bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in trauma: a single-center retrospective observational study
Authors: Ahlqvist Mathias , Forsman Pär , Morberg Pål , Larsson Magnus , Broman Lars Mikael , Akram Shahzad
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Globally, trauma is a leading cause of death in young adults. The use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in the trauma population remains controversial due to the limited published research. This study aimed to analyze 30-day survival of all the trauma ECMO patients at our center, with respect to injury severity score (ISS) and new injury severity score (NISS).

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of all trauma patients receiving ECMO support at a Level 1 trauma center in Sweden between 1997 and 2019.

Results

A total of 53 trauma patients received ECMO support. 85% were male; the median age was 24, with interquartile range (IQR) 17–44 years. More than 70% were multi-trauma patients. The mean NISS and ISS were 50 (IQR:34–57) and 42 (IQR:33–57), respectively. 62% were supported on veno-arterial ECMO with a survival benefit for veno-venous ECMO (75% vs. 36%, respectively (p = 0.01)). There was no association between severity in terms of trauma-score and survival. Sixteen patients (30%) were cannulated at referring hospitals and transported to our unit on ECMO with a survival of 69%, similar to those cannulated in-house. 60% of patients survived ECMO, and 51% survived to hospital discharge.

Conclusions

This study indicates that trauma patients may benefit from ECMO, independent of severity. Furthermore, our results support ECMO transport as feasible in trauma patients. We recommend larger multi-center studies to determine which trauma patients would have the greatest benefit of ECMO.
Axiomatizing modal inclusion logic and its variants
Authors: Anttila Aleksi , Häggblom Matilda , Yang Fan
Published: January 2025

We provide a complete axiomatization of modal inclusion logic—team-based modal logic extended with inclusion atoms. We review and refine an expressive completeness and normal form theorem for the logic, define a natural deduction proof system, and use the normal form to prove completeness of the axiomatization. Complete axiomatizations are also provided for two other extensions of modal logic with the same expressive power as modal inclusion logic: one augmented with a might operator and the other with a single-world variant of the might operator.
Ameliorative impact of sacubitril/valsartan on paraquat-induced acute lung injury: role of Nrf2 and TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway
Authors: Elemam Nourhane M. , Nader Manar A. , Abdelmageed Marwa E.
Published: January 2025

Herbicides such as paraquat (PQ) are frequently utilized particularly in developing nations. The present research concentrated on the pulmonary lesions triggered by PQ and the beneficial effect of the angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI), sacubitril/valsartan, against such pulmonary damage. Five groups of rats were established: control, ARNI, PQ (10 mg/kg), ARNI 68 + PQ, and ARNI 34 + PQ. Following euthanasia, lungs were isolated and subjected to a histopathological test, and the ELISA technique was used to evaluate oxidative stress biomarkers, toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2), phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K), phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-AKT), and inflammatory markers: nuclear factor kappa B p65 subunit (NF-κB p65), tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), and interleukin 1beta (IL-1β). In conjunction with abnormally high levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), the PQ group also displayed low levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Additionally, TLR4, PI3K, and p-AKT were significantly elevated together with unusually low level of Nrf2. Moreover, inflammatory biomarkers, NF-κB p65, TNFα, and IL-1β, were abnormally elevated. Meanwhile, ARNI-treated groups reversed all alterations precipitated by PQ in a dose-dependent manner. ARNI could mitigate pulmonary damage triggered by PQ via potential antioxidant anti-inflammatory qualities.

Graphical Abstract
Forest Soil pH and Dissolved Organic Matter Aromaticity Are Distinct Drivers for Soil Microbial Community and Carbon Metabolism Potential
Authors: Zhang Zongxiao , Zhang Qiang , Guo Xue , Zeng Zhenzhong , Wang Yinghui , Zhang Peng , Gao Dengzhou , Deng Guisen , Sun Guodong , Yang Yuanxi , Wang Junjian
Published: January 2025

The ecological niche separation of microbial interactions in forest ecosystems is critical to maintaining ecological balance and biodiversity and has yet to be comprehensively explored in microbial ecology. This study investigated the impacts of soil properties on microbial interactions and carbon metabolism potential in forest soils across 67 sites in China. Using redundancy analysis and random forest models, we identified soil pH and dissolved organic matter (DOM) aromaticity as the primary drivers of microbial interactions, representing abiotic conditions and resource niches, respectively. Our network comparison results highlighted significant differences in microbial interactions between acidic and non-acidic soils, suggesting the critical influences of abiotic conditions on microbial interactions. Conversely, abiotic resource niches played a more pivotal role in shaping the carbon metabolism of soil microbes, supporting the concept that resource niche-based processes drive microbial carbon cycling. Additionally, we demonstrated that microbial interactions contributed significantly to ecosystem function stability and served as potential ecological indicators of microbial functional resilience under environmental stress. These insights emphasize the critical need to preserve microbial interactions for effective forest ecosystem management and projection of ecological outcomes in response to future environmental changes.
Ventral versus dorsal onlay buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty for non-traumatic proximal bulbar urethral strictures in sexually active men: erectile and urinary functions
Authors: Mousa Ayman , Eissa Ahmed , Raheem Ali Abdel , Zoeir Ahmed
Published: January 2025

Purpose

To compare the erectile and urinary functions of ventral and dorsal onlay buccal mucosal graft (BMG) urethroplasty in the management of proximal bulbar urethral strictures (PBUS) in sexually active men.

Patients and methods

We retrospectively included patients with primary non-traumatic PBUS who were treated with (BMG) urethroplasty at our department between March 2019 and March 2023 either ventral or dorsal approaches. Patients were assessed at 3- and 12-months postoperatively for urinary and erectile functions.

Results

133 patients were identified and underwent either ventral repair (n = 60, group I) or dorsal repair (n = 73, group II). There was no significant difference in baseline urinary and sexual function between both groups (p > 0.05). Overall, the success rate was 91.7% in Group I and 90.4% in Group II (p = 0.801). Transient ED (at 3 months) was detected in 5% and 25% (p = 0.002), while permeant ED (at 12 months) was 1.7% and 13.7% (p = 0.012) in group I and group II, respectively. Group I had significantly higher mean IIEF scores; 28.2 and 28.4 at 3 months (p < 0.001) and 12 months (p < 0.001); compared to Group II; 22.1 and 24.4, respectively.

Conclusion

The ventral approach had better erectile functional outcomes compared to the dorsal approach in the management of non-traumatic PBUS in sexually active men. This might be related to less urethral mobilization and no dissection of the intercrural space during ventral onlay graft urethroplasty.
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency as an unusual extrarenal manifestation of proximal renal tubular acidosis associated with a novel SLC4A4 mutation
Authors: Hasturk Berfin , Agbas Ayse , Akgun-Dogan Ozlem , Yilmaz Esra Karabag , Saygili Seha , Beşer Ömer Faruk , Canpolat Nur
Published: January 2025

Autosomal recessive proximal renal tubular acidosis (AR-pRTA) with ocular abnormalities is a rare syndrome caused by variants in the SLC4A4 gene, which encodes Na/HCO3 cotransporter (NBCe1). The syndrome primarily affects the kidneys, but also causes extra-renal manifestations. Pancreatic type NBCe1 is located at the basolateral membrane of the pancreatic ductal cells and together with CFTR chloride channel, it is involved in bicarbonate secretion. In vitro models have demonstrated that mutations in the pancreatic type NBCe1 lead to a reduction in pancreatic bicarbonate secretion. Although elevated amylase levels have been observed in some cases, there is no evidence of symptomatic pancreas involvement in children with AR-pRTA. This report presents the case of a seven-year-old girl with AR-pRTA and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. This novel presentation with a novel mutation in SLC4A4 expands the extra-renal involvement in this rare disease. We recommend that these children be screened for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.
Anfallssuppressive medikamentöse Langzeittherapie: Problemerkennung und Problembeseitigung
Authors: Pataraia Ekaterina , Aull-Watschinger Susanne
Published: January 2025

Die Behandlung von Menschen mit Epilepsie mittels anfallssuppressiver Medikamente (ASM) ist oft lebenslang notwendig. Die Langzeitauswirkungen von ASM können vielfältig sein und hängen sehr stark von der Art des Medikaments, der Dosierung und der Dauer der Anwendung ab. Zu den Langzeiteffekten zählen kognitive und psychiatrische Auswirkungen, wie z. B. Depression und Angststörungen, ein erhöhtes kardiovaskuläres Risiko, die Entwicklung einer Osteoporose mit erhöhtem Frakturrisiko, hormonelle Veränderungen, Hepatotoxizität, Elektrolytstörungen, Nephrolithiasis, Gewichtsveränderungen, Blutbildveränderungen sowie dermatologische Effekte. Eine ausführliche Besprechung über mögliche Langzeitauswirkungen der ASM sollte bei jeder Vorstellung bei behandelnden Neurolog:innen erfolgen, um unerwünschte Nebenwirkungen frühzeitig zu erkennen und gegenzusteuern. Diese narrative Übersichtsarbeit stellt die wichtigsten bekannten Langzeitauswirkungen von ASM auf Nervensystem, kardiovaskuläres System, Knochen, Leber, Nieren, Elektrolythaushalt, Haut und Blutbild vor und bietet Strategien zur Überwachung und Vermeidung unnötiger Langzeitfolgen durch ASM.
High Prevalence of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms Found in Well-Treated People with HIV after the Introduction of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures
Authors: Moody Kevin , Smit Colette , Nieuwkerk Pythia T. , Bedert Maarten , Nelis Elise , Nellen Jeannine , Sigaloff Kim , Weijsenfeld Annouschka , Laan Laura , Bruins Claire , Geerlings Suzanne E. , van der Valk Marc
Published: January 2025

People with HIV (PWH) are at greater risk of experiencing mental health problems, such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The purpose of our study was to determine the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder PTSD in PWH. PWH in care Amsterdam University Medical center (Amsterdam UMC) with access to the electronic patient portal were offered patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) between May 2022 and May 2023, including the PC-PTSD-5 screen for PTSD as part of routine clinical care. Risk factors for a clinically relevant PC-PTSD-5 score were determined using univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses. Of 2476 PWH included, 1384 (55.9%) had access to the electronic patient portal of whom 474 (34.2%) completed the PC-PTSD-5. PWH without access to the patient portal were more often female, born in low- and middle-income countries, acquired HIV more often via heterosexual contact, and had worse HIV-related outcomes compared to those with access. Of 474 PWH who completed the PC-PTSD-5 screening question, 62 (13.1%) reached the threshold for clinically relevant PTSD. Age less than 50 years (OR 2.29, 95% CI: 1.21–4.35), and having originated from low- or middle-income countries (OR 2.02, 95% CI: 1.09–3.76) were associated with PTSD. Our findings show that 13% of PWH with a well-controlled HIV infection with access to the electronic patient portal at Amsterdam UMC experienced clinically relevant PTSD complaints.
Integrating drone technology in STEM education: Curriculum, pedagogy and learning outcomes
Authors: Yeung Richard Chung Yiu , Sun Daner , Yeung Chi Ho
Published: January 2025

This study explores the integration of drone technology into STEM education through the development and evaluation of the Drone Technology Enabled STEM Curriculum (DTESC). Grounded in “dronagogy”, a pedagogical framework that utilizes drones to enhance learning, DTESC effectively incorporates drone technology within science, mathematics, technology, and the humanities. The curriculum is structured to progress from multidisciplinary exploration to interdisciplinary integration, ultimately culminating in transdisciplinary applications. Sixteen Grade 9–10 students from a secondary school in Hong Kong participated in the study, engaging in activities such as designing drone-assisted water sampling systems and formulating entrepreneurial proposals for future applications. Employing mixed research methods, the study assessed the curriculum’s impact across cognitive, psychomotor, and affective learning domains. Results indicated high levels of student engagement and satisfaction, alongside significant improvements in psychomotor and affective skills. However, enhancements in cognitive learning outcomes, particularly in mathematics and programming, are necessary. This research offers valuable insights into the implementation of dronagogy to foster cross-disciplinary STEM education.
Integrating CALL and AIALL for an interactive pedagogical model of language learning
Authors: Bahari Akbar , Han Feifei , Strzelecki Artur
Published: January 2025

Given the great potential of integrating Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) and Artificial Intelligence-Assisted Language Learning (AIALL) to enhance language learning outcomes, there is a growing interest in exploring their combined effects. In this vein, the present study aimed to develop and test an interactive pedagogical model of language learning (IPMLL) by integrating CALL and AIALL elements in a combined module. To further investigate the effects of this model, a comprehensive evaluation was conducted, considering various aspects such as learner motivation, personalized learning experiences, and feedback effectiveness. The results indicate that (1) the integration of CALL and AIALL in the IPMLL positively influenced learner motivation, leading to greater involvement and active participation in language learning activities; (2) the personal learning interactions facilitated by the IPMLL, including adaptive instruction and intelligent feedback, contributed to improved language proficiency and learner satisfaction. Theoretically, this integration aligns with established pedagogical theories and frameworks, such as cognitive theories of multimedia learning, emphasizing the significance of interactive and technology-enhanced learning environments. Pedagogically, the IPMLL offers practical implications for teachers, highlighting the benefits of incorporating CALL and AIALL elements in language teaching methodologies. This study contributes to the growing body of research on technology-enhanced language learning and provides insights for future developments in this field.
In Praise of Computation
Authors: Sunstein Cass R. , Reisch Lucia A.
Published: January 2025

A great deal of work in behavioral science emphasizes that statistical predictions often outperform clinical predictions. Formulas tend to do better than people do, and algorithms tend to outperform human beings, including experts. One reason is that algorithms do not show inconsistency or “noise”; another reason is that they are often free from cognitive biases. These points have broad implications for risk assessment in domains that include health, safety, and the environment. Still, there is evidence that many people distrust algorithms and would prefer a human decisionmaker. We offer a set of preliminary findings about how a tested population chooses between a human being and an algorithm. In a simple choice between the two across diverse settings, people are about equally divided in their preference. We also find that that a significant number of people are willing to shift in favor of algorithms when they learn something about them, but also that a significant number of people are unmoved by the relevant information. These findings have implications for current findings about “algorithm aversion” and “algorithm appreciation.”
Fuzzy logic modelling of the pollution pattern of potentially toxic elements and naturally occurring radionuclide materials in quarry sites in Ogun State, Nigeria
Authors: Jegede David O. , Afolabi T. Adeniyi , Agunbiade Foluso O. , Oladeji Olatunde S. , Gbadamosi Muideen R. , Sojinu Samuel O. , Ojekunle Oluseyi Z. , Varanusupakul Pakorn
Published: January 2025

The accumulation pattern of some inorganic pollutants in quarry sites around Ogun State was modeled using a Fuzzy comprehensive assessment (FCA). Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) and naturally occurring radionuclides materials (NORMs) were assessed from soil samples collected from ten quarry sites in three districts (Odeda, Ajebo, and Ijebu Ode) in Ogun State. Three (3) NORMs (40 K, 238U, and 232Th) were assessed using gamma spectrometer with a NaI detector while ten (10) PTEs (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) were determined by digestion method using Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrophotometer. The FCA was used to evaluate soil contamination, and SPSS version 21.0 was used for statistical analysis. Concentration range of PTEs(mg/kg) and NORMs(Bq/kg) in all the site are: As (5.62 ± 0.85 – 15.93 ± 2.40), Cd (BDL—1.26 ± 0.60), Co (5.56 ± 1.34 – 27.25 ± 1.14), Cr (18.68 ± 1.54 -61.43 ± 6.33), Cu (12.40 ± 1.31—82.43 ± 7.94), Fe (15,035.00 ± 81.12 – 36,520.00 ± 292.20), Mn (168.97 ± 5.93 – 353.30 ± 20.84), Ni (5.63 ± 1.99- 25.54 ± 2.50),),Pb (4.44 ± 0.8 – 17.87 ± 2.80) and Zn (42.97 ± 413 – 147.00 ± 7.50); 40 K (76.78 ± 44.76—2647.88 ± 179.44), 238U (3.24 ± 1.82—55.42 ± 24.88),and 232Th (5.24 ± 3.90—244.36 ± 89.84). The results were modeled into a membership function matrix of three pollution classes. The FCA of NORMs revealed that 30, 10, and 60% of the sites were pristine, moderately polluted, and heavily polluted.

In comparison, the FCA of PTEs confirmed 100% of the sites to be heavily polluted due to the accumulative effect of the PTEs. A high percentage of membership in the extremely impacted class is linked to a high concentration of Fe in all the sites due to the soil's geological structure and natural activities. At the same time, 40 K and 238U have high-impact membership in all the quarry sites. Based on the findings, there is a need for stringent pollution control measures, targeted monitoring of PTEs and NORMs and the development of region-specific environmental regulations to protect both public health and ecosystems.
The Adoption of Farmer-managed Natural Regeneration in Dogonkiria, Niger
Authors: Suuk Simon Subinimah , Laube Wolfram , Seyni Abdoul Aziz , Cantrell Randall Alan
Published: January 2025

We examined the diffusion of agricultural innovations that improve smallholder well-being in sub-Saharan Africa. Innovations are slowly being accepted in the region, but villagers of Dogonkiria in Niger are an exception in adopting a technology known as farmer-managed natural regeneration (FMNR). We employed an exploratory qualitative methodology based on Everette Rogers’ diffusion of innovation (DOI) theory to investigate the microlevel dynamics behind the success of FMNR. Our findings demonstrate that the top-down technology transfer model required robust local-level participation, with local knowledge being a substantial element in the diffusion process. In effect, the area is experiencing improved crop yield and availability of wood for construction and energy. The results enhance understanding the relationship between external agents (state and non-state actors) and local beneficiaries in the context of new technology dissemination.
Integrating control-theoretic predictive deep learning for resource-efficient computing systems
Authors: Machidon Alina L. , Pejović Veljko
Published: January 2025

Deep learning (DL) powers numerous applications on ubiquitous edge devices, but its high resource demands pose a challenge. Approximate computing is often proposed to alleviate this, yet such calculation usually suffers from a fixed level of accuracy loss. We propose a novel control-theoretic approach for predictive DL inference on resource constrained devices. Our system dynamically adjusts approximation levels based on a trade-off between resource utilisation and accuracy, considering future demands. Extensive experiments across diverse domains - human activity recognition, acoustic scene profiling, and computer vision - with various neural network architectures and approximation techniques, demonstrate that our approach achieves up to 50% energy savings while maintaining the desired inference accuracy and incurring minimal runtime overhead. Furthermore, we showcase our method in a real-world deployment on low-power edge devices and confirm its superiority over current state-of-the-art solutions.
Entomopathogenic Nematode Species Vary in Their Behavior and Virulence in Response to Cardiac Glycosides Within and Around Insect Hosts
Authors: Achi Perla , Christensen Preston , Iglesias Victoria , McCarthy Cullen , Pena Robert , Bavier Lanie , Goldy Connor , Agrawal Anurag A. , Groen Simon C. , Dillman Adler R.
Published: January 2025

Plants produce defensive toxins to deter herbivores. In response, some specialized herbivores evolved resistance and even the capacity to sequester toxins, affecting interactions at higher trophic levels. Here, we test the hypothesis that potential natural enemies of specialized herbivores are differentially affected by plant toxins depending on their level of adaptation to the plant-herbivore system. We focus on toxic cardiac glycosides (CGs) from milkweeds (Asclepias spp.), which inhibit animal Na+/K+-ATPases, and two CG-resistant insects, the large milkweed bug Oncopeltus fasciatus and a CRISPR-edited Drosophila melanogaster. Both have CG-resistant Na+/K+-ATPases through a set of key amino acid substitutions, which facilitate CG sequestration. We conducted infection experiments with entomopathogenic nematodes (Steinernema carpocapsae, S. feltiae, and S. hermaphroditum) as natural enemies on host insects containing mixtures of milkweed-derived CGs or purified CGs (ouabain, digoxin, and digitoxin) that vary in toxicity. The nematode S. carpocapsae is known to occur in soil near milkweed plants and naturally has several of the same Na+/K+-ATPase substitutions as the milkweed bug O. fasciatus and our Drosophila mutant. This nematode not only exhibited higher fecundity in hosts that carried CGs relative to the other nematode species (which have sensitive Na+/K+-ATPases), but also showed attraction to mixtures of CGs in milkweed root extracts and to purified ouabain when tested on agar plates. A coiling phenotype, which is a symptom of neurotoxicity, was observed more frequently in S. feltiae and S. hermaphroditum upon exposure to milkweed root extracts than in S. carpocapsae. Nematode behavior was further tested in sand, and while attraction to CGs was found for S. carpocapsae, nematodes of the other species tended to migrate away from milkweed root chemicals. Thus, S. carpocapsae can tolerate CGs and may use these as chemical cues to locate insect hosts that live on or around milkweed plants.
Host Plant Odour and Sex Pheromone are Integral to Mate Finding in Codling Moth
Authors: Erdei Anna Laura , Sousa Maria , Gonzalez Francisco , Bengtsson Marie , Witzgall Peter
Published: January 2025

The great diversity of specialist plant-feeding insects suggests that host plant shifts may initiate speciation, even without geographic barriers. Pheromones and kairomones mediate sexual communication and host choice, and the response to these behaviour-modifying chemicals is under sexual and natural selection, respectively. The concept that the interaction of mate signals and habitat cues facilitates reproductive isolation and ecological speciation is well established, while the traits and the underlying sensory mechanisms remain unknown. The larva of codling moth feeds in apple and other rosaceous fruits. We show for the first time that the response of male moths to female sex pheromone codlemone relies upon presence of pear ester, a kairomone emitted by host fruit. In the non-host tree birch, attraction to pheromone alone is very strongly reduced, but is fully rescued by blending pheromone with kairomone. This affords a mechanism how host plant shifts shape new mate-finding signals that can give rise to assortative mating and reproductive isolation.
Green Infrastructure and Urban Flooding: A Survey of Prevailing Issues and Current Modelling Approaches
Authors: Ali Liaqat , Gato-Trinidad Shirley , Imteaz Monzur
Published: January 2025

Green Infrastructure (GI) is gaining attention in urban flood management for its ability to reduce peak flow and volume while providing multiple urban and environmental benefits. Climate change and urbanization intensify GI development needs but also amplify design, management, and performance challenges for local governments and stakeholders. Understanding the complex challenges of implementing GI is essential for advancing sustainable urban water management in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Previous studies have often focused on specific components of GI systems, but this research provides the first comprehensive work covering it from pre-design to post-installation—of GI implementation in metropolitan Melbourne. Through a targeted survey of local councils and water consultancies, our study bridges the gap between theoretical design and practical application. By incorporating practitioners’ real-world experiences alongside technical modelling challenges, we reveal how factors like limited real-time data and regional parameterization can affect GI performance. Our approach uniquely examines interlinked obstacles, from financial constraints to maintenance protocols, giving decision-makers valuable insights to enhance GI project outcomes. This research addresses critical knowledge gaps, such as the need for community engagement and tailored technical expertise, providing actionable solutions for improving GI planning, implementation, and sustainability. Our findings offer a practical framework for future GI initiatives, helping practitioners pre-emptively tackle challenges, optimize resource use, and establish a resilient urban infrastructure that supports clean water access, sustainable urban growth, and climate adaptation.
Recycling of Tantalum Capacitors Via Sulfide Chemistry
Authors: Boury Charles , Allanore Antoine
Published: January 2025

The fabrication of tantalum capacitors represents more than 35 pct of the total consumption of metallic tantalum with an increasing demand for the high-technology sector. Tantalum capacitors contain a large concentration of tantalum, and the absence of niobium leads to interesting economic outcomes for potential recycling processes. The article discusses such recycling using sulfur, where an AB2O6 crystal structure analogous to the orthorhombic columbite-tantalite series is sulfidized. Sulfide affinities differences between A (Mn, Fe) and B (Nb, Ta) effectively separate the ternary oxide, capitalizing on the distinct chemical properties between A and B elements, in the absence of fluoridic acids. To bypass the fluoride-based chemistry process entirely, a proof of concept of tantalum disulfide (TaS2) production via sulfidation of Ta2O5 and its subsequent metallic reduction via molten sulfide electrolysis are also presented.
Exploring Gendered Perspectives on Personality Traits and Entrepreneurial Performance in Lebanon during the COVID-19 Crisis
Authors: Youssef Moustafa Haj , Sayour Nagham
Published: January 2025

We investigate the impact of gendered personality traits on the entrepreneurial performance of male and female entrepreneurs in Lebanon during the COVID-19 crisis. Using the Big Five personality model and survey data from 500 entrepreneurs, the research examines how traits such as agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, extraversion, and openness to experience influence business outcomes in high-pressure environments. The findings reveal that agreeableness and neuroticism benefit female entrepreneurs more than males during crises, while conscientiousness significantly deteriorates the financial performance of female entrepreneurs. Extraversion and openness exhibit no differential effects on financial performance by gender. By examining the interplay between gendered personality traits and entrepreneurial performance within the unique context of Lebanon during the COVID-19 pandemic, this study contributes novel insights to the literature. It challenges traditional views on gendered advantages in entrepreneurship, particularly by highlighting the underexplored positive implications of neuroticism and the nuanced role of agreeableness. These findings provide actionable insights for policymakers and support organisations. Specifically, fostering relational skills such as agreeableness and leveraging neuroticism’s sensitivity for proactive crisis management can enhance entrepreneurial resilience. Additionally, training programmes aimed at addressing the rigidity associated with conscientiousness can help entrepreneurs adapt more effectively to volatile environments. By tailoring interventions to gender-specific personality dynamics, these insights can strengthen entrepreneurial ecosystems and improve resilience in times of uncertainty.
Effect of terahertz radiation on cells and cellular structures
Authors: Rytik A. P. , Tuchin V. V.
Published: January 2025

The paper presents the results of modern research on the effects of electromagnetic terahertz radiation in the frequency range 0.5–100 THz at different levels of power density and exposure time on the viability of normal and cancer cells. As an accompanying tool for monitoring the effect of radiation on biological cells and tissues, spectroscopic research methods in the terahertz frequency range are described, and attention is focused on the possibility of using the spectra of interstitial water as a marker of pathological processes. The problem of the safety of terahertz radiation for the human body from the point of view of its effect on the structures and systems of biological cells is also considered.

Graphical Abstract
Lie Subalgebras, Solutions and Conserved Vectors of a Nonlinear Geophysical Korteweg de Vries Equation in Ocean Physics and Nonlinear Mechanics with Power Law
Authors: Adeyemo Oke Davies
Published: January 2025

Ocean physics describes the way the ocean surface layer interacts with the atmosphere and extends to the transmission of energy from ocean waves and tides to the seafloor. Hence, for the first time, this article explores the analytical study of a generalized geophysical Korteweg-de Vries equation found in ocean physics with power-law nonlinearity. The model is analyzed using the Lie group theory that ensures mapping of the existing solutions to other solutions. Initially, the calculation of the associated Lie algebra for the model is carried out in a systematic manner, after which one parameter transformation group for the algebra is derived. Besides, a one-dimensional optimal system of subalgebra is derived in a procedural manner. Sequel to this, the subalgebras and combination of the achieved symmetries are invoked in the reduction process, culminating in generating nonlinear ordinary differential equations associated with the model under study. In consequence, analytic soliton solutions, including non-topological soliton solutions and general periodic function solutions of note, in the structure of Weierstrass elliptic and Jacobi elliptic functions are obtained for the model. One of the interesting results also includes an implicit hypergeometric function solution. Additionally, numerical simulations are utilized to develop a basic understanding of the physical phenomena described by the model in ocean physics. Ultimately, conserved vectors are determined for the model by applying Ibragimov’s theorem together with Noether’s theorem.
Comparing extraction conditions for favorable yield of lutein and zeaxanthin from distiller’s grains
Authors: Aicher Emily , Engelberth Abigail S.
Published: January 2025

Sustainable manufacturing practices have become requisite to stretch resources and increase process efficiency. Repurposing waste is a critical strategy to increase sustainability. In bioethanol production, distiller’s grains are a low-value byproduct stream that typically become animal feed. However, corn – and thus distiller’s grains – contains notable levels of lutein and zeaxanthin, carotenoids thought to play a role in maintaining eye health. There is potential to recover additional value from distiller’s grains while repurposing a low-value stream. Conditions to recover lutein and zeaxanthin from either wet distiller’s grains and solubles (WDGS) or dried distiller’s grains and solubles (DDGS) using Soxhlet extraction were investigated and statistically analyzed. Extraction solvent, solid loading, and material type were varied, and the resins were processed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to determine the carotenoid content for each condition. The factors causing the greatest changes in yield per gram of sample dry mass were material type (DDGS resulted in a 26% greater yield as compared to WDGS) and solvent (yield with ethanol was 231% greater than with ethyl acetate). Similarly, only material, solvent, and the material × solvent interaction were significant in determining yield (α = 0.05). Solid loading produced only marginal changes in yield per gram of dry mass. Investigating mixing ratios and particle sizes of distiller’s grains, as well as scalable extraction techniques, are the next steps in developing an industrial method of lutein and zeaxanthin recovery.

Graphical Abstract
Multiplatform ecosystems of professional learning: The case of the #CharlasEducativas
Authors: Carpenter Jeffrey P. , Mosquera-Gende Ingrid , Marcelo-Martínez Paula
Published: January 2025

Self-directed educator professional learning is commonplace, and such activities increasingly span multiple digital spaces and formats, and blur boundaries between online and offline. In this exploratory research, we analyze the case of the #CharlasEducativas, a dynamic professional learning ecosystem that began in 2020 and is based in Spain. We describe the platforms, modalities, and activities that comprised the #CharlasEducativas from 2020–2023, and how these different elements combine to create a multiplatform learning ecosystem. Relying upon multiple data sources, we also analyze the topics and content associated with various components of this unique ecosystem, and share participant perceptions of the #CharlasEducativas. Although the ecosystem was first developed relying mostly on YouTube and X/Twitter, the #CharlasEducativas have evolved over time to include additional platforms, and even in-person events, with different spaces functioning in overlapping and distinct ways. These spaces have been employed in synchronous and asynchronous ways, using text, images, voice, and visuals to discuss and share information on a wide array of education topics. Many participants reported perceiving the #CharlasEducativas as a space of learning and community building, and credited this learning and community with sparking reflection upon and changes in their own teaching practices. We discuss how the #CharlasEducativas reflect opportunities and challenges of contemporary educator professional learning in the context of ubiquitous social media platforms. Finally, we define implications for research and practice, highlighting the need to advance understanding of educators’ multiplatform professional learning activities.
An Ancillary Effect of Patient Navigation Following Detox: Fewer Arrests
Authors: Rosenman Robert , Noonan Carolyn , Muller Clemma , Maclehose Rich , Trojan Jodi , Poole Erin , Manson Spero M.
Published: January 2025

Patient navigation (PN) is increasingly used to help people overcome barriers to accessing health care. In a recent trial, PN was added to motivational interviewing (MI) to help patients discharged from detoxification (detox) transition to follow-up care. The goal was to test whether PN in addition to MI increased transition rates and reduced subsequent readmissions into detox compared with MI alone. Results demonstrated little evidence of a treatment effect on either of these two outcomes, but post hoc exploratory analyses showed that patients who received PN were less likely to be arrested in the year following discharge than patients who did not receive PN. In addition, the group that received PN had fewer multiple arrests resulting in a lower average number of arrests per person. These findings are hypothesis-generating and need replication for conclusive inference. Nevertheless, economic analysis indicates that PN after detox could be a cost-beneficial intervention to reduce arrests among a population at high risk for involvement in the criminal justice system.
The materialised temporality of dust: developing a biodesign methodology to spatialise time and temporalise space
Authors: Ramirez-Figueroa Carolina , Nevin Antony , Orme Campbell
Published: January 2025

The paper uses the material and conceptual figure of dust and matter out of place to amplify more-than-human perspectives of time, to trace the changing orientations and ethos of a site. Dust contains a complex mixture of inorganic and organic material, made up of an exuberance of microbial life such as Penicillium, Aspergillus and Cladosporium and around 20 other fungal sources. We are interested in dust as a material and metaphorical device to situate and critique temporality and the way we narrate and investigate the past and future, from a non-human, microbial point of view. Dust implies residual matter, a contradiction to order often associated with dirt. It indicates something that needs to be removed, or rearranged, something that is “out of place,” an element that does not fit. Dust also indicates time and space and signals movement and life: dust hosts a medley of non-human particles and microbial communities that engage in their own worldmaking practices. The paper brings together methods of “un-cleaning” with archival research and spatial methods of 3D scanning, modelling and mapping, as an opportunity to decentre human hubris and explore the ways in which non-humans have and continue to inhabit “our” spaces.
Channels of influence in sustainable finance: A framework for conceptualizing how private actors shape the green transition
Authors: Fichtner Jan , Schairer Simon , Haufe Paula , Aguila Nicolás , Baioni Riccardo , Urban Janina , Wullweber Joscha
Published: January 2025

Since the Paris Agreement, interest in decarbonization and sustainable finance has grown rapidly. Within the prevalent derisking regime, investment for decarbonization must come predominantly from the private sector. However, growth in ‘sustainable finance’ assets is not necessarily causing more sustainability-advancing productive investment to drive the green transition. We thus argue that sustainable finance is not exclusively about investing or providing finance, but crucially also about changing corporate practices toward greater sustainability. To shed light on how private financial actors can influence sustainability in a derisking context and to facilitate this broader research perspective on sustainable finance, we introduce the conceptual framework of ‘channels of influence’. These channels are different strategies and mechanisms used by private actors that influence the behavior of financial and non-financial corporations to increase financial flows to sustainable productive investments. We identify ten channels of influence concerning sustainable finance: (1) initial financing; (2) refinancing; (3) (re)insurance; (4) ratings; (5) climate-litigation; (6) company engagement; (7) divestment; (8) reputation; (9) coalition-building; and (10) standard-setting. These are grouped according to the specificity and breadth of their sustainability impact. Using these channels enables private actors to advance sustainability within the status quo of state-market relations and regulation.
First-order analysis of slip flow for micro and nanoscale applications
Authors: Lockerby Duncan A.
Published: January 2025

An existing approach for deriving analytical expressions for slip-flow properties of Stokes flow is generalised and applied to a range of micro and nanoscale applications. The technique, which exploits the reciprocal theorem, can generate first-order predictions of the impact of Navier or Maxwell slip boundary conditions on surface moments of the traction force (e.g. on drag and torque). This article brings dedicated focus to the technique, generalises it to predict first-order slip effects on arbitrary moments of the surface traction, numerically verifies the technique on a number of cases and applies the method to a range of micro and nano-scale applications. Applications include predicting: the drag on translating spheres with varying slip length; the efficiency of a micro journal bearing; the speed of a self-propelled particle (a ‘squirmer’); and the pressure drop required to drive flow through long, straight micro/nano channels. Certain general results are also obtained. For example, for low-slip Stokes flow: any surface distribution of positive slip length will reduce the drag on any translating particle; and any perimetric distribution of positive slip length will reduce the pressure loss through a straight channel flow of arbitrary cross-section.
Increasing invasive liana cover following tree mortality and containment treatments associated with a fungal pathogen
Authors: Abella Scott R. , Walters Timothy L. , Menard Karen S.
Published: January 2025

Tree-afflicting pests, such as insects and pathogens, could change forests in ways promoting invasions by non-native plants. After tree death associated with the fungal pathogen oak wilt (Bretziella fagacearum (Bretz) Z.W. de Beer, Marincowitz, T.A. Duong & M.J. Wingfield) and its attempted containment (severing root connectivity and sanitation removal of infected trees), we examined change in cover of the non-native liana Oriental bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus Thunb.; hereafter Celastrus) at 28 sites in temperate black oak (Quercus velutina Lam.) forests, Ohio, USA. During our five-year study spanning 2020 to 2024, Celastrus cover increased significantly (P < 0.05) through time at oak wilt sites but not in untreated reference forest sites without evidence of oak wilt. Celastrus cover increased by an order of magnitude, up to an average of 32× among oak wilt treatments up to 10 years old. By 2024, Celastrus cover ranged from 6-22% on average in 5-10-year-old oak wilt treatments, compared with 1% cover in reference forest. Results indicate that non-native plant invasion accelerated following disturbance associated with a fungal pathogen and its attempted containment, and more generally, suggest that tree-afflicting pests can promote invasive plants in forests. Co-management of tree-afflicting pests and non-native plants may become increasingly important to ensure forests recovering from tree mortality are dominated by native plants.
SUFFICIENT CONDITIONS FOR LOCAL TABULARITY OF A POLYMODAL LOGIC
Authors: SHAPIROVSKY ILYA B.
Published: January 2025

On relational structures and on polymodal logics, we describe operations which preserve local tabularity. This provides new sufficient semantic and axiomatic conditions for local tabularity of a modal logic. The main results are the following.

We show that local tabularity does not depend on reflexivity. Namely, given a class

$\mathcal {F}$

of frames, consider the class

$\mathcal {F}^{\mathrm {r}}$

of frames, where the reflexive closure operation was applied to each relation in every frame in

$\mathcal {F}$

. We show that if the logic of

$\mathcal {F}^{\mathrm {r}}$

is locally tabular, then the logic of

$\mathcal {F}$

is locally tabular as well.

Then we consider the operation of sum on Kripke frames, where a family of frames-summands is indexed by elements of another frame. We show that if both the logic of indices and the logic of summands are locally tabular, then the logic of corresponding sums is also locally tabular.

Finally, using the previous theorem, we describe an operation on logics that preserves local tabularity: we provide a set of formulas such that the extension of the fusion of two canonical locally tabular logics with these formulas is locally tabular.
Network hub changes in the pars opercularis indicate impaired inhibition in tic disorder patients
Authors: Chi SuHyuk , Mok Young Eun , Kang June , Gim Jeong-An , Lee Moon-Soo
Published: January 2025

Objective:

This study aimed to utilise graph theory to explore the functional brain networks in individuals with tic disorders and to investigate resting-state functional connectivity changes in critical brain regions associated with tic disorders.

Methods:

Participants comprised individuals with tic disorders and age-matched healthy controls, ranging from 6 to 18 years old, all recruited from Korea University Guro Hospital. We ensured a medication-naïve cohort by excluding participants exposed to psychotropic medications for at least three weeks prior to the study. Data included structural and resting-state functional MRI scans, analysed with the CONN-fMRI Functional Connectivity toolbox v20b. The analysis included 22 patients (18 males, 4 females) and 26 controls (14 males, 12 females).

Results:

Significantly increased global efficiency was observed in the left inferior frontal gyrus pars opercularis among tic disorder patients compared to controls. Furthermore, this region displayed enhanced resting-state functional connectivity with its right counterpart in patients versus controls.

Conclusion:

The inferior frontal gyrus pars opercularis, known for its inhibitory role, may reflect adaptive functional adjustments in response to tic symptoms. Increased hubness of the inferior frontal gyrus pars opercularis possibly represents functional adjustments in response to tic symptoms. The identified brain region with increased efficiency and connectivity presents a promising avenue for further research into tic expression and control mechanisms.
Chosen Glory and Chosen Trauma with Chinese Characteristics: Social Representations of History in an Authoritarian Context
Authors: Sinkkonen Elina
Published: January 2025

There is tension between manipulation of national identity construction and agency in the literature on ingroup identification, especially in authoritarian contexts. In China, the past is very relevant with regards to legitimacy of the Communist Party. Yet, we cannot just assume that what the state propagates is what can also be found at the bottom-up level. This article analyses social representations of history in China combining the top-down perspective of state education policies and curated historical narratives to the bottom-up perspective formed through analyzing two student surveys, collected first in 2007 and again in 2011-2012, and 11 interviews. Earlier research indicates that in most countries representations of history concentrate on negative issues and their time span is short. Chinese representations of history are divided into narratives of glory and humiliation, and respondents have a much longer perspective to national history than typical participants in international surveys. Finally, although problematic periods such as the Cultural Revolution get less coverage in political speeches and school textbooks, they are not forgotten among students. Furthermore, the view that people should have their own ideas about history and China rather than having to adopt the government promoted narrative was visible in multiple student interviews.