bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bridging local initiative and global goals: Role of water treatment plant for localizing sustainable development goal 6, target 6.1
Authors: Lamichhane Prasannata , Poudyal Beeju , Paudel Sagar , Khadka Pratik , Kharel Ripesh
Published: November 2024

Ensuring access to safe and affordable drinking water universally is a principal target incorporated in Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6). This study investigates the role of the Dhulikhel Water Treatment Plant (DWTP) in Nepal in localizing SDG 6 at the municipal level. The study employed a mixed‐methods approach incorporating Key Informant Interviews (KII), Household Surveys, and Water Quality Tests to comprehensively assess DWTP's impact on the supply of safe and affordable drinking water. Water quality test results showed a pH of 8.02, 2 coliforms in 15 samples, no presence of Escherichia coli, 0.02 Mg/l ammonia, 0.75 NTU of turbidity, and 0.2 Mg/l Free Residual Chlorine (FRC). Overall, the parameters of treated samples, including electrical conductivity, pH, temperature, turbidity, calcium hardness, chloride, ammonia, nitrate, phosphate, total coliform, and Escherichia. coli, showed significant differences against untreated samples at a 0.01 level of significance (i.e., p‐value < 0.01). The results underscore DWTP's effectiveness in reducing impurities, eliminating harmful pathogens like E. coli, and improving water clarity and purity. Compliance with prescribed World Health Organization (WHO) standards and National Drinking Water Quality Standards (NDWQS) further validates the treated water's quality. However, the identification of total coliform in some treated samples highlights the need for enhanced microbial management and monitoring within the distribution and supply system. The study also discusses the complex dynamics of water tariffs and the upstream‐downstream conflicts. The study recommends granular local‐level measures to address potential contamination points in the distribution area and ensure equitable supply within the hill town of Dhulikhel.
Memory-Objects and Journeys of Re-collection
Authors: Jacob Ramalho Joana
Published: November 2024

Departing from a close analysis of Portrait of Jennie, and with reference to Laura (Preminger, 1944), Corridor of Mirrors (1948), and Vertigo (Hitchcock, 1958), among other films, this chapter lays out my understanding of the term ‘memory’. Expanding on its intricacies, the chapter characterises gothic protagonists as re-collectors whose movements of search drive the films and posits that the gothic aesthetic exists in places and under certain forms that critics do not usually explore. Such is the case with objects: in the course of the films, particular objects stand out from the mise-en-scène and acquire specific properties that shape the onscreen journeys of the characters and our viewing experience. The Gothic, I suggest, builds on the hoarding and retrieval of memories through what I call ‘memory-objects’: objects that stand for or have become memory, including photographs and wax figures. In this sense, my readings construct re-membering as a spatial act and memory as placeable and tangible. In its tangibility, memory might become transmissible, running the risk of being co-opted by others. This strengthens my overarching argument that the aesthetic foregrounds an exilic discourse wherein the self becomes divorced or estranged from its identity as it tries to recover the past.
The Adams differentials on the classes $h_{j}^{3}$
Authors: Burklund Robert , Xu Zhouli
Published: November 2024

In filtration 1 of the Adams spectral sequence, using secondary cohomology operations, Adams (Ann. Math. (2) 72:20–104 1960) computed the differentials on the classes $h_{j}$

h
j

, resolving the Hopf invariant one problem. In Adams filtration 2, using equivariant and chromatic homotopy theory, Hill–Hopkins–Ravenel (Ann. Math. (2) 184(1):1–262 2016) proved that the classes $h_{j}^{2}$

h
j
2

support non-trivial differentials for $j \geq 7$
j
≥
7
, resolving the celebrated Kervaire invariant one problem. The precise differentials on the classes $h_{j}^{2}$

h
j
2

for $j \geq 7$
j
≥
7
and the fate of $h_{6}^{2}$

h

6

2

remains unknown. In this paper, in Adams filtration 3, we prove an infinite family of non-trivial $d_{4}$

d
4

-differentials on the classes $h_{j}^{3}$

h
j
3

for $j \geq 6$
j
≥
6
, confirming a conjecture of Mahowald. Our proof uses two different deformations of stable homotopy theory—ℂ-motivic stable homotopy theory and $\mathbb{F}_{2}$

F
2

-synthetic homotopy theory—both in an essential way. Along the way, we also show that $h_{j}^{2}$

h
j
2

survives to the Adams $E_{5}$

E
5

-page and that $h_{6}^{2}$

h

6

2

survives to the Adams $E_{9}$

E
9

-page.
Asymptotic Stability of Delayed Complex Balanced Reaction Networks with Non-Mass Action Kinetics
Authors: Vághy Mihály A. , Szederkényi Gábor
Published: November 2024

We consider delayed chemical reaction networks with non-mass action monotone kinetics and show that complex balancing implies that within each positive stoichiometric compatibility class there is a unique positive equilibrium that is locally asymptotically stable relative to its class. The main tools of the proofs are respectively a version of the well-known classical logarithmic Lyapunov function applied to kinetic systems and its generalization to the delayed case as a Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional. Finally, we demonstrate our results through illustrative examples.
The Associations of Long-Term Temperature and Precipitation with Chronic Respiratory Symptoms: Projections for the Changing Climate
Authors: Koskela Heikki O. , Kaulamo Johanna T. , Lätti Anne M.
Published: November 2024

Purpose

To clarify the associations of climatic indices with chronic respiratory symptoms, with a final aim to approximate the effects of climate change on them.

Methods

An e-mail survey was directed to the members of the Finnish Pensioners` Federation. The mean 20-years’ precipitation and temperature in each subjects’ home municipality were obtained from the Finnish Meteorological Institute, separately for summer and winter. Adjusted multivariate models were utilized to investigate the associations of the climatic indices with chronic rhinosinusitis, chronic cough, wheezing with dyspnea, and sleep apnea.

Results

There were 6189 responders from 283 municipalities. Chronic rhinosinusitis and chronic cough were most prevalent in the southeastern regions of the country, where the precipitation counts were highest. In the multivariate models, winter precipitation in the home municipality increased the risks of chronic rhinosinusitis and chronic cough [adjusted OR 1.80 (1.30–2.51) per 100 mm, p < 0.001, and 1.57 (1.19–2.07) per 100 mm, p = 0.001, respectively]. Wheezing with dyspnea and sleep apnea were not associated with the climatic indices.

Conclusion

Chronic rhinosinusitis and chronic cough were associated with long-term winter precipitation. Given the anticipated increase in winter precipitation in Northern America and Northern Europe, the prevalences of chronic rhinosinusitis and chronic cough may increase there.
Zur Aktualisierung der Integrativen Gestalttherapie
Authors: Schmidsberger Florian , Mayerl Ernst , Nausner Liselotte
Published: November 2024

Das Anliegen dieses Artikels ist es, die psychotherapeutische Theoriebildung der Integrativen Gestalttherapie entlang der Metatheorie und der philosophischen Grundlagen weiterzuentwickeln. Ein solches Vorhaben formiert sich um zwei grundlegende Ideen: Erstens jene einer gemeinsamen metatheoretischen Basis im Rahmen des Humanistischen Clusters durch eine philosophische Phänomenologie bzw. eine phänomenologische Psychopathologie. Das Ziel eines solchen gemeinsamen Bodens ist die Ermöglichung einer methodenübergreifenden gemeinsamen Forschung im humanistischen Cluster. Zweitens jene einer Aktualisierung der Integrativen Gestalttherapie entlang einer solchen philosophischen Basis, insbesondere vermittels einer Phänomenologie der Leiblichkeit.
Using DSLs to manage consistency in long-lived enterprise language specifications
Authors: Linington Peter , Milosevic Zoran , Tanaka Akira , Dejanović Igor
Published: November 2024

Modern enterprise systems are likely to have a very long life. Their specifications therefore need to employ mechanisms that allow them to evolve during their lifetime; where they exploit generic components, these must be adaptable for use in novel situations. The paper looks at some of the issues that arise from this requirement, and how the exploitation of domain-specific language technologies in the tool-chain can assist in maintaining consistency of the specification as a whole. First, it reviews the final state of the family of standards supporting the ODP Enterprise Language, which is intended to handle this kind of application. In particular, it looks at the way the framework for defining policies can be used to accommodate changing requirements during the lifetime of an evolving system. It also looks at the way the idea of deontic tokens enables factoring out of the management of obligations from the basic behaviour of interacting system components. It then proposes a roadmap for building tools that can be used to unify the constraints from different areas of concern into a single specification. The approach taken is to exploit the power of domain-specific languages (DSLs) to allow designers in the various areas of concern to provide their input in terms natural to them. Finally, it looks at the way this approach promotes the establishment of a robust tool-chain capable of handling the evolution and scalability of enterprise systems. The paper uses a running example from the e-health domain to show how specific areas identified in the e-health standards can lead to language definitions, and so to tooling, that can be used to manage unified, system-wide specifications.
Using occupancy modeling to provide insights into suitable habitat characteristics for the already restricted and critically endangered Olalla's titi monkey (Plecturocebus olallae)
Authors: Martínez Jesús , Márquez Robert , Reinaga Ariel , Campera Marco , Nijman Vincent , Wallace Robert B.
Published: November 2024

Knowledge about changes in wildlife populations over time is essential for making informed decisions regarding their conservation. We evaluated the influence of distinct habitat factors on the occupancy of Olalla's titi monkey (Plecturocebus olallae), a Critically Endangered primate endemic to Bolivia. We assessed the presence of titi monkey groups using the playback technique, employing point counts in 582 quadrants of approximately 6.25 hectares. Utilizing single-species and single-season occupancy models, we estimated an occupancy (ψ) of 0.21 and found that the presence of P. olallae groups was positively related to heterogenous plant composition forests which indicates they may be more likely to occur in areas of high floristic diversity. We also found that groups of this already range restricted species do not occur in all the forest coverage within their distributional range. This complements previous considerations regarding the habitat in which P. olallae occurs based on its natural history knowledge and highlights the limited suitable habitat for this species. From our sampling effort, we calculated a power of 81% to detect a population change of 30%, showing the potential of occupancy modeling for population monitoring of P. olallae. Thus, we provide an information baseline that will be useful in further population monitoring actions for the conservation of these endemic Bolivian titi monkeys.
Developments and Future Perspectives in Nanowires Mechanics
Authors: Xiang Junxiang , Wang Heyi , Zhou Jingzhuo , Lu Yang
Published: November 2024

With the advancement of micro- and nano-scale devices and systems, there has been growing interest in understanding material mechanics at small scales. Nanowires, as fundamental one-dimensional building blocks, offer significant advantages for constructing micro/nano-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS/NEMS) and serve as an ideal platform for studying their size-dependent mechanical properties. This paper reviews the development and current state of nanowire mechanical testing over the past decade. The first part introduces the related issues of nanowire mechanical testing. The second section explores several key topics and the latest research progress regarding the mechanical properties of nanowires, including ultralarge elastic strain, large plastic strain, ‘smaller is stronger’, cold welding, and ductile-to-brittle transition. Finally, the paper envisions future development directions, identifying possible research hotspots and application prospects.
Progress towards the control of invasive alien species in the Cape Floristic Region’s protected areas
Authors: van Wilgen Brian W. , Cole Nicholas S. , Baard Johan , Cheney Chad , Engelbrecht Karen , Stafford Louise , Turner Andrew A. , van Wilgen Nicola J. , Wannenburgh Andrew M.
Published: November 2024

This paper assesses progress towards the control of biological invasions in 18 protected areas (PAs) covering 677 584 ha in the Cape Floristic Region (CFR), and whether progress has been sufficient to achieve Target 6 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. We used eight indicators for assessing the inputs (quality of the regulatory framework, money spent and planning coverage for species and protected areas), outputs (species and protected areas treated), and outcomes (effectiveness of species and protected area treatments) of management. The estimated money spent over 13 years (2010–2022) was ZAR 976 million, or ZAR 75 million per year. Management plans for PAs were assessed as adequate over 78.5% of the area, but only six out of 226 regulated invasive species had species-specific control plans in place. A total of 567 alien species occurred in the CFR’s PAs, 226 of which were regulated species (i.e. species that had to be controlled), 126 (55.8%) of which received some management. Spending was highly skewed, with over 60% of all funding spent on trees and shrubs in the genus Acacia. Management efforts reached 24% of the land within the CFR’s protected areas, with higher coverage in national parks (60%) than in provincial nature reserves (9%). Management effectiveness was assessed as either permanent, effective or partially effective for 29 species (20 due to biological control), and ineffective for 25; for the remainder, there was either no management or effectiveness could not be evaluated. We conclude that some progress has been made with respect to controlling invasive alien species in the CFR, but that insufficient and declining funding remains a significant barrier to effective management. To increase efficiency, it will be necessary to secure additional funding from more diversified sources, make more use of biological control and prescribed fire, and regularly monitor the outcomes of management.
The Ethics of Clinical Ethics
Authors: Shea Matthew
Published: November 2024

The concept ethics defines health care ethics as a professional practice. Yet the meaning of “ethics” is often unclear in the theory and practice of clinical ethics. Clarity on this matter is crucial for understanding the nature of clinical ethics and for debates about the professional identity and proper role of ethicists, the sort of training and skills they should possess, and whether they have ethics expertise. This article examines two different ways the ethics of clinical ethics can be understood: Real Ethics, which consists of objective moral norms grounded in moral truth; and Conventional Ethics, which consists of conventional norms grounded in bioethical consensus. Drawing on the bioethics literature and features of professional practice, it shows that Conventional Ethics is the dominant paradigm. Then it presents a critique of Conventional Ethics, arguing that it cannot avoid the challenge of moral pluralism, it fails to address vitally important moral questions, and it is incapable of providing an essential service to the people ethicists aim to help. It ends with suggestions about how the practice of clinical ethics might overcome these problems.
Sharp volume and multiplicity bounds for Fano simplices
Authors: Bäuerle Andreas
Published: November 2024

We present sharp upper bounds on the volume, Mahler volume and multiplicity for Fano simplices depending on the dimension and Gorenstein index. These bounds rely on the interplay between lattice simplices and unit fraction partitions. Moreover, we present an efficient procedure for explicitly classifying Fano simplices of any dimension and Gorenstein index, and we carry out the classification up to dimension four for various Gorenstein indices.
Association Between Unmet Needs in Health Care and Social Services and Exposure to Violence Among Parents
Authors: Sipilä Marianne , Helminen Mika , Hakulinen Tuovi , Paavilainen Eija
Published: November 2024

Objective

Existing research has shown that parental exposure to violence has negative consequences on health outcomes, but the effect of such exposure on unmet health care and social service need is unknown. This study aims to investigate the association between unmet health care and social services and parental violence exposure among parents with children.

Study Design

This study used the data of 6289 parents aged 18–60 years who had at least one child under 18 years living in the same household. Parental violence exposure was measured. Unmet child and adult health care and social service need was operationalized through questions on the services needed, those that had not been received, and those that were considered inadequate.

Results

Parents who experienced any kind of violence had more unmet service need. There were more women among parents with violence experience (65.4%) than those with no violence experience (51.9%). Violence experience increased the odds of unmet need for general adult healthcare services (OR 2.02, CI 1.64–2.57), maternity and child health clinics (OR 2.52, CI 2.00–3.18), family guidance clinics and home help (OR 2.38, CI 1.60–3.54), mental health or child welfare services (OR 2.05, CI 1.52–2.75), and school health care (OR 1.99, 1.50–2.65). After adjusting for sociodemographic factors, the associations between exposure to violence experience and unmet needs for healthcare and social services remained statistically significant.

Conclusion

Violence in close relationships profoundly impacts health and well-being. By addressing unmet health care needs and supporting parents, we can break the cycle of violence and promote better mental health outcomes. Preventive policies and early interventions are essential to mitigate the consequences of violence in families.
Force and pose control of a hemispherical ultrasonic probe in contact with viscoelastic gelatine
Authors: Facundo-Flores Ludivina , Baltazar Arturo , Treesatayapun Chidentree
Published: November 2024

Ultrasound probes are widely employed for internal sonification, to detect anomalies and assess mechanical properties. Achieving precise contact and orientation control is crucial for optimizing the transmission of acoustic energy into the test material. This study investigates the contact control of a hemispherical probe against a viscoelastic gelatin (tissue-like) test object. For small applied loads, the signals from the force sensor are often contaminated with noise. To enhance contact measurements, an ultrasound hemispherical probe was designed for Hertzian contact with gelatin. The transmitted/reflected acoustic energy is known to be a function of the contact area, which can be related to the applied force. The transmitted and reflected acoustic energy, which depends on the contact area, is related to the applied force. The goal is to develop an adaptive, model-free algorithm to control the contact force and orientation of the probe to maximize energy transfer. This algorithm integrates reflected acoustic energy at the contact interface with force data as feedback. A multi-input fuzzy controller scheme that is robust to noise and operates in real time is proposed. Numerical and experimental results demonstrate the controller’s stability and its ability to rapidly converge to the desired force and orientation conditions.
Theoretical analysis of integer programming models for the two-dimensional two-staged knapsack problem
Authors: Kang Suho , Kim Junyoung , Joung Seulgi , Lee Kyungsik
Published: November 2024

In this study, we theoretically compare integer programming models for the two-dimensional two-staged knapsack problem. Including the well-known level packing model, we introduce two pattern-based models called the strip packing model and the staged pattern model derived from integer programming models for the two-dimensional two-staged cutting stock problem. We show that the level packing model provides weaker linear programming (LP) relaxation bounds than pattern-based models. Furthermore, we also present upper bounds on the LP-relaxation bound of the level packing model, which can be obtained from the LP-relaxation bounds of the pattern-based models.
Targeting the Brain Leptin-Melanocortin Pathway to Treat Heart Failure
Authors: Omoto Ana C. M. , do Carmo Jussara M. , Mouton Alan J. , Wang Zhen , Li Xuan , Spitz Robert , Hall John E. , da Silva Alexandre A.
Published: November 2024

Purpose of the Review

The role of leptin in regulating cardiac function is still controversial with conflicting results in clinical and preclinical studies. However, most previous studies have not considered leptin’s powerful cardiac effects that are mediated via activation of central nervous system (CNS) leptin receptors (LepRs) which, in turn, elicit major improvements in cardiac metabolism. In this review, we focus mainly on the role of leptin in regulating cardiac function via its CNS LepRs and downstream signaling pathways, such as the brain melanocortin system.

Recent Findings

Studies from our laboratory showed that CNS LepR activation, without raising plasma leptin levels, has remarkable beneficial effects on cardiac metabolism and function that protect the heart during pathological conditions, including heart failure (HF) induced by myocardial infarction (MI). These cardioprotective effects of leptin appear to be mediated by stimulation of CNS proopiomelanocortin neurons and subsequent activation of melanocortin 4 receptors (MC4R) in the brain.

Chronic activation of the brain leptin-melanocortin pathway improves cardiac function and metabolism following myocardial infarction. However, the mechanism underlying this brain-heart crosstalk remains unclear and may have important implications for the development of new therapies for MI and HF.
Integrated geophysical investigations of groundwater for sustainable management in Faisalabad region of Pakistan
Authors: Javed Umar , McMaine John , Arshad Arfan , Hussain Sajjad , Muhammad Shahbaz , Akbar Muhammad Umar , Awais Muhammad , Noor Rabeea
Published: November 2024

As global and local populations surge and climate change continue to disrupt surface and groundwater reservoirs, the urgent need arises to explore additional groundwater sources. Ensuring sustainable management necessitates the efficient identification of high-potential zones to meet escalating water demands. This study aims to delineate groundwater potential zones in Faisalabad District, Pakistan, utilizing a cost-effective geoelectrical resistivity survey method. Apparent resistivity data was collected using the Schlumberger electrode configuration and analyzed with the Interpex “IX1D v2 model” to determine true soil layer resistivities and thicknesses with average root mean square error of 5.12%. The results have revealed that the Aquifer thickness ranged from 13.35 to 165.59 m, and resistivity from 23.96 to 1125.0 Ωm. Hydraulic conductivity, transmissivity, and porosity of aquifers varied from 0.49 to 24.11 m/day (average 8.214 m/day), 35.67 to 1593.98 m2/day (average 567.771 m2/day), and 22.29 to 39.82% (average 37.465%), respectively. Integration of resistivity and geo-hydraulic properties data identified vertical electrical sounding (VES) points 1, 3, 4, and 6 as highly suitable for large-scale freshwater extraction due to having high groundwater potential repositories (coarse sand and gravel formations). Other points had varying suitability: VES points 7 and 8 for shallow wells only, VES points 5, 9, and 10 not recommended due to hard formations, and VES point 2 due to poor groundwater quality. This integrated approach has proven effective in assessing groundwater strata to support Sustainable Development Goal (SDG-3), making it applicable to other geographic locations and informing policy decisions for effective groundwater management.
PET/CT Radiomics Integrated with Clinical Indexes as a Tool to Predict Ki67 in Breast Cancer: a Pilot Study
Authors: Li Dawei , Ding Hui , Liao Yuting , Yu Xiao , Guo Youmin , Shen Cong
Published: November 2024

Objective

This study aims to assess the value of radiomics features integrated with clinical characteristics for estimating Ki67 expression in patients with breast cancer (BC).

Methods

In total, 114 patients with BC performed 18F-FDG PET/CT scans. Patients were randomly assigned to a training set (n = 79, 55 cases of Ki67 + and 24 cases of Ki67-) and a validation set (n = 35, 24 cases of Ki67 + and 11 cases of Ki67-). Thirteen clinical characteristics and 704 radiomics features were extracted, and 4 clinical and 8 radiomics features were selected. Three models were developed, including the clinical model, the radiomics model, and the combined model. Model performance was evaluated using the ROC curve, and clinical utility was assessed through decision curve analysis (DCA).

Results

The N stage, tumor morphology, SUVmax, and the longest diameter significantly differed between Ki67 + and Ki67- groups (all P < 0.05). Eight radiomics features were selected for the radiomics model. The area under the curve of the combined model in the training and test group was 0.90 (95% CI: 0.82∼0.97) and 0.81 (95% CI: 0.64∼0.99), respectively. The combined model significantly outperformed both the radiomics model and the clinical model alone (P < 0.05). The DCA curve demonstrated the superior clinical utility of the combined model compared to the clinical model and radiomics model.

Conclusions

PET/CT image-based radiomics features combined with clinical features have the potential to predict Ki67 expression in BC.
Ultrahigh Energy and Power Density in Ni–Zn Aqueous Battery via Superoxide-Activated Three-Electron Transfer
Authors: Duan Yixue , Li Bolong , Yang Kai , Gong Zheng , Peng Xuqiao , He Liang , Ho Derek
Published: November 2024

Aqueous Ni–Zn microbatteries are safe, reliable and inexpensive but notoriously suffer from inadequate energy and power densities. Herein, we present a novel mechanism of superoxide-activated Ni substrate that realizes the redox reaction featuring three-electron transfers (Ni ↔ Ni3+). The superoxide activates the direct redox reaction between Ni substrate and KNiO2 by lowering the reaction Gibbs free energy, supported by in-situ Raman and density functional theory simulations. The prepared chronopotentiostatic superoxidation-activated Ni (CPS-Ni) electrodes exhibit an ultrahigh capacity of 3.21 mAh cm−2 at the current density of 5 mA cm−2, nearly 8 times that of traditional one-electron processes electrodes. Even under the ultrahigh 200 mA cm−2 current density, the CPS-Ni electrodes show 86.4% capacity retention with a Columbic efficiency of 99.2% after 10,000 cycles. The CPS-Ni||Zn microbattery achieves an exceptional energy density of 6.88 mWh cm−2 and power density of 339.56 mW cm−2. Device demonstration shows that the power source can continuously operate for more than 7 days in powering the sensing and computation intensive practical application of photoplethysmographic waveform monitoring. This work paves the way to the development of multi-electron transfer mechanisms for advanced aqueous Ni–Zn batteries with high capacity and long lifetime.
The Coming of the Kingdom
Authors: Cobo Betancourt Juan F.
Published: November 2024

The Coming of the Kingdom explores the experiences of the Indigenous Muisca peoples of the New Kingdom of Granada (Colombia) during the first century of Spanish colonial rule. Focusing on colonialism, religious reform, law, language, and historical writing, Juan F. Cobo Betancourt examines the introduction and development of Christianity among the Muisca, who from the 1530s found themselves at the center of the invaders' efforts to transform them into tribute-paying Catholic subjects of the Spanish crown. The book illustrates how successive generations of missionaries and administrators approached the task of drawing the Muisca peoples to Catholicism at a time when it was undergoing profound changes, and how successive generations of the Muisca interacted with the practices and ideas that the invaders attempted to impose, variously rejecting or adopting them, transforming and translating them, and ultimately making them their own. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.
Remaking the World
Authors: Seigel Jerrold
Published: November 2024

How should we understand Europe's special role in world history, and the enduring impact it made on the rest of the globe? Jerrold Seigel traces both the positive and negative sides of the continent's special role to its absence of effective central authority, the division and competition between its states and peoples, and its propensity for developing autonomous spheres of activity. Remaking the World analyzes how these features fostered Europe's characteristic preoccupation with a politics of liberty, its evolution of an aesthetic sphere animated by values specific to itself, its singular capacity to revolutionize scientific understanding, and its ability to prepare and carry out the first transition to a modern industrial economy. Extended and substantive comparisons with Africa, India, China, and the lands that came under the rule of the Ottomans demonstrate the absence of similar phenomena elsewhere, whereas in Europe they also helped generate the malign force of imperial expansion.
Bacterial cellulose: a biodesign critical analysis on the artifact and industrial manufacture
Authors: Pedroso-Roussado Cristiano
Published: November 2024

The design field encompasses aspects of culture, thought, and, ultimately, can appropriate other disciplines like biology and engineering. One of the potentials of biodesign is the replacement of current materials for more sustainable ones. Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a biopolymer that is produced by microorganisms such as Komogataeibacter spp. and has been recently explored for applications in fashion, architecture and material science receiving global media attention. In this impact paper, it is assessed the challenges of producing BC through analysis of its production and chemistry. Through a critical analysis of applied case studies, it is argued that it is yet work to be done to allow a widespread use of BC. In conclusion, the increased understanding of the acetic acid bacteria (AAB) genetic landscape and biochemistry will potentiate the education, research, development, manufacture, and market implementation of more feasible and sustainable cellulose-based products.
Multidisciplinary stakeholder engagement in a type 2 diabetes comparative effectiveness study utilizing real-world data
Authors: Golembiewski Elizabeth H. , Mickelson Mindy M. , Brito Juan P. , Montori Victor M. , McCoy Rozalina G.
Published: November 2024

Introduction:

Patient and stakeholder involvement enhances the conduct and applicability of comparative effectiveness research (CER). However, examples of engagement practices for CER leveraging real-world data (i.e., data from routine clinical practice) are scarce. Notably, these studies differ from traditional clinical trials in their technical complexity and minimal prospective data collection, posing unique challenges for stakeholder involvement. This paper describes patient and stakeholder engagement in a CER study of type 2 diabetes (T2D) medications using real-world data from a large administrative claims database.

Methods:

A Patient and Stakeholder Advisory Group (PSAG) was formed to guide study design, conduct, and dissemination. The PSAG (n = 12) included individuals with T2D, clinicians, health systems leaders, professional society representatives, and a payer representative. Members were surveyed post-study initiation to assess their participation goals and experiences to date.

Results:

PSAG members influenced key design and methodological decisions, including cohort selection and adding an aim focused on patient preference elicitation. Survey results indicated high satisfaction with engagement processes and a desire for ongoing involvement. Most PSAG members cited their main goals as impacting the lives of people with T2D and ensuring the research’s relevance to clinicians.

Conclusions:

Best practices for engaging stakeholders in CER using real-world data are underdeveloped. Our experience suggests that an inclusive, stakeholder-engaged approach enriches the research process and ensures diverse perspectives are integrated into study design and conduct. Ongoing efforts will focus on assessing long-term engagement outcomes and PSAG member satisfaction.
Effects of propolis consumption on blood pressure, lipid profile and glycemic parameters in adults: a GRADE-assessed systematic review and dose–response meta-analysis
Authors: Bahari Hossein , Shahraki Jazinaki Mostafa , Goudarzi Kian , Namkhah Zahra , Taheri Shaghayegh , Golafrouz Haniyeh , Pahlavani Naseh
Published: November 2024

Propolis, as a by-product of honey production, has shown several beneficial effects on cardiovascular risks in past randomised controlled trials, although the findings are not conclusive. In this review, we intend to evaluate the effects of propolis consumption on cardiovascular risk factors by conducting a meta-analysis. The Web of Science, Medline and Scopus databases were comprehensively searched until September 2023. Eligible studies were identified by screening, and their data were extracted. Weighted mean differences with a 95 % CI for each outcome were estimated using the random-effects model. This meta-analysis revealed that propolis consumption led to a significant decrease in the levels of TAG (weighted mean differences (WMD): –10·44 mg/dl 95 % CI: –16·58, –4·31; P = 0·001), LDL-cholesterol (WMD: –9·31 mg/dl; 95 % CI: –13·50, –5·12 mg; P < 0·001), fasting blood glucose (WMD: –7·30 mg/dl; 95 % CI: –11·58, –3·02; P = 0·001), HbA1c (WMD: –0·32 %; 95 % CI: –0·60, –0·05; P = 0·01), insulin (WMD: –1·36 μU/ml; 95 % CI: –2·36, –0·36; P = 0·007), homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (WMD: –0·39; 95 % CI: –0·74, –0·03; P = 0·020) and systolic blood pressure (WMD: –2·24 mmHg 95 % CI: –4·08, –0·39; P = 0·010), compared with the control groups. Furthermore, propolis consumption had a significant increasing effect on HDL-cholesterol levels (WMD: 2·03 mg/dl; 95 % CI: 0·24, 3·83; P = 0·020). In contrast, the consumption of propolis had no significant effect on total cholesterol and diastolic blood pressure levels. This systematic review and dose–response meta-analysis suggested that propolis intake may be effective in cardiometabolic improvement in adults. Further, well-designed studies are required to confirm and elucidate all aspects of these findings.
Fluvial-lacustrine interactions in the Marginal Triassic, Clevedon, Bristol Channel Basin, UK: deposition, dolomitization and silicification
Authors: Tucker Maurice E. , Sparks R. Stephen J.
Published: November 2024

In the Triassic Mercia Mudstone Group of the Bristol Channel area, SW Britain, yellow micritic-oolitic dolomites deposited in a near-shore location of an extensive shallow saline alkaline lake, pass landwards into conglomerates and sandstones of colluvial-fluvial origin (Dolomitic Conglomerate). Offshore facies are red marl (Branscombe Fm.) and grey-green marl (Blue Anchor Fm.) of shallow lake-playa origin. Conspicuous red silicified bands and nodules (cherts) occur within the shoreline dolomites cropping out at Clevedon, 30 km SW of Bristol. The originally aragonitic ooids and lime mud were dolomitized very early on the lake floor and just below, and the presence of pyrite indicates anoxic conditions therein. The silicification is attributed to the influx of meteoric water with near-neutral pH, provided by flash floods and rainstorms as hyperpycnal and hypopycnal flows, interacting with the silica-rich, saline, alkaline lake water and porewater within the lake sediment. Aragonitic ooids picked up in the flows underwent dissolution, then slight compaction of outer dolomitic lamellae, before silica precipitation. The red colour of the chert from detrital finely disseminated hematite also indicates very early precipitation, before suboxic-anoxic conditions developed in the enclosing lake carbonates. These Triassic sediments show features of soft-sediment deformation, attributed to the formation of chert via a silica gel and/or density contrasts of rapid deposition-dewatering, plus possible seismic activity connected to a nearby basin-margin fault.
The formation of family policy attitudes: the role of justice perceptions in the division of household labour
Authors: Helgøy Anna , Van Hootegem Arno
Published: November 2024

Welfare state attitudes make up an interactive feedback loop of defining popular legitimacy and future policy trajectories. Understanding attitudinal drivers is thus essential political knowledge. However, as existing research is mainly based on the work-nexus of welfare, this article expands the literature to the welfare state’s care-nexus, examining drivers of family policy attitudes. We argue that conventional attitude predictors of self-interest and ideology are insufficient to explain the attitudinal cleavage in family policy. Instead, justice perceptions in the division of physical and cognitive household labour represent an important normative battleground. We test this with Norwegian survey data (N = 3500), using a unique vignette experiment to operationalise justice perceptions. Findings show that individuals who do not perceive a disproportional household labour division as unfair prefer optional familialism within family policy. Individuals who do perceive unfairness in a disproportional household labour division prefer de-familialism, which facilitates gender equality in public and private spheres. This is consistently found for the physical division of labour, while the cognitive dimension seems less politicised. We conclude that the battleground for different family policy approaches is fundamentally normative and linked to justice considerations on gender roles.
Delivering ‘50 PLUS Choices’ in the UK: how compatible are ‘fuller working lives’ with an increasing reliance on informal carers to deliver social care?
Authors: Evandrou Maria , Falkingham Jane , Qin Min , Vlachantoni Athina
Published: November 2024

The past decade has been marked by cuts in public funding of adult social care alongside an increased policy focus within the UK on extending working lives through ‘50 PLUS Choices’. This study uses the UK Household Longitudinal Study (2009/10–2018/19) to examine the relationship between informal care provision and labour market participation. The analysis focusses on mid-life, a period of life course characterised by both the uptake of informal care provision responsibilities and withdrawal from the labour market. Across the observation period, employment increased amongst both mid-life carers and non-carers, but the gap widened – with carers being much less likely to be employed. Discrete-time survival models assess the effect of caregiving on the likelihood of changing from full-time to part-time work or leaving work altogether. A range of indicators of caregiving, including care intensity, type of care provided and relationship to the person cared for, are all associated with reduced employment. The analysis supports the argument that policies promoting higher labour force participation amongst older workers are incompatible with cuts in funding for adult social care; to realise ‘50 PLUS Choices’, older working carers need to be better supported in juggling the competing demands of care and work.
The intersection of prescription drugs and medical devices: the evaluation and funding challenges of two categories of emerging health technologies
Authors: Rodrigues Caroline , Fu Rui , Ghose Turjoy , Yurga Emre , Nauenberg Eric
Published: November 2024

Health technology assessments (HTAs) are policy analysis frameworks contributing to the approval, reimbursement, and rollout of biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. New innovations in health technologies expose gaps in reimbursement and implementation guidelines. We defined two types of emerging health technologies: (1) therapeutic innovations, such as drug-device combination products or nondrug alternatives to prescription drugs and (2) disruptive health innovations such as novel surgeries and gene replacement therapies. We aimed to determine delineated definitions for these categories through a comprehensive review of HTA guidelines across 20 nations. Utilizing databases such as International Network of Agencies for HTA, International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research, and European Medical Agency, we identified products falling within these categories. Real-world case studies highlighted the inadequacies stemming from the absence of clear definitions and proposed solutions to enhance current HTA guidelines. These shortcomings apply at the state or provincial level in addition to national jurisdictions as existing funding structures and silos fail to accommodate the unique attributes of these technologies.
Urinary exosomal microRNA-200 family: diagnostic biomarkers for Kawasaki disease and their link to inflammatory markers
Authors: Wang Yu-E. , Sun Da-Qing , Hu Hui-Zhong
Published: November 2024

Objective:

The microRNA-200 family plays a key role in inflammatory and vascular processes, making it a relevant target for Kawasaki disease, a vasculitis with coronary complications. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic potential of urinary exosomal microRNA-200 family members in Kawasaki disease patients.

Methods:

Urine samples from 15 Kawasaki disease patients and 15 healthy controls underwent total exosome isolation and high-throughput sequencing. Differential expression of microRNA-200 family members was validated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Diagnostic potential was assessed via receiver operating characteristic analysis, and correlations with clinical parameters were evaluated using Spearman correlation.

Results:

High-throughput sequencing identified upregulation of microRNA-429, microRNA-200b-3p/5p, microRNA-141-3p, microRNA-200a-3p/5p, and microRNA-200c-3p in Kawasaki disease patients. We confirmed significant upregulation of microRNA-200a-3p/5p, microRNA-200b-3p/5p, and microRNA-429, with receiver operating characteristic analysis showing high diagnostic potential for these microRNAs (area under the curves of 0.844, 0.791, 0.942, 0.842, and 0.898, respectively) and a combined analysis yielding a perfect area under the curve of 1.000. MicroRNA-141 and microRNA-200c-3p/5p, however, showed no significant diagnostic value. MicroRNA-200a-3p and microRNA-200a-5p were positively correlated with white blood cells, platelet counts, and C-reactive protein, while microRNA-200b-3p and microRNA-429 were positively correlated with white blood cells, platelet counts, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein. microRNA-200b-5p showed moderate correlations with platelet counts and erythrocyte sedimentation rate.

Conclusion:

Urinary exosomal microRNA-200 family members, especially microRNA-200a-3p/5p, microRNA-200b-3p/5p, and microRNA-429, demonstrate strong diagnostic potential for Kawasaki disease, correlating with key inflammatory markers. MicroRNA-141 and microRNA-200c did not demonstrate significant diagnostic utility.
Systematic Review of Psychometric Research on Forgiveness in the Americas
Authors: Salgado-Lévano Cecilia , Riveros Paredes Pamela Norma
Published: November 2024

Abstract: Forgiveness is currently being researched in various settings, which requires that scientists to have instruments with psychometric properties suitable for its evaluation. The objective of this article is to identify, select, and critically analyze psychometric research on forgiveness to identify its trends, limitations, and contributions to science. The method used was based on the PRISMA 2020 Statement and the Scopus, Web of Science, Ebsco, Proquest, Scielo, and Dialnet databases from 2017 to 2022 were consulted. Fourteen out of 334,339 studies met the inclusion criteria. The results evidence that 79% used nonprobability sampling, 21% reported the construction of new instruments, and 36% obtained evidence of metric invariance. Peru and Chile lead the psychometric production of forgiveness (both with 21.4%) followed by the United States, Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina, which share an equal 14.3%. Implications of the findings have been discussed.
Contrasting the Evolution of the Tropical Pacific SST Responses to Time‐Invariant Extratropical Forcings in the Two Hemispheres
Authors: Tseng Hung‐Yi , Hwang Yen‐Ting
Published: November 2024

We compare the equatorial Pacific sea surface temperature (SST) responses to radiative forcings in the extratropics of each hemispehre, with heating or cooling imposed in either hemisphere using a fully coupled climate model. In the initial 3 years, the equatorial SST responses exhibit an opposite sign to the forcings in the northern extratropics but align with those in the southern extratropics. At this stage, heating the northern extratropics is more effective at cooling the equatorial Pacific than cooling the southern extratropics. This occurs because the anomalous warming in the northern extratropics is blocked by the rainband and can only enter the equatorial Pacific from the west, triggering Bjerknes feedback more effectively. Over a decade, all experiments show enhanced equatorial responses aligning with the signs of the forcings. The south‐perturbed cases experience stronger equatorial SST responses, suggesting the significant control of the southern extratropics on tropical Pacific on decadal timescales.
Distribution, Mixing, and Transformation of a Loop Current Ring Waters: The Case of Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Gentil Mathieu , Pallàs‐Sanz Enric , Middleton Leo , Ruiz‐Angulo Angel , Meunier Thomas , Durante Giovanni , Tenreiro Miguel , Allis Estrada Sheila N. , Sheinbaum Julio
Published: November 2024

Mesoscale warm‐core rings, known as Loop Current rings (LCRs) reshape the Gulf of Mexico water masses by redistributing large amounts of heat and salt laterally. LCRs also transform water masses via diapycnal mixing, but the mechanisms by which this occurs are poorly measured. Here, we present glider‐MicroPod turbulence observations that reveal enhanced mixing below the mixed layer, along the eddy edges, driving the LCR's heat, salt, and oxygen exchanges. Interleavings of adjacent water masses may be interpreted mainly as a manifestation of submesoscale processes through stirring of the spice gradients, which facilitates double‐diffusive mixing that transforms Subtropical Underwater into Gulf Common Water. Our findings highlight the need for ocean models to parameterize double‐diffusive mixing processes directly resulting from submesoscale tracer stirring, which may be important at basin scale in the presence of LCRs in the Gulf of Mexico.