bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The variations in the natural history of high‐risk human papillomavirus infections in Chinese healthy women aged 27–45 years compared with 18–26 years: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Chen Qi , Yao Xingmei , Quan Jiali , Jia Xinhua , Li Yufei , Zhu Kongxin , Hu Xiaowen , Huang Xingcheng , Zhong Guohua , Qiu Lingxian , Bi Zhaofeng , Liao Mengjun , Chen Lu , Kuang Xuefeng , Wang Zhe , Hu Shangying , Zhuang Chunlan , Huang Shoujie , Wei Lihui , Chen Wen , Su Yingying , Zhao Fanghui , Wu Ting , Qiao Youlin , Zhang Jun , Xia Ningshao
Published: December 2024

Data investigating the natural history of high‐risk human papillomavirus (HR‐HPV) infection in mid‐adult women compared with young adult women from regions exhibiting a bimodal distribution pattern are scarce. From November 2012 to September 2019, 3681 healthy women aged 18–45 years from the control group of a bivalent HPV vaccine Phase 3 trial in China were followed over 5.5 years. At scheduled visits (Day 0, months 7, 12, 18, 24, 30, 42, 54, and 66), cervical samples were collected for ThinPrep Pap tests and HPV DNA testing, women with abnormal cytology were referred for colposcopy. Data was analyzed using Cox regression model and a competing risk model. Sensitivity analyses were performed among participants attending all scheduled visits. The incidences of HR‐HPV persistent infections (over 6 months [6mPIs]) were 35.5 and 29.0 per 1000 person‐years (PYs) (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.21, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.00, 1.46), and HR‐HPV associated CIN grade 2 or greater (CIN2+) were 4.3 and 1.9 per 1000 PYs (HR = 2.31, 95% CI: 1.25, 4.26) in women aged 18–26 and 27–45 years. Competing risk models showed that the cumulative incidence of HR‐HPV infections that progressed to CIN2+ was significantly higher in women aged 18–26 than in women aged 27–45 (5.3% vs. 2.9%, Gray's test p = .0291). The cumulative clearance rates of HR‐HPV infections in women aged 18–26 and 27–45 were similar (94.7% vs. 95.8%, Gray's test p = .3309) during the study period. In conclusion, although mid‐adult women exhibit lower incidences of HR‐HPV infection and associated cervical lesions compared to young women, this population continues to face a substantial risk of acquiring causal HPV infections, which may progress to cervical lesion.
Forests and Mediterranean squamates: How does crown canopy impact species richness and phylogenetic diversity?
Authors: Escoriza Daniel , Amat Félix
Published: December 2024

Intense human disturbances, including changes in the balance between open and forested habitats, have impacted squamate reptile populations in the western Mediterranean. This region has experienced a notable increase in woodland cover, driven by the gradual abandonment of traditional agriculture, native forest regeneration and intensive reforestation. Microclimatic changes associated with dense canopies in native forests or tree plantations could affect squamate assemblages. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that squamates (amphisbaenians, lizards and snakes) would respond negatively to denser crown canopies and taller vegetation. Our study focused on the Iberian and Italian Peninsulas and included 56 squamate species. The analyses indicated that forests (>50% canopy cover) support a limited number of squamate species (24–26 species). The greatest species richness and phylogenetic diversity were found in low woodland formations (2‒9.9 m stand height and 20‒49% canopy cover) and areas with scattered trees and shrubs (5‒19% canopy cover), supporting 40–46 species. To balance reforestation efforts with squamate conservation, areas with low diversity or lack of threatened species should be prioritised.
Evaluation of centipedegrass [Eremochloa ophiuroides (Munro) Hack] lines in multi‐environment trials in North Carolina
Authors: Carbajal E. M. , Gouveia B. Tome , Van der Laat R. , Milla‐Lewis S. R.
Published: December 2024

Centipedegrass [Eremochloa ophiuroides (Munro) Hack] requires fewer inputs and is more tolerant to biotic and abiotic stresses than other warm‐season turfgrasses. However, reduced morphological variation has hampered breeding efforts and just a few commercial cultivars are available in the market. The chemical agent ethyl methane‐sulfonate (EMS) was used to develop useful genetic variation in common centipedegrass. The objectives of this study were to evaluate these newly generated breeding lines in multi‐environment trials in order to (1) select lines with stability of performance across North Carolina and (2) estimate expected genetic gains through the use of the additive selection index. Centipedegrass genotypes were evaluated from 2017 to 2019 for aesthetic, production, and stress tolerance traits at three locations in North Carolina. Genetic variability was observed for drought resistance, inflorescence density, spring green‐up, percent ground cover in year 1, leaf texture, turfgrass quality, and winterkill across locations. Type‐B genetic correlations ranged from low to moderate, except for seed yield, indicating genotype by environment interaction might have a large effect on centipedegrass performance across target environments. Indirect selection using the additive index resulted in increased expected genetic gains for multiple traits simultaneously as compared to direct selection for a single trait. Several EMS‐derived lines were ranked better than the commercial cultivars across traits. In conclusion, despite the relatively high genotype by environment interaction observed in the target environments, our study identified genetic variability for several traits, which has been a challenge in centipedegrass. Furthermore, superior lines identified in our study will be used as parental lines in polycrosses to develop new cultivars.
Injectable Nano‐Micron AKBA Delivery Platform for Treatment of Tendinopathy in a Rat Model
Authors: Han Qibin , Qian Yinhua , Bai Lang , Zhou Jing , Hao Yuefeng , Hu Dan , Zhang Zhouzhou , Yang Xing
Published: December 2024

Tendinopathy is a disorder characterized by pain and reduced function due to a series of changes in injured or diseased tendons. Inflammation and collagen degeneration are key contributors to the onset and chronic nature of tendinopathy. Acetyl‐11‐keto‐β‐boswellic acid (AKBA) is an effective anti‐inflammatory agent widely used in chronic inflammatory disorders and holds potential for tendinopathy treatment; however, its therapeutic efficacy is limited by poor aqueous solubility. Here, we fabricated AKBA‐encapsulated cationic liposome‐gelatin methacrylamide (GelMA) microspheres (GM‐Lipo‐AKBA) using thin‐film hydration and microfluidic technology for drug delivery therapy. GM‐Lipo‐AKBA exhibited high encapsulation efficiency, extended AKBA release for over 4 weeks, and prolonged degradation. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated its effectiveness in improving inflammation and ECM remodeling in tendinopathy. In summary, the injectable nano‐micron drug delivery platform provides a promising strategy for the sustained and localized delivery of AKBA for tendinopathy treatment.
Dextran Sulfate‐Modified and pH‐Responsive Nanoprobes for Magnetic Resonance/Fluorescence Dual‐Modality Imaging of Vulnerable Plaques
Authors: Cheng Jianing , Hao Liguo , Zhu Xiaorong , Ma Ruifan , Li Silong , Yin Qiangqiang , Wang Dongxu , Hu Haifeng , Zhang Tianyu , Li Zheng , Cong Houyi , Zheng Xiaoyang , He Jun , Wang Yuguang
Published: December 2024

Triggered by the vulnerability to atherosclerotic plaques, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have become a main reason for high mortality worldwide. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop functional molecular imaging modalities to improve the detection rate of vulnerable plaques. In this study, polyethyleneimine (PEI) was coated on the surface of mesoporous silica nanoprobes (MSN) loaded with Gd2O3 (MSN@Gd2O3), followed by coupling the fluorescent dye carboxylated heptamethine cyanine (IR808), and then the dextran sulfate (DS) was modified on the surface of MSN@Gd2O3@IR808 by electrostatic adsorption, to construct a targeted and pH‐responsive magnetic resonance (MR)/near‐infrared fluorescence imaging (NIRF) dual‐modal nanoprobe (MSN@Gd2O3@IR808@DS nanoparticles). The nanoprobe presented a more concentrated distribution of spherical shapes in transmission electron microscopy. In vitro simulated vulnerable plaque microenvironment (pH = 5.5) presented significant T1‐weighted imaging (T1WI) signal and longitudinal relaxation in the nanoprobe. Immunofluorescence staining and cellular uptake assays showed that MSN@Gd2O3@IR808@DS nanoparticles have the ability to specially bind to scavenger receptors A (SR‐A). In vascular endothelium from the high‐fat diet (HFD) New Zealand White rabbits, MSN@Gd2O3@IR808@DS nanoparticles can exhibit specific contrast‐enhanced signals by MR/NIRF dual‐modal imaging. In addition, cytotoxicity assays and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining results demonstrated that MSN@Gd2O3@IR808@DS nanoparticles have good biocompatibility. Hence, this multifunctional MR/NIRF bimodal nanoprobe provides new experimental and technological ideas for the accurate diagnosis of vulnerable plaques.
Evaluation of Neurovascular Coupling in Early‐Onset and Late‐Onset Epilepsy of Unknown Etiology
Authors: Wan Xinyue , Yin Xuyang , Chai Xinyi , Tian Mei , Wang Jianhong , Zhang Jun
Published: December 2024

Background

Previous studies have shown neurovascular coupling (NVC) dysfunction in epilepsy, suggesting its role in the pathological mechanisms. However, it remains unclear whether NVC abnormalities exist in epilepsy of unknown etiology (EU).

Purpose

To integrate multiparametric MRI to assess NVC and its relationship with cognition in early‐onset and late‐onset EU patients.

Study Type

Prospective.

Population

Ninety‐six EU patients (46 early‐onset, M/F = 20/26; 50 late‐onset, M/F = 29/21) and 60 healthy controls (HCs, M/F = 25/35).

Field Strength/Sequence

3.0 T, resting‐state gradient echo‐planar imaging, pseudo‐continuous arterial spin labeling (pc‐ASL), and T1‐weighted brain volume sequence.

Assessment

Functional MRI data were analyzed to assess intrinsic brain activity including amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuations (ALFF), fractional ALFF (fALFF), regional homogeneity (ReHo), and functional connectivity strength (FCS), while pc‐ASL provided cerebral blood flow (CBF) measurements. Coupling correlation coefficients and ratios of CBF to neural activity were calculated to evaluate global and regional NVC.

Statistical Tests

Two‐sample t‐test, Analysis of Variance, Kruskal–Wallis test, Chi‐square test, Analysis of Covariance, family‐wise error/Bonferroni correction, partial correlation analyses. Statistical significance was defined as P < 0.05.

Results

Whole‐brain analysis revealed increased ALFF values in both patient groups' left precentral and postcentral gyri. Both patient groups had lower global NVC coefficients than HCs, with reduced CBF‐ALFF (0.28 vs. 0.30), CBF‐fALFF (0.43 vs. 0.45), and CBF‐ReHo (0.40 vs. 0.41) in early‐onset patients, and lower CBF‐fALFF (0.38 vs. 0.45) and CBF‐ReHo (0.32 vs. 0.41) in late‐onset patients. Regional analysis showed significantly decreased CBF/ALFF ratios in the left precentral and postcentral gyri (T = 3.85 to 5.33). Reduced global NVC in early‐onset patients was significantly associated with poorer executive function (r = 0.323), while global coupling in late‐onset patients was negatively correlated with disease duration (r = −0.348 to −0.426).

Data Conclusion

This study showed abnormal global and regional NVC in both early‐onset and late‐onset EU patients, emphasizing the potential role of NVC in the pathophysiological mechanisms of EU.

Level of Evidence

1

Technical Efficacy

Stage 1
Driving under the influence of prescribed opioids: a qualitative study of the pharmacist's contribution to road safety
Authors: Gillett John Marius Harold , King Mark , Carroll Julie‐Anne , White Melanie
Published: December 2024

Background

Australia's 20‐year consistent fall in road crash fatalities has stalled. Concerning is the marked increase of prescribed potentially driving‐impairing medications (PDIMs), led by opioids, in driver autopsies. Drivers prescribed opioids are often not well advised on cognitive impairment. Pharmacists have a potential role to provide such advice, but their experiences and opinions are generally unreported.

Aim

To investigate the experiences, perceptions, and opinions of pharmacists dispensing prescribed opioids to patients, particularly what specific advice is given regarding driving safety, and to explore pharmacists' potential future role.

Method

Ten pharmacists in the regional city of Toowoomba, Queensland, consented to semi‐structured interviews, conducted between November 2019–November 2021. Interviews were then transcribed and subjected to reflexive thematic analysis to identify themes from the pharmacists' responses. This study is part of a broader project: How do doctors and pharmacists perceive their roles in ensuring safety in driving for both the patient and the general community? Ethical approval was granted by the Queensland University of Technology Research Ethics Committee (Reference no: 1900000374) and the study conforms to Australian National statement on ethical conduct in human research. Informed consent was obtained from all participants via completion of a written consent form after detailed project information was provided. This occurred at least 5 days after participants were first approached.

Results

Three main themes emerged: road safety versus freedom and independence, team approach and communication with general practitioners (GPs), and varying scope of advice on opioid impairment and tolerance. Pharmacists are aware of potential impacts on road safety, yet they are sympathetic towards the independence driving affords. GP communication and a team approach with GPs were the strongest subthemes. Pharmacists gave good information about cognitive impairment without specifically referencing driving. Pharmacists' learning about medications and driving occurred only “on the job.”

Conclusion

Pharmacists' current advice to opioid‐medicated drivers (OMDs) would benefit from focused opioid upskilling empowering OMDs to make rational driving decisions. A more team‐oriented interaction, marked by better communication between pharmacists and GPs, should result in improved road safety among OMDs.
Why Do Talented People Leave? Assessing Talent Turnover Risks Using a Hybrid Approach
Authors: Estiri Mehrdad , Dahooie Jalil Heidary , Qorbani Ali Reza , Meidute‐Kavaliauskiene Ieva
Published: December 2024

Addressing the critical challenge of talent turnover in human resource management (HRM), the study aims to bridge the significant gaps in understanding the risks of talent turnover and the lack of robust frameworks for HR decision‐makers to assess and manage these risks effectively. Grounded in the resource‐based view (RBV), it introduces a hybrid methodology that synergizes failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) with multi‐attribute decision‐making (MADM) methods using Z‐numbers. The research process involved an extensive literature review and expert panel discussions to curate an exhaustive list of turnover risks. These risks were appraised using FMEA technique and Z‐SWARA method. To validate the robustness of the evaluations, four different MADM methods were applied for risk ranking, which were then integrated using the BORDA count method. The framework's utility is exemplified by its application in a private bank in Iran, where it was used to identify and prioritize talent turnover risks. Findings reveals that skill underutilization, immigration, and underpayment are the most critical risks associated with talent turnover in our case, as confirmed by a sensitivity analysis. Practically, the framework equips HR managers with a robust tool for identifying and prioritizing talent turnover risks, facilitating strategic decision‐making in a uncertain business environment.
Functional and Nutritional Characterization of a Natural Diet Based on BIO102 Iron Biofortified Beans in Newly Weaned Mice
Authors: Jiménez‐Cardozo N. , Díaz‐Vesga Magda C. , Gallego‐Castillo Sonia , Álvarez Daniel , Orozco‐Agredo Juan Camilo , Ortega José Guillermo , Morales‐Jiménez Camilo
Published: December 2024

Childhood malnutrition persists as a critical issue in Latin America, particularly affecting protein and iron intake among children. Biofortification, enhancing crop nutritional content, offers a promising solution rooted in Latin American culinary traditions. This study describes the nutritional features of a natural diet based on iron biofortified red beans (BIO102) and examines its physiological impact in newly weaned Balb/C male mice over a 4‐week period. We evaluated weight gain, food intake, fasting blood glucose levels, and physical performance compared to control and regular maize diets. Results indicate that BIO102 and control diets show similar weight gain and food intake, with significant differences noted compared to the regular maize diet. BIO102 diet, characterized by reduced phytic acid content and increased in vitro iron bioaccessibility, significantly lowers fasting blood glucose levels by Week 4. Physical performance measures, encompassing aerobic endurance and limb strength, show no significant differences between BIO102 and control groups. Nutritional analysis highlights BIO102‐based diet's enriched protein content relative to regular maize. This study suggests that BIO102 could offer an alternative to address childhood nutritional deficiencies in Latin America through effective biofortification strategies, serving as a preliminary basis for future clinical investigations.
Magnetic Janus Particles: Synthesis and Multifunctional Applications
Authors: Tan Xuemei , Song Yuhang , Wan Chuchu , Huang Caili , Chai Yu , Yang Zhenzhong
Published: December 2024

Magnetic Janus particles (MJPs) with compositional compartmentalization and strong magnetic responsiveness play a pivotal role in various application fields, such as biotechnology, medicine, and materials science. However, comprehensive reviews of the field of MJPs remain limited. Here, this article attempts to fill the gap by reviewing the current common synthetic strategies for MJPs, including masking, microfluidics, self‐assembly, phase separation, and seeded emulsion polymerization, among others. It then covers the multifunctional applications of MJPs, beneficial from their magnetic properties and anisotropic topological structure, primarily involving environmental remediation, biomedicine, smart displays, interfacial catalysis, emulsion stabilization, and structured liquid materials are presented, as well. Finally, the current challenges and future perspectives for MJPs are also discussed, aiming to fully harness the potential for broader applications.
The Influence of Length‐Diameter Ratio of Cellulose on Friction Characteristics of Screw Surface Investigated by EDEM Simulation
Authors: Yin Xuan , Zhang Dingyao , Li Liqi , Zhang Bing
Published: December 2024

This study integrates numerical simulations and tribological experiments using a plate‐on‐disc tribometer to examine the tribological behavior and wear mechanisms of cellulose materials in the solid transport screw of a parallel co‐rotating twin‐screw extruder. EDEM simulation results indicate that wear on the left screw primarily occurs on the screw threads while wear on the right screw is concentrated at the junction between the screw threads and the bottom of the screw groove. The meshing region experiences the most severe wear due to the combined effects of shear forces and contact stress. Tribological experiments with a plate‐on‐disc tribometer reveal that adding cellulose with higher aspect ratios reduces friction coefficients. When cellulose has a high aspect ratio, it improves the alignment of wear scar cracks and cellulose molecular chains on the friction contact surface. This results in a gradual alignment of rod‐shaped structural cellulose in the direction of frictional sliding, which reduces impact‐spalling wear, micro‐cutting wear, and scratching abrasion wear. Additionally, cellulose with higher aspect ratios can withstand higher rotational friction speeds during high‐speed friction, forming an orientation transfer layer on the friction contact surface. This enhances surface lubrication and reduces abrasive wear and adhesive wear.
Ictal SPECT Imaging Findings in Parkinson's Disease with Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Behavior Disorder
Authors: Groenewald Karolien , Warwick James , Dupont Patrick , Ackerman Jan‐Hendrik , Amsterdam Olivia , Carr Jonathan
Published: December 2024

Background

Rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is an established prodrome and symptom of synucleinopathies. The pathophysiology of this disorder has been well studied but there is a lack of functional imaging data to illustrate the dysfunction in vivo.

Objectives

We aimed to investigate the functional changes of RBD, by performing ictal REM sleep SPECT, comparing subjects with Parkinson's Disease (PD) and evidence of RBD to subjects with PD and no RBD.

Methods

Participants underwent a targeted clinical assessment, followed by video polysomnography (vPSG). Ictal 99mTc‐HMPAO SPECT was performed by injecting the tracer during vPSG confirmed REM sleep in seven cases (PD with RBD) and five controls (PD without RBD). Voxel‐wise, whole brain regional relative perfusion changes between both groups were assessed using statistical parametric mapping.

Results

No difference in relative regional brain perfusion was demonstrated at a family wise error corrected p‐value of 0.05 between the case and control groups. At an uncorrected P‐value of <0.01, combined with a cluster extent threshold of 300 voxels, four clusters of increased perfusion were identified in the case group compared to the control group. The clusters were seen in the motor, somatosensory association, and prefrontal cortices. The reverse contrast did not show any significant clusters.

Conclusions

Increased perfusion of the motor cortex is in keeping with previous publications and motor phenomena seen in RBD. However, clusters included additional cortical regions. These findings demonstrate RBD as a wider sleep network dysfunction, rather than a manifestation of simple pontomedullary interruption.
Characteristics of four Blue Catfish fisheries with implications for harvest management
Authors: Neely Ben C. , Flores Ernesto , Johnson Craig M. , Koch Jeff D. , Miller Brett T. , Morrison Justin L. , Salazar Vanessa , Sprenkle Ely N.
Published: December 2024

Objective

Blue Catfish Ictalurus furcatus populations introduced into Kansas reservoirs in the past few decades have supported fisheries during the 21st century that have rapidly gained popularity among anglers. The increased importance of these fisheries has prompted questions about the status of populations, resilience to overfishing, and appropriate harvest management strategies. The primary objectives of this study were to quantify the dynamics of four Blue Catfish populations in Kansas impoundments, identify susceptibility to angler catch and harvest, and evaluate modeled population responses to harvest regulation.

Methods

We coupled capture–recapture efforts and a randomized sample design using low-frequency electrofishing to estimate population characteristics of the four Blue Catfish populations. We also estimated age and growth parameters from each population to characterize dynamic rate functions. Angler tag return data were summarized over a period of 1 year from each fishery to evaluate Blue Catfish susceptibility to angler catch and harvest. Finally, we consolidated these data into harvest regulation models to estimate the population response under varied harvest regimes.

Result

Estimated densities of stock-length (≥300 mm total length) Blue Catfish varied from 2.79 to 20.14 individuals/ha. Growth was variable, with individuals expected to reach quality length (≥510 mm total length) as early as age 4 and as late as age 9. The largest fish in each population were more vulnerable to angler capture, although harvest was low for all sizes of fish. Harvest regulation models indicated that populations were resilient to increased exploitation under all scenarios, with a limited risk of growth overfishing or recruitment overfishing.

Conclusion

Blue Catfish populations in Kansas reservoirs exhibit different dynamics but demonstrate resilience to overfishing. The largest individuals in populations are much more vulnerable to angler catch than smaller fish, but the risk of overharvest appears mitigated by angler self-regulation.
Does Flow of Remittances Matter for Enhancing the Labor Market Behavior of the Left‐Out Members? A Micro‐Level Analysis in the Context of Rural Jharkhand, India
Authors: Swain Suchi Smita , Das Gurudas , Paul Ujjwal Kanti
Published: December 2024

In migration and remittance literature, considerable research has been conducted on how remittances impact the labor market behavior of family members left‐out in households with migrants. However, the influence of remittance inflow on these family members left‐out in households with migrants has been uninvestigated. This paper intends to bridge the gap by examining the influence of the flow of remittances on the labor market behavior of family members left‐out in households with migrants in Jharkhand (an Indian state), a major source area of out‐migration for economic reasons. Using cross‐sectional data from 575 households across six districts, we utilize the endogenous switching probit model to analyze the influence of the flow of remittances on the labor market behavior of family members left‐out in households with migrants. The study's findings suggest that (i) remittances exhibit a positive influence on the left‐out members' labor market behavior, and (ii) the likelihood of heads of regular groups engaging in the labor market is high compared to their counterparts in irregular groups. These insights suggest that the regularities in the flow of remittances instill financial confidence among the left‐out members, empowering them to invest in remunerative self‐employed activities, which in turn generates employment opportunities in the rural labor market.
Study on the interfacial bonding mechanism of nano‐injection molding PPS/PA6@Al: A molecular dynamics simulation study
Authors: Liu Donglei , Liu Suyun , Zhang Shaojian , Evsyukov S. A. , Luo Xin
Published: December 2024

Nano‐injection molding technology is widely used in producing lightweight and high‐strength composites. In this study, seven polymer‐metal interfacial models with inverted trapezoidal nano‐slots were constructed using the polymers polypropylene sulfide (PPS), polyamide 6 (PA6), and the metal aluminum (Al), where the formula ratio of PPS/PA6 is different. Molecular dynamics simulation was used to analyze the PPS/PA6 motion behavior and interfacial bonding mechanism during the nano‐injection molding process of the PPS/PA6 blend modification. The results indicated that the addition of strongly polarized PA6 to the inert material PPS could effectively enhance the interfacial bond strength of PPS/Al. Because the strong polar amide group in PA6 increased the force between the molecular chain and the metal surface, which led to more anchors forming between the interfaces, the number of anchors at the heterogeneous interfaces increased with the increase of PA6 content. In the interfacial damage simulations, adding PA6 enhanced the interfacial bonding energy, which required greater loading stresses to disengage the anchored molecular chains from the interface.

Highlights

Strongly polarized amide groups in PA6 enhance the forces.

Addition of strongly polar PA6 gets higher interfacial energy and filling ratio.

Failure modes: Y‐shear and Z‐tensile.
Steaming soil is effective in eliminating invasive alien plants (IAPs) – part I: effect of exposure method
Authors: Bitarafan Zahra , Kaczmarek‐Derda Wiktoria , Berge Therese With , Øyri Carl Emil , Fløistad Inger Sundheim
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND

As regulations on pesticides become more stringent, it is likely that there will be interest in steam as an alternative approach for soil disinfestation. This study investigates the feasibility of utilizing a soil steaming device for thermal control of invasive plants.

RESULTS

Seeds of Echinochloa crus‐galli, Impatiens glandulifera, Solidago canadensis, and rhizome fragments of Reynoutria × bohemica were examined for thermal sensitivity through two exposure methods: (1) steam treatment of propagative material in soil; (2) exposure of propagative material to warm soil just after heated by steam. Soil temperatures in the range of 60–99 °C and dwelling period of 3 min were tested. Increased soil temperature decreased seed germination/rhizome sprouting. The exposure method had a significant effect where higher temperatures were needed to reduce the seed germination/rhizome sprouting in method 2 explained by the effect of extra heat given in method 1. Using method 1, for E. crus‐galli and S. canadensis, the maximum mean temperature of approximately 80 °C was enough to achieve the effective weed control level (90%). This was lower for I. glandulifera and higher for R. × bohemica. Using method 2, 90% control was achieved at 95 °C for S. canadensis; more than 115 °C for I. glandulifera; and more than 130 °C for E. crus‐galli and R. × bohemica.

CONCLUSION

Our findings showed a promising mortality rate for weeds propagative materials through soil steaming. However, the species showed varying responses to heat and therefore steam regulation should be based on the differences in weeds' susceptibility to heat. © 2024 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Study on the Effects of Boron Content and Heat Treatment Process on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Al–B Alloys
Authors: Yan Hu , Zhang Yi , Yue Anyu , Yang Lipeng , Cao Yong , Zhou Shenggang
Published: December 2024

Herein, Al–B alloys with different boron volume fractions(10, 20, and 30%) are prepared by powder metallurgy with vacuum hot press sintering process. The microstructures, elemental distributions, and phase compositions of the alloys are systematically analyzed using scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, and X‐ray diffraction, and the effects of boron content and heat treatment process on the mechanical properties are evaluated in combination with room‐temperature tensile tests and fracture scans. The results demonstrate that the boron particle‐reinforced aluminum alloys sintered at 610 °C mainly consist of aluminum, boron, and a small amount of AlB2 phases, and the alloy with 20% boron content and T6 heat treatment exhibits the highest tensile strength of 272.5 MPa.
High‐Throughput Robotic Phenotyping for Quantifying Tomato Disease Severity Enabled by Synthetic Data and Domain‐Adaptive Semantic Segmentation
Authors: He Weilong , Li Xingjian , Zhang Zhenghua , Chen Yuxi , Zhang Jianbo , Panthee Dilip R. , Meadows Inga , Xiang Lirong
Published: December 2024

Plant diseases cause an annual global crop loss of 20%–40%, leading to estimated economic losses of 30–50 billion dollars. Tomatoes are susceptible to more than 200 diseases. Breeding disease‐resistant cultivars is more cost‐effective and environmentally sustainable than the frequent use of pesticides. Traditional breeding methods for disease resistance, relying on direct visual observation to measure disease‐related traits, are time‐consuming, inaccurate, expensive, and require specific knowledge of tomato diseases. High‐throughput disease phenotyping is essential to reduce labor costs, improve measurement accuracy, and expedite the release of new varieties, thereby more effectively identifying disease‐resistant crops. Precision agriculture efforts have primarily focused on detecting diseases on individual tomato leaves under controlled laboratory conditions, neglecting the assessment of disease severity of the entire plant in the field. To address this, we created a synthetic data set using existing field and individual leaf data sets, leveraging a game engine to minimize additional data labeling. Consequently, we developed a customized unsupervised domain‐adaptive tomato disease segmentation algorithm that monitors the entire tomato plant and determines disease severity based on the proportion of affected leaf areas. The system‐derived disease percentages show a high correlation with manually labeled data, evidenced by a correlation coefficient of 0.91. Our research demonstrates the feasibility of using ground robots equipped with deep‐learning algorithms to monitor tomato disease severity under field conditions, potentially accelerating the automation and standardization of whole‐plant disease severity monitoring in tomatoes. This high‐throughput disease phenotyping system can also be adapted to analyze diseases in other crops with similar foliar diseases, such as maize, soybeans, and cotton.
Prospective Evaluation of Real‐Time Artificial Intelligence for the Hill Classification of the Gastroesophageal Junction
Authors: Kafetzis Ioannis , Sodmann Philipp , Herghelegiu Bianca‐Elena , Brand Markus , Zoller Wolfram G. , Seyfried Florian , Fuchs Karl‐Hermann , Meining Alexander , Hann Alexander
Published: December 2024

Background

Assessment of the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) is an integral part of gastroscopy; however, the absence of standardized reporting hinders consistency of examination documentation. The Hill classification offers a standardized approach for evaluating the GEJ. This study aims to compare the accuracy of an artificial intelligence (AI) system with that of physicians in classifying the GEJ according to Hill in a prospective, blinded, superiority trial.

Methods

Consecutive patients scheduled for gastroscopy with an intact GEJ were recruited during clinical routine from October 2023 to December 2023. Nine physicians (six experienced, three inexperienced) assessed the Hill grade, and the AI system operated in the background in real‐time. The gold standard was determined by a majority vote of independent assessments by three expert endoscopists who did not participate in the study. The primary outcome was accuracy. Secondary outcomes were per‐Hill grade analysis and result comparison for experienced and inexperienced endoscopists separately.

Results

In 131 analysed examinations the AI's accuracy of 84.7% (95% CI: 78.6–90.8) was significantly higher than 62.5% (95% CI: 54.2–71) of physicians (p < 0.01). The AI outperformed physicians in all but one cases in the per‐Hill‐class analysis. AI was significantly more accurate than inexperienced physicians (85% vs. 56%, p < 0.01) and in trend better than experienced physicians (84% vs. 69.6%, p = 0.07).

Conclusions

AI was significantly more accurate than examiners in assessing the Hill classification. This superior model performance can prove beneficial for endoscopists, especially those with limited experience.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT06040723
Winds of change in Westminster
Authors: Shuttleworth Fiona , Trees Lord
Published: December 2024

From the gilded halls of the House of Lords, Fiona Shuttleworth provides an update on the government policy positions and initiatives Lord Trees is engaged with beyond legislation.
Fluorine functionalized graphitic carbon nitride for iron(III) sensing and methylene blue photodegradation
Authors: Sairaj Vandana , Sasi Saranya C. , Krishnan Retheesh , Palantavida Shajesh , Vijayan Baiju Kizhakkekilikoodayil
Published: December 2024

This study synthesizes graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) and fluorine‐doped graphitic carbon nitride (Fgcn) nanosheets with different fluorine weight percentages, and their potential for fluorescence detection of Fe3+ ions and photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) using solar light is then investigated. The samples demonstrated extraordinarily sensitive and selective Fe3+ detection at a limit of detection of 0.48 µM and a limit of quantification of 1.46 µM. Moreover, compared to the pure g‐C3N4, the Fgcn demonstrated a faster rate of photocatalytic degradation of the MB dye. The adjustable band gap, increased number of short‐lived species, two‐dimensional nanostructure, and reduced lattice strain all contribute to the increased photocatalytic activity of Fgcn samples. This study shows that the use of flourine‐doped g‐C3N4 can improve the selective detection of Fe3+ ions as well as the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue when exposed to solar light.
Morphological and optical investigation of Ce doped La2O3 nanoparticles for photocatalytic applications
Authors: Karthikeyan Subramani , Sasikumar Ponnusamy , Arumugam Jayachandhiran , Abbas Mohamad Abd E , Nithiyanantham Subramanian
Published: December 2024

The simple hydrothermal approach was used to create various morphologies of cerium (Ce) substituted lanthanum oxide (La2O3) nanostructures, with a reaction time of 6 h at 100 °C. The research on Ce‐substituted La2O3’s morphology, particle size, band gap, and photocatalytic efficacy are affected by calcination temperature. The powder X‐ray diffraction pattern of Ce‐added La2O3 nanoparticles reveals their hexagonal shape. Field emission scanning electron microscopy is used to study the morphology of freshly produced nanoparticles. The elements in the synthesized and calcined samples were proven to exist by energy dispersive X‐ray analysis. La2O3 samples synthesized at room temperature and calcined at 300 and 600 °C are calculated to have band gap energies of 3.1, 3.0, and 2.9 eV, respectively through UV–visible spectroscopic analysis. The photoluminescence's analysis yields the exactness in activity of photo‐catalyst. It's possible to match the broad peak around 439 and 1045 cm−1 with the O─H vibration.
The Effect of Flow Sampling on the Robustness of the Actuator Line Method
Authors: Zormpa Markella , Zilic de Arcos Federico , Chen Xiaosheng , Vogel Christopher R. , Willden Richard H. J.
Published: December 2024

The actuator line method (ALM) is a widely used tool for the modelling of horizontal axis turbines and wind and tidal farm flows. The method uses a virtual blade representation to simulate the dynamics of wind turbines without the computational expense associated with resolving the blade geometry. Within the ALM, the flow is first sampled at each blade section, allowing for the calculation of the sectional lift and drag forces that are in turn imposed on the flow domain using a smearing kernel. In this work, the effect of the flow sampling method on the robustness of the ALM is discussed. Implementations of two widely used types of methods for horizontal axis wind turbines are tested: point sampling, where the flow is sampled at or near the collocation point, and volume average sampling where flow field information from multiple points centred at the collocation point is averaged into a representative blade‐local velocity vector. A third method, line average sampling, that was initially proposed for sampling flows from blade‐resolved simulations is adapted for the ALM framework. This method samples the flow symmetrically around a control element in order to eliminate the interference of the bound circulation, thus allowing the inflow velocity at the aerofoil to be determined. When evaluating power and thrust coefficients and the flow field at the rotor plane predicted by the ALM, the line average sampling approach is demonstrated to be more robust and converges faster with time step for two different rotors: a small wind rotor and a high‐solidity tidal rotor. This suggests that carefully selecting the sampling method could be key in alleviating the very strict time‐step restriction imposed by the ALM, a widely acknowledged limitation of the method. Such an advancement could contribute towards improving the computational efficiency and tractability of the method.
§ 1 Eigentum ohne Eigentümer?
Authors: Froese Judith
Published: December 2024

Art. 14 GG formuliert, dass das Eigentum und das Erbrecht gewährleistet werden. Im Text des Grundgesetzes taucht der Berechtigte, der Eigentümer, nicht auf. In den Eigentumsgrundrechten der EMRK und der GRCh kommt der personale Charakter hingegen bereits textlich klar zum Ausdruck: Nach Art. 1 des 1. Zusatzprotokolls zur EMRK hat „jede natürliche oder juristische Person“ das Recht auf Achtung ihres Eigentums. Art. 17 Abs. 1 GRCh gewährleistet das Eigentumsrecht für „jede Person“. Ungeachtet der fehlenden Erwähnung des Eigentümers im Text des Grundgesetzes schützt Art. 14 GG das Eigentum nicht bloß als Institut oder um seiner selbst willen, sondern als Freiheitsgrundrecht des Eigentümers. Die Eigentumsgarantie ist – so formuliert es das Bundesverfassungsgericht – „nicht zunächst Sach-, sondern Rechtsträgergarantie“. Zwischen Eigentum und Freiheit besteht danach ein enger innerer Zusammenhang; das Eigentumsgrundrecht steht im Dienst der persönlichen Freiheit des Einzelnen. Ihm wird daher teils auch der Charakter eines Menschenrechts zugeschrieben. Der Eigentümer hat das Recht, sein Eigentum zu seinen eigenen Zwecken zu verwenden und Dritte von der Nutzung auszuschließen. Das Eigentum hat die Funktion, dem Einzelnen einen Freiheitsraum im vermögensrechtlichen Bereich zu sichern. Zugespitzt ausgedrückt: „Es gibt keine Persönlichkeit ohne ein Minimum an Hab und Gut. Es gibt keine Freiheit ohne irgendeine Art von Eigentum.“
§ 3 Von der Sachherrschaft zur Herrschaft der Sache
Authors: Schuppert Gunnar Folke
Published: December 2024

In der Einladung der Herausgeberin und des Herausgebers zur Mitwirkung an dem geplanten Sammelband „Eigentum ohne Eigentümer?“ wird zu Recht hervorgehoben, dass Konzepte, die das Rechtsinstitut „Eigentum“ zu entpersonalisieren suchen, ziemlich weit oben auf der rechtspolitischen Agenda stehen. Im Horizont werde das Bild eines Eigentums ohne Eigentümer „schemenhaft sichtbar“.
§ 4 Personales und entpersonalisiertes Eigentum
Authors: Kreuter-Kirchhof Charlotte
Published: December 2024

Fundament der verfassungsrechtlichen Gewährleistung der Eigentümerfreiheit ist ein personales Eigentumsverständnis. Art. 14 GG gewährleistet die Eigentümerfreiheit als die persönliche Herrschaft des Eigentümers über sein Eigentum. Der Gesetzgeber hat Inhalt und Schranken der personalen Eigentümerfreiheit des Art. 14 GG ausgehend vom historisch gewachsenen, ideengeschichtlich begründeten Eigentumsbegriff der Neuzeit zu bestimmen. Dabei ist der grundrechtliche Schutz dieses Menschenrechts und damit der personale Charakter der Eigentümerfreiheit zu wahren. Dies gebieten die Idee der Menschenrechte, die den Menschen in den Mittelpunkt der Rechtsordnung rückt, die Rechtsinstitutsgarantie, die mit den Kernelementen der Privatnützigkeit und der grundsätzlichen Verfügungsbefugnis den personalen Bezug der Eigentümerfreiheit beschreibt, und die Bestandsgarantie, deren Grund im personalen Gehalt der Eigentümerfreiheit liegt.
§ 8 Wohnraum gehört allen?
Authors: Shirvani Foroud
Published: December 2024

Eines der zentralen politischen Themen der Gegenwart betrifft die Frage, wie bezahlbare Wohnungen insbesondere für einkommensschwache Bevölkerungsgruppen geschaffen und wie Grund und Boden sozial gerecht verteilt werden sollen. Die tradierte staatliche Boden- und Mietpolitik wendet in der Regel Instrumente an, die darauf gerichtet sind, das Eigentum an Grund und Boden einer stärkeren Sozialbindung zu unterwerfen und die Belange derjenigen zu schützen, die auf die Nutzung fremden Wohnungseigentums angewiesen sind. Neuere Ansätze, wie die Initiative zur Vergesellschaftung großer Wohnungsunternehmen in Berlin, wollen hingegen den bisherigen Pfad staatlicher Boden- und Mietpolitik verlassen und Gemeineigentum an Wohnraum nach Art. 15 GG begründen. Der vorliegende Beitrag analysiert die Thematik der Privatnützigkeit, Sozialbindung und Gemeinnützigkeit des Wohnungseigentums unter dem Grundgesetz und behandelt die Frage, welche verfassungsrechtlichen Kautelen für die Vergesellschaftung von Wohnraum bestehen.
Using Expert Consensus to Persuade the Public
Authors: Jorm Anthony
Published: December 2024

This chapter looks at how scientific conclusions should be communicated to the public. It reviews evidence that communicating the scientific consensus on an issue can change public beliefs. However, some people reject the scientific consensus on issues like climate change and vaccine safety, because they do not trust scientists, basing this mistrust on the clash between their own values and the values inherent in the scientists’ consensus, and they may overestimate their own understanding of very technical areas. A possible way forward is to educate people about the important role of consensus in science more generally, rather than focus solely on consensus messages about specific scientific issues. This would require a greater understanding of the role of consensus in science at all levels of science education from high school through to specialist postgraduate training.
Spontaneous and Deliberative Processes to Reach Consensus
Authors: Jorm Anthony
Published: December 2024

This chapter proposes two contrasting processes by which scientists come to a consensus, which are labelled as “spontaneous” and “deliberative”. The spontaneous process involves a consensus that develops rapidly and spontaneously among experts in an area. It is more likely to be seen with scientific questions that involve simpler causality and strong associations between variables. The development of a consensus is hidden from view and may lead an outside observer to think that the scientific facts emerge directly from the evidence. The deliberative process, on the other hand, is much slower, and it may take decades to come to a consensus. It is more typical with complex scientific questions where the evidence is extensive and involves multiple disciplines and methodologies. It involves formal methods to develop the consensus, such as consensus conferences, expert working groups set up by international scientific organizations, Delphi consensus studies of expert opinion and formal votes by groups of acknowledged experts. Deliberative consensus is becoming more important as scientists deal with increasingly complex problems in areas of global importance where coordinated action is required.
Specifying “Experts” and “Consensus”
Authors: Jorm Anthony
Published: December 2024

This chapter looks at how expert consensus processes specify who is an “expert” and what constitutes “consensus”. There are a number of attributes that have been used to specify who is a scientific expert, including professional qualifications and work experience, membership of scientific or professional organizations, peer-reviewed publications, specialist conference attendance and nomination by other experts. A common factor across these attributes is acknowledgement of expertise by peers. Where consensus has to be reached on matters of values as well as scientific questions, the values of all interested parties must be considered, which may include the general public, cultural experts or consumer advocates as well as scientists. When consensus occurs spontaneously, there is no formal process to ascertain agreement, but there are indicators that it has occurred, such as a high rate of positive citations and incorporation in textbooks. With deliberative consensus, the level of agreement among experts is quantified. However, what level of agreement is required for “consensus” depends on the purpose, with a higher level needed for establishing likely scientific truth than for defining concepts and standardizing measures.