bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the impact of the recent global warming on extreme weather events in Central Asia using the counterfactual climate data ATTRICI v1.1
Authors: Fallah Bijan , Rostami Masoud
Published: May 2024

We study the impact of recent global warming on extreme climatic events in Central Asia (CA) for 1901-2019 by comparing the composite representation of the observational climate with a hypothetical counterfactual one that does not include the long-term global warming trend. The counterfactual climate data are produced based on a simple detrending approach, using the global mean temperature (GMT) as the independent variable and removing the long-term trends from the climate variables of the observational data. This trend elimination is independent of causality, and the day-to-day variability in the counterfactual climate remains preserved. The analysis done in the paper shows that the increase in frequency and magnitude of extreme temperature and precipitation events can be attributed to global warming. Specifically, the probability of experiencing a +7 K temperature anomaly event in CA increases by up to a factor of seven in some areas due to global warming. The analysis reveals a significant increase in heatwave occurrences in Central Asia, with the observational climate dataset GSWP3-W5E5 (later called also factual) showing more frequent and prolonged extreme heat events than hypothetical scenarios without global warming. This trend, evident in the disparity between factual and counterfactual data, underscores the critical impact of recent climatic changes on weather patterns, highlighting the urgent need for robust adaptation and mitigation strategies. Additionally, using the self-calibrated Palmer drought severity index (scPDSI), the sensitivity of dry and wet events to the coupled precipitation and temperature changes is analyzed. The areas under dry and wet conditions are enhanced under the observational climate compared to a counterfactual scenario, especially over the largest deserts in CA. The expansion of the dry regions aligns well with the pattern of desert development observed in CA in recent decades.
Back to the origins: biopesticides as promising alternatives to conventional agrochemicals
Authors: Aioub Ahmed A. A. , Ghosh Soumya , AL-Farga Ammar , Khan Allah Nawaz , Bibi Rabia , Elwakeel Abdullah M. , Nawaz Asma , Sherif Naglaa T. , Elmasry Sohaila A. , Ammar Esraa E.
Published: May 2024

Presently, the world is using eco-friendly products to limit pollution in soil, air, water, and marine environments and to mitigate rapid climate change according to the sustainable development goals of the United Nations Development Programme. As a result, most countries attempt to produce environmentally friendly herbicides, fertilizers, and pesticides from plants, algae (e.g., Cladophora glomerata, Laurencia pinnata, Plocamium cartilagineum, Polcamium spp.) or animal manure. Plants, such as Anethum sowa, Thymus vulgaris, Foeniculum vulgare, Syzygium aromaticum, Pinus sylvestris, Citrus spp., Piper spp. and Mentha spicata, are ecofriendly sources of essential oils, containing safe components, which can resist harmful pests. This review evaluates the common plants and algae used for extracting biopesticides, geographical distribution, target pests, mode of action, and commercial viability.
Transparency for AI systems: a value-based approach
Authors: Buijsman Stefan
Published: May 2024

With the widespread use of artificial intelligence, it becomes crucial to provide information about these systems and how they are used. Governments aim to disclose their use of algorithms to establish legitimacy and the EU AI Act mandates forms of transparency for all high-risk and limited-risk systems. Yet, what should the standards for transparency be? What information is needed to show to a wide public that a certain system can be used legitimately and responsibly? I argue that process-based approaches fail to satisfy, as knowledge about the development process is insufficient to predict the properties of the resulting system. Current outcome-based approaches [Mitchell et al., 2019; Loi et al., 2021] are also criticized for a lack of attention to the broader socio-technical system and failure to account for empirical results that show that people care about more than just the outcomes of a process [as reported by Meyerson et al. (Procedural justice and relational theory: Empirical, philosophical, and legal perspectives, Taylor & Francis, 2021)]. Instead, I propose value-based transparency, on which the information we need to provide is what values have been considered in the design and how successful these have been realized in the final system. This can handle the objections to other frameworks, matches with current best practices on the design of responsible AI and provides the public with information on the crucial aspects of a system’s design.
Genotype by year interaction for selected traits in sweet maize (Zea maize L.) hybrids using AMMI model
Authors: Bocianowski Jan , Waligóra Hubert , Majchrzak Leszek
Published: May 2024

This study investigated genotype × environment interactions for the stability of expression of four productivity traits (cobs yield, cobs I class trade share, lend of cobs and fulfilment of cobs) of sweet maize hybrids (Zea mays L.). The additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) model was employed to assess genotype × environment interaction. AMMI stability value was used to evaluate both stability and genotype. The genotype selection index was calculated for each hybrid, incorporating both the average trait value and the stability index. Ten sweet maize hybrids were evaluated: Golda, GSS 1453, GSS 3071, GSS 5829, GSS 8529, Overland, Noa, Shinerock, Sindon, and Tessa. Trials were ran conducted over four vegetative seasons at a single location in the Wielkopolska region using replicated field experiments. The AMMI model revealed significant genotypic and environmental effects for all analyzed traits. Based on their superior stability and favorable average trait values, both the Golda cultivar and the GSS 3071 hybrid are recommended for further breeding program inclusion.
Characterization of ZmSnRK1 genes and their response to aphid feeding, drought and cold stress
Authors: Akbudak M. Aydın , Yildiz Kubra , Cetin Durmus , Filiz Ertugrul , Yukselbaba Utku , Srivastava Vibha
Published: May 2024

The SnRK1 complex in plants regulates metabolism in response to environmental stresses and glucose depletion, for stress adaptation and energy homeostasis. Through phosphorylation of various targets, SnRK1 orchestrates intricate regulatory mechanisms involved in autophagy, nutrient remobilization, and TOR activity inhibition, showcasing its pivotal role in coordinating plant metabolism and stress responses. The present study aimed to identify members of the SnRK1 gene family in the maize genome and characterize them using bioinformatics and expression analyses under aphid feeding, drought, and cold stress. The focus of the study was to conduct a comprehensive analysis towards determining gene diversity of ZmSnRK1 genes, constructing intricate 3D structures, and identifying stress-related cis-elements. Four SnRK1 genes were identified, which were named ZmSnRK1.1, ZmSnRK1.2, ZmSnRK1.3, and ZmSnRK1.4. The SnRK1 proteins were found to have a distribution of conserved motifs; however, the distinction between monocots and dicots in the phylogenetic tree was clearly demonstrated. Analysis of the promoter region revealed that the ZmSnRK1 genes contain stress-related cis-elements. Compared to the control, ZmSnRK1.3 significantly upregulated in response to aphid feeding and cold stress, while ZmSnRK1.2 showed elevated expression under drought conditions. The expression of the other two genes under these treatments was generally unperturbed. The findings of this study are poised to establish a valuable scientific foundation for future research on the roles of the SnRK1 gene family in plants, providing valuable insights for enhancing genetic resilience to stress and optimizing yield traits.
Improving the performance parameters of organic field-effect transistors via alkyl chain length of boronic acid self-assembled monolayers
Authors: Yılmaz Tuğbahan
Published: May 2024

Interface modification is a promising technique for enhancing electrical parameters of Organic Field Effect Transistor (OFETs). In OFETs, self-assembled monolayer molecules are widely used for treatment dielectric/semiconductor interface layer. Modification of dielectric/semiconductor layer with SAM molecules ensures a variety of potential applications. Boronic acids with four different alkyl chain lengths (Cn-BA; n = 8, 10, 12, 14) molecules were used in this study to treat the Al2O3 dielectric surface in dinaphtho[2,3-b:2′,3′-f]thieno[3,2-b]thiophene (DNTT) based OFETs. Treated with SAMs improve the mobility of Al2O3 surfaces for linear and saturation regime and threshold voltages shifted from positive direction. The morphological and electrical characterizations were performed for fabricated OFET. The results show that alkyl-boronic acids SAM molecules open a new perspective for further optoelectronic applications due to its application for oxide surfaces and controllability.
Optimizing Ti/TiN Multilayers for UV, Optical and Near-IR Microwave Kinetic Inductance Detectors
Authors: Ulbricht Gerhard , De Lucia Mario , Piercy Jack , Creaner Oisín , Bracken Colm , McAleer Cáthal , Ray Tom
Published: May 2024

Microwave Kinetic Inductance Detectors (MKIDs) combine significant advantages for photon detection like single photon counting, single pixel energy resolution, vanishing dark counts and µs time resolution with a simple design and the feasibility to scale up into the megapixel range. But high quality MKID fabrication remains challenging as established superconductors tend to either have intrinsic disadvantages, are challenging to deposit or require very low operating temperatures. As alternating stacks of thin Ti and TiN films have shown very impressive results for far-IR and sub-mm MKIDs, they promise significant improvements for UV, visible to near-IR MKIDs as well, especially as they are comparably easy to fabricate and control. In this paper, we present our ongoing project to adapt proximity coupled superconducting films for photon counting MKIDs. Some of the main advantages of Ti/TiN multilayers are their good control of critical temperature (Tc) and their great homogeneity of Tc even over large wafers, promising improved pixel yield especially for large arrays. We demonstrate the effect different temperatures during fabrication have on the detector performance and discuss excess phase noise observed caused by surface oxidization of exposed Si. Our first prototypes achieved photon energy resolving powers of up to 3.1 but turned out to be much too insensitive. As the work presented is still in progress, we also discuss further improvements planned for the near future.
The role of parenting style for the development of the implicit power motive in children
Authors: Kerpen Ellen , Busch Holger , Schulte im Busch Benedikt , Hofer Jan
Published: May 2024

Findings show that both parents’ reported parenting and children’s perception of parenting play a role in predicting a vast number of developmental outcomes. Available research on the development of implicit motives in children, for example, shows a link to early parenting strategies. However, research on effects of parenting on the development of implicit motives is sparse. In the present study, we examined the role of authoritarian and positive parenting (parents’ reports) for the development of the implicit power motive (nPower) in children, along with the moderating role of perceived parental psychological control and warmth/support (children’s report). We hypothesized that authoritarian parenting shows a negative longitudinal association with nPower in children, particularly when children also perceive the parenting as psychologically controlling. In contrast, we assumed a positive longitudinal association of positive parenting with nPower in children, particularly when children also perceive the parenting as warm/supportive. Data of 66 German children (25 girls) and parents were assessed at two measurement points. Children were 6/7 years old at t1. Analyses partially support our hypotheses. The higher parental reports of authoritarian parenting were, the lower was children’s nPower 3.5 years later. This association was only significant among children perceiving high or medium levels (vs. low) of parental psychological control. We found neither significant effects of parents’ nor children’s reports of positive/warm parenting nor a significant interaction of the two. Findings are discussed with respect to existing models of the development and stability of implicit motives and the role of parenting for implicit motive development.
AN examination of linear factor models in U.K. stock returns in the presence of dynamic trading
Authors: Fletcher Jonathan
Published: May 2024

This study uses the approach of Ferson and Siegel, Rev Financ Stud 22:2735–2758 (2009), and Ferson, Siegel and Wang, J Financ Quant Anal, forthcoming, (2024) to examine the unconditional mean–variance efficiency, in the presence of conditioning information (UMV), of ten linear factor models in U.K. stock returns. The study finds that the UMV efficiency of all the multifactor models is strongly rejected in U.K. stock returns in two different sets of test assets. This rejection is mainly driven by allowing dynamic trading in the test assets and factors. The optimal use of conditioning information also has a significant impact in relative model comparison tests. In relative model comparison tests based on UMV efficiency, the best performing model is the eight-factor model of Chib and Zeng, J Bus Econ Stat 38:771–783 (2020) model.
A Quasi-Variational-Hemivariational Inequality for Incompressible Navier-Stokes System with Bingham Fluid
Authors: Migórski Stanislaw , Dudek Sylwia
Published: May 2024

In this paper we examine a class of elliptic quasi-variational inequalities, which involve a constraint set and a set-valued map. First, we establish the existence of a solution and the compactness of the solution set. The approach is based on results for an elliptic variational inequality and the Kakutani-Ky Fan fixed point theorem. Next, we prove an existence and compactness result for a quasi-variational-hemivariational inequality. The latter involves a locally Lipschitz continuous functional and a convex potential. Finally, we present an application to the stationary incompressible Navier-Stokes equation with mixed boundary conditions which model a generalized Newtonian fluid of Bingham type.
If presentism is false, then I don’t exist. On common-sense presentism
Authors: Guillon Jean-Baptiste
Published: May 2024

For many presentist philosophers, e.g. Zimmerman (Contemp Debates Metaphys 10:211–225, 2008), a central motivation in favour of presentism is that it is supposed to be part of common sense. But the fact that common-sense intuitions are indeed presentist is usually taken for granted (and sometimes also conceded by eternalists). As has been shown in other domains of philosophy (e.g. free will), we should be careful when attributing some supposed intuitions to common sense, and Torrengo (Phenomenology and Mind 12: 50–55, 2017) and Le Bihan (Igitur-Arguments Philos 9(1):1–23, 2018) have legitimately raised doubts about the assumption that common sense is presentist. In this paper, I take up this challenge and try to show that our common-sense intuitions do imply presentism. More precisely, the intuitions that I take to imply presentism are fundamental intuitions about our selves as conscious beings. The upshot is that presentism is so much embedded within our conception of our selves that if presentism is false, then I don’t exist!
Germination niche of co-occurring threatened native and alien species: a case study in Lindernia procumbens and L. dubia
Authors: Corli Anna , Orsenigo Simone , Porro Francesco , Rossi Graziano , Lodetti Silvano , Mondoni Andrea
Published: May 2024

Plant invasions have a negative impact on biodiversity and lead to species loss. Although studies on traits promoting invasiveness have been largely developed, comparative studies on germination traits of closely related native versus alien invasive species, which also take into account threatened species, are lacking. We analysed the germination requirements of two congeneric Lindernia species inhabiting paddy field in Northern Italy. Germination tests were conducted exposing seeds of both species across a broad range of temperature and conditions (i.e., cold-wet stratification, dark condition, alternate temperature, gibberellic acid). The invasive L. dubia showed higher and faster germination, occurring over a broader range of temperatures compared to the native threatened L. procumbens, along with a lighter non-deep physiological dormancy. These results show a competitive advantage of the alien species already in the early stages of plant regeneration and provide a comprehensive overview of the germination requirements, necessary for the development of future conservation and management plans.
Evaluation of the digital teacher professional development TARGET-tool for optimizing the motivational climate in secondary school physical education
Authors: Weeldenburg Gwen , Slingerland Menno , Borghouts Lars B. , Kromkamp Len , van Dijk Bart , van der Born Eva , Vos Steven
Published: May 2024

Given the complexity of teaching, continuing teacher professional development (CPD) is essential for maintaining and enhancing teaching effectiveness, and bridging the gap between ever-evolving theory and practice. Technological advancements have opened new opportunities for digital tools to support CPD. However, the successful integration of such digital tools into practice poses challenges. It requires adherence to CPD prerequisites and acknowledgment of the complexity of the professional development process. This study explored the applicability of the developed digital PE teacher professional development TARGET-tool in a secondary school PE context. We examined the perceived usability of this tool and gained insights into the process of teachers’ professional development as a result of using the tool. Ten PE teachers from different schools implemented the TARGET-tool within their PE context for a period of 4 to 6 weeks. Individual semi-structured interviews and the System Usability Scale provided insights into the perceived usability and the process of teacher professional development. The TARGET-tool demonstrated its potential as an effective tool for supporting teachers’ professional development. Future tool improvements were identified to further optimize the perceived usability, such as simplifying complex features, providing additional support and resources, and improving (data) presentations. Using the Interconnected Model of Professional Growth as a theoretical basis, it was demonstrated how the use of the TARGET-tool engages teachers as active and reflective participants in their professional development and induces changes within the external domain, the domain of practice, the domain of consequences, and the personal domain.
Twin transition in practice
Authors: Veit Jasmina , Ehlen Ronny , Fasbender Ulrike , Otto Siegmar , Ruiner Caroline
Published: May 2024

This article in the journal “Gruppe. Interaktion. Organisation (GIO)” addresses the twin transition—the simultaneous transition to a more sustainable and digitalized society—in organizations and asks how using digital technologies can promote employee green behavior (EGB). Since EGB in an intra-organizational context is often based on psychological ownership (PO) and perceived organizational support for the environment (POSE), we argue that using digital technologies can promote EGB indirectly via fostering PO and POSE. In this respect, we identify the essential features that digital technologies must possess to advance the two mediating constructs introduced and argue that the relation between digital technologies, PO, and POSE is moderated by technology acceptance. As a result, we provide a theory-based framework on the link between EGB and digital technologies, identify key characteristics digital technologies should possess to (indirectly) promote EGB, and derive practical recommendations for organizations and decision-makers to improve organizational sustainability and promote the twin transition in practice.
Stichwort: Professionalisierung von Lehrkräften für die digitale Transformation
Authors: Richter Dirk , Lazarides Rebecca , Scheiter Katharina
Published: May 2024

In den vergangenen Jahren hat die Bedeutung digitaler Medien nicht nur im Alltag sondern auch in Schule und Unterricht stark zugenommen. Dies zeigte sich insbesondere während der Corona-Pandemie, als der Unterricht teils ausschließlich über digitale Medien durchgeführt wurde. Neben der Veränderung von Unterricht entstanden gleichzeitig auch neue Konzepte von Fortbildungen für Lehrkräfte, denn etablierte Präsenzangebote waren für bestimmte Zeiträume nicht mehr durchführbar. Vor dem Hintergrund dieser Entwicklungen geht der vorliegende Beitrag zum einen auf digitalisierungsbezogene Fortbildungen für Lehrkräfte ein, also auf solche, die das Ziel verfolgen, Lehrkräfte in der Nutzung digitaler Medien zu qualifizieren. Zum anderen thematisiert die Arbeit Online-Fortbildungen, also solche, die mit Hilfe digitaler Medien synchron oder asynchron durchgeführt werden. Der erste Teil beschreibt sowohl die Bedarfe digitalisierungsbezogener Fortbildungen als auch empirische Befunde zum Angebot, der Nutzung und den festgestellten Wirkungen dieser Angebote. Der zweite Teil beschäftigt sich nach einer Differenzierung verschiedener Fortbildungsformate mit den Chancen und Herausforderungen von Online-Fortbildungen. Darüber hinaus werden Konzepte und Befunde zur Qualität von Online-Fortbildungen sowie deren Wirkungen zusammengetragen. Aufgrund der zukünftig weiter fortschreitenden digitalen Entwicklungen ist dieser Beitrag als ein Zwischenfazit zu verstehen, der den aktuellen Stand der Forschung zusammenfasst und Ansatzpunkte für zukünftige Entwicklungspotenziale herausstellt.
Ethics of a Physiotherapist: Touch, Corporeality, Intimacy—Based on the Experience of Elderly Patients
Authors: Długołęcka A. , Jagodzińska M. , Bober W. J. , Przyłuska-Fiszer A.
Published: May 2024

This paper presents a qualitative study investigating the application of physiotherapists’ professional ethics in practice with respect to touch, intimacy, and corporeality during therapy, based on the experiences of elderly patients. As the relationship in a physiotherapy session is multidimensional, the study considered three levels: physical contact, verbal contact, and the conditions in which the therapy took place. The aim of this study was to find out what values are of importance to older people during a physiotherapy session, with emphasis on the categories of touch, corporeality, and intimacy. The studied group consisted of sixteen male and female physiotherapy patients aged between sixty-six and ninety-two years. The study was conducted according to the grounded theory methodology. The research material consisted of transcriptions of free targeted interviews, which were subjected to a process of coding and analysis. As a result of data analyses, three superior categories have been identified—safety, anxiety, interpersonal relationship—and three a priori categories stemming from the characteristic features of the study area—touch, corporeality, and intimacy. The a priori categories did not appear independently in statements made by the respondents, but instead seemed to be components of superior categories. The most important values indicated by the respondents concerned the interpersonal relationship with their physiotherapist and the feeling of safety and care. In terms of touch, corporeality, and intimacy, the respondents indicated, among others, the importance of predictability, a sense of security, privacy, and acceptance of the body.
Merging the spring onion extract into soft cheese as a rich natural phenolic ingredient to improve its antioxidant, functional, and sensory properties
Authors: El-Sayed Samah M. , Shazly Ahmed Behdal
Published: May 2024

The dairy industry has added a wide range of useful ingredients to its dairy products in response to consumers’ shifting lifestyles and desire for healthier diets. Despite the extensive usage of preservatives and antioxidants, the dairy industry is coming to understand the demand for natural food items free of synthetic additives. The current study aim to determine the impact of spring onion (Allium fistulosum) extract on the antioxidant, functional, and sensory aspects of ultrafiltration cheese (UF-soft cheese).Spring onion extracts are incorporated into UF-soft cheese at levels of (0.1, 0.3, and 0.5%). HPLC was used to determine the total phenolic compounds and water-soluble vitamin content of spring onion extract samples, using an Agilent 1260 series HPLC. To separate phenolic chemicals, the Eclipse C18 column (4.6 mm x 250 mm ID x 5 m) was employed. Furthermore, chemicals, colors, acetaldehyde and diacetyl components, total phenol, antioxidant content, and sensory qualities were evaluated during one month of cold storage. The chlorogenic (1021.22 µg/g) and gallic acid (915.83 µg/g) levels were found to have the greatest phenolic components in spring onion ethanol extract. Moreover, the extract is very high in some vitamins, particularly vitamin C (771.15 g/g) and vitamin B6 (254.85 g/g). The chemical properties, total phenol content, antioxidant activity, and sensory scores of cheese were improved by the incorporation of spring onion extract compared to control cheese. During storage, the taste and flavor of all cheese treatments were enhanced, with T2 having the best taste and flavor, and the total sensory score is listed in descending order of acceptability for cheese: T2 > T3 > T1 > Control. Therefore, the addition of spring onion extract as a rich source of natural antioxidant agents can provide nutritional value and a unique appealing flavor profile to the cheese, making it more healthy and enjoyable for consumers.
Multifunctional trimetal-organic frameworks with enhanced fenton-like catalytic activity for inhibiting bacteria
Authors: Pu Hongbin , Ouyang Qihong , Zhou Xiyi , Sun Da-Wen
Published: May 2024

Antibiotics and chemical disinfectants usually have serious problems of drug resistance and biosafety. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), as a new alternative method, have been studied to inhibit bacteria attributed to their tunability of compositions and structures, ideal biocompatibility and great catalytic properties. In the current study, two trimetal-organic frameworks (Ni1Co1Fe1-MOFs and Ni6Co3Fe1-MOFs) with different atomic ratios of Ni/Co/Fe were synthesized by a simple one-pot room temperature method. The fabricated MOFs showed outstanding Fenton-like catalytic activities and Ni1Co1Fe1-MOFs exerted greater catalytic activity. Based on a Fenton-like reaction, a high-efficiency antibacterial system was constructed. The manufactured Ni1Co1Fe1-MOF/sodium alginate composite coating delayed the weight loss of apple chunks and effectively inhibited E. coli bacteria from polluted apple chunks after storage for 2 d, significantly improving the fruit storage. This study proposed a novel and effective antibacterial strategy, which would open up a promising idea for the exploitation of food antibacterial agents in the future.
Evaluation of the blood flow in reconstructed gastric tube and its relation to anastomosis leakage
Authors: Lee Seigi , Sato Hiroshi , Miyawaki Yutaka , Hisaoka Kazuhiko , Takabatake Kazuya , Toriumi Tetsuro , Ebara Gen , Sugita Hirofumi , Sakuramoto Shinichi
Published: May 2024

Objectives

Anastomotic leakage in esophageal cancer surgery may be reduced by evaluating the blood flow to the reconstructed organ, but quantitative evaluation of arterial and venous blood flow is difficult. This study aimed to quantitatively assess blood flow using a new technique, as well as determine the relationship between the blood flow in the gastric tube and anastomotic leakage using near-infrared spectroscopy.

Methods

This single-center, observational study included 50 patients aged 51–82 years who underwent radical esophagectomy with gastric tube reconstruction for esophageal cancer between June 2022 and January 2023. Regional tissue oxygen saturation was measured at the antrum (point X), the anastomotic point (point Z), and the midpoint between points X and Z (point Y) before and after gastric tube formation. These three points of oxygen saturation were investigated in relation to anastomotic leakage.

Results

When comparing the presence of leakage to its absence, regional tissue oxygen saturation at points X and Z after gastric tube formation was significantly lower (X: p = 0.03, Z: p = 0.02), with the decreasing rate significantly higher at point Z (p = 0.01). There was no significant difference in the decreasing rate of regional tissue oxygen saturation between points X and Y (X: p = 0.052, Y: p = 0.83).

Conclusion

Regional tissue oxygen saturation levels may be useful for measuring blood flow and could be a predictor of anastomotic leakage.
Racial Attitudes Towards Criminal Justice Policy
Authors: Greene Anthony D.
Published: May 2024

The present study examined the intersection of race and attitudes toward crime and criminal justice policies. Using the Kinder Houston Area Survey, findings revealed some surprising similarities, but also significant differences between the three largest racial categories sampled: Black/African American, Hispanic, and White. Political affiliation, social class, and educational attainment were the primary indicators of support/rejection toward attitudinal beliefs regarding crime and criminal justice policy (i.e., teachers carrying guns, death penalty, assault weapon bans). Political affiliation and education were paramount regarding whether teachers should carry guns on school grounds and implementing mandatory background checks. White and Hispanic republicans favored teachers carrying guns, while educated Blacks and Hispanics rejected this policy. At the same time, educated Blacks and Hispanics favored implementing mandatory background checks. Similarly, support and/or objection to the death penalty and banning assault weapons yielded interesting findings. Black, Hispanic, and White republicans advocated support for the death penalty, while simultaneous rejecting bans on assault weapons. Interestingly, only educated Blacks supported banning assault weapons. Participants' political party affilation influenced their attitudes toward these policies. These and other findings are discussed in relation to the extent to which race, sociodemographic characteristics, political, and residential placement shape beliefs about crime and criminal justice policy in one of Americas most racially and ethnically diverse metropolitan cities.
Fixed-text keystroke dynamics authentication data set—collection and analysis
Authors: Risto Halvor Nybø , Graven Olaf Hallan
Published: May 2024

Keystroke dynamics authentication is a method of authenticating a user and could be an alternative or addition to one-time codes, with minimal user inconvenience. In this study, a new data set was collected for 6 unique passwords, adding to the limited available data sets for keystroke dynamics available for researchers. Data was collected by emulating legitimate users familiar with the passwords and a wider range of attackers with limited login attempts. The data set is analyzed with the use of various methods, and the effects of password length and complexity are investigated. Two algorithms were employed, one achieving an average equal error rate varying between 10.2 and 18.1% depending on the password, and the other method achieving an average true accept rate of 98% and true reject rate of 90.4% by comparing across multiple individuals in the data set. These results provide a benchmark for further studies on this data set.
Digital transitions in healthcare: the need for transdisciplinary research to overcome barriers of privacy enhancing technologies uptake
Authors: van Drumpt Sarah , Timan Tjerk , Talie Soukaina , Veugen Thijs , van de Burgwal Linda
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Adopting Privacy Enhancing Technologies (PETs) is key to accelerating digitisation of the healthcare sector while simultaneously upholding data protection rights and increasing cybersecurity. While such technologies are market-ready, the uptake of PETs in healthcare is lagging behind. In this study we explore how conflicting logics and disciplinary disparities impact PET adoption, and how transdisciplinary (TD) methods can facilitate collaboration and mutual learning to overcome these hurdles.

Methods

A sequential mixed-methods case analysis is employed, focusing on a specific multidisciplinary partnership within the healthcare sector. TD methods are used to examine challenges and underlying value systems related to PET adoption.

Results

Conflicting institutional logics in healthcare, driven by missions and value systems, hinder collaborative efforts. TD methods promote awareness of disciplinary disparities, fostering an appreciative attitude toward diverse viewpoints, with an active facilitator playing a crucial role. Mutual learning aids in identifying collective actions to address challenges but may lead to tensions when issues are framed differently. TD methods, however, fall short in guiding decision-making when preferences diverge.

Conclusions

Sustainable PET adoption in healthcare requires addressing underlying value systems, effective communication, interdisciplinary consciousness and mutual learning. Acknowledging and managing tensions, particularly in diverse data governance contexts, proves important for successful PET adoption. Our research highlights the complexity of multidisciplinary partnerships, urging additional research to guide decision-making and governmental interventions. Ultimately, understanding these dynamics is a constructive approach for improving healthcare practices and outcomes through PET adoption.
Marine Pediococcus pentosaceus E3 Probiotic Properties, Whole-Genome Sequence Analysis, and Safety Assessment
Authors: Zaghloul Eman H. , Halfawy Nancy M. El
Published: May 2024

Probiotics play a significant role in enhancing health, and they are well known for bacteriocins production. Evaluating probiotics’ whole-genome sequence provides insights into their consumption outcomes. Thus, genomic studies have a significant role in assessing the safety of probiotics more in-depth and offer valuable information regarding probiotics’ functional diversity, metabolic pathways, and health-promoting mechanisms. Marine Pediococcus pentosaceus E3, isolated from shrimp gut, exhibited beneficial properties, indicating its potential as a probiotic candidate. Phenotypically, E3 strain was susceptible to most antibiotics assessed, tolerant to low pH and high bile salt conditions, and revealed no hemolysin activity. Interestingly, E3-neutralized CFS revealed significant antibacterial activity against pathogens under investigation. Therefore, the concentrated CFS was prepared and evaluated as a natural biopreservative and showed outstanding antimicrobial activity. Furthermore, integrated-based genome assessment has provided insight into probiotic characteristics at the genomic level. Whole-genome sequencing analysis revealed that the E3 genome possesses 1805 protein-coding genes, and the genome size was about 1.8 Mb with a G + C content of 37.28%. Moreover, the genome revealed the absence of virulence factors and clinically related antibiotic genes. Moreover, several genes consistent with probiotic microorganisms’ features were estimated in the genome, including stress response, carbohydrate metabolism, and vitamin biosynthesis. In addition, several genes associated with survival and colonization within the gastrointestinal tract were also detected across the E3 genome. Therefore, the findings suggest that insights into the genetic characteristics of E3 guarantee the safety of the strain and facilitate future development of E3 isolate as a health-promoting probiotic and source of biopreservative.
Does the German sports system recruit coaches with a functional personality?—Attempting an answer by comparing German basketball coaches with teachers and managers
Authors: Wunder Johannes , Priem Maximilian , Wagner Gert G. , Stoll Oliver
Published: May 2024

Currently, there is no theory that identifies the ideal personality type for sports coaches. The study’s goal is to gain insight into the personalities of German basketball coaches and use existing study results from other professional groups to make recommendations for the content of coaches’ education. Given the German Olympic Sports Federation’s emphasis on comprehensive coach education that includes personal development, this paper examines the relationship between a coach’s vocation and personality, filling in knowledge gaps about how coaches’ personalities appear. The analyses are based on a unique dataset of 360 German basketball coaches and data from the German Socio-Economic Panel Study (SOEP), allowing for a more in-depth comparison of coaches’ Big Five personality traits. Using SOEP data from the German general population, teachers, and managers as benchmarks, this paper investigates the relationship between different coaching license levels and distinct personality profiles, providing insights into the characteristics displayed by coaches at various professional levels. The analysed data indicate that lower coaching licence levels are associated with lower neuroticism and more agreeableness, whereas openness, conscientiousness, and extraversion are higher. When comparing coaches to the general population and other occupational groups, A‑license coaches have more characteristics that are similar with managers, whilst C‑license coaches have more parallels with teachers. Furthermore, examining particular traits and individual comparisons, it is transparent that C‑license coaches are more agreeable than A‑license coaches. The findings suggest that coach development programs should be improved by incorporating insights from teachers and managers to select coaches and update educational paradigms more carefully. The study emphasizes the importance of traits such as conscientiousness and agreeableness in coaching success and identifies potential areas for intervention to maximize coaching efficacy. In conclusion, this study adds to our empirical understanding of the complex relationships between personality traits, professional roles, and effective coaching on multiple levels. Furthermore, it emphasizes the dynamic relationship between an individual coach’s intrinsic disposition and professional efficacy, showing the importance of tailored interventions to improve coaching outcomes.
Relation between the soil erosion cover management factor and vegetation index in semi-arid basins
Authors: Mahgoub Mohamed , Elalfy Ezzat , Soussa Hoda , Abdelmonem Yehia
Published: May 2024

The cover management factor is one of the main five factors that is used within the universal soil loss equation to reflect the effect of cropping and management practices on soil erosion rates. It is determined through tables and equations derived in tropical and European conditions, which are not suitable for semi-arid regions with different climate, topography, and soil characteristics. Therefore, this study considers al-Arish basin in Sinai Peninsula, Egypt as a semi-arid study area to generate a cover management factor’s equation in terms of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index using hydrological modeling and satellite images processing. To verify the proposed equation, it was applied to the Derna catchment in Libya and compared with European and tropical ones with respect to the hydrological outputs. Statistical analysis indicates that the proposed equation determines the cover management factor more accurately than those developed for tropical or European regions, as the correlation coefficient between the cover management factor and the hydrological results was 0.71, while it was about 0.20 for the European and tropical,  equations, also the degree of agreement between the proposed equation’s results and the hydrological simulation was 0.768 while it was 0.001 and 0.02 for the tropical and European equations respectively. By utilizing the newly developed equation, the soil erosion can be estimated more accurately for the semi-arid regions, and a better understanding of the relation between the vegetation cover and soil erosion can be drawn.
Safe and genotyped. A non-invasive method for extraction of amphibian DNA from water baths and its application on Northern spectacled salamanders, Salamandrina perspicillata (Savi 1821)
Authors: Brustenga Leonardo , Romano Antonio , Porta Gianandrea La , Lucentini Livia
Published: May 2024

The global decline of amphibian populations, with 40.7% of species classified as threatened, calls for innovative and ethical approaches in conservation genetics. Molecular biology advancements have introduced environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis, primarily focusing on aquatic environments. However, the present study explores a novel non-invasive protocol using water samples to extract DNA from terrestrial and semi-terrestrial amphibians, specifically the endangered Italian endemic salamander, Salamandrina perspicillata (Savi, 1821). Unlike traditional invasive methods involving tissue sampling, this protocol immerses animals briefly, eliminating the need for digit or tail amputations or manipulation for buccal swabs. The study validated the protocol through DNA extraction, amplification, and sequencing, yielding results comparable to traditional methods. The non-invasive nature of the protocol aligns with the 3Rs principles (Replace, Reduce, Refine) and offers a streamlined, stress-minimizing alternative for studying protected and endangered species. Future experiments should also explore further refinements, including reduced soaking times and additional applications, such as skin microbiota analysis. This protocol represents a significant step towards ethical and effective research practices in amphibian conservation genetics, encouraging a paradigm shift in wildlife research ethics. Continued innovation in non-invasive methodologies is essential for comprehensive understanding and robust conservation strategies amid the ongoing biodiversity crisis.
Epigallocatechin gallate induces an up-regulation of LDLR accompanied by a reduction of idol in Hepg2 cells
Authors: Li Feifei , Huang Wenxiang , Yang Changhe , Yu Binghui , Wu Qinghe , Du Zhimin
Published: May 2024

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), the primary catechin in green tea, has improved cholesterol metabolism. However, the molecular mechanisms of EGCG underlying these functions are not fully understood. In this study, we aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying EGCG’s effect on low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in HepG2 cells. Real-time PCR and Western blot analysis were used to determine the mRNA and protein levels in the human hepatoma cell line (HepG2). LDL uptake assay was used to quantify the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) function. EGCG induced significantly up-regulated LDLR protein and mRNA levels in HepG2 cells (P < 0.05). Both at the transcriptional level and at the protein level, EGCG can significantly (P < 0.05) down-regulate the elevated expression levels of liver X receptor α (LXRα) and inducible degrader of the LDLR (Idol) due to 25-OHC. Fluorescence results showed that EGCG induction could also significantly increase LDL uptake (P < 0.05). EGCG regulates LDL uptake through the LXRα-LDLR pathway, and EGCG can effectively improve the abnormal expression of protein and mRNA induced by 25-OHC.

Graphical abstract
Polynomial equations for additive functions II. The mixed parameter case
Authors: Gselmann Eszter , Kiss Gergely
Published: May 2024

In this sequence of work we investigate polynomial equations of additive functions. This is the continuation of the paper [5] entitled Polynomial equations for additive functions I. We consider here the solutions of the equation $$\begin{aligned} \sum _{i=1}^{n}f_{i}(x^{p_{i}})g_{i}(x)^{q_{i}}= 0 \qquad \left( x\in \mathbb {F}\right) , \end{aligned}$$

∑

i
=
1

n

f
i

(

x

p
i

)

g
i

(
x
)

q
i

=
0

x
∈
F

,

where n is a positive integer, $$\mathbb {F}\subset \mathbb {C}$$

F
⊂
C

is a field, $$f_{i}, g_{i}:\mathbb {F}\rightarrow \mathbb {C}$$

f
i

,

g
i

:
F
→
C

are additive functions and $$p_i, q_i$$

p
i

,

q
i

are positive integers for all $$i=1, \ldots , n$$

i
=
1
,
…
,
n

. Using the theory of decomposable functions we describe the solutions as compositions of higher-order derivations and field homomorphisms. In many cases, we also give a tight upper bound for the order of the involved derivations. Moreover, we present the full description of the solutions in some important special cases, too.
Metallographic and Extraction Replica Methods for Characterization of Tungsten Heavy Alloy: H13 Clads
Authors: Kovacich Jerry , Harwig Dennis , Endemann Andreas
Published: May 2024

Tungsten heavy alloys are used in demanding high pressure die casting applications due to their high temperature strength, high thermal conductivity, and low thermal expansion. High cost limits applications to small sintered die inserts and manual gas tungsten arc weld repairs. A new tungsten heavy alloy consumable, Anviloy wire, was developed for automated cladding of hot work tool steel dies. Literature regarding characterization of tungsten heavy alloy die steel clads was lacking. Understanding base metal dilution effect on clad microstructure is critical but required new sample preparation methods. An Anviloy wire-H13 clad was made using hot wire gas tungsten arc cladding and analyzed with metallography. Samples were found to have grain boundary M6C carbide phase as-welded with the help of an alkaline sodium picrate etchant. An isothermally aged arc crucible melted sample of the same composition was characterized using metallography, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron diffraction. The clad representative arc crucible melted sample was subjected to isothermal aging at 725°C for 100 hours. Isothermal aging resulted in precipitation of a high volume fraction of intermetallic platelets. Using a new carbon extraction replica sample preparation method involving two chemical polishing steps, transmission electron diffraction of precipitates indicated they were mu phase intermetallic.