bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Road condition assessment to support environmental conservation activities
Authors: Alfiona Vera , Setyawan Ary , Pungky Pramesti Florentina
Published: January 2025

Indonesia is a country with extensive forests, it requires awareness to maintain its sustainability. Environmental conservation can be carried out if important infrastructure that supports activities is fulfilled, the infrastructure referred to in this case is the road. Road conditions need to be taken care of to ensure mobility and transportation, but increased transportation means increase pollution. The most pollutant produced by transport is CO2. Pavement Condition Index (PCI) method and International Roughness Index (IRI) method are used to determine the functional condition of the pavement. This research is a case study conducted on two national roads located in the industrial area of the north coast line and connects Batang Regency and Semarang City. The results showed that in 2018, the pavement was in satisfactory condition. while in the following years, the road was in fair condition due to an increase in traffic volume. From the analysis results, the remaining service life at the case study location is 10.7% with a plan life of 20 years, meaning that the remaining service life is still 2 years and 1 month away.
The impact of economic growth on energy consumption: An error correction approach in Indonesia
Authors: Kusuma Prasetyanto Panji , Gravitiani Evi , Suryanto  , Mulyanto  , Shohibul Manshur Al Ahmad Ana
Published: January 2025

Energy is an essential part of life for the global community. In 2023, Indonesia ranked 15th, up from 20th in 2005, and became the country with the largest primary energy consumption in the Southeast Asia region, reaching 185.5 million tons of oil equivalent or 1.68 percent of global consumption. Energy consumption in Indonesia continues to increase, but oil production as the main source of energy continues to decline. In addition, the government has to allocate significant energy subsidies from the government budget. If policies are not properly established, it will disrupt economic stability. Therefore, the aim of this research is to analyze the impact of energy consumption, oil production, and energy subsidies on economic growth in Indonesia from 2005 to 2023 in the short and long term. This study uses the Multiple Linear Regression method with a Vector Error Correction Model approach. The results show that in the short term, energy consumption has a positive effect on economic growth, while oil production and energy subsidies do not affect economic growth. In the long term, energy consumption and oil production have a positive impact on economic growth, while energy subsidies have a negative impact on Indonesia’s economic growth. The Impulse Response Function (IRF) results show the largest response when each variable is shocked, originating from the shock of economic growth itself. Meanwhile, the Variance Decomposition (VD) results show that the most dominant variable in explaining economic growth is economic growth itself. Other variables such as energy consumption and oil production also contribute to economic growth, while energy subsidies have a smaller contribution to economic growth.
Relationship between environmental policy and disaster management policy for mount Marapi’s cold lava flood, 2024
Authors: Wiryanto Wisber
Published: January 2025

The government has the task of national development in various fields. Especially in the environmental sector, the government has the task of developing a sustainable environment. However, the environment is sometimes damaged due to natural disasters or disasters caused by development. Considering the importance of a sustainable environment, it is considered urgent to conduct preliminary research regarding environmental damage due to natural disasters in 2024 and follow-up efforts. After Presidential Regulation No. 87/2020 on the 2020-2044 Disaster Management Master Plan. This paper attempts to answer a research question. What is the environmental management policy for overcoming the natural disaster of the cold lava flood of mount Marapi in West Sumatra province, Indonesia? The purpose of this paper was to study the environmental management policy and overcome this natural disaster. The research was conducted descriptive qualitative methods to study the circumstances and events that have occurred. Through library research, data was collected and processed and then presented in the table, matrix, and figure. The data obtained is discussed using descriptive analysis, and public policy analysis. The results are discussed with recommendations on the relationship between environmental policy and disaster management policy as well as coordination between government agencies and stakeholders to follow up.
Protection of Indonesia’s biodiversity against biopiracy through adoption of Traditional Knowledge Digital Library
Authors: Mayastuti Anti , Purwadi Hari
Published: January 2025

This research is important to formulate a form of adoption of traditional knowledge digital libraries as implemented in India which is proven to be able to cancel formulation patent applications for traditional medicines in Europe as a form of protection for intellectual property over traditional knowledge. This research is normative legal research that is prescriptive. The research takes a legislative (statute) approach to relevant legal sources, including data obtained through documentation studies. The research results showthat The Indonesian government is starting to seriously implement communal intellectual property protection by providing defensive protection through inventory and documentation of intellectual property through the National Information System for Communal Intellectual Property as regulated in Government Regulation Number 56 of 2022 concerning Communal Intellectual Property. However, defensive measures are still insufficient to prevent biopiracy actions in Indonesia. Positive protection is also required, in the form of sui generis regulation of communal intellectual property. In terms of specifically defensive protection of traditional knowledge as part of communal intellectual property, you can adopt the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library as a tool to assist patent examiners so that patent offices around the world do not grant patent rights to the wealth of traditional knowledge of indigenous and tribal peoples in Indonesia. Optimizing the database system through the Indonesian Traditional Knowledge Digital Library is a form of implementing the precautionary principle which can prevent even greater biopiracy practices in Indonesia and also as a means to protect biodiversity in Indonesia.
Exploring the complex relationship of flood influences in Upper Serayu River Basin
Authors: Yudono Setio Hadi Nugroho Hunggul , Indrajaya Yonky , Christanto Nugroho , Sudiana Nana , Setiawan Ogi , Hanindityasari Luthfi , Savitri Endang , Wahyuningrum Nining , Anisa Nadhira Nur , Anjani Novi , Yuni Setyawati Ferlinda , Rahayu Ningtiyas Iswanti , Rico Oktavian Aditya , Syah Della Riska
Published: January 2025

Flooding is a process that occurs from many factors interrelated each other to form a complex relationship. Situated within an area characterized by mountainous topography, land use for intensive vegetable farming activities, and high rainfall, the Upper Serayu River Basin provides an interesting case study to investigate the multifaceted nature of flood events. This paper investigates the complex and multifaceted relationships that exist in the upstream Serayu River Basin in flood-prone areas, aiming to reveal the complexities that drive flood events. The method used in this study is to compare the flood vulnerability results analysis with the flood events in the upstream Serayu River Basin. The results show that the determination of flood vulnerability using land cover, land system, and maximum daily rainfall factors has not given an optimal analysis. Adding the slope factor to the flood analysis gives better and more accurate results, even though the slope factor has been represented by the land system.
Evaluation of hazardous and toxic wastes management by a pharmaceutical company in Bandung, Indonesia
Authors: Herliana Erika , Qainvincena Fara
Published: January 2025

This research evaluates management of hazardous and toxic waste (HTW) by Company X, a pharmaceutical company in Bandung, Indonesia. An assessment system was used to measure and evaluate the waste management practices of relevant institutions. The research methodology integrates a checklist approach with a scoring method based on the Guttman Scale, focusing on three criteria: waste packaging, waste storage, and waste transportation. The assessment revealed, the company was responsible for packaging, storing, and transporting waste, while processing was outsourced to a third party. According to the evaluations, the overall waste management received an excellent rating in compliance with Government Regulation No. 22 of 2021 and Minister of Environment and Forestry Regulation No. 6 of 2021. Specifically, waste packaging achieved a compliance score of 83.3%, waste storage 94.4%, and waste transportation 100%. The overall average compliance score is 93%, indicating that the institution is highly effective in managing HTW.
Improving soil fertility in shallot (Allium ascalonicum L.) fields through a bioremediation process using microorganisms and biochar
Authors: Rosariastuti Retno , Narinanda Shafa Agifta , Sutami  , Widijanto Hery , Cahyani Vita Ratri
Published: January 2025

The agricultural sector always relates to environmental issues. Pest and disease attacks on crops are the main factors that cause farmers to overuse pesticides. The use of synthetic pesticides has the potential to change soil fertility. This study aims to evaluate the fertility of soil resulting from bioremediation using bacteria and biochar as bioremediation agents in shallot planting soil contaminated chlorpyrifos pesticide. This type of research was an experiment in a shallot field in Siandong Village, Larangan Subdistrict, Brebes Regency. This study used a factorial experimental design with a Completely Randomized Block Design (RCBD), which consisted of 2 factors, namely bioremediation agents and coconut shell biochar, and there were 30 experimental units. Data were analyzed using statistical analysis using T-Test. The result showed that bioremediation agents could decrease soil pH by 15.42%, Organic-C by 11.51%, and soil CEC by 45.29% from the initial soil. However, bioremediation agents could increase soil N-Total by al 49.54%, soil P-Available by 24.69%, and soil K-Available by 82.49% higher than the initial soil. Bioremediation of pesticide-contaminated soil using bacteria and biochar can improve soil fertility. The technology can enhance marginal land and support sustainable agricultural systems.
Environmental Quality Index in Indonesia: Economic Activities, Investment, Forest and Land Fire
Authors: Perwithosuci Winny , Maulida Amalia Adinda , Winny Perwitasari Anindita
Published: January 2025

Rapid economic growth requires more activities that affect the environment negatively. The production process from economic activities yields goods and services and wastes. The waste can be contained by hazardous elements that can cause health problems and endanger the quality of the environment. Thus, the environmental quality should be maintained to create ideal conditions and minimize negative externalities. The issue regarding environmental quality induces some studies to develop policies on maintaining the environment’s quality. Studies on environmental quality are investigated not only by using a natural science perspective but also from social science, such as economics. Many studies have discussed environmental quality using different approaches from a social science perspective. However, only a few studies have covered Indonesia by province in the past five years. This study aims to estimate the determinants of the Environmental Quality Index in 34 provinces in Indonesia. The current research treats forest, land fire, and economic variables as independent variables, including Gross Domestic Regional Product (GDRP), provincial environmental budget, and investment. The secondary data are generated from Statistics Indonesia from 2016-2022. This study employs static panel regression with a Fixed-Effect model to estimate the data. The results revealed that forest and land fires and the provincial budget for the environment significantly affect the environmental quality index in Indonesia. This implies that budget allocation for environmental spending is one of Indonesia’s policies that control environmental quality.
Constitutionalism in the Anthropocene: Compliance of International Environmental Law (IEL) Instruments
Authors: Apriani Atika Sari Diah , Triatmodjo Marsudi , Purwanto Harry
Published: January 2025

The constitutionalism paradigm is based on the idea that certain norms and obligations imposed on parties for environmental protection through law, especially human rights to the environment have the potential to provide global environmental protection. The aim of this research is to examine international environmental legal norms that have the potential to possess the highest hierarchy in international law through an Anthropocene approach. This research adopted a normative methodology with legislative and conceptual approaches. The research Qindings indicate that the anthropocentric approach must be compatible with the earth system perspective in order to effectively respond to the ongoing transformations of the earth system. Law serves as a tool to descriptively and normatively explain reality and to regulate the interests of all living beings, including humans. Thus, the existence of humans as legal subjects can describe the material reality of human existence in a descriptively normative manner. Constitutionalism is an attempt to determine the existence of norms that are hierarchically higher than other norms. Normative hierarchy theory postulates that the core of certain norms articulates the basic values of international society at the top of the hierarchy of international legal norms.
Digital Twin for Vibration Monitoring of Pelton Units
Authors: Boden M , Chiarelli M , Tsingos V , Allaban N , Decaix J , Stojanovic-Roth S , Blommaert G , Valluy B , Münch-Alligné C
Published: January 2025

The development of a digital twin to simulate the vibrational behaviour of a Pelton hydropower unit during startups offers significant potential for enhanced maintenance by detecting early warning signs of anomalies. The proposed methodology, combining high-frequency vibrational data acquisition with an offline digital twin to improve data interpretation, is applied in this study to a 15MW horizontal dual Pelton unit located in the Swiss Alps. The digital twin models fluid-structure interactions during startup with a combination of CFD simulations and transient FEM analysis, predicting the vibrational response of the unit. This numerical model allows investigating the effect of specific anomalous cases, such as jet misalignment, on the excited frequencies of the runner, enabling the creation of a library of frequency responses for predictive maintenance. Experimental modal analysis and in-situ vibration data acquisition validate the numerical model. Preliminary results show the effectiveness of this approach in understanding and predicting the vibrational behaviour of a Pelton unit during startup. Further refinement is needed, especially in conducting transient modal analysis of the full runner and shaft line, which will be conducted as part of the Horizon ReHydro project.
Green catalysts AuNPs/CQDs from turmeric starch: an effective solution in 4-Nitrophenol reduction
Authors: Le Thi Hoa , Anh Ta Thi Ngoc , Huong Nguyen Thi Thu , Thanh Nhi Le Thi , Nguyen Quoc Hien , Tran Thai Hoa
Published: January 2025

This paper presents a green synthesis method for growing carbon quantum dots (CQDs) from turmeric starch. The CQDs were then used as reducing agents and stabilizers to synthesize dual-shaped gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with spherical and triangular shapes. In addition to the advantages of CQDs in catalysis, such as their large surface area and the presence of functional groups, including hydroxyl (-OH) and carbonyl (-C=O), as evidenced by FTIR analysis, the material also demonstrates excellent electron transfer efficiency. This efficiency is attributed to the synergistic interaction between AuNPs and the functional groups on CQDs, facilitating catalytic electron transfer processes in reducing 4-nitrophenol (4-NP). Furthermore, the obtained AuNPs/CQDs material benefits from the plasmonic properties of AuNPs, enhancing light absorption and accelerating catalytic reactions. As a result, AuNPs/CQDs have been successfully applied to effectively catalyze the reduction of 4-NP in aqueous media with high efficiency. The synergy between the plasmonic effect of AuNPs and the catalytic properties of CQDs results in a high catalytic efficiency and a fast reaction time of 20 min, making this method simple, rapid, scalable, and highly effective for environmental pollution remediation.
Can residential energy systems withstand the heat? Quantifying solar photovoltaic and heat pump yields for future New Zealand climate conditions
Authors: Zegeer Madison L , Peer Rebecca A M , Haas Jannik
Published: January 2025

We investigate how higher temperatures resulting from climate change impact the energy system. Specifically, we examine the cumulative effects of fluctuating solar photovoltaic (PV) generation performance, heating and cooling demand, and heat pump efficiency on such days. To achieve this, we used the climate analogue space, which maps a given city’s future climate to an existing one. By employing climate analogues, we can predict the impact of higher temperatures by 2050, transforming Auckland, New Zealand’s climate into one akin to Sydney, Australia. This approach avoids reliance on historical weather data, which many energy system models use. We used this future climate time series as an input to a residential energy system model for Auckland, New Zealand. The residential energy system model simulates solar PV generation output via mapping of experimental data, building thermal characteristics via grey-box resistance–capacitance (RC) modelling, and hourly coefficient of performance for air source heat pumps (ASHP) via linear regression. Our findings revealed that a future climate doubles the cooling demand and reduces the heating demand by one-third, with the heat pump demand peak load projected to be 40% higher than current demand. Although solar PV generation experiences a decrease in efficiency of 8%, there is a 40% increase in annual direct usage of ASHP. Despite the high cooling demand, the combined yearly electricity demand for heating and cooling decreased by 6.5% overall, and the system saw a 50% improvement in demand fulfilment. However, the system performance volatility at hotter-than-normal temperatures and the potential for significant energy shortfalls remain concerns. The shift from a predominantly heating to a cooling environment is a critical design condition that should be considered in energy expansion planning and future electrification. The framework and time series developed in this work can be expanded and applied to other energy system modelling exercises.
Management of invasive populations
Authors: Phillips Ben
Published: January 2025

This chapter develops four diverse case studies: an invasive species; tumour growth; gene drives; and the spread of a pathogen. The chapter shows how all these cases can be understood as invasions, and it examines how the theory that has been developed might be applied to managing such invasions. The chapter maps existing management strategies to theory and shows how an evolutionary perspective can allow the development of novel management strategies.
The Battle and the Arrival of Self-Advocacy
Authors: Briggs Jonathyne
Published: January 2025

This chapter details the continued challenges facing autistic persons in France in the twenty-first century, as well as recent developments of advocacy groups run by autistic people that counter the entrenched stereotypes of autism in France. Diagnosis and treatment of autism has become the center of a cultural war in France, with social, political, and legal ramifications. Psychoanalysts were put on the defensive thanks to advocates who directly challenged their authority and position. The definition of autism in France further diverged from that of other countries. This difference led the French government to take a greater interest in autism in the form of identifying it as a national cause in 2012, even as medical professionals remained entrenched in their methods of treatment. The appearance of prominent autistic self-advocates suggested a powerful shift in the framework of the debate, which had to this point been dominated by the viewpoints of professionals.
Historical and Contemporary Examples of Power, Privilege, and Public Health for Classroom Teaching
Authors: Dean Lorraine T
Published: January 2025

This chapter offers concrete examples of how public health research and practice have been complicit in advancing oppressive structures or have been co-opted to do so. Examples date back to the medicalization of responses to oppression through pathologies like “drapetomania,” how scientific progress has been prioritized above ethical practice, how public health and medical training and accreditation have contributed to oppression, and how infectious disease prevention was used to advance racial oppression. Contemporary examples include the use of public health insurance policies to limit the movement of foreign-born persons and promote anti-immigration rhetoric, state-sanctioned forced sterilizations of incarcerated and nonincarcerated persons, and how individuals are criminalized for the health care system’s failures. Examples are presented as case studies and vignettes that can be used in classroom-based activities for how to detect and avoid oppressive actions in future public health work.
Queer Reckonings with International Law
Authors: Biddolph Caitlin
Published: January 2025

Chapter 6 concludes the book by considering the broader possibilities for queering international law. Synthesizing the main findings and arguments developed across the book and through the case of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), the chapter presents a queer approach and imagining of international law that recognizes hope, violence, and the power of queer critique. Drawing on examples from various international legal contexts and justice movements, the chapter argues that any critique of international law must reckon with calls for law by victims and survivors, but that law is necessarily limited and violent, by virtue of its gendered, sexual, and civilizational hierarchies. The chapter also suggests, however, that queer reckonings with international law can hold this seeming contradiction together: that as a (queer) governance mechanism, international law is both violent and queer, a site of (in)justice and a vocabulary that will be both used and resisted.
Housing adaptations and older adults’ health trajectories by level of initial health: evidence from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing
Authors: Wu Jiawei , Grundy Emily M
Published: January 2025

Background

In many ageing societies, the housing stock is poorly designed to meet the needs of older people with health limitations. Housing adaptations may enable older people to retain functional ability in the home, improve well-being and reduce the risks of falls. There is mixed evidence on whether adaptations are most beneficial for those who have limitations or whether they have a greater impact if implemented before people experience substantial disability. This study aimed to identify socio-demographic factors associated with obtaining housing adaptations and whether and how the impact of adaptations on changes in mental and physical health varied by initial level of health measured using objective indicators.

Methods

We used data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing to analyse socio-demographic factors associated with acquiring housing adaptations using logistic regression. We then estimated mixed-effects models to assess how a measure of baseline physical health, derived from observer-measured indicators of physical function, modified the association between acquiring housing adaptations and health and disability outcomes for two cohorts each followed up for three waves.

Results

Having more activities of daily living (ADL) limitations was positively associated with acquiring housing adaptations, but we found no evidence for socio-demographic variations. Acquiring housing adaptations was associated with slower development of instrumental ADL/ADL disability among older people with initially good latent physical health. Sensitivity analysis suggested that housing adaptations mitigated the predicted probability of falls for those with severe mobility impairments.

Conclusions

Housing adaptations may slow down development of disability in older people with initially good health.
Asiaticoside-nitric oxide synergistically accelerate diabetic wound healing by regulating key metabolites and SRC/STAT3 signaling
Authors: Mu Xingrui , Chen Jitao , Zhu Huan , Deng Junyu , Wu Xingqian , He Wenjie , Ye Penghui , Gu Rifang , Wu Youzhi , Han Felicity , Nie Xuqiang
Published: January 2025

Background

Diabetic wounds pose significant clinical challenges due to impaired healing processes, often resulting in chronic, non-healing ulcers. Asiaticoside (AC), a natural triterpene derivative from Centella asiatica, has demonstrated notable anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. However, the synergistic effects of nitric oxide (NO)—a recognized promoter of wound healing—combined with AC in treating diabetic wounds remain inadequately explored.

Methods

Ultra-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) was utilized to identify differential metabolites and dysregulated metabolic pathways associated with diabetic wounds. Molecular docking analyses were conducted to confirm the binding affinity of AC to key therapeutic targets. The effects of Asiaticoside-nitric oxide hydrogel (ACNO) on gene and protein expression were evaluated using RT-qPCR and western blotting. In vitro experiments using SRC agonists and inhibitors were performed to investigate the impact of ACNO therapy on the expression of SRC, STAT3, and other proteins in HaCaT cells.

Results

Metabolomic profiling revealed that diabetic wounds in mice exhibited marked metabolic dysregulation, which was attenuated by ACNO treatment. Key metabolites modulated by ACNO included mandelic acid, lactic acid, and 3-hydroxyisovaleric acid. The primary metabolic pathways involved were methyl histidine metabolism and the malate–aspartate shuttle. Immunofluorescence staining confirmed that ACNO therapy enhanced angiogenesis, promoted cellular proliferation, and facilitated diabetic wound closure. RT–qPCR data demonstrated that ACNO regulated the transcription of critical genes (SRC, STAT3, EGFR, and VEGFA). Notably, ACNO attenuated SRC/STAT3 pathway activation while concurrently upregulating EGFR and VEGFA expression.

Conclusions

These findings emphasize the therapeutic potential of ACNO hydrogel in diabetic wound healing through the modulation of metabolic pathways and the SRC/STAT3 signaling axis. By correlating altered metabolites with molecular targets, this study elucidates the pharmacodynamic foundation for ACNO’s pre-clinical application and provides valuable insights into the development of targeted therapies for diabetic wound management.
Association of treatment methods and survival in esophageal neuroendocrine carcinoma population of Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Yang T , Yang P , Li H , Sun M , Zhang J , Li Y , Zhu B
Published: January 2025

Esophageal neuroendocrine carcinoma (ENEC) is an uncommon and highly aggressive tumor with an obscure etiology. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the best treatment option for patients with ENEC. This study identified patients with ENEC from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database between 1975 and 2021. Clinicopathological characteristics were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and prognostic factors were determined through Cox regression analysis. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was used to assess five-year overall survival (OS). Patients were divided into a combined radiotherapy and chemotherapy group and a surgery group based on treatment modality. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to balance baseline characteristics between the two groups. A total of 604 participants were included; univariate and multivariate analyses indicated that ENEC patients with localized or regional disease had significantly higher survival rates (HR = 0.38, 95% CI 0.29-0.51, P < 0.001 and HR = 0.56, 95% CI 0.44-0.71, P < 0.001) than those with distant metastases. The combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy (HR = 0.34, 95% CI 0.25-0.46, P < 0.001) and surgical treatment (HR = 0.43, 95% CI 0.31-0.59, P < 0.001) significantly improved survival. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed significant differences in OS among treatments (P < 0.0001), with the combination therapy and surgery groups having similar rates of 7.04% and 8.77%, respectively, and outperforming other methods. The combination therapy group maintained the best survival rate over time. The synergistic application of radiotherapy and chemotherapy has markedly enhanced the five-year survival rate of patients with ENEC, offering invaluable insights for clinical management strategies.
Association between orthodontic treatment and psychosocial factors in adolescents: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Schmahl Teresa , Steinhäuser Jost , Goetz Katja
Published: January 2025

Background

Orthodontic treatment is one of the longest and most common medical interventions in adolescence. There are certain inequalities in care leading to risk factors associated with higher rates of untreated tooth malocclusion, resulting in a significant burden on oral health. Little is known about that certain psychosocial and personal risk factors influence the uptake of orthodontic treatment. Therefore, the aim was to explore factors that might influence orthodontic treatment and psychosocial and personal factors in a representative sample in Germany.

Methods

The data are based on the KiGGS Survey Wave 2, a representative cross-sectional study of children and adolescents in Germany. Sociodemographic data, uptake of orthodontic treatment, parental socioeconomic status, social support, self-efficacy, and perceived health status were collected through a self-reported questionnaire.

Results

A total of 6599 children and adolescents between 11 and 17 years were included in the analysis. Girls, non-immigrants, children, and adolescents with higher levels of social support, and children and adolescents who have visited a dentist or orthodontist more often in the past 12 months are more likely to have received orthodontic treatment. Among 14- to 17-year-olds, the likelihood of seeking orthodontic treatment is also associated with an increasing parental socioeconomic status (odds ratio 1.07 [95% CI 1.02; 1.14] P = .013).

Conclusions

Certain protective and risk factors as well as personal and psychosocial factors are associated with orthodontic treatment. This knowledge can be used to determine which individuals should be targeted for need-based care to ensure that health care is provided without over- or undertreatment.
The added value of electrocardiogram abnormalities in predicting incident cardiovascular disease risk for people with Type 2 diabetes: the Hoorn Diabetes Care System cohort
Authors: Harms Peter P , Herings Reinier A R , Remmelzwaal Sharon , Rutters Femke , Beulens Joline W J , Nijpels Giel , Elders Petra P J M , Blom Marieke T
Published: January 2025

Aims

To investigate whether adding electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities as a predictor improves the performance of incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk prediction models for people with Type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Methods and results

We evaluated the four major prediction models that are recommended by the guidelines of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association and European Society of Cardiology, in 11 224 people with T2D without CVD (coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke, and thrombosis) from the Hoorn Diabetes Care System cohort (1998–2018). Baseline measurements included CVD risk factors and ECG recordings coded according to the Minnesota Classification as no, minor, or major abnormalities. After confirming good reference model fit, model performance was assessed before and after addition of ECG abnormalities and compared using c-statistics, net reclassification improvement (NRI), and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI). c-statistics [95% confidence interval (CI)] of reference models (ASCVD, AD-ON, ADVANCE, and SCORE2-Diabetes) were 0.67 (0.65–0.70), 0.73 (0.71–0.76), 0.71 (0.68–0.74), and 0.67 (0.65–0.69), respectively. Adding ECG abnormalities as a predictor improved c-statistics with +0.02 (0.01–0.03), +0.01 (0.00–0.01), +0.02 (0.01–0.03), and +0.02 (0.01–0.02), respectively. Reclassification indicators also showed improvement: categorical NRI (+6%, +3%, +8%, and +5%, respectively), continuous NRI (95% CI) [0.25 (0.08–0.37), 0.32 (0.23–0.42), 0.54 (0.34–0.69), and 0.28 (0.09–0.33)], respectively, and IDI (95% CI) [0.005 (0.001–0.010), 0.002 (−0.001–0.007), 0.006 (0.001–0.007), and 0.004 (0.000–0.006), respectively]. Sensitivity analyses yielded similar results.

Conclusion

The addition of ECG abnormalities to incident CVD risk prediction models moderately but consistently improves the ability of models to correctly classify people with T2D in the appropriate CVD risk category with up to 8%, which is approximately equivalent to many established predictors and (bio)markers.
Associations of Faith Community Rejection with Social Support and Health Outcomes among LGBTQ+ Older Adults
Authors: Lampe Nik M , McKay Tara
Published: January 2025

Objectives

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) older adults have varied experiences with faith communities, ranging from affirmation to religious trauma. We investigate how faith community rejection impacts social support and health outcomes among LGBTQ+ older adults in the Southern United States.

Methods

We analyze Wave 1 data from the LGBTQ+ Social Networks, Aging, and Policy Study (QSNAPS), collected between April 2020 and September 2021. This sample included 1,256 LGBTQ+ adults aged 50+ residing in four Southern U.S. states. Bivariate and Poisson regression analyses were conducted to examine associations of LGBTQ-related faith community rejection with social support and health outcomes.

Results

Nearly half (44%) of QSNAPS respondents reported LGBTQ-related faith community rejection. Respondents who reported rejection were more likely to be: transgender or gender diverse (p<0.01) and from a minoritized racial/ethnic background (p<0.01). Compared with respondents who never experienced faith community rejection, respondents who experienced LGBTQ-related faith community rejection reported a lower prevalence of family support (APR=0.80; p<0.001); higher prevalence of symptoms related to moderate to severe psychological distress (APR=1.27; p<0.001); higher prevalence of poor sleep quality (APR=1.17; p<0.05) and high blood pressure diagnosis (APR=1.13; p<0.05). We also find a marginally statistically significant association between faith community rejection and higher prevalence of symptoms related to subjective cognitive decline (APR=1.35; p<0.10).

Discussion

Experiences of faith community rejection come with substantial social support and health costs for LGBTQ+ older adults. Our findings highlight the importance of integrating faith and promoting inclusion within affirming faith communities for LGBTQ+ aging-related care and prevention.
Parent-Adult Child Relationships and Repartnering After Gray Divorce
Authors: Brown Susan L , Lin I-Fen , Marino Francesca A , Mellencamp Kagan A
Published: January 2025

Objectives

The rise in gray divorce has catalyzed repartnering in later life. However, the antecedents of older adult repartnering remain poorly understood, particularly the potential role of adult children. A form of ambiguous loss, marital disruption often leads to family boundary ambiguity, thereby weakening family ties. We investigated whether co-residence and proximity of, frequent contact with, and downward transfers to adult children were negatively associated with repartnering after gray divorce.

Methods

Data from the 1998-2018 Health and Retirement Study were used to estimate discrete-time event history models using logistic regression to predict repartnering after gray divorce among parents of adult children (N = 1,359).

Results

As expected, adult child co-residence as well as having a child who lived nearby and had frequent contact diminished the likelihood of repartnering. Parents whose children either did not live nearby or were nearby but did not have frequent contact were more likely to repartner than those with children nearby and in frequent contact or co-residing, signaling that both proximity and frequency of contact are related to repartnering. Additionally, the provision of financial support to adult children was associated with a lower risk of repartnering.

Discussion

Relationships with adult children shape parental repartnering behaviors. Echoing the concept of boundary ambiguity, our findings indicate that stronger family ties, as signaled by child co-residence or proximity and frequent contact as well as economic provision, tend to deter repartnering. These findings also indicate that absent strong family ties, older adults are more likely to form a new union.
Development and Validation of the Internalized Care Stigma Scale (ICSS): Measuring care stigma aimed at informal care for older adults in Germany
Authors: Zwar Larissa , König Hans-Helmut , Delfin Emily , Hajek André
Published: January 2025

Background and Objectives

In this study we developed and validated the Internalized Caregiver Stigma Scale (ICSS) to measure internalized stigma targeting informal care for older adults (≥60 years) in Germany.

Research Design and Methods

The ICSS scale was developed in the Attitudes Towards Informal Caregivers (ATTIC) project based on stigma theories and (cognitive) pretesting with informal caregivers. Informal long-term caregivers (aged ≥40 years; n=433) of older relatives (aged ≥60 years) were quota-sampled from the online panel GapFish in December 2023 (twice as many female and middle-aged (aged 40-64 years) caregivers than male and younger (18-39 years) or older adults (65+ years) were included in the sample). Caregiver identification and the Social Impact Scale were used for validation of the newly developed measure. Factor structure, reliability and concurrent validity were tested.

Results

A correlated two-factor model with excellent goodness of fit criteria and good to excellent internal consistency of the factors and the total scale was confirmed for the ICSS. The negative ICSS subscale correlated highly, and the positive ICSS subscale correlated weakly, with the care-specific Social Impact Scale. Both ICSS subscales were weakly correlated with caregiver identification. Both aspects of self-stigma showed significant associations with sociodemographic and care-specific factors in the regression models.

Discussion and Implications

The ICSS is the first scale measuring internalized stigma targeting informal care for older adults directly and shows excellent psychometric criteria. It provides the necessary tool for a new approach to analyze the complex psychosocial mechanisms in this highly relevant care context.
Epigenetic modification brings new opportunities for gene capture by transposable elements in allopolyploid Brassica napus
Authors: Xiao Yafang , Li Mengdi , Wang Jianbo
Published: January 2025

Polyploids are widespread in plants and are important drivers for evolution and biodiversity. Allopolyploidy activates transposable elements (TEs) and causes genomic shock. Plant genomes can regulate gene expression by changing the epigenetic modification of TEs, but the mechanism for TEs to capture genes remains to be explored. Helitron TEs used the “peel-and-paste” mechanism to achieve gene capture. We identified 3,156 capture events and 326 donor genes of Helitron TEs in Brassica napus (AnAnCnCn). The donor genes captured by TEs were related to the number, length and location of their exons. The gene-capturing TEs carrying donor gene fragments were evenly distributed on the genome, and more than half of them were involved in the construction of pseudogenes, becoming the reserve force for polyploid evolution. Gene fragment copies enhanced information storage, providing opportunities for gene mutation and the formation of new genes. Simultaneously, the siRNAs targeting TEs may act on the donor genes due to siRNA crosstalk, and the gene methylation levels increased and the expression levels decreased. The genome sought a balance between sacrificing donor gene expression and silencing TEs, allowing TEs to hide in the genome. In addition, epigenetic modifications may temporarily relax the control of gene capture during allopolyploidization. Our study identified and characterized gene capture events in B. napus, analyzed the effects of DNA methylation and siRNA on gene capture events, and explored the regulation mechanism of gene expression by TEs epigenetic modification during allopolyploidization, which will contribute to understanding the formation and evolution mechanism of allopolyploidy.
Ethical considerations on surrogacy
Authors:   Writing Group on behalf of the ESHRE Ethics Committee, Shenfield Francoise , Tarlatzis Basil , Baccino Guiliana , Bounartzi Theofano , Frith Lucy , Pennings Guido , Provoost Veerle , Vermeulen Nathalie , Mertes Heidi
Published: January 2025

Surrogacy is the assisted reproductive technology (ART) practice in which a person becomes pregnant, carries, and delivers a child on behalf of another couple/person, who are the intended parent(s). Surrogacy is an especially complex practice as the interests of the intended parents, the gestational carrier, and the future child may differ. This paper considers ethical questions related to different forms of surrogacy. It concludes that non-commercial surrogacy is an acceptable method of assisted reproduction for specific indications. When using surrogacy to form a family, it is essential that there are measures to protect all parties, to guarantee well-considered decision-making, and to minimize risks. The current paper formulates recommendations to promote these measures. This paper is an update to the ESHRE Task Force Ethics and Law Paper 10: Surrogacy and replaces this paper.
Considerations for using sharks as ocean observing platforms
Authors: Wiernicki Caroline J , Curtis Tobey H , Block Barbara A , Shivji Mahmood S , Vaudo Jeremy J , Wetherbee Bradley M , Holland Kim N , Pinti Jérôme , Oliver Matthew J , Carlisle Aaron B
Published: January 2025

The combination of animal-borne telemetry and oceanographic sensor technologies creates an opportunity for marine animals to serve as ocean observing platforms (OOPs), carrying tags that record in situ oceanographic data as they naturally move. In this study, we create a blueprint of shark OOP species selection, quantifying and comparing the potential for species to transmit collected data, the environmental ranges various candidates are expected to encounter, and the oceanographic features they may be expected to resolve. Metrics of data satellite transmission probability, movement behaviors, and environmental sampling ranges are calculated combining historically collected satellite tag data for 11 shark species tagged in the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean basins. Species with the highest satellite data transmission potential include shortfin mako (Atlantic and Pacific) and blue (Pacific) sharks. These species also demonstrated overlap in time and length scales for area-restricted search-like movement behaviors with several mesoscale ocean features, including hurricanes and upwelling events. Additional comparisons of decorrelation time scales between theoretical shark versus glider sampling platforms suggest that shark OOPs have the ability to provide three times more uncorrelated water column temperature and conductivity profiles than gliders at 15% of the operational cost.
Path planning and optimization for transmission line barrier operations in complex terrain based on multimachine collaborative control
Authors: Zhu Dan , Gao Jianguo
Published: January 2025

To address the challenges of path planning for transmission line barrier operations in complex terrains, this paper proposes a solution based on multimachine collaborative control. A path-planning algorithm that integrates multiple classical algorithms and incorporates multiobjective optimization methods is constructed to handle the complexities of challenging terrains. Auction algorithm and genetic algorithm are adopted to achieve optimal load balance by dynamically adjusting task allocation. Simulation results show that the proposed method effectively enhances task execution efficiency, optimizes path planning, and reduces energy consumption in complex terrains and dynamic environments, while maintaining high-obstacle avoidance success rates and communication stability.
Research on the optimization of intelligent electricity billing consolidation and the expansion of refund services based on deep learning
Authors: Chen Ye , Wu Fan , Wang Yue , Shi Jingyan , Wang Kun , Zhang Bo
Published: January 2025

The rapidly expanding electrical sector urgently requires more effective strategies for electricity fee management. This article designs and implements an intelligent billing management system based on the service-oriented architecture. Additionally, this research proposes a predictive model based on deep learning that integrates a cascaded model utilizing particle swarm optimization, self-organizing maps, and bidirectional gated recurrent units algorithms to accurately forecast electricity revenue and refund scenarios. Experimental results demonstrate the superior accuracy and efficiency of this integrated model.
Neurourbanism and its influence on public outdoor spaces and mental health
Authors: Abed Ahmad , Qurnfulah Emad , Helmi Mansour , Alhubashi Haytham , Salem Wahid , Hafez Diyaa , Hegazy Ibrahim
Published: January 2025

Mental health challenges, including stress, anxiety, and depression, are increasingly prevalent in urban settings, often exacerbated by inadequate access to well-designed public outdoor spaces (POS). This study explores the relationship between POS and mental health outcomes in Al Madinah and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, using a mixed-methods approach involving literature review, case studies, and public surveys. Findings reveal significant disparities in POS satisfaction, with Al Madinah exhibiting lower availability and accessibility. Despite better POS access in Jeddah, mental health challenges remain widespread across both cities. Recommendations emphasize integrating neurourbanism principles into urban planning to create inclusive, accessible, and restorative urban environments.