bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Formal Reporting: The Barriers and Enablers of Legal Mobilisation
Authors: Sanders Teela , Smailes Harriet , Brents Barbara G. , Scoular Jane , Abel Gillian
Published: February 2025

In this chapter, we examine how sex workers interact with the criminal legal system, focusing on the challenges they face in reporting violations and seeking justice. Research shows that sex workers rarely engage with the police and broader criminal justice system, facing injustices, discrimination, and limited access to justice worldwide. To advance knowledge and discussions, we aim to uncover the nuances and consequences of different governance models and assess how sex workers mobilise the law for their assistance. We explore variations in confidence in the police among sex workers across our case-study jurisdictions. For those who have engaged with the criminal justice system, we examine their experiences with police and court processes. We also investigate why sex workers withdraw from the criminal justice system and sometimes prefer other forms of intervention. Finally, we identify the most favourable conditions for sex workers to engage with police and the criminal justice system, highlighting best practices and trauma-informed interventions. As in previous chapters, we analyse these findings through the lens of legal consciousness. We focus on how sex workers’ understanding of formal law, especially their willingness to seek formal redress, is influenced by the perceptions and responses of other actors, such as fellow sex workers, brothel staff, police, and judicial system actors (Young in Law & Society Review 48(3):499–530, 2014).
Legal Consciousness and Sex Work: Towards More Inclusive Policy
Authors: Scoular Jane , Gyurko Fanni , Brents Barbara G. , Sanders Teela , Abel Gillian
Published: February 2025

The concluding chapter synthesises the findings from the entire book, emphasising the need for legal frameworks that respect the dynamic nature of consent in sex work. It highlights the disparities between legal definitions and the lived realities of sex workers, calling for inclusive policies that empower sex workers and enhance their safety. The chapter addresses the key themes of empowerment, peer communication, and opportunities for learning, as crucial elements for managing and responding to unwanted sexual contact. The chapter structure follows a comprehensive summary of key findings, a discussion of the implications for policy and practice, and final recommendations for legal reforms and support mechanisms.
The Sex Work and Sexual Violence Study: Research Methods
Authors: Sanders Teela , Balderston Susie , Wakefield Chris , Scoular Jane , Brents Barbara G. , Abel Gillian
Published: February 2025

In this chapter we outline the details of the study. We explain the methodological decisions around methods, recruitment, and analysis. This chapter shows clearly the trauma-informed design which underpins this study given the subject of sexual violence. We detail the ethical principles of the project which is reinforced through the participatory action learning approach. The interviews conducted are explained and the cross-national survey. We also share the full socio-demographics of both the survey and interviews for full transparency and cross reference with the content of the book.
3D $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 1 supergravity from Virasoro TQFT: gravitational partition function and Out-of-time-order correlator
Authors: Bhattacharyya Arpan , Ghosh Saptaswa , Nandi Poulami , Pal Sounak
Published: February 2025

Abstract

In this paper, we compute the partition functions of

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 1 SUGRA for different boundary topologies, i.e. punctured sphere and torus, using super-Virasoro TQFT. We use fusion and modular kernels of the super-Liouville theory to compute the necklace-channel conformal block and showcase formalism by proving that the inner product holds for superconformal blocks, defined as states in the Hilbert space. Finally, we compute the out-of-time-order correlator for the torus topology with superconformal primary insertions as matter using the tools of super-Virasoro TQFT and investigate its early-time behaviour.
The three-point form factor of Tr ϕ3 to six loops
Authors: Basso Benjamin , Dixon Lance J. , Tumanov Alexander G.
Published: February 2025

Abstract

We study the three-point form factor of the length-three half-BPS operator (Tr ϕ
3) in planar

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 4 Super-Yang-Mills theory, using analyticity and integrability methods. We find that the functions describing the form factor in perturbation theory live in the same restrictive space of multiple polylogarithms as the one describing the form factor of the stress-tensor operator (Tr ϕ
2). Furthermore, we find that the leading-order data in the collinear limit provided by the form factor operator product expansion (FFOPE) is enough to fix the form factor uniquely, at least through six loops. We perform various tests of our results using the subleading FFOPE corrections. We also analyze the form factor in the Regge limit where two Mandelstam invariants are large; we obtain a compact representation for the form factor in this limit which is valid to all orders in the coupling.
Superspace invariants and correlators in 4d $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 1 superconformal field theories
Authors: Jain Aditya , Nizami Amin A.
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Using polarization spinor methods in conjunction with the superspace formalism, we construct 3-point superconformal invariants that are used to determine the form of 3-point correlators of spinning superfield operators in

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 1 superconformal field theories (SCFTs) in 4-dimensions. We enumerate the structural form of various spinning 3-point correlators using these invariants and find additional constraints on their form when the operators are conserved supercurrents. For these purposes, we first construct the invariants and 3-point correlators in non-supersymmetric 4d CFTs which are then extended using superspace methods to 4d SCFTs.
Anti-xa guided enoxaparin thromboprophylaxis is associated with less thromboembolism than fixed dose dalteparin in trauma patients admitted to intensive care
Authors: Kloub Ahmad , Alaieb AbuBaker , Kanbar Ahad , Abumusa Suha , Alishaq Fajer , Hinawi Yazan , Khan Naushad Ahmad , Asim Mohammad , Abulkhair Tarik , El-Menyar Ayman , Al-Thani Hassan , Rizoli Sandro
Published: February 2025

Background

Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) is a common, preventable complication in trauma. Low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) is recommended for VTE prophylaxis (VTEp). We investigated whether switching from fixed-dose dalteparin to anti-Xa-guided enoxaparin prophylaxis reduces VTE without increasing the risk of bleeding among hospitalized trauma patients.

Methods

This observational study compared injured patients admitted one year before (pre-P) and after (post-P) implementing a new VTEp protocol. The protocol was introduced as a performance improvement project (subcutaneous enoxaparin 30 mg twice daily), with dose calibration to peak plasma Anti-Xa level measured after the 3rd dose. The primary outcomes were the rate of VTE and bleeding.

Results

After protocol implementation (post-P), 305 patients were compared to 350 pre-protocol patients (pre-P). Anti-Xa levels were measured in 83% of post-P and none in the pre-P. 40% had low levels of anti-Xa, suggesting inadequate prophylaxis, and enoxaparin doses were accordingly increased. 51% attained the desired anti-Xa levels, 9% had higher levels, and LMWH doses were subsequently reduced. VTE incidence after protocol implementation decreased from 4 to 1.3% (OR 0.31; 95% CI 0.1–0.9, P = 0.03) without increasing the bleeding rate. The time intervals between two consecutive PE events were significantly longer after protocol implementation. Among TBI patients, the rate of VTE was lower. However, it did not reach statistical significance. 75% of patients with VTE had low anti-Xa levels, while 20% of those with bleeding had high anti-Xa levels.

Conclusion

Among adult patients in the trauma ICU, compared to a fixed dose dalteparin, enoxaparin prophylaxis with dose calibration according to peak anti-Xa levels was associated with lower VTE rates without increasing the risk of bleeding. About 40% of patients who received initial enoxaparin doses of 30 mg twice daily had anti-Xa levels suggestive of inadequate prophylaxis. Calibrating LMWH dosing may improve VTEp following traumatic injury.
Zufallsbefund von Lymphangioleiomyomatose in gynäkologischen Operationspräparaten – eine Fallserie
Authors: Müller Julia , Gilks Blake , McAlpine Jessica , Hiller Grit Gesine Ruth , Höhn Anne Kathrin , Horn Lars-Christian
Published: February 2025

Hintergrund

Die Lymphangioleiomyomatose (LAM) ist eine seltene progrediente low-grade Neoplasie, welche überwiegend bei jungen Frauen auftritt. Die Erkrankung ist primär für ihre pulmonale Manifestation mit zystischer Parenchymdestruktion bekannt, jedoch ist auch eine extrapulmonale Beteiligung möglich. LAM ist assoziiert mit Mutationen in den Tuberöse-Sklerose-Komplex(TSC)-Genen TSC1 und TSC2 und kann sporadisch oder im Kontext der hereditären Erkrankung TSC auftreten.

Ziel

Sensibilisierung für extrapulmonale LAM-Befunde im Retroperitoneum und Beckenraum.

Methodik

Es wurde eine Datenbankrecherche zu LAM-Befunden in gynäkologischen Operationspräparaten durchgeführt. HE-Schnittpräparate wurden reevaluiert und immunhistochemische Präparate begutachtet. Klinische Daten wurden hinsichtlich des Vorliegens einer pulmonalen LAM oder TSC ausgewertet.

Ergebnisse

Insgesamt wurden 13 Fälle identifiziert. Das Alter der Patientinnen reichte von 32 bis 77 Jahren, wobei 8/13 Frauen ≤ 55 Jahre alt waren, 2 Patientinnen wiesen eine Anamnese von pulmonaler LAM und TSC auf. Die meisten Frauen wurden aufgrund gynäkologischer Malignome operiert. Die histologische Begutachtung zeigte in 10/13 Fällen LAM-Läsionen in 1 bis 9 Lymphknoten mit einer Größe von 0,5–12,0 mm, 3/13 Fälle wiesen eine extranodale LAM-Beteiligung im Retroperitoneum, Myometrium und Ovarhilus auf. Die Läsionen exprimierten überwiegend HMB45, Desmin und SMA.

Diskussion

LAM ist eine seltene Erkrankung mit vorrangiger Lungenbeteiligung, jedoch ist auch eine extrapulmonale Manifestation möglich. Es ist entscheidend, LAM-Foci zu erkennen und zu berichten, um einen ersten Hinweis für eine bis dato nichtdiagnostizierte pulmonale LAM und/oder eine TSC zu geben.
Demosaic-free color detection for particle images
Authors: Noto Daisuke , Yoda Kaito , Tasaka Yuji
Published: February 2025

We propose a robust method to detect colors, positions, and sizes of particles on color particle images. The method is free of color artifacts originating from the demosaic process of Bayer raw images. We test the method using synthetic color particle images to quantitatively evaluate its performance and demonstrate its capacity for precise extraction of colors while refining particle positions at sub-sub-pixel level. We demonstrate the method’s applicability by applying it to different types of particle images from laboratory experiments of color particle tracking velocimetry and liquid crystal thermometry. The method standardizes color detection on particle images and promises the improvement in final performances of these color-utilizing measurements.
Identifying factors for pembrolizumab eligibility in head and neck cancer
Authors: Miyamaru Satoru , Murakami Daizo , Nishimoto Kohei , Orita Yorihisa
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Although immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are used as first-line treatments for recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer (R/M HNC), there are many cases where the treatment is ineffective, making the assessment of efficacy crucial. In this study, we examined factors associated with the therapeutic effects of pembrolizumab.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 54 patients with R/M HNC treated with pembrolizumab from January 2020 to December 2022. We investigated the relationship between survival rates and various factors such as the combined positive score (CPS), histological subtypes, recurrent lesions, details of administered agents, sequence of administration, history of cetuximab use, and presence of immune-related adverse events (irAEs).

Results

The overall survival rates at 1-, 2, and 3 years were 57.4%, 41.8%, and 32.3%, respectively. The response and disease control rates were 31.5% and 51.9%, respectively. In the univariate analysis, a CPS of 20 or higher, first-line treatment, no history of cetuximab use, and the presence of irAEs was associated with better survival rates, whereas in the multivariate analysis, the first two factors were significantly associated with better survival. In this study, 16 of 20 cases had a CPS of 50 or higher, and 7 had a CPS of 90 or higher, indicating that a large number of high CPS cases were included, which is believed to have contributed to the results of this study.

Conclusion

In patients with a CPS of 20 or higher, pembrolizumab can be administered as first-line treatment, with favorable expected therapeutic effects.
A comprehensive survey on Arabic text augmentation: approaches, challenges, and applications
Authors: ElSabagh Ahmed Adel , Azab Shahira Shaaban , Hefny Hesham Ahmed
Published: February 2025

Arabic is a linguistically complex language with a rich structure and valuable syntax that pose unique challenges for natural language processing (NLP), primarily due to the scarcity of large, reliable annotated datasets essential for training models. The varieties of dialects and mixtures of more than one language within a single conversation further complicate the development and efficacy of deep learning models targeting Arabic. Data augmentation (DA) techniques have emerged as a promising solution to tackle data scarcity and improve model performance. However, implementing DA in Arabic NLP presents its challenges, particularly in maintaining semantic integrity and adapting to the language’s intricate morphological structure. This survey comprehensively examines various aspects of Arabic data augmentation techniques, covering strategies for model training, methods for evaluating augmentation performance, understanding the effects and applications of augmentation on data, studying NLP downstream tasks, addressing augmentation problems, proposing solutions, conducting in-depth literature reviews, and drawing conclusions. Through detailed analysis of 75 primary and 9 secondary papers, we categorize DA methods into diversity enhancement, resampling, and secondary approaches, each targeting specific challenges inherent in augmenting Arabic datasets. The goal is to offer insights into DA effectiveness, identify research gaps, and suggest future directions for advancing NLP in Arabic.
Outcomes of intramedullary nailing versus plate fixation for humeral shaft fractures: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Derbas Jawad , Moghamis Isam , Alzobi Osama , Elshoeibi Amgad , Murshid Abdullah , Ahmed Ghalib
Published: February 2025

Background

Humeral shaft fractures account for 1–3% of all bone fractures. Conservative treatment often leads to complications such as non-union and shoulder stiffness. Surgical fixation with a dynamic compression plate (DCP) has been the gold standard treatment. Intramedullary nailing (IMN) has recently gained popularity due to its minimally invasive approach and reduced risk of radial nerve injury. This study aims to compare the outcomes of IMN and plate fixation for humeral shaft fractures.

Methods

This retrospective study included patients with humeral shaft fractures treated with either IMN or DCP fixation at Hamad General Hospital between April 2015 and October 2018. Patient demographics, fracture characteristics, surgical outcomes, and complications were collected. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize patient information, and univariate analysis was conducted to compare both groups. A Cox proportional hazards model, adjusted for age, gender, and polytrauma status was applied to compare time to union between IMN and DCP groups.

Results

Sixty five patients (25 IMN, 40 plate fixation) were included. Non-union rates were higher in the DCP group than in the IMN group (13% vs. 4%). Reoperation rates were also higher in the DCP group (20% vs. 4%). Postoperative neuropathy rates were 4% for IMN and 10% for DCP, with neuropathy resolution significantly higher in the IMN group (92% vs. 68%). Shoulder range of motion (ROM) and pain favored the DCP group, with 98% unaffected ROM in the plate group compared to 76% in the IMN group (p = 0.007), and a lower incidence of shoulder pain (28% vs. 98%, p < 0.001). Time to union was comparable between both groups, with an adjusted hazard ratio of 1.08 (95% CI 0.62–1.90; p = 0.776).

Conclusion

IMN and plate fixation effectively achieved fracture union; however, plate fixation was associated with better shoulder function, reduced pain, and higher reoperation rates. IMN was linked to a lower risk of nerve injury but compromised shoulder ROM and resulted in more postoperative pain.
Foehn warming mechanism and near-surface weather impact at the northern foreland of the Moravian-Silesian Beskids, Czech Republic
Authors: Matějka Michael , Řehoř Jan , Brázdil Rudolf , Štěpánek Petr , Zahradníček Pavel
Published: February 2025

The interaction of large-scale flow and local topography can lead to various meteorological phenomena. A prominent example is foehn, a dry and warm leeward wind. Foehn’s impact on near-surface meteorological parameters and its formation mechanisms have been extensively studied in the Alps and other regions worldwide. However, less attention has been given to pronounced warm events in leeward areas of Central European mountain ranges with peak altitudes of 1100–1600 m asl. This paper investigates three selected foehn events induced by strong southerly flow over the Moravian-Silesian Beskids range in the northeastern part of the Czech Republic. The three foehn events from 31 October 2010, 14 January 2008, and 30 October 2021 represent situations with the highest 2 m temperature differences between Lučina (a foehn-affected region) and Olomouc (an unaffected region), reaching 12.8 °C in the first case and 10.8 °C in the two other cases. In addition to in-situ observations, these events were investigated using atmospheric cross-sections and backward-trajectory analyses based on Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model output. Finally, isentropic drawdown with a mean descent of trajectories by ~ 400–600 m was identified as the principal foehn warming mechanism, resulting in adiabatic warming and intense surface-layer mixing.
Income, demand and privatization
Authors: Benassi Corrado , Chirco Alessandra , Colombo Caterina
Published: February 2025

The question raised in this paper is whether and how some core features of income distribution, e.g. the income levels or income inequality, should be relevant in the decision to privatize public firms. The paper provides a first answer in the framework of mixed oligopoly theory. In particular, we show that the scope for privatization is widened when the market is poorer, and when incomes become more concentrated. These unexpected results are accounted for in terms of the way distributional shocks alter the allocative inefficiency of imperfectly competitive markets.
Development and validation of a prediction model for serious infections in rheumatoid arthritis patients treated with tocilizumab in Japan
Authors: Nanki Toshihiro , Yamaguchi Tomohiro , Umetsu Kosei , Tanabe Ryunosuke , Maeda Naoki , Kanazawa Minori , Furuno Yuko , Matsuda Shinichi , Takemoto Shinya , Asao Keiko , Kamiuchi Tatsuya
Published: February 2025

Objectives

To develop a prediction model for serious infections (SIs) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients treated with tocilizumab in Japan and to evaluate the model’s performance compared to previously developed models, i.e., ‘DANBIO’ and ‘postmarketing surveillance’ (PMS).

Method

This non-interventional retrospective cohort study utilized the Medical Data Vision database in Japan. The study population was derived from patients ≥ 18 years with RA who initiated tocilizumab between April 2008 and July 2021. SIs were assessed during the 1-year follow-up from tocilizumab initiation. The candidate predictors were identified based on previous studies, known risk factors, potentially relevant factors, and data availability. The prediction model was developed using logistic regression. The model’s performance was compared with previously developed models using cross-entropy and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).

Results

Of the 6501 RA patients, 4.57% experienced SIs during the 1-year follow-up. The model included 17 predictors for SI (e.g., age (odds ratio 1.013 (95% confidence interval 1.002–1.024)), history of SIs (2.569 (1.636–3.745)), diverticulitis (2.183 (1.000–3.989))). The model showed a lower cross-entropy and a higher AUC (0.1488; 0.712) compared to DANBIO (0.1932; 0.591) and PMS (0.1561; 0.565) models, and the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value using 5% threshold were 72%, 64%, 7%, and 98%, respectively.

Conclusions

The model developed in this study seems to have the potential to inform the risk of SIs in RA patients treated with tocilizumab and may help the early identification of patients at risk of SIs to reduce morbidity and mortality.

Key Points•The developed model in this study may inform physicians on the SIs risk in RA patients treated with tocilizumab.•This model can contribute to personalized decision-making, early identification of patients with high-risk profiles to SIs, and reduction in associated morbidity, mortality, and costs.
Post-marketing surveillance of encorafenib in combination with binimetinib in Japanese patients with BRAF-mutant melanoma
Authors: Yamazaki Naoya , Sakata Hidenori , Iida Osamu , Katayama Teruaki , Uhara Hisashi
Published: February 2025

Background

A BRAF inhibitor, encorafenib, combined with a MEK inhibitor, binimetinib, was approved in Japan in early 2019 for the treatment of BRAF V600-mutant, unresectable malignant melanoma based on results of the global phase III trial, COLUMBUS, conducted in various countries including Japan. This post-marketing surveillance (PMS) assessed the combination in real-world clinical practice in Japan.

Methods

We performed a prospective, multicentre, 12-month PMS of the safety and effectiveness of encorafenib plus binimetinib for radically unresectable, BRAF-mutant malignant melanoma in Japan.

Results

Among 174 survey forms collected from 85 centres between February 2019 and August 2020, 172 were included for safety and effectiveness analysis. Patients (male [52.3%], median age 62.0 years) had Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status 0 or 1 (91.8%) and comorbidities (55.2%). Respective encorafenib and binimetinib median dosages were 450 mg/day and 90 mg/day; median treatment duration, 24.1 and 24.2 weeks, and discontinuation, 71.5% for each, primarily for disease progression (56.9%) and adverse drug reactions (ADRs, 38.2%). Safety assessment ADRs occurred in 99 patients (57.6%), including eye disorders (40.7%), hepatic dysfunction (20.3%), rhabdomyolysis (4.7%), haemorrhage (2.3%), palmar-plantar erythrodysaesthesia syndrome (1.7%), and hypertension (1.7%); 19.8% were grade ≥ 3, none were grade 5, most resolved with/without treatment modification. At 12 months, the objective response rate was 48.8% (95% CI 41.2, 56.6; complete [19.2%], partial [29.7%]), overall survival was 40.1%.

Conclusion

The safety and effectiveness of encorafenib plus binimetinib in Japanese patients with BRAF-mutant malignant melanoma were similar to data reported in COLUMBUS; no new safety concerns were identified.
Fling amplitude inventory of near-fault strong motion recordings in Turkiye
Authors: Adanır Emrecan , Tanırcan Gülüm
Published: February 2025

The fling step, a significant near-field effect, has an adverse impact on long-period engineering structures. Despite early recognition by pioneers, identifying and processing the ground motions containing the fling step remains challenging due to conventional data filtering methods that ignore low-frequency components. This study investigates the recovery of the fling step from near fault records and by modifying and/or adding processing steps to previous methods, proposes a robust processing scheme for strong ground motion recordings in capturing fling amplitude. The proposed scheme’s capability is verified through GNSS-derived displacements from global and Turkiye earthquakes. Subsequently, the method is applied to strong motion recording in the Turkish dataset (Mw ≥ 6 shallow crust earthquakes recorded at RJB≤50 km), resulting in a comprehensive inventory of fling amplitudes across multiple motion components. This inventory serves both engineering and earth sciences research by facilitating the evaluation of existing predictive models. In addition, a Türkiye-specific performance evaluation of existing predictive models is conducted using the presented database. Lastly, a refined fling amplitude prediction model, based on conformity with the presented fling inventory, is proposed. This work addresses critical gaps in strong ground motion analyses, promoting improved seismic resilience through accurate characterization of near-fault effects.
Drivers of energy efficiency in the Portuguese water industry
Authors: Amaral António L. , Martins Rita , Dias Luís C.
Published: February 2025

Identifying service providers with the best performance regarding their main operational indicators is relevant to improve the sustainability of the water sector. It is also critical to determine the corresponding drivers, and understand the interdependences, to enlighten the relevant stakeholders about the best course of action. The energy consumption of the service provider is a major issue, regarding sustainability, both for financial (being one of the largest operating expenses) and environmental (emission of greenhouse gases) reasons. In that regard, a Data Envelopment Analysis—Slacks Based Measure is employed to identify the service providers within the efficiency frontier. Only the efficient providers were considered to determine the main drivers and to model the energy consumption by multilinear regression. The current study identifies the effectively served population and the number of served households as paramount for the estimation of energy consumption at the efficiency frontier in wastewater and drinking water treatment, respectively. Other explanatory factors were also found to be significant, especially regarding normalized (per water intake) energy consumption, including energy certification, wastewater treatment plants typology, mains and sewers grid rehabilitation, wastewater satisfactory treatment, number of septic tanks and drinking water treatment plants and collected water volumes. The proposed methodology can be applied to data from any country to identify the role model SP and the corresponding energy consumption drivers, allowing policy recommendations to be tailored to each specific context.
Spermatozoa centriole quality determined by FRAC may correlate with zygote nucleoli polarization—a pilot study
Authors: Kluczynski Derek F. , Jaiswal Ankit , Xu Min , Nadiminty Nagalakshmi , Saltzman Barbara , Schon Samantha , Avidor-Reiss Tomer
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Spermatozoa centriolar defects can result in abnormal zygote functions. Recently, a method to quantify spermatozoa centriolar defects was developed named Fluorescence-Based Ratiometric Analysis of Sperm Centrioles (FRAC). However, whether spermatozoa centriolar defects identified by FRAC can result in abnormal zygote functions was not tested.

Methods

Here, we quantified spermatozoa centriolar defects using FRAC, and zygote centriole function was assessed by imaging Nucleolus Precursor Body (NPB) polarization which was based on the pattern of NPB polarization. Data was analyzed at couple and embryo levels. Subjects were divided into two groups: seven couples and 62 embryos with normal spermatozoa centrioles versus eight couples and 78 embryos with abnormal spermatozoa centrioles (140 embryos from 15 couples in total).

Results

Patterned NPB polarization was statistically significant in both couple- and embryo-level analyses (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0024). These results suggest that the abnormal spermatozoa centrioles identified by FRAC may correlate with abnormal zygote centrosome function via NPB polarization scoring.

Conclusions

This study provides a foundation for more extensive studies to test for FRAC’s utility in assessing spermatozoa centriole quality.
Analytical modeling of NH3 gas sensing using zigzag graphene nanoscrolls: energy band structure and electrical properties
Authors: Hosseingholipourasl Ali
Published: February 2025

Graphene nanoscrolls (GNSs), a unique nanostructure of graphene, have garnered considerable attention due to their distinctive properties such as a rolled-up papyrus-like structure, adjustable core geometry, increased inner wall area, and enhanced surface-to-volume ratio. These properties make GNS a promising candidate for various nanoelectronic applications, including gas sensing devices. Despite its potential, GNS has been relatively underexplored in the context of gas sensing applications. In this study, we present a series of analytical models to characterize the behavior of zigzag graphene nanoscrolls (ZGNS)-based gas sensors in the presence of NH3 gas. The tight-binding technique, employing nearest neighbor approximation, is utilized to formulate the energy dispersion relation of GNS, incorporating the influence of gas molecule adsorption through parameters such as the hopping integral between GNS and gas and the on-site energy of adsorbed gas molecules. Furthermore, the derived energy equation is employed to establish the conductance relation and explore the impact of gas adsorption on the electrical conductance of GNS. Subsequently, the I-V characteristics of the GNS sensor are formulated, and the variations in current due to NH3 gas exposure are analyzed. The gate voltage is modeled as a function of NH3 concentration, and a sensing parameter is proposed based on current variations across different concentrations. Validation of the model is performed by comparing the obtained results with data extracted from previous studies. The findings demonstrate good agreement, underscoring the effectiveness of the proposed ZGNS-based sensor model for NH3 detection under varying environmental conditions.

Graphical abstract
New Insights into the Composition of Aggregation Pheromones in Polygraphus poligraphus, Polygraphus punctifrons, Polygraphus subopacus and Polygraphus proximus
Authors: Viklund Lina , Bång Joakim , Schroeder Martin , Hedenström Erik
Published: February 2025

Four-eyed bark beetles of the genus Polygraphus have been involved in large bark beetle outbreaks in different parts of the world, resulting in major economic losses. A striking example is the invasive species Polygraphus proximus which is a pest on Abies sibirica in Russia. In Sweden, Polygraphus poligraphus has been involved in bark beetle outbreaks on Norway spruce, Picea abies, together with the European spruce bark beetle Ips typographus. Two related species, Polygraphus punctifrons and Polygraphus subopacus are also present in Sweden. Recently, aggregation pheromones or pheromone components have been identified for these four Polygraphus species. However, questions remain regarding the complete composition of their pheromones, particularly for P. subopacus and P. proximus, whose aggregation pheromones appear to be very similar. In an attempt to better understand the chemical communication of these species, additional studies were conducted on P. poligraphus, P. punctifrons and P. subopacus using solid phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (SPME–GC–MS), electroantennography (EAG) as well as SPME–GC–MS and GC–MS with electroantennographic detection (EAD). Field experiments were also conducted. In P. punctifrons, some male-specific compounds were found in addition to those previously identified. In EAG and SPME–GC–MS/EAD studies, all three Polygraphus species responded strongly to grandisol. Using a chiral column, GC–MS/EAD revealed that they were able to detect both enantiomers of grandisol. In summary, this work presents our current understanding of the aggregation pheromones in four Polygraphus species and the challenges we have met in identifying species-specific pheromone blends for some of these species.
Eemian snails from Gorzów Wielkopolski palaeolake (NW Poland): malacological and isotopic data and their ecological implications
Authors: Mirosław-Grabowska Joanna , Alexandrowicz Witold Paweł , Stefaniak Krzysztof , Skoczylas-Śniaz Sylwia
Published: February 2025

The results of isotope and malacological investigations of mollusc shells from the Eemian Interglacial (MIS 5e) and Vistulian (Weichselian, MIS 5a-d - MIS 4) lake sediments in Gorzów Wielkopolski (NW Poland) are presented. The palaeolake in Gorzów Wielkoposki is the newest paleontological site with the skeleton of the Eemian rhinoceros. The analyzed sediments contained numerous mollusc shells representing 29 species. The dominant species in the malacofauna are Valvata piscinalis and Bithynia tentaculata. Two types of mollusc assemblages have been distinguished, indicating the changes in the lake environment. Carbon and oxygen isotope compositions (δ13C and δ18O) were measured in the shells of Valvata piscinalis and in the opercula of Bithynia tentaculata. The δ18O values of the Eemian snail shells changed from − 6.0 to − 3.8‰, and are higher than the bulk carbonate data. The δ13C values oscillated between − 8.6 and − 1.8‰ in the Eemian shells and are lower than the bulk carbonate data. Environmental changes occurring in the immediate vicinity of the rhinoceros skeleton likely influenced the isotope composition of shells, resulting in different δ13C and δ18O values. The malacological and isotope data aided in distinguishing six phases of lake development. In the first phase (M-1, Early Eemian), a progressive increase in the water level was noted. Then (M-2, Middle Eemian), a significant shallowing of the lake took place. The next phase (M-3, Middle Eemian) was characterized by high water levels and stable hydrological conditions. In the M-4 phase (Late Eemian), a gradual lowering of the water level was observed, leading to the complete disappearance of the lake at the end of the Eemian. During the Vistulian, the lake reemerged. Initially (M-5), it was a permanent lake with a relatively high water level. In the highest part of the profile (M-6, Vistulian), its significant shallowing occurred, and this lake disappeared.
The governance of the coastal region: evolutionary changes in the conceptualisation and integration of landscape in Portuguese coastal planning institutions
Authors: Gonçalves Carla , Pinho Paulo
Published: February 2025

Context

Coastal landscapes are unique and fragile socio-ecological systems, yet despite political and scientific efforts toward integrated coastal governance, challenges such as fragmented approaches, multiple boundaries, and inadequate policy integration persist. While landscape governance offers significant potential for rethinking coastal governance by emphasising the integrative power of landscapes, many scientific discussions still employ a binary perspective, limiting its full potential. Additionally, research on how the conceptualisation and integration of landscape has evolved in European coastal planning institutions remains scarce.

Objectives

This article aims to advance coastal landscape governance research by examining the evolution of the conceptualisation and integration of landscape in Portuguese coastal planning institutions, assessing whether the narrow view found in national laws is reflected at the policy instrument level.

Methods

We used multiple explanatory case study research to explore the evolution of the conceptualisation and integration of landscape within Portuguese coastal planning institutions from 1978 to 2021, employing qualitative content analysis.

Results

Findings indicate that coastal plans have increasingly failed to use the integrative potential of landscapes fully. This decline is accompanied by a growing tendency to associate landscape valuation with Nature Protected Areas.

Furthermore, the analysed instruments revealed an increase in references to the landscape over time. However, differing conceptualisations of the landscape emerged, with the unexpected finding that a holistic conceptualisation did not always correspond to high levels of integration. Instead, landscape integration primarily focused on aspects such as multifunctionality, connectivity, and fragmentation.

Conclusions

Our research underscores the urgent need for more empirical research in coastal landscape governance. From a broader perspective, such research could demonstrate the benefits of leveraging the integrative power of landscapes in coastal governance, potentially contributing to a paradigm shift towards coastal landscape governance.
Self-referring as self-directed action
Authors: Orbán Krisztina
Published: February 2025

I propose that examining pointing and, especially, self-pointing helps us to better understand Self-Referring (knowingly and intentionally self-referring). I explain basic features of pointing and self-pointing, such as referring, reference-fixing and the subject’s knowledge of the referent. I propose to treat Self-Referring as a self-directed action. Self-pointing makes it explicit how Self-Referring is a self-directed action produced for intentionally expressing something about the agent of the self-directed action. My project is an attempt to naturalize the capacity for Self-Reference. The capacity for self-directed action predates and enables the acquisition of Self-Referring. The structure of self-pointing reveals how the referent of ‘I’ is fixed in such way that we can begin to see how it supports the cognitive significance of Self-Referring expressions. In arguing for my proposal, I reflect on findings from developmental and comparative psychology and analyze Self-Reference in both spoken and sign-languages.
A new technology for a novel clinical approach in a dog with a complex vascular anomaly: the “extended reality”
Authors: Cupido Simone , Valeri Federica , Nicoli Stefano , Bargellini Paolo , Caivano Domenico , Birettoni Francesco , Bortolotti Andrea , Rishniw Mark , Porciello Francesco
Published: February 2025

Extended reality includes both virtual and augmented realities. In virtual reality objects are rendered in an artificial environment where the user can move and interact with a head mounted display. In augmented reality virtual objects are superimposed to real environment enriching it via a head mounted display. In human medicine these technologies have been already used for educational surgical purposes, but remain relatively unknown in veterinary medicine. We report a case of a 1-year-old, female, French bulldog presented for exercise intolerance and dyspnea. Echocardiography showed signs of left ventricular enlargement with reduced fractional shortening and turbulent flow distal to the pulmonary artery bifurcation. Computed tomography revealed a complex vascular network comprising the descending aorta and left pulmonary artery resembling a patent ductus arteriosus. Virtual reality was used for the surgical planning and a left thoracotomy was performed to close the abnormal vessel at the level of the entrance in the left pulmonary artery with augmented reality assistance. No complications were reported during or after the surgery and the dog completely recovered. Echocardiographic findings 3 days, 1 month and 18 months after the surgery demonstrated absence of residual flow and improving ventricular dimensions. To our knowledge this report documents the first use of extended reality for the visualization, planning and execution of the surgical correction of a complex vascular defect in veterinary medicine.
Production of aromatic amino acids and their derivatives by Escherichia coli and Corynebacterium glutamicum
Authors: Hirasawa Takashi , Satoh Yasuharu , Koma Daisuke
Published: February 2025

Demand for aromatic amino acids (AAAs), such as L-phenylalanine, L-tyrosine, and L-tryptophan, has been increasing as they are used in animal feed and as precursors in the synthesis of industrial and pharmaceutical compounds. These AAAs are biosynthesized through the shikimate pathway in microorganisms and plants, and the reactions in the AAA biosynthesis pathways are strictly regulated at the levels of both gene expression and enzyme activity. Various attempts have been made to produce AAAs and their derivatives using microbial cells and to optimize production. In this review, we summarize the metabolic pathways involved in the biosynthesis of AAAs and their regulation and review recent research on AAA production using industrial bacteria, such as Escherichia coli and Corynebacterium glutamicum. Studies on fermentative production of AAA derivatives, including L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine, tyrosol, and 3-hydroxytyrosol, are also discussed.
The role of salivary metabolomics in chronic periodontitis: bridging oral and systemic diseases
Authors: Albahri Jawaher , Allison Heather , Whitehead Kathryn A. , Muhamadali Howbeer
Published: February 2025

Background

Chronic periodontitis is a condition impacting approximately 50% of the world’s population. As chronic periodontitis progresses, the bacteria in the oral cavity change resulting in new microbial interactions which in turn influence metabolite production. Chronic periodontitis manifests with inflammation of the periodontal tissues, which is progressively developed due to bacterial infection and prolonged bacterial interaction with the host immune response. The bi-directional relationship between periodontitis and systemic diseases has been reported in many previous studies. Traditional diagnostic methods for chronic periodontitis and systemic diseases such as chronic kidney diseases (CKD) have limitations due to their invasiveness, requiring practised individuals for sample collection, frequent blood collection, and long waiting times for the results. More rapid methods are required to detect such systemic diseases, however, the metabolic profiles of the oral cavity first need to be determined.

Aim of review

In this review, we explored metabolomics studies that have investigated salivary metabolic profiles associated with chronic periodontitis and systemic illnesses including CKD, oral cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinsons’s disease, and diabetes to highlight the most recent methodologies that have been applied in this field.

Key scientific concepts of the review

Of the rapid, high throughput techniques for metabolite profiling, Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was the most applied technique, followed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Furthermore, Raman spectroscopy was the most used vibrational spectroscopic technique for comparison of the saliva from periodontitis patients to healthy individuals, whilst Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectroscopy (FT-IR) was not utilised as much in this field. A recommendation for cultivating periodontal bacteria in a synthetic medium designed to replicate the conditions and composition of saliva in the oral environment is suggested to facilitate the identification of their metabolites. This approach is instrumental in assessing the potential of these metabolites as biomarkers for systemic illnesses.
Towards environmentally sustainable water management in Africa: a comprehensive review of life cycle assessment studies in water and wastewater treatment
Authors: Ogbu Charles Amarachi , Alexiou Ivanova Tatiana , Ewemoje Temitayo Abayomi , Alabi Habeeb Adedotun , Roubík Hynek
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Life cycle assessment (LCA) provides a comprehensive methodology to evaluate the environmental impacts of products, processes, and services based on the net flow of energy, materials, and emissions throughout their life cycle. This review focuses on the state of LCA in water and wastewater treatment in Africa, aiming to ascertain the extent of its implementation while synthesising the existing challenges and opportunities.

Methods

The articles were selected using the systematic review checklist of the standardised technique for assessing and reporting reviews of LCA. Strings of keywords were used to search for articles on the Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. Only original articles that assessed at least the water or wastewater treatment process using the ISO 14040/14044 LCA methodology were included. Case studies included were carried out in Africa.

Results and discussion

A total of 41 studies containing 131 scenarios were found. Over 68% of the studies originated from South Africa and Egypt, with a notable absence of representation from Nigeria and Tunisia. Urban wastewater treatment was assessed in 41% of the studies, 37% covered industrial, and 7% focused on domestic. In total, 15% was dedicated to water treatment. Only 32% of all studies considered the entire life cycle. The ReCiPe and CML were the most popular impact assessment methods. Biosolids and nutrient recovery were covered in 23% and 9% of the studies, respectively. Global warming potential was the most influential impact category, and electricity generation from fossil fuels was the major contributor to adverse environmental impacts.

Conclusions

The review emphasises the need for increased data acquisition and storage, renewable energy use, and material recovery to offset environmental impacts in the water and wastewater sectors. It highlights the importance of integrating LCA into engineering design, engaging stakeholders in LCA, and establishing performance standards for green innovations. Future research and policy development to promote sustainable treatment practices are advocated.
Isolation and single-molecule magnetism of neutral rare-earth(III) sandwich complexes supported by compact aromatic rings
Authors: Liu Ming , Chen Yan-Cong , Zheng Jieyu , Peng Xiao-Han , Tong Ming-Liang , Mansikkamäki Akseli , Guo Fu-Sheng
Published: February 2025

Over the past few decades, various types of metal-sandwich structures have been synthesized and reported, which significantly advanced organometallic chemistry and contributed to numerous applications. However, charge-neutral rare-earth(III) sandwich structures based on compact aromatic ligands still remained unexplored due to the challenges in their synthesis. Nevertheless, the immense potential of this type of structure in building high-performance single-molecule magnets (SMMs) has compelled us to overcome these synthetic obstacles. Herein, we aimed to isolate such complexes in a general formula of [(Ring1)REIII(Ring2)]. [(C4B)Et4Me2NREIII(Cp
iPr5)] (3-RE, RE = Y, Dy; (C4B)Et4Me2N = 1-(N,N-dimethylamino)-2,3,4,5-tetraethylborolyl; Cp
iPr5 = pentaisopropylcyclopentadienyl) were successfully obtained via the salt-metathesis reaction of the precursor [REIII(Cp
iPr5)(BH4)2-(THF)] (1-RE, RE = Y, Dy; THF = tetrahydrofuran) and the new aminoborolide ligand [Na2(C4B)Et4Me2N(THF)2]2 (2), which represent the first neutral rare-earth(III)-sandwich complexes ligated by compact aromatic ligands. Both complexes 3-RE were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis, UV-Vis-NIR and FTIR. Diamagnetic 3-Y was studied by NMR spectroscopy. Static and dynamic magnetic properties of 3-Dy were investigated by SQUID magnetometry, showing a high anisotropy barrier of 785(12) cm−1 and open hysteresis loops up to 12 K. The bonding of nitrogen to dysprosium(III) near the equatorial plane lowers the anisotropy, and a bulkier ligand in the future should be able to avoid this. This work not only demonstrates that such type of neutral rare-earth(III)-sandwich complexes is totally synthetically feasible, but also paves the way for the development of high-performance SMMs.