bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultra-small world detection in networks: subgraphs with prescribed distance distributions
Authors: Veremyev Alexander , Boginski Vladimir , Pasiliao Eduardo L. , Prokopyev Oleg A.
Published: February 2025

We introduce a class of distance-based clique relaxation models, which enforce certain distributions on vertex pairwise distances in the corresponding induced subgraphs. Both “local” and “global” versions of the proposed approach are studied. For the global case, the distribution of distances is considered for all vertex pairs in the subgraph. For the local (and, in a sense, more restrictive) case, the required property must be satisfied for any vertex with respect to its distances to the other vertices in the subgraph. We refer to the proposed clique relaxations as global and local

$$\varvec{\gamma }$$

γ

-ultra-small worlds, respectively, where parameter

$$\varvec{\gamma }$$

γ

controls the required distance distributions. Our modeling approach has several meaningful interpretations; in particular, it is closely related to the concept of an “effective” graph diameter. Furthermore, density- and degree-based quasi-cliques are two well-known special cases of the proposed concept. We exploit these relationships to develop mixed integer programs (MIPs) that can be used with an off-the-shelf solver for finding maximum global and local ultra-small worlds. Then, we outline a simple-to-implement algorithm that iteratively solves feasibility versions of our MIPs for each possible subgraph size within some lower and upper bounds; we derive one non-trivial upper bound using the linear programming relaxations. Our modeling approach also generalizes the k-club concept; hence, some links to this well-known distance-based clique relaxation are also explored. Finally, to illustrate the obtained results, we perform a computational study on graphs representing various types of real-world datasets and systems. Some interesting empirical observations and insights are provided.
New results on non-disjoint and classical strong external difference families
Authors: Huczynska Sophie , Hume Sophie
Published: February 2025

Classical strong external difference families (SEDFs) are much-studied combinatorial structures motivated by information security applications; it is conjectured that only one classical abelian SEDF exists with more than two sets. Recently, non-disjoint SEDFs were introduced; it was shown that families of these exist with arbitrarily many sets. We present constructions for both classical and non-disjoint SEDFs, which encompass all known non-cyclotomic examples for either type (plus many new examples) using a sequence-based framework. Moreover, we introduce a range of new external difference structures (allowing set-sizes to vary, and sets to be replaced by multisets) in both the classical and non-disjoint case, and show how these may be applied to various communications applications.
Machine learning of the dynamics of strain hardening based on contact transformations
Authors: Szyndler Joanna , Härtel Sebastian , Bambach Markus
Published: February 2025

Dislocation density-based models offer a physically grounded approach to modeling strain hardening in metal forming. Since these models are typically defined by Ordinary Differential Equations (ODEs), their accuracy is constrained by both, the model formulation and the parameter identification process. Machine Learning (ML) provides an alternative by allowing models to be constructed directly from experimental data, bypassing the accuracy limitations of explicitly defined models. However, applying ML to ODEs introduces the need for novel training techniques. This work presents a new approach for developing neural ODE models for flow curve description, utilizing a contact transformation to simplify the problem of learning an ODE into a learning a multivariate function.

Graphical abstract
New relationships between macroseismic intensity and local magnitude for the volcanic region of Mt. Etna (Italy)
Authors: D’Amico Salvatore , Tuvè Tiziana , Mantovani Ambra
Published: February 2025

The volcanic region of Mt. Etna (Italy) has a well-documented historical seismic activity, with records of seismic and volcanic events on the volcano dating back to late 1633. This historical data, covering a time span longer than that recorded by instrumental seismological data, is a testament to the reliability of the intensity-magnitude relations, the only means to obtain macroseismic information, the sole indicator of the energy released by earthquakes. Previous studies in the literature have proposed various methods for converting epicentral intensity into macroseismic magnitude for the Etna region. Still, these methods were based on older datasets with limited instrumental data. The updated relationship proposed in the paper significantly improves the accuracy of macroseismic magnitude estimates, aligning them more closely with local magnitudes calculated for recent earthquakes. The study uses a dataset of 58 volcano-tectonic events from 1997 to 2018, with magnitudes between 2.5 and 4.8 and intensities ranging from IV to VIII on the EMS scale. The instrumental magnitudes were obtained from the Mt. Etna seismic catalogue and the Italian seismological database, while macroseismic data were sourced from the macroseismic catalogue of Etnean earthquakes. In the volcanic area of ​​Etna, macroseismic epicenters are often located very close to the sites where the maximum intensity is observed, this is due to the strong attenuation of seismic energy and the shallowness of the epicenters. For this reason, the epicentral intensity is generally assumed to be equal to the maximum intensity. The new relationship is tailored explicitly for shallow earthquakes (H ≤ 3 km), which are the most recurrent. It includes a correction factor for depth, making it applicable to deeper events and enhancing its relevance in real-world scenarios.
Unveiling A-site substituent’s influence on magnetocaloric response in La2-xNaxNiMnO6 (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 1.0) double perovskite manganite materials
Authors: Sever Ibrahim Barış , Ayaş Ali Osman , Kandemir Arda , Ekicibil Ahmet
Published: February 2025

In this study, the compounds of La2-xNaxNiMnO6 (x = 0.0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.5, and 1.0) double perovskite manganites have been produced by employing the sol-gel method to investigate their magnetocaloric effect. From X-Ray Diffraction analysis, all compounds crystallized in rhombohedral structure form with the

$${\rm{R}}\bar{3}{\rm{c}}$$

R

3
¯

c

space group confirmed using the Rietveld refinement technique. The compounds show a magnetic phase transition from ferromagnetic to paramagnetic according to the temperature-dependent magnetization measurement. The phase transition temperatures sharply increased with Na doping (x = 0.1) to 277.8 K which can be considered as under room temperature level and then slowly decreased with further Na concentration to 262.3 K. Using an external magnetic field-dependent magnetization measurements, the isothermal magnetization curves were obtained, and these curves used to find the magnetic entropy change values, which give info about compounds’ characteristics of magnetic cooling performance. Under 5 T magnetic field change, the maximum magnetic entropy change value increased 10 times with a small amount of Na doping (x = 0.1), and compounds’ values changed from 0.21 to 1.29 Jkg−1K−1 for x = 0.0 to 1.0 compounds, respectively. Arrott plots were graphed by using isothermal magnetization curves to demonstrate all the compounds have a 2nd order magnetic phase transition which supports that these compounds can be candidates as magnetic refrigerants.

Graphical Abstract
Treatment practices and survival outcomes for IDH-wildtype glioblastoma patients according to MGMT promoter methylation status: insights from the U.S. National Cancer Database
Authors: Pham John , Cote David J. , Kang Keiko , Briggs Robert G. , Gomez David , Prasad Apurva , Daggupati Sindhu , Sisti Jonathan , Chow Frances , Attenello Frank , Chen Clark C. , Zada Gabriel
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Methylation of the O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter is an important prognostic marker in glioblastoma (GBM); however, its implementation in clinical practice remains understudied. Here, we assessed the prevalence of MGMT methylation status among GBM patients in the United States. Additionally, we evaluated treatment practices and survival outcomes of GBM patients according to MGMT promoter methylation status.

Methods

The National Cancer Database was queried to identify all adult U.S. patients (≥ 18 years) diagnosed with IDH-wildtype GBM between 2018 and 2020. Treatment regimen was grouped into no chemotherapy and no radiotherapy, chemotherapy alone (without radiotherapy), radiotherapy alone (without chemotherapy), and chemoradiotherapy (chemotherapy and radiotherapy). Survival data were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier survival curves, log-rank tests, and multivariable Cox proportional hazard modeling.

Results

A total of 20,734 patients were included, of whom 6,404 (30.9%) had MGMT-methylated GBM, 9,065 (43.7%) had MGMT-unmethylated tumors, and 5,265 (25.4%) had unknown methylation status. The median and three-year overall survival were 12.4 months and 15.5%, respectively, for the entire cohort (16.4 months and 23.9% for MGMT-methylated patients and 11.8 months and 9.8% for MGMT-unmethylated patients, p < 0.001). Chemoradiotherapy was less commonly used for elderly (≥ 70 years, 58.5%) than non-elderly (< 70 years, 79.2%) patients. Among elderly patients, radiotherapy alone was more commonly administered than chemotherapy alone for patients with MGMT-unmethylated tumors (11.2% vs. 2.1%) and MGMT-methylated tumors (6.6% vs. 3.9%). However, chemotherapy alone was associated with a lower mortality risk (HR 0.71, 95% CI 0.51–0.99, p = 0.04) than radiotherapy alone for elderly patients with MGMT-methylated tumors, while chemotherapy alone was associated with a higher mortality risk (HR 1.63, 95% CI 1.09–2.44, p = 0.02) than radiotherapy alone for elderly patients with MGMT-unmethylated tumors. Patients who were elderly, uninsured, insured through Medicaid, lived in zip codes with lower median education levels, or received care at non-academic programs were less likely to undergo MGMT testing.

Conclusion

A high proportion of GBM patients in the United States undergo MGMT promoter testing, though significant sociodemographic disparities exist. While there was a decrease in chemoradiotherapy use with increasing age, radiotherapy alone was more commonly administered to elderly patients than chemotherapy alone irrespective of MGMT promoter methylation status.
Gender-essentialist beliefs and the gender gap in STEM: Evidence on the gender-essentialism theory
Authors: De Gioannis Elena
Published: February 2025

Horizontal gender segregation persists and is higher in more developed countries (gender-equality paradox). According to the theory of gender essentialism, more developed countries are characterized by more individualism, which in turn pushes individuals to rely more on personal characteristics when deciding about their future careers. The presence of both essentialist beliefs on gender and the endorsement of the stereotypical beliefs that math and science are “for boys” could explain the so-called paradox. By exploiting the large dataset collected by Project Implicit, the study tested the different associations of gender essentialism and implicit and explicit gender stereotypes with attitudes toward science of young women aged 15–19 in 51 countries. The results confirmed that both essentialist and stereotypical beliefs are negatively associated with attitudes toward science, still with differences in the strength of the association. Furthermore, the association between gender essentialism and attitudes toward science is stronger in more developed countries.
The mere-measurement effect of patient-reported outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Long Preston A. , Huberts Anouk S. , di Torrero Anouk Neureiter , Otto Lisa R. , Rogge Alizé A. , Ritschl Valentin , Stamm Tanja A.
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The mere-measurement effect is the phenomenon in which subjects exposed to measurements have their perceptions and/or behaviors on the inquired topic affected simply through the act of responding. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are increasingly used to assess patient perspective and quality of life in clinical trials and different health care settings. This systematic literature review aims to assess what is currently known about the mere-measurement effect of PROs.

Methods

A systematic literature review and meta-analysis was conducted. We included studies that provided evidence on perceptual or behavioral changes in patients as a result of exposure to questionnaire items assessing PROs. All adult participants were included regardless of demographics. Any study design was considered eligible for inclusion. The databases MEDLINE [PubMed], CINAHL [Ebsco], Web of Science and ScienceDirect were searched.

Results

The search resulted in 636 articles which led to a final extraction of nine. Overall, seven of the nine articles reported a significant main effect, i.e. presence of the mere-measurement effect. For the meta-analysis, thirteen different interventions were included. There was a one-directional, positive and significant overall risk ratio of 1.17 [CI95% 1.04;1.30].

Conclusion

This systematic review found significant potential for the mere-measurement effect to shape respondents’ behaviors or perceptions for the better, opening the door to the possibility of engineering PROs to serve as a subtle intervention. Future considerations and directions for research are discussed.
Simulating theory and society: How multi-agent artificial intelligence modeling contributes to renewal and critique in social theory
Authors: Shults F. LeRon
Published: February 2025

This article argues that a relatively novel methodology called multi-agent artificial intelligence modeling can play an important role in helping scholars fulfill eight desiderata for a “good” social scientific theory (conceptual clarity, logical consistency, empirical groundedness, parsimony, generativity, testability, insightfulness, and usefulness). The unique contributions of this methodology include its use of psychologically realistic agents in sociologically realistic networks that interact with each other and their simulated environment within an “artificial society.” These simulation tools utilize artificial intelligence in a way that enables scholars to causally generate the emergence of macro-level societal phenomena of interest from the micro-level behaviors and meso-level interactions of simulated agents that represent real world populations. These social digital twins can also integrate multiple social theories within a single causal architecture, providing a unique opportunity for the revolutionizing of our best theoretical frameworks.
Naturalizing normativity: neopragmatist reflections on mental disorder
Authors: Finnegan Colum , Ilieva Alexandra S.
Published: February 2025

This paper argues that a neopragmatist approach can allow for normativity to be integrated into a thoroughly naturalist account of mental disorder. A recognition of the malleability of norm-governed social practices reveals language, rationality, and mind to be open-ended, fluid processes that resist characterization in terms of fixed mechanistic structures. This, we will argue, foregrounds the import of vocabularies in determining the structure and content of mindedness. Specifically, the broader role that our discursive practices play in generating minds means that the conditions contemporary psychiatric practice seeks to treat are themselves partly constituted by the vocabularies of treatment adopted. We then offer some positive proposals about how mindfulness based cognitive therapy (MBCT) may be enhanced once we replace representational approaches to mind with a vocabulary that explicitly articulates the inherent fluidity of self. To do this we draw on insights from mindfulness’s contextual home, namely Buddhism, and elaborate on the significance this tradition places on the doctrine of “not-self” (anātman) as a necessary framework for successful mindfulness practice– a framework that neatly slots into the neopragmatist understanding of mind and self as dynamic and socially constituted.
Disorder or distress? The hermeneutical injustices of overdiagnosis within psychiatry
Authors: Nielsen Thor Hennelund
Published: February 2025

Epistemic injustices within diagnostic practices in health care have increasingly been the object of research in recent years. However, most accounts focus on either under- or misdiagnosis resulting from epistemic injustices and have largely neglected the issue of overdiagnosis. This paper explicates what overdiagnosis entails in psychiatry and outline several structural problems within diagnostic practices that enable overdiagnosis. Afterwards, it is argued that overdiagnosis constitutes an instance of hermeneutical injustice. The overdiagnosed are wronged by being classified, perceived, and treated as sick by themselves, healthcare, and society due to problematic diagnostic practices within psychiatry, though their distress might be non-pathological, or they do not stand to benefit from medical treatment. Consequently, the overdiagnosed experience difficulties in being understood, making themselves understood, and understanding themselves, which leads to cognitive disablement and hermeneutical marginalization. Such epistemic injustices indicate the need for less diagnose-centric healthcare systems where help and recognition does not hinge on the ascription of labels.
Understanding human–aquifer interactions using fuzzy cognitive mapping approach at the Palas Basin
Authors: Soylu Mehmet , Dadaser-Celik Filiz
Published: February 2025

The complex relationships between social and environmental systems create challenges for environmental sustainability. In this study, we used the fuzzy cognitive mapping approach to investigate human–aquifer interactions at the Palas Basin (Kayseri, Türkiye). Cognitive maps are casual maps that reflect the perceptions and understandings of different people/groups. With this approach, we aimed to reveal how goals, perceptions, and understandings of water users/managers affect the groundwater system in the Palas Basin. The cognitive maps were drawn with farmers and state officials and transformed into adjacency matrices for further analyses. Graph theory indices (indegree, outdegree, centrality, density, complexity, hierarchy index) were calculated to characterize maps. The maps of farmers and state officials were compared using the Mann–Whitney U test. Social cognitive maps were prepared by combining individual cognitive maps. Neural network computational method was used to reveal the response of the system to different management scenarios. This study pointed to the importance of irrigation/irrigated agriculture is for the Palas Basin. Increasing agricultural yields and profits by expanding the cultivation of high water consuming crops and irrigation/fertilization was found to be the priority of people. Both farmers and state officials think that groundwater levels go down due to extensive pumping in the basin. However, farmers are still more focused on short-term economic gains rather than the sustainability of the agricultural system. Fuzzy cognitive mapping approach provided an effective tool for revealing the understandings of water users/managers about the groundwater system. The information obtained in this study could be used in the future for groundwater management in the Palas Basin.
Gradient Structure Evolution During Sintering of WC-TiC-Co Cemented Carbides
Authors: Sten Stella , Odqvist Joakim , Norgren Susanne , Hedström Peter
Published: February 2025

Functional gradient sintering of WC-TiC-Co cemented carbides was studied to reveal the effect of powder metallurgical processing conditions on compositional and microstructural, as well as hardness and toughness, gradients. The samples were created by local addition of TiC prior to sintering. Two different starting WC powders, one sub-micron and one medium-coarse, were used. Sintering at two different temperatures of 1410°C and 1475°C was compared. The local addition of TiC created a Ti/Co gradient that affected the structural evolution during sintering. The measured Ti/Co gradient after sintering at 1410°C and 1475°C differed, and the difference was especially apparent for the sample prepared using a sub-micron powder. After sintering at 1475°C, the sample prepared from the sub-micron powder exhibited a large WC grain size gradient and elongated or plate-like WC grains where the Ti concentration was high. In contrast, the sample prepared from the medium-coarse powder only showed a WC grain size gradient and no plate-like WC grain formation. It was also observed that the WC grain surfaces had growth ledges in both samples when the Ti content was enhanced, indicating the influence of Ti on the WC grain growth mechanism.
Novel and Established Neuroimaging Modalities in Neurogenic Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction
Authors: Ha Nhi , Khan Mohammad Z. , Kohli Priya , Gaburak Petr , Wang Yusen , Abedi Aidin , Kreydin Evgeniy
Published: February 2025

Purpose of Review

Neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD) is a condition characterized by bladder or urinary sphincter control issues due to neurologic dysregulation. NLUTD commonly causes symptoms like urinary incontinence and retention that impact both urinary health and quality of life. Current NLUTD treatment primarily manages symptoms, as restorative interventions are limited by a lack of diagnostic approaches to understand its underlying neurologic mechanisms. Neuroimaging may help identify neurologic pathways associated with bladder control, providing insights into functional and structural neural changes in NLUTD. This report reviews current neuroimaging modalities and their efficacy in detecting NLUTD.

Recent Findings

Evaluated modalities include functional magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, functional near-infrared spectroscopy, functional ultrasonography, electrocorticography, and deep brain stimulation. Each modality’s unique characteristics, such as resolution and invasiveness, shape its application in studying neurologic mechanisms of NLUTD. Collectively, they reveal a consistent finding: reduced brain activation in circuits related to bladder voiding and storage in patients with NLUTD.

By examining each method’s mechanism, effectiveness, advantages, and limitations, we aim to aid clinicians and researchers in selecting the best techniques for exploring the mechanisms of NLUTD and developing restorative treatments.
An Update of Fungal Endophyte Diversity and Strategies for Augmenting Therapeutic Potential of their Potent Metabolites: Recent Advancement
Authors: Prajapati Chandrabhan , Rai Sachchida Nand , Singh Anurag Kumar , Chopade Balu A. , Singh Yashveer , Singh Santosh Kumar , Haque Shafiul , Prieto Miguel Angel , Ashraf Ghulam Md
Published: February 2025

Endophytic fungi represent a significant renewable resource for the discovery of pharmaceutically important compounds, offering substantial potential for new drug development. Their ability to address the growing issue of drug resistance has drawn attention from researchers seeking novel, nature-derived lead molecules that can be produced on a large scale to meet global demand. Recent advancements in genomics, metabolomics, bioinformatics, and improved cultivation techniques have significantly aided the identification and characterization of fungal endophytes and their metabolites. Current estimates suggest there are approximately 1.20 million fungal endophytes globally, yet only around 16% (190,000) have been identified and studied in detail. This underscores the vast untapped potential of fungal endophytes in pharmaceutical research. Research has increasingly focused on the transformation of bioactive compounds by fungal endophytes through chemical and enzymatic processes. A notable example is the anthraquinone derivative 6-O-methylalaternin, whose cytotoxic potential is enhanced by the addition of a hydroxyl group, sharing structural similarities with its parent compound macrosporin. These structure-bioactivity studies open up new avenues for developing safer and more effective therapeutic agents by synthesizing targeted derivatives. Despite the immense promise, challenges remain, particularly in the large-scale cultivation of fungal endophytes and in understanding the complexities of their biosynthetic pathways. Additionally, the genetic manipulation of endophytes for optimized metabolite production is still in its infancy. Future research should aim to overcome these limitations by focusing on more efficient cultivation methods and deeper exploration of fungal endophytes’ genetic and metabolic capabilities to fully harness their therapeutic potential.

Graphical Abstract
Investigation of the Effects of Selenium Against 4-Nonylphenol-induced Toxicity in Rat Testis
Authors: Yılmaz Gülsüm , Eren Ülker , Güleş Özay , Boyacıoğlu Murat
Published: February 2025

The study aims to investigate whether selenium (Se) has a protective role against testicular toxicity induced by 4-nonylphenol (4-NP) in rats and reduces oxidative damage. For this purpose, 30 adult male Sprague–Dawley rats (250–300 g/90 days old) were divided into five equal groups: control, sham control, Se, 4-NP, and 4-NP + Se. The trial lasted 48 days, with 4-NP administered at 125 mg/kg/day and Se at 0.5 mg/kg/day. The general microscopic examination of the testicular tissue involved measuring the diameters of seminiferous tubules, epithelial heights, and the density of stage XIV tubules in sections stained with the triple staining method. Caspase 3 and CX43 expressions were observed immunohistochemically, and the numbers of live-dead and normal-abnormal spermatozoa were recorded. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were determined in blood serum and testicular tissue. At the end of the study, testicular toxicity due to 4-NP was demonstrated cytologically, histologically, histometrically, biochemically, and immunohistochemically. Se showed a positive effect against this toxicity, as evidenced by higher stage XIV tubule density in the 4-NP + Se group, lower caspase 3 levels compared to the 4-NP group, decreased MDA levels, increased SOD levels in serum and testicular tissue, and a higher count of live and normal spermatozoa. When used alone, Se may cause metabolic adverse effects, such as decreased live weight gain, reduced tubule diameter and epithelial height, and increased caspase 3 expression, depending on the dose and duration of use.
A case of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma growing within the pancreatic duct mimicking an intraductal tubulopapillary neoplasm
Authors: Sato Ryosuke , Matsumoto Kazuyuki , Uka Mayu , Takagi Kosei , Nishida Kenji , Tanaka Takehiro , Fujii Yuki , Tsutsumi Koichiro , Horiguchi Shigeru , Otsuka Motoyuki
Published: February 2025

We herein report a case of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) that developed within the pancreatic duct and was initially diagnosed as an intraductal tubulopapillary neoplasm (ITPN). A 76-year-old man presented with weight loss and main pancreatic duct dilation. The imaging studies revealed a 30-mm hypovascular tumor within the main duct of the pancreatic head. An endoscopic examination with a biopsy revealed high-grade atypical epithelial cells with immunostaining patterns suggestive of ITPN. Following robot-assisted pancreaticoduodenectomy, postoperative pathology revealed conflicting features: nodular/cribriform infiltrations typical of ITPN and non-lobular replacement with scattered infiltrations characteristic of PDAC. A comprehensive genomic profiling test detected KRAS and TP53 mutations, leading to the final diagnosis of PDAC (fT3N1aM0, stage IIB). The patient received adjuvant S-1 chemotherapy and remained recurrence-free for 15 months post-surgery. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges of differentiating intraductal pancreatic tumors and demonstrates the utility of integrating genetic testing with conventional diagnostic modalities for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment selection.
First Integration of a Service Robot and a Communication Application into a Nursing Isolation Setting – An Observational Study Evaluating Walking Distances, Stress and Radiation Doses
Authors: Warmbein Angelika , Sehn Laura , Rathgeber Ivanka , Seif Janesca , Ohneberg Christoph , Stöbich Nicole , Delker Astrid , Zach Christian , Eberl Inge , Fischer Uli
Published: February 2025

Nurses spend a significant proportion of a workday on non-nursing or auxiliary tasks, mainly due to the unilateral patient call system. This leads to work interruptions, a decrease in quality of care and stress for nurses. One approach for relieving nurses is the integration of new technologies. We performed an interventional study for seven months in a nuclear medicine station in a maximum care hospital, where we integrated a smartphone app for patient-staff communication in combination with a service robot for delivery of non-nursing and service items and evaluated the effects on walking distances and stress. We also examined the radiation dose to the nursing staff. To this purpose, we observed nurses at nine different time points for six shifts to measure walking distances and interruptions. Additionally, nurses and service personnel completed a questionnaire adapted from the NASA RAW TLX at the end of each shift to assess stress. Short walking distances accounted for the largest share of the caregivers’ walking distances. There was no direct effect of the technique on stress levels and walking distances, only a shift towards shorter walking distances with longer implementation. The total number of walking distances seemed to be proportional to the feeling of interruption and the individually experienced stress. This first use of the combined technology implementation in the acute clinic worked well. While this work provides an initial indication of where the implementation of this combined technology could potentially relieve the burden on nurses and service staff, further research is needed to establish causal relationships.
IUGS Heritage Stones as Representatives of Geology and Human Culture: Examples from Germany
Authors: Siedel Heiner , Ehling Angela , Ritter-Höll Anette , Wagner H. Wolfgang
Published: February 2025

The International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) acknowledges building stones that have shaped the national or international building culture as IUGS Heritage Stones (HS). Four German building stones were recently awarded the title. Using the Rochlitz Porphyry Tuff, the Solnhofen Limestone, the Jura Marble Limestone and the German Roofing Slate as examples, geological, cultural and construction as well as extraction aspects of the respective stones are examined. It is demonstrated that these natural stones have significant influence on the character of the relevant cultural landscapes and are – in this or that way – iconic for the German building culture. The relationship between regional geology and regional building culture is highlighted. Furthermore, aspects of IUGS HS designation with respect to education, science and tourism are discussed.
Augmented Green Hydrogen Production at Binary Nickel/Cobalt Oxide Nanostructured Catalyst
Authors: Asal Yaser M. , Salem Fatma Zakaria , Mohammad Ahmad M. , Al-Akraa Islam M.
Published: February 2025

Developing robust, inexpensive, and efficient electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution via water splitting is crucial for the improvement of green hydrogen production technology. Herein, a standard three-electrode system is useful to assess the activity of single and mixed NiOx and CoOx electrocatalysts, assembled onto a glassy carbon (GC) electrode via the electrodeposition technique, toward the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in an alkaline medium of 0.5 M NaOH. The net results of several electrochemical experiments (linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), current transients (i–t curves), Nyquist and Tafel plots) confirm the superiority of the NiOx/CoOx/GC (binary modified catalyst at which CoOx and NiOx are introduced to the GC surface, respectively) in terms of achieving a higher activity (61.49 mA cm−2 at − 2 V) and stability (ca. 6.8 mA cm−2 after 8 h of continuous electrolysis), a lower charge transfer resistance (R
ct, 21 Ω), and a lower Tafel slope (34 mV/decade) indicating the improved charge transfer mobility and accordingly the fastest kinetics toward HER.
Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of buthutin derivatives as cardioprotective agents
Authors: Liu Yuan , Wang Fa-Qi , Hua Xin-Hao , Yang Shu-Han , Wang Li-Ning , Xu Yun-Sheng , Shao Chen-Yue , Gou Xiang-Bo , Liu Yu-Ming
Published: February 2025

Natural products are the important sources in cardiovascular drug development. In this study, twenty-nine buthutin derivatives were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their NHE-1 inhibition and protective effects on cardiomyocyte injury. The structure of the newly synthesized compounds had been confirmed by 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and HR-ESI-MS spectra. Among all target compounds at 1 μM, compounds 9d, 9f, 9k, 9m, and 9n, with a protection ratio exceeding 30%, exerted stronger protective effects on H9c2 cardiomyocyte than positive control dexrazoxane and buthutin A. Meanwhile, compounds 9k, 9m, and 9o showed the significant NHE-1 inhibitory activities on H9c2 cardiomyocyte, all with a dpHi/min value less than 0.23. What is more, compounds 9k, 9m, 9o and buthutin A all exhibited the specificity on NHE-1 inhibition. Molecular modelling studies suggested the ability of compounds 9m and 9o to establish interactions with three hydrogen bonds to Asp267 and Glu346 of NHE-1, but also the ability with much lower CDOCKER energies than positive control cariporide and buthutin A. The structure–activity relationship (SAR) studies suggested that the presences of amide group, four-carbon linker, and para hydroxyl benzene ring were advantageous pharmacophores for above two pharmacological actions. This research would open new avenues for developing amide-guanidine-based cardioprotective agents.

Graphical Abstract
Development of polyvinyl chloride composites with enhanced mechanical properties using modified ceramic particles
Authors: Ademola Adewumi Ojo , Oladele Isiaka Oluwole , Oluyemi Daramola Ojo , Oke Samuel Ranti , Akinbamiyorin Ilesanmi , Taiwo Annuoluwapo Samuel
Published: February 2025

The integration of ceramic particles into polyvinyl chloride (PVC) composites offers a promising approach and has garnered significant attention due to their potential for enhancing mechanical properties. This work investigated the development and characterization of PVC composites enhanced with modified ceramic particles. Ceramic particulates, clays, and other mineral rock materials (non-plastics) with activators were processed and incorporated into the PVC matrix at varying weight percentages (5–30 wt%) and particle sizes (40–80 µm). The ceramic–PVC mixtures were synthesized using hot compression molding under specific conditions of 75 MPa pressure and 160 °C temperature. Mechanical properties’ testing was conducted using ASTM D3039 standards, covering flexural, tensile, hardness, and impact tests for comprehensive characterization. Microstructural analysis was performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results indicated that ceramic reinforcement significantly enhanced the mechanical properties of PVC composites, with notable improvements in flexural strength, tensile strength, hardness, and impact resistance. Moreover, the impact of particle size was crucial, as microstructural analysis revealed improved interfacial bonding between ceramic particles and PVC matrix, particularly with finer particle sizes (40 µm), suggesting better stress transfer. The findings demonstrated that including modified ceramic particles can substantially improve the performance of PVC composites, making them suitable as high-strength construction tiles and impact-resistant flooring.

Graphical abstract
Temporal land use change and its effects on climate in Elmalı basin using GIS and remote sensing
Authors: Eymen A. , Ziyagil H.
Published: February 2025

Land use is vital in sustaining human activities, particularly in rapidly urbanizing regions like the Istanbul Metropolitan Area, where large-scale projects such as the Canal Istanbul, Third Airport, and Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge have significantly impacted land use. These developments have driven population growth, leading to unplanned urbanization and environmental degradation, particularly in watersheds. In this study, the Elmalı Basin, a critical water source on the Anatolian side of Istanbul, was analyzed using Landsat-8 satellite imagery with a spatial resolution of 30 m for multispectral bands, covering the years 2013, 2015, 2018, and 2020. The results reveal a 36% increase in settlement areas, a decline in forest cover, and an increase in surface runoff from 78.76% in 2013 to 80.56% in 2020, mainly due to unplanned construction and climate changes. Temperature trends from 1979 to 2023 show an increase from 14.7 °C to 16.1 °C, while monthly precipitation anomalies highlight increasing variability in rainfall patterns. Moreover, the frequency distributions of monthly precipitation at the Florya and Göztepe stations show that low-intensity precipitation events are expected. In contrast, high-intensity events are rare, signaling drought and flood risks, which underscore the need for effective water management strategies. This study, which investigates the temporal changes in land use and their effects on climate, is crucial for providing preliminary insights that can inform future planning efforts.
Basisdimensionen der Unterrichtsqualität im Kontext des Erwerbs digitaler Kompetenzen an resilienten Schulen
Authors: Drossel Kerstin , Niemann Jan , Oldak Anna , Eickelmann Birgit
Published: February 2025

Die fortschreitende Digitalisierung stellt Schulen vor Herausforderungen, insbesondere bei der Nutzung digitaler Medien in unterrichtlichen Lehr- und Lernprozessen mit dem Ziel, den (über-) fachlichen Kompetenzerwerb aller Schüler*innen zu unterstützen. Betrachtet man die digitalen Kompetenzen, zeigt sich, dass auch diese sozialen Disparitäten unterliegen. Dennoch lassen sich in ICILS organisational resiliente Schulen identifizieren, deren Schüler*innen trotz herausfordernder Schüler*innenkomposition überdurchschnittliche digitale Kompetenzen erreichen. Studien, die fachspezifische Kompetenzen untersuchen, lassen erkennen, dass organisational resiliente Schulen gemeinsame Merkmale aufweisen. Ein Merkmal, das in diesem Zusammenhang bedeutsam erscheint, ist die Gestaltung von Unterrichtsqualitätsmerkmalen. Digitale Kompetenzen erscheinen diesbezüglich unerforscht, sodass der vorliegende Beitrag mittels Daten aus der BMBF-geförderten qualitativen ICILS-Vertiefungsstudie UneS-ICILS 2018 (Unerwartbar erfolgreiche Schulen im digitalen Wandel) Basisdimensionen von Unterrichtsqualität an resilienten Schulen in Bezug auf digitale Kompetenzen untersucht. Für die Analyse wurden 22 leitfadengestützte Interviews mit Lehrkräften und sieben Gruppeninterviews mit Schüler*innen im Hinblick auf eine ‚effiziente Klassenführung‘, ‚kognitive Aktivierung‘ und ‚konstruktive Unterstützung‘ inhaltsanalytisch ausgewertet. Im Ergebnis zeigt die Analyse der Dimension ‚effiziente Klassenführung‘, dass sich u. a. die Organisation und Struktur mittels digitaler Medien wie beispielsweise durch den Einsatz digitaler Lernplattformen als bedeutende Faktoren herausstellen. Hinsichtlich der ‚kognitiven Aktivierung‘ wird der Einsatz digitaler Tools für das Anknüpfen an individuelles Vorwissen als bedeutend hervorgehoben. Darüber hinaus zeigt sich bei der Dimension ‚konstruktive Unterstützung‘ die Förderung des selbstgesteuerten Lernens und das Ausbilden von Unterstützungsstrukturen zum (kooperativen) Lernen mit digitalen Medien als bedeutsam. Induktiv ergänzt wurde die Dimension ‚Inhaltswahl und selektive Fokussierung‘, die die hohe Relevanz des Erwerbs digitaler Kompetenzen im Unterricht an den resilienten Schulen verdeutlicht.
The Intersectionality Between Bi and Multiracial College Students’ Self-identification and Their Behaviors—A Pilot Study
Authors: Braun Robert E. , Morant Jade , Boatright Margaret
Published: February 2025

Due to limited information and published research, health disparities among bi and multiracial (B/MR) groups are not as understood as other racial groups. Without this knowledge and ability to allocate resources as needed, this is another racial group that could suffer from poorer health outcomes. As a result, participants (n = 15) were placed in focus groups or individual interviews with ten qualitative questions. Each participant then completed an anonymous quantitative survey assessing their health-related behaviors. Quantitative results included 40% (n = 6) of participants who tried cigarettes, 53% (n = 8) who tried electronic vapor products, and only 20% (n = 3) of participants who got the recommended hours of sleep nightly. Qualitative results include themes of situational identity, White assimilation, and pressure to explain their identity. Many participants dealt with the insensitivity that one side of their family exhibited towards the other side of their identity through inappropriate jokes and comments. Lastly, there were expectations from both family and friends to act a certain way. Researchers identified three major categories that the participant’s influences fell into. Genetics, Culture/Heritage, and the Environment are the aforementioned categories that can work together or stand alone to influence behaviors that can ultimately affect health outcomes. While these results are based on a small sample size (n = 15) of undergraduate B/MR students, it does suggest that researchers should complete a more extensive survey on this racial group to verify these findings.
Investigating the Future Precipitation Changes Over the Kingdom of Bahrain Using CMIP6 Projections
Authors: Drisya J. , Al-Zubari Waleed Khalil
Published: February 2025

Understanding precipitation projections on the grounds of climate change in arid environments is crucial for water resource planners. This study investigates the behavior of precipitation projections over the Kingdom of Bahrain using six Global Circulation Models (GCMs) from the current Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6) archive. The ranking of six GCMs is assessed using a compromise programming technique and validated using a comprehensive rating index. Considering the results from the performance statistics, a multi-model ensemble is made for monthly and annual assessments. The 62-year period (1961–2023) is chosen as the observed data period, and further evaluations were conducted by dividing 46 years into three future periods (near-future (2024–2040), medium-future (2041–2055), and far-future (2056–2070). Precipitation projections indicate a chance of an increase of 12% in mean annual precipitation, although not statistically significant. The number of days with at least 10 mm precipitation is projected to increase, whereas there is little expectation of continuous wet days for Bahrain. The country can expect a marginal increase in the intensity of precipitation. More intense precipitation will occur for 5–10 years of return period interval. The study highlights the importance of suitable climatic model selections and the expected changes in the magnitude and intensity of precipitation in the country. This will help to formulate context-specific adaptation strategies for climate change in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Graphical Abstract
Redundancy Gains in Absolute Judgments of Loudness and Brightness
Authors: Johansson Robert C. G. , Ulrich Rolf
Published: February 2025

People’s ability to discern the physical intensity level of visual and auditory events presented at the same time is investigated in a bimodal identification paradigm with stimulus redundancy. Two approaches to modeling redundancy gains in choice reaction time (RT) and response probability in this paradigm are advanced: first, a separate activation model where two sequential likelihood ratio tests (SLRTs) for exponentially distributed neural interarrival times operate on parallel channels, each capable to evoke a response, and second, a coactive model where the outputs of two SLRTs are superposed in a single processing channel to trigger a response. Although both models predict plausible error rates, the separate activation model accounts better for observed benchmarks in choice RT. However, a violation of the race model inequality at the smallest quantile for loud and soft bimodal stimuli hints that the separate activation model might nonetheless be untenable. These findings challenge both parallel and coactive processing accounts of performance in intensity identification tasks with redundant auditory-visual stimuli.
Artificial Intelligence and Worker Stress: Evidence from Germany
Authors: Koch Michael , Lodefalk Magnus
Published: February 2025

We use individual survey data providing detailed information on stress, technology adoption, and work, worker, and employer characteristics, in combination with recent measures of AI and robot exposure, to investigate how new technologies affect worker stress. We find a persistent negative relationship, suggesting that AI and robots could reduce the stress level of workers in Germany. We furthermore provide evidence on potential mechanisms to explain our findings. Overall, the paper contributes to the economic literature by providing suggestive evidence of modern technologies changing the way we perform our work in a way that reduces stress and work pressure.
Real-world effectiveness and safety of rituximab and reduced-dose CHP with polatuzumab vedotin (pola-R-CHP) in patients aged > 80 years with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Sato Shuku , Tsunoda Shun , Kamata Wataru , Togano Tomiteru , Tamai Yotaro
Published: February 2025

The efficacy and safety of polatuzumab vedotin combined with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and prednisolone (pola-R-CHP) in patients aged ≥ 80 years with untreated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) remain largely unexplored. In this study, we administered a reduced-dose pola-R-CHP regimen to 38 patients with DLBCL aged > 80 years. Extending the findings of the POLARIX trial in this older individuals’ cohort, we conducted a retrospective analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of the treatment in a real-world clinical setting. After 12 months, the overall and progression-free survival rates were 86.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 70.0–94.0) and 78.5% (95% CI: 59.2–89.5), respectively. Although the incidence of febrile neutropenia was relatively high (32%), an increased risk was observed in patients with an average relative dose intensity of < 70%, even with reduced treatment intensity. Notably, none of the patients required a dose reduction of polatuzumab vedotin owing to peripheral neuropathy. Therefore, our findings indicate that a reduced-dose pola-R-CHP regimen may be a viable and effective treatment option for older patients newly diagnosed with DLBCL.