bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hollow Mo Doped CoS2 Polyhedron Derived from Polyoxometalate‐based Metal‐Organic Frameworks for Efficient Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Zhang Jingwen , He Zeyang , Fu Hao , Kong Wei , Senin Petr , Proskurin Arkadii , Bian Ting , Yan Shitan
Published: January 2025

Nowadays, the sluggish hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) kinetics are the key obstacles limiting the commercial application of water splitting. In this study, a size‐matching strategy is proposed to construct the molybdenum‐doped CoS2 polyhedra (Mo‐CoS2) by encapsulating polyoxometalate (POM, H3PMo12O40) guests into mesoporous zeolite imidazolium framework‐67 (ZIF‐67), with thioacetamide (TAA) serving as a gentle sulfur source. The catalyst exhibits a pronounced hollow structure due to the synergistic etching effects of POM and TAA, which can increase the number of active sites. Additionally, the incorporation of Mo optimizes the electronic structure, thereby improving both HER and OER performance. In alkaline electrolytes, Mo‐CoS2 delivers an overpotential of 330 mV and 269 mV for OER and HER, respectively, to produce a current density of 100 mA cm−2. Moreover, Mo‐CoS2 demonstrates exceptional performance in overall water splitting, achieving a cell voltage of 1.55 V at 10 mA cm−2, along with outstanding long‐term stability. This study provides a promising avenue for the structural and component optimization of cobalt sulfide, which could significantly improve the efficiency of hydrogen production.
Enhancement of Solubility and Bioactivity of Zonisamide Through Supramolecular Inclusion With β‐Cyclodextrin: A Comprehensive Analytical and Computational Study
Authors: Baul Koushik , Roy Niloy , Deb Sibasish , Choudhury Subhankar , Ghosh Biswajit , Roy Debadrita , Karmakar Biswanath , Sarkar Mahima Misti , Roy Swarnendu , Roy Mahendra Nath
Published: January 2025

This study delved into the interaction between the neurological drug zonisamide (ZNS) and β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) using an innovative coprecipitation technique, leading to the formation of a stable 1:1 supramolecular inclusion complex (IC). Analytical tools, including 1H NMR, FTIR spectroscopy, ESIMS, UV–vis spectroscopy, and SEM, revealed the structural details of this assembly. Job's plot confirmed the stoichiometric ratio, whereas binding constants were determined through UV–vis spectroscopic titrations using the Benesi–Hildebrand method. ESIMS data corroborated these findings. Molecular modeling and density functional theory (DFT) calculations provided additional evidence of complexation, demonstrating the stability of the IC through adsorption energy analysis. Biological evaluations showed enhanced antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the ZNS+β‐CD complex compared to pure ZNS, reflecting its improved properties. Encapsulation within β‐CD significantly increased the solubility of ZNS in aqueous media, enabling lower effective dosages and reducing potential side effects. The study's experimental and computational findings aligned seamlessly, affirming the encapsulation of ZNS within β‐CD and advancing our understanding of supramolecular chemistry. This work highlights the potential of β‐CD to optimize drug solubility and therapeutic efficiency, offering a promising approach for improved drug delivery systems.
Hybrid Plasmonic Symmetry‐Protected Bound state in the Continuum Entering the Zeptomolar Biodetection Range
Authors: Clabassi Elena , Balestra Gianluca , Siciliano Giulia , Polimeno Laura , Tarantini Iolena , Primiceri Elisabetta , Tobaldi David Maria , Cuscunà Massimo , Quaranta Fabio , Passaseo Adriana , Rainer Alberto , Romano Silvia , Zito Gianluigi , Gigli Giuseppe , Tasco Vittorianna , Esposito Marco
Published: January 2025

Photonics bound states in the continuum (BICs) are peculiar localized states in the continuum of free‐space waves, unaffected by far‐field radiation loss. Although plasmonic nano‐antennas squeeze the optical field to nanoscale volumes, engineering the emergence of quasi‐BICs with plasmonic hotspots remains challenging. Here, the origin of symmetry‐protected (SP) quasi‐BICs in a 2D system of silver‐filled dimers, quasi‐embedded in a high‐index dielectric waveguide, is investigated through the strong coupling between photonic and plasmonic modes. By tailoring the hybridizing plasmonic/photonic fractions, a trade‐off is selected at which the quasi‐BIC exhibits both high intrinsic Q‐factor and strong near‐field enhancement because of dimer‐gap hotspot activation. Not only radiation loss is damped but in a configuration sustaining a lattice of plasmonic hotspots. This leads to an advantageous small modal volume for enhancing light‐matter interaction. The layout of nearly embedded dimers is designed to maximize the spatial overlap between the optical field and the target molecules, enhancing reactive sensing efficiency. The architecture is evaluated for its ability to detect transactive response DNA‐binding protein 43. The refractometric sensitivity outperforms current label‐free biosensing platforms, reaching the zeptomolar range. The approach highlights the potential of combining plasmonic and dielectric nanomaterials for advanced sensing technologies.
Magnetoactive Nanotopography on Hydrogels for Stimulated Cell Adhesion and Differentiation
Authors: Islam Md Shariful , Molley Thomas G. , Jalandhra Gagan K. , Fang Jason , Kruzic Jamie J. , Kilian Kristopher A.
Published: January 2025

Advanced cell culture platforms that vary the biophysical microenvironment are useful tools for mechanobiology studies and for directing the differentiation of adherent cells to therapeutically relevant phenotypes. Herein, the fabrication of magnetoactive nanofiber mats for integration with hydrogels as a platform for dynamic stimulation at the cell–biomaterial interface is demonstrated. Electrospinning is used to form iron oxide‐loaded gelatin‐based nanofibers that are stabilized and cross‐linked to the surface of gelatin methacryloyl hydrogels. The presence of a magnetic field stimulates focal adhesion formation and maturation in adherent adipose‐derived stromal cells, with concurrent changes in cell and nuclear morphology. Adding lineage guiding supplements has been shown to complement biophysical cues, providing optimal conditions for differentiation into osteogenic and adipogenic lineages. The presence of nanofibers at the interface is beneficial to both lineages, but stiffening through an applied magnetic field encourages further osteogenesis while inhibiting adipogenesis. The system is further demonstrated with skeletal myoblasts, where nanotopography and stiffening promote the formation of mature multinucleated muscle cells. This magnetoactive nanofiber platform could prove useful in a wide array of mechanically sensitive cell systems for fundamental studies and for cell production, with flexibility for use with virtually any hydrogel cell culture system.
Centering Empathy Through Embodied Experiential Learning in Teacher Education
Authors: Moreno Rhia
Published: January 2025

Developing empathy in teacher education is essential as it contributes to increased sensitivity and understanding between teachers and their students. This is especially important for preservice content‐area teachers (PCTs) who may have limited linguistic awareness yet will be potentially teaching emergent multilinguals in their mainstream classrooms. In response, this inquiry explored the role of a simulated language learning experience (SLLE) as an embodied approach to center empathy in PCT training. Framed by Dewey's theory of experience, it used a qualitative composite narrative approach to explore PCTs' felt experiences and empathetic development through embodiment. Findings showed that emotional intensity appeared to be the strongest factor in producing empathetic reactions followed by disengagement due to lack of understanding. In contrast to similar research, participants continued to experience intense emotional and physical responses to the lesson even when supported by TESOL strategies. The embodied experience provides a pedagogical example for building empathy while also presenting implications for increased reflection to avoid false empathy.
Newtonian heating effects on Casson nanofluid flow at lower stagnation point of a solid sphere
Authors: Rafique Khuram , Khan Ilyas , Bakouri Mohsen
Published: January 2025

In view of the energy crises, the heat transfer of sodium alginate Casson nanoliquid flow on a lower stagnation point of the sphere is examined in this research. Three types of nanoparticles including Silver (Ag), Titanium oxide (TiO2), and Graphite oxide (GO) Sodium alginate‐based nanoliquid are taken in account for this investigation. Furthermore, magnetic field and Newtonian heating effects are incorporated. The PDEs (flow equations) are converted into ordinary differential equations (ODEs) using nondimensional similarity transformations. Additionally, a well‐known technique known as the Keller box approach is used for numerical solutions. The numerical results are produced in tabulated and graphical form versus the various involved parameters. Furthermore, findings showed that nanoliquid based on graphite oxide has the maximum velocity in view of other nanoparticles (Sodium alginate‐based nanoliquid). Moreover, the variation in magnetic effects decreases the velocity of the nanoliquid flow.
Spectral relaxation method to investigate novel ternary hybrid Carreau nanofluid model with permeable stenosed artery
Authors: Akhtar Yasmeen , Ahmad Shabbir , Khalid Fareeha , Junjua Moin‐ud‐Din , Aryanfar Yashar , Hendy Ahmed S , El‐Rahman Magda Abd , Hussain Syed Modassir
Published: January 2025

The exploration of blood‐based ternary nanofluid flow (Au, TiO₂, Ag) through a permeable stenosed artery with a spatially dependent heat sink source is pivotal for advancing biomedical and engineering innovations such as hyperthermia treatments, drug delivery systems, external cooling simulations, thermal ablation, and targeted therapies. This study focuses on the thermal and flow dynamics of a novel ternary nanofluid comprising Au, TiO₂, and Ag nanoparticles, modeled as Carreau fluid within the geometry of a permeable stenosed artery. The effects of magnetization and spatial heat sink sources are analyzed to investigate velocity and temperature profiles. A temperature‐dependent thermal conductivity model is employed to better understand heat transport in stenosed arteries. The spectral relaxation method (SRM) is utilized to derive numerical solutions, validated against the well‐established bvp4c numerical scheme. Among the nanoparticles studied, Au demonstrates the highest enhancement in heat transport due to its superior thermal conductivity. Notably, for increasing thermal radiation parameter values (0.72, 1.2, 1.5, 1.7), heat transport improves by 9%, 7%, 9%, and 6%, respectively.
Inter-, Cross-, and Transdisciplinarity
Authors: Hayden-Nygren Juliana , Poto Margherita Paola , Kuhn Annegret
Published: January 2025

The research developed within this Toolkit stems from an inter-, trans-, and cross-disciplinary collaboration including marine sciences, climate and ocean governance, ocean policy, marine ecology, marine socio-ecology, planetary health, and transdisciplinary science. This chapter explores the definitions and applications of inter-, trans-, and cross-disciplinary approaches within the context of ocean literacy research and education. The primary objective of this exploration is to develop a learning activity for young people that integrates inter-, cross-, and transdisciplinarity into ocean literacy education. The overall aim of this Toolkit chapter is to advance ocean literacy’s role in ocean protection and sustainability efforts through inter-, cross-, and transdisciplinary approaches to research and education.
Introduction to the Book
Authors: Myklebust Thor , Stålhane Tor , Vatn Dorthea Mathilde Kristin
Published: January 2025

AI systems are becoming vital in many industries, including safety-critical domains, and are expected to become more complex. This book introduces the AI Act (REGULATION (EU) 2024/1689) and its impact on high risk systems, providing a foundation for safety plans. It targets experts, stakeholders, manufacturers, operators, start-ups, and SMEs.

The book focuses on functional safety including automotive, railway, and seaborne systems, covering key aspects for safety plan development, including technical, human, and organizational factors. In the introduction of the book topics covering the AI Act’s risk levels, stakeholder obligations, standards, agile methods, and the role of the Agile Safety Plan in creating safety cases are presented.
Definition of the System, Operational Design Domain, and Concept of Operation
Authors: Myklebust Thor , Stålhane Tor , Vatn Dorthea Mathilde Kristin
Published: January 2025

This chapter consists of three section outlining how a description of a safety-critical system should be provided. First, we elaborate on how the Definition of the System (DoS) should be provided, ensuring a detailed description of the system for which the safety case is being presented. Next, we elaborate on how the environment surrounding the safety-critical system should be accounted for through a detailed description of the Operational Design Domain (ODD). Lastly, we outline how the Concept of Operation (ConOps) bridges the description made of the DoS and the ODD by addressing the different types of users and modes of operation of the system. By taking all these three aspects into account, a comprehensive description of the safety-critical system in its operational use should be accounted for.
Diskussion
Authors: Lammers Klara
Published: January 2025

Die Struktur der Diskussionskapitel orientiert sich an der Hypothese, dass die hier rekonstruierten Peer-Beziehungen als eine spezifische Form von Unterstützungsbeziehungen verstanden werden können. Ausgehend von dieser Annahme werden zunächst auf einer allgemeineren Ebene Abgrenzungen und Überschneidungen zu professionalisierten und verberuflichten Unterstützungsbeziehungen herausgearbeitet. Daran anschließend werden drei Bereiche, die auf Basis der empirischen Erkenntnisse als besonders relevant erachtet werden, vertieft betrachtet.
Characterization of dual Steffensen–Popoviciu measures on compact intervals
Authors: Horváth László
Published: January 2025

The characterization of dual Steffensen–Popoviciu measures has so far been an open problem. As the main contribution of this paper, we give a complete characterization of dual Steffensen–Popoviciu measures on compact intervals.
Left neck and right biceps muscle vibrations have similar effects on perceived body orientation
Authors: Stammler Britta , Karnath Hans-Otto
Published: January 2025

Vibrating muscles to manipulate proprioceptive input creates the sensation of an apparent change in body position. This study investigates whether vibrating the right biceps muscle has similar effects as vibrating the left posterior neck muscles. Based on previous observations, we hypothesized that both types of muscle vibration would shift the perception of healthy subjects’ subjective straight-ahead (SSA) orientation in the horizontal plane to the left. Such a finding would be extremely interesting for future treatment of spatial neglect, a disorder following right-sided stroke brain lesions. Twenty healthy participants (11 females, 9 males, aged 20–52) were tested under five conditions: baseline (no vibration), vibration of left neck muscles, vibration of right biceps with the arm fixed to the wall, vibration of right biceps with the arm lying on a table, and vibration of right triceps with the arm fixed to the wall. Participants had to align a laser pointer (by verbal instructions) with their perceived SSA position in complete darkness. ANOVA revealed significant SSA shifts with neck and biceps vibrations but not with triceps vibration. The largest leftward SSA shift occurred with right biceps vibration while the arm was lying on the table (-6.1°), followed by left neck muscle vibration (-6.0°), and right biceps vibration with the arm fixed to the wall (-5.4°). Post-hoc power analyses showed high power (> 0.98) for the significant differences compared to the baseline condition. The finding that right biceps vibration affects SSA perception similarly to left neck muscle vibration offers potential for clinical applications in treating spatial neglect. Future research should explore the therapeutic efficacy of vibrating the right biceps in neurological patients with spatial neglect.
Role of the gut microbiome in psychological symptoms associated with inflammatory bowel diseases
Authors: Atanasova Konstantina , Knödler Laura-Louise , Reindl Wolfgang , Ebert Matthias Philip , Thomann Anne Kerstin
Published: January 2025

The brain-gut axis constitutes the basis for the bidirectional communication between the central nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract driven by neural, hormonal, metabolic, immunological, and microbial signals. Alterations in the gut microbiome composition as observed in inflammatory bowel diseases can modulate brain function and emerging empirical evidence has indicated that interactions among the brain-gut microbiome-axis seem to play a significant role in the pathogenesis of both inflammatory bowel diseases and psychiatric disorders and their comorbidity. Yet, the immunological and molecular mechanisms underlying the co-occurrence of inflammatory bowel diseases and psychological symptoms are still poorly understood. The aim of this narrative review is to highlight contemporary empirical findings supporting a pivotal role of the gut microbiome in the pathophysiology of highly prevalent neuropsychiatric symptoms in inflammatory bowel diseases such as fatigue, depression, and anxiety. Finally, we focus on microbiome modulation as potential treatment option for comorbid neuropsychiatric symptoms in immune-mediated diseases and especially in inflammatory bowel diseases. High-quality clinical trials are required to clarify how microbiome modulation through dietary interventions or probiotic, prebiotic or synbiotic treatment can be used clinically to improve mental health and thus quality of life of patients with inflammatory bowel diseases.
Determining the QRS axis: visual estimation is equal to calculation
Authors: Mueller-Leisse Johanna , Syrbius Giulia , Hillmann Henrike Aenne Katrin , Eiringhaus Joerg , Hohmann Stephan , Zormpas Christos , Karfoul Nizar , Duncker David , Veltmann Christian
Published: January 2025

Background

The QRS axis of the electrocardiogram (ECG) is often considered in clinical practice, but its determination is frequently limited to a rough estimation, such as “normal”, with left or right deviation, and superior or inferior in the case of premature ventricular complexes (PVCs). However, a more exact determination of the QRS axis may be warranted in certain scenarios, such as to determine the origin of PVCs more precisely, and is attainable by visual estimation using the hexaxial reference system.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine how well such an estimation of the QRS axis would correlate with the axis calculated by formulas.

Materials and methods

A PVC database from 2012–2020 was used to extract 12-lead ECGs of patients with outflow tract PVCs and analyze the QRS axes of regularly conducted beats as well as PVCs. QRS axes were determined visually by two physicians with the help of the hexaxial reference system to an accuracy of 10° on the one hand, and were calculated using three previously described formulas based on QRS voltages on the other.

Results

A total of 216 QRS complexes from 108 patients were analyzed (108 regularly conducted beats and 108 PVCs). Estimated QRS axes of regularly conducted beats and PVCs were 39 ± 40° and 88 ± 15°, respectively. Calculated QRS axes of regularly conducted beats according to the three formulas were 37 ± 40°, 36 ± 40° and 35 ± 38°, respectively. Calculated QRS axes of PVCs according to the three formulas were 87 ± 15°, 87 ± 14° and 86 ± 16°, respectively. Correlation coefficients showed strong correlations between the estimated and the three calculated values for regularly conducted beats (0.98, 0.97 and 0.98) and PVCs (0.94, 0.94 and 0.94).

Conclusions

A sophisticated visual estimation of the QRS axis correlates well with voltage-based calculations and can therefore be considered sufficient for most purposes.
Using artificial intelligence to evaluate adherence to best practices in one anastomosis gastric bypass: first steps in a real-world setting
Authors: Dayan Danit , Nizri Eran , Keidar Andrei
Published: January 2025

Background

Safety in one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) is judged by outcomes, but it seems reasonable to utilize best practices for safety, whose performance can be evaluated and therefore improved. We aimed to test an artificial intelligence-based model in real world for the evaluation of adherence to best practices in OAGB.Please check and confirm that the authors and their respective affiliations have been correctly identified and amend if necessary.OK

Methods

A retrospective single-center study of 89 consecutive OAGB videos was captured and analyzed by an artificial intelligence platform (10/2020-12/2023). The platform currently provides assessment of four elements, including bougie insertion, full division of pouch, view of Treitz ligament, and leak test performed. Two bariatric surgeons viewed all videos, categorizing these elements into Yes/No adherence. Intra-rater and inter-rater agreements were computed. The estimates found in greatest consensus were used to determine the model’s performance. Clinical data retrieval was performed.

Results

Videos included primary (71.9%) and conversion (28.1%) OAGB. Patients’ age was 41.5 ± 13.6y and body mass index 42.0 ± 5.7 kg/m2. Anastomosis width was 40 mm (IQR, 30–45), and biliopancreatic limb length was 200 cm (IQR, 180–200). Operative duration was 69.1 min (IQR 55.3–97.4), mainly spent on gastric transection (26%) and anastomosis (45%). Surgeons’ intra-rater overall agreements ranged 93–100% (kappa 0.57–1). Inter-rater overall agreements increased to 99–100% (kappa 0.95–1) in the second review, set as reference point to the model. The model’s overall accuracy ranged 82–98%, sensitivity 91–94%, and positive predictive value 88–99%. Specificity ranged 17–92% and negative predictive value 20–68%.

Conclusion

The model appears to have high accuracy, sensitivity, and positive predictive value for evaluating adherence to best practices for safety in OAGB. Considering the paucity of negative estimates in our study, more low-performance cases are needed to reliably define the model’s specificity and negative predictive value. Adding more best practices, tested in multi-center studies will enable cross-border standardization of the procedure.
Relationship between intraoperative blood pressure variability and postoperative acute kidney injury in pediatric cardiac surgery
Authors: Xiao Rong , Luo Ming , Yu Hong , Zhang Yan , Long Feng , Li Weina , Zhou Ronghua
Published: January 2025

Background

Cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury (CSA-AKI) is a notably common complication in pediatrics, with an incidence rate ranging from 15 to 64%. This rate is significantly higher than that observed in adults. Currently, there is a lack of substantial evidence regarding the association between intraoperative blood pressure variability (BPV) during cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and the development of AKI in pediatric patients.

Methods

This retrospective observational study encompassed children aged 0–7 years undergoing cardiac surgery with CPB. Intraoperative BPV was calculated using coefficients of variation (CVs) and the area under the curve (AUC). Univariate and multivariate analyses were employed to identify risk factors associated with CSA-AKI.

Results

Among 570 patients (median age 1 year) reviewed, 36.1% developed CSA-AKI (68.9% risk stage, 22.8% injury stage, and 8.3% failure stage). After adjusting for other variables, male gender (OR = 2.044, 95% CI 1.297–3.222, P = 0.002), congenital heart surgery risk assessment grade (RACHS-1) classification ≥ 3 (OR = 0.510, 95% CI 0.307–0.846, P = 0.009), longer CPB time (OR = 1.022, 95% CI 1.007–1.037, P = 0.004) and higher peak value of intraoperative vasoactive inotropic score (VIS) (OR = 1.072, 95% CI 1.026–1.119, P = 0.002) were identified as independent risk factors for CSA-AKI. ± 30% AUCm was different in univariate analysis (P = 0.014), however, not statistically different in multifactor analysis (P = 0.610).

Conclusion

Greater BPV, specifically MAP variations exceeding 30% AUC during CPB, may be a potential risk factor for CSA-AKI in pediatric patients. Further large sample clinical studies are warranted to analyze the correlation between BPV and CSA-AKI.

Graphical abstract
Differentially private explanations for aggregate query answers
Authors: Tao Yuchao , Gilad Amir , Machanavajjhala Ashwin , Roy Sudeepa
Published: January 2025

Differential privacy (DP) is the state-of-the-art and rigorous notion of privacy for answering aggregate database queries while preserving the privacy of sensitive information in the data. In today’s era of data analysis, however, it poses new challenges for users to understand the trends and anomalies observed in the query results: Is the unexpected answer due to the data itself, or is it due to the extra noise that must be added to preserve DP? In the second case, even the observation made by the users on query results may be wrong. In the first case, can we still mine interesting explanations from the sensitive data while protecting its privacy? To address these challenges, we present a three-phase framework DPXPlain, which is the first system to the best of our knowledge for explaining group-by aggregate query answers with DP. In its three phases, DPXPlain (a) answers a group-by aggregate query with DP, (b) allows users to compare aggregate values of two groups and with high probability assesses whether this comparison holds or is flipped by the DP noise, and (c) eventually provides an explanation table containing the approximately ‘top-k’ explanation predicates along with their relative influences and ranks in the form of confidence intervals, while guaranteeing DP in all steps. We perform an extensive experimental analysis of DPXPlain with multiple use-cases on real and synthetic data showing that DPXPlain efficiently provides insightful explanations with good accuracy and utility.
Accuracy of full arch scans performed with nine different scanning patterns– an in vitro study
Authors: Schlögl Kerstin , Güth Jan-Frederik , Graf Tobias , Keul Christine
Published: January 2025

Objective

Evaluation of the accuracy of direct digitization of maxillary scans depending on the scanning strategy.

Materials and methods

A maxillary model with a metal bar as a reference structure fixed between the second molars was digitized using the CEREC Primescan AC scanner (N = 225 scans). Nine scanning strategies were selected (n = 25 scans per strategy), differing in scan area segmentation (F = full jaw, H = half jaw, S = sextant) and scan movement pattern (L = linear, Z = zig-zag, C = combined). Trueness was assessed by evaluating linear differences in the X, Y, and Z axes and angular deviations (α axial, α coronal, α total) compared to a reference dataset. Statistical differences were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests (p<0.017). Precision was analyzed by the standard deviation of linear and angular aberrations (ISO 5725-1) (p < 0.05).

Results

Strategy FL showed significantly higher trueness and precision than FZ for VE (p = 0.009), VE(y) (p = 0.010), αoverall (p = 0.004), and αaxial (p = 0.002). Strategy FC demonstrated significantly better trueness than FZ for VE (p = 0.007), αoverall (p = 0.010), and αcoronal (p = 0.013). For scan segmentation, FL showed better trueness for VE(y) (p = 0.001) and αaxial (p < 0.001) than HL. Strategy HL showed better trueness for VE(z) than for FL and SL (p = 0.001, p = 0.002). The scanning patterns FL, FC, and HL exhibited the best performance for trueness and precision.

Conclusions

Scanning motion and segmentation have a significant impact on the trueness and precision of full-arch scans.

Clinical relevance

The scanning strategy is decisive in enhancing the clinical workflow and the accuracy of full-arch scans.
Changing food waste regimes in Africa’s transition to export-oriented production: the case of Tanzanian avocado
Authors: Cromwell Jonas , Whitfield Stephen , Quinn Claire Helen , Blake Megan Kathleen
Published: January 2025

African nations are increasingly focusing on exporting high-value crops. However, a major challenge exists: high rates of food waste within supply chains. The problem is often seen as a technological issue—a lack of proper infrastructure and coordination creates inefficiencies. This research takes a different perspective, focusing on social relations within the supply chain. It uses the concept of “food waste regimes” to understand the underlying structures, relationships, and systems that cause food waste, with a focus on Tanzania’s avocado trade. The goals of the research are to: (1) Identify the factors contributing to food waste within Tanzania’s avocado supply chains, particularly in the context of export-oriented production; (2) Explore how these factors change as production shifts towards exports; (3) Analyse the fairness (equity) of how waste burdens are distributed among those involved. We adopted a “follow the thing” approach, combining interviews and observations across both domestic and export avocado supply chains in Tanzania. The research reveals that interactions between various aspects of the supply chain—practices, physical properties of the product (avocado perishability), and established institutions—influence where food waste occurs and who shoulders the burden of that waste. The research exposes how unequal power dynamics between participants lead to some actors bearing a disproportionate amount of the risk and cost of food waste. By taking a social relations approach, this research highlights that tackling food waste and social inequality are intertwined issues. The paper suggests potential areas for future research and intervention to address these interconnected challenges.
Intertwining and Propagation of Mixtures for Generalized KMP Models and Harmonic Models
Authors: Giardinà Cristian , Redig Frank , van Tol Berend
Published: January 2025

We study a class of stochastic models of mass transport on discrete vertex set V. For these models, a one-parameter family of homogeneous product measures

$$\otimes _{i\in V} \nu _\theta $$

⊗

i
∈
V

ν
θ

is reversible. We prove that the set of mixtures of inhomogeneous product measures with equilibrium marginals, i.e., the set of measures of the form

$$ \int \Big (\bigotimes _{i\in V} \nu _{\theta _i}\Big ) \,\Xi \Big (\prod _{i\in V}d\theta _i\Big ) $$

∫

(

⨂

i
∈
V

ν

θ
i

)

Ξ

(

∏

i
∈
V

d

θ
i

)

is left invariant by the dynamics in the course of time, and the “mixing measure”

$$\Xi $$

Ξ

evolves according to a Markov process which we then call “the hidden parameter model”. This generalizes results from De Masi et al. (Preprint arXiv:2310.01672, 2023) to a larger class of models and on more general graphs. The class of models includes discrete and continuous generalized KMP models, as well as discrete and continuous harmonic models. The results imply that in all these models, the non-equilibrium steady state of their reservoir driven version is a mixture of product measures where the mixing measure is in turn the stationary state of the corresponding “hidden parameter model”. For the boundary-driven harmonic models on the chain

$$\{1,\ldots , N\}$$

{
1
,
…
,
N
}

with nearest neighbor edges, we recover that the stationary measure of the hidden parameter model is the joint distribution of the ordered Dirichlet distribution (cf. Carinci et al., Preprint arXiv:2307.14975, 2023), with a purely probabilistic proof based on a spatial Markov property of the hidden parameter model.
Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of the Effectiveness of Whole-school Interventions Promoting Mental Health and Preventing Risk Behaviours in Adolescence
Authors: Lekamge Roshini Balasooriya , Jain Ria , Sheen Jenny , Solanki Pravik , Zhou Yida , Romero Lorena , Barry Margaret M. , Chen Leo , Karim Md Nazmul , Ilic Dragan
Published: January 2025

Adolescence is a vulnerable period for the onset of mental disorders and risk behaviours. Based on the Health-Promoting Schools Framework, whole-school interventions offer a promising strategy in this developmentally-sensitive cohort, through championing a systems-based approach to promotion and prevention that involves the key stakeholders in an adolescent’s life. The evidence-base surrounding the effectiveness of whole-school interventions, however, remains inconclusive, partly due to the insufficient number of studies in previous meta-analyses. An updated systematic review and meta-analysis was thus conducted on the effectiveness of whole-school interventions promoting mental health and preventing risk behaviours in adolescence. From 12,897 search results, 28 studies reported in 58 publications were included. Study characteristics and implementation assessments were synthesized across studies, and quality appraisals and meta-analyses performed. Analyses identified a significant reduction in the odds of cyber-bullying by 25%, regular smoking by 31% and cyber-aggression by 37% in intervention participants compared to the control. Whole-school interventions thus offer substantial population health benefits through the reduction of these highly-prevalent issues affecting adolescents. The non-significant findings pertaining to the remaining eleven outcomes, including alcohol use, recreational drug use, anxiety, depression and positive mental health, are likely attributable to suboptimal translation of the Health-Promoting Schools Framework into practice and inadequate sensitivity to adolescents’ local developmental needs. Given the ongoing challenges faced in the implementation and evaluation of these complex interventions, this study recommends that future evaluations assess the implementation of health-promoting activities in both intervention and control conditions and actively use this implementation data in the interpretation of evaluation findings.

Preregistration: A pre-registered PROSPERO protocol (ID: CRD42023491619) informed this study.
Production of Highly Metalized Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) in Fluidized Bed by CO and H2: Determination of the Kinetic Triplet
Authors: Dilmaç Nesibe , Alsalihi Elaf A. T.
Published: January 2025

In this study, calcined iron ore samples from Menteş, Türkiye were isothermally reduced in a laboratory-scale fluidized bed reactor using several blends of CO, H2, and N2 gases. The experiments were carried out at 3 temperatures (800 °C, 850 °C, and 900 °C), with 4 reductant concentrations (1:1:2, 0:1:3, 1:1:6, and 1:0:3 molar ratios for “CO:H2:N2,” respectively). Almost full metallization was achieved with the first gas composition at 800 °C and 850 °C. However, 900 °C tests exhibited the lowest reduction degrees for almost all reductant compositions due to the sintering of the particle surfaces. The results showed that the conversion of the ore was more sensitive to reductant concentration (especially to the H2 ratio in the mixture) than the temperature. The kinetic analysis revealed that the gaseous reduction of calcined Menteş iron ore in the fluidized bed can be represented by the “Two-Dimensional Diffusion, D2(α)” model and the process requires 19.73 kJ/mol activation energy (Ea). Thanks to the low Ea requirement and relatively high Fe2O3 content, calcined Menteş iron ore was evaluated as a proper raw material for DR applications.
Sleep and inflammation: a bidirectional relationship
Authors: Engert Larissa C. , Besedovsky Luciana
Published: January 2025

Sleep and inflammation are bidirectionally linked, and this relationship is assumed to be important for the health and wellbeing of patients and the general population. Inflammatory activation affects sleep through pro-inflammatory mediators, such as cytokines and prostaglandins, which act on the central nervous system. These molecules can enhance but also disturb sleep, depending mainly on the magnitude of the inflammatory processes. Sleep, in turn, has far-reaching but complex effects on inflammation. Sleep deficiency has been shown to increase inflammatory molecules and activate pro-inflammatory signaling cascades, which may lead to immunopathology when chronically activated. In addition, sleep was shown to affect counter-inflammatory mechanisms, including anti-inflammatory glucocorticoid and pro-resolving resolution pathways. Here, we summarize established concepts and the most recent research in the field of sleep and inflammation. We further highlight the relevance of sleep–immune interactions in the clinical context, with examples related to insomnia, long COVID, and critical care. Finally, practical guidance is given for sleep and immune health in healthcare settings, and a research agenda is provided.
Investment strategies of bank-affiliated and independent venture capitalists: a focus on innovation in the fintech sector in the wake of the global financial crisis
Authors: Croce Annalisa , Ughetto Elisa , Fronzetti Colladon Andrea
Published: January 2025

We investigate how bank-affiliated VCs (BVCs) change their investment strategy in fintech startups relative to independent VCs (IVCs) after the global financial crisis (GFC). To this end, we use the concept of mimetic isomorphism as a theoretical lens. We measure the innovation level of invested ventures by resorting to patent and patent quality data and several proxies deriving from text mining and semantic network analysis. We look at the selection dynamics of VCs based on the innovation level of their target ventures. We analyze data on VC investments in 6711 fintech ventures worldwide from 1995 to 2019. Our findings show that BVCs have changed, compared to IVCs, their patterns of investments after the exogenous shock provided by the GFC. While BVCs selected less innovative ventures compared to IVCs before the crisis, they aligned with IVCs by choosing more innovative ventures after the crisis.
Gut microbes associated with functional cure of chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Honda Takashi , Ishigami Masatoshi , Ishizu Yoji , Imai Norihiro , Ito Takanori , Yamamoto Kenta , Yokoyama Shinya , Muto Hisanori , Inukai Yosuke , Kato Asuka , Murayama Asako , Yoshio Sachiyo , Ishikawa Tetsuya , Fujishiro Mitsuhiro , Kawashima Hiroki , Kato Takanobu
Published: January 2025

Background and aims

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is prevalent worldwide and is difficult to eradicate. Current treatment strategies for chronic hepatitis B ultimately seek to achieve functional cure (FC); however, the factors contributing to FC remain unclear. We aimed to investigate the gut microbiota profiles of patients with chronic hepatitis B who achieved FC.

Methods

Among 105 HBeAg-negative patients with chronic hepatitis B, 70 were enrolled, after excluding patients with cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma and those receiving nucleoside analogs. The gut microbiota of patients who achieved FC was assessed and compared with that of patients with high-titer of HBV DNA (HBV DNA ≥ 3.3 log IU/mL) or low-titer of HBV DNA (HBV DNA < 3.3 log IU/mL). Furthermore, we used cell culture-generated HBV (HBVcc) as a model for HBV infection to evaluate the effects of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) produced by the identified bacteria.

Results

There was no difference in the alpha or beta diversity of the gut microbiota between the FC group and the other groups. However, compared with the other groups, the FC group presented a greater relative abundance of bacteria that produce SCFAs, especially butyrate. In vitro studies demonstrated that 1.0 mM butyrate reduces HBsAg production in HBVcc-infected cells. Furthermore, butyrate administration was most effective at the post-HBV infection stage.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that butyrate-producing bacteria contribute to FC in HBeAg-negative patients with chronic hepatitis B through butyrate-mediated inhibition of HBV production.

Graphical abstract
Levels of democraticness and degrees of stateness: viability, trust and legitimacy in ‘liberal’ democracies
Authors: Keman Hans
Published: January 2025

In the literature on democracy the role of the state tends to be underspecified. Studies of liberal democracy focus generally on free and fair elections, pluralist party representation, political and civil rights and the Rule of Law. The level of ‘democraticness’ is judged by its institutional coherence and completeness. However, it falls short to evaluate liberal democracy as a system of governance serving society through its degree of ‘stateness’: the institutionalized interactions between public authority and its citizens. In this paper the nexus between levels of ‘democraticness’ and degrees of ‘stateness’ is explored across 36 democracies asking how this combination affects citizens’ trust in politics and the performance of the democratic state in view of its ‘output’ legitimacy. It appears that the degree of ‘stateness’ is vital to understand the different levels of ‘democraticness’ over time. The role of the state in democratically organized societies ought to be elaborated and further analysed.
Sport destination development—insights from alpine hikers
Authors: Hofmann Verena , Happ Elisabeth , Scholl-Grissemann Ursula
Published: January 2025

Nature-based-sports activities and hiking as a current trend have already been the focus of the management of sport destination development. However, there is a lack of research on what makes sport destinations attractive for hikers and how these aspects form destination attachment. This study thus contributes to previous research by examining hikers’ perceptions of factors relating to destination attractiveness and attachment of hiking destinations and by considering hikers’ destination-based emotions as an underlying mechanism. Two qualitative studies following an exploratory perspective show that scenery, amenities and sustainability are most relevant for a hiking destination’s attractiveness and attachment. The quantitative study confirms these factors being important for destination attractiveness and development and further shows that attractiveness drives hikers’ destination-based emotions and resultant destination attachment. Overall, this study contributes to the literature by considering sustainability scenery as relevant for attractive destination development. Resultant outcomes encourage hiking destinations to develop specific products for hikers and consider their needs in terms of nature-based and sustainable hiking products.
CVIT 2025 clinical expert consensus document on intravascular ultrasound
Authors: Saito Yuichi , Kobayashi Yoshio , Fujii Kenichi , Sonoda Shinjo , Tsujita Kenichi , Hibi Kiyoshi , Morino Yoshihiro , Okura Hiroyuki , Ikari Yuji , Kozuma Ken , Honye Junko
Published: January 2025

Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) provides precise anatomic information in coronary arteries including quantitative measurements and morphological assessment. To standardize the IVUS analysis in the current era, this updated expert consensus document summarizes the methods of measurements and assessment of IVUS images and the clinical evidence of IVUS use in percutaneous coronary intervention.
Distribution, Recognition, and Just Medical AI
Authors: Daus Zachary
Published: January 2025

Medical artificial intelligence (AI) systems are value-laden technologies that can simultaneously encourage and discourage conflicting values that may all be relevant for the pursuit of justice. I argue that the predominant theory of healthcare justice, the Rawls-inspired approach of Norman Daniels, neither adequately acknowledges such conflicts nor explains if and how they can resolved. By juxtaposing Daniels’s theory of healthcare justice with Axel Honneth’s and Nancy Fraser’s respective theories of justice, I draw attention to one such conflict. Medical AI may improve the distribution of opportunity qua health while simultaneously mis-recognizing patients and thereby reducing their self-respect. I argue that justly resolving this conflict will at times require greater inclusion of those mis-recognized in deliberation about medical AI, and consider what such inclusion may entail.
Transforming contaminated biosolids into biochar for a sustainable cement replacement material
Authors: Kumar Ravinder , Whelan Anna , Cannon Patrick , Reeves Louise , Antunes Elsa
Published: January 2025

Contaminated biosolids especially with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in biosolids pose significant environmental risks, restricting their potential applications and necessitating sustainable solutions to address these challenges. In this context, pyrolysis emerges as a promising technology capable of degrading contaminants while transforming biosolids into useful products like biochar. This study demonstrates the application of pyrolysis at different temperatures of 450–750 °C to investigate its effect on contaminant removal and the properties of the resulting biochars. Subsequently, the biochars were utilized to prepare cement mortars by replacing 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 6% of cement weight with biochar, and their compressive strengths were determined after 7 days of curing. The findings revealed that biosolids contained significant levels of PFAS, including perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), 324 ng/g, perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS), 9.15 ng/g, and heavy metals. Pyrolysis at 450 °C effectively degraded most contaminants, including PFAS. The biochar produced at 450 °C exhibited the highest concentrations of inorganic nutrients such as potassium (K), calcium (Ca), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P), though their levels decreased with increasing pyrolysis temperature. On the other hand, compressive strength tests for cement mortars with varying proportions of biochar replacement demonstrated that a 0.5% replacement was beneficial for all biochars (except 650 °C—biochar that achieved the maximum compressive strength with 2%). This resulted in a 30–45% increase in compressive strength compared to plain cement mortar. However, increasing the biochar content to 6% significantly reduced compressive strength. Overall, this study highlights the potential of biochar as a sustainable solution for enhancing cement mortar strength while mitigating biosolid contamination.

Graphical abstract
Contractible complexes and non-positive immersions
Authors: Fisher William
Published: January 2025

We provide examples of contractible complexes which fail to have non-positive immersions and weak non-positive immersions, answering a conjecture of Wise in the negative.
How turbulence sets boundaries for tokamak operation
Authors: Manz Peter , Eich Thomas , Grover Ondrej
Published: January 2025

Various boundaries, such as the transition to high confinement, density limits, and power exhaust requirements, impose limits on the safe and efficient operation of a tokamak. Turbulent transport at the separatrix plays a decisive role in these limitations. To consider the boundaries from a holistic perspective, all operation limits have to be derived using the same turbulence model. This results in an operation phase space in relation to the separatrix electron density and temperature. Here, we discuss the underlying physics, the historical development, and future improvements of this operational space.