bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interesterification of fat blends containing high oleic oils: Physical properties and dialkyl‐ketones formation assessment
Authors: Karra Sirine , Vionne Alistaire , Mascrez Steven , Purcaro Giorgia , Gibon Véronique , Danthine Sabine
Published: December 2024

In view of the nutritional disadvantages of partial hydrogenation (production of unhealthy trans fats) interesterification (IE) has emerged to produce suitable fats for trans‐free formulations that have improved physicochemical properties. In this context, both chemical (CIE) and enzymatic (EIE) interesterification techniques can be used. However, it has been found that CIE technology may produce process‐related by‐products known as dialkyl‐ketones (DAK). The current study aims at investigating the formation of DAK during IE. Therefore, five edible oils and fats were selected based on their potential use in IE: Elaeis Guineensis palm stearin (POSt), high oleic palm stearin (HOPSt), palm kernel stearin (PKSt), high oleic sunflower oil (HOSO) and high oleic palm oil (HOPO). The investigated blends were divided into HOPO‐based blends (POSt:HOPO 50:50, PKSt:HOPO 50:50, HOPSt:HOPO 50:50 and 30:70 wt:wt%) and HOSO‐based blends (POSt:HOSO 30:70, 50:50 and 70:30 wt:wt%). They were all subjected to both CIE (using sodium methoxide) and EIE (using TLIM lipase as catalyst); analyses of physical properties and determination of DAK content were performed before and after IE. This study demonstrates that DAK were not formed during the EIE process regardless of the investigated matrix, whereas they were produced during CIE, and that they require sufficient rearrangement of triglycerides (TAG) to be formed. It has also been shown that unsaturated fatty acids are more prone to form DAK regardless of the fat matrix. However, there is no linear relationship between the amount of DAK and the amount of unsaturated fat in the matrix.
Can supply chain digitalization open the way to sustainable development? Evidence from corporate ESG performance
Authors: Tian Lin , Tian Weilun , Guo Mengqi
Published: December 2024

In the digital economy era, the supply chain digitalization has become a crucial factor driving sustainable development. Based on the Chinese A‐share listed companies from 2011 to 2021, we use supply chain innovation and application pilots as a quasi‐natural experiment to empirically examine the impact of supply chain digitalization on corporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance via a double machine learning (DML) model. The results indicate that supply chain digitalization significantly enhances corporate ESG performance, this conclusion remains valid after various robustness tests. Mechanism analysis shows that supply chain digitalization improves corporate ESG performance by enhancing internal operational efficiency, increasing interfirm trade credit, and enhancing external supervision. Finally, the promotion effect of supply chain digitalization on ESG performance is mainly present in corporates with stronger cooperative culture, stronger innovation capabilities, party organization, and those operating in heavily polluting industries.
Assessing the Association Between Animal Color and Behavior: A Meta‐Analysis of Experimental Studies
Authors: Ruckman Sarah N. , Humphrey Eve A. , Muzzey Lily , Prantalou Ioanna , Pleasants Madison , Hughes Kimberly A.
Published: December 2024

Color varies in pattern and degree across the tree of life. In animals, genetic variation in color is hypothesized to have pleiotropic effects on a variety of behaviors due to shared dependence on underlying biochemical pathways. Such pleiotropy can constrain the independent evolution of color and behavior. Although associations between color and behavior have been reported, this relationship has not yet been addressed across a broad taxonomic scale with a formal meta‐analysis. We used a phylogenetic meta‐analytic approach to examine the relationship between individual variation in aggressive behavior and variation in multiple colors. Seventy‐four studies met our inclusion criteria (vertebrates = 70; invertebrates = 4). After accounting for phylogeny and correcting for publication bias, there was a positive association between measures of aggression and degree or area of coloration (mean = 0.248, 95% CI = (0.044, 0.477)). Because this positive association was not restricted to melanin‐based coloration, we conclude that this pattern does not strongly support the melanin pleiotropy hypothesis. Because the association was also not affected by moderators accounting for individual condition, social rank, or age, the results do not strongly support hypotheses that condition dependence accounts for relationships between color and aggressive behavior. The badge of status hypothesis predicts that arbitrary traits can evolve to signal aggression or social dominance. We propose that this is the most parsimonious explanation for the patterns we observe. Because of the lack of evidence for condition dependence in the association between color and aggression, we further propose that the genetic covariation between traits contributes to the evolution of the badges of status.
m5C‐TNKmer: Identification of 5‐Methylated Base Cytosine of Ribonucleic Acid Using Supervised Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Qazi Shahid , Shah Dilawar , Khan Mohammad Asmat Ullah , Ali Shujaat , Abrar Mohammad , Khan Asfandyar , Tahir Muhammad
Published: December 2024

5‐Methylcytosine (m5C) is a widely recognized epigenetic modification in ribonucleic acid (RNA), catalyzed by methyltransferases. This modification is crucial for various biological functions. While the role of m5C in deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) has been extensively studied, its role in RNA is still in its early stages of exploration. Accurate and systematic detection and classification of m5C sites in RNA remain challenging tasks. Machine learning techniques offer an efficient alternative to traditional laboratory methods for identifying m5C sites in Homo sapiens. This study introduces a novel computational model m5C‐TNKmer, which utilizes k‐mer feature extraction to enhance the identification of m5C sites in RNA sequences. Four sub‐datasets derived from the primary dataset Di‐nucleotide (DNC), Tri‐nucleotide (TNC), Tetra‐nucleotide (Tetra‐NC), and Penta‐nucleotide (Penta‐NC) were used to train the model. The results demonstrated that m5C‐TNKmer achieved an impressive accuracy of 96.15%. This model provides a powerful tool for scientists to accurately identify RNA m5C sites, contributing to a deeper understanding of genetic functions and regulatory mechanisms.
Gradient‐Boosted Generalized Linear Models for Conditional Vine Copulas
Authors: Jobst David , Möller Annette , Groß Jürgen
Published: December 2024

Vine copulas are flexible dependence models using bivariate copulas as building blocks. If the parameters of the bivariate copulas in the vine copula depend on covariates, one obtains a conditional vine copula. We propose an extension for the estimation of continuous conditional vine copulas, where the parameters of continuous conditional bivariate copulas are estimated sequentially and separately via gradient‐boosting. For this purpose, we link covariates via generalized linear models (GLMs) to Kendall's correlation coefficient from which the corresponding copula parameter can be obtained. In a second step, an additional covariate deselection procedure is applied. The performance of the gradient‐boosted conditional vine copulas is illustrated in a simulation study. Linear covariate effects in low‐ and high‐dimensional settings are investigated separately for the conditional bivariate copulas and the conditional vine copulas. Moreover, the gradient‐boosted conditional vine copulas are applied to the multivariate postprocessing of ensemble weather forecasts in a low‐dimensional covariate setting. The results show that our suggested method is able to outperform the benchmark methods and identifies temporal correlations better. Additionally, we provide an R‐package called boostCopula for this method.
A predictive model for endometrial cancer recurrence based on molecular markers and clinicopathologic parameters: A double‐center retrospective study
Authors: Yao Yuanyang , Luo Xiaoxiao , Jiang Peng , Liu Heying , Wang Yanzhou , Deng Li , Liang Zhiqing
Published: December 2024

Objective

The purpose of this study was to establish a predictive model for endometrial cancer (EC) recurrence based on commonly used molecular markers and clinicopathologic parameters.

Methods

This was a double‐center retrospective study. The data of patients were retrospectively collected from two tertiary hospitals in Chongqing, China. The patients were divided into training and validation cohorts according to the ratio of 7:3. In the training cohort, the factors related to the recurrence were screened through uni‐ and multivariate Cox regression analysis, and a nomogram was constructed based on this. Internal and external validation of the model was performed in two cohorts, respectively. In the training cohort, the optimal risk threshold of the model was determined by using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the maximum value of the Youden index.

Results

A total of 1348 patients were included, including 944 in the training cohort and 404 in the validation cohort. Multivariate analysis suggested that ER expression, P53 expression and other clinicopathologic parameters, were significantly related to recurrence. On this basis, a nomogram was constructed to predict 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year recurrence‐free survival (RFS) rate. The model had good predictive accuracy in both cohorts through the validation. The ROC curve and Youden index suggested that the optimal risk threshold of 3‐year RFS rate predicted by the model was 0.83, and there was a significant survival difference between the high‐ and low‐risk groups.

Conclusion

Compared to traditional prediction models, the model proposed in this study that combined molecular indicators and clinicopathologic parameters can better predict the prognosis of EC patients.
Recent advancements in metal oxide‐based hybrid nanocomposite resistive random‐access memories for artificial intelligence
Authors: Kumar Anirudh , Bhardwaj Kirti , Singh Satendra Pal , Lee Youngmin , Lee Sejoon , Kumar Mohit , Sharma Sanjeev K.
Published: December 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) advancements are driving the need for highly parallel and energy‐efficient computing analogous to the human brain and visual system. Inspired by the human brain, resistive random‐access memories (ReRAMs) have recently emerged as an essential component of the intelligent circuitry architecture for developing high‐performance neuromorphic computing systems. This occurs due to their fast switching with ultralow power consumption, high ON/OFF ratio, excellent data retention, good endurance, and even great possibilities for altering resistance analogous to their biological counterparts for neuromorphic computing applications. Additionally, with the advantages of photoelectric dual modulation of resistive switching, ReRAMs allow optically inspired artificial neural networks and reconfigurable logic operations, promoting innovative in‐memory computing technology for neuromorphic computing and image recognition tasks. Optoelectronic neuromorphic computing architectured ReRAMs can simulate neural functionalities, such as light‐triggered long‐term/short‐term plasticity. They can be used in intelligent robotics and bionic neurological optoelectronic systems. Metal oxide (MOx)–polymer hybrid nanocomposites can be beneficial as an active layer of the bistable metal–insulator–metal ReRAM devices, which hold promise for developing high‐performance memory technology. This review explores the state of the art for developing memory storage, advancement in materials, and switching mechanisms for selecting the appropriate materials as active layers of ReRAMs to boost the ON/OFF ratio, flexibility, and memory density while lowering programming voltage. Furthermore, material design cum‐synthesis strategies that greatly influence the overall performance of MOx–polymer hybrid nanocomposite ReRAMs and their performances are highlighted. Additionally, the recent progress of multifunctional optoelectronic MOx–polymer hybrid composites‐based ReRAMs are explored as artificial synapses for neural networks to emulate neuromorphic visualization and memorize information. Finally, the challenges, limitations, and future outlooks of the fabrication of MOx–polymer hybrid composite ReRAMs over the conventional von Neumann computing systems are discussed.

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The Backdrop of Leadership: How Environmental Awe Influences Charisma Attributions
Authors: McGuire Jack , Bastardoz Nicolas , Hentrup Leonie J. , De Cremer David , Menges Jochen I.
Published: December 2024

Charisma is often attributed to leaders based on how they look, talk, and behave. Yet very little is known about the role of the physical environment in influencing attributions of leader charisma. The role of the physical environment is crucial because leaders inevitably occupy physical spaces that vary across contexts. In this research, we find that the grandeur of the physical environment, specifically in its ability to induce awe, enhances attributions of charisma for leaders who are not already known to be charismatic. First, in a field experiment, we show that a real business leader is attributed with more charisma when delivering a speech in an awe‐inducing (vs. an ordinary) environment. In three follow‐up experiments, we find that awe‐inducing physical environments amplify charisma attributions and that this effect was diminished or absent for individuals already known for their charisma. Together, our findings contribute to the leadership literature by demonstrating the importance of the physical environment in influencing whether followers consider their leaders to be charismatic.
Adjuvant Radiation Sparing after Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy and TORS in Selected HPV‐Positive Oropharyngeal Cancer
Authors: Costantino Andrea , Sampieri Claudio , Sim Nam Suk , De Virgilio Armando , Kim Se‐Heon
Published: December 2024

Objective

Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) has shown promising results in treating human papillomavirus (HPV)‐positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC), and there has been increasing interest in incorporating neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT) prior to TORS. This study aimed to assess the feasibility and safety of sparing adjuvant RT following NCT and TORS.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study included consecutive patients with HPV‐positive OPSCC who underwent NCT followed by TORS without adjuvant RT. Disease‐free survival (DFS) was the primary outcome. Pattern of recurrence (local, regional, and distant), salvage treatment outcomes, and predictors of tumor recurrence were also assessed.

Results

A total of 84 patients were included in the analysis. No patients died during the study period. DFS rates (95% Confidence Interval, CI) at 1, 2, and 3 years were 92.8% (87.4–98.5), 87.0% (79.7–94.9), and 84.4% (76.0–93.8), respectively. Local, regional, and distant recurrence rates were 7.0%, 9.5%, and 3.6%, respectively. Salvage treatment achieved a 100% salvage rate. Predictors of tumor recurrence included the number of positive lymph nodes (hazard ratio: 2.66; 95% CI: 1.19–5.92) and clinical stage III at diagnosis (hazard ratio: 7.65; 95% CI: 1.97–29.7).

Conclusions

Recommendation of adjuvant treatment based on pathologic adverse features appears to be associated with favorable outcomes in selected HPV‐positive OPSCC cases treated with NCT and TORS. Future studies should focus on refining criteria for recommending adjuvant RT to further reduce recurrence rates and minimize treatment‐related toxicity, contributing to personalized treatment strategies for HPV‐related OPSCC.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 2024
Polydopamine Decorated Hyaluronic Acid Clusters for Tumor Cell Targeting Combination Therapy via Template Self‐Consumption Methods
Authors: Zhu Hongrui , Xia Daqing , He Huan , Zhang Jixi , Wu Daocheng
Published: December 2024

Photothermal‐chemodynamic‐chemotherapy (PTT‐CDT‐CT) combination therapy significantly enhances the therapeutic efficacy against tumors. However, synthesizing PTT‐CDT‐CT nanosystems is complex, typically requiring the preparation and conjugation of three components into a single carrier. To overcome this challenge, a facile template self‐consumption method is developed. In this approach, hyaluronic acid (HA), recognized for its tumor cell targeting properties, chelates with Cu2+ to form Cu‐HA, which then transforms into CuO2@HA cluster templates. These templates self‐consume gradually, producing ·OH and Cu2+, which catalyze the rapid polymerization of dopamine and coordinate with polydopamine respectively, enhancing the photothermal conversion efficiency. After gossypol loading, GPDA@HA clusters are formed, achieving high gossypol loading efficiency due to π–π stacking between gossypol and PDA, as well as coordination between gossypol and Cu2+. The GPDA@HA clusters are effectively internalized by tumor cells through endocytosis, mediating the synergistic damage or inhibition of intracellular proteins, and nucleic acids against tumor cells via PTT, CDT, and CT. Crucially, the synergism of PTT‐CDT‐CT combination therapy far surpasses those of a single modality. This work introduces a new pathway for the synthesis of PTT‐CDT‐CT nanosystems, avoiding the conventional synthesis and loading of different therapeutic agents, and provides insights into developing personalized drug combination therapies with high efficacy.
Psychometric Properties of the Chinese Version of Aberdeen Varicose Veins Questionnaire (AVVQ) in Patients With Varicose Veins of Lower Extremity: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Wang Chen , Yang Wenjing , Shen Xiaojun , Xu Jing , Wang Xia , Ji Chao , Hu Siwen
Published: December 2024

Varicose veins in the lower extremities significantly impairs patients' quality of life, highlighting the importance of targeted quality of life assessments for specific diseases. The Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire (AVVQ) was specifically designed to assess the impact of lower extremity varicose veins on quality of life. This study comprised two phases: in the first phase, the AVVQ was translated and culturally adapted, and the second phase was an evaluation of the psychometric characteristics of the Chinese version of AVVQ in 328 patients with varicose veins of lower extremities. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed that the Chinese AVVQ comprises 13 items distributed across four dimensions, accounting for a total variance of 61.74%, with a Cronbach's α of 0.745 and a content validity index of 0.908. Furthermore, there was a negative correlation between the AVVQ scores and the SF‐36. In addition, the difference in AVVQ scores by CEAP classification was statistically significant. These findings affirmed the Chinese version of the AVVQ as both reliable and valid, making it a valid tool for evaluating the quality of life in Chinese patients with varicose veins and applicable across various international contexts and diverse patient populations.
Protein‐coding mutation in Adcy3 increases adiposity and alters emotional behaviors sex‐dependently in rats
Authors: Fitzpatrick Mackenzie K. , Szalanczy Alexandria , Beeson Angela , Vora Anusha , Scott Christina , Grzybowski Michael , Klotz Jason , Der Nataley , Chen Rong , Geurts Aron M. , Solberg Woods Leah C.
Published: December 2024

Objective

Adenylate cyclase 3 (Adcy3) has been linked to both obesity and major depressive disorder. We identified a protein‐coding variant in the transmembrane (TM) helix of Adcy3 in rats; similar obesity variants have been identified in humans. This study investigates the role of a TM variant in adiposity and behavior.

Methods

We mutated the TM domain of Adcy3 (Adcy3mut/mut) and created a heterozygous knockout (Adcy3+/−) in Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats. Wild‐type, Adcy3+/−, and Adcy3mut/mut rats were fed a high‐fat diet for 12 weeks. We measured body weight, fat mass, glucose tolerance, food intake, metabolism, emotion‐like behaviors, memory, and downstream proteins.

Results

Adcy3+/− and Adcy3mut/mut rats weighed more than wild‐type rats due to increased fat mass. There were key sex differences: adiposity was driven by increased food intake in males but by decreased energy expenditure in females. Adcy3mut/mut males displayed increased passive coping and decreased memory, whereas Adcy3mut/mut females displayed increased anxiety‐like behavior. Adcy3mut/mut males had decreased hypothalamic cAMP‐response element binding protein (CREB) signaling, with decreased phospho‐AMP‐activated protein kinase (p‐AMPK) signaling in both sexes.

Conclusions

The ADCY3 TM domain plays a role in protein function via p‐AMPK and CREB signaling. Adcy3 may contribute to the relationship between obesity and major depressive disorder, and sex influences the relationships between Adcy3, metabolism, and behavior.
Associations of body size and morphology with cardiometabolic health in children: the contribution of genetic factors
Authors: Silventoinen Karri , Maia José , Sund Reijo , Gouveia Élvio R. , Antunes António , Marques Gonçalo , Thomis Martine , Jelenkovic Aline , Kaprio Jaakko , Freitas Duarte
Published: December 2024

Objective

We analyzed how anthropometric measures predict cardiometabolic health and how genetic and environmental factors contribute to these associations.

Methods

Data on 8 indicators of cardiometabolic health, 21 anthropometric measures, and 11 anthropometric indices were available for 216 twin pairs of individuals age 3 to 18 years living in the Autonomous Region of Madeira, Portugal (51% girls). Genetic twin modeling was used to estimate genetic and environmental correlations between the cardiometabolic and anthropometric indicators.

Results

Anthropometric indicators were positively associated with blood pressure and triglycerides and inversely associated with high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol. The associations with glucose, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, and heart rate were close to zero. BMI and waist circumference showed similar or slightly higher absolute correlations with cardiometabolic health indicators compared with other anthropometric indices. Additive genetic and unique environmental correlations were at the same level as trait correlations.

Conclusions

BMI and waist circumference provide information on cardiometabolic health that is not less accurate than that provided by more comprehensive anthropometric indices. These associations reflect causal associations between obesity and cardiometabolic disorders rather than only shared genetic associations. Measuring obesity is important for monitoring cardiometabolic risks and can be accomplished using simple indicators at the population level.
Registration of ‘Rulon’, a six‐row, spring feed barley
Authors: Krause Margaret R. , Clawson Justin W. , Hole David
Published: December 2024

In Utah, spring feed barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is commonly used in rotation with hay to supply the state's animal products industry. The objective of this research was to develop a spring feed barley cultivar with improved agronomic performance and adaptation to Utah's growing conditions. ‘Rulon’ (Reg. No. CV‐382, PI 705157, PVP no. 202400311) is a six‐row, spring feed barley cultivar developed and evaluated as UTSB10905‐72 and released in 2023 by the Utah Agricultural Experiment Station (UAES). Rulon was derived from the cross UTSB2120‐36/‘Goldeneye’. Goldeneye is a six‐row spring feed barley cultivar released by UAES in 2005. UTSB2120‐36 was an F4‐derived experimental line from the cross ‘Century’/‘IdaGold II’. Rulon was selected through a modified bulk breeding scheme from the F2 to the F4 generations. Derived from the F4 generation, Rulon was tested in replicated yield trials in Logan, UT, from 2013 to 2020, the University of Idaho (UI) Extension Variety Trials in 2016 and 2017, and the Western Regional Spring Barley Nursery from 2016 to 2018. Rulon yielded an average of 5987 kg ha−1 in Logan, outperforming all check varieties, and showed similar days to heading compared to Goldeneye. In the UI Extension Variety Trials, Rulon showed higher kernel plumpness (95%) compared to the check varieties (76–88%). In the Western Regional Spring Barley Nurseries, Rulon ranked among the top five yielding entries in 15 out of 25 site‐years. Rulon was released on the basis of its high grain yield, excellent kernel plumpness, and high test weight.
Trajectories of Cancer Survivors' Spiritual Well‐Being Through the Transition From Treatment to Early Survivorship
Authors: Park Crystal L. , Magin Zachary E. , Bellizzi Keith M. , Sanft Tara
Published: December 2024

Background

Spirituality is an important domain of well‐being for cancer survivors, yet we know little about the different trajectories of survivors' spiritual well‐being across the transition from active treatment to survivorship. Further, the specific psychosocial resources and coping efforts that might predict distinct trajectories of spiritual well‐being have yet to be identified.

Aims

In this study, we characterized trajectories of survivors' spiritual well‐being (peace, meaning, faith) across the first year of survivorship and examined whether social support and coping strategies predicted these trajectories.

Methods

Participants (N = 482) completed five surveys over the course of a year following a diagnosis of breast (63.5%), prostate (25.7%), or colorectal cancer (10.8%). We used latent class linear mixed modeling to identify spiritual well‐being trajectory classes (FACIT‐Sp) and employed multinomial logistic regression models to examine whether social support and specific coping styles predicted class membership.

Results

While the majority of our sample had moderate levels of spiritual well‐being, over one‐third reported very low levels of peace. Distinct latent classes for peace (four classes), meaning (five classes), and faith (five classes) were identified among adult cancer survivors transitioning from treatment to survivorship. Higher social support and adaptive coping predicted greater likelihood of belonging to classes that maintained higher levels of peace, meaning, and faith following cancer treatment.

Conclusions

Cancer survivors show unique trajectories of spiritual well‐being as they transition from active treatment to survivorship. Social support and coping may be important resources for maintaining spiritual well‐being during this critical transition period.
Enabling Long‐cycling Aqueous Zn‐Mn3O4 Batteries via Segregated and Interlaced Carbon Frameworks
Authors: Pan Yujing , Zuo Shiyong , Ai Guo , Wei Jianjun , Zhao Xiaochen , Mao Wenfeng
Published: December 2024

Mn3O4 is a promising candidate for aqueous zinc ion batteries (ZIBs) due to its high theoretical capacity (468.5 mAh g−1) and environmental friendliness, while its practical application is hindered by slow kinetics and rapid capacity degradation. Herein, a porous Mn3O4 with segregated and interlaced carbon framework (HCF‐Mn3O4) is introduced. The in situ hydro‐assembled interlaced carbon nanotube (CNT) forms a porous structure enhancing electron conduction and accelerating Zn2+ transport; while the segregated CNT network serves as an encapsulation layer to improve mechanical stability. Together, these features facilitate the simultaneous insertion and transformation of H+/Zn2+ and enhance Zn2+ diffusion kinetics. As a result, HCF‐Mn3O4 achieves a high specific capacity of 474 mAh g−1 at 0.05 A g−1, excellent rate performance of 178 mAh g−1 at 1.50 A g−1, and stable cycling over 3000 cycles with minimal capacity decay (≈0.02% per cycle). This design offers new opportunities for developing high‐rate, long‐lasting ZIBs.
Biodiversity
Authors: Koivula Matti , Felton Adam , Jönsson Mari , Löfroth Therese , Schei Fride Høistad , Siitonen Juha , Sjögren Jörgen
Published: December 2024

This chapter summarises biodiversity responses to continuous cover forestry (CCF). The comparator throughout this chapter is rotation forestry (RF) and its main harvesting method—clearcutting—unless otherwise stated.

Research on the biodiversity effects of logging methods applied in CCF (mostly selection or gap cutting) mainly concerns the short-term effects of measures taken in mature, originally fairly even-aged forests, at best 10–15 years after cutting. Thus far, no surveys or chronosequences cover the whole rotation period (60–100 years).

Continuous cover forestry is likely to benefit species that suffer when the tree cover is removed, such as bilberry and its associated species. Species requiring spatial continuity in host trees or canopy cover may also benefit.

Selection cutting may preserve the majority of species in the mature forest, but the most sensitive species may decline or even disappear. Gap cutting (diameter 20–50 m) affects forest-interior species relatively little, but species’ abundances in gaps change with increasing gap size. Shelterwood cutting seems to closely resemble selection cutting in terms of species responses. In the long term, however, shelterwood cutting results in an even-aged and sparse overstorey, which does not produce the biodiversity benefits of CCF.

Species that have declined due to forestry mostly require large living and dead trees. The preservation of these species is not ensured by CCF alone, but requires deliberately maintaining these structural features.

A mosaic of different forest-management practices within landscapes may provide complementary ways to maintain rich biodiversity.
Forest Owners’ and Forestry Stakeholders’ Perceptions
Authors: Haltia Emmi , Eriksson Louise , Koskela Terhi , Rørstad Per Kr. , Wallin Ida , Zhang Jasmine
Published: December 2024

In Finland, the new Forest Act in 2014 made continuous cover forestry (CCF) a possible forest management option. This triggered research on how forest owners and forestry professionals perceive CCF. In Sweden and Norway, the CCF method has been legal but not encouraged. Research on stakeholder views on CCF has only recently emerged, so only a few studies have been published on the topic.

In Finland, according to surveys, less than 10% of forest owners have converted to CCF in all their forests and around 20–25% in part of their forests. About a fifth of forest owners expressed an interest in testing it.

In the Finnish studies, CCF has been of particular interest to forest owners whose holdings are smaller than average and where they have recreational objectives.

The interest of forest owners clearly increased if they were compensated for converting to CCF.

Forestry companies, as well as their associations in Sweden and Finland, promote CCF as an alternative forest management method, according to statements on their official websites. How well this supportive attitude will materialise in their actions remains an open question.

The current forestry culture, the power of industrial networks, uncertainties concerning economic profitability and ecological outcomes, as well as current forestry education and technical knowledge, are the main barriers for CCF.
Primordial Black Holes and Gravitational Waves in the U(1)B−L extended inert doublet model: a first-order phase transition perspective
Authors: Banerjee Indra Kumar , Dey Ujjal Kumar , Khalil Shaaban
Published: December 2024

Abstract

We conduct an analysis of a U(1)B−L extended inert doublet model and obtained the parameter space allowing strong first order phase transitions. We show that a large part of the parameter space can cause double first-order phase transitions. Whereas both of these phase transitions can generate a detectable stochastic gravitational wave background, one of them can create primordial black holes with appreciable abundance. The primordial black holes generated at the high scale transition can account for the dark matter maintaining the correct relic abundance. We also show specific benchmark cases and their consequences from the aspect of primordial black holes and gravitational waves.
Modular Hamiltonian for Fermions of Small Mass
Authors: Cadamuro Daniela , Fröb Markus B. , Minz Christoph
Published: December 2024

We consider the algebra of massive fermions restricted to a diamond in two-dimensional Minkowski spacetime, and in the Minkowski vacuum state. While the massless modular Hamiltonian is known for this setting, the derivation of the massive one is an open problem. We compute the small-mass corrections to the modular Hamiltonian in a perturbative approach, finding some terms which were previously overlooked. Our approach can in principle be extended to all orders in the mass, even though it becomes computationally challenging.
Geophysical Exploration for Archaeological Ruins North of Senusret I Pyramid, El-Lisht Area, Giza, Egypt
Authors: Hatem Dalia , Kotb Ahmed El , Abdallatif Tareq Fahmy , Mansour Khamis , Saada Saada A. , Al Deep Mohamed , Eldosouky Ahmed M.
Published: December 2024

A pioneer geophysical investigation utilizing magnetic gradiometry, ground-penetrating radar, and electrical resistivity tomography was conducted in the eastern area of Senusret I pyramid, El-Lisht area, Giza, Egypt, to identify all possible archaeological features and/or ancient historical remains. A high-resolution magnetic gradient survey was conducted at two selected areas (A & B) east of the pyramid using the FM256 instrument to measure the vertical magnetic gradient and identify any possible extension of a few traces of the mudbrick features observed at some places of the study area. Subsequently, 60 GPR and 3 ERT lines were conducted in area A to confirm the resulting magnetic anomalies. Further, 14 GPR lines were carried out in area C to investigate any possible near-surface features between areas A and B. The magnetic data in areas A and B revealed several high magnetic anomalies that are very likely indicative of buried mud bricks structures and scattered granitic blocks. GPR data in areas A and C showed numerous hyperbolic features varying in size and amplitude, which have been interpreted as possible limestone structures and/or mud bricks walls. ERT results in area A depicted high resistivities that were interpreted by the magnetic gradiometry data as mud bricks walls. Integrating the findings from magnetic, GPR, and ERT surveys indicates the presence of ruins of a part of an ancient temple, potentially constructed from mud bricks in the 12th Dynasty. The integrated results emphasize the importance of applying more than one geophysical method at the same location to highlight the promising monuments that certainly require further excavation and restoration efforts to develop the area for future tourism programs.
Extracellular vesicles of Janthinobacterium lividum as violacein carriers in melanoma cell treatment
Authors: Kowalska Patrycja , Mierzejewska Jolanta , Skrzeszewska Paulina , Witkowska Aleksandra , Oksejuk Katarzyna , Sitkiewicz Ewa , Krawczyk Mariusz , Świadek Magdalena , Głuchowska Agata , Marlicka Klaudia , Sobiepanek Anna , Milner-Krawczyk Małgorzata
Published: December 2024

Violacein is a natural indole-derived purple pigment of microbial origin that has attracted attention for its remarkable biological properties. Due to its poor solubility in aqueous media, most studies of this pigment use extracts of the compound obtained with common solvents. Violacein is also transported in bacterial extracellular vesicles (EVs) and transferred via this type of carrier remains stable in an aqueous environment. This paper is the first to present an in-depth study of Janthinobacterium lividum EVs as violacein carriers. J. lividum EVs were studied for their contribution to violacein translocation, size, morphology and protein composition. The production of violacein encapsulated in EVs was more efficient than the intracellular production of this compound. The average size of the violacein-containing EVs was 124.07 ± 3.74 nm. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis (LC–MS/MS) revealed 932 proteins common to three independent EVs isolations. The high proportion of proteins with intracellular localisation, which are involved in many fundamental cellular processes, suggests that J. lividum EVs could be generated in a cell lysis model, additionally stimulated by violacein production. Using human keratinocytes and melanoma cell lines, it was confirmed that J. lividum EVs are able to react with and deliver their cargo to mammalian cells. The EVs-delivered violacein was shown to retain its activity against melanoma cells, and the dose and timing of treatment can be selected to target only cancer cells. The characterisation of J. lividum EVs, described in the following paper, represents a milestone for their future potential anticancer application.

Key points

• This report focuses on the investigation of Janthinobacterium lividum EVs as a new delivery vehicle for violacein, a compound with a previously demonstrated broad spectrum of activity.

• EVs were characterised for size, morphology and protein composition.

• Studies on human keratinocytes and a melanoma cell model confirmed that the activity of violacein applied in the encapsulated form of EVs is similar to that of its organic solvent extract, but their production is much more environmentally friendly.
Health literacy in parents of children with Hirschsprung disease: a novel study
Authors: Olsbø Signe , Kiserud Sara George , Hermansen Åsmund , Hamilton Larsen Marie , Bjørnland Kristin
Published: December 2024

Purpose

To explore health literacy (HL) among parents of children with Hirschsprung disease (HD).

Methods

Norwegian-speaking parents of children under 16 who underwent HD surgery at a tertiary center were surveyed using the Health Literacy Questionnaire-Parent, electronic Health Literacy Scale, General Self-efficacy Scale, and a study-specific questionnaire. Demographics were collected and ethical approval was obtained.

Results

Among 132 parents (77 mothers) of 91 children (median age 8 years), high HL scores appeared in the domains “understanding health information” and “active engagement”, with lower scores in “provider support”, “health information appraisal”, and “social support”. Higher HL correlated with parents aged over 40 and higher education. Lower scores were seen with non-exclusive Norwegian use at home and not living with the child’s other parent. High electronic HL scores were common (mean 3.6, maximum score 5). 69% had high self-efficacy scores (score > 2, maximum score 4). Self-efficacy correlated strongly with higher HL scores.

Conclusion

Parents of children with HD feel healthcare providers lack understanding of their child’s challenges, experience limited social support and struggle with interpreting health information. We suggest targeted HL interventions for young, lower-educated, non-cohabitating parents and those not primarily speaking the official language at home.

Graphical abstract
Analysis of the potential of metal hydride-based range extenders for electric commuter aircraft
Authors: Bahrs Victor J. , Franke Florian , Kazula Stefan , de Graaf Stefanie
Published: December 2024

Using alternative fuels such as hydrogen in electrified propulsion systems presents one potential approach for reducing aircraft emissions. The development of a safe hydrogen storage with acceptable energy densities introduces an essential challenge. Metal hydrides enable inherently safe, reliable, and sustainable hydrogen storage. While offering high volumetric storage densities, they achieve only low gravimetric storage densities. These properties make the use of metal hydrides unfavorable for primary hydrogen storage solutions in aviation. Nevertheless, their application may still be beneficial for secondary hydrogen storage devices. This paper analyzes the applicability of hydrides for the range extension of a commuter aircraft to facilitate diversion to an alternate airport. Therefore, various hydride types, such as complex hydrides, hydride slurry, and metal hydrides combined with compressed hydrogen storage, are evaluated and compared with conventional means of storage solutions. This analysis assesses the potential of these different technologies and identifies future research needs. Although the results of the evaluation show that hydride range extenders can be beneficial from the safety point of view, their application as a range extender for the diversion would entail a reduction of the aircraft range or payload.
The Postulate of Public Right
Authors: Capps Patrick , Rivers Julian
Published: December 2024

Kant's main work in the philosophy of law – the Doctrine of Right (1797) – is notoriously difficult for modern readers to understand. Kant clearly argues that rightful relations between human beings can only be achieved if we enter into a civil legal condition taking a defined constitutional form. In this Element, we emphasise that Kant considers this claim to be a postulate of practical reason, thus identifying the pure idea of the state as the culmination of his entire practical philosophy. The Doctrine of Right makes sense as an attempt to clarify the content of the postulate of public right and constructively interpret existing domestic and international legal arrangements in the light of the noumenal republic it postulates. Properly understood, Kant's postulate of public right is the epistemological foundation of a non-positivist legal theory that remains of central significance to modern legal philosophy and legal doctrinal method.
Quantum Mechanics through Problems
Authors: Schiavilla Rocco
Published: December 2024

This book contains more than 300 problems in quantum mechanics with accompanying solutions, covering topics that are commonly taught in first-year graduate physics programs. Special care is given to each problem's formulation, with detailed and extensive solutions provided to support understanding. The problems span a range of difficulties, from basic exercises to more challenging applications and extensions of the standard material. Students are required to think critically and incorporate physics and mathematical techniques learned previously or concurrently to solve the more challenging problems. Each chapter begins by framing the particular topic being examined with a short theory section that sets the context for and motivates the problems that follow. This text is well suited for self-study or as a useful supplement to the existing quantum mechanics textbooks for upper-undergraduate and graduate students, and their instructors.
Signed Language and Cognitive Grammar
Authors: Wilcox Sherman , Martínez Rocío , Siyavoshi Sara
Published: December 2024

This Elements monograph presents a Cognitive Grammar (CG) approach to a range of signed language grammatical phenomena. It begins with a background on the history of sign linguistics, focusing on what was a widely-held belief that signs are simply gestures. The first section traces the modern linguistic examination of signed languages, focusing on Stokoe and his demonstration that these languages exhibit phonology and duality of patterning. Next, we present some fundamental principles that are foundational for cognitive linguistics and sign linguistics. In a section on Cognitive Grammar, we present a brief overview of CG principles, constructs, and models. Section 4 presents extensive analyses of signed language constructions applying CG, including nominal grounding; the concepts of Place and placing; a CG approach to 'agreement' constructions in signed languages; reported dialogue; grammatical modality; and the grammatical meaning of facial displays. A final section examines the controversial role of gesture in grammatical constructions.
Picture-Reading in Comics, Prose, and Poetry
Authors: Kim Hannah H.
Published: December 2024

Comics are one of the paradigmatic forms of hybrid media, and coming up with a satisfactory definition for it has been difficult. Cowling, S. & Wesley D. C. (2022) take a functional approach and offer an Intentional Picture-Reading View which defines comics as something that is “aptly intended to be picture-read.” I show that the view is extensionally inadequate as is because formally ambitious prose and concrete poetry, too, are aptly intended to be picture-read. The way forward, I argue, is to look at more medium-specific non-depictive images (such as speech balloons and panels) to set comics apart from other hybrid media.
Parametric study and scaling of a minijet-manipulated supersonic jet
Authors: Tan Changhao , Perumal Arun Kumar , Zhou Yu
Published: December 2024

This work aims to perform a parametric study on a round supersonic jet with a design Mach number Md = 1.8, which is manipulated using a single steady radial minijet with a view to enhancing its mixing. Four control parameters are examined, i.e. the mass flow rate ratio Cm and diameter ratio d/D of the minijet to main jet, and exit pressure ratio Pe/Pa and fully expanded jet Mach number Mj, where Pe and Pa are the nozzle exit and atmospheric pressures, respectively. Extensive pressure and schlieren flow visualization measurements are conducted on the natural and manipulated jets. The supersonic jet core length Lc/D exhibits a strong dependence on the four control parameters. Careful scaling analysis of experimental data reveals that Lc/D = f1(Cm, d/D, Pe/Pa, Mj) may be reduced to Lc/D = f2(ξ), where f1 and f2 are different functions. The scaling factor

$\xi = J({d_i}/{D_j})/(\gamma M_j^2{P_e}/{P_a})$

is physically the penetration depth of the minijet into the main jet, where

$J({d_i}/{D_j})$

is the square root of the momentum ratio of the minijet to main jet (di and Dj are the fully expanded diameters of d and D, respectively), γ is the specific heat ratio and

$\gamma M_j^2{P_e}/{P_a}$

is the non-dimensional exit pressure ratio. Important physical insight may be gained from this scaling law into the optimal choice of control parameters such as d/D and Pe/Pa for practical applications. It has been found for the first time that the minijet may induce a street of quasi-periodical coherent structures once Cm exceeds a certain level for a given

${P_e}/{P_a}$

. Its predominant dimensionless frequency Ste (≡ feDj/Uj) scales with a factor

$\zeta = J({d_i}/{D_j})\; \sqrt {\gamma M_j^2{P_e}/{P_a}} $

, which is physically the ratio of the minijet momentum thrust to the ambient pressure thrust. The formation mechanism of the street and its role in enhancing jet mixing are also discussed.
Re-Assessing the Experiment / Observation-Divide
Authors: Boge Florian J.
Published: December 2024

The article reevaluates the distinction between experiment and observation. It is first argued that to get clear on what role observation plays in the generation of scientific knowledge, we need to distinguish “experiential observation” as a concept closely connected to experience from “observation” in a technical sense and from “field observation” as a concept that reasonably contrasts with “experiment.” It is then argued that observation construed as field observation can enjoy systematic epistemic advantages over experiment, contrary to appearances.