bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Responsive Research Quality Articulations of the Humanities
Authors: Müller Klara
Published: December 2023

This chapter describes the development of research quality articulations. It shows how articulations of research quality in Swedish humanities policy spaces have changed between 1980 and 2010. The study demonstrates an increased presence and diversity of quality articulations in the spaces studied. However, different contexts produced different outcomes. Co-production between science and policy articulations resulted in what this study terms responsive quality articulations, neither internal nor external in nature. These findings have implications for how research quality can be studied and conceptualized, as well as for the history of humanities in Sweden. An understanding of how research quality has developed responsively complicates the commonly used narratives that depict the humanities as either passive or reactive to policy changes. Therefore, the findings offer an alternative narrative to the trope of a “crisis” in the humanities, by highlighting how humanities scholars influenced research policy in articulating quality. It shows that negotiations over research quality during these 30 years have been more complex than previously acknowledged, in turn allowing us to reassess current understandings of research quality in the humanities.
Three-loop matching of heavy flavor-changing (axial-)tensor currents
Authors: Tao Wei , Xiao Zhen-Jun
Published: December 2023

Abstract

We present the three-loop calculations of the nonrelativistic QCD (NRQCD) current renormalization constants and corresponding anomalous dimensions, and the matching coefficients for the spatial-temporal tensor and spatial-spatial axial-tensor currents with two different heavy quark masses. We obtain the convergent decay constant ratio up to the next-to-next-to-next-to-leading order (N3LO) for the S-wave vector meson $$ {B}_c^{\ast } $$

B
c
∗

involving the tensor and axial-tensor currents. We obtain the three-loop finite (ϵ0) term in the ratio of the QCD heavy flavor-changing tensor current renormalization constant in the on-shell (OS) scheme to that in the modified-minimal-subtraction ($$ \overline{\textrm{MS}} $$

MS
¯

) scheme, which is helpful to obtain the three-loop matching coefficients for all heavy flavor-changing (axial-)tensor currents.
The Källén-Lehmann representation in de Sitter spacetime
Authors: Loparco Manuel , Penedones João , Salehi Vaziri Kamran , Sun Zimo
Published: December 2023

Abstract

We study two-point functions of symmetric traceless local operators in the bulk of de Sitter spacetime. We derive the Källén-Lehmann spectral decomposition for any spin and show that unitarity implies its spectral densities are nonnegative. In addition, we recover the Källén-Lehmann decomposition in Minkowski space by taking the flat space limit. Using harmonic analysis and the Wick rotation to Euclidean Anti de Sitter, we derive an inversion formula to compute the spectral densities. Using the inversion formula, we relate the analytic structure of the spectral densities to the late-time boundary operator content. We apply our technical tools to study two-point functions of composite operators in free and weakly coupled theories. In the weakly coupled case, we show how the Källén-Lehmann decomposition is useful to find the anomalous dimensions of the late-time boundary operators. We also derive the Källén-Lehmann representation of two-point functions of spinning primary operators of a Conformal Field Theory on de Sitter.
An algebraic formula for two loop renormalization of scalar quantum field theory
Authors: Jenkins Elizabeth E. , Manohar Aneesh V. , Naterop Luca , Pagès Julie
Published: December 2023

Abstract

We find a general formula for the two-loop renormalization counterterms of a scalar quantum field theory with interactions containing up to two derivatives, extending ’t Hooft’s one-loop result. The method can also be used for theories with higher derivative interactions, as long as the terms in the Lagrangian have at most one derivative acting on each field. We show that diagrams with factorizable topologies do not contribute to the renormalization group equations. The results in this paper will be combined with the geometric method in a subsequent paper to obtain the counterterms and renormalization group equations for the scalar sector of effective field theories (EFT) to two-loop order.
Shrinking the Warm Little Inflaton
Authors: Ferraz Paulo B. , Rosa João G.
Published: December 2023

Abstract

We show that warm inflation can be successfully realized in the high temperature regime through dissipative interactions between the inflaton and a single fermionic degree of freedom, provided that the latter’s mass is an oscillatory function of the inflaton field value. We demonstrate, in particular, that despite the consequent large amplitude oscillations of the eta slow-roll parameter, their effect is, on average, sufficiently suppressed to allow for a slow-roll trajectory. In addition, we demonstrate that, even though this also induces a parametric resonance that amplifies inflaton perturbations, this has a negligible effect on CMB scales in the relevant parametric range. Hence, the “Warm Little Inflaton” scenario can be realized with one less fermionic degree of freedom and no need of imposing an additional discrete interchange symmetry.
Liouville-type theorems for fractional Hardy–Hénon systems
Authors: Li Kui , Yu Meng , Zhang Zhitao
Published: December 2023

In this paper, we study Liouville-type theorems for fractional Hardy–Hénon elliptic systems with weights. Because the weights are singular at zero, we firstly prove that classical solutions for systems in $${\mathbb {R}}^N \backslash \{0\}$$

R

N

\

{
0
}

are also distributional solutions in $${\mathbb {R}}^N$$

R

N

. Then we study the equivalence between the fractional Hardy–Hénon system and a proper integral system, and we obtain new Liouville-type theorems for supersolutions and solutions by the method of integral estimates and scaling spheres respectively.
Evaluierung des GeSRU-Steps-Lehrvideokonzepts (German Society of Residents in Urology e. V.)
Authors: Nestler Tim , Hircin Emrah , Siech Carolin , Moharam Nadim , Mattigk Angelika , Borgmann Hendrik , Kuru Timur H. , Salem Johannes
Published: December 2023

Hintergrund

Operative Lehrvideos stellen eine zeitgemäße, multimediale Ergänzung der operativen Aus- und Weiterbildung dar. Die German Society of Residents in Urology e. V. (GeSRU) entwickelte eine Lehrvideoplattform (steps.GeSRU.de) mit kostenfreien und qualitätsgesicherten Lehrvideos speziell für junge Ärzte in urologischer Weiterbildung.

Ziel der Arbeit

Das Ziel der Arbeit war die Evaluierung des prinzipiellen Konzepts der GeSRU-Steps-Lehrvideos.

Material und Methoden

Prospektiv wurden 29 GeSRU-Steps-Lehrvideos (03/2019–05/2023) über amboss.com bereitgestellt und ein Online-Fragebogen im Nachgang an die Videos eingeblendet. Dieser umfasste 12 Items zur medizinischen, technischen und didaktischen Qualität, zur Nützlichkeit für den eigenen Wissenserwerb und zu soziodemografischen Daten der Befragten. Aspekte der Videoqualität wurden mit der Acceptability-e-Scale sowie dem Global Quality Score untersucht.

Ergebnisse

Im Erhebungszeitraum wurden die auf der Web-Seite amboss.com implementierten GeSRU-Steps-Videos 49.698-mal aufgerufen. Insgesamt wurden 474 Fragebögen beantwortet (Quote: 0,25 %). Das Kollektiv der Befragten bestand aus 419 (88 %) Studierenden, 47 (10 %) Ärzten in Weiterbildung und 5 (1 %) Fachärzten; 351 (74 %) waren weiblich, 107 (23 %) waren männlich und 4 (1 %) waren divers. Bewertet wurde jedes Lehrvideo im Median 10-mal (Range: 5‑ bis 65-mal). Die 6 Fragen der Acceptability-e-Scale und des Global Quality Scores wurden jeweils mit gut und sehr gut (81,6–95,8 %) bewertet.

Diskussion

Die GeSRU-Lehrvideos sind ein zeitgemäßes Weiterbildungstool und erreichten eine sehr gute Bewertung mit hoher Zufriedenheit der Nutzer. Durch gezielte Förderung dieser qualitätsgesicherten Lehrmethode kann das Portfolio der niederschwellig verfügbaren Operationsvideos erweitert werden.
Press-Fit-Hybrid®-Technik in der Rekonstruktion des vorderen Kreuzbands
Authors: Volz R. , Borchert G. H. , Neumann-Langen M. V.
Published: December 2023

Hintergrund

Das Ziel der Rekonstruktion des vorderen Kreuzbands (VKB) ist die möglichst anatomische und biologische Wiederherstellung der Kniefunktion, um ein Fortschreiten degenerativer Gelenkveränderungen zu vermeiden. Die Press-Fit-Hybrid®(PFH)-Technik ist eine biologische Alternative zur konventionellen Interferenzschrauben(IF)-Technik und kann zur Fixation von Hamstringsehnen- bzw. rein tendinösen Quadrizepssehnentransplantaten angewandt werden.

Fragestellung

Führt die PFH-Technik zu einer geringeren Rerupturrate und zu weniger sekundären Meniskusverletzungen im Vergleich zur IF-Technik?

Material und Methoden

Retrospektive Auswertung von 200 Patienten mit VKB-Rekonstruktionen (100 Patienten in IF-Technik, 100 Patienten in PFH-Technik). Bei der PFH-Technik werden mit einer Diamant-Hohlfräse zeitgleich ein Tunnel und ein Knochenzylinder generiert. Die Herstellung optimaler Press-Fit-Konditionen durch die Anwendung standardisierter Dilatationsschritte erlaubt eine Press-Fit-Fixierung mittels femoralen und tibialen Knochenzylindern sowie zusätzlich femoral mit einem justierbaren Fixationsbutton und tibial mit einer Ankerschraube. Es wurden die Rerupturrate und die sekundären Meniskusverletzungen postoperativ sowie klinische Stabilitäts- und Bewegungsumfänge ermittelt.

Ergebnisse und Schlussfolgerung

Die Rerupturrate betrug in der IF-Gruppe 9 % (n = 9, nach 5,3 Jahren) und in der PFH-Gruppe 4 % (n = 4, nach 4,2 Jahren; p < 0,0001). Postoperative Meniskusverletzungen fanden sich 9 % in der IF-Gruppe und 6 % (p = 0,59276) in der PFH-Gruppe. Postoperativ war die klinische Funktion signifikant besser in der PFH-Gruppe, die Gelenkstabilität war in beiden Gruppen gleich. Die PFH-Technik erzielt im Vergleich mit der IF-Technik eine geringere Rerupturrate und eine geringere Rate sekundärer Meniskusläsionen.
THB-Diff: a GPU-accelerated differentiable programming framework for THB-splines
Authors: Moola Ajith , Balu Aditya , Krishnamurthy Adarsh , Pawar Aishwarya
Published: December 2023

We have developed a differentiable programming framework for truncated hierarchical B-splines (THB-splines), which can be used for several applications in geometry modeling, such as surface fitting and deformable image registration, and can be easily integrated with geometric deep learning frameworks. Differentiable programming is a novel paradigm that enables an algorithm to be differentiated via automatic differentiation, i.e., using automatic differentiation to compute the derivatives of its outputs with respect to its inputs or parameters. Differentiable programming has been used extensively in machine learning for obtaining gradients required in optimization algorithms such as stochastic gradient descent (SGD). While incorporating differentiable programming with traditional functions is straightforward, it is challenging when the functions are complex, such as splines. In this work, we extend the differentiable programming paradigm to THB-splines. THB-splines offer an efficient approach for complex surface fitting by utilizing a hierarchical tensor structure of B-splines, enabling local adaptive refinement. However, this approach brings challenges, such as a larger computational overhead and the non-trivial implementation of automatic differentiation and parallel evaluation algorithms. We use custom kernel functions for GPU acceleration in forward and backward evaluation that are necessary for differentiable programming of THB-splines. Our approach not only improves computational efficiency but also significantly enhances the speed of surface evaluation compared to previous methods. Our differentiable THB-splines framework facilitates faster and more accurate surface modeling with local refinement, with several applications in CAD and isogeometric analysis.
Expert consensus on the role of supplementation in obstetrics and gynecology using modified delphi method
Authors: Soliman Mohamed Yehia , Idris Omima Abdel Fattah , Momtaz Mohamed , Kortam Mohamed Ashraf , ELNoury Mohamed Amr , Saleh Hisham Ali , Abulnour Ayman , Ali Ashraf Abo , Abbas Mostafa , Shaaban Omar M. , din Adel Shafik Salah El , Gaafar Hassan , Orief Yasser , Safwat Michael
Published: December 2023

Purpose

To reach a consensus among obstetrics and gynecology experts on the effects of micronutrient supplementation on fertility and pregnancy to aid clinicians in decision-making and create a unified approach to managing micronutrient deficiencies in women, by performing a modified Delphi study.

Methods

A three-round modified Delphi process was conducted among a Delphi panel of 38 Egyptian experts to define recommendations regarding the role of supplementation on fertility and pregnancy in women of reproductive age. A literature review was performed and supporting evidence was graded to help guide the recommendations based on available evidence.

Results

A total of 62 statements were developed for discussion and voting. Out of the 62 statements, 60 statements reached expert consensus. Statements were divided into two domains. The first domain discussed the role of supplementation in fertility: optimizing natural fertility, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI), unexplained infertility, and endometriosis, whereas the second domain was concerned with the role of supplementation in pregnancy during the prenatal, antenatal, and postnatal periods.

Conclusion

In this work, a modified Delphi methodology was implemented to reach a consensus on the use of micronutrient supplementation in women of reproductive age. These recommendations can help clinicians in their practice, guide future research, and identify gaps in the market for the pharmaceutical industry. This clinical guidance can be extrapolated to similar communities.
The role of clinically relevant intra-abdominal collections after pancreaticoduodenectomy
Authors: Lopez Pablo , Pando Elizabeth , Ortega-Torrecilla Nuria , Puertolas Noelia , Adell Montse , Fernandes Nair , Herms Daniel , Barros Marta , Blanco Laia , Balsells Joaquim , Charco Ramon
Published: December 2023

Background

There is controversial evidence regarding the impact of clinically relevant postoperative intra-abdominal collections (CR-IC) on the clinical course after pancreaticoduodenectomy. C-reactive Protein (CRP) has been validated as a predictor of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF). Still, its role in predicting CR-IC has not been studied.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients who underwent PD at a tertiary hospital between October 2012 and October 2017. The incidence of CR-IC, clinically relevant POPF and other complications, as well as mortality and length of hospitalisation, was retrieved. The impact of CR-IR on mortality and major complications was analysed. The serum CRP levels were retrieved on the third and fifth postoperative days (POD3 and POD5), followed by an analysis of sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve to predict CR-IC using CRP.

Results

One hundred forty patients were enrolled following inclusion and exclusion criteria. The mean age was 66.5 years (15–83). The incidence of CR-IC was 33.7% (47), and CR-POPF was 24.3%. Pancreatic duct diameter ≤ 4 mm was identified as a risk factor related to CR-IC occurrence. The group of patients who developed CR-IC after PD exhibited a higher rate of complications Clavien-Dindo ≥ III compared to patients without CR-IC (40.4% vs 7.5%, p < 0.001), as well as other events such as admission to the intensive care unit (25.5% vs 4.3%, p < 0.001), the incidence of CR-POPF (66% vs 3.2%, p < 0.001), prolonged hospital stay (32 vs 13 days, p < 0.001), postoperative haemorrhage (23.4 vs 5.4%, p = 0.002), and delayed gastric empty (38.8% vs 11.8%, p < 0.001) respectively. Logistic regression analysis identified CR-IC related to POPF as a risk factor for Clavien-Dindo > III: OR = 10.6 (95% CI: 3.90–28.7). No differences in mortality were reported between the CR-IC group and non-CR-IC group. CRP at postoperative day 3 (POD3) > 17.55 mg/dl and CRP at postoperative day 5 (POD5) > 13.46 mg/dl were predictors of CR-IC (AUC: 0.731 and AUC:0.821, respectively).

Conclusions

CR-IC has a significant impact after pancreaticoduodenectomy and is associated with a higher incidence of Clavien-Dindo ≥ III complications. Additionally, CRP levels at POD3 and POD5 play a role in predicting CR-IC. Prospective studies are essential to explore strategies for mitigating the occurrence of CR-IC after PD.
Nomogram for predicting venous thromboembolism after spinal surgery
Authors: Kong Wei-qing , Shao Cheng , Du Yu-kun , Li Jian-yi , Shao Jia-le , Hu Hui-qiang , Qu Yang , Xi Yong-ming
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to establish a nomogram to predict the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), identifying potential risk factors, and providing theoretical basis for prevention of VTE after spinal surgery.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 2754 patients who underwent spinal surgery. The general characteristics of the training group were initially screened using univariate logistic analysis, and the LASSO method was used for optimal prediction. Subsequently, multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent risk factors for postoperative VTE in the training group, and a nomogram for predict risk of VTE was established. The discrimination, calibration, and clinical usefulness of the nomogram were separately evaluated using the C-index, receiver operating characteristic curve, calibration plot and clinical decision curve, and was validated using data from the validation group finally.

Results

Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified 10 independent risk factors for VTE after spinal surgery. A nomogram was established based on these independent risk factors. The C-index for the training and validation groups indicating high accuracy and stability of the model. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve indicating excellent discrimination ability; the calibration curves showed outstanding calibration for both the training and validation groups. Decision curve analysis showed the clinical net benefit of using the nomogram could be maximized in the probability threshold range of 0.01–1.

Conclusion

Patients undergoing spinal surgery with elevated D-dimer levels, prolonger surgical, and cervical surgery have higher risk of VTE. The nomogram can provide a theoretical basis for clinicians to prevent VTE.
Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PvP) adsorbs on and interacts with biomembrane-like layers
Authors: Crow Bethany , Stokes William E. , Kapur Nikil , Fite Marti Busquets , Nelson Andrew
Published: December 2023

This communication describes an initial study into the interaction of solution polyvinylpyrrolidone (PvP) with electrode-supported monolayers of dioleoyl phosphatidylcholine (DOPC). Experiments were carried out in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) at pH 7.4, and solutions were screened on a DOPC-coated microfabricated Hg/Pt electrode in flow cell. The effect of the PvP interaction on the form of rapid cyclic voltammograms (RCV) was recorded at 40 Vs−1. It was found that the PvP-DOPC interaction is strongly dependent on PvP chain length. For shorter chain lengths, the interaction is linearly related to PvP concentration whereas at longer chain lengths, the interaction is Langmuirean; however, the interaction RCV in all cases is representative of adsorption. Both the affinity constant, K2, and the limit of detection (LoD) are extracted from these plots, and these values are inversely related to each other. Plots of log K2 and –log LoD versus the monomer segment number (PvPm) fit a two-term equation consisting of a power term and an exponential term. Plots of (log K2)/PvPm versus PvPm are near reciprocal showing that there is ‘looping’ of the chains on the DOPC surface during the adsorption process. The results fit a model of entropically driven adsorption at short chain lengths and enthalpically driven adsorption at longer chain lengths the latter assumedly due to non-covalent interactions between the PvP chains on the DOPC surface.
Similar levels of disease activity and remission rates in patients with psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis—results from the Finnish quality register
Authors: Weman Lauri , Salo Henri , Kuusalo Laura , Huhtakangas Johanna , Kärki Johanna , Vähäsalo Paula , Backström Maria , Sokka-Isler Tuulikki
Published: December 2023

Objectives

To compare the current disease activity and remission rates, and their regional variation in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Finland.

Methods

Data of patients’ most recent visit in 1/2020–9/2021 were extracted from the Finnish Rheumatology Quality Register. Measures for disease activity and remission included joint counts, DAS28, cDAPSA, CDAI, the Boolean definition, and physician assessment. Regression analyses were applied, adjusted for age and sex.

Results

Data of 3598 patients with PsA (51% female, mean age 54 years) and 13,913 patients with RA (72% female, 74% ACPA-positive, mean age 62 years) were included. The median (IQR) DAS28 was 1.9 (1.4, 2.6) in PsA and 2.0 (1.6, 2.7) in RA (p = 0.94); for cDAPSA, the median (IQR) values were 7.7 (3.1, 14) in PsA and 7.7 (3.3, 14) in RA (p < 0.001). In all regions in both diseases, the median DAS28 was ≤ 2.6 and the median cDAPSA < 13. Remission rates included DAS28 < 2.6 in 73% in PsA and 69% in RA (p = 0.17) and Boolean remission in 17% in PsA and 15% in RA (p < 0.001). By other definitions of remission, the rates ranged between 30% and 46%. Methotrexate was currently used by 49% in PsA and 57% in RA (p < 0.001). Self-administered bDMARDs were currently used by 37% in PsA and 21% in RA (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The overall disease activity was low and similar in patients with PsA and RA across the country. Remission rates varied between 15 and 73%, depending on the definition but were similar in PsA and RA.

Key Points• The disease activity and clinical picture was similar between patients with PsA and RA, in a cross-sectional setting in 1.2020–9.2021.• A significant majority of patients with PsA had low disease activity or were in remission according to cDAPSA. Majority of patients with RA were in remission according to DAS28.• Patients with PsA and RA used methotrexate similarly. The utilization of bDMARDs was more prevalent in patients with PsA.
GBA-associated Parkinson’s disease in Hungary: clinical features and genetic insights
Authors: Szlepák Tamás , Kossev Annabel P. , Csabán Dóra , Illés Anett , Udvari Szabolcs , Balicza Péter , Borsos Beáta , Takáts Annamária , Klivényi Péter , Molnár Mária J.
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Parkinson’s disease (PD) has a complex genetic background involving both rare and common genetic variants. Although a small percentage of cases show a clear Mendelian inheritance pattern, it is much more relevant to identify patients who present with a complex genetic profile of risk variants with different severity. The ß-glucocerebrosidase coding gene (GBA1) is recognized as the most frequent genetic risk factor for PD and Lewy body dementia, irrespective of reduction of the enzyme activity due to genetic variants.

Methods

In a selected cohort of 190 Hungarian patients with clinical signs of PD and suspected genetic risk, we performed the genetic testing of the GBA1 gene. As other genetic hits can modify clinical features, we also screened for additional rare variants in other neurodegenerative genes and assessed the APOE-ε genotype of the patients.

Results

In our cohort, we identified 29 GBA1 rare variant (RV) carriers. Out of the six different detected RVs, the highly debated E365K and T408M variants are composed of the majority of them (22 out of 32). Three patients carried two GBA1 variants, and an additional three patients carried rare variants in other neurodegenerative genes (SMPD1, SPG11, and SNCA). We did not observe differences in age at onset or other clinical features of the patients carrying two GBA1 variants or patients carrying heterozygous APOE-ε4 allele.

Conclusion

We need further studies to better understand the drivers of clinical differences in these patients, as this could have important therapeutic implications.
Evaluation of the Differential Postbiotic Potential of Shewanella putrefaciens Pdp11 Cultured in Several Growing Conditions
Authors: Domínguez-Maqueda Marta , García-Márquez Jorge , Tapia-Paniagua Silvana T. , González-Fernández Carmen , Cuesta Alberto , Espinosa-Ruíz Cristóbal , Esteban María Ángeles , Alarcón Francisco Javier , Balebona María Carmen , Moriñigo Miguel Ángel
Published: December 2023

The increased knowledge of functional foods has led to the development of a new generation of health products, including those containing probiotics and products derived from them. Shewanella putrefaciens Pdp11 (SpPdp11) is a strain described as a probiotic that exerts important beneficial effects on several farmed fish. However, the use of live probiotic cells in aquaculture has limitations such as uncertain survival and shelf life, which can limit their efficacy. In addition, its efficacy can vary across species and hosts. When probiotics are administered orally, their activity can be affected by the environment present in the host and by interactions with the intestinal microbiota. Furthermore, live cells can also produce undesired substances that may negatively impact the host as well as the risk of potential virulence reversion acquired such as antibiotic resistance. Therefore, new alternatives emerged such as postbiotics. Currently, there is no knowledge about the postbiotic potential of SpPdp11 in the aquaculture industry. Postbiotic refers to the use of bacterial metabolites, including extracellular products (ECPs), to improve host physiology. However, the production of postbiotic metabolites can be affected by various factors such as cultivation conditions, which can affect bacterial metabolism. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the postbiotic potential of ECPs from SpPdp11 under different cultivation conditions, including culture media, temperature, growth phase, and salinity. We analyzed their hydrolytic, antibacterial, antiviral, and cytotoxic capacity on several fish cell lines. The results obtained have demonstrated how each ECP condition can exert a different hydrolytic profile, reduce the biofilm formation by bacterial pathogens relevant to fish, lower the titer of nervous necrosis virus (NNV), and exert a cytotoxic effect on different fish cell lines. In conclusion, the ECPs obtained from SpPdp11 have different capacities depending on the cultivation conditions used. These conditions must be considered in order to recover the maximum number of beneficial capacities or to choose the appropriate conditions for specific activities.
Untangling “Chinese characteristics”: an examination of “the China Discipline Evaluation with Chinese characteristics” and what it implies
Authors: Zhou Yiran
Published: December 2023

The terminology of “Chinese characteristics” (zhongguo tese) is ubiquitous in China’s political language, but its precise definition remains elusive. This study focuses specifically on the mobilising of the idea of Chinese characteristics of China’s science evaluation programme: the China Discipline Evaluation (CDE). Implemented as an instrument of the higher education reform since 1978, it still plays a vital role in China today. This paper is structured into three parts. It begins by laying out the broad landscape of the science evaluation systems across several countries including China, to distil the distinctiveness of the CDE. Then, it moves to focus on the CDE and locates it in its historical and social-political context. Finally, it investigates the origin and use of Chinese characteristics, suggesting that this terminology functions as a rhetoric modality which describes, labels, and legitimates seemingly self-contradictory phenomena exclusive to China. It also emphasises the idea of Chinese exceptionalism that is touted as irreducible to other cultural forms. Based on these considerations, it proposes three dimensions of the Chinese characteristics of the CDE: (i) the paradoxical status of the evaluation agency, (ii) the co-existence of contradictory values embedded in the objectives and criteria of the evaluation, and (iii) the promotion of the visibility of the idea of China at the international stage. Overall, it shows that while the CDE may appear to be a decentralisation instrument, it is in essence a “hegemonic project” and “hegemonic apparatus” to fulfil the party-state’s ambition in securing domestic stability and pursuing international competitiveness.
A plant disease classification using one-shot learning technique with field images
Authors: Saad Mohamed H. , Salman Ahmed E.
Published: December 2023

Early diagnosis of plant diseases is crucial for preventing plagues and mitigating their effects on crops. The most precise automatic methods for identifying plant diseases using images of plant fields are powered by deep learning. Big image datasets should always be gathered and annotated for these methods to work, which is often not technically or financially feasible. This paper offers one-shot learning (OSL) techniques for plant disease classification with limited datasets utilizing Siamese Neural Network (SNN). There are five different crop kinds in the dataset: grape, wheat, cotton, cucumber, and corn. Five sets of images showing both healthy and diseased crops are used to represent each of the new crops. The dataset's includes 25 classes with 875 leaf images. Data augmentation techniques are used to enhance the size and dimension of the plant leaf disease image dataset. To provide effective segmentation, this paper provides a unique method for region-based image segmentation that divides an image into its most prominent regions. It also addresses issues with earlier region-based segmentation methods. SVM-based classifiers have better generalization properties as their efficiency does not depend on the number of features. Such merit is beneficial in primary diagnostics decisions to check if the input image is included in the database or not to reduce the consumed time. OSL was applied and compared to standard fine-tuning transfer learning utilizing Siamese networks and triplet loss. Siamese provides superior classification accuracy and localization accuracy with minimal errors than other approaches. The proposed approach has a total processing time of 5 ms, which makes it appropriate for real-time applications. In terms of specificity, sensitivity, precision, accuracy, MCC, and F-measure, the proposed approach beats all current machine learning algorithms for small training sets.
Fixed time control of free-flying space robotic manipulator with full state constraints: a barrier-Lyapunov-function term free approach
Authors: Xie Zhicheng , Chen Xianliang , Wu Xiaofeng
Published: December 2023

Space robotic manipulator (SRM) should be always performed in the given workspace for safety concern. This requires the system states such as rotation of each joint, attitude of base, and their velocities to be always constrained in the given regions. In this article, a new sliding mode control scheme based on a fixed time disturbance observer is proposed to realize the fixed time coordinate motion control of SRM with full-state constraints. Firstly, the tracking error and error velocity at the novel sliding manifold can converge to the equilibrium within a fixed time without violating their state constraints. Then, the control law based on the fixed time disturbance observer is designed to achieve the sliding manifold within a fixed time, which simultaneously satisfies the state constraints during the approaching stage. Unlike the most existing state constraint control schemes, the proposed controller does not include any Barrier Lyapunov Function (BLF) terms of system states, and therefore the risk of controller outputting inappropriately high control commands is eliminated. Moreover, the proposed control scheme is compatible to the initial system states violating their constraints, which thereby removes the assumption of feasible initial states. Furthermore, the proposed sliding manifold solves the singularity issue by a continuously varying power of tracking error, which thereby does not need an additional switch mechanism of manifold compared to the conventional fixed time controllers. The stability of the proposed control scheme is proven by using the Lyapunov theory, and the effectiveness is verified by numerical simulations.
The influence of the whole school approach on implementing education for sustainable development in Japan
Authors: Sasaki Orie , Yonehara Aki , Kitamura Yuto
Published: December 2023

This research investigates the influence of the whole school approach (WSA) on the education for sustainable development (ESD) practices of teachers in Japan. We focus on understanding how school organizations that facilitate WSA influence teachers’ ESD practices in a multifaceted and hierarchical manner. The multilevel analysis, which targeted 683 elementary and middle school teachers in ESD-promoting schools, revealed that the actual working environment may be more important than the school’s management system for helping individual teachers implement ESD, and that school-level WSA made a clear contribution to promoting ESD. The research suggests the importance of establishing the environmental conditions, such as the school board and principals’ guarantee of basic conditions (e.g., working hours, teaching materials, and an environment where teachers can exercise ownership), so that teachers who are interested in ESD practice can feel secure and assume ownership of ESD activities.
A transdisciplinary multiscaled approach to engage with green infrastructure planning, restoration and use in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Breed Christina A. , Engemann Kristine , Pasgaard Maya
Published: December 2023

The systematic integration of green infrastructure (GI) concepts in urban planning shows promise to reduce environmental hazards; while creating sociocultural benefits. However, cities in sub-Saharan Africa face rapid urbanisation and are challenged by the degradation of existing GI, increasing their vulnerability to climatic risks. This paper presents the findings of a transdisciplinary research project that investigated GI planning in the City of Tshwane, South Africa, over two years. The researchers conducted a community survey, an on-the-ground rapid assessment of multifunctional benefit provisions, first-hand observations of local stormwater systems, reviewed policy documents and conducted semi-structured interviews with metro officials. To integrate the above findings, four design studios and eight co-creation workshops were held that explored GI spatial planning in the city. The researchers examined the uptake of GI planning principles, and the challenges, opportunities and local proposals for GI applications, and here synthesised some main conclusions. Despite many well-known challenges, GI opportunities include creating socioeconomic incentives for stronger human-nature relations, providing for multifunctional benefits and anchoring GI in local communities. Interactive research can facilitate increased local awareness and engagement, but access to GI benefits is physically constrained and socially determined by knowledge, networks and safety factors. Based on the above findings, the researchers propose locally adapted planning strategies to enhance GI: creating opportunities for GI access and co-ownership, encouraging multifunctional, safe and flexible GI, supporting multiscale GI integration, and strengthening collaborative governance. A joint GI vision can reinforce city ownership along with flexible and creative design alternatives that are rooted in local communities.
The effect of ammonia concentration on the treatment of bio electrochemical leachate using MFCs technology
Authors: Ishaq Aliyu , Said Mohd Ismid Mohd , Azman Shamila Binti , Abdulwahab Mohd Firdaus , Houmsi Mohamad Rajab , Jagun Zainab Toyin
Published: December 2023

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have garnered attention in bio-electrochemical leachate treatment systems. The most common forms of inorganic ammonia nitrogen are ammonium (

$${NH}_{4}^{ +}$$

NH

4

+

) and free ammonia. Anaerobic digestion can be inhibited in both direct (changes in environmental conditions, such as fluctuations in temperature or pH, can indirectly hinder microbial activity and the efficiency of the digestion process) and indirect (inadequate nutrient levels, or other conditions that indirectly compromise the microbial community’s ability to carry out anaerobic digestion effectively) ways by both kinds. The performance of a double-chamber MFC system—composed of an anodic chamber, a cathode chamber with fixed biofilm carriers (carbon felt material), and a Nafion 117 exchange membrane is examined in this work to determine the impact of ammonium nitrogen (

$${NH}_{4}-N$$

NH

4

-
N

) inhibition. MFCs may hold up to 100 mL of fluid. Therefore, the bacteria involved were analysed using 16S rRNA. At room temperature, with a concentration of 800 mg L−1 of ammonium nitrogen and 13,225 mg L−1 of chemical oxygen demand (COD), the study produced a considerable power density of 234 mWm−3. It was found that

$${NH}_{4}-N$$

NH

4

-
N

concentrations above 800 mg L−1 have an inhibitory influence on power output and treatment effectiveness. Multiple routes removed the most nitrogen (

$${NH}_{4}^{ +}$$

NH

4

+

-N: 87.11 ± 0.7%, NO

2

–

N: 93.17 ± 0.2% and TN: 75.24 ± 0.3%). Results from sequencing indicate that the anode is home to a rich microbial community, with anammox (6%), denitrifying (6.4%), and electrogenic bacteria (18.2%) making up the bulk of the population. Microbial fuel cells can efficiently and cost-effectively execute anammox, a green nitrogen removal process, in landfill leachate.
Life cycle assessment: from industry to policy to politics
Authors: Jegen Maya
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Life cycle assessment (LCA) has established itself as part of the sustainability toolkit of the private sector, informing environmental decision-making and improving environmental performance. However, we know less about its use in the public sector. To what extent and how do governments refer to LCA in their public policies? We review the literature on the use of LCA in public policy and gauge how LCA has penetrated public policymaking through its incorporation in different policy instruments across various sectors. We then discuss the politics of LCA use in policymaking.

Methods

We review the literature on LCA from a public policy and social science perspective (1) and back our argument with information from a dozen interviews with LCA experts from government, consultancy, and academia in France, Germany, Switzerland, and the EU (2).

Results

We show that, along with the growing importance of target setting and science-based environmental and climate policymaking, LCA has penetrated the realm of public policy in OECD countries in different policy sectors. Our understanding of the politics of LCA use in policymaking is however deficient, which leads us to outline a research agenda.

Conclusions

With the growing importance of LCA in public policy, societal values, public/private governance, state capacity, and political agency should be addressed in further research.
Wirkung sprachsensibler Unterrichtsansätze – Ergebnisse eines systematischen Reviews
Authors: Höfler Martha , Woerfel Till , Vasylyeva Tetyana , Twente Leonie
Published: December 2023

Die vergleichenden Schulleistungsstudien der 2000er Jahre haben gezeigt, dass ein enger Zusammenhang zwischen Sprachlernen und Fachlernen besteht. Seitdem erfahren sprachsensible Unterrichtsansätze in Bildungspolitik und -praxis zunehmend Aufmerksamkeit, mit dem Ziel, schulische Leistungen besser zu fördern. Eine umfassende empirische Bewertung der Wirkung solcher Ansätze stand jedoch bislang noch aus. Der Beitrag berichtet erstmalig die Forschungssynthese eines großangelegten systematischen Reviews, das untersucht hat, ob sprachsensible Unterrichtsansätze im Primar- und Sekundarbereich nachweislich wirkungsvoller sind, als regulärer Fachunterricht. Aus 3016 Dokumenten wurden 55 internationale Wirkungsstudien zu sprachsensiblen Ansätzen identifiziert. Nach der Qualitätsbewertung der Befunde flossen 53 Studien in die Forschungssynthese ohne Metaanalyse ein. Im Ergebnis liegen Wirkbefunde zu 30 sprachsensiblen Ansätzen vor. Translanguaging, Reciprocal Teaching (RT), Collaborative Strategic Reading (CSR), Scaffolding nach Gibbons und das Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP) sind mehrfach überprüft, zu 25 weiteren Ansätzen wurde nur jeweils eine Belegstudie ermittelt. Die meisten Untersuchungen (n = 38) zeigen in Teilbereichen des Lernens bessere, mindestens aber vergleichbare Effekte. Die Forschungssynthese liefert ein umfassendes Bild des internationalen Forschungsstandes zur Wirkung von sprachsensiblem Unterricht im Primar- und Sekundarbereich und zeigt die unterschiedliche Qualität der empirischen Evidenz zu den jeweiligen Unterrichtsansätzen.
Characterization and Validation of a Lyophilized Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Method for the Detection of Esox lucius
Authors: Jothinarayanan Nivedhitha , Karlsen Frank , Roseng Lars Eric
Published: December 2023

In many ways, globalization is beneficial, but in one way, it promotes the spread of alien (invasive) species through international trade and transport. In different habitats, Esox lucius (northern pike) can be considered a regionally alien species, and this fish tends to establish a higher density population than desired in fresh water. Early identification of such invasive species using sensitive and quick methods is important to be able to take immediate measures and avoid environmental problems. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) has emerged as the best DNA/RNA detection technique, without any expensive equipment and could be used to detect environmental DNA (eDNA). However, the reagents for amplification are not stable at ambient temperature for field applications. Therefore, this work aims to lyophilize the entire reaction mixture as a single microbead, with enzyme, and LAMP primers towards the detection of mitochondrial cytochrome B (Cyt B), a housekeeping gene in Esox lucius. Analytical and molecular techniques were performed to characterize and validate the lyophilized beads, respectively. The lyophilized beads were stored at two different temperatures, at 20 °C and 4 °C, and tested for biological activity after different time intervals. The result shows that lyophilized beads are bioactive for almost 30 days when stored at 20 °C, while beads at 4 °C did not lose their bioactivity after storage for up to one year. This study will be particularly useful for conducting on-site LAMP analyses in the field, where resources for freezing and storage are limited.

Graphical Abstract
Economic and Productive Comparison of Rutin and Rutin-Loaded Chitosan Alginate Nanoparticles Against Lead-Induced Oxidative Stress in Cobb and Arbor Broiler Breeds
Authors: Wahed Noha M. , Abomosallam Mohamed , Hendam Basma M , Shouman Zeinab , Hashem Nada MA , Sakr Shimaa A.
Published: December 2023

Rutin, a natural bioflavonoid compound, is one of the best-known antioxidants. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of rutin-loaded chitosan alginate nanoparticles (RCA NPs) against lead (Pb)-induced oxidative stress in two different broiler breeds. A total number of 240 chicks from Cobb (CB) and Arbor Acres (AR) breeds were randomly allocated into 4 groups/breed. The 1st group received standard basal diet (SD) and drinking water (DW) while the 2nd group received SD and Pb-incorporated DW (350 mg/L). The 3rd group treated with both rutin-supplemented SD (50 mg/kg feed), and DW contain Pb (350 mg/L). Finally, the 4th group administered RCA NPs-supplemented SD (50 mg/kg feed) and Pb-incorporated DW (350 mg/L). On the 40th day of experiment, broilers weighed, and blood samples collected for biochemical and hematological analysis then slaughtered. Economic efficiency, growth performance, and oxidative stress biomarkers were evaluated. Gene expression level of growth-associated genes as insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-1) and histopathological changes were assessed in liver and intestinal tissue of both breeds. Our results revealed that Pb-treated birds exhibited the lowest average body weight gain (BWG) and economic efficiency measures in both breeds while RCA NPs-treated groups revealed enhanced growth and economic performance. Furthermore, diet supplementation with RCA NPs considerably enhanced the antioxidant enzymes activity and expression of growth-associated genes than groups treated with rutin alone specifically in AR breed. In conclusion, RCA NPs supplementation could be a promising nanoformulation in poultry production through enhancing the antioxidant capacity and bioavailability of rutin.

Graphical Abstract
On the computation of Delaunay triangulations via genetic algorithms
Authors: Dimitriou Paraskevas , Karyotis Vasileios
Published: December 2023

In this work, we introduce a new approach for computing Delaunay triangulations. Delaunay triangulations have numerous applications in geolocation, communications and other ICT systems or practical applications. Having available various types of approaches for computing such structures is rather desired from an implementation and computational point of view. We adopt Genetic Algorithms for computing Delaunay triangulations and present the design and evaluation of our novel approach. We consider a set of points in the plane as vertices and connect them with edges, creating the point graph. We have developed in C++ an application framework based on genetic algorithms, called , which produces the Delaunay triangulation structure of a given set of points in the plane. considers a novel graph-based chromosome representation of desired solutions, creates an initial population of individuals (chromosomes), an initial generation, and produces from the original population (generation) new generations of individuals in each repetition of the genetic process of Reproduction. Each new generation emerges more robust than the previous one. Our evaluations have revealed that the Delaunay triangulation yielded by , achieves an accuracy of 98–100% of the optimal Delaunay triangulation, while maintaining good convergence speed. Despite its limitations in computational time and space, the proposed novel approach exhibits several complementary benefits to computational geometry based approaches, such as allowing the insertion of new points in the triangulation dynamically, leading to seamless adaptation to new conditions, parallelization of the computational process and tolerance to noise regarding the coordinates of the points. Therefore, this work provides a useful alternative approach for computing Delaunay triangulations.