bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Imagine to automatize: automatization of stimulus–response coupling after action imagery practice in implicit sequence learning
Authors: Dahm Stephan F. , Hyna Henri , Krause Daniel
Published: March 2023

Action imagery practice (AIP) describes the repetitive imagination of an action to improve subsequent action execution. Because AIP and action execution practice (AEP) draw on partly similar motor mechanisms, it was assumed that AIP may lead to motor automatization, which is observable in a reduction of dual-task costs after AEP. To investigate automatization in AIP, we compared dual-task and single-task performance in practice and random sequences in pretests and posttests. All participants practiced serial reactions to visual stimuli in ten single-task practice sessions. An AIP group imagined the reactions. An AEP group and a control practice group executed the reactions. Practice followed a sequential sequence in AIP and AEP but was random in control practice. In dual-task test conditions, tones were counted that appeared in addition to the visual stimuli. RTs decreased from pretest to posttest in both practice and random sequences in all groups indicating general sequence-unspecific learning. Further, RTs decreased to a greater extent in the practice sequence than in the random sequence after AIP and AEP, indicating sequence-specific learning. Dual-task costs—the difference between RTs after tone and no tone events—were reduced independent from the performed sequence in all groups indicating sequence-unspecific automatization. It is concluded that the stimulus–response coupling can be automatized by both, AEP and AIP.
Can smaller predators expand their prey base through killing juveniles? The influence of prey demography and season on prey selection for cheetahs and lions
Authors: Annear Eleesha , Minnie Liaan , Andrew Kaeleah , Kerley Graham I. H.
Published: March 2023

Smaller predators may overcome body size restrictions on their prey base by selecting for juveniles of larger prey species. However, traditional prey selection models ignore demographic classes within prey species. We refined these models for two predators with contrasting body sizes and hunting strategies, by including seasonal consumption and availability of prey demographic classes. We predicted that cheetahs would select for smaller neonate and juvenile prey especially of larger species, while lions would select for larger, adult prey. We further predicted seasonal diet shifts in cheetah, but not lion. We recorded species-specific demographic class prey use (kills) via direct observation and GPS cluster of cheetahs and lions fitted with GPS collars. Species-specific demographic class prey availability was estimated from monthly driven transects, and species-specific demographic class prey preferences were estimated. The availability of prey demographic classes varied seasonally. Cheetahs preferred neonates, juveniles, and sub-adults during the wet season, but adults and juveniles during the dry season. Lions preferred adult prey irrespective of season, with sub-adults, juveniles, and neonates killed relative to their abundance. This confirms that traditional prey preference models do not adequately account for demographic-specific prey preference. This is particularly important for smaller predators, like cheetahs, that focus on smaller prey but can expand their prey base by killing juveniles of larger species. For these smaller predators, prey availability will vary strongly seasonally, making them more vulnerable to processes that influence prey reproduction, like global change.
Cost-effectiveness analysis of (accelerated) pre-operative versus (conventional) post-operative radiotherapy for patients with oral cavity cancer in Sweden
Authors: Silfverschiöld Maria , Carlwig Kristin , Jarl Johan , Greiff Lennart , Nilsson Per , Wennerberg Johan , Zackrisson Björn , Östensson Ellinor , Sjövall Johanna
Published: March 2023

Background

Treatment for resectable oral cavity cancer (OCC) often includes combinations of surgery and radiotherapy (RT), but there is no conclusive information on the preferred treatment order. The aim of this study was to assess the costs and cost-effectiveness of two alternative treatment regimens for patients with OCC, reflecting pre- and post-operative RT, from a societal perspective.

Methods

The study used data from the ARTSCAN 2 randomised controlled trial, which compares pre-operative accelerated RT with post-operative conventionally fractionated RT. Two-hundred-forty patients were included in the analysis of treatment outcomes. Direct costs were retrieved from the hospital’s economic systems, while indirect costs were obtained from national registries. Cost-effectiveness was assessed and a sensitivity analysis was performed. Overall survival (OS) at 5 years, was used as effect measure in the analysis.

Results

Two-hundred-nine patients completed the treatments and had retrievable data on costs. Mean direct costs (inpatient and outpatient care) were € 47,377 for pre-operative RT and € 39,841 for post-operative RT (p = 0.001), while corresponding indirect costs were € 19,854 and € 20,531 (p = 0.89). The incremental cost, i.e., the mean difference in total cost between the treatment regimens, was € 6859 paralleled with a 14-percentage point lower OS-rate at 5 years for pre-operative RT (i.e., 58 vs. 72%). Thus, pre-operative RT was dominated by post-operative RT.

Conclusions

From a societal perspective, post-operative RT for patients with resectable OCC is the dominant strategy compared to pre-operative RT.
Tissue-growth-based synthetic tree generation and perfusion simulation
Authors: Kim Hyun Jin , Rundfeldt Hans Christian , Lee Inpyo , Lee Seungmin
Published: March 2023

Biological tissues receive oxygen and nutrients from blood vessels by developing an indispensable supply and demand relationship with the blood vessels. We implemented a synthetic tree generation algorithm by considering the interactions between the tissues and blood vessels. We first segment major arteries using medical image data and synthetic trees are generated originating from these segmented arteries. They grow into extensive networks of small vessels to fill the supplied tissues and satisfy the metabolic demand of them. Further, the algorithm is optimized to be executed in parallel without affecting the generated tree volumes. The generated vascular trees are used to simulate blood perfusion in the tissues by performing multiscale blood flow simulations. One-dimensional blood flow equations were used to solve for blood flow and pressure in the generated vascular trees and Darcy flow equations were solved for blood perfusion in the tissues using a porous model assumption. Both equations are coupled at terminal segments explicitly. The proposed methods were applied to idealized models with different tree resolutions and metabolic demands for validation. The methods demonstrated that realistic synthetic trees were generated with significantly less computational expense compared to that of a constrained constructive optimization method. The methods were then applied to cerebrovascular arteries supplying a human brain and coronary arteries supplying the left and right ventricles to demonstrate the capabilities of the proposed methods. The proposed methods can be utilized to quantify tissue perfusion and predict areas prone to ischemia in patient-specific geometries.
Tree mortality in mature temperate forests of central Mexico: a spatial approach
Authors: Rubio-Camacho Ernesto Alonso , Hesselbarth Maximilian H. K. , Flores-Garnica José Germán , Acosta-Mireles Miguel
Published: March 2023

Tree mortality is an important process of forest stand dynamics and knowledge of it is fundamental to implement adequate management strategies. Subject to several factors, tree mortality can induce different spatial patterns on the remaining live and dead trees. While spatially clustered tree mortality in young forests is often driven by competition, in old-growth forests, spatially clustered tree mortality is often caused by disturbance agents. This study is focused on a spatiotemporal analysis of tree mortality in a mature temperate forest located in central Mexico dominated byPinus montezumaeandAlnus firmifolia. We used tree locations from a permanent plot (300 × 300 m) measured over a 20-year period. The results, from applying point pattern analysis, showed that the spatial pattern of all dead trees was clustered at short to medium distances, but showed no clear deviation from complete spatial randomness at longer distances. Similar results were found forP. montezumaeandA. firmifolia. Using the bivariate mark-connection function (alive and dead trees), no tree mortality caused by competition was discernable, onlyA. firmifoliashowed a tendency toward competition-introduced mortality around 15 m. Regarding forest structure, alive trees retained a clustered distribution and size heterogeneity at different distances during the measurement period. Thus, there was evidence that the resulting spatial pattern of tree mortality could be explained by disturbance agents such as droughts rather than tree competition. Therefore, the results of this study can contribute to implement management strategies based on the principles of continuous cover forestry and provide novel information regarding tree mortality in Mexican montane forests.
Susceptibility of white grubs from forestry and sugarcane plantations in South Africa to entomopathogenic nematodes
Authors: Katumanyane Agil , Slippers Bernard , Wondafrash Mesfin , Malan Antoinette P. , Hurley Brett P.
Published: March 2023

The control of white grub (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) pests of sugarcane and forest plantations is difficult due to their cryptic nature and resistance to chemicals. This study evaluated the potential use of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) as an alternative control method. Laboratory bioassays were performed with 12 locally isolated EPN species to determine the susceptibility of third instar larvae of the white grubs Schizonycha affinis Boheman, Pegylis sommeri Burmeister, Monochelus sp. and Maladera sp. 4. Concentration trials to determine lethal dosages for three of the white grub species were performed using Heterorhabditis zealandica Poinar MJ2C. Bioassays were performed to determine whether nematodes could develop inside the cadavers of S. affinis and P. sommeri as these had shown the lowest susceptibility to EPNs. The mortality percentage of the white grubs, although varying significantly, was found to be low for most of the EPN species, except H. zealandica. The highest percentage mortality of white grubs was observed at four weeks post inoculation with the rate of mortality being highest in the first week. Schizonycha affinis had the lowest LD50 of 38 Infective juveniles (IJs) per larva after 28 days, compared to Maladera sp. 4, with 284 IJs per larva, and P. sommeri, with 1035 IJs per larva. The dissection of insect cadavers revealed possible limiting factors for low susceptibility, due to the nematodes and their associated symbiotic bacteria’s inability to infect the insect haemocoel, with no EPNs being found inside some of the cadavers.
Feeding pressure on meroplankton by the invasive ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi
Authors: Schroeder Anna , Camatti Elisa , Pansera Marco , Pallavicini Alberto
Published: March 2023

After its bloom in the Black and Caspian Sea in the late 1980s and early 90s, there has been an increased interest in understanding the ecology of the invasive zooplanktivorous comb jellyfish Mnemiopsis leidyi and its potentially severe impacts on the functioning of marine systems. In the last decade, M. leidyi has colonized most of the Mediterranean Sea, including the Adriatic Sea, and in 2016 it was recorded in the Venice Lagoon (Malej et al. J Sea Res 124:10–16, 2017). The impact M. leidyi could have on a semi-enclosed ecosystem like the Venice Lagoon is of concern as it is an important nursery and foraging area for several fish species as well as an area of mussel, clam, and crab fishery and aquaculture. Historically, the feeding preference of M. leidyi was determined by morphological identification of gut contents. This is the first study investigating the in-situ gut contents of this species using DNA metabarcoding, which overcomes the limit in identifying partially digested prey. In this study, M. leidyi’s gut contents collected in the Venice Lagoon were evaluated by metabarcoding and compared to the in-situ mesozooplankton community. The results indicate that its blooming period is in the late summer and that it feeds on a variety of prey, mostly coinciding with the zooplankton assemblage. Notably, some groups, like decapod larvae and the slow-swimming larvae of gastropods and bivalves, appear to be favored. Conversely, the relative abundance of copepods was higher in-situ than in the gut contents.
A complex bearing TSPO PIGA ligand coordinated to the [Au(PEt3)]+ pharmacophore is highly cytotoxic against ovarian cancer cells
Authors: Chiaverini Lorenzo , Baglini Emma , Mannelli Michele , Poggetti Valeria , Da Settimo Federico , Taliani Sabrina , Gamberi Tania , Barresi Elisabetta , La Mendola Diego , Marzo Tiziano
Published: March 2023

Auranofin ([1-(thio-κS)-β-d-glucopyranose-2,3,4,6-tetraacetato](triethylphosphine)-gold) is a leading gold-based drug clinically used to treat arthritis. In the last years, it entered various drug reprofiling programs, and it has been found promising against various forms of tumor, including ovarian cancer. Evidence showed as its antiproliferative profile mainly depends on the inhibition of thioredoxin reductase (TrxR), being this mitochondrial system its main target. In this context, we report here the synthesis and biological evaluation of a novel complex designed as auranofin analogue obtained through the conjugation of a phenylindolylglyoxylamide ligand (which belongs to the so-called PIGA TSPO ligand family) with the auranofin-derived cationic fragment [Au(PEt3)]+. This complex is characterized by two parts. The phenylindolylglyoxylamide moiety, owing to its high affinity for TSPO (in the low nM range) should drive the compound to target mitochondria, whereas the [Au(PEt3)]+ cation is the actual anticancer-active molecular fragment. Overall, we wanted to offer the proof-of-concept that by coupling PIGA ligands to anticancer gold active moieties, it is possible to preserve and even improve anticancer effects, opening the avenue to a reliable approach for targeted therapy.
A prediction model for distant metastasis after isolated locoregional recurrence of breast cancer
Authors: Murata Takeshi , Yoshida Masayuki , Shiino Sho , Ogawa Ayumi , Watase Chikashi , Satomi Kaishi , Jimbo Kenjiro , Maeshima Akiko , Iwamoto Eriko , Takayama Shin , Suto Akihiko
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The impact of progesterone receptor (PR) status on the prognosis of breast cancer after isolated locoregional recurrence (ILRR) remains unclear. This study evaluated the impact of clinicopathologic factors, including PR status of ILRR, on distant metastasis (DM) after ILRR.

Methods

We retrospectively identified 306 patients with ILRR diagnosed at the National Cancer Center Hospital between 1993 and 2021 from the database. Cox proportional hazards analysis was performed to examine factors associated with DM after ILRR. We developed a risk prediction model based on the number of detected risk factors and estimated survival curves using the Kaplan–Meier method.

Results

During a median follow-up time of 4.7 years after ILRR diagnosis, 86 patients developed DM, and 50 died. Multivariate analysis revealed that seven risk factors were associated with poor distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS): estrogen receptor-positive/PR-negative/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative ILRR, short disease-free interval, recurrence site other than ipsilateral breast, no-resection of ILRR tumor, chemotherapy for the primary tumor, nodal stage in the primary tumor, and no endocrine therapy for ILRR. The predictive model classified patients into 4 groups based on the number of risk factors: low-, intermediate-, high-, and the highest-risk groups with 0 to 1, 2, 3 to 4, and 5 to 7 factors, respectively. This revealed significant variation in DMFS among the groups. A higher number of the risk factors was associated with poorer DMFS.

Conclusion

Our prediction model, which considered the ILRR receptor status, may contribute to the development of a treatment strategy for ILRR.
Don’t Shoot the Messenger? A Morality- and Gender-Based Model of Reactions to Negative Workplace Gossip
Authors: Kakarika Maria , Taghavi Shiva , González-Gómez Helena V.
Published: March 2023

We conducted three studies to examine how the recipients of negative workplace gossip judge the gossip sender’s morality and how they respond behaviorally. Study 1 provided experimental evidence that gossip recipients perceive senders as low in morality, with female recipients rating the sender’s morality more negatively than male recipients. In a follow-up experiment (Study 2), we further found that perceived low morality translates into behavioral responses in the form of career-related sanctions by the recipient on the gossip sender. A critical incident study (Study 3) enhanced the external validity and extended the moderated mediation model by showing that gossip recipients also penalize senders with social exclusion. We discuss the implications for practice and research on negative workplace gossip, gender differences in attributions of morality, and gossip recipients’ behavioral responses.
Effect of Clarithromycin, a Strong CYP3A and P-glycoprotein Inhibitor, on the Pharmacokinetics of Edoxaban in Healthy Volunteers and the Evaluation of the Drug Interaction with Other Oral Factor Xa Inhibitors by a Microdose Cocktail Approach
Authors: Lenard Alexander , Hermann Simon A. , Stoll Felicitas , Burhenne Juergen , Foerster Kathrin I. , Mikus Gerd , Meid Andreas D. , Haefeli Walter E. , Blank Antje
Published: March 2023

Purpose

We assessed the differential effect of clarithromycin, a strong inhibitor of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 and P-glycoprotein, on the pharmacokinetics of a regular dose of edoxaban and on a microdose cocktail of factor Xa inhibitors (FXaI). Concurrently, CYP3A activity was determined with a midazolam microdose.

Methods

In an open-label fixed-sequence trial in 12 healthy volunteers, the pharmacokinetics of a microdosed FXaI cocktail (μ-FXaI; 25 μg apixaban, 50 μg edoxaban, and 25 μg rivaroxaban) and of 60 mg edoxaban before and during clarithromycin (2 x 500 mg/d) dosed to steady-state was evaluated. Plasma concentrations of study drugs were quantified using validated ultra-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry methods.

Results

Therapeutic clarithromycin doses increased the exposure of a therapeutic 60 mg dose of edoxaban with a geometric mean ratio (GMR) of the area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) of 1.53 (90 % CI: 1.37–1.70; p < 0.0001). Clarithromycin also increased the GMR (90% CI) of the exposure of microdosed FXaI apixaban to 1.38 (1.26–1.51), edoxaban to 2.03 (1.84–2.24), and rivaroxaban to 1.44 (1.27–1.63). AUC changes observed for the therapeutic edoxaban dose were significantly smaller than those observed with the microdose (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Clarithromycin increases FXaI exposure. However, the magnitude of this drug interaction is not expected to be clinically relevant. The edoxaban microdose overestimates the extent of the drug interaction with the therapeutic dose, whereas AUC ratios for apixaban and rivaroxaban were comparable to the interaction with therapeutic doses as reported in the literature.

Trial Registration

EudraCT Number: 2018-002490-22
Data-Driven Criminal Justice in the age of algorithms: epistemic challenges and practical implications
Authors: Castro-Toledo Francisco J. , Miró-Llinares Fernando , Aguerri Jesús C.
Published: March 2023

The emergence of algorithmic tools and Artificial Intelligence and their use in criminal justice has raised a relevant theoretical and political debate. This article unpacks and synthesizes the debate on the role of causality for the scientific method to analyze predictive decision support systems, their practical value and epistemic problems. As a result of this discussion, it is argued that the measured usage of theory and causation-based algorithms is preferable over correlational (i.e., causally opaque) algorithms as support tools in the penal system. At the same time, the usage of the latter is supported when it is critically accompanied by abductive reasoning. Finally, the arguments put forth in this article suggest that the field of criminology needs a deeper epistemological understanding of the scientific value of data-driven tools in order to entertain a serious debate on their use.
Population dynamics hide phenotypic changes driven by subtle chemical exposures: implications for risk assessments
Authors: del Arco Ana , Becks Lutz , de Vicente Inmaculada
Published: March 2023

Ecological risk assessment of chemicals focuses on the response of different taxa in isolation not taking ecological and evolutionary interplay in communities into account. Its consideration would, however, allow for an improved assessment by testing for implications within and across trophic levels and changes in the phenotypic and genotypic diversity within populations. We present a simple experimental system that can be used to evaluate the ecological and evolutionary responses to chemical exposure at microbial community levels. We exposed a microbial model system of the ciliateTetrahymena thermophila(predator) and the bacteriumPseudomonas fluorescens(prey) to iron released from Magnetic Particles (MP-Fedis), which are Phosphorus (P) adsorbents used in lake restoration. Our results show that while the responses of predator single population size differed across concentrations of MP-Fedisand the responses of prey from communities differed also across concentration of MP-Fedis, the community responses (species ratio) were similar for the different MP-Fedisconcentrations. Looking further at an evolutionary change in the bacterial preys’ defence, we found that MP-Fedisdrove different patterns and dynamics of defence evolution. Overall, our study shows how similar community dynamics mask changes at evolutionary levels that would be overlooked in the design of current risk assessment protocols where evolutionary approaches are not considered.
Twenty-year trajectories of cardio-metabolic factors among people with type 2 diabetes by dementia status in England: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Lai Heidi T. M. , Chang Kiara , Sharabiani Mansour T. A. , Valabhji Jonathan , Gregg Edward W. , Middleton Lefkos , Majeed Azeem , Pearson-Stuttard Jonathan , Millett Christopher , Bottle Alex , Vamos Eszter P.
Published: March 2023

To assess 20-year retrospective trajectories of cardio-metabolic factors preceding dementia diagnosis among people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). We identified 227,145 people with T2D aged > 42 years between 1999 and 2018. Annual mean levels of eight routinely measured cardio-metabolic factors were extracted from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink. Multivariable multilevel piecewise and non-piecewise growth curve models assessed retrospective trajectories of cardio-metabolic factors by dementia status from up to 19 years preceding dementia diagnosis (dementia) or last contact with healthcare (no dementia). 23,546 patients developed dementia; mean (SD) follow-up was 10.0 (5.8) years. In the dementia group, mean systolic blood pressure increased 16–19 years before dementia diagnosis compared with patients without dementia, but declined more steeply from 16 years before diagnosis, while diastolic blood pressure generally declined at similar rates. Mean body mass index followed a steeper non-linear decline from 11 years before diagnosis in the dementia group. Mean blood lipid levels (total cholesterol, LDL, HDL) and glycaemic measures (fasting plasma glucose and HbA1c) were generally higher in the dementia group compared with those without dementia and followed similar patterns of change. However, absolute group differences were small. Differences in levels of cardio-metabolic factors were observed up to two decades prior to dementia diagnosis. Our findings suggest that a long follow-up is crucial to minimise reverse causation arising from changes in cardio-metabolic factors during preclinical dementia. Future investigations which address associations between cardiometabolic factors and dementia should account for potential non-linear relationships and consider the timeframe when measurements are taken.
Evaluation of the stability of heavy metal-containing sediments obtained in the wastewater treatment processes with the use of various precipitating agents
Authors: Lejwoda Paweł , Świnder Henryk , Thomas Maciej
Published: March 2023

The article presents the results of research on the leachability of selected heavy metals (cadmium, nickel, chromium, cobalt, lead, and copper) from solid waste obtained in laboratory processes involved in the industrial treatment of wastewater generated in metal surface treatment plants. The test sludges were precipitated using sodium hydroxide solution, calcium hydroxide suspension, 45% solution sodium trithiocarbonate (Na2CS3), 15% solution trimercapto-s-triazine, sodium salt (TMT), and 40% solution sodium dimethyldithiocarbamate (DMDTC). The precipitates were treated with artificial acid rain and artificial salt water. After 1, 7, 14, and 21 days of leaching, the concentration of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Ni in the leachate was determined. Artificial acid rain leached Ni and Cd to a maximum concentration of 724 mg/L and 1821 mg/L, respectively, from the sludge obtained after the application of Na2CS3, while artificial salt water leached Ni in the maximum amount of 466 mg/L and Cd—max. 1320 mg/L. When Ca(OH)2/NaOH was used, the leaching of Cr reached a similar level for both leaching agents, i.e., the maximum for artificial acid rain was 72.2 mg/L and the maximum for artificial salt water 71.8 mg/L. The use of Na2CS3 or Ca(OH)2/NaOH poses a risk of some heavy metals entering the environment, which may have a negative impact on living organisms, whereas the sludges obtained with the use of DMDTC and TMT as precipitants were the most stable under the experimental conditions and did not pose a potential environmental hazard.
Large scale phenotypic characterisation of Hierophis viridiflavus (Squamata: Serpentes): climatic and environmental drivers suggest the role of evolutionary processes in a polymorphic species
Authors: Storniolo Federico , Mangiacotti Marco , Zuffi Marco A. L. , Scali Stefano , Sacchi Roberto
Published: March 2023

Colour variability is largely widespread in the animal world as it is tightly associated with fitness and survivorship. Therefore, the drivers and implications of such variability have been of great interest for zoologists in the past decades. Reptiles are excellent models to investigate colour variations and expression under different conditions. Here, we focused on melanism occurrence in the two main lineages of Hierophis viridiflavus at the scale of the species distribution, by extracting available data from iNaturalist, a citizen science network, with the aim of detecting any pure effect of climate or local habitat on colour expression. Our analyses highlighted that habitat does not explain differences in phenotypes, whereas marked effects of geographic and climatic variables were detected. However, the observed climatic effects could be a proxy of the geographical distribution of the two groups, and thus the high occurrence of bright colourations in western populations of the eastern lineage could be addressed to an ongoing event of asymmetric gene flow in contact zones. The current distribution of phenotypes could be the outcome of the evolutionary history of the species combined with the geological history of the Mediterranean region. This investigation, though, is only preliminary and molecular analyses on highly variable regions of the genome are mandatory to address this issue.
The poetry of the universe, the periodic table, and the scientific progress: a review of new studies on the periodic table of the elements
Authors: Gärditz Klaus Ferdinand
Published: March 2023

In 1869, two distinguished scientists, Dimitri Mendeleev and Lothar Meyer, discovered a certain periodicity among the chemical characteristics of the then known elements. Both developed first versions of the periodic table, independently. In the wake of the 150th anniversary, UNESCO proclaimed 2019 the “International Year of the Periodic Table of Chemical Elements”. Two lucid and detailed studies on the periodic table—accompanied by smaller studies on the occasion of the anniversary—have been published, recently, one of them analysing the scientific history, contributing to the (philosophical) theory of science (Eric Scerri), the other analysing the structures, patterns, and irregularities of the table (Geoff Rayner-Canham). Both studies are profound and vivid examples how scientific progress works. They illustrate that even in hard sciences—mirroring Merton’s concept of middle range theory—the required degree of exactness can remain on an intermediate level, as imperfection allows interpretations which could not (yet) be reached by pure mathematics and logic. Both of these brilliant studies provide valuable material, especially for a social science, to better understand how scientific ideas develop, how the power of visualization helps shape ideas, and how contingency is absorbed by the scientific process.
Diverse socio-economic backgrounds and international pathways: European mobility opportunities through a scholarship programme for Mexican doctoral students
Authors: Lopez-Murillo Karla
Published: March 2023

Mexico is the main Latin American country sending students abroad for international education. In 2020, 34,781 Mexican students were enrolled in higher education institutions (HEIs) outside their country of origin. From those, 37% studied in a European country. The National Science and Technology Council (CONACYT) has funded international student mobility (ISM) for Mexican students since 1970 for the training and consolidation of human resources. Some debates suggest these scholarships mainly benefit students with privileged backgrounds and reproduce inequalities in HE. This paper examines the socio-demographic profiles of CONACYT scholarship doctoral awardees who studied in Europe between 1997 and 2005, along with their different previous HE trajectories and decisions to study abroad. This paper is drawn from my doctoral research using transformative learning theory concepts and the capability approach, exploring the transformative nature of ISM associated with individual meanings of the mobility experiences, capabilities developed, and implications for social change. This paper presents findings from the socio-demographic data collected in 2017 and 2018, from 85 survey respondents who studied in seven European countries. Moreover, it focuses on the qualitative data gathered from in-depth semi-structured interviews with 25 participants who carried out their doctoral studies in the UK, Spain, Germany, France, and the Netherlands. The findings show significant participation of students from less privileged backgrounds and a complex mix of drivers for outward mobility linked to previous educational opportunities and future life aspirations. This paper brings insights from a human development approach, showing how these scholarships are instrumental in increasing ISM opportunities, contributing to social mobility, and facilitating career development. These findings suggest that investment in these types of scholarships contribute to the democratisation and widening participation of international mobility in the European context.
The person within: Parents and professionals’ views about the practitioner’s role in a parenting program
Authors: Leitão Sara M. , Francisco Rita , Gaspar Maria Filomena , Seabra-Santos Maria João
Published: March 2023

Practitioners’ characteristics and actions influence the implementation of evidence-based programs, but little is known about the practitioner’s role in the implementation of parent-based programs. The present qualitative study is the first to explore the perceptions of parents and professionals regarding the practitioners’ characteristics and actions which influence the implementation of a parent program directed at children’s behavior problems. Using thematic analysis, data were examined from eight focus groups comprising 24 parents and 19 practitioners who have participated in the Incredible Years parent group program (IYPP). The analysis identified three groups of practitioners’ characteristics perceived to impact the implementation of the IYPP: inferred interpersonal characteristics (genuine interest; empathy and warmth; positive regard; humbleness); inferred intrapersonal characteristics (objectivity; flexibility; well-being; reflexiveness) and objective characteristics (similar age; being a parent; clinical professional background; professional experience with children and the IYPP). These personal characteristics are perceived as serving to underpin practitioners’ actions, and an integrated framework model is proposed where specific practitioners’ actions are understood in relation to personal characteristics. Inferred characteristics are perceived as determinants in the intervention process while objective characteristics are seen as facilitators of parent engagement in the earliest stages of intervention. Finally, most of the characteristics and actions perceived as relevant in this study are contemplated in the IYPP model; however, the practitioners’ intrapersonal well-being, self-reflexiveness and genuineness emerged as characteristics which may merit further consideration. The results from this study suggest that in the IYPP the person of the practitioner may indeed be worthy of more critical examination.
Multi-Stage NMPC for a MAV based Collision Free Navigation Under Varying Communication Delays
Authors: Papadimitriou Andreas , Jafari Hedyeh , Mansouri Sina Sharif , Nikolakopoulos George
Published: March 2023

Time delays in communication networks are one of the main concerns in deploying robots with computation boards on the edge. This article proposes a multi-stage Nonlinear Model Predictive Control (NMPC) that is capable of handling varying network-induced time delays for establishing a control framework being able to guarantee collision-free Micro Aerial Vehicles (MAVs) navigation. This study introduces a novel approach that considers different sampling times by a tree of discretization scenarios contrary to the existing typical multi-stage NMPC where system uncertainties are modeled by a tree of scenarios. Additionally, the proposed method considers adaptive weights for the multi-stage NMPC scenarios based on the probability of time delays in the communication link. As a result of the multi-stage NMPC, the obtained optimal control action is valid for multiple sampling times. Finally, the overall effectiveness of the proposed novel control framework is demonstrated in various tests and different simulation environments.
Sex, Immigration, and Patterns of Access to Primary Care in Canada
Authors: Ssendikaddiwa Joseph M. , Goldenberg Shira , Berry Nicole S. , Lavergne M. Ruth
Published: March 2023

Access to primary care is crucial to immigrant health and may be shaped by sex and gender, but research is limited and inconclusive. We identified measures that reflect access to primary care using 2015–2018 Canadian Community Health Survey data. We used multivariable logistic regression models to estimate adjusted odds of primary care access and to explore interaction effects between sex and immigration group (recent immigrant: < 10 years in Canada, long-term immigrant: 10 + years, non-immigrant). Recency of immigration and being male were negatively associated with access to primary care, with significantly lower odds of having a usual place for immediate care among male recent immigrants (AOR: 0.36, 95% CI 032–0.42). Interaction effects between immigration and sex were pronounced, especially for having a regular provider or place of care. Results underscore the need to examine approachability and acceptability of primary care services, especially for male recent immigrants.
Evaluating the Feasibility of ChatGPT in Healthcare: An Analysis of Multiple Clinical and Research Scenarios
Authors: Cascella Marco , Montomoli Jonathan , Bellini Valentina , Bignami Elena
Published: March 2023

This paper aims to highlight the potential applications and limits of a large language model (LLM) in healthcare. ChatGPT is a recently developed LLM that was trained on a massive dataset of text for dialogue with users. Although AI-based language models like ChatGPT have demonstrated impressive capabilities, it is uncertain how well they will perform in real-world scenarios, particularly in fields such as medicine where high-level and complex thinking is necessary. Furthermore, while the use of ChatGPT in writing scientific articles and other scientific outputs may have potential benefits, important ethical concerns must also be addressed. Consequently, we investigated the feasibility of ChatGPT in clinical and research scenarios: (1) support of the clinical practice, (2) scientific production, (3) misuse in medicine and research, and (4) reasoning about public health topics. Results indicated that it is important to recognize and promote education on the appropriate use and potential pitfalls of AI-based LLMs in medicine.
Identifying sustainability priorities among value chain actors in artisanal common octopus fisheries
Authors: Ainsworth Gillian B. , Pita Pablo , Pita Cristina , Roumbedakis Katina , Pierce Graham J. , Longo Catherine , Verutes Gregory , Fonseca Tereza , Castelo Daniela , Montero-Castaño Carlos , Valeiras Julio , Rocha Francisco , García-de-la-Fuente Laura , Acuña Jose Luis , del Pino Fernández Rueda M. , Fabregat Alberto Garazo , Martín-Aristín Alberto , Villasante Sebastián
Published: March 2023

The United Nations (UN) Decade of Ocean Science highlights a need to improve the way in which scientific results effectively inform action and policies regarding the ocean. Our research contributes to achieving this goal by identifying practical actions, barriers, stakeholder contributions and resources required to increase the sustainability of activities carried out in the context of artisanal fisheries to meet UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture (IYAFA) Global Action Plan (GAP) Pillar targets. We conducted a novel ‘social value chain analysis’ via a participatory workshop to elicit perspectives of value chain actors and fisheries stakeholders associated with two Spanish artisanal common octopus (Octopus vulgaris) fisheries (western Asturias—Marine Stewardship Council [MSC] certified, and Galicia—non-MSC certified) about their priorities regarding sustainable octopus production and commercialization. Our adapted Rapfish sustainability framework emphasised the importance of economic, environmental, ethical, institutional, social, and technological indicators to different actors across the value chain. We mapped participants’ shared sustainability priorities (e.g. integrated fisheries management, knowledge-based management, product traceability) to six Rapfish indicators, seven IYAFA Pillars and twelve SDGs to reveal how our results can inform ocean policy and actions. This identified how certification incentives and other cooperative approaches can facilitate environmental, economic and social sustainability (e.g. value-added products, price premiums for producers, gender inclusive organisations); support IYAFA priority outcomes (raised awareness, strengthened science-policy interface, empowered stakeholders, partnerships); and help to achieve UN SDG targets (e.g. SDG 14.b, SDG 17.17). The results can inform actors, stakeholders and policymakers about how different actors contribute to efforts to achieve the SDGs and how to manage priorities for sustainable actions within artisanal fisheries and their value chains. We recommend inclusive and equitable participatory knowledge transfer and governance platforms as part of the UN Decade of Ocean Science and beyond where participants can create theories of change towards sustainability involving the development of multi-sectoral ocean policies framed at the level of the value chain and supported by appropriate governance structures.

Graphical Abstract
Translocations of threatened plants in the Mediterranean Basin: current status and future directions
Authors: Fenu Giuseppe , Calderisi Giulia , Boršić Igor , Bou Dagher Kharrat Magda , García Fernández Alfredo , Kahale Rhea , Panitsa Maria , Cogoni Donatella
Published: March 2023

The Mediterranean Basin is one of the World’s plant diversity hotspots and a region prone to several anthropic pressures, besides being one of the World’s areas most susceptible to climate change. In this region, which hosts a high percentage of threatened species, there has been a large increase in practical conservation actions to prevent the extinction of many plants or improve their conservation status. In this framework, plant translocations have become increasingly important. To obtain a picture of the status and to depict possible directions, data on plant translocations was collected through the available databases, national experts, and the grey literature available online. Overall, a list of 836 translocations relating to 572 plant species was found. These actions are mainly concentrated in Spain, France, and Italy (c. 87%) and, except for some pioneering actions, translocations have strongly increased starting from 2010. A subsequent in-depth bibliographic search of the scientific databases was conducted to determine how much information about plant translocations was documented in the scientific literature. This search resulted in a list of 133 peer-reviewed papers, of which only 17 describing one or more translocations and, as a whole, reporting 101 experiences carried out on 56 plant species. Our research highlighted a great discrepancy between the scarce scientific documentation in comparison to the large number of practical conservation actions carried out. The great experience gained in these translocations constitutes an enormous heritage potentially available to implement the necessary conservation actions to preserve the plant diversity of the Mediterranean Basin.
Climate Change Risks on Mediterranean River Ecosystems and Adaptation Measures (Spain)
Authors: Estrela-Segrelles Clara , Gómez-Martínez Gabriel , Pérez-Martín Miguel Ángel
Published: March 2023

The Mediterranean is one of the most vulnerable regions to climate change impacts. Climate change scenarios predict that water temperature will increase up to 2.2–2.9ºC by the end of the century in Mediterranean rivers. This will cause an impact on water quality (oxygen dissolved reduction), reduce the available habitat of cold-water fish species and affect macroinvertebrates. Risk assessment methodology develops indicators that integrate hazard, exposure and vulnerability. Risk maps are key tools to prioritize the areas in which adaptation measures should be implemented in order to improve the adaptive capacity of ecosystems. The risk of habitat loss and ecosystem damage is very high in Mediterranean rivers. For RCP8.5, the 80% of the waterbodies that currently have brown trout presence are in High Risk (HR) or Very High Risk (VHR) of disappearing in the long term future (2070–2100) and the 35% in the short term (2010–2040). It will affect the middle sections first and the headwaters of the rivers later. The 92% of the waterbodies are in HR-VHR of macroinvertebrate family’s affection (2070–2100) and dissolved oxygen may be reduced by 0.5–0.75 mgO2/l (2070–2100). The restoration of the riverside vegetation is the main adaptation measure. This reduces significantly the stream temperature. Other measures are the groundwater protection and cold-water discharge from the reservoirs.
Selective accumulation of pharmaceutical residues from 6 different soils by plants: a comparative study on onion, radish, and spinach
Authors: Menacherry Sunil Paul M. , Kodešová Radka , Švecová Helena , Klement Aleš , Fér Miroslav , Nikodem Antonín , Grabic Roman
Published: March 2023

The accumulation of six pharmaceuticals of different therapeutic uses has been thoroughly investigated and compared between onion, spinach, and radish plants grown in six soil types. While neutral molecules (e.g., carbamazepine (CAR) and some of its metabolites) were efficiently accumulated and easily translocated to the plant leaves (onion > radish > spinach), the same for ionic (both anionic and cationic) molecules seems to be minor to moderate. The maximum accumulation of CAR crosses 38,000 (onion), 42,000 (radish), and 7000 (spinach) ng g−1 (dry weight) respectively, in which the most majority of them happened within the plant leaves. Among the metabolites, the accumulation of carbamazepine 10,11-epoxide (EPC — a primary CAR metabolite) was approximately 19,000 (onion), 7000 (radish), and 6000 (spinach) ng g−1 (dry weight) respectively. This trend was considerably similar even when all these pharmaceuticals applied together. The accumulation of most other molecules (e.g., citalopram, clindamycin, clindamycin sulfoxide, fexofenadine, irbesartan, and sulfamethoxazole) was restricted to plant roots, except for certain cases (e.g., clindamycin and clindamycin sulfoxide in onion leaves). Our results clearly demonstrated the potential role of this accumulation process on the entrance of pharmaceuticals/metabolites into the food chain, which eventually becomes a threat to associated living biota.
Special issue “reflecting on Freire: a praxis of radical love and critical hope for science education”—theme: transnational collaborations and solidarities
Authors: Gandolfi Haira
Published: March 2023

In this article I will examine some of the issues raised by the following three articles in this special issue about Paulo Freire and science education: Jenny Tilsen’s “The freshness of irreverence”: learning from ACT UP towards socio-political action in science education”; Suzani Cassiani and Irlan von Linsingen’s “Freirean inspirations in solidary internationalism between East Timor and Brazil in science education”; and Gonzalo Peñalosa, Jairo Robles-Piñeros and Geilsa Costa Santos Baptista’s “Science Education and Cultural Diversity: Freire’s Concept of Dialogue as Theoretical Lens to Study the Classroom Discourse of Science Teachers”. Brought together within this special issue under the theme of Transnational collaborations and solidarities, these articles explore the possibilities and tensions that emerge from thinking and practicing a Freirean-inspired science education that enables socio-political action and transformation by marginalised communities across the world. In this review, I will focus on ideas raised (to different extents) across these articles around three interrelated areas—interculturality and decoloniality, socio-political transformation, and teacher education and work—with the aim of expanding on what transnational inspirations and collaborations such as the ones promoted by this special issue can mean to those of us across the world working against the grain of marginalisation and dehumanisation (of students and teachers) from within science education.