bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Artificial intelligence driven approaches in phytochemical research: trends and prospects
Authors: Varghese Ressin , Shringi Harshita , Efferth Thomas , Ramamoorthy Siva
Published: February 2025

Tremendous scientific advancements have been witnessed in phytochemical research in pursuit of their therapeutic and nutritional value. Leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) is essential to handle the growing omics data and for the elucidation of novel potential phytochemicals. Interestingly, AI has transformed phytochemical research by enabling the efficient analysis of high-dimensional ‘omics’ data and facilitating the discovery of novel metabolites, structural elucidation, and metabolite profiling in plants. Taking together, this review highlights the implementation and significance of AI in various aspects of phytochemical research including analytical techniques, structural elucidation of phytochemicals, plant metabolomics, and genomics. The review also provides an outlook of prominent computational tools in phytochemical research including CASE followed by the present status and challenges of implementing AI in phytochemical research. We also propose the integration of more AI-driven analytical approaches in phytochemical research for the discovery of metabolites and to explore their applications in medicine and agriculture.

Graphical abstract
Beyond borders: how spillovers and commercial networks shape European productivity
Authors: Carrascal-Incera André , Liu Weilin , Orea Luis , Sickles Robin C.
Published: February 2025

Understanding the drivers of economy-wide productivity growth has long been of interest to academics and policy makers. In this paper, we contribute to the literature by conducting a comprehensive analysis of the impact of technical change and catch-up on economic development in European regions. In doing so, we differentiate the internal productivity growth of each sector from the external spillover effect across both regions and sectors. As our study is much more granular than previous studies, we provide fundamental information for regional and national agencies to design effective policy measures aiming to stimulate regions' economic growth. We model the spatial interdependencies among the European regions using inter-regional and inter-sectoral input-output tables from the EUREGIO database. Our empirical application shows that the trade-related spillover effects cannot be disregarded, and that neglecting them would hide part of the explanation behind changes in productivity across regions. We conduct various counterfactual analyses to demonstrate this augmented impact of the trade network. We also simulate the regional TFP improvements due to digitalization, as well as the propagation effects of the financial crisis and the downturn in the construction sector. These analyses reveal how more traditional approaches that overlook these indirect effects tend to underestimate the true impact of positive and negative shocks on regional productivity growth. Our findings could serve policymakers as the ground for building a categorization of regions based on their presence in trade networks.
Formulation of Fiber-Enriched Crackers with Oleaster Powder: Effect on Functional, Textural, and Sensory Attributes
Authors: Düşkün Beyzanur , Kutlu Gozde , Akman Perihan Kübra , Bekiroğlu Hatice , Tornuk Fatih
Published: February 2025

The objective of this study was to produce fiber-enriched crackers by substitution of corn flour and whole wheat flour with oleaster powder (OP) at levels of 0% (C-0), 10% (C-10), 20% (C-20), 30% (C-30), and 50% (C-50) and to determine their sensory, textural, color, and bioactive properties, as well as revealing their dietary fiber and glycemic index values. The results showed that the L* values of the samples were found to range from 62.39 (C-30) to 67.31 (C-0), a* values from 4.43 (C-10) to 8.30 (C-50), and b* values from 21.32 (C-10) to 27.40 (C-50). The hardness and fracturability of the samples decreased with increasing OP concentration, with hardness values ranging from 77.45 to 363.35 N and fracturabilitiy values ranging from 23.30 to 33.90 mm. The total phenolic content (TPC) of the cracker samples ranged from 7.39 to 15.06 mg GAE/100 g, while DPPH radical scavenging activity, CUPRAC antioxidant activity, and FRAP assay values increased with the elevating OP concentration, spanning 4.76 to 93.09 mg TE/100 g, 191.03 to 557.4 mg TE/100 g, and 35.70 to 129.90 mg TE/100 g, respectively. The total dietary fiber content also increased in parallel with the OP level (from 6.83 to 15.15%). The Hydrolysis index values ranged from 109.00 to 74.49%. Although all cracker samples were classified as high glycemic index foods, OP incorporation also decreased the glycemic values up to ⁓19% with values ranging from 80.60 (C-50) to 99.55 (C-0). In conclusion, the addition of OP significantly improved the nutritional properties of the crackers by increasing their dietary fiber, TPC and antioxidant activities as well as decreasing their glycemic index without affecting the sensory attributes. Achieving a balance between nutritional improvement and desirable sensory attributes remains key for optimizing cracker formulations.
Determinants of refugee children’s language comprehension difficulties: Evidence from Lebanon, Türkiye and Australia
Authors: Hammoud Mohammad , Al Samhoury Ola , Shuayb Maha , Crul Maurice
Published: February 2025

This article examines the determinants of Syrian refugee students’ language comprehension difficulties in Lebanon, Türkiye and Australia, three host countries offering refugees different types of legal status (short-term, medium-term and long-term legal settlement). To understand the influence of legal status and its corresponding educational paradigm on the difficulties refugee children encounter when learning in a foreign language, the authors employed a mixed-methods comparative approach. Investigating the micro, meso and macro dimensions that shape refugee children’s language comprehension difficulties, the authors surveyed 945 (52% female, 48%male) middle school refugee students and interviewed parents, teachers and principals. Their quantitative findings highlight the significance of the length of time spent in the host country and the role of school segregation in mitigating language comprehension difficulties. The qualitative findings of this study reveal the importance of language provision and residency conditions, which are shaped by macro-level policies. The study emphasises the need for a comprehensive and holistic approach that addresses distinct dimensions of refugees’ livelihoods in order to surmount the challenges refugee children face when studying in a foreign language.
Making the impact of publications within a field comparable by improving the field-weighted citation impact (FWCI): the case of sport management
Authors: Scelles Nicolas , Teixeira da Silva Jaime A.
Published: February 2025

The Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) is a metric at the publication level which is standardized across fields. It has obvious advantages over other frequently used metrics, but might also suffer from some potential limitations, raising issues about its reliability. This paper investigates one limitation—the use of different All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) Codes in Scopus for journals from the same field, meaning they may not be assessed against the same benchmark (average citations per article)—and suggests a potential improvement, relative to sport management, which was selected as an exemplar field. A four-step approach was applied: first, identifying sport management journals based on Scimago similarities (percentage of cited publications shared between journals, i.e., shared interests); second, mapping these journals against their different ASJC Codes; third, comparing the different ASJC Codes versus Scimago similarities; fourth, analyzing the consequence of the different ASJC Codes on FWCI. Based on Scimago similarities, 15 sport management journals were identified. They represent 15 different ASJC Codes. Overall, the ASJC Codes are not representative of Scimago similarities. The consequence is that, despite shared interests, sport management journals are not assessed against the same benchmark in the calculation of FWCI. The discussion considers why and how big the issue is. A potential improvement to the FWCI is then suggested: to use Scimago similarities rather than ASJC Codes to determine a field. The paper concludes that the FWCI is superior to other widespread metrics, while acknowledging some remaining issues not addressed by the indicator and its potential improvement.
Social Repression and Variation within the Human Freedom Index
Authors: Murphy Ryan H.
Published: February 2025

The Human Freedom Index combines the Economic Freedom of the World index with other data measuring different dimensions of negative freedom to create a complete measure of human freedoms. While the properties of Economic Freedom of the World have been studied at length, relatively little has been done to assess the properties of the Human Freedom Index. We use principal component analysis, k-means clustering, and factor analysis to explore the data. Provocatively, the second principal component, the “off-diagonal” cluster, and the unrotated second factor all point to the same regimes the combine some degree of liberalization in markets with social repression. However, rotating the factors provides clarification, with the first rotated factor emphasizing the markets-oriented policies, and the second factor related to social oppression. This second factor appears to be a novel operationalization of institutional quality.
Exogenous addition of methyl jasmonate and salicylic acid in immobilized cell cultures of Thevetia peruviana: effect on the biomass, phenolic compounds and cardiac glycosides production
Authors: Cuaspud Olmedo , Mendoza Dary , Arias Juan
Published: February 2025

Thevetia peruviana is an ornamental shrub with ethnobotanical uses related to secondary metabolites, including cardiac glycosides (CG), phenolic compounds (PC), and flavonoids (Fv). Known for its cardiac, antioxidant, anticancer, and antimicrobial activities, this study aimed to culture T. peruviana cells immobilized in calcium alginate and evaluate the effects of exogenous methyl jasmonate (MeJA) and salicylic acid (SA) on biomass and metabolite production. Immobilization was performed with 3% (w/v) sodium alginate and 100 mM CaCl₂ in Schenk and Hildebrandt medium. Cultures were maintained for 20 days, reaching a maximum biomass concentration of 7.45 ± 0.49 g DW/L on day 10, compared to 13.92 ± 0.34 g DW/L in free cell cultures. Immobilization reduced biomass concentration but increased the production of secondary metabolites at 10–11 days. This suggests that the alginate matrix acts as an abiotic stress factor, directing carbon consumption and energy flow toward the biosynthesis of PC, Fv, and CG. Additionally, treatment with SA (300 µM) and MeJA (3 µM) during the exponential phase increased metabolite secretion at 48–72 h post-elicitation. SA-treated cultures showed PC, Fv, and CG levels 2.24, 1.66, and 1.37 times higher than controls, respectively, while MeJA increased these levels by 1.24, 1.83, and 1.25 times. Exogenous SA and MeJA stimulate the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites in calcium alginate-immobilized T. peruviana cells; and facilitate the diffusion of metabolites into the extracellular medium. However, further studies are needed to validate this hypothesis.

Graphical abstract
Development of a novel phantom for evaluating jawbone SPECT targeting medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw
Authors: Hayashi Naoya , Matsutomo Norikazu , Tokorodani Ryotaro , Fukami Mitsuha , Nishimori Miki , Iwasa Hitomi , Nakatani Kie , Yamamoto Tetsuya , Yamagami Takuji , Yamamoto Tomoaki
Published: February 2025

Objective

We developed a new phantom for technical evaluation of jawbone single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) examinations for medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). In this study, we verified the utility of the phantom by determining optimal image reconstruction parameters.

Methods

We evaluated the image quality and quantification in jawbone SPECT images obtained by different reconstruction parameters using the phantom. The phantom images were acquired using a SPECT/computed tomography (CT) system and then reconstructed using ordered-subset expectation maximization (OSEM) iterative reconstruction with resolution recovery as well as scatter and attenuation correction with various update numbers and Gaussian filter full width at half maximums (FWHMs). The percent contrast (%contrast) and absolute recovery coefficient were calculated to determine the optimal reconstruction parameters (OSEMjaw). Nineteen patients with a clinical diagnosis of MRONJ who underwent bone SPECT/CT were enrolled for the clinical study. The performance of OSEMjaw was verified by comparison with OSEMcurrent determined by a spherical phantom, using the correlation between the mean standardized uptake value (SUVmean) and clinical staging and visual assessment as endpoints.

Results

In the phantom study, %contrast and absolute recovery coefficient increased with increasing update numbers. As the Gaussian filter FWHM increased, the quantitative accuracy and image sharpness decreased. The parameter determined by the phantom study (OSEMjaw) recommended 120 updates and no filter.

In the clinical study, the mean and standard deviation of SUVmean obtained from OSEMjaw were 8.9 ± 1.4 for stage 1 lesions, 12.9 ± 4.1 for stage 2 lesions, and 13.8 ± 1.4 for stage 3 lesions. For OSEMcurrent, they were 5.4 ± 2.3 for stage 1 lesions, 8.3 ± 2.5 for stage 2 lesions, and 8.0 ± 0.9 for stage 3 lesions. The SUVmean obtained from OSEMjaw had a stronger correlation with clinical stage. Based on visual assessment, the quality of the SPECT images reconstructed by OSEMjaw (3.7 ± 0.9) was superior to that reconstructed by OSEMcurrent (2.9 ± 1.1).

Conclusions

We developed a novel phantom and adapted it for technical evaluation. This study demonstrated the utility of the developed phantom.
Patients with obstructive sleep apnea in Germany
Authors: Winter Yaroslav , Mayer Geert , Benes Heike , Burghaus Lothar , Floam Samantha , Parks Gregory S. , Kallweit Ulf
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Solriamfetol is approved for use in the European Union to treat excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). SURWEY characterized real-world evidence regarding physician initiation and titration strategies and patient experiences with solriamfetol. We report SURWEY data for patients with OSA and EDS in Germany (N = 83).

Methods

SURWEY was a retrospective chart review conducted among physicians in Germany. Eligible patients were age ≥ 18 years who reached a stable solriamfetol dose and completed ≥ 6 weeks of treatment. Patients were grouped by solriamfetol initiation strategy: changeover, add-on, new-to-therapy.

Results

Patients’ mean (SD) age was 49 (14) years. New-to-therapy was the most common initiation strategy. Solriamfetol was initiated at 37.5 mg/day in most patients (n = 57, 69%) and titrated in 53 patients (64%); 30 (57%) completed titration within 2 weeks. In a post-hoc analysis, mean (SD) Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) score was 16.0 (3.2) at baseline and decreased by 5.4 (3.6) at final follow-up (~ 16 weeks; p <.001). Improvement in patient- and physician-rated EDS was reported by ~ 90% of patients. Most patients (55%) reported effects of solriamfetol lasting ≥ 8 h; 91% of patients reported no change in nighttime sleep quality. The most frequent adverse events were headache (8%), decreased appetite (7%), and insomnia (6%).

Conclusion

Most patients in this study were new to therapy. Solriamfetol was typically initiated at 37.5 mg/day; titration was common. ESS scores improved with solriamfetol treatment, and most patients self-reported improvement in EDS symptoms. Common adverse events were consistent with those reported in previous clinical trials.
Suicide Risk Among Cannabis, Heroin and Cocaine Users
Authors: Sosa Miguel Zacarías Pérez , de-la-Vega-Sánchez Diego , Sanz – Gómez Sergio , Melvin Glenn , Sánchez – Gómez Ana , Guija Julio A. , Oquendo Maria A. , Giner Lucas
Published: February 2025

Individuals who use substances such as cocaine, cannabis, heroin, alcohol and nicotine are at increased risk for suicidal behavior. Our objective is to examine the relationship between substance use and suicide. An observational psychological autopsy study design was used to compare substance use in individuals who died by suicide and individuals who died by other manners. Subjects were recruited at the Medical Forensic Institute of Seville between 2006 and 2018. The total sample was 593 decedents including those who had died by suicide (n = 412) and those who died suddenly from non-suicidal causes (n = 181). We determined the association between substance (cannabis, heroin, cocaine, alcohol and nicotine) use and suicide. We also analyzed the behavioral association between the use of any one of these substances (cannabis, heroin, cocaine, alcohol, and nicotine), as well as the use of more than one substance at a time and manner of death (suicide vs not suicide). We established three categories of substance use: never-used, lifetime users (prior use but not in the past month), and past month users (use within the last month). This study found that decedents who died by suicide were more likely to have substance use compared with those who died by other means. Use of cocaine, cannabis, or heroin within the last month prior to death was associated with increased risk of suicide (X2 = 13.050; df = p = 0.001). Of the substances examined, the strongest association was between past month cocaine use and suicide after adjusting for Axis I and Axis II disorders. Our study supports the relationship between the use of illicit substances and suicide. The use of substances, independent of the type, was associated with a greater risk of suicide. Cocaine use had the strongest association with suicide.
Spatial-demographic analysis model for brain metastases distribution
Authors: Zhang Lin , Che Tongtong , Xin Bowen , Li Shuyu , Gong Guanzhong , Wang Xiuying
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The distribution analysis of the morphologic characteristics and spatial relations among brain metastases (BMs) to guide screening and early diagnosis.

Material and Methods

This retrospective study analysed 4314 BMs across 30 brain regions from MRIs of 304 patients. This paper proposed a unified analysis model based on persistent homology (PH) and graph modelling to provide a comprehensive portrait of BMs distribution. Spatial relationships are quantified through dynamic multiple-scale graphs constructed with Rips filtration. The multi-scale centrality importance and clustering coefficients are extracted to decode BMs spatial relations. Morphologic BMs characteristics are further analysed by varying radius and volume values that are considered as clinically influential factors. Finally, two-tailed proportional hypothesis testing is used for BM statistical distribution analysis.

Results

For spatial analysis, results have shown a statistical increase in the proportions of high-level centrality BMs at the left cerebellum (p<0.01). BMs rapidly form graphs with high clustering rather than those with high centrality. For demographic analysis, the cerebellum and frontal are the top high-frequency areas of BMs with 0-4 and 5-10 radii. Statistical increases in the proportions of BMs at cerebellum (p<0.01).

Conclusion

Results indicate that distributions of both BMs spatial relations and demographics are statistically non-random. This research offers novel insights into the BMs distribution analysis, providing physicians with the BMs demographic to guide screening and early diagnosis.
Prä- und perimigratorische Stressoren und Ressourcen ukrainischer Frauen in Deutschland – eine qualitative Betrachtung
Authors: Buchcik J. , Metzner F. , Kaltenbach S. , Kovach V. , Adedeji A.
Published: February 2025

Ziel der Studie

Frauen leiden seit der humanitären Krise in der Ukraine im Besonderem unter psychischen Belastungen. Es gibt nur eingeschränkte Studien, die Einblicke in die psychische Gesundheit, das Stressempfinden und möglichen Ressourcen ukrainischer Frauen in Deutschland geben, da diese die Komplexität von Belastungs- und Bewältigungserleben nicht subjektiv erfassen oder geschlechterübergreifend auswerten. Um diese Forschungslücke zu schließen, wird die folgende Forschungsfrage adressiert: Welche prä- und perimigratorischen Stressoren und Ressourcen nehmen geflüchtete Frauen aus der Ukraine subjektiv wahr?

Methodik

Es wurden drei Fokusgruppeninterviews durchgeführt. Die Gespräche erfolgten in Form von semistrukturierten Interviews anhand eines Interviewleitfadens, der Erfahrungen und Lebensumstände zu Beginn des Krieges, während der Flucht aus der Ukraine und der Ankunft in Deutschland umfasste. Die Analyse erfolgte unter Anwendung der qualitativen Inhaltsanalyse, bei der Kategorienbildung wurde ein deduktiv-induktiver Ansatz verfolgt.

Ergebnisse

Es konnten insgesamt n = 15 Ukrainerinnen zwischen 18 und 56 Jahren zur Teilnahme an den Gruppeninterviews gewonnen werden. Die Migrationsstressoren und -ressourcen, die sich als wesentlich für die psychische Gesundheit vor und während ihrer Flucht zeigen, können in drei Hauptkategorien (individuelle, psychosoziale und strukturelle) unterteilt werden. Das Erleben von Bedrohung und Verlusten, häufig vermittelt über soziale Medien, spielt in der Fluchtphase eine Rolle. Das emotionale Erleben ist geprägt durch den Umgang mit belastenden Gefühlen wie Angst, Schuld, Scham und Neid sowie Unsicherheiten in Bezug auf ein Leben im Ausland.

Schlussfolgerung

Interventionen sollten bereits vor und während der Flucht beispielsweise Selbstfürsorge, einen psychisch gesunden Umgang mit sozialen Medien, Strategien zur Emotionsregulation sowie einen funktionalen Umgang mit Gefühlen wie Schuld und Scham adressieren.
Insoluble dietary fiber and microparticle formation from olive pomace: effects on emulsification and interfacial behavior in Pickering emulsions
Authors: Aslan Türker Duygu , Işçimen Elif Meltem
Published: February 2025

In this study, we systematically produced particles and insoluble dietary fibers (IDFs) with varying particle sizes from olive pomace, a by-product of olive oil manufacturing, and conducted an extensive characterization of their physicochemical, technological, and structural properties. These materials were then utilized in the formulation of Pickering emulsions, facilitating an investigation into the correlation between particle characteristics and emulsion stability. Emulsions formulated with IDFs exhibited ζ potential values exceeding − 20 mV and displayed minimal fluctuations in particle size. The lowest interfacial tension, indicative of maximal adsorption at the oil–water interface, was observed in olive pomace fiber (OPF) (37.01 mN/m at 10 s). With time, the interfacial tension of all emulsions decreased, suggesting continuous particle adsorption at the oil–water interface. Additionally, Pickering emulsions stabilized by IDFs demonstrated significantly higher θ values, highlighting their superior emulsification efficacy in enhancing Pickering emulsion stability. This investigation lays the groundwork for the development of stable Pickering emulsions utilizing olive pomace, a by-product of olive oil production, and for the comprehensive utilization of olive oil waste. Overall, these findings suggest that the incorporation of olive pomace IDFs holds substantial promise in enhancing the stability of Pickering emulsions.
Structural equation modeling to explore putative causal factors for chronic fatigue in childhood cancer survivors: a DCCSS LATER study
Authors: Penson Adriaan , Bucur Ioan Gabriel , Walraven Iris , Grootenhuis Martha A. , Maurice-Stam Heleen , van der Heiden-van der Loo Margriet , van der Pal Helena J. H. , de Vries Andrica C. H. , Bresters Dorine , van den Heuvel-Eibrink Marry M. , Neggers Sebastian , Versluys Birgitta A. B. , Louwerens Marloes , Pluijm Saskia M. F. , Blijlevens Nicole M. A. , van Dulmen-den Broeder Eline , Kremer Leontien C. M. , Heskes Tom , Loonen Jacqueline , Knoop Hans ,   on behalf of the Dutch LATER study group
Published: February 2025

Purpose

To explore putative causal relations for chronic fatigue (CF) in childhood cancer survivors (CCS) using structural equation modeling (SEM).

Methods

Interrelationships between factors that were previously associated with CF and their causal relation with CF were investigated using SEM and causal discovery methodology. A bootstrap method was used to ascertain how robust each finding was, presenting the percentage of times that each discovered edge was found in 1000 bootstrap samples as a measure of confidence (with > 50% needed to be confident in a found edge).

Results

1927 CCS (51.7% male) with a mean age of 35 years (SD 9) participated in the study (23.6% reported CF). Results indicated that sex had a putative causal effect on CF (bootstrap confidence 81%), while CF was causally linked to helplessness, physical activity, pain, BMI, and sleep problems (bootstrap confidence 82%, 78%, 78%, 51%, and 51%, respectively). The relation between CF and depression was found to be two-way (bootstrap confidence 68%), indicating a reciprocal relation or the presence of a latent confounder. The same applied to the relations between CF and anxiety, self-esteem, and social functioning, but this could not be confirmed with high confidence (bootstrap confidence < 50%).

Conclusion

This study provides insight into the complex etiology of CF and could give guidance in the development of appropriate prevention and/or intervention strategies for CF in CCS.

Implications for Cancer Survivors

Results show the consequences of having CF and could help to understand the impact it has on daily life.
Exploring the Interplay between Drought Resilience and Yield in Maize Hybrids for Drought-Prone Regions
Authors: Bal Senem Sabancı , Adak Alper , Erdal Şekip
Published: February 2025

This study explores the selection of maize inbreds and their subsequent hybridization, followed by the evaluation of the resulting hybrids across multi-environment trials under irrigated and non-irrigated conditions. Variance decomposition analysis revealed that environmental and trial-specific factors contributed significantly to yield variation, with 75.66% of the total variance under non-irrigated conditions attributed to trial management (Trial[Env]). Genotype accounted for 11.36%, and genotype-by-trial interactions explained 8.43%. Based on Drought Resilience Index (DRI) values, promising inbreds such as Ant-69 and Ant-24,702 were selected for hybrid development. Hybrid H3, developed from inbreds Ant-69 and Ant-24,702, exhibited strong performance across environments, consistently ranking within the top three for yield and stability. Its slow senescence, resulting in an extended grain-filling period, contributed significantly to its superior yield stability even under water-deficient conditions. Using BLUPs, hybrid performance was evaluated, with H3 demonstrating high yield stability across both irrigated and non-irrigated trials. The hybrids like C2 and H4 were highly responsive to favorable (irrigated) environments, H3 maintained greater stability across varying environments. The WAASBY index ranked H3, along with hybrid C1, as the top-performing genotypes, combining both high yield and stability. AMMI and GGE biplot analyses further confirmed H3’s broad adaptability across multiple environments. These findings emphasize the significance of selecting superior inbreds, such as Ant-69 and Ant-24,702, to create hybrids that are capable of performing well under diverse environmental conditions. This research highlights the essential role of inbred selection in developing high-performing hybrids like H3, which show both yield stability and drought resilience across varying environmental conditions. The inclusion of non-irrigated trials as non-favorable environments was crucial for identifying hybrids with stay-green traits, such as extended grain-filling periods, that contribute to improved yield stability under drought. These findings emphasize the importance of evaluating hybrids across contrasting environments to develop cultivars optimized for both productivity and stability in drought-prone regions.
Mindfulness Profiles and Substance Use Outcomes in University Students: The Role of Alcohol and Cannabis Use Motives
Authors: Folivi Folly , Bravo Adrian J. , Pearson Matthew R.
Published: February 2025

Objectives

The present study aimed to identify distinct profiles of mindfulness among a sample of university students in the USA who use alcohol and cannabis. Further, we examined whether these mindfulness profiles were indirectly associated with alcohol and cannabis-related outcomes via alcohol and cannabis use motives.

Method

Latent profile analysis (LPA) was used to determine the number of latent classes among 771 US university students (75.7% White, 66.8% female) who consumed alcohol and cannabis in the prior month. Additionally, parallel mediation analyses were conducted to determine whether mindfulness profiles were indirectly associated with alcohol- and cannabis-related outcomes via alcohol and cannabis use motives.

Results

LPA indicated a 4-class solution fit optimally. Further, the high mindfulness group was generally the most adaptive (lower scores) across alcohol and cannabis outcomes, whereas the judgmentally observing group was generally the most maladaptive (higher scores). Indirect effect analyses revealed that compared to the low mindfulness group, the high mindfulness group reported lower scores on alcohol- and cannabis-related outcomes via lower alcohol- and cannabis-related coping motives.

Conclusions

These findings can inform prevention and intervention efforts using mindfulness techniques and interventions among students who engage in problematic alcohol and cannabis use.

Preregistration

This study is not preregistered.
Eco-pilgrimages: Linking humans, heritage, and hydrology
Authors: Strang Veronica , Luetz Johannes M.
Published: February 2025

Over the last century, the health of aquatic ecosystems around the world has reached critical levels. In the UK, waterways are severely polluted, and yet many wells and springs are still venerated as ‘sacred’. This article presents ‘eco-pilgrimages’ as a sustainability strategy to connect key heritage sites through ecological corridors. This aims, simultaneously, to strengthen biodiversity; to enable immersive historical and ecological education; to contribute to human well-being; and to provide more effective flood amelioration in river catchment areas.
Gender in industrial mine work and organizations – recommended actions toward gender equality
Authors: Heimann Samuel , Johansson Kristina
Published: February 2025

Questions of how the mining industry can address gender imbalance and inequality are recurring and increasing across the sector. Neglecting how gender affects organizational processes, work environment and work, risks reproducing, rather than transforming the organizational culture and processes that uphold masculine culture and male domination in the industry. The aim of the article is to give research-based suggestions to the industry - companies and policy-makers - on how the results of gender perspectives in research on mining organizations can contribute to inclusive and innovative work environments, organizational cultures and processes in mining. Based on an extensive review of previous research on gender in mining, the study concludes that possible transformative change, through new technology and new forms of organization, may enable organizations to shift the gendered structure of mining. A shift toward automated mines and increase of industrial mining due to the demands of the green transition will lead to new types of jobs and new forms of organizing mining work. Within these changes lies a possibility to transform gendered structures in mining.
Insights into depression prediction, likelihood, and associations in children and adolescents: evidence from a 12-years study
Authors: Haque Umme Marzia , Kabir Enamul , Khanam Rasheda
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The severity of depression among young Australians cannot be overstated, as it continues to have a profound impact on their mental health and general wellbeing. This study used machine learning (ML) algorithms to analyse longitudinal data, identifying key features to predict depression, assess future risk, and explore age-specific behaviours that contribute to its progression over time. The results emphasize the significance of early detection to prevent unfavourable consequences and shed light on the alterations in depressive symptoms during various stages of development.

Methods

Three widely regarded ML techniques—random forest (RF), support vector machine (SVM), and logistic regression (LR)—are being applied and compared with a longitudinal data analysis. Additionally, the Apriori algorithm is being utilized to explore potential relationships between health, behaviour, and activity issues with depression among different age groups (10–17).

Results

The analysis results indicate that the RF model is performing exceptionally well in diagnosing depression, with a 94% accuracy rate and weighted precision of 95% for non-depressed and 88% for depressed cases. In addition, the LR model shows promising results, achieving an 89% accuracy rate and 91% weighted precision. Moreover, insights from the Apriori algorithm underscore the significance of early detection by examining potential associations between health, behaviour, and activity problems and depression across diverse age groups.

Conclusion

Combining early screening programs with the RF model and the Apriori algorithm is crucial for understanding depression and developing effective prevention strategies. Emphasizing Apriori's factors and regularly updating strategies with new information will enhance depression management and prevention.
Exploring perceptions of interreligious learning and teaching and the interplay with religious identity: a synthesis of a five- part evolving study
Authors: Foley Toni
Published: February 2025

This paper synthesises findings from five small studies seeking to explore the perceptions of individuals engaged in interreligious learning and teaching to uncover what might be possible for students in contemporary Catholic schools. The reality of Australian Catholic schools is that they are pluralising contexts reflective of the general Australian population profile. This brings to the fore that the clientele of many Catholic schools is religiously/culturally diverse. Engaging with diversity in a respectful and meaningful way has the potential to yield benefits for all (religious and non-religious) and to contribute to addressing the Australian educational goals for all. The paper, drawing on findings from five studies utilising a variety of methodologies, including autoethnography, hermeneutic (pedagogical) phenomenology and case study employing basic qualitative inquiry. It reveals the key contribution of educational leadership and approaches to Religious Education. The research contributes a fresh perspective to the ever-developing Religious Education agenda with some possibilities that might resonate with, and be viable in, other contexts looking to address evolving opportunities to invest in the future of young learners.
Synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles using a modified polymer complex method and evaluation of their biological effect on Capsicum annuum L
Authors: Durán-Fernández Santiago , Bermudez-Zambrano Oscar Dario , Rodríguez-Páez Jorge E.
Published: February 2025

In this work, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) were synthesized using a chemical route. The ZnO obtained was characterized using infrared and Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results indicated that the synthesized ZnO had a unique crystal structure corresponding to the wurtzite type. The primary particles of the synthesized oxide had a size < 100 nm, a crystallite size of ~ 33.20 nm and spheroidal morphology. These primary particles formed agglomerates with an average size of ~ 460 nm. The bandgap values of the synthesized ZnO were between ~ 2.7 and 2.8 eV, with an Urbach energy of ~ 340 meV. Considering the potential use of synthesized ZnO-NPs and commercial ZnO (ZnO-MPs) in agriculture, seeds of C. annuum were exposed to treatments at concentrations of 0, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 mg L−1 of ZnO-NPs or ZnO-MPs to determine their biological effect. A relevant result was the decrease in the dry weight of the plumule, in the proportion indicated in parentheses, of the seedlings obtained from seeds exposed to ZnO-NPs, in concentrations of 10 mg L−1 (15%), 20 mg L−1 (17%) and 200 mg L−1 (13%), or treated with ZnO-MPs, in concentrations of 10 mg L−1 (19%) and 100 mg L−1 (13%). These treatments could cause toxicity in the seedling since the reduction in the recorded dry weight was equal to or greater than 10%, a percentage considered as a benchmark for the critical level of toxicity.
Leveraging geographic information systems (GIS) in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) research: a systematic review of applications and challenges
Authors: Pradhan Sojen , Pradhan Biswajeet , Joshi Abhasha
Published: February 2025

Safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) are essential for the health, well-being, and socio-economic development of communities. Despite global efforts, the challenge of providing safe access to WASH service persists, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) play a pivotal role in understanding and addressing these challenges by enabling the monitoring, mapping, and analysis of WASH facilities and their impacts. This systematic literature review aims to comprehensively understand how GIS is being used in WASH research. The review reveals that GIS is being used in various aspects of WASH, including mapping and monitoring of WASH facilities, spatial analysis of WASH-related health outcomes, and planning. The review also highlights the challenges of using GIS in WASH, such as data availability and quality, integration of technological advancement and adoption of a comprehensive approach. The review provides valuable insights for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers working in the field of WASH.
Challenges, current innovations, and opportunities for managing type 2 diabetes in frail older adults: a position paper of the European Geriatric Medicine Society (EuGMS)—Special Interest Group in Diabetes
Authors: Boccardi Virginia , Bahat Gülistan , Balci Cafer , Bourdel-Marchasson Isabelle , Christiaens Antoine , Donini Lorenzo Maria , Cavdar Sibel , Maggi Stefania , Özkök Serdar , Pavic Tajana , Perkisas Stany , Volpato Stefano , Zaidi Muhammad Shoaib , Zeyfang Andrej , Sinclair Alan J.
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This position paper aims to address the challenges of managing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in frail older adults, a diverse and growing demographic with significant variability in health status. The primary research questions are: How can frailty assessment be effectively integrated into diabetes care? What strategies can optimize glycaemic control and outcomes for frail older adults? How can innovative tools and technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), improve the management of this population?

Methods

The paper uses the 5 I’s framework (Identification, Innovation, Individualization, Integration, Intelligence) to integrate frailty into diabetes care, proposing strategies such as frailty tools, novel therapies, digital technologies, and AI systems. It also examines metabolic heterogeneity, highlighting anorexic-malnourished and sarcopenic-obese phenotypes.

Results

The proposed framework highlights the importance of tailoring glycaemic targets to frailty levels, prioritizing quality of life, and minimizing treatment burden. Strategies such as leveraging AI tools are emphasized for their potential to enhance personalized care. The distinct management needs of the two metabolic phenotypes are outlined, with specific recommendations for each group.

Conclusion

This paper calls for a holistic, patient-centered approach to diabetes care for frail older adults, ensuring equity in access to innovations and prioritizing quality of life. It highlights the need for research to fill evidence gaps, refine therapies, and improve healthcare integration for better outcomes in this vulnerable group.

Graphical abstract
Overcoming photocorrosion in CdS photocatalysts: the role of lignin-derived carbon Co-based composites in hydrogen production
Authors: Liu Bowen , Luo Zhicheng , Wu Weidong , Qi Yi , Qin Yanlin , Qiu Xueqing
Published: February 2025

The implementation of lignin composites with inexpensive metals for photocatalytic hydrogen production offers an economically viable solution to the global energy crisis. CdS, as a widely used photocatalyst, faces significant challenges such as rapid electron–hole recombination, severe photo-corrosion, poor stability, and easy aggregation of nanoparticles. To overcome these limitations, we synthesized a CdS@Co–N/C composite photocatalyst by in-situ loading CdS particles onto Co–N/C lignin carbon through a straightforward hydrothermal method. The uniform anchoring of CdS nanoparticles on Co–N/C prevents aggregation, mitigates photo-corrosion, increases the surface area to mass ratio, and generates an increased amount of active sites. With 100 mg of CdS@Co–N/C as the catalyst, the optimal photocatalytic hydrogen rate of generation reached 6.11 mmol g−1, which was 8.40-fold greater than that of pure CdS. This lignin carbon composite demonstrated remarkable stability, maintaining high hydrogen production efficiency without significant decline after five cycles. Electrochemical experiments and DFT (Density Functional Theory) results suggested that the carbon sourced from lignin in the composite possesses conductivity and, in synergy with Co nanoparticles, serves as an electron acceptor, enhancing electron transfer and hastening the separation of photogenerated charge carriers in CdS, and thereby enhancing photocatalytic hydrogen production efficiency. This study proposes a simple, cost-effective and noble-metal-free method for hydrogen production.
Regulating and Managing Banks in India
Authors: Samantaraya Amaresh
Published: February 2025

A comprehensive coursebook that combines the study of three key aspects of banking: the role of banks in an economy, the need for banking regulations and regular bank management practices. The book begins with explanations of the basics of functions of banks and emphasises the paramount importance of banks in the overall Indian financial system. It highlights the role of banks in promoting long-term economic prosperity by drawing from theories of economic growth and explains how banks play a key role in managing short-run economic fluctuations. It provides technical details on quantification and management of wide varieties of banking risks and aspects of banking regulations, and draws a roadmap for future banking regulations, management of non-performing assets (NPAs), the impact of developments in information technology (IT) and IT-enabled services (ITES), and digitalisation in the banking business. Simple numerical examples are provided to facilitate easy comprehension and appeal to students as well as professionals.
It Takes More Than a Candidate
Authors: Lawless Jennifer L. , Fox Richard L.
Published: February 2025

It Takes More Than a Candidate remains the only systematic account of the gender gap in political ambition. Based on national surveys of more than 10,000 potential candidates in 2001, 2011, and 2021, the book shows that women, even in the highest tiers of professional accomplishment, are substantially less likely than men to demonstrate ambition to seek elective office. The gender gap in persists across generations and over time, despite society's changing attitudes toward women in politics. Women remain less likely to be recruited to run for office, less likely to think they are qualified to run, and less likely to express a willingness to run for office in the future. In the twenty years since It Takes a Candidate was first published, the book remains timely and eye-opening, highlighting the challenges women face navigating the candidate emergence process and providing insight into the persistent gender gap in political ambition.
Józef Chałasiński’s Research on the Nationalization Process of Peasants in Poland
Authors: Poniedziałek Jacek
Published: February 2025

This article describes the research on the nationalization of peasantry in Poland by the Polish sociologist Józef Chałasiński (1904–1979). He realized that the ethnicity and nation in Poland were formed with the exclusion of peasants marginalized by privileged classes. The idea of a nation was used to ensure class domination over peasants; their inclusion in the nation was tantamount to the abandonment of the peasant culture and rural lifestyle. Chałasiński described the emergence of a modern Polish nation through the popularization of the elite culture, which led to the gradual disappearance of the peasant class in Poland.
Music History, the Practice Turn, and Maria Yudina’s Journey through the Soviet ‘Thaw’, 1959–63
Authors: BEHAN ADAM
Published: February 2025

This article develops an approach to music history that centres performers and their artistic work, drawing on insights from musical performance studies. It responds to criticisms of the practice turn and builds on recent scholarship on Soviet music to contextualize the life of pianist Maria Yudina in the years 1959–63, in which she dedicated herself (at great cost) to new, avant-garde music. Case studies include Yudina’s key role in performing the first Soviet twelve-tone composition in 1961 — Andrei Volkonsky’s Musica Stricta: Fantasia Ricercata — and her advocacy of Igor Stravinsky in the build-up to his homecoming in 1962.