bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Iron Metabolism and Ferroptosis in Early Brain Injury after Subarachnoid Haemorrhage
Authors: Ge Shihao , Jing Ziwen , Wang Lele , Cui Xiaocong , Zhang Xin , Wang Xiaopeng
Published: May 2024

At present, it appears that the prognosis for subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH), which has a high death and disability rate, cannot be greatly improved by medication or other treatment. Recent research suggests that different types of cell death are implicated in early brain injury (EBI) after SAH, and this has been recognised as a major factor impacting the prognosis of SAH. Ferroptosis, which is a recently identified imbalance of iron metabolism and programmed cell death triggered by phospholipid peroxidation, has been shown to be involved in EBI after SAH and is thought to have a significant impact on EBI. The decomposition of cleaved haemoglobin during SAH involves the release of enormous amounts of free iron, resulting in iron metabolism disorders. Potential therapeutic targets for the signalling pathways of iron metabolism disorders and ferroptosis after SAH are constantly being discovered. To serve as a guide for research into other possible therapeutic targets, this paper will briefly describe the mechanisms of dysregulated iron metabolism and ferroptosis in the pathogenesis of SAH and highlight how they are involved in the development and promotion of EBI in SAH.
What can we say about the longer-term impacts of a living lab experiment to save energy at home?
Authors: Matschoss Kaisa , Laakso Senja , Heiskanen Eva
Published: May 2024

There is a wide evidence base on various interventions to change energy behaviours in households, but limited evidence on their long-term effects. It is argued that interventions in individual behaviours are subject to attrition over time following the withdrawal of the intervention. Evaluation of these arguments is difficult since the conditions and composition of households change over time, making it hard to isolate the effects of a behavioural intervention several years later. Social practice theory argues for interventions that do not target individual attitudes or behaviours but focus instead on household practices (such as laundering and heating homes), and the underlying notions of cleanliness and comfort that are the causes of energy use in households. In contrast to behaviours, practices are also seen as socially shared, bundled with other practices, and embedded in social structures and processes. Practices are durable entities that persist over time; true practice change would hence entail durable intervention impacts. Our paper qualitatively investigates the long-term effects (2018–2023) of a practice-based living lab intervention that aimed to influence laundry and heating practices in Finnish households. We compare how the new or changed practices of 21 households, learned during the intervention, have persisted through societal changes (i.e., the Covid pandemic and the energy crisis), and whether these new or changed practices helped households to deal better with these crises. In this way, we contribute to, and also reframe, the problem of evaluating long-term effects, and critically consider the persistence of small-scale interventions in practices.
Segregation test—a standardisable test for suffusion assessment of granular soils
Authors: To Peter , Vang Soo , Dempsey Shenese , van Donderen-Livock Jayden , Saayman Rico
Published: May 2024

Suffusion is arguably the most complicated type of internal erosion. Although there are several popular assessment methods, the most realiable assessment is possibly still laboratory testing. However, there is not a standardised test for suffusion yet as different laboratories use different equipment and test configurations. Hence, a reliable comparison of outcomes across laboratories may not be able to achieve yet. This paper presents a new and simple, but very effective, way to test the susceptibility of soil to internal erosion using a novel segregation test. The test employs standard equipment which can be easily found in any geotechnical laboratory. There are some common characteristics of internal erosion and transport segregation, where fine particles are transported through the pore constrictions formed by the soil’s primary fabric. In segregation, particles are transported by gravitational/mechanical force to the bottom of the soil mass. Meanwhile, they are washed out of the soil mass by hydraulic force in internal erosion. Laboratory testing for internal erosion often requires specific equipment and a long duration. Meanwhile, segregation test could be undertaken with standardised sieving tower, which is available in any geotechnical laboratory. The approach was verified with an acrylic setup and some 3D-printed details. Later, the tests of 25 mixtures were undertaken with standard sieving sets. The correlation of laboratory results shows good agreement and prompts the common application of the new approach. The new test may not be able to completely replace the conventional suffusion test yet as it overlooks the critical hydraulic gradients at this stage, but it can be very useful if the research focuses on only the erodible mass and susceptibility to suffusion. In addition, it is a standardisable test with no specific requirements on equipment. The new approach may also be a starting point to study other types of internal erosion.
Leistungssportforschung in Deutschland
Authors: Thieme Lutz , Gassmann Freya
Published: May 2024

Der Beitrag hat das Ziel, das Entscheidungsverhalten von Wissenschaftler*innen im Bereich der drittmittelgeförderten Spitzensportforschung theoretisch zu modellieren und eine erste empirische Testung vorzunehmen. Unter Berücksichtigung der spezifischen Förderungsstrukturen wird die Beziehungen zwischen Forschenden, Universitäten und Forschungsförderungsorganisationen, insbesondere dem BISp, untersucht. Die Arbeit integriert die Prinzipal-Agent-Theorie und die Strukturationstheorie, um die besonderen Entscheidungskonstellationen in der Leistungssportforschung zu erklären. Forschende als Agenten handeln auf der Basis ihrer Präferenzen, die durch Anreizsetzungen kanalisiert werden können. Universitäten, als Prinzipale streben nach Forschungsleistungen, während das BISp Forschung durch Anreize fördert, um u. a. Erkenntnisse an Spitzenverbände weiterzugeben. Informationsasymmetrien führen dann zu Prinzipal-Agent-Problemen. Aus dem umfassenden theoretischen Modell werden Hypothesen abgeleitet und mittels empirischer Daten aus dem BISp-geförderten Projekt „Sportwissenschaft an Universitäten – Strukturbedingungen und Perspektiven“ geprüft. Die Rolle des BISp als Marktführer in der Vergabe von Forschungsprojekten im Leistungssport wurde bestätigt. Die Reputation der Antragstellenden ist aus Sicht der Forschenden von zentraler Bedeutung bei der Beantragung von Drittmitteln im Leistungssport, absolut und in Relation zu anderen Forschungsfeldern. Aufseiten der Sportpraxis lässt sich eine generelle Unzufriedenheit ablesen, die sich auch aus der Präferenz anderer Organisationen als Hochschulen und Universitäten als Kooperationspartner ablesen lässt. Die Dominanz von trainingswissenschaftlicher Forschung im Bereich Leistungssport konnte ebenfalls bestätigt werden. Das aufgestellte theoretische Modell ermöglicht eine kritische Diskussion und weitere empirische Testungen.
Disaster management with cloud-based geographic information systems: site selection of landfill areas after Kahramanmaraş, Türkiye earthquake sequence
Authors: Mete Muhammed Oguzhan , Biyik Muhammed Yahya
Published: May 2024

On February 6, 2023, the earthquakes centered on Kahramanmaraş-Pazarcık and Kahramanmaraş-Elbistan affected several provinces in the region and generated a vast amount of demolition waste. This study aims to develop a site selection model for the most suitable landfill areas after the earthquake using open-source Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software and the Best-Worst Method (BWM). First, the study identifies decision criteria with a Delphi expert panel. Next, it determines the weights using the BWM based on pairwise comparison. Spatial data of the determinants were obtained from open data portals, and proximity, overlay, and slope analyses were carried out for the disaster region. Combining the output data layer of each criterion, a suitability map of the landfills was produced. As a result, 36,2% (29,826 kms square) of the study area was classified as suitable and very suitable. In this study, a cloud GIS-based decision support platform was developed to act quickly and initiate recovery processes within the scope of disaster management of the destructive earthquake. The suitability map and potential sites were shared with the responsible teams in the disaster area so that the potential sites could be displayed on the map and the suitable areas could be navigated on appropriate routes. The findings of the study revealed that the use of open data and cloud GIS framework in the disaster management process enables quick, reliable, and cost-effective actions in the immediate aftermath of disasters.
In silico Mechanics of Stem Cells Intramyocardially Transplanted with a Biomaterial Injectate for Treatment of Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Motchon Y. D. , Sack K. L. , Sirry M. S. , Nchejane N. J. , Abdalrahman T. , Nagawa J. , Kruger M. , Pauwels E. , Van Loo D. , De Muynck A. , Van Hoorebeke L. , Davies N. H. , Franz T.
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Biomaterial and stem cell delivery are promising approaches to treating myocardial infarction. However, the mechanical and biochemical mechanisms underlying the therapeutic benefits require further clarification. This study aimed to assess the deformation of stem cells injected with the biomaterial into the infarcted heart.

Methods

A microstructural finite element model of a mid-wall infarcted myocardial region was developed from ex vivo microcomputed tomography data of a rat heart with left ventricular infarct and intramyocardial biomaterial injectate. Nine cells were numerically seeded in the injectate of the microstructural model. The microstructural and a previously developed biventricular finite element model of the same rat heart were used to quantify the deformation of the cells during a cardiac cycle for a biomaterial elastic modulus (Einj) ranging between 4.1 and 405,900 kPa.

Results

The transplanted cells’ deformation was largest for Einj = 7.4 kPa, matching that of the cells, and decreased for an increase and decrease in Einj. The cell deformation was more sensitive to Einj changes for softer (Einj ≤ 738 kPa) than stiffer biomaterials.

Conclusions

Combining the microstructural and biventricular finite element models enables quantifying micromechanics of transplanted cells in the heart. The approach offers a broader scope for in silico investigations of biomaterial and cell therapies for myocardial infarction and other cardiac pathologies.
The Picard index of a surface with torus action
Authors: Springer Justus
Published: May 2024

We consider normal rational projective surfaces with torus action and provide a formula for their Picard index, that means the index of the Picard group inside the divisor class group. As an application, we classify the log del Pezzo surfaces with torus action of Picard number one up to Picard index $$ 10\,000 $$

10

000

.
Pacidusin B isolated from Phyllanthus acidus triggers ferroptotic cell death in HT1080 cells
Authors: Zhu Guangyu , Luo Dian , Zhao Yueqin , Xiang Zhengrui , Chen Chao , Li Na , Hao Xiaojiang , Ding Xiao , Zhang Yingjun , Zhao Yuhan
Published: May 2024

Cancer cells generally exhibit ‘iron addiction’ phenotypes, which contribute to their vulnerability to ferroptosis inducers. Ferroptosis is a newly discovered form of programmed cell death caused by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation. In the present study, pacidusin B, a dichapetalin-type triterpenoid from Phyllanthus acidus (L.) Skeels (Euphorbiaceae), induces ferroptosis in the HT1080 human fibrosarcoma cell line. Cells treated with pacidusin B exhibited the morphological characteristic ‘ballooning’ phenotype of ferroptosis. The biochemical hallmarks of ferroptosis were also observed in pacidusin B-treated cells. Both oxidative stress and ER stress play significant roles in pacidusin B-induced ferroptosis. The activation of the PERK-Nrf2-HO-1 signaling pathway led to iron overload, while inhibition of GPX4 further sensitized cancer cells to ferroptosis. Furthermore, the molecular docking study showed that pacidusin B docked in the same pocket in xCT as the ferroptosis inducer erastin. These results revealed that pacidusin B exerts anticancer effects via inducing ER-mediated ferroptotic cell death.

Graphical Abstract
Recent Advances in Mesothelioma
Authors: Lynch Geraldine A. , Maskell Nick A. , Bibby Anna
Published: May 2024

Purpose of Review

Pleural mesothelioma (PM) is a rare but fatal cancer of the pleural surface. Most patients have a poor prognosis, despite treatment advances which have improved outcomes. Recent research has focused on improving diagnosis, prognostication and monitoring through radiological, histological and molecular techniques. This review will cover its clinical implications and highlight areas where practice is changing.

Recent Findings

Changes in tumour classification and histological reporting have formalised the differentiation between benign, pre-malignant and malignant pleural disease. CT and thoracic ultrasound (TUS) have good diagnostic yields for pleural biopsy, but PET-CT does not increase diagnostic yield for repeat sampling. immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining for BAP1 and MTAP/CDKN2A pathological samples can increase diagnosis rates, while serum mesothelin shows promise for disease monitoring. Phase 3 RCT results mean dual immunotherapy is the new standard of care, whereas there is no role for extended pleurectomy decortication surgery for PM.

Best practice for PM diagnosis and management is changing at pace. Key areas for future research involve improving PM diagnostics, therapeutics and targeted therapies. An awareness of active research and clinical trials is essential for clinicians to seek for the best outcomes for their patients.
Racial/Ethnic Trends in Virtual Mental Health Care Utilization Among Undergraduate Students: A Descriptive Study
Authors: Loren D. M. , Reuter T. , Bickham N. , Booth R. T.
Published: May 2024

Background

Undergraduate students are particularly in need of mental health support, but demand has far surpassed resources. This gap between mental health diagnoses and support is particularly large among Asian, Hispanic/Latinx, and Black students. Supplementing on-campus care with a virtual-only behavioral health partner may shift these trends.

Objective

This study is aimed at comparing the number of undergraduate students from different racial/ethnic groups (White, Asian, Islander, Hispanic/Latinx, Black, Native, and Multiracial) engaging in virtual mental health visits as part of a partnership with a company providing virtual-only care, with the total enrolled undergraduate students at the same 113 institutions.

Methods

We used de-identified visit data and self-reported race/ethnicity to define the “patient” population of undergraduates accessing care. We compared that to the full “student” population of undergraduates among the same schools, available as part of the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).

Results

Patient population race/ethnicity (N = 14,870) differed significantly from student population race/ethnicity (N = 619,459). A significant effect ($$\chi$$
χ
26 = 2258, P < .001) indicated that patient demographics differed from student demographics. We found proportionally more Asian, Black, and Multiracial patients than students. At the same time, we found proportionally fewer White and Hispanic/Latinx patients than students.

Conclusions

We conclude that, in contrast to prior literature in traditional mental health care, some racial/ethnic minority undergraduates (Asian, Black, and Multiracial) may actually access care at a higher rate under a fully virtual model. On the other hand, White and Hispanic/Latinx students may access care less frequently.
Multimodal fake news detection through intra-modality feature aggregation and inter-modality semantic fusion
Authors: Zhu Peican , Hua Jiaheng , Tang Keke , Tian Jiwei , Xu Jiwei , Cui Xiaodong
Published: May 2024

The prevalence of online misinformation, termed “fake news”, has exponentially escalated in recent years. These deceptive information, often rich with multimodal content, can easily deceive individuals into spreading them via various social media platforms. This has made it a hot research topic to automatically detect multimodal fake news. Existing works made a great progress on inter-modality feature fusion or semantic interaction yet largely ignore the importance of intra-modality entities and feature aggregation. This imbalance causes them to perform erratically on data with different emphases. In the realm of authentic news, the intra-modality contents and the inter-modality relationship should be in mutually supportive relationships. Inspired by this idea, we propose an innovative approach to multimodal fake news detection (IFIS), incorporating both intra-modality feature aggregation and inter-modality semantic fusion. Specifically, the proposed model implements a entity detection module and utilizes attention mechanisms for intra-modality feature aggregation, whereas inter-modality semantic fusion is accomplished via two concurrent Co-attention blocks. The performance of IFIS is extensively tested on two datasets, namely Weibo and Twitter, and has demonstrated superior performance, surpassing various advanced methods by 0.6 The experimental results validate the capability of our proposed approach in offering the most balanced performance for multimodal fake news detection tasks.
A Technique for In-Situ Displacement and Strain Measurement with Laboratory-Scale X-Ray Computed Tomography
Authors: Kafka O. L. , Landauer A. K. , Benzing J. T. , Moser N. H. , Mansfield E. , Garboczi E. J.
Published: May 2024

Purpose: Establish a technique for simultaneous interrupted volumetric imaging of internal structure and time-resolved full-field surface strain measurements during in-situ X-ray micro-computed tomography (XCT) experiments. This enables in-situ testing of stiff materials with large forces relative to the compliance of the in-situ load frame, which might exhibit localization (e.g., necking, compaction banding) and other inhomogeneous behaviors.Methods: The system utilizes a combination of in-situ XCT, 2D X-ray imaging, and particle tracking to conduct volumetric imaging of the internal structure of a specimen with interrupted loading and surface strain mapping during loading. Critically, prior to the laboratory-scale XCT experiments, specimens are speckled with a high-X-ray-contrast powder that is bonded the surface. During in-situ loading, the XCT system is programmed to capture sequential 2D X-ray images orthogonal to the speckled specimen surface. A single particle tracking (SPT) or digital image correlation (DIC) algorithm is used to measure full-field surface strain evolution throughout the time-sequence of images. At specified crosshead displacements, the motion and 2D image sequence is paused for volumetric XCT image collection. Results: We show example results on a micro-tensile demonstration specimen additive manufactured from Inconel 718 nickel-chrome alloy. Results include XCT volume reconstructions, crosshead-based engineering stress, and full-field strain maps. Conclusion: We demonstrate an in-situ technique to obtain surface strain evolution during laboratory-scale XCT testing and interrupted volumetric imaging. This allows closer investigation of, for example, the effect of micro-pores on the strain localization behavior of additive manufactured metal alloys. In addition to describing the method using a representative test piece, the dataset and code are published as open-source resources for the community.

Graphical abstract
The effect of overlying rock fracture and stress path evolution in steeply dipping and large mining height stope
Authors: Huang Baofa , Xie Panshi , Wu Yongping , Lin Weidian , Luo Sheng , Wang Shicheng , Wen Zekang , Chen Jianjie
Published: May 2024

To study the fracture instability characteristics and fracture mechanism of overlying strata in steeply dipping and large mining height stope, through the combination of physical simulation experiment, numerical calculation, theoretical analysis and field measurement, the correlation between the evolution of mining stress field and the fracture of overlying strata in large mining height stope under the effect of dip angle is analyzed, and the stress transfer path and the fracture mechanism of overlying strata are revealed. Finally, the influence mechanism of key strata on the evolution of the mining stress field of overlying strata is explained. The research shows that under the influence of gravity dip angle effect and mining height increase, the mining stress is non-equilibrium transferred and evolved in space, and the principal stress field presents the characteristics of partition evolution. The fracture trajectory of rock strata is multi-step and “八” shaped, and the inclined masonry structure and multi-step key strata form a cooperative bearing structure. The key layer of the ladder is the stress transmission structure between the caving zone and the stress arch, and the high stress in the overhanging area under the main roof is transmitted to the advanced roof. With the increase of dip angle, the height of the caving zone decreases, and the fracture range of ladder and principal stress arch decreases. The cracks in the middle and upper broken rock blocks increase, and the instability of the “high ladder rock layer” is easy to induce the simultaneous fracture of the “inclined masonry structure”, resulting in regional unbalanced instability and impact. The research results can provide some reference and guiding significance for the stability control of surrounding rock in longwall stope with steeply dipping.
Secondary School Teachers’ Use of Formative Assessment Practice to Create Co-regulated Learning
Authors: Veugen M. J. , Gulikers J. T. M. , den Brok P.
Published: May 2024

By applying formative assessment in the classroom, many teachers want to stimulate students to self-regulate their learning. Co-regulation in formative assessment can stimulate students’ self-regulated learning. However, teachers could apply formative assessment to create co-regulation in the classroom in different ways. This study investigates two research questions: (1) How much teacher and student formative assessment behaviour is planned or unplanned and implemented in the classroom, when formative assessment is implemented to stimulate students’ self-regulated learning? and (2) What do these teacher and student formative assessment behaviours that create co-regulation of learning look like? The formative assessment cycle was used as a framework to describe the formative assessment process in five phases: (1) Clarifying expectations, (2) Eliciting student responses, (3) Analysing and interpreting responses, (4) Communicating about responses and (5) Taking follow-up actions: adapting teaching and learning. Fourteen teachers planned and implemented formative assessment that created co-regulated learning to stimulate students’ self-regulated learning. Teachers’ analysed lesson plans, audio reflections and colleague observations showed that teachers and students used more formative assessment during the lesson than that was planned beforehand. In most of the formative assessment practices, students were stimulated by their teachers to actively engage in, and take responsibility for, formative assessment practice. This resulted in students showing formative assessment behaviour that included self-regulated learning. The results of this study can help teachers and researchers to better recognise and implement formative assessment that creates co-regulated learning to stimulate student self-regulated learning.
Solving the SAT problem using spiking neural P systems with coloured spikes and division rules
Authors: Paul Prithwineel , Sosík Petr
Published: May 2024

Spiking neural P systems (SNPS) are variants of the third-generation neural networks. In the last few decades, different variants of SNPS models have been introduced. In most of the SNPS models, spikes are represented using an alphabet with just one letter. In this paper, we use a deterministic SNPS model with coloured spikes (i.e. the alphabet representing spikes contains multiple letters), together with neuron division rules to demonstrate an efficient solution to the SAT problem. As a result, we provide a simpler construction with significantly less class resources to solve the SAT problem in comparison to previously reported results using SNPSs.
The Downregulation of MMP23B Facilitates the Suppression of Vitality and Induction of Apoptosis in Endometrial Cancer Cells
Authors: Li Ning , Li Hua , Wei Lijuan , Chen Hui , Wu Zhaorong , Yuwen Si , Yang Sufang
Published: May 2024

Endometrial cancer is a malignant tumor that commonly occurs in the female reproductive system and its incidence is still increasing. The mechanism of the development of endometrial cancer has not yet been fully clarified, so we need to continuously study the relevant mechanisms of endometrial cancer and continue to explore its biomarkers in order to discover more precise and effective treatment methods for endometrial cancer. RT-qPCR (Real-Time quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction) experiments were used to detect the expression level of MMP23B (Matrix Metalloproteinase 23B) in endometrial cancer cells; the clinical data of the TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas) database were downloaded, and gene expression profiles were analyzed to investigate the correlation between MMP23B (Matrix Metalloproteinase 23B) and the survival prognosis of endometrial cancer, and functional enrichment analysis was performed on MMP23B (Matrix Metalloproteinase 23B) related genes. After silencing MMP23B (Matrix Metalloproteinase 23B), CCK8 (Cell Counting Kit-8), RT-qPCR (Real-Time quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction), scratch assay, and transwell assay were used to detect cell viability, levels of apoptotic factors, migration rate, and invasion number of endometrial cancer, respectively. MMP23B (Matrix Metalloproteinase 23B) was highly expressed in endometrial cancer, which is closely related to a poor survival prognosis for endometrial cancer, and may act on endometrial cancer through apoptosis-related functions. The downregulation of MMP23B (Matrix Metalloproteinase 23B) reduced the cell viability of endometrial cancer cells, upregulated the expression levels of CASP3 (Caspase-3), CASP8 (Caspase-8) and CASP9 (Caspase-9) in cells, and inhibited cell migration and invasion.
Learning management systems for higher education: a brief comparison
Authors: Sanchez Lisseth , Penarreta Jefferson , Soria Poma Xavier
Published: May 2024

The learning management system (LMS) is a software based on SAAS, internet navigator, or user application, which manage the teaching and learning of an academic or non-academic program. This work presents a comparison of 45 LMSs. The objective of this research is to report a study of the LMS developed for higher education. This objective is addressed by considering all LMSs with online access to information. For the comparison study, an evaluation criteria has been developed based on the literature review from the past 20 years. This evaluation methodology is based on Software Quality and Teaching-Learning tools for online educational platforms (SQTL), it is composed by six criteria: interoperability, accessibility, productivity tools, communication tools, learning tools, finally with the security standards and certifications. The maximum sum of SQTL score is 10 points and the minimum 0. The best LMS according to the comparison are Paradiso and Moodle with 9.50 and 9.25 points, respectively. Paradiso has around 1 million users and Moodle over 250 millions. The Google Sheets with the collected raw data and SQTL scores are available in https://shorturl.at/wqDWk.
Assessing the nitrate and phosphate uptake kinetics potential and growth performance of Gracilaria corticata var. cylindrica in shrimp farm water (SFW)
Authors: Sawant Om , Jaiswar Santlal
Published: May 2024

Gracilaria corticata var. cylindrica (GCC) was studied as a biofilter in shrimp farm water (SFW) and its growth and biochemical attributes in the medium were evaluated. GCC showed significant nutrient absorption from SFW, with maximum nitrate and phosphate uptake observed after the first 48 h. Nitrate depletion happened faster than phosphate, thus showing a higher affinity for nitrate uptake (78.4% removal) by GCC. Nutrient uptake kinetics followed the Michaelis–Menten curve, with Vmax values of 43.16 μM g dw−1 h−1 for nitrate and 67.50 μM g dw−1 h−1 for phosphate. Also, GCC’s low Km values (12.53 µM for nitrate, 1.91 µM for phosphate) indicated efficient nutrient utilization. GCC showed rapid growth in SFW, with a daily growth rate of 2.93 ± 0.19% d−1, comparable to the commercial MP1 media (3.54 ± 0.19% d−1) and greater to seawater (2.23 ± 0.13% d−1). Proximate analysis revealed consistent biochemical compositions across all three media, with carbohydrate and protein contents of 2.24 ± 0.41% and 0.76 ± 0.12%, respectively, in SFW. Pigment analysis revealed that pigment concentrations varied, with SFW having the greatest R-PE concentration (182.25 ± 32.77 µg g−1), followed by MP1 media and saltwater. R-PC concentrations followed a similar pattern, with SFW having the greatest concentration (85.73 ± 19.33 µg g−1). These findings highlight GCC’s potential as an efficient biofilter for reducing nitrate and phosphate levels in SFW, therefore offering a sustainable solution for aquaculture effluent management and the potential integration of GCC into shrimp farming practices.
Hard Lessons in Corporate Governance
Authors: Tingle Bryce C.
Published: May 2024

How should corporations be run? Who should get a say, and what results can we expect? Hard Lessons in Corporate Governance provides an accessible introduction to the various failed attempts at using corporate governance to improve society. It introduces the record of these failures and illuminates hard lessons spread across thousands of empirical studies. If we look at the outcomes generated by various corporate governance 'best'; practices, we find that none of the practices work. If we look at the theories and assumptions that support modern corporate governance, we find they are likely wrong. And if we look at the prospect of corporate governance to improve political, environmental, and social outcomes, we find ample evidence that governance will fail us here too. After documenting these failures, Bryce Tingle KC turns to the most important lesson: how to fix this important, but broken, system.
Dante's Divine Comedy
Authors: Clarke K. P.
Published: May 2024

The first of its kind, this guide enables readers to get as close as possible to the words of Dante's Comedy. Opening up interpretative possibilities that only become available through reading the poem in its original form, it equips students with an enjoyable and accessible grammatical introduction to the language of early Italian. Including a series of passages drawn from Inferno, Purgatorio and Paradiso, the text is accompanied by a detailed glossary, followed by a commentary which pays particular attention to matters of language and style. Further reading and study questions are provided at the end of each section, prompting new and fresh ways of engaging with the text. Readers will discover how, by listening to Dante in his own words, one may newly and more fully appreciate the breathtaking beauty of the Comedy.
China's eBook Evolution
Authors: Ren Xiang
Published: May 2024

This Element explores the changing landscape of eBook businesses and cultures in China in the past two decades and examines how disruptive innovation and the platform economy have transformed one of the world's largest book markets. Through an evolutionary perspective, this Element documents and analyses the emergence, growth, and refinement of disruptive models in three areas of trade publishing, including free eBook developments, digital self-publishing, and platformed social reading. It offers a critical account of the complex interplay between emerging technologies, business innovations, and book cultures and conceptualises China's eBook evolution as both a part of global digital publishing transformation in the platform age and an embodiment of local dynamics in a transitional society. This Element is essential for scholars, students, publishers, and the interested publics to understand China's digital publishing innovations and their global implications.
Conversation: the history of science and the ‘big picture’
Authors: Barry Andrew , Christie J.R.R. , Cunningham Andrew , Jordanova Ludmilla , Poskett James , Secord James A. , Williams Perry
Published: May 2024

This conversation article brings together six of the original contributors to the 1993 Getting the Big Picture special issue of the British Journal for the History of Science. The contributors introduce their personal memories of the 1991 conference panel which formed the basis of that special issue. They also discuss the wider intellectual, institutional and political contexts of writing the history of science during the 1980s and 1990s, before concluding with reflections on the future of the discipline. The conversation was held live online via Microsoft Teams in March 2023. A professional transcript was produced by Sarah King. The transcript was then edited by James Poskett for length and clarity, before final edits were made by the contributors.
Pediatric CNS Inflammation and Infection: A Review of Immunopathology and Radiology
Authors: Pai Vivek , Hiremath Shivaprakash Basavanthaiah , Shroff Manohar
Published: May 2024

The innate and adaptive immune systems are critical in defense against pathogens and ensuring homeostasis. The central nervous system (CNS) was initially considered to be impermeable to immune cells due to the blood–brain barrier. However, this has now been debunked, with modern research delineating immune cell trafficking within the CNS, ensuring constant immune surveillance. However, these defenses may be breached in infections, which trigger an inflammatory cascade causing tissue damage. In addition, autoimmune conditions and genetic mutations may also lead to sustained proinflammatory molecule release causing significant CNS damage. Ensuing brain injury from most immune triggers is varied but may be associated with common patterns by virtue of a shared immune driver. MRI plays an important role in identifying these conditions and further enables understanding of their pathophysiology as well as their spatial predilection in the brain. In this review, we discuss basic immunology, the major CNS barriers to infections as well as the current understanding of selected pediatric infections and inflammatory processes.
Gap in drop collision rate between diffusive and inertial regimes explains the stability of fogs and non-precipitating clouds
Authors: Poydenot Florian , Andreotti Bruno
Published: May 2024

Rain drops form in clouds by collision of submillimetric droplets falling under gravity: larger drops fall faster than smaller ones and collect them on their path. The puzzling stability of fogs and non-precipitating warm clouds with respect to this avalanche mechanism has been a longstanding problem. How can droplets of diameter around 10

$\mathrm {\mu }$

m have a low collision probability, inhibiting the cascade towards larger and larger drops? Here we review the dynamical mechanisms that have been proposed in the literature and quantitatively investigate the frequency of drop collisions induced by Brownian diffusion, electrostatics and gravity, using an open-source Monte Carlo code taking all of them into account. Inertia dominates over aerodynamic forces for large drops, when the Stokes number is larger than

$1$

. Thermal diffusion dominates over aerodynamic forces for small drops, when the Péclet number is smaller than

$1$

. We show that there exists a range of size (typically 3–30

$\mathrm {\mu }$

m for water drops in air) where neither inertia nor Brownian diffusion are significant, leading to a gap in the collision rate. The effect is particularly important, due to the lubrication film forming between the drops immediately before collision, and secondarily to the long-range aerodynamic interaction. Two different mechanisms regularise the divergence of the lubrication force at vanishing separation: the transition to a non-continuum regime in the lubrication film, when the separation is comparable to the mean free path of air, and the induction of a flow inside the drops due to shear at their surfaces. In the gap between inertia-dominated and diffusion-dominated regimes, dipole–dipole electrostatic interactions becomes the major effect controlling the efficiency of drop collisions.
Surface turbulence in film flow over periodic ripples
Authors: Al-Shamaa B. , Wierschem A.
Published: May 2024

Turbulence in gravity-driven film flow is usually discussed in terms of three-dimensional solitary-wave pulses as they are frequently observed in flows along smooth walls. Here, we show that free-surface turbulence arises in films along rippled substrates, as they are commonly employed in process engineering applications, already at rather low Reynolds numbers from the irregular break-up of the solitary-wave fronts. Short waves in the capillary regime replace the broken solitary waves beyond a certain Reynolds number. The crossover coincides with the occurrence of steady three-dimensional surface patterns upstream, which suppress travelling waves. The waves show power spectral densities with power-law exponents typical for weak capillary-wave turbulence. With increasing Reynolds number, the steepness of the power law declines to lower levels.
Pilot study to evaluate a training programme for primary care physiotherapists in the assessment and management of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
Authors: Burrows Lisa , Stevens Karen , Moss Anne
Published: May 2024

Objective

This pilot study aimed to evaluate a training programme for primary care physiotherapists focused on the assessment and management of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.

Methods

A six-month training programme and toolkit utilising the revised Standards for Quality Improvement Reporting Excellence (‘SQUIRE 2.0’) guidelines was developed to facilitate the learning of new knowledge and skills in the assessment and management of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo following Gagne's model of instructional design. A pre- and post-training knowledge and confidence questionnaire evaluated the impact of the training programme.

Results

Eleven participants started the training programme and five completed it. On average, knowledge increased by 54 per cent (range, 41–95 per cent) and confidence increased by 45 per cent (range, 31–76 per cent). A 73 per cent improvement in practical skills acquisition was demonstrated after the initial training session.

Conclusion

A structured approach to learning demonstrates improvements in knowledge, skills and confidence of physiotherapists in the evidence-based management of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.
Pitfalls, patience and patients: developing a physiotherapy-led balance clinic
Authors: Tank Ed , Morrison Eleanor
Published: May 2024

Background

Balance dysfunction and vestibular conditions are major problems requiring significant resources. There is significant national and international variation in management pathways for such patients.

Methods

This paper outlines a collaborative project run by the ENT department and two vestibular rehabilitation trained physiotherapists to establish a clinic to manage patients referred to ENT with vestibular and/or balance complaints. As part of a six-month pilot, two physiotherapy-led balance clinics were provided per week.

Results

A total of 159 new patients were seen, with only 15 needing ENT consultant input. This led to the successful creation of substantive posts; the clinic has seen 698 patients in its first two years.

Conclusion

Patient outcomes and experience have been positive, and accompanied by reduced waiting and in-service times. The authors discuss some of the pitfalls, challenges and opportunities of developing this type of clinic.
Contribution of diversity of social participation on the mental health of humanitarian migrants during resettlement
Authors: Jiang Weiqing , Yang Yuwei , He Yitong , Liu Qianyu , Deng Xueqing , Hua Yilin , Hayixibayi Alimila , Ni Yanyan , Guo Lan
Published: May 2024

Aims

By the end of 2022, an estimated 108.4 million individuals worldwide experienced forced displacement. Identifying modifiable factors associated with the mental illness of refugees is crucial for promoting successful integration and developing effective health policies. This study aims to examine the associations between the changes in the diversity of social participation and psychological distress among refugees throughout the resettlement process, specifically focusing on gender differences.

Methods

Utilizing data from three waves of a longitudinal, nationally representative cohort study conducted in Australia, this study involved 2399 refugees interviewed during Wave 1, 1894 individuals interviewed during Wave 3 and 1881 respondents during Wave 5. At each wave, we assessed psychological distress and 10 types of social participation across 3 distinct dimensions, including social activities, employment and education. The primary analysis employed mixed linear models and time-varying Cox models. Gender-stratified analyses and sensitivity analyses were performed.

Results

Refugees engaging in one type or two or more types of social participation, compared with those not engaging in any, consistently had lower psychological distress scores (β = −0.62 [95% confidence interval (CI), −1.07 to −0.17] for one type of social participation; β = −0.57 [95% CI, −1.04 to −0.10] for two or more types of social participation) and a reduced risk of experiencing psychological distress (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.81 [95% CI, 0.65–0.99] for one type of social participation; HR = 0.77 [95% CI, 0.61–0.97] for two or more types of social participation) during the resettlement period. When stratifying the results by gender, these associations in the adjusted models only remained significant in male refugees. Moreover, three specific types of social participation, namely sporting activities, leisure activities and current employment status, were most prominently associated with a reduced risk of psychological distress.

Conclusions

The findings of this cohort study suggest that social participation was consistently associated with reduced risks of psychological distress among male refugees during resettlement. These findings highlight the significance of promoting meaningful social participation and interaction may be an effective strategy to improve the mental health of refugees and facilitate their successful integration into society, especially among male refugees.
Time-varying living arrangements and suicide death in the general population sample: 14-year causal survival analysis via pooled logistic regression
Authors: Narita Z. , Shinozaki T. , Goto A. , Hori H. , Kim Y. , Wilcox H. C. , Inoue M. , Tsugane S. , Sawada N.
Published: May 2024

Aims

While past research suggested that living arrangements are associated with suicide death, no study has examined the impact of sustained living arrangements and the change in living arrangements. Also, previous survival analysis studies only reported a single hazard ratio (HR), whereas the actual HR may change over time. We aimed to address these limitations using causal inference approaches.

Methods

Multi-point data from a general Japanese population sample were used. Participants reported their living arrangements twice within a 5-year time interval. After that, suicide death, non-suicide death and all-cause mortality were evaluated over 14 years. We used inverse probability weighted pooled logistic regression and cumulative incidence curve, evaluating the association of time-varying living arrangements with suicide death. We also studied non-suicide death and all-cause mortality to contextualize the association. Missing data for covariates were handled using random forest imputation.

Results

A total of 86,749 participants were analysed, with a mean age (standard deviation) of 51.7 (7.90) at baseline. Of these, 306 died by suicide during the 14-year follow-up. Persistently living alone was associated with an increased risk of suicide death (risk difference [RD]: 1.1%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.3–2.5%; risk ratio [RR]: 4.00, 95% CI: 1.83–7.41), non-suicide death (RD: 7.8%, 95% CI: 5.2–10.5%; RR: 1.56, 95% CI: 1.38–1.74) and all-cause mortality (RD: 8.7%, 95% CI: 6.2–11.3%; RR: 1.60, 95% CI: 1.42–1.79) at the end of the follow-up. The cumulative incidence curve showed that these associations were consistent throughout the follow-up. Across all types of mortality, the increased risk was smaller for those who started to live with someone and those who transitioned to living alone. The results remained robust in sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions

Individuals who persistently live alone have an increased risk of suicide death as well as non-suicide death and all-cause mortality, whereas this impact is weaker for those who change their living arrangements.
Growth and fecundity of Palmer amaranth escaping glufosinate in soybean with and without grass competition
Authors: Jones Eric A.L. , Bradshaw Colden L. , Contreras Diego J. , Cahoon Charles W. , Jennings Katherine M. , Leon Ramon G. , Everman Wesley J.
Published: May 2024

Field experiments were conducted at Clayton and Rocky Mount, North Carolina, during the summer of 2020 to determine the growth and fecundity of Palmer amaranth plants that survived glufosinate with and without grass competition in soybean crops. Glufosinate (590 g ai ha−1) was applied at early postemergence (when Palmer amaranth plants were 5 cm tall), mid-postemergence (7–10 cm), and late postemergence (>10 cm) and at orthogonal combinations of those timings. Nontreated Palmer amaranth was grown in weedy (i.e., intraspecific and grass competition), weed-free in-crop (WFIC), and weed-free fallow (WFNC) conditions for comparisons. No Palmer amaranth plants survived the sequential glufosinate applications and control decreased as the plants were treated at a larger size in both experiments. The apical and circumferential growth rate of Palmer amaranth surviving glufosinate was reduced by more than 44% compared with the WFNC Palmer amaranth. The biomass of Palmer amaranth plants that survived glufosinate was reduced by more than 87% compared with the WFNC Palmer amaranth. The fecundity of Palmer amaranth that survived glufosinate was reduced by more than 70% compared with WFNC Palmer amaranth. Palmer amaranth plants that survived glufosinate were as fecund as the WFIC Palmer amaranth in both experiments in soybean fields. The results prove that despite the significant vegetative growth rate decrease of Palmer amaranth that survived glufosinate, plants can be as fecund as nontreated plants. The trends in growth and fecundity of Palmer amaranth that survives glufosinate with and without grass competition were similar. These results suggest that glufosinate-treated grass weeds may not reduce the growth or fecundity of Palmer amaranth that survives glufosinate.