinii, further supported by the lack of interaction between the occupancy of C. austriaca and V. ursinii.
Interaction in Poetic Imagery
Authors: Silk M. S. , Whitmarsh Tim
Published: January 2025

This path-breaking book has made an unusual and original contribution to literary theory by means of a study of the literature of ancient Greece. It investigates an aspect of poetic imagery in the practical context of Greek lyric and drama up to and including Aeschylus and Pindar. Several hundred passages are systematically examined, with many passages from English verse introduced to provide illustration. Using these, Michael Silk formulates a new critical concept, 'interaction', which characterises certain features of metaphor and other imagery and explores in detail their nature and significance. He then proceeds to discuss related issues in the fields of stylistics and literary theory, give fresh insights into several features of ancient literature, and – above all – make important contributions to the theory and practice of 'literary lexicography' in a dead language. This reissue contains a substantial new Introduction engaging with critical and scholarly developments since first publication.
New Regulatory Approaches under the EU’s Legislation on Digitalisation:Introduction to the Special Edition of the EJRR “Charting the Landscape of Automation of Regulatory Decision-Making”
Authors: Hofmann Herwig C.H.
Published: January 2025

This introductory article outlines three fundamental regulatory developments in the EU’s legislation addressing digitalization and automation of decision-making: One is that across many acts we see a move towards more complex multi-level composite procedures, involving not only public structures with agencies, EU bodies, national agencies, but also co-regulation through standardisation in combination with – in several areas – audited self-regulation. A second feature of much of the current legislation in digital matters is that obligations imposed therein require an increased attention to information management – from sourcing to use, dissemination, sharing. This is a requirement for both public and private actors imposing ever more ‘granular’ knowledge and reporting of information flows in economic operators. A third is the growing role of interoperability which is being firmly established as a tool to create data exchange possibilities The diverse regulatory tools and methods are creating complex networks of legal relations and obligations which appear difficult to submit to oversight and compliance without strong protection of individual rights and procedural structures ensuring their enforcement.
Potentials and Challenges of Large Language Models (LLMs) in the Context of Administrative Decision-Making
Authors: Pesch Paulina Jo
Published: January 2025

Large Language Models (LLMs) could facilitate both more efficient administrative decision-making on the one hand, and better access to legal explanations and remedies to individuals concerned by administrative decisions on the other hand. However, it is an open research question of how performant such domain-specific models could be. Furthermore, they pose legal challenges, touching especially upon administrative law, fundamental rights, data protection law, AI regulation, and copyright law. The article provides an introduction into LLMs, outlines potential use cases for such models in the context of administrative decisions, and presents a non-exhaustive introduction to practical and legal challenges that require in-depth interdisciplinary research. A focus lies on open practical and legal challenges with respect to legal reasoning through LLMs. The article points out under which circumstances administrations can fulfil their duty to provide reasons with LLM-generated reasons. It highlights the importance of human oversight and the need to design LLM-based systems in a way that enables users such as administrative decision-makers to effectively oversee them. Furthermore, the article addresses the protection of training data and trade-offs with model performance, bias prevention and explainability to highlight the need for interdisciplinary research projects.
Regenerating deprived urban areas in Western Europe: three common approaches and a new perspective
Authors: Siza Remo
Published: January 2025

Area-based initiatives are designed to improve economic, physical, and social outcomes in a formally defined territorial area. A considerable amount of literature highlights that the implementation of this approach differs considerably between Western European countries. The study identifies three common approaches. The first, defined as a sector-based approach, focuses on the coordination of welfare services in a specific area. This approach may promote an efficient organisation of specific welfare sectors but does not seek to implement a multi-sectoral approach. The second, defined as the integrated approach, pays particular attention to institutional arrangements. The third, informal relations-based approach, is developed mainly in intersubjective relations and focuses on individual abilities, often without systematic engagement to change how public and private institutions work. In this study, I outlined a conceptual framework for a new perspective in area-based initiatives that recognises the plurality of autonomies that operate in a community.
The Power and Limits of Political Philosophy in Analyzing Healthcare Markets
Authors: Taylor Lauren A.
Published: January 2025

Bioethics is taking an institutional turn, where organizations are being taken seriously as moral agents. Within US healthcare, this is difficult to do without confronting “the market” as a highly influential context for organizational behavior. In the 1990s, pioneering thinkers such as David Mechanic,1 Brad Gray, and Mark Schlesinger2 undertook a first round of organizational ethics scholarship focused on how market forces influence health insurer behavior — motivated by a particular concern for health maintenance organizations (HMOs).3 And more recently, owing partly to a transfer of financial risk4 to healthcare delivery organizations,5 rapid consolidation within health system markets,6 and the pronounced uptick in physician employment,7 the behavior of healthcare delivery organizations is also being assessed in relation to market forces.
Conducting Research with Highly Portable MRI in Community Settings: A Practical Guide to Navigating Ethical Issues and ELSI Checklist
Authors: Shen Francis X. , Wolf Susan M. , Lawrenz Frances , Comeau Donnella S. , Evans Barbara J. , Fair Damien , Farah Martha J. , Garwood Michael , Duke Han S. , Illes Judy , Jackson Jonathan D. , Klein Eran , Rosen Matthew S. , Torres Efraín , Tuite Paul , Thomas Vaughan J.
Published: January 2025

Highly portable and accessible MRI technology will allow researchers to conduct field-based MRI research in community settings. Previous guidance for researchers working with fixed MRI does not address the novel ethical, legal, and societal issues (ELSI) of portable MRI (pMRI). Our interdisciplinary Working Group (WG) previously identified 15 core ELSI challenges associated with pMRI research and recommended solutions. In this article, we distill those detailed recommendations into a Portable MRI Research ELSI Checklist that offers practical operational guidance for researchers contemplating using this technology.
How Leaders at High-Performing Healthcare Organizations Think About Organizational Professionalism
Authors: Agris Julie L. , Gelmon Sherril , Wynia Matthew K. , Buder Blair , Emma Krista J. , Alasmar Ahmed , Frankel Richard
Published: January 2025

This pilot study is the first formal exploration of the concept of “Organizational Professionalism” (OP) among health system leaders in high-performing healthcare organizations. Semi-structured key informant interviews with 23 leaders from 8 healthcare organizations that were recipients of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award (MBNQA) or Baldrige-based state quality award programs explored conceptualization, operationalization, and measurement of OP. Further exploration and understanding of OP in healthcare organizations has the potential to establish and sustain professional and ethical organizational cultures that bolster trust through the sound implementation of laws, policies, and procedures to support the delivery of high-quality patient care.
Greenland – a distinctive island operation economy - contextual challenges in comparing across societies
Authors: Hendriksen Kåre , Hoffmann Birgitte
Published: January 2025

In political decision-making processes in Greenland, comparisons are often drawn with Denmark, Scandinavia, the Faroe Islands, and Iceland. With Greenland as a case, this article analyses a series of aspects across the societies to highlight the politics of comparisons, which are taken for granted, and to emphasise contextual conditions. Comparisons are central to cultural meaning-making and navigation with nation building strategies. We conclude that the current comparisons are significant in terms of explaining Greenland’s challenges with a vulnerable economy and with the sustainable use of natural and human resources. To utilise local resources and create a sustainable livelihood, there is a need to break from the existing trajectories based on the current politics of comparison to explore local conditions more carefully and find other models of inspiration. By developing the concept of island operation, the article unfolds distinct characteristics of the Greenlandic socio-economic structures and includes statistical data on trade, education, and the labour market to support the identification of conditions that can contribute to future analyses of Greenland’s sustainable development. This analysis has relevance for societies that share geographical and cultural conditions with Greenland and post-colonial countries that must deal with complex path dependencies to navigate towards sustainable development.
The role of metacognitive feelings in motivation
Authors: Reber Rolf , Haugen Josefine , Martinussen Liva J.
Published: January 2025

Metacognitive feelings are an integral part of mental computational processes and influence the outcome of computations. We review supporting evidence on affect inherent in perceptual processes, fluency in study decisions, metacognitive feelings in aha-experiences and intuition, and affect in early phases of interest development. These findings connect to recent theories that combine metacognitive feelings with computational models.
Almost, but not quite there: Research into the emergence of higher-order motivated behavior should fully embrace the dynamic systems approach
Authors: Gernigon Christophe , Altamore Rémi , Vallacher Robin R. , van Geert Paul L. C. , Den Hartigh Ruud J. R.
Published: January 2025

Murayama and Jach rightfully aim to conceptualize motivation as an emergent property of a dynamic system of interacting elements. However, they do not embrace the ontological and paradigmatic constraints of the dynamic systems approach. They therefore miss the very process of emergence and how it can be formally modeled and tested by specific types of computer simulation.
Predictive processing: Shedding light on the computational processes underlying motivated behavior
Authors: van Lieshout Lieke L. F. , Zhang Zhaoqi , Friston Karl J. , Bekkering Harold
Published: January 2025

Integrating the predictive processing framework into our understanding of motivation offers promising avenues for theoretical development, while shedding light on the computational processes underlying motivated behavior. Here we decompose expected free energy into intrinsic value (i.e., epistemic affordance) and extrinsic value (i.e., instrumental affordance) to provide insights into how individuals adapt to and interact with their environment.
Beyond reductionism: Understanding motivational energization requires higher-order constructs
Authors: Sheldon Kennon M. , Ryan Richard M.
Published: January 2025

We argue that the target article's computational/reductionistic approach to motivation is insufficient to explain the energization of human behavior, because such explanation requires broad consideration of “what people are trying to do.” We illustrate what is gained by retaining (rather than jettisoning) higher-order motivation constructs and show that the authors’ approach assumes, but fails to name, such constructs.
Definitional devils and detail: On identifying motivation as an animating dynamic
Authors: Wright Rex A. , Sciara Simona , Pantaleo Giuseppe
Published: January 2025

Murayama and Jach critically evaluate the idea that motivation is a dynamic that determines behavior and propose alternatively that it might be an emergent property that people construe through perceived regularities in experience and action. The critique has value but fails to appreciate the progress that has been made in moving beyond the idea of which the authors are critical.
Motivational whack-a-mole: Foundational boxes cannot be unpacked
Authors: Ozgan Ezgi , Allen Jedediah W. P.
Published: January 2025

The proposed “black-box” problem and its solution are drawn from the same substance-oriented framework. This framework's assumptions have consequences that re-create the black-box problem at a foundational level. Specifically, Murayama and Jach's solution fails to explain novel behavior that emerges through an organism's development. A process-oriented theoretical shift provides an ontological explanation for emergent behavior and eliminates the black-box problem altogether.
The unboxing has already begun: One motivation construct at a time
Authors: Custers Ruud , Eitam Baruch , Higgins E. Tory
Published: January 2025

Murayama and Jach argue that it is not clearly specified how motivation constructs produce behavior and that this black box should be unpacked. We argue that the authors overlook important classic theory and highlight recent research programs that already started unboxing. We feel that without relying on the mechanisms that such programs uncover, the proposed computational approach will be fruitless.
Quantifying the Effect of Petrogenic Carbon on SOC Turnover for Two Rocky Mountain Soils: When Are Petrogenic Carbon Corrections Required?
Authors: Williams Elizabeth , Lawrence Corey
Published: January 2025

Petrogenic organic carbon (OCpetro), derived from sedimentary rocks, is an often overlooked and poorly quantified source of soil organic carbon (SOC), which may influence measured or modeled SOC composition, age, and stability. In this study, we exploited differences in thermochemical stability between OCpetro and biogenic SOC (OCbio) using stepped elemental analysis to quantify the fractional contribution of OCpetro to total SOC (fpetro), and we conducted a sensitivity analysis to estimate the effects of OCpetro on modeled SOC transit times and system ages. Specifically, we compared the effects of accounting for OCpetro inputs in SOC turnover modeling (using SoilR) for two montane meadow soils that are underlain by Cretaceous Mancos Shale. At these sites, we estimate that OCpetro comprises 7%–9% of the total SOC stock (fpetro = 0.07–0.09). However, accounting for OCpetro as a mixture of inert and passive C or as completely inert C had negligible effects on SOC transit times and system ages, suggesting that there is a threshold of OCpetro content under which there is minimal effect on calculated SOC turnover. Based on our sensitivity analysis, we estimate this threshold to be fpetro = 0.125, further supporting that the accurate calculation of OCpetro remains an important factor in estimating SOC turnover.