bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MeCP2 regulates Tet1-catalyzed demethylation, CTCF binding, and learning-dependent alternative splicing of the BDNF gene in Turtle
Authors: Zheng Zhaoqing , Ambigapathy Ganesh , Keifer Joyce
Published: June 2017

MECP2 mutations underlying Rett syndrome cause widespread misregulation of gene expression. Functions for MeCP2 other than transcriptional are not well understood. In an ex vivo brain preparation from the pond turtle Trachemys scripta elegans, an intraexonic splicing event in the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene generates a truncated mRNA transcript in naïve brain that is suppressed upon classical conditioning. MeCP2 and its partners, splicing factor Y-box binding protein 1 (YB-1) and methylcytosine dioxygenase 1 (Tet1), bind to BDNF chromatin in naïve but dissociate during conditioning; the dissociation correlating with decreased DNA methylation. Surprisingly, conditioning results in new occupancy of BDNF chromatin by DNA insulator protein CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF), which is associated with suppression of splicing in conditioning. Knockdown of MeCP2 shows it is instrumental for splicing and inhibits Tet1 and CTCF binding thereby negatively impacting DNA methylation and conditioning-dependent splicing regulation. Thus, mutations in MECP2 can have secondary effects on DNA methylation and alternative splicing.
Hvordan underviser barnehagelærere? Eller gjør man ikke det i barnehagen?
Authors: Sæbbe Per-Einar , Samuelsson Ingrid Pramling
Published: June 2017

I denne artikkelen er fem norske barnehagelærere studert for å kunne finne kjennetegn på barnehagens undervisningspraksis. Forfatterne har gjort videoobservasjoner av hverdagsaktiviteter og intervjuet barnehagelærerne med bakgrunn i disse. Studien er gjort med et sosiokulturelt syn på læring og viser at barnehagelærerne planlegger et faglig innhold. De er selv delaktige i aktivitetene, og gir ulike typer oppgaver knyttet til barnas hverdagsliv i barnehagen og det de ønsker barna skal lære. Når barnehagelærerne beskriver sin egen profesjonelle praksis vises deres perspektiver på undervisningsbegrepet. De tar utgangspunkt i barnas interesser når de knytter barnas læring til faglige mål og tilpasser interaksjonene og dialogen til barnas nivå. Gjennom å gi barna oppgaver observerer de og jobber med læringsprosesser i matematikk – uten å kalle det undervisning. This study examines 5 Norwegian kindergarten teachers in order to identify characteristics of the professional work of teaching in kindergarten. The authors conducted video observations of everyday activities and interviewed the kindergarten teachers with these recordings as a starting point. A sociocultural perspective on learning is applied, and the results indicate that the kindergarten teachers plan with a focus on a particular content, they take part in the activities themselves, and they present the children with different kinds of tasks that are related to the intended learning outcome and the children’s everyday life in kindergarten. The activities are grounded in children’s interests, and they connect children’s learning with content aims and adapt the interactions and dialogues
Digitale fortellinger i barnehagen
Authors: Undheim Marianne , Vangsnes Vigdis
Published: June 2017

Fokus i denne artikkelen er barnehagelærernes faglige, pedagogiske og teknologiske kompetanse når de involverer barnehagebarn i produksjon av digitale fortellinger. Vi tar utgangspunkt i en kvalitativ studie med en fortolkende fenomenologisk tilnærming. Fire barnehagelærere ble intervjuet om deres erfaring med å involvere barna i produksjon av digitale fortellinger. Funnene viser at barnehagelærerne framhever det pedagogiske og teknologiske på bekostning av det faglige i sin beskrivelse av hva de vektlegger når de lager digitale fortellinger i barnehagen. De legger i liten grad vekt på sin egen faglige fortellingskompetanse. Gjennom analyse av empirien, sett i lys av teori, konkretiserer og tydeliggjør vi det vi mener er sentralt i barnehagelærernes digitale fortellingskompetanse.In this article we focus on preschool teachers’ technological, pedagogical and content knowledge when they involve preschool children (0-6-year olds) in the production of digital stories in kindergartens. The article is based on a qualitative study, with a phenomenological research approach. Four preschool teachers have been interviewed about their competence and experience when involving preschool children in the production of digital stories. The findings show that they highlight pedagogical and technological knowledge, and hardly mention narrative. Based on theory and our findings we concretize the preschool teachers’ narrative competence, with the digital story as the medium.
Ecophylogeny of the endospheric root fungal microbiome of co-occurring Agrostis stolonifera
Authors: Lê Van Amandine , Quaiser Achim , Duhamel Marie , Michon-Coudouel Sophie , Dufresne Alexis , Vandenkoornhuyse Philippe
Published: June 2017

Background

Within the root endosphere, fungi are known to be important for plant nutrition and resistance to stresses. However, description and understanding of the rules governing community assembly in the fungal fraction of the plant microbiome remains scarce.

Methods

We used an innovative DNA- and RNA-based analysis of co-extracted nucleic acids to reveal the complexity of the fungal community colonizing the roots of an Agrostis stolonifera population. The normalized RNA/DNA ratio, designated the ‘mean expression ratio’, was used as a functional trait proxy. The link between this trait and phylogenetic relatedness was measured using the Blomberg’s K statistic.

Results

Fungal communities were highly diverse. Only ∼1.5% of the 635 OTUs detected were shared by all individuals, however these accounted for 33% of the sequence number. The endophytic fungal communities in plant roots exhibit phylogenetic clustering that can be explained by a plant host effect acting as environmental filter. The ‘mean expression ratio’ displayed significant but divergent phylogenetic signals between fungal phyla.

Discussion

These results suggest that environmental filtering by the host plant favours the co-existence of related and similar OTUs within the Basidiomycota community assembly, whereas the Ascomycota and Glomeromycota communities seem to be impacted by competitive interactions which promote the co-existence of phylogenetically related but ecologically dissimilar OTUs.
Nacre‐Mimetic Multi‐Mechanical Synergistic Ceramic Aerogels with Interfacial Bridging and Stress Delocalization
Authors: Zhang Xuan , Huang Wenbin , Yu Jianyong , Zhao Cunyi , Si Yang
Published: October 2024

Elastic ceramic aerogels are exceptionally suitable for thermal insulating applications, but lacking multi‐mechanical synergistic high strength remains a deficiency. Inspired by the robust protective shells of mollusks in nature, which feature distinct hierarchical ordered structures, exhibiting strong and tough mechanical properties, a system construction and structural governing strategy is proposed to allow the nanostructure to assemble strong and flexible ceramic aerogels. Through the design of a hierarchical multi‐arched structure configurated binary‐soldering‐assemble interfacial topology interlocking, concentrated stress is effectively discrete. This biomimetic strategy enables the effective dissipation of mechanical energy, resulting in ceramic aerogels with exemplary compressive resilience, bendability, tensile resistance, and their strength exceeding that of other nanofibrous aerogels by up to tenfold. Additionally, the flexible aerogels also show remarkable thermal resistance from −196 to 1100 °C and superior thermal insulation capabilities (39.72 mW m−1 K−1), making them more suitable for the applications.
A Violet‐Light‐Responsive ReRAM Based on Zn2SnO4/Ga2O3 Heterojunction as an Artificial Synapse for Visual Sensory and In‐Memory Computing
Authors: Shrivastava Saransh , Dai Wei‐Sin , Limantoro Stephen Ekaputra , Juliano Hans , Tseng Tseung‐Yuen
Published: October 2024

Due to the imitation of the neural functionalities of the human brain via optical modulation of resistance states, photoelectric resistive random access memory (ReRAM) devices attract extensive attraction for synaptic electronics and in‐memory computing applications. In this work, a photoelectric synaptic ReRAM (PSR) of the structure of ITO/Zn2SnO4/Ga2O3/ITO/glass with a simple fabrication process is reported to imitate brain plasticity. Electrically induced long‐term potentiation/depression (LTP/D) behavior indicates the fulfillment of the fundamental requirement of artificial neuron devices. Classification of three‐channeled images corrupted with different levels (0.15–0.9) of Gaussian noise is achieved by simulating a convolutional neural network (CNN). The violet light (405 nm) illumination generates excitatory post synaptic current (EPSC), which is influenced by the persistent photoconductivity (PPC) effect after discontinuing the optical excitation. As an artificial neuron device, PSR is able to imitate some basic neural functions such as multi‐levels of photoelectric memory with linearly increasing trend, and learning‐forgetting‐relearning behavior. The same device also shows the emulation of visual persistency of optic nerve and skin‐damage warning. This device executes high‐pass filtering function and demonstrates its potential in the image‐sharpening process. These findings provide an avenue to develop oxide semiconductor‐based multifunctional synaptic devices for advanced in‐memory photoelectric systems.
An Order Statistics Perspective for System Reliability
Authors: Lei Jingzhe , Kuo Way
Published: October 2024

Structural reliability integrates the design variables over the safety region characterized by a positive limit state function when the reliability of the entire system is of concern. Calculating the structure function can be challenging for high‐dimensional systems or intricate system architectures. In order to enhance the efficiency of time‐dependent system reliability assessment, we emulate the integral formulation in structural reliability. To elaborate further, we treat each individual unit's lifetime variable as a design variable and subsequently perform calculations involving multiple integrals. Given the ordered nature of unit failure times, we leverage the order statistics distribution to simplify the multiple integrals into a double integral, and then multiply this result by the survival signature to obtain reliability. A two‐terminal nine‐unit network system configuration is illustrated to assess the performance and effectiveness of the proposed method.
Community characteristics and population dynamics of Osmanthus pubipedicellatus, a rediscovered critically endangered species based on morphological and molecular evidence
Authors: Xie Dan , Xu Yi‐Da , Liu Rong , Dong Shu‐Peng , Kahandawala Imalka , Biro Angela , Ning Zu‐Lin
Published: October 2024

Conservation of plant diversity is essential in the current status of rapid biodiversity loss. A critically endangered species of Oleaceae, Osmanthus pubipedicellatus was rediscovered in its type locality after nearly a century based on morphological and molecular evidence, further supplemented by a revised description. Meanwhile, the static life table was established, the survival curve was drawn, and the quantitative analysis of population dynamics was made to evaluate the populations status of O. pubipedicellatus. Additionally, we analyzed the community characteristics to understand its natural habitat. The results showed that O. pubipedicellatus mainly grows in dense forests dominated by plants from Lauraceae and Fagaceae. The static life table, survival curve, and quantitative analysis of population dynamics showed that the population is fluctuating and vulnerable to external disturbance. In general, the population of O. pubipedicellatus was characterized by few individuals, lacking of seedlings and small trees, a single peak pattern of age class distribution and a trend to decline in the future. Consequently, we strongly recommend that more field work and conservation measures should be taken to suppress the decline of the O. pubipedicellatus population.
The effects of cultural humility on therapeutic alliance and psychotherapy outcomes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Orlowski Edmund W. , Moeyaert Mariola , Monley Corey , Redden Clare
Published: October 2024

Aim

The present review and meta‐analysis sought to synthesise previous findings of studies examining the correlation between therapist cultural humility, the quality of the therapeutic alliance and psychotherapy outcomes.

Materials and Methods

Three databases were searched for relevant citations, yielding 548 records for review. After the systematic review of these articles, a final sample of 13 citations was submitted for coding and analysis. A random‐effects meta‐regression model was used to synthesise correlations collected from the final sample of studies. Heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran's Q, I2 and τ2. Publication bias was assessed using contour‐enhanced funnel plots and Egger's test for asymmetry.

Results

There was a statistically significant, positive correlation between cultural humility and alliance quality (r = .66, 95% CI = [0.64, 0.68]). Similarly, a smaller, yet still statistically significant and positive association between cultural humility and psychotherapy outcomes was also found (r = .39, 95% CI = [0.36, 0.42]). Moderators related to client race, gender and lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) status were also examined though nonsignificant.

Conclusion

Such results suggest that therapist cultural humility is an important part of a strong working relationship and eventual positive outcomes in psychotherapy regardless of race, gender or LGB status. Thus, efforts should be made to foster cultural humility among therapists.
Importance of good sleep in helping prevent subsequent suicidal behaviors
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: October 2024

Suicide is a leading cause of death among youths in the U.S., and rates have doubled over the past 20 years. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), sleep disturbances are one of the 10 warning signs of suicide, even after adjusting for depression. Sleep difficulties are unique among other risk factors, however, as being “modifying, nonstigmatizing, and highly treatable,” researchers of a study looking at the association between sleep problems and suicide write.
Youth e‐cigarette use drops to recent low level: Good news
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: October 2024

Half a million fewer U.S. youth reported current use of e‐cigarettes in 2024 compared to 2023, according to new data from the National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS) released today by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The nationally representative data featured in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) includes findings on e‐cigarette and nicotine pouch use among U.S. youth, two categories of tobacco products the FDA and CDC are monitoring closely, particularly regarding youth use and appeal.
Innovation Ecosystem Dynamics, Value and Learning I: What Can Hamilton Tell Us?
Authors: Schindel William D.
Published: October 2024

Held in Dublin, Ireland, IS2024 invites us to refresh understanding of contributions to systems engineering by Ireland's greatest mathematician— Sir William Rowan Hamilton (1805–1865), professor of astronomy at Trinity College Dublin and royal astronomer of Ireland. His profound contributions to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) deserve greater systems community attention. Supporting theory and practice, they intersect foundations and applications streams of INCOSE's future of systems engineering (FuSE) program. Strikingly, key aspects apply to systems of all types, including socio‐technical and information systems. Hamilton abstracted the energy‐like generator of dynamics for all systems, while also generalizing momentum. Applied to the INCOSE innovation ecosystem pattern as dynamics of learning, development, and life cycle management, this suggests an architecture for integration of the digital thread and machine learning in innovation enterprises, along with foundations of systems engineering as a dynamical system.
Evaluation of Minnesota Phosphorus Loss Index performance
Authors: Reitmeier Heidi , Pease Lindsay , Loss Peyton , Radatz Tim
Published: October 2024

Supported by the National Phosphorus (P) Research Project led by Dr. Andrew Sharpley, Minnesota developed its statewide P‐Index, the Minnesota P Loss Index (MNPI), to manage critical source areas of agricultural P. The MNPI has remained unchanged since its last revision in 2006. The overall goal of this study was to critically evaluate the MNPI to determine, in the parlance of Sharpley, if the MNPI remains “directionally and magnitudinally correct.” Observed P loss from 67 site‐years of annual edge‐of‐field data was compared with MNPI‐predicted P loss. Our assessment indicates that MNPI performance is directionally correct: it correctly ranks fields that are more at risk than others. The MNPI performed better in years with high‐intensity rainfall events. Averaging MNPI assessment across multiple years of data input, along with minor adjustments to the calculation algorithm, improved the robustness of MNPI estimates. Continued re‐evaluation of the MNPI will ensure that this important tool for nutrient management is properly evaluating P loss potential. This study reflects Dr. Sharpley's decades‐long effort to improve and revise P indices so that they reflect advances in the science and management of agricultural P.
Impact performance of egg‐box core sandwich panels made from sisal fibers and castor‐oil‐based polymer
Authors: dos Santos Júlio C. , da Silva Rodrigo J. , Christoforo André L. , Freire Rodrigo T. S. , Tarpani José Ricardo , Scarpa Fabrizio , Panzera Túlio H.
Published: October 2024

Developing sustainable composites for engineering applications is essential for minimizing environmental impacts and ensuring the long‐term viability of infrastructure and technological advancements. In this context, this work focuses on the manufacture and evaluation of the structural integrity of a sandwich structure composed of aluminum faces and egg‐box‐shaped, sisal fiber‐reinforced epoxy (SFE) or castor‐oil polyurethane (SFC‐O) composites. The sandwich panel is filled with a biobased foam and subjected to dynamic load (drop‐tower) test. For comparison, the base materials SFE and SFC‐O molded into the egg‐box‐shaped cores are also evaluated using Charpy impact tests to establish a potential correlation between their Charpy performance and the drop‐tower behavior of egg‐box sandwich structures. The findings reveal that SFC‐O laminates demonstrate superior Charpy impact resistance (~49%) compared to SFE laminates. Similarly, sandwich structures composed of egg‐box‐castor‐oil composite cores absorb approximately 42.5% more energy than those made with egg‐box‐epoxy cores. The impact behavior of the sandwich structures correlates directly with the impact resistance of the sisal fiber laminates. Overall, the results indicate that the castor‐oil polymer can effectively replace the epoxy polymer matrix phase, enhancing impact absorption and providing an environmentally correct and sustainable solution for fabricating sandwich panels.

Highlights

Castor‐oil polymer provides laminates with lower density relative to epoxy.

Sisal‐castor‐oil‐based laminates possess higher impact resistance than those based on epoxy.

Sisal‐castor‐oil‐based panels achieve higher absolute and specific drop‐tower impact properties.

Panels subjected to drop‐tower impact tests reveal skin delamination, wrinkling and indentation.

Debonding between the foam and egg‐box core is a typical failure mode for epoxy sandwich panels.
Rural transformation and sustainable livelihood approaches under regional environmental policies: Evidence from two villages in the Yangtze River Delta metropolitan region, China
Authors: Yan Simin , Chen Chen
Published: October 2024

Hasty and often uncontrolled urbanization and industrialization in metropolitan regions have pressured fragile rural ecosystems and large‐scale rural livelihoods in China. Through in‐depth observation and face‐to‐face interviews with key insiders in the villages of China's largest metropolitan region, the Yangtze River Delta, findings show that environmental policies in this region have profoundly influenced the local institutional processes and rural transformation. Through the lens of a modified sustainable livelihoods approach (MSLA), two institutional processes in formulating livelihoods strategies have stood out from case villages—state sponsorship exemplified by Yu village and grassroots entrepreneurship exemplified by Daxi village—and achieved sustainable livelihood outcomes in both collective level and household level. In particular, state‐sponsored development in Yu village was strongly supported by local leadership and trust between local cadres and villagers. In contrast, grassroots entrepreneurial development in Daxi village emphasized rural entrepreneurs' self‐learning and self‐governance capacities. As such, we argue that making sustainable livelihood strategies is not a unidirectional process like top‐down or bottom‐up, albeit multifaceted alternatives intertwined with dynamic institutional processes for collectives and households in rural areas. Ultimately, we call for more vivid and in‐depth case studies to nuance regional geography and its contextual attributes in further sustainable livelihood research in rural areas.
Enhancing the Reaction Kinetics and Stability of Co‐Free Li‐Rich Cathode Materials via a Multifunctional Strategy
Authors: Li Saichao , Hou Dewen , Li Jiantao , Liu Yuanyuan , Gao Guiyang , Xu Qixiang , Fan Mengjian , Wang Laisen , Lin Jie , Peng Dong‐Liang , Xie Qingshui , Amine Khalil
Published: October 2024

Co‐free Li‐rich layered oxides (CFLLOs) with anionic redox activity are among the most promising cathode materials for high‐energy‐density and low‐cost lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). However, irreversible oxygen release often causes severe structural deterioration, electrolyte decomposition, and the formation of unstable cathode‐electrolyte interface (CEI) film with high impedance. Additionally, the elimination of cobalt elements further deteriorates the reaction kinetics, leading to reduced capacity and poor rate performance. Here, a multifunctional strategy is proposed, incorporating Li2MnO3 phase content regulation, micro‐nano structure design, and heteroatom substitution. The increased content of Li2MnO3 phase enhances the capacity through oxygen redox. The smaller nanoscale primary particles induce greater tensile strain and introduce more grain boundaries, thereby improving the reaction kinetics and reactivity, while the larger micron‐sized secondary particles help to reduce interfacial side reactions. Furthermore, Na⁺ doping modulates the local coordination environment of oxygen, stabilizing both the anion framework and the crystal structure. As a result, the designed cathode exhibits enhanced rate performance, delivering a capacity of 158 mAh g⁻¹ at 5.0 C and improved cyclic stability, with a high capacity retention of 99% after 400 cycles at 1.0 C. This multifunctional strategy holds great promise for advancing the practical application of CFLLOs in next‐generation LIBs.
Mechanical properties of CFRP and shrinkage compensating concrete actively confined and strengthened short columns under freeze–thaw cycles
Authors: Cao Qi , Ding Zezhi , Xu Jihang , Ma Zhongguo John
Published: October 2024

This paper investigates the use of CFRP precast tubes filled with shrinkage‐compensating self‐consolidating concrete (SSCC) for strengthening columns. Compared to ordinary self‐consolidating concrete (OSCC), SSCC can address the stress hysteresis issue caused by the poor cooperation between CFRP and concrete structures, while also enhancing the mechanical properties of columns. Experimental and theoretical studies were conducted to examine the tensile mechanical properties of CFRP materials and the axial compressive mechanical properties of CFRP precast tubes strengthened with OSCC or SSCC under freeze–thaw cycles. Various variables were considered, such as freeze–thaw cycles, types of strengthening concrete, and the number of CFRP layers. The results indicate that freeze–thaw cycles do not affect the ultimate tensile strength of CFRP but significantly reduce its ultimate tensile strain. SSCC‐strengthened specimens exhibit higher load‐carrying capacity and better ductility compared to OSCC‐strengthened specimens. In addition, compared to the strengthening of two‐layer CFRP and SSCC, the strengthening of one‐layer CFRP and SSCC more effectively demonstrates the advantage of the post‐tensioning effect. However, the ductility coefficient of the columns decreases with an increase in the number of freeze–thaw cycles, regardless of the number of CFRP layers or type of strengthened concrete. Modified theoretical model accurately predicts the normalized peak stress and strain of the strengthened specimens.
Alzheimer-Demenz bei Menschen mit einem Down-Syndrom
Authors: Hüer Theresa , Weitzel Milena , Giebel Godwin Denk , Raszke Pascal , Wasem Jürgen , Levin Johannes , Nübling Georg , Wagemann Olivia , Wlasich Elisabeth , Pantel Johannes , Tesky Valentina , Schall Arthur , Walendzik Anke
Published: October 2024

Hintergrund

Menschen mit einem Down-Syndrom (MmDS) haben ein genetisch bedingt stark erhöhtes Risiko, an einer früh beginnenden Alzheimer-Demenz zu erkranken. In einer Interviewstudie mit Ärzt:innen, Patientenvertretungen sowie Mitarbeitenden in Wohn- und Arbeitseinrichtungen wurden Defizite im medizinischen Versorgungsprozess und Lösungsansätze erhoben.

Methodik

Es wurden 14 teilstrukturierte Interviews durchgeführt und über eine qualitative Inhaltsanalyse ausgewertet.

Ergebnisse

Fehlende Kenntnisse und Erfahrungen von Ärzt:innen im Umgang mit sowie in der medizinischen Versorgung von MmDS zeigten sich als zentrale Herausforderung. Zudem ist die Diagnostik der Demenz bei MmDS aufgrund verschiedener Ursachen (u. a. Fehlen geeigneter Diagnostikinstrumente in der Regelversorgung, fehlende zeitliche/finanzielle Ressourcen) erschwert. Zweifel an der Wirksamkeit von Antidementiva wurden geäußert sowie Hintergründe für einen erhöhten Einsatz sedierender Medikamente diskutiert.

Eine aufmerksame Verhaltensbeobachtung und eine Einbindung von Betreuenden, eine regelmäßige Überprüfung und Reduktion von Multimedikation sowie der Einsatz alternativer Verhaltensmodifikationstechniken wurden als Lösungsansätze genannt.

Schlussfolgerung

Die identifizierten Defizite in der medizinischen Versorgung der Zielpopulation sowie die Lösungsansätze gehen in die Entwicklung gesundheitspolitischer Handlungsempfehlungen ein, um die Versorgungssituation nachhaltig zu optimieren.
Der Erasmus Mundus Joint Master in Sustainable Mineral and Metal Processing Engineering als bedeutender Baustein zur Internationalisierung der Lehre an der Montanuniversität Leoben
Authors: Flachberger Helmut , Öfner Wolfgang
Published: October 2024

Das mit 01.01.2006 aus der Taufe gehobene Department „Mineral Resources Engineering“, welches die Lehrstühle für „Aufbereitung und Veredlung“, „Bergbaukunde, Bergtechnik und Bergwirtschaft“, „Gesteinshüttenkunde“ und „Subsurface Engineering“ unter ein wissenschaftliches Dach vereint, hat schon frühzeitig auf eine Diversifizierung des Bildungsangebotes gesetzt. Über die Betreuung der etablierten Bachelor- und Masterstudien hinaus verantwortet jeder Lehrstuhl zumindest ein internationales Masterstudium und einen (inter)nationalen Universitätslehrgang.

Im Jahr 2022 gelang es dem Lehrstuhl für Aufbereitung und Veredlung gemeinsam mit drei weiteren fachverwandten Lehrstühlen der Universitäten Oulu/Finnland, Zagreb/Kroatien und Santa Maria/Chile im zweiten Anlauf, einen Erasmus Mundus Joint Master in „Sustainable Mineral and Metal Processing Engineering“ einzurichten und zu betreiben. In vier Kohorten werden bis zu 100 Studierende „aus aller Welt“ dieses internationale Masterstudium absolvieren und mit dem akademischen Grad eines „Master of Science“ abschließen. Der erste Jahrgang hat soeben mit einem Master of Science graduiert, der zweite Jahrgang verbrachte das Sommersemester 2024 an der Montanuniversität Leoben und der dritte Jahrgang wurde soeben aus einem Pool von immerhin etwa 400 Bewerbungen ausgewählt und wird im September 2024 das erste Semester an der University of Oulu das Studium beginnen.
Supporting Students with Disordered Eating: Surveying School Psychologists’ Knowledge, Beliefs, and Current Practices
Authors: Foarde Isabella , Briesch Amy M. , Rodgers Rachel F.
Published: October 2024

Disordered eating refers to a range of irregular eating behaviors that may or may not warrant a diagnosis of a specific eating disorder. It includes behaviors, such as binge eating, restriction, and purging. Youth with disordered eating often have complex needs and may require psychological support, medical care, and academic accommodations to be successful at school. However, school psychologists are seldom involved in this work. The knowledge and beliefs of school psychologists may impact their professional practice. In this study, 100 school psychologists across K-12 public schools nationwide were surveyed regarding their knowledge, beliefs, and current practices concerning students with disordered eating. Although most school psychologists demonstrated general knowledge of disordered eating, they rated their knowledge of practices to support affected students—such as prevention and intervention strategies—as fairly low. That is, mean scores ranged from 1.56–2.38 on a 4-point scale, which corresponds roughly to “somewhat disagreeing” that they possessed this knowledge. Their comfort levels in implementing these supports were also limited, averaging between 1.94 (somewhat disagree) and 3.54 (between somewhat and strongly agree). In addition, school psychologists’ specific role preferences are not aligned with their actual responsibilities in practice. Finally, study findings underscore a lack of overall support for students with or at-risk for disordered eating in public schools. Future research should address the knowledge gaps of school psychologists, explore feasible school-based supports, and identify barriers preventing them from providing necessary interventions. Schools may consider offering professional development opportunities and establishing clear protocols to better support these students.
Exploring the mechanisms of Cornus officinalis in the treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis using network pharmacology, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Guo Jiashi , Wan Jingyuan , Wang Ting
Published: October 2024

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a predominant metabolic liver disease, typically characterized by hepatic steatosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation. The traditional Chinese medicine Cornus officinalis possesses anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective pharmacological properties and has shown ameliorative effects on NASH. however, its mechanism of action remains unclear. This study aims to elucidate the mechanisms by which C. officinalis ameliorates NASH. The active components of C. officinalis were analyzed using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database (TCMSP), and the corresponding targets were predicted. Subsequently, the DisGeNET, GeneCards, and GEO databases were employed to identify NASH-related targets. Venn diagrams were used to intersect the C. officinalis targets with the NASH targets. Protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed using the STRING database, and PPI network analysis was performed using Cytoscape. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were conducted using the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID), followed by molecular docking validation. Cornus officinalis was found to contain 20 major active ingredients corresponding to 672 potential targets, 61 of which overlapped with NASH targets. PPI network, GO, and KEGG pathway analyses identified four targets with the highest correlation, and molecular docking results indicated that the active ingredients of C. officinalis exhibited strong binding affinities to NASH targets. The treatment of NASH with C. officinalis is characterized by multiple active ingredients and multiple targets, underscoring the major advantage of traditional Chinese medicine in treating NASH.
A quantitative framework for measuring sustainable development goals in mining operations
Authors: Mahmoudi Kouhi Reza , Jebrailvand Moghaddam Mohammad Milad , Rafie Seyed Faridedin , Maghsoudy Soroush , Doulati Ardejani Faramarz , Butscher Christoph , Taherdangkoo Reza
Published: October 2024

The growing concern over the environmental and social impacts of mining activities has increased interest in evaluating the alignment of mining practices with global sustainability goals. This study provides an in-depth examination of five major Iranian mining complexes including: GolGohar, Sarcheshmeh, Sungun, Zarshuran, and Sangan, and their adherence to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which encompass a broad spectrum of environmental, social, and economic challenges. The study employs a novel methodology to quantify and assess the degree of alignment between these mining complexes and the SDGs. The SDGs were systematically categorized into three key areas: environmental sustainability, social and economic well-being, and responsible operations and partnerships. The performance of each mining complex within these categories was evaluated using targeted questions and a set of indicators, providing a holistic view of both strengths and areas needing improvement. The findings revealed significant challenges in environmental sustainability, particularly in climate action and clean energy, with Sungun achieving the highest scores and Zarshuran the lowest. In social and economic well-being, progress was evident in poverty reduction and education, though concerns persisted in gender equality and healthcare access, where GolGohar led and Zarshuran lagged behind. Responsible operations and partnerships showed successes in industry innovation, yet there was a need for greater focus on sustainable urban development and partnerships. Zarshuran excelled in this area, while Sungun exhibited the weakest performance. Overall, the study highlights the need for substantial improvements in environmental practices and social inclusion across all complexes, including the top-performing GolGohar, to better align the mining sector with the SDGs and foster a more responsible and inclusive industry.
Satellite measurement data-based assessment of spatiotemporal characteristics of ultraviolet index (UVI) over the state of Johor, Malaysia
Authors: Valappil Ninu Krishnan Modon , Ahmad Fatimah Shafinaz , Hamza Vijith
Published: October 2024

The study examines the spatiotemporal and statistical characteristics of the daily ultraviolet index (UVI) over the Johor state of Malaysia. The datasets utilized in this study are the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI)/Aura satellite’s daily UVI observations between October 2004 and March 2023. The innovative trend analysis (ITA) method is employed to identify the statistical trend of daily UVI. Basic statistics of daily, monthly, and seasonal UVI are also carried out to better characterize UVI in the study area. The daily UVI data collected for the analysis exhibit wide variability, with more than 80% of the daily UVI data falling above UVI 8, indicating the severity of UV radiation (UVR) reaching the study area. The monthly and seasonal UVI also display highly varying characteristics, as observed in the daily data. The pixel-based analysis of ITA results indicates a significant increasing and decreasing trend of daily UVI in the region, with values varying between − 9.42 × 10−6 and 3.79 × 10−5. However, for the study area as a whole, UVI shows a significant increasing trend of 4.50 × 10−5. The influence of parameters such as cloud optical thickness (COT), solar zenith angle (SZA), and O3 column on the strength of UVR reaching the study area is also investigated. Based on the results, the study area is characterized by low thickness, broken clouds, and sometimes cloudless conditions. Overall, the results show that UVI in the study area is increasing, and therefore, proper health guidelines and direct UVR exposure regulations need to be implemented to reduce serious health risks associated with UVR exposure.

Graphical Abstract
Global research landscape of microplastics and their impact on earthworm: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Moharana Tanushree , Patnaik Aliva , Mishra C. S. K. , Behera Binayak Prasad , Samal Suryasikha , Samal Rashmi Rekha
Published: October 2024

Microplastics (MPs) are generated from diverse categories of plastic debris disposed in open. Its entry into the terrestrial ecosystem could not only impact soil physico-chemical attributes but also endanger the lives of biotas including the earthworms which play significant role in the decomposition of organics and sustaining the nutrient pool. There have been consistent efforts by various workers across the globe to study the impact of MPs on the terrestrial environment and exploring potential mitigation strategies to minimize contamination levels. This review presents a bibliometric analysis of scientific publications on impact of MPs on the earthworms from 2017 to 2023. The primary objective is to discern trends among authors, institutions, and countries contributing to research on MPs, particularly concerning their interaction with earthworms. The analysis reveals a steady escalation in the number of publications up to 2022. The VOS viewer software was utilized for data visualization and cluster analysis, unveiling three clusters highlighting keyword groups associated with "microplastics", "soil", and "earthworms". Notably, "microplastics" and "earthworm" emerged as prominent research hotspots.
Understanding Experiences of Headache-Sufferers Attending Emergency Departments Through Photovoice
Authors: Krebs Lynette D. , Hill Nicole , Lesyk Nicholas , Villa-Roel Cristina , Rowe Brian H.
Published: October 2024

Objective:

Our aim was to explore the experiences of individuals receiving emergency department (ED) care for acute headaches.

Background:

Patients with headache exacerbations commonly present to EDs. This study explored the experiences of adult patients during the exacerbation period, specifically using photovoice.

Methods:

Recruited from two urban EDs in Alberta, Canada, participants with primary headaches took photographs over 3–4 weeks and subsequently completed a 60–90 minute, one-on-one, in-person photo-elicitation interview. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed and thematically analyzed alongside photographs.

Results:

Eight participants (six women) completed the study. The average age was 42 years (standard deviation: 16). Five themes emerged: (1) the struggle for legitimacy in light of the invisibility of their condition; (2) the importance of hope, hopelessness and fear in the day-to-day life of participants; (3) the importance of agency and becoming “your own advocate”; (4) the struggle to be and be seen as themselves despite the encroachment of their headaches; and (5) the realities of “good” and “bad” care in the ED. Participants highlighted examples of good care, specifically when they felt seen and believed. Additionally, some expressed the acute care space itself being a beacon of hope in the midst of their crisis. Others felt dismissed because providers “know it’s not life or death.”

Conclusions:

This study highlighted the substantial emotional impact that primary headaches have on the lives of participants, particularly during times of exacerbation and while seeking acute care. This provides insight for acute care settings and practitioners on how to effectively engage with this population.
Emotional eating and mental health of nurses working in Lebanese hospitals during the double crisis
Authors: Mitri Rosy Nahed , El-Ali Zeina , Dankar Maha
Published: October 2024

The 2019 coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and strict quarantine increased the likelihood of mental symptoms and abnormal eating behaviours. This study aimed to assess the magnitude of emotional eating (EE) among nurses working in Lebanese hospitals and its association with mental health. A cross-sectional study was conducted among nurses aged between 18 and 50 years working in Lebanese hospitals during the COVID-19 outbreak and the economic crisis. A total of 303 nurses consented to participate. The mean EE score was 28.56 (±8.11). The results of this study revealed that 53.8% of the nurses reported depression, 58.1% suffered from anxiety and 95.1% experienced either moderate or severe stress. The study concluded that females (β = 8.112, P = 0.004), non-smokers (β = –4.732, P = 0.01) and depressed nurses (β = 0.596, P = 0.046) had a higher tendency towards EE. Additionally, it was found that EE was associated with weight gain (β = 6.048, P = 0.03) and increased consumption of fried foods (β = 5.223, P = 0.001). Females experienced more stress (β = 2.244, P = 0.003) and anxiety (β = 1.526, P = 0.021) than their male counterparts. With regard to mental health, depression was associated with weight gain (β = 2.402, P = 0.003) and with lower consumption of healthy foods such as nuts (β = –1.706, P = 0.009) and dishes prepared with sofrito sauce (β = –1.378, P = 0.012). These results can help the health authorities to design preparedness plans to ensure proper mental and physical well-being of nurses during any unforeseen emergencies.
Transforming research to better support societal transition to a sustainable trajectory
Authors: Jessen Nina Toudal , Richardson Katherine , Larsen Rune
Published: October 2024

Non-technical summary

This commentary argues that the current academic and societal pursuit of ‘solutions’ to sustainability challenges fails to acknowledge how change normally occurs in complex adaptive systems, that is, socio-economic systems and the Earth system, relevant for societal development. Such systems seldom evolve through isolated changes or ‘solutions’ but, rather, through numerous small adjustments of component parts. It is the interactions between these small adjustments that lead to system change. Thus, we argue the need for altered expectations in relation to, and a new narrative describing, the anticipated role of research in the pursuit of a more sustainable societal development trajectory.

Technical summary

The commentary argues for seeking multiple adjustments rather than seeking ‘solutions’ to our current planetary crises. Based on the belief that many of these adjustments may already lie dormant across academic departments, the University of Copenhagen conducted a series of ‘Transformation Labs’ in 2023 with the purpose of identifying the potential socio-economic and technical adjustments that, in combination, may catalyze societal transformation toward sustainability as well as potential barriers for their societal implementation. Here, we reflect on the learnings from the exercise and argue that both current funding practices and university training should be modified to support this altered narrative. In addition, interactions between research institutions and the beyond-academic world should be strengthened.

Social media summary

For reaching a sustainable trajectory, research needs to focus on multiple adjustments rather than fixed solutions.
Analyzing the structural, optoelectronic, and thermoelectric properties of InGeX3 (X = Br) perovskites via DFT computations
Authors: Abdullah Danish , Gupta Dinesh C.
Published: October 2024

The Electronic and optical properties of InGeX3(X = Cl, Br) were examined by adopting the density functional theory (DFT) approach. We applied the GGA + Trans-Blaha modified Becke–Johnson (TB-mBJ) technique to acquire the precise bandgap of 1.52 and 0.98 eV of the compounds InGeX3(X = Cl, Br) respectively which suggests the direct bandgap at (M-M). The stability of the material is confirmed by the formation energy (– 2.83 = Cl; – 2.35 = Br) and Mechanical stability. Primarily elastic constants were extracted for each of the materials under scrutiny, and these values then served to gauge all of the materials’ mechanical properties. The assessed Poisson’s and Pugh’s ratios for the materials InGeCl3 and InGeBr3 were verified to identify the degree of ductility. The quasi-harmonic Debye model additionally covers the temperature and pressure dependence on thermodynamic parameters, particularly volume, specific heat capacity (Cv) at constant volume, and the Gruneisen parameter (γ) in the range of 0–800 K and 0–5 GPa. It is anticipated that InGeCl3 and InGeBr3 will have static dielectric constants of 4.01 and 5.74, respectively. InGeX3(X = Cl, Br) also reveals significant absorption in the high UV spectrum. The thermoelectric properties have also been calculated vdata-element-id="9QNfR3VHbcMHX_W0fJCYp" data-element-type="html" style="display: initial; visibility: initial; opacity: initial; clip-path: initial; position: relative; float: left; top: 0px; left: 0px; z-index: 1 !important; pointer-events: none;" />ia boltztrap2 code using a k mesh of around 1,50,000 points.
Wildlife target detection based on improved YOLOX-s network
Authors: XiaoAn Bao , LinQing Zhou , XiaoMei Tu , Biao Wu , QingQi Zhang , YuTing Jin , Na Zhang
Published: October 2024

To addresse the problem of poor detection accuracy or even false detection of wildlife caused by rainy environment at night. In this paper, a wildlife target detection algorithm based on improved YOLOX-s network is proposed. Our algorithm comprises the MobileViT-Pooling module, the Dynamic Head module, and the Focal-IoU module.First, the MobileViT-Pooling module is introduced.It is based on the MobileViT attention mechanism, which uses a spatial pooling operator with no parameters as a token mixer module to reduce the number of network parameters. This module performs feature extraction on three feature layers of the backbone network output respectively, senses the global information and strengthens the weight of the effective information. Second, the Dynamic Head module is used on the downstream task of network detection, which fuses the information of scale sensing, spatial sensing, and task sensing and improves the representation ability of the target detection head. Lastly, the Focal idea is utilized to improve the IoU loss function, which balances the learning of high and low quality IoU for the network. Experimental results reveal that our algorithm achieves a notable performance boost with mAP@0.5 reaching 87.8% (an improvement of 7.9%) and mAP@0.5:0.95 reaching 62.0% (an improvement of 5.3%). This advancement significantly augments the night-time wildlife detection accuracy under rainy conditions, concurrently diminishing false detections in such challenging environments.