bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Topic classification of case law using a large language model and a new taxonomy for UK law: AI insights into summary judgment
Authors: Sargeant Holli , Izzidien Ahmed , Steffek Felix
Published: February 2025

This paper addresses a critical gap in legal analytics by developing and applying a novel taxonomy for topic classification of summary judgment cases in the United Kingdom. Using a curated dataset of summary judgment cases, we use the Large Language Model Claude 3 Opus to explore functional topics and trends. We find that Claude 3 Opus correctly classified the topic with an accuracy of 87.13% and an F1 score of 0.87. The analysis reveals distinct patterns in the application of summary judgments across various legal domains. As case law in the United Kingdom is not originally labelled with keywords or a topic filtering option, the findings not only refine our understanding of the thematic underpinnings of summary judgments but also illustrate the potential of combining traditional and AI-driven approaches in legal classification. Therefore, this paper provides a new and general taxonomy for UK law. The implications of this work serve as a foundation for further research and policy discussions in the field of judicial administration and computational legal research methodologies.
A simplified loss-based procedure for seismic risk mitigation at a territorial scale
Authors: Gusella Federico , Bartoli Gianni , Pintucchi Barbara
Published: February 2025

The socio-economic and political impact of recent earthquakes proved the urgent need to develop a comprehensive methodology for creating earthquake scenarios and conducting risk analysis focusing on European buildings. Referring to the structural typologies identified by the European Macroseismic Scale (EMS-98), an easy procedure to identify the expected annual loss and the target of retrofitting interventions for reducing the seismic risk is developed, with the goal of promoting an analysis at territorial level. The procedure, based on the Loss-Based Earthquake Engineering, can serve as a tool for policymakers in planning future mitigation policies and assessing the effectiveness of implemented measures. Initially, a framework to identify the fragility curves for all building typologies, as classified in EMS-98, is proposed. In the second step, the expected annual loss is estimated through a simplified formulation. Finally, a closed-form equation is developed to identify recommended retrofitting interventions to achieve a target risk class. To promote the use of the procedure and prove its accuracy, it has been applied to several typological structures, and results have been compared with those derived by literature approaches. The proposed method is confirmed to be easily applicable and more accurate in economically quantifying the seismic loss, considering the period of vibration of the structure and the soil category. The use of the procedure is recommended to practitioners for a preliminary evaluation of the costs and benefits of structural interventions in large-scale planning.
Divine Religions Algorithm: a novel social-inspired metaheuristic algorithm for engineering and continuous optimization problems
Authors: Mozhdehi Ali Toufanzadeh , Khodadadi Nima , Aboutalebi Mohaddeseh , El-kenawy El-Sayed M. , Hussien Abdelazim G. , Zhao Weiguo , Nadimi-Shahraki Mohammad H. , Mirjalili Seyedali
Published: February 2025

Classical optimization methods struggle with complex, NP-hard real-world problems. To overcome these challenges, researchers have explored approximate methods inspired by natural behavioral patterns. One prominent branch of these metaheuristic methods draws from human behaviors observed in politics, sports, and social interactions. This study introduces a novel optimization technique, the Divine Religions Algorithm (DRA), which employs an evolutionary socio-economic approach inspired by religious societies. The algorithm models interactions among followers, missionaries, and leaders, organizing followers into religious and political schools. Agents such as promotion, miracles, substitution, and reward-penalty mechanisms, along with an elitism-based search, enhance follower beliefs. The DRA’s performance is benchmarked against seven popular metaheuristic techniques: Sine-Cosine Algorithm, Tunicate Swarm Algorithm, Moth-flame Optimization, Gray Wolf Optimization, Whale Optimization Algorithm, Fire Hawk Optimization, and Smell Agent Optimization. We evaluate the DRA using twenty-three standard benchmarks, considering key indicators such as accuracy, convergence, efficiency, and cost. Additionally, five real-world optimization problems are employed to demonstrate the DRA’s superiority in handling constrained engineering problems.The results indicate that the DRA significantly outperforms other methods, delivering superior outcomes across multiple aspects, proving its efficacy in solving complex optimization problems. The source codes of the DRA algorithm are publicly available at https://nimakhodadadi.com/algorithms-%2B-codes.
Intrusion detection in smart grids using artificial intelligence-based ensemble modelling
Authors: Alsirhani Amjad , Tariq Noshina , Humayun Mamoona , Naif Alwakid Ghadah , Sanaullah Hassan
Published: February 2025

For efficient distribution of electric power, the demand for Smart Grids (SGs) has dramatically increased in recent times. However, in SGs, a safe environment against cyber threats is also a concern. This paper proposes a novel Fog-based Artificial Intelligence (AI) framework for SG Networks. It uses Machine Learning (ML) and Deep Learning (DL)-based ensemble models to enhance the accuracy of detecting intrusions in SG networks. This work has two main goals, which include addressing class imbalance in network intrusion detection datasets and building interpretable models for targeted security interventions. It is achieved by using ensemble modeling, such as Logistic Regression (LR), Random Forest (RF), K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN) for ML-based ensemble, while the DL ensembles consist of aggregated neural network models trained using TensorFlow. The paper assess their effectiveness in identifying malicious activities in the SG network traffic. The present study utilizes a large dataset that was custom-designed for SG intrusion detection. Most of the previous studies explored different ML techniques using a single dataset; however, the performance improvement by ensemble modeling has not been explored intensively. Therefore, this paper bridges this research gap by suggesting a novel ML-based ensemble model for intrusion detection using two datasets: CIC-IDS-Collection and a specifically designed Power System Intrusion dataset. This study has made benchmark results demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed ensemble models for intrusion detection in SGs. Results demonstrated better accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 Scores for the proposed ensemble models over the two datasets. The accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 Scores for the proposed Ensemble model 1 for the CIC-IDS Collection dataset are 98.57%, 98.75%, 99.00%, and 98.25% and for the Power System dataset they are 98.75%, 99.05%, 99.20%, and 99.10%, respectively. Similarly, for the proposed Ensemble model 2 for the CIC-IDS Collection dataset, we have 98.84%, 99.00%, 99.00%, and 99.00% accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 Score values. For the Power System dataset, these values are 99.05%, 99.30%, 99.25%, and 99.27% for the mentioned parameters.
The Evaluation of Potential Usage of Ti4N3Tx MXene as Interface Layer Catalyst of Bipolar Membrane
Authors: Çelik Aytekin , Aksoy Yunus , Hanay Özge , Halisdemir Umay , Hasar Halil
Published: February 2025

Modifications to the membrane and interface layer are crucial for enhancing bipolar membrane (BPM) performance. This study investigates the potential use of Ti₄N₃Tx in the BPM interface layer. Ti₄N₃Tₓ was synthesized from the Ti₄AlN₃ MAX phase via salt melting, and its successful synthesis was confirmed through X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, atomic force microscopy, and water contact angle analyses. Incorporating Ti4N3Tx significantly increased BPM hydrophilicity. The water uptake capacity of BPM-1/PS (without Ti₄N₃Tₓ) and BPM-3/PS (containing 0.4 wt% Ti₄N₃Tₓ in polymer suspensions) was 10% and 17%, respectively. The Young’s modulus of BPM-1/PS was 634 MPa, whereas BPM-2/PS (with 0.2 wt% Ti₄N₃Tₓ in polymer suspension) exhibited 963 MPa, enhancing BPM stability. However, increasing the MXene content raised electrical resistance from 0.26 Ω·cm2 (BPM-1/PS) to 2.00 Ω·cm2. Compared to conventional BPM interface materials, such as metal oxides and carbon-based nanomaterials, Ti₄N₃Tₓ MXene offers a unique combination of tunable hydrophilicity, mechanical reinforcement, and surface charge modulation, providing an alternative strategy for optimizing BPM performance. These findings suggest that MXene-modified BPMs are promising for electrochemical water splitting, electrodialysis, and redox flow batteries, as well as wastewater treatment and energy storage applications.
Spiritual Care at the Crossroads: An Ecumenical White Paper on the Future of Christian Healthcare Chaplaincy
Authors: Peng-Keller Simon , Balboni Michael , Balboni Tracy , Haussmann Annette , Haythorn Trace , Mösli Pascal , Neuhold David , Nuzum Daniel R. , Smeets Wim , Swift Chris , Swinton John , Roser Traugott , Vandenhoeck Anne , Winiger Fabian
Published: February 2025

This ecumenical White Paper aims to clarify the profile of Christian healthcare chaplaincy in a context of rapidly changing healthcare systems. The increasing complexity and specialization of healthcare, the shift towards outpatient care, mounting economic pressures, the demographic and epidemiological transitions towards chronic and elderly care, and global health crises are profoundly transforming and challenging Christian healthcare chaplaincy. At the same time, the societal context of healthcare chaplaincy is also changing rapidly. While church resources and influence are declining, spiritual and religious diversification is on the rise. This paper engages with this rapid change as a moment of opportunity. It addresses the role of Christian healthcare chaplains in a time of change and clarifies their theological basis, their professional competencies, and the future of their education and training.
A custom-built liquid scintillation counter for the simultaneous application of CIEMAT/NIST and TDCR methods
Authors: Kossert Karsten , Bauer Hendrik , Takács Marcell Péter , Nähle Ole
Published: February 2025

PTB has developed a new liquid scintillation counter for activity determination. The new system was designed to address the shortcomings of commercial devices when it comes to metrological scrutiny. It is equipped with three photomultiplier tubes and an automated sample changer. An external 133Ba gamma-ray source is used to determine two types of quench indicating parameters for the CIEMAT/NIST efficiency tracing (CNET) method. Simultaneously, the counting data are also available for TDCR analysis. In this paper, findings from several test measurements are presented to demonstrate the performance of the new counter for TDCR and CNET applications. The results show that the new counter is significantly superior to its commercial counterparts, particularly when determining quench indicators.
Exploring Construction and Demolition Waste as a Sustainable Adsorbent for Efficient Removal of AB113 Dye from Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Arhoun Brahim , Cerrillo-Gonzalez Maria del Mar , Villen-Guzman Maria , Paz-Garcia Juan Manuel , Rodriguez-Maroto Jose Miguel
Published: February 2025

An innovative approach to the treatment of textile wastewater by utilizing fine fractions of construction and demolition waste (CDW) as a cost-effective adsorbent is presented in this work. Through batch experiments, the impact of key parameters on the adsorption process was explored, identifying optimal conditions: natural pH, adsorbent dosage (S/L) of 20 g L−1, and temperature of 20 °C. The characterization of CDW was performed using ICP, BET, FTIR, SEM–EDX, XPS, and XRD. The kinetics of adsorption were effectively described by the Elovich model, while equilibrium adsorption data showed good agreement with the Freundlich model. The maximum monolayer adsorption capacity for acid blue AB113 dye on CDW obtained from Langmuir isotherm was 89.52 mg g–1. Thermodynamic analysis indicated an exothermic and feasible nature of the adsorption process. The results of this study highlight the potential use of fine CDW as a promising adsorbent to remove acid blue113 dye from textile wastewater.

Graphical Abstract
Assessment of mastoid emissary foramen morphology: a multidetector computed tomography study
Authors: Ertürk Ahmet Faruk , Ünsal Gürkan , Göksel Sevde , Çelebi Elif , Tunç Hamit , Marrapodi Maria Maddalena , Cicciù Marco , Minervini Giuseppe
Published: February 2025

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the occurrence and morphological features of the mastoid emissary foramen (MEF) using multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) images. The analysis highlights the clinical significance of these structures and their implications for surgical procedures.

Methods

A total of 357 patients were evaluated using MDCT in bone window mode with a high-resolution technique (1 mm). The presence, number, and mean diameter of the MEFs were recorded. Statistical analyses compared data between both sides and sexes.

Results

714 sides from 357 patients (177 male, 180 female) were analyzed. The patients’ ages ranged from 7 to 83 years, with a mean age of 25.6. MEFs were found in 329 patients, representing 92.15% of the total. The diameters of the MEFs ranged from 0.6 mm to 5.0 mm on the right side (mean 1.80 mm) and from 0.6 mm to 4.4 mm on the left side (mean 1.96 mm). Up to 3 MEFs were identified on the right side, and a maximum of 6 on the left. No significant differences in MEF presence were observed between sexes or between the left and right sides (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

This study reveals a high prevalence and notable anatomical variations in the MEF, with MEFs larger than previously reported. At least one MEF was detected in 92.15% of cases, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive preoperative evaluation.
Analysis of cyanide exposure status in fire-related deaths using a physiologically based pharmacokinetic model
Authors: Harada Kazuo , Tokugawa Yuri , Henmi Kazunari , Miyashita Yohei , Sakahashi Yuji , Nishihori Taichi , Sakamoto Yukari , Yang Chihpin , Isobe Yu , Sugimoto Kana , Nakama Kentaro , Katada Ryuichi , Matsumoto Hiroshi
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Fire victims often inhale hydrogen cyanide (HCN) gas in addition to carbon monoxide. This study aimed to investigate the current prevalence of HCN inhalation among fire victims and assess the contribution of HCN as a toxic factor in fire-related deaths.

Methods

The study included 29 cases of fire-related deaths, where autopsies were conducted at the Department of Legal Medicine, Osaka University, from April 2014 to March 2020. No resuscitation was performed before death was confirmed and blood samples were obtained from both the left and right cardiac chambers. Blood cyanide concentrations were measured. Additionally, a physiologically based pharmacokinetic model, as described by Stamyr et al. (Arch Toxicol 89:1287–1296, 2015), was used to simulate the time course of blood concentration changes for different inhaled HCN concentrations. The inhaled HCN concentration and inhalation time that minimized the difference between the measured and simulated blood concentrations were calculated.

Results

Cyanide was detected in the cardiac blood of 76.3% of cases. In all instances, left cardiac blood concentrations were higher than those in the right cardiac blood. The simulations using the physiologically based pharmacokinetic model revealed eight cases where the inhaled HCN concentration exceeded 5000 ppm, with an inhalation time of less than 0.5 min.

Conclusions

Many fire victims inhaled HCN gas, and in a few cases, it appears that death occurred rapidly after inhalation of high HCN concentrations. These findings suggest that the contribution of cyanide gas to fire-related deaths warrants closer examination.
Malformations of Core M3 on α-Dystroglycan Are the Leading Cause of Dystroglycanopathies
Authors: Sharaf-Eldin Wessam
Published: February 2025

Dystroglycanopathies (DGPs) are a group of autosomal recessive neuromuscular diseases with significant clinical and genetic heterogeneity. They originate due to defects in the O-mannosyl glycosylation of α-dystroglycan (α-DG), a prominent linker between the intracellular cytoskeleton and the extracellular matrix (ECM). Fundamentally, such interactions are crucial for the integrity of muscle fibers and neuromuscular synapses, where their defects are mainly associated with muscle and brain dysfunction. To date, biallelic variants in 18 genes have been associated with DGPs, where the underlying cause is still undefined in a significant proportion of patients. Glycosylation of α-DG generates three core motifs where the core M3 is responsible for interaction with the basement membrane. Consistently, all gene defects that corrupt core M3 maturation have been identified as causes of DGPs. POMGNT1 which stimulates the generation of core M1 is also associated with DGPs, as it plays a central role in core M3 processing. Other genes involved in the glycosylation of α-DG seem unrelated to DPGs. The current review illustrates the O-mannosylation pathway of α-DG highlighting the functional properties of related genes and their contribution to the progression of DPGs. Different classes of DPGs are also elaborated characterizing the clinical features of each distinct type and phenotypes associated with each single gene. Finally, current therapeutic approaches with favorable outcomes are addressed. Potential achievements of preclinical and clinical studies would introduce effective curative therapies for this group of disorders in the near future.
Improving oil recovery of mature reservoirs utilizing low salinity water flooding: a case study—Kareem reservoir, Morgan field, Gulf of Suez, Egypt
Authors: Teama Mostafa A. , El Kady Ehab A. , Mesbah Maher A. , Salem Adel M.
Published: February 2025

This paper aims to shed light on Low Salinity Water Flooding (LSWF) as an emerging Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) technique with significant potential to improve oil production in mature oil fields. It specifically investigates the impact of LSWF on the Kareem Sandstone reservoir in the Morgan Oil Field, located in the Gulf of Suez (GOS), Egypt. The Kareem Sandstone reservoir is a heterogeneous oil-bearing formation with significant remaining oil saturation. Traditional water flooding methods have reached their economic limits, making an EOR solution necessary. LSWF is selected as a promising alternative, as it can alter wettability and improve oil displacement at a lower cost compared to surfactant flooding. A pilot LSWF project was implemented in a selected area of the Kareem Sandstone reservoir, using low-salinity brine (3000–4000 ppm) from the Shaggar water formation in the Gulf of Suez. Oil production was closely monitored during the injection process. The pilot project yielded encouraging results, with LSWF significantly increasing oil production compared to traditional water flooding significantly. The efficiency of this technique was quantified at the well scale using a Single-Well Chemical Tracer Test (SWCTT), as in-situ method for determining residual oil saturation (Sor) after flooding near the wellbore. The estimated incremental oil recovery from LSWF was approximately 10%. This improvement is attributed to LSWF’s ability to alter the wettability of the reservoir from oil-wet to water-wet, enhancing oil mobilization and sweep efficiency. The SWCTT results need to be scaled up to a sector model to account for the reservoir’s heterogeneity. The success of the pilot project demonstrates the potential of LSWF as an effective tool for improving the recovery factor of the Kareem sandstone reservoir in the Morgan oil field, providing valuable insights into its application in similar reservoirs.
The MEK5/ERK5 pathway promotes the activation of the Hedgehog/GLI signaling in melanoma cells
Authors: Tusa Ignazia , Gagliardi Sinforosa , Menconi Alessio , Maresca Luisa , Tubita Alessandro , Lulli Matteo , Stecca Barbara , Rovida Elisabetta
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Malignant melanoma is the deadliest skin cancer, with a poor prognosis in advanced stages. We reported that both Hedgehog-GLI (HH/GLI) and Mitogen-activated protein Kinase (MAPK) extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (ERK5) pathways promote melanoma growth, and that ERK5 activation is required for HH/GLI-dependent melanoma cell proliferation. Here, we explored whether ERK5 regulates HH/GLI signaling.

Methods

Both genetic (using ERK5-specific shRNA) and pharmacologic (using the ERK5 inhibitors JWG-071 and AX15836, and the MAPK/ERK kinase 5, MEK5 inhibitors GW284543 and BIX02189) targeting approaches were used. Luciferase assay using the GLI-binding site luciferase reporter was performed to evaluate GLI transcriptional activity. A constitutively active form of MEK5 (MEK5DD) was used to induce ERK5 activation. 3D spheroid assays were performed in melanoma cells.

Results

Genetic and pharmacologic ERK5 inhibition reduces GLI1 and GLI2 protein levels and transcriptional activity of endogenous HH/GLI pathway induced by the agonist SAG in NIH/3T3 cells. In these cells, MEK5DD overexpression potentiates transcriptional activity of endogenous HH/GLI pathway induced by SAG, whereas ERK5 silencing prevents this effect. Consistently, MEK5DD overexpression increases GLI1 and GLI2 protein levels. In melanoma cells, ERK5 silencing reduces GLI1 and GLI2 mRNA and protein levels and inhibits GLI transcriptional activity. MEK5DD further increases the transcriptional activity of the HH/GLI pathway and GLI1 protein levels. Combination of GLI and MEK5 inhibitors is more effective than single treatments in reducing melanoma spheroid growth.

Conclusions

MEK5-ERK5 is an activator of GLI transcription factors, and combined targeting of these pathways warrants further preclinical investigation as a potential innovative therapeutic approach for melanoma.

Graphical abstract
Embedded trapped modes for the shallow water equation in an infinite channel
Authors: Rodríguez M. I. Romero
Published: February 2025

Exact solutions for the shallow water equation in an infinite rectilinear channel with a small obstruction of the water bed are constructed in the form of infinite convergent series in powers of the small parameter characterizing the height of the obstruction. These solutions describe embedded trapped modes which are localized at the obstruction and decay at infinity. A simple formula for their frequencies is obtained.
Urinary 4-pyridoxic acid as a non-invasive biomarker for evaluating osteoarthritis severity: findings from the ROAD study
Authors: Yoshimura Noriko , Miyazaki Aiko , Iidaka Toshiko , Ando Nobuo , Tanegashima Gaku , Muraki Shigeyuki , Oka Horiyuki , Tanaka Sakae
Published: February 2025

Background

The early detection of osteoarthritis (OA) requires reliable biomarkers; however, reports identifying such biomarkers remain limited.

Aims

This study aimed to evaluate the potential of urinary 4-pyridoxic acid (4PA) as a biomarker for the severity of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and lumbar spondylosis (LS) in Japanese adults, using data from the population-based cohort study.

Methods

Data were analysed from 1566 participants (510 men and 1,056 women) aged ≥ 40 years, who were enrolled in the Research on Osteoarthritis/Osteoporosis against Disability (ROAD) cohort, a population-based study initiated in 2005. Participants underwent radiographic assessments of the knees and lumbar spine, and urinary 4PA levels were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography. Logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association between urinary 4PA levels and the Kellgren–Lawrence (KL) grade of KOA and LS, adjusting for age, sex, body mass index (BMI), and lifestyle factors.

Results

Urinary 4PA levels were significantly higher in participants with KL grade 4 KOA compared to those with lower KL grades (p < 0.001). This association remained significant after adjusting for confounding factors. In contrast, no significant differences in 4PA levels were observed across the KL grades for LS, although a slight increase in 4PA levels was noted in KL grade 4 cases.

Discussion and conclusions

These findings suggest that urinary 4PA could serve as a biomarker for assessing KOA severity, particularly in advanced stages. While the detection of early OA using 4PA remains challenging, the significant increase in KL grade 4 cases highlights its potential role in guiding treatment decisions, such as surgical intervention.
Resuscitative Thoracotomy in Children: Indications, Technical Aspects, and Impact on the Care Team
Authors: Joachim Alyssa , C. Ignacio Romeo
Published: February 2025

Purpose of Review

The purpose of this review is to understand the indications for resuscitative thoracotomy in pediatric trauma and review the steps to performing a resuscitative thoracotomy. This review will also discuss the potential emotional and mental health effects on the team after such traumatic experiences in children.

Recent Findings

As more data have been collected about pediatric resuscitative thoracotomy outcomes, recent studies have suggested that indications should differ from those in adults. In comparison to adults, the different physiologic responses in pediatric trauma patients have demonstrated worse outcomes for patients arriving without signs of life.

Pediatric trauma patients have distinct physiology from adults and require a unique set of considerations when deciding whether to perform a resuscitative thoracotomy. Trauma providers should understand both the risks and benefits of different resuscitative adjuncts, as well as the potential risks to the trauma team and how to mitigate these.
Process intensification toward galanthamine: continuous flow N-methylation of demethylbromonarwedine
Authors: Sulzer Niklas , Pusca Elena , Pfnier Johanna , Seifert Martin , Welzig Stefan , Dallinger Doris , Kappe C. Oliver
Published: February 2025

A continuous flow process for the N-methylation of demethylbromonarwedine employing Eschweiler-Clarke conditions is reported for the synthesis of methylbromonarwedine, an intermediate of the anti-Alzheimer’s drug (−)-galanthamine. By intensifying this reaction by performing the N-methylation at elevated temperature and pressure, the reaction time was drastically reduced from 3 h in batch to only 40 s. The robustness of this process was demonstrated by operating it for 4.5 h, resulting in a product throughput of 20 g/h. Methylbromonarwedine was obtained not only in high yield (83%) but also with an excellent product content of 90%, which is a crucial factor in this route toward (−)-galanthamine.

Graphical Abstract
Identifying long-term patterns and predictors of concurrent psychotropic medicine use in residential aged care using group-based multi-trajectory modelling: the ‘MEDTRAC-Psychotropics’ longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Wabe Nasir , Meulenbroeks Isabelle , Firempong Desiree Chantelle , Urwin Rachel , Timothy Andrea , Raban Magdalena Z. , Mumford Virginia , Westbrook Johanna
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Psychotropic medicines are commonly used in residential aged care facilities (RACFs) despite notable safety concerns. No prior studies have examined the longitudinal concurrent use of psychotropic medicines. We aimed to identify trajectories of concurrent use of three psychotropic medication classes over time and determine predictors of trajectory group membership for residents with and without dementia.

Methods

A retrospective longitudinal cohort study including 30 RACFs in Sydney, Australia. The study participants included 2837 newly admitted permanent residents (n = 1344 with dementia) aged ≥ 65 years. We monitored weekly exposure to three psychotropic classes—antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anxiolytics/hypnotics—over three years. We used group-based multi-trajectory modelling to identify concurrent psychotropic medicine use.

Results

At baseline, 38.5%, 19.6%, and 16.7% of residents with dementia received antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anxiolytics/hypnotics, respectively, compared to 32.8%, 7.1%, and 16.5% in residents without dementia. The concurrent use of multiple psychotropic classes occurred in 23.3% of non-dementia and 31.6% of dementia cohorts. The model identified 6-group and 4-group trajectories as the optimal fit for dementia and non-dementia cohorts, respectively. Psychotropic use trajectories mostly remained stable over time in non-dementia cohorts, while dementia cohorts showed more diverse and fluctuating use. Multinomial logistic regressions identified eleven predictors of trajectory membership in dementia and nine in non-dementia cohorts.

Conclusion

One in three residents with dementia and one in five without dementia concurrently use multiple psychotropics often for extended periods, which may put residents at risk. Further research should assess the appropriateness of such use and consider strategies for improving health outcomes.
Remediation of uranium-contaminated water and soil by biochar-based materials: a review
Authors: Xiong Xinni , Liu Juan , Xiao Tangfu , Lin Ke , Huang Yaole , Deng Pengyuan , Hu Haiyao , Wang Jin
Published: February 2025

Uranium (U) resources play a crucial role in energy utilization; however, uranium contamination in wastewater and soil has caused severe damage to the ecosystem and human health. Addressing this challenge requires the development of cost-effective and environmentally sustainable remediation materials. This review highlights the environmental merits of biochar-based materials in uranium decontamination, focusing on the diverse applications of modification techniques for enhancing the properties of pristine biochar. By analyzing over 110 relevant studies, the review demonstrates that biochar derived from various biomass sources, with proper modification, could exhibit high adsorption capacities for immobilising uranium in aqueous and soil environments. The primary removal mechanisms identified include physical adsorption and chemical reduction. These works indicate that biochar, produced from green feedstocks and featuring superior reusability, represents a cost-effective, sustainable solution for uranium remediation. Moreover, its application aligns with carbon sequestration and waste valorization, supporting sustainable development goals. Looking ahead, the engineering performance-oriented biochar materials with tailored physicochemical properties hold significant promise for addressing uranium contamination challenges. This review provides a comprehensive evaluation of biochar-based materials as a green alternative for uranium remediation and offers valuable insights into advanced material modification strategies to enhance reactivity and effectiveness.

Graphical Abstract
Extending Sonine kernels to arbitrary dimensions
Authors: Fernandez Arran
Published: February 2025

The theory of general fractional calculus with Sonine kernels has been well developed by Luchko in the one-dimensional case. Inspired by recent work on Mikusiński’s operational calculus for fractional partial differential operators, we construct a multi-dimensional version of the theory of Sonine kernels, solving a recognised open problem in the field. Starting from a generalised version of the classical Sonine convolution condition, we construct fractional integral and derivative operators in arbitrary dimensions, and examine their properties such as fundamental theorems of fractional calculus. Illustrative examples of the general theory are also included.
The effect of varying coconut coir substrates and loam soil on the physiology, and biochemical constituents of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum var. esculentum) grown under greenhouse environment
Authors: Mogale Jeffrey Thema , Maluleke Mdungazi Knox
Published: February 2025

Reducing, reusing, and recycling are the three fundamental principles, of which the circular economy aims to maximise. This approach uses by-products as a raw material to produce new products. Coconut coir, a by-product of coconut fruit (Cocos nucifera L.), is an organic substrate made from the fruit’s mesocarp, or outer husk, and is thought to have environmental benefits due to its re-usability. Due to its excellent air-porosity, ranging from 28 to 95%, the substrate provides an excellent growing environment for healthy plants. Most growers have adopted the use of organic substrates in greenhouse crop production to minimise costs since they are re-usable. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of coconut coir substrates on the physiological processes, yield, and nutritional contribution of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum var. esculentum) cultivated in greenhouse environment. Two coconut coir substrates with different air-filled porosity, and nutrient qualities were compared with the standard loam soil. The study revealed that tomato plants grown in coconut coir substrates with moderate air-filled porosity (AFP 28%) had higher fruit number compared to other treatments. Fruit grown in coconut coir with good air-filled porosity (AFP 33%) exhibited higher lycopene (87 mg/100 g DW) compared to other treatments. Thus, it can be deduced that tomatoes grown in coconut coir substrates (AFP 28 and 33%) have a potential to yield more fruits that are higher in nutrients. Therefore, large-scale validation studies should be conducted to corroborate this study's preliminary findings.
Challenges in the modeling and simulation of turbulent supercritical fluid flows and heat transfer
Authors: Wan Teng , Zhou Mingshuo , Zhao Pinghui , Wang Xingjian
Published: February 2025

Supercritical fluids (SCFs) hold potential in the fields of energy and advanced propulsion, highlighting the significance of comprehensively investigating SCF flow and heat transfer characteristics. The intricate and nonlinear thermophysical property variations of SCFs coupled with the primitive variables in the conservation equations pose several challenges in effectively modeling and simulating SCF flows and heat transfer. This paper conducts a thorough assessment of commonly used equations of state and look-up tables for describing the thermophysical properties of SCFs. The data-driven methods based on machine learning for SCFs are also discussed. The challenges associated with direct numerical simulation, Reynolds-averaged simulation, and large-eddy simulation of SCFs are examined. Emphasis is placed on the evaluation and discussion of the issue of turbulence modeling strategies that stem from low-pressure or ideal-gas conditions directly applied to SCF flow and heat transfer. The primary objective is to provide guidance for future research, thereby advancing and promoting the modeling and simulations of SCF flows and heat transfer.
From Turing’s conception of machine intelligence to the evolution of AI in early childhood education: conceptual, empirical, and practical insights
Authors: Chen Jennifer J.
Published: February 2025

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly permeating many aspects of our everyday lives and nearly every sector of society. In education, AI innovations are increasingly recognized for their transformative potential for enhancing teaching and student learning. In this article, I focus specifically on the evolution of AI in early childhood education (ECE), serving children from birth to age 8. To shed light on this phenomenon, I synthesize pertinent literature to yield conceptual, empirical, and practical insights. I begin with a historical perspective, tracing the origins of Turing’s conception of machine intelligence and the term “AI” to the current practical applications of AI in ECE and AI use by, for, and with children. I then examine developmental appropriateness and ethical considerations surrounding AI use. Next, I identify new opportunities and challenges for early childhood teachers, offering practical recommendations for education leaders and proposing future research directions. Finally, I conclude by reimagining an AI-powered future of ECE, emphasizing the need for supportive practices, active engagement, and the cultivation of positive dispositions among all key stakeholders, who must keep pace with the evolving AI landscape by navigating new opportunities, emerging challenges, and innovative developments. Additionally, I reimagine a transformative educational landscape enriched by student-centered, innovative teaching practices that catalyze learning in an AI-child interactive environment. In this reimagined and progressive educational landscape, the children are empowered with equal opportunities and equitable resources to naturally learn about and from developmentally appropriate AI tools as well as leverage them in ethical and responsible ways to enhance their learning.
A ‘Constitution for the Oceans'
Authors: Sellars Kirsten
Published: February 2025

The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, signed in 1982, was the culmination of half a century of legal endeavour. Earlier attempts to create a treaty regime governing the ocean — at League of Nations and United Nations conferences in 1930, 1958 and 1960 — had all failed to settle the breadth of the territorial sea, and in two cases failed to settle anything at all. During the negotiations, legal concepts were formulated and reformulated: straight baselines inspired archipelagic baselines; fishing conservation zones became exclusive economic zones; innocent passage through straits metamorphosed into transit passage through straits; and the seabed common heritage was replaced by the parallel system of seabed exploitation. Many of the issues that animated the delegates during the negotiations — ocean pollution, over-fishing, naval mobility, continental shelf claims and the impact of seabed mining — continue to exercise policymakers and lawyers to this day.
Boys, girls, and children: gender and question-wording in the measurement of authoritarianism
Authors: Peterson David A.M. , Swartz Carrie
Published: February 2025

The standard measure of authoritarianism asks respondents about desirable qualities in children. Although these questions are gender-neutral, respondents may differ in the gender of the child in their heads when answering. The items also may tap into gendered expectations about boys' and girls' behavior. We conducted three experiments that randomly assigned respondents to be asked about a child, a boy, or a girl in the items. We compare the means, measurement properties, and correlation between authoritarianism and other important variables across the conditions. Asking respondents about a girl creates significant differences in the level and measurement of authoritarianism, which is partially driven by the respondents' sexism. There are, fortunately, few other significant differences in the correlates of authoritarianism.
Presenting the StanDat database on international standards: improving data accessibility on marginal topics
Authors: Bjørkholt Solveig
Published: February 2025

This article presents an original database on international standards, constructed using modern data gathering methods. StanDat facilitates studies into the role of standards in the global political economy by (1) being a source for descriptive statistics, (2) enabling researchers to assess scope conditions of previous findings, and (3) providing data for new analyses, for example the exploration of the relationship between standardization and trade, as demonstrated in this article. The creation of StanDat aims to stimulate further research into the domain of standards. Moreover, by exemplifying data collection and dissemination techniques applicable to investigating less-explored subjects in the social sciences, it serves as a model for gathering, systematizing, and sharing data in areas where information is plentiful yet not readily accessible for research.
Mapping connections between complex post-traumatic stress disorder and psychotic-like experiences among adolescents: a Gaussian and Bayesian network study
Authors: Jannini Tommaso B. , Socci Valentina , Schimmenti Adriano , Terrone Grazia , Sideli Lucia , Alameda Luis , Aas Monica , Di Lorenzo Giorgio , Niolu Cinzia , Rossi Rodolfo
Published: February 2025

Background

Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (cPTSD) is a newly recognized condition characterized by core PTSD symptoms and disturbances in self-organization (DSO) that has been associated with psychotic-like experiences (PLEs). This study employs two psychopathology network approaches to identify which post-traumatic symptoms are related to PLEs in a sample of late adolescents. We propose that cPTSD symptoms play a crucial role in explaining the co-occurrence of trauma and PLEs.

Methods

A sample of 1010 late adolescents provided measures of post-traumatic symptomatology and PLEs. We estimated the Gaussian graphical network structure of PTSD/cPTSD symptoms and PLEs and assessed their bridge centrality indices. Bayesian network analysis was then used to estimate a directed acyclic graph (DAG). Gender was set as a moderator in both Gaussian and Bayesian models.

Results

Results show that affect dysregulation, a cPTSD domain, presented the highest bridge connection with the PLE cluster. Bayesian network analysis identified a pathway going from cPTSD items of worthlessness and relational dysregulation, to PLE items of paranoia and social anxiety. Additionally, we found relevant gender differences in network connectivity, with females showing higher connectivity compared to males.

Conclusions

Our findings highlight the central role of affect dysregulation and negative self-concept in linking cPTSD to PLE symptoms, with specific differences according to gender. These insights underscore the need for targeted, gender-sensitive approaches in the prevention and treatment of PLEs among adolescents, emphasizing early intervention and tailored treatment strategies.
Reliability and validity assessment of working memory measurements
Authors: Liu Kexin , Murao Remi
Published: February 2025

This research aims to identify a reliable method for measuring working memory (WM) within the context of second language learning. The goal of the study is to address the persistent problem of determining the most appropriate method for measuring WM. To achieve this objective, various WM measurement tasks, including the Digit Span Task, Listening Span Task, Sentence Recall Task (SRT) (both written and spoken), and Sentence Recognition Task, were administered to 39 participants. The experiments were conducted twice to assess the consistency and reliability of these measurement methods.

Through statistical analyses of results, this study endeavors to elucidate the relationship between diverse WM measurement tasks and English listening proficiency. The results of the test-retest correlation, Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, and Rasch reliability indicate that SRT (written mode) exhibited the highest reliability while other measurements also demonstrated decent reliability. Additionally, the SRT showed the strongest correlation with the TOEIC Listening Test, administered to test criterion-related validity. This research has the potential to provide valuable insights into the role of WM in second language acquisition and may serve as a methodological guide for future studies in this field.
Semantic change of robust
Authors: Ogasawara Sayaka
Published: February 2025

This paper aims to demonstrate that robust is currently undergoing a semantic shift, transforming itself into a quasi-intensifier of nouns, conveying positive evaluative meanings. The etymology and semantic development of robust is traced using information from the Oxford English Dictionary Online. In addition, examples from the British National Corpus up to the 1990's are used to analyse the semantic development of robust and to examine the origins of the intensifying or evaluative use of robust. It is argued that there are several patterns in the usage examples where robust behaves like a quasi-intensifier: involving noun gradability, repetition of adjectives and modal meaning of nouns. The final means of intensification is evaluative uses, where there is a multi-layered positive nuance that can be read into robust, making robust a versatile term. While the evaluative role of intensifiers has not been discussed in detail in previous studies, the present study shows that the language users often add positive evaluative meanings to their remarks, which can often be tantamount to an intensification.
Some generalized information and divergence generating functions: properties, estimation, validation, and applications
Authors: Saha Shital , Kayal Suchandan , Balakrishnan N.
Published: February 2025

We propose Rényi information generating function (RIGF) and discuss its properties. A connection between the RIGF and the diversity index is proposed for discrete-type random variables. The relation between the RIGF and Shannon entropy of order q > 0 is established and several bounds are obtained. The RIGF of escort distribution is derived. Furthermore, we introduce the Rényi divergence information generating function (RDIGF) and discuss its effect under monotone transformations. We present nonparametric and parametric estimators of the RIGF. A simulation study is carried out and a real data relating to the failure times of electronic components is analyzed. A comparison study between the nonparametric and parametric estimators is made in terms of the standard deviation, absolute bias, and mean square error. We have observed superior performance for the newly proposed estimators. Some applications of the proposed RIGF and RDIGF are provided. For three coherent systems, we calculate the values of the RIGF and other well-established uncertainty measures, and similar behavior of the RIGF is observed. Further, a study regarding the usefulness of the RDIGF and RIGF as model selection criteria is conducted. Finally, three chaotic maps are considered and then used to establish a validation of the proposed information generating function.
Characterization of coastal habitats and marine benthic communities of the sub-Antarctic Crozet archipelago using underwater imagery
Authors: Lelièvre Yann , Le Gall Line , Dubois Philippe , Saucède Thomas
Published: February 2025

Sub-Antarctic marine life exhibits unique ecological traits and pronounced endemicity levels. Despite their ecological uniqueness and high conservation value, studies on sub-Antarctic benthic communities are scarce. Using underwater video imagery, we assessed the nearshore diversity and structure of faunal and algal communities of the Crozet archipelago along 12 scuba and remotely operated vehicle transects performed at Baie du Marin and Crique du Sphinx (Ile de la Possession). The influence of habitat types on species distribution was evaluated in relation to the setting up of submarine cables. A total of 51 faunal (mainly represented by Echinodermata and Porifera) and 14 algal (mainly represented by Rhodophyta) taxa were identified. The high habitat heterogeneity found in shallow waters (from 0 to 20 m depth) enhances the species richness and diversity, whereas deeper (> 20 m depth) areas were dominated by large sandy stretches and a lower diversity. Rocky habitats had the highest richness and diversity values, promoting local diversity. Submarine cables act as a hard substrate for species, whose suspended sections influence the composition and structure of benthic communities. This study improves our limited knowledge of benthic habitats and diversity from Crozet and constitutes a baseline for further monitoring of marine communities for conservation strategies related to this part of the French Southern Territories National Nature Reserve.