bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrating academic and professional integrity: a co-designed serious game for nursing students - a multi-methods study
Authors: Creighton Laura , Mitchell Gary , Hamilton Conor , Craig Stephanie , Stark Patrick , McLaughlin-Borlace Nuala , Slade Christine , Brown Wilson Christine
Published: February 2025

Academic integrity constitutes a cornerstone of higher education, epitomising values such as honesty, trust, fairness, respect, and responsibility. However, breaches in academic integrity persist among nursing students. Current responses to breaches predominantly adopt reactive and punitive measures, lacking proactive initiatives that cultivate active learning. Moreover, traditional didactic teaching methodologies may fail to resonate with the digital-native characteristics of contemporary students. Consequently, a discernible gap exists regarding novel approaches to instilling and upholding academic integrity within nursing education. The aim of this study is to explore and evaluate whether a co-designed serious game linking academic integrity and professionalism promotes motivation for self-perceived learning for first year undergraduate nursing students at one university in Northern Ireland. Using multi-methods, this study employed a pre-post validated 34-item Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire before and after students played the game, and qualitative focus groups that explored the students’ experience of playing the game and impact on academic practice. Quantitative results (n = 233) showed significance across the 6 sub-scales of the Modified Strategies for Learning Questionnaire including self-efficacy, peer learning and help-seeking. Three themes were developed from focus groups (n = 39) in relation to usability, professional values and transferable skills. The study findings indicate the game had a positive impact on motivation, critical thinking, and self-regulation among participants and successfully correlated academic integrity with universally shared nursing values, such as honesty, accountability, and openness. Suggesting that the integration of case-based learning within a serious game offers a proactive, rather than punitive, approach to academic misconduct education, with potential applicability across diverse cultural and professional contexts.
Mortality following hip fracture surgery in patients with dementia: a Swedish multiple national register study
Authors: Axenhus Michael , Hägg Sara J. , Eriksdotter Maria , Hedström Margareta , Religa Dorota
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Hip fractures in older adults are a significant risk factor for morbidity and mortality, with the presence of dementia further complicating outcomes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between hip fractures and mortality of patients with dementia and dementia types in comparison to those without dementia following hip fracture surgery.

Methods

Utilizing data from the Swedish Hip Fracture Register (SHR), Swedish Registry for Cognitive/Dementia Disorders (SveDem), National Patient Register (NPR), and National Prescribed Drug Register (PDR), we conducted a retrospective analysis of 111,353 patients aged 65 and older who underwent hip fracture surgery between 2010 and 2018. Patients were categorized into two cohorts: those with and without a known diagnosis of dementia prior to the hip fracture. Multivariable Cox regression analyses were used to evaluate mortality risk factors.

Results

Of the study sample, 22% had dementia. Dementia patients exhibited higher mortality rates at 30 days with 13% vs. 6%, (p < 0.001), 4 months with 27% vs. 12%, (p < 0.001) and at 1 year with 39% vs. 20%, post-fracture (p < 0.001). Higher ASA grades, poor baseline walking ability, and long-term care residency were also associated with increased mortality. Parkinson’s disease dementia was associated with a higher mortality compared to other dementias during the first 4 months post-operatively.

Conclusion

Our findings revealed an association between dementia diagnosis and higher risk of mortality following hip fracture surgery. These findings underscore the need for specialized post-operative care. Involving specific post-operative geriatric competence, such as orthogeriatric or orthogeriatric models of care could potentially improve outcomes. Further research is needed to explore the impact of dementia severity and subtype on mortality.
Distilling Solidarity
Authors: Arastu Nermeen , Bosniak Linda , Buckinx Barbara , Frank-Vitale Amelia , Gleeson Shannon
Published: February 2025

In the aftermath of the 2018 migrant caravans, the Mexican government arrested two migrants’ rights activists,1 but not because they gave food or donated clothes to the caravaneros. The transgressive nature of their activism consisted of walking and organizing alongside people whose presence in the country was unauthorized. They were charged with smuggling-related crimes; but they were really “guilty” of solidarity. In this essay, we outline what solidarity entails, what compels various actors to join in, and to what end. From an interdisciplinary perspective, we discuss the “what,” “where,” “who,” and “why” of solidarity. The purpose is to open a new epistemological horizon, providing tools to collectively reflect on the complex issues at the intersection between solidarity, migration, and law.
Association between healthy beverage index and healthy beverage score with metabolic syndrome: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Leilami Kimia , Mahmoudi Zahra , Ghazimpradi Zahra , Nouri Mehran , Ardekani Atefeh Torabi , Ardekani Fariba Moradi , Zare Morteza , Masoumi Seyed Jalil
Published: February 2025

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a widespread and complex health disorder. Dietary habits and consumption of simple sugars have been shown to play an important role in the prevention and treatment of MetS. This cross-sectional study was conducted in a population of 3380 adults from the Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (SUMS) employees’ health cohort. The healthy beverage index (HBI) and healthy beverage score (HBS) were calculated. Risk for MetS and its components, including blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, waist circumference, triglyceride levels, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, were measured using standardised protocols. Results showed a significant inverse association between higher adherence to HBI (OR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.48–0.74, P < 0.001) and HBS (OR = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.65–0.97, P = 0.030) with lower risk of MetS. Also, we observed a significant association between higher level of HBI and HBS with decreased risk of hypertension, as a critical component of MetS. These findings support the notion that healthier beverage consumption, as indicated by higher HBI and HBS levels, may play a critical role in reducing the risk of MetS.
Transitory and Permanent Cash Flow Shocks in Debt Contract Design
Authors: Ma Le , Sikochi Anywhere , Xiao Yajun
Published: February 2025

We examine how lenders design contracts to account for transitory and permanent cash flow shocks facing borrowers. We find that volatile transitory cash flow shocks are associated with fewer liquidity covenants, indicating financial flexibility that enables firms to survive liquidity crunches. The opposite is true for volatile permanent cash flow, suggesting that borrowers’ economic fundamentals are important credit risk factors. Subsequent analyses show that borrowers exposed to transitory (permanent) shocks face less (more) severe credit consequences following poor performance. Overall, we show that transitory and permanent cash flow shocks have significant and opposite effects on debt contract covenant design.
The Efficacy Problem
Authors: Ramsauer Laurenz
Published: February 2025

Legal theorists agree widely on two necessary and jointly sufficient conditions for the existence of a legal system: a legal system exists if (i) legal officials adopt a critically reflective attitude toward the legal system’s foundational rule, and (ii) the substantive laws of the system are “by and large” efficacious. The latter “efficacy condition” plausibly applies to all posited law, paradigmatically including modern centralized legal systems and less paradigmatic instances like international law. And yet, philosophers have also frequently pointed out the difficulty in determining precisely what this efficacy amounts to. In this article, I argue that the persisting difficulty of explaining the efficacy of law results from three tempting but inadequate assumptions about posited law and that our basic assumptions need to be revised accordingly.
Lösungsorientierte Maltherapie mit Kindern und Jugendlichen
Authors: Riner Simone , Merz Jörg
Published: February 2025

Die Lösungsorientierte Maltherapie (LOM) bietet eine willkommene neue Form der Kommunikation für Kinder und Jugendliche, denn oft fällt es jungen Menschen schwer, ihre Gefühle, Bedürfnisse und Gedanken in Worte zu fassen.Simone Riner und Jörg Merz lassen in diesem Band erfahrene Kunsttherapeut:innen zu Wort kommen, die authentisch und anschaulich von Kindern und Jugendlichen im Alter von 4 bis 18 Jahren berichten; von ihren Sorgen, Bedürfnissen und Ängsten.Im ersten Teil werden das Vorgehen und die Prinzipien der Lösungsorientierten Maltherapie vorgestellt. Danach werden pro Alter Fallbeispiele beziehungsweise wirksame Prozessverläufe anhand diverser Themen beschrieben, wie zum Beispiel: unkontrollierbare Wut Albträume Schulangst Trennung der Eltern Cybermobbing Anorexie TranssexualitätBegleitet werden alle Beispiele mit den entsprechenden Bildern, die während des Prozesses entstanden sind.Therapeut:innen und Erziehungsverantwortliche erhalten einen tiefen Einblick in die Lösungsorientierte Maltherapie und dadurch die Chance, neue Perspektiven für die Arbeit und die Behandlung von Kindern und Jugendlichen zu entdecken.
Panic Disorder and Agoraphobia
Authors: Rego Simon A.
Published: February 2025

This new and indispensable volume in the Advances in Psychotherapy series has been meticulously crafted to address the nuances of diagnosing, assessing, and treating panic disorder and agoraphobia, using the latest interventions derived from cognitive behavioral therapy. Designed as a brief but comprehensive resource for treatment providers at all levels, this book gives a description of panic disorder and agoraphobia, reviews well-established, empirically derived theories and models, and guides readers through the diagnostic and treatment decision-making process before outlining a 12-session treatment. Each chapter offers practical guidance, specialized insights, and adaptable strategies to tailor the treatment to individual patients. The step-by-step approach, a detailed case vignette, and downloadable worksheets will enable practitioners to feel confident and competent when empowering patents to overcome their often debilitating fears and reclaim their lives. This is an ideal resource for clinical psychologists, other mental health professionals, and students.
TDP43 is a newly identified substrate for PS1, enhancing the expression of APP following cleavage
Authors: Yin Hanlan , Wang Yuxiang , Ren Zhichao , Xiao Zixuan , Zhang Yan , Wang Yibo , Guo Zining , Chen Lu , Bao Xinlu , Bei Yingshuo , Fu Xueqi , Zeng Linlin
Published: February 2025

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has been comprehensively studied; however, most research has focused on Aβ plaque deposition and Tau protein phosphorylation. Emerging evidence suggests that TDP43 may be significantly involved AD and potentially worsening its pathology. To investigate the role of TDP43 in the pathological development of AD, we employed the STRING protein network interaction tool to identify potential relationships between TDP43 and other proteins, including PS1 and APP. Subsequent co-immunoprecipitation experiments were conducted, and the results indicated that TDP43 could interact with PS1. Further studies have shown that the interaction between the two would also lead to the loss of nuclear localization of TDP43. We also found that overexpression or knockdown of PS1 in both primary cells, HeLa and NSC34 cells indicated that TDP43 is likely to be a substrate of PS1. Subsequent use of the L685,458 and z-VAD, the PS1 mutant plasmids D257A and D385A, and bioinformatics approaches demonstrated that PS1 is dependent on γ-secretase and caspase activity to cleave TDP43, and that the cleavage site is at amino acid 315 of TDP43. Besides, our study demonstrated that the interaction of TDP43 with PS1 in primary cells, HeLa and NSC34 cells can promote APP expression, resulting in elevated Aβ levels. Finally, we investigated whether the interaction between TDP43 and PS1 affects the expression of other PS1 substrates, Notch and E-cadherin. Our results demonstrated that TDP43 cleaved by PS1 only promoted APP expression and had no effect on other PS1 substrates. In conclusion, these results suggest that TDP43 is a new substrate of PS1 and that TDP43 cleaved by PS1 promotes APP expression, which leads to increased Aβ content, which may explain why TDP43 promotes AD development. These insights enhance our understanding of TDP43’s role in AD development.
Optic disc parameters and associations with early life exposures in over 3000 12-year-old children: findings from the ALSPAC cohort
Authors: Creavin Alexandra L. , Tilling Kate , Timpson Nicholas , Williams Cathy EM
Published: February 2025

Objectives

We aimed to investigate the distribution of small optic discs and large cup-to-disc ratio in children and to examine associations with maternal and environmental factors.

Methods

Retinal photographs were graded from over 3000 12-year-olds in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children. Regression models examined associations between disc parameters and maternal and early-life exposures.

Results

Mean cup-to-disc area ratio (CDAR) for 3288 children was 0.21 (95%CI 0.20,0.21). Discs with CDAR > 0.3 were present in 11%. The odds of CDAR > 0.3 were increased nearly three-fold in underweight children (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.9 (1.1, 7.3) p = 0.03) and 28-fold in severely premature ( < 28 weeks) children (paOR 28 95%CI 4.6,172, p < 0.001) with nearly one in four children affected. Mean cup-to-fovea/disc diameter (CF/DD) for 3327 children was 2.48 (95%CI 2.47,2.50). Small discs (CF/DD > 3) were present in 6% of which a third were bilateral. The odds of a small disc were increased in the offspring of mothers who smoked in pregnancy (aOR 1.7 (1.0,2.8) p = 0.04) and more than doubled in children born with a small head circumference (aOR 2.5 (1.4,4.5) p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Small optic discs and high cup-to-disc ratio are more frequent than usually supposed at age 12. The odds of CDAR > 0.3 are increased by severe prematurity and pathologically low child BMI. The odds of a small disc are increased by maternal smoking and small head circumference. Optimisation of risk factors in pregnancy and delivery and early childhood nutrition may play an important role in ophthalmic neurodevelopment and thus have a lifelong impact on ocular health.
A capless hairpin-protected mRNA vaccine encoding the full-length Influenza A hemagglutinin protects mice against a lethal Influenza A infection
Authors: Solodushko Victor , Kim Jin H. , Fouty Brian
Published: February 2025

The success of mRNA vaccines in controlling the COVID 19 pandemic has confirmed the efficacy of synthetically synthesized mRNA in humans and has also provided a blueprint on how to design them in terms of molecular structure and cost. We describe a mRNA vector that, unlike linear mRNAs used in current vaccines/therapeutics, does not require a 5′ cap to function. The described mRNA vector initiates translation from an internal ribosomal entry site (IRES) and contains specially designed self-folding secondary structures (hairpins) to protect the 5′ end against degradation, dramatically improving its stability. The produced mRNA did not require any additional modifications for functionality. The 5′ hairpins completely inhibited cap-dependent translation, and all vectors containing them required an IRES to express protein. When this capless mRNA vector was constructed to express the full-length Influenza A membrane protein hemagglutinin (HA), complexed with pre-formed lipid-based nanoparticles, and then injected into mice as a vaccine, it generated high titers of anti-HA antibodies and protected mice against a lethal dose of Influenza A.
Increased ectodysplasin-A2-receptor EDA2R is a ubiquitous hallmark of aging and mediates parainflammatory responses
Authors: Barbera Maria Chiara , Guarrera Luca , Re Cecconi Andrea David , Cassanmagnago Giada Andrea , Vallerga Arianna , Lunardi Martina , Checchi Francesca , Di Rito Laura , Romeo Margherita , Mapelli Sarah Natalia , Schoser Benedikt , Generozov Edward V. ,   Molecular Genetics Group, Sultanov Rinat I. , Kanygina Alexandra , Kulemin Nikolay A. , Semenova Ekaterina A. , Jansen Rick , de Geus Eco J. C. , Penninx Brenda , van Dongen Jenny , Craparotta Ilaria , Piccirillo Rosanna , Ahmetov Ildus I. , Bolis Marco
Published: February 2025

Intensive efforts have been made to identify features that could serve as biomarkers of aging. Yet, drug-based interventions aimed at lessening the detrimental effects of getting older are lacking. This is largely attributable to tissue-specificity, sex-related differences, and to the difficulty of identifying actionable targets, which continues to pose a significant challenge. Here, we implement a bioinformatics approach revealing that aging-associated increase of the transmembrane Ectodysplasin-A2-Receptor is a prominent tissue-independent alteration occurring in humans and other species, and is particularly pronounced in models of accelerated aging. We show that strengthening of the Ectodysplasin-A2-Receptor signalling axis in myogenic precursors and differentiated myotubes suffices to trigger potent parainflammatory responses, mirroring aspects of aging-driven sarcopenia. Intriguingly, obesity, insulin-resistance, and aging-related comorbidities, such as type-2-diabetes, result in heightened levels of the Ectodysplasin-A2 ligand. Our findings suggest that targeting the Ectodysplasin-A2 surface receptor represents a promising pharmacological strategy to mitigate the development of aging-associated phenotypes.
Three-dimensional, multimodal synchrotron data for machine learning applications
Authors: Green Calum , Ahmed Sharif , Marathe Shashidhara , Perera Liam , Leonardi Alberto , Gmyrek Killian , Dini Daniele , Le Houx James
Published: February 2025

Machine learning techniques are being increasingly applied in medical and physical sciences across a variety of imaging modalities; however, an important issue when developing these tools is the availability of good quality training data. Here we present a unique, multimodal synchrotron dataset of a bespoke zinc-doped Zeolite 13X sample that can be used to develop advanced deep learning and data fusion pipelines. Multi-resolution micro X-ray computed tomography was performed on a zinc-doped Zeolite 13X fragment to characterise its pores and features before spatially resolved X-ray diffraction computed tomography was carried out to characterise the topographical distribution of sodium and zinc phases. Zinc absorption was controlled to create a simple, spatially isolated, two-phase material. Both raw and processed data are available as a series of Zenodo entries. Altogether we present a spatially resolved, three-dimensional, multimodal, multi-resolution dataset that can be used to develop machine learning techniques. Such techniques include the development of super-resolution, multimodal data fusion, and 3D reconstruction algorithms.
The c.119-123dup5bp mutation in human γC-crystallin destabilizes the protein and activates the unfolded protein response to cause highly variable cataracts
Authors: Shah Mohd Hussain , Vendra Venkata Pulla Rao , Ostrowski Christian , Ma Zhiwei , Hejtmancik J. Fielding
Published: February 2025

Ordered cellular architecture and high concentrations of stable crystallins are required for the lens to maintain transparency. Here we investigate the molecular mechanism of cataractogenesis of the CRYGC c.119-123dupGCGGC (p.Cys42AlafsX63) (CRYGC5bpdup) mutation. Lenses were extracted from wild type and transgenic mice carrying the CRYGC5bpdup minigene and RNA was isolated and converted into cDNA. Expression of genes in the unfolded protein response (UPR) pathways was estimated by qRT-PCR and RNA seq and pathway analysis was carried out using the Qiagen IPA website. Postnatal 3 weeks (P3W) Transgenic mice exhibited phenotypic diversity with a dimorphic population of severe and clear lenses. PCA of RNA seq data showed separate clustering of wild-type, clear CRYGC5bpdup, and severe CRYGC5bpdup lenses. Transgenic mice showed differential upregulation in Master regulator Grp78 (Hspa5) and downstream targets in the PERK-dependent UPR pathway including Atf4 and Chop (Ddit3), but not GADD34 (Ppp1r15a). Thus, high levels of CRYGC5bpdup transgene expression in severely affected lenses induces UPRer and UPRmt stress responses primarily through the PERK-dependent and Atf4/Atf5/Ddit3 pathways respectively, inducing autophagy and apoptosis and thence congenital nuclear cataracts. This effect is correlated to CRYGC5bpdup transgene expression, offering insight into cataract pathogenic pathways and recapitulating the variation in cataract severity in humans.
High-throughput screening of probiotics in fermented foods and their potential application in alleviating alcohol-induced damage.
Authors: Zhang Jun-Pu jun , Liu Shuangping , Mao Jian , Ren Dongliang , Yang Qilin , Li Mingliang
Published: February 2025

This study is dedicated to screening strains with high ethanol degradation capabilities from various fermented products, aiming to mitigate the adverse health effects of alcohol consumption. The research began with...
Square Planar Mononuclear Ni(II) Complexes of Functionalized 2,2':6',2''-Terpyridines: BSA/DNA Binding and Anticancer Activity
Authors: Panicker Rakesh R , John Martin Luther , N Daphne Morrison , Yogendra Varma Pralayakaveri , S Dharani , Pandya Chayan , anand A S Vijai , Mondal Joydip , Akella Sivaramakrishna
Published: February 2025

The nature of heterocyclic ligands and geometry of coordination complexes play an important role in the biological activities. In this regard, a series of functionalized 2,2':6',2''-terpyridine (tpy) ligands (L1-L4), and...
Structure–activity Relationship of the CuO–CeO2 in the Synthesis of Methyl N-Phenylcarbamate
Authors: Ji Lu , Che Conghui , Li Fang , Xue Wei , Ding Xiaoshu , Zhang Dongsheng , Li jing , Zhao Xinqiang , Wang Yanji
Published: February 2025

The methoxycarbonylation of aniline (AN) with dimethyl carbonate (DMC) to produce methyl N-phenylcarbamate (MPC), a key intermediate in non-phosgene diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) synthesis, is facilitated using a newly developed CuO-CeO2...
Universal scaling laws on rotational energy landscape for twisted van der Waals bilayers
Authors: Zhang Zichong , Zhu Shuze
Published: February 2025

The emerging field of twistronics utilizes the interfacial twist angle between two-dimensional materials to design and explore unconventional electronic properties. However, recent investigations revealed that not every twist angle is...
Enhancing the photovoltaic properties of phenylsulfonyl carbazole-based materials by incorporating a thiophene ring and end-capped acceptors for organic solar cells: a DFT approach
Authors: Khalid Muhammad , Amir Laiba , Arshad Muhammad , Shafiq Iqra , Braga Ataualpa Albert Carmo , Alrashidi Khalid Abdullah
Published: February 2025

In the present study, phenylsulfonyl carbazole-based organic chromophores, abbreviated as PSCD1–PSCD6, were designed through tailoring the terminal group of a PSCR chromophore.
Microfluidic chip designs and their application for E antigen typing on red blood cells
Authors: Maraming Pornsuda , Shean Aye Nang Noon , Panyakakaew Pattarawarin , Tippayawat Patcharaporn , Daduang Sakda , Choowongkomon Kiattawee , Jearanaikoon Nichada , Srisom Kriettisak , Phatthanakun Rungrueang , Daduang Jureerut
Published: February 2025

Microfluidic chip designs and their application for E antigen typing on red blood cells.
Thermal- and Light-Induced Valence Tautomerism with a Concerted Spin Transition in an Iron Tris(diimine) Complex
Authors: Janetzki Jett Tao , Brown Dominic Stuart , Daumann Florian , Ismail Ismath Haseena , Gable Robert William , Hay Moya , Mulder Roger J , Starikova Alyona A. , Weber Birgit , Giansiracusa Marcus J. , Boskovic Colette
Published: February 2025

The switching phenomena of spin crossover (SCO) and valence tautomerism (VT) are respectively dominated by iron(II) and cobalt-dioxolene systems. To explore new possibilities for SCO or VT, the redox-active α-diimine...
“Repair and Fold” DNA Nanotweezers for Measuring DNA Alkylation Repair Mediated by ALKBH
Authors: Jiang Fengze , Zhang Cui , Wang Xiangnan , Yin Yuan , Hong Jieling , Tang Hao , Tang Lijuan , Wu Zhenkun
Published: February 2025

We reported a novel DNA lesion-modified nanotweezer that underwent conformational switch upon ALKBH enzymes-mediated lesion repair. We demonstrated that the DNA lesion-modified nanotweezer enabled specifically and rapidly monitoring ALKBH2 and...
CuN10: A High-Energy-Density Pentazolates with Antiferromagnetic State
Authors: Yi Wencai , Zhang Yuqiu , Zhang Guanghui , Liu Xiaobing
Published: February 2025

The pentazolates have attracted intensive interest because of their intrinsic green and high-energy density features. However, the physical role of spin electrons in pentazolate compounds is still not yet revealed....
A rapid and efficient zirconia bead-mediated ultrasonic strategy for DNA fragmentation up to 10 kbp
Authors: Fu Pan , Zhao Taowa , Wei Pengyao , Kong Tong , Qian Sihua , Wang Yuhui , Yu Lei , Zheng Jianping
Published: February 2025

The scheme of zirconia bead-mediated ultrasonic fragmentation of long-stranded DNA.
Adaptive Dynamic Surface Control for High‐Order Strict‐Feedback Systems With Input Saturation: A Fully Actuated System Approach
Authors: Xiao Yongqiang , Cai Guangbin , Hao Mingrui
Published: February 2025

We introduce an adaptive dynamic surface control (ADSC) method tailored for high‐order strict‐feedback systems (SFSs) with input saturation, utilizing the fully actuated system (FAS) approach. We simplify the steps in designing the controller by combining the FAS approach with ADSC method to directly control each high‐order subsystem as a complete entity, without the need to transform it into first‐order systems. Smooth functions and Nussbaum functions are applied to solve the problem of input saturation. We use a sequence of low‐pass filters to calculate the higher‐order derivatives of the virtual control law. Lyapunov stability theory is used to demonstrate that all signals within the closed‐loop system become uniformly bounded, with the tracking error ultimately converging to a small vicinity around zero. We validated the efficiency of the proposed method of control through simulations on a flexible joint manipulator system. In contrast to the traditional first‐order system method, which requires four virtual control laws, the proposed method in this paper necessitates only two, resulting in a smaller initial value of the control input.
Artificial intelligence in the COVID-19 pandemic: balancing benefits and ethical challenges in China’s response
Authors: Ding Xiaojun , Shang Bingxing , Xie Caifeng , Xin Jiayi , Yu Feng
Published: February 2025

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) across various domains, notably in healthcare, epidemic management, and public sentiment analysis. Focusing on China as a case study, this paper critically examines AI’s societal and individual impacts during the pandemic. Through a synthesis of literature and case analyses, we highlight AI’s dualistic role—its potential benefits alongside emerging challenges related to privacy, security, autonomy, and freedom. The study emphasizes the crucial importance of public acceptance, normative frameworks, technological advancement, and global collaboration in navigating these challenges. We advocate for comprehensive social policies to govern AI responsibly, ensuring ethical integrity and efficiency in future public health crises. The insights aim to inform policy decisions, guide healthcare stakeholders, and enrich public discourse, promoting a balanced approach to AI in healthcare.
Kinematic vorticity decomposition for generic two-dimensional flow
Authors: Chen Tao , Liu Tianshu
Published: February 2025

The present paper begins with evaluating the matrix representation of the velocity gradient tensor A by applying the method of differential geometry to the intrinsic streamline triad. Then, a direction-dependent kinematic decomposition of the vorticity is proposed for a generic two-dimensional (2D) flow, where the corresponding expressions are derived for the two elementary vorticity modes (R(t),s(t)), physically accounting for the orbital rotation (as a specific form of the rigid rotation mode) and the shear under the field description. We show that (R(t),s(t)) are expressible in terms of the angular velocities of a pair of orthogonal material line (surface) elements, naturally resulting in a physically intuitive representation of A. For the first time, the vorticity constituents (RN,sN) in the established invariant vorticity decomposition, previously deduced from the real Schur form of A at the vortex-structure level, are reformulated based on the direction-dependent variables (R(t),s(t)). It is proved that the disparity between the magnitudes of sN and s(t) is solely attributed to the potential flow, being determined by the difference between the relative stretching rates along the tangential and principal normal directions of a streamline. Next, a thorough analysis is performed for all the possible cases of a generic 2D flow by which the physical understanding of the distinct vorticity modes is, thus, deepened. Finally, the significance of the theoretical results are further illustrated by analyzing the velocity fields of the viscous flow inside a lid-driven cavity and the intriguing coherent structures in the Jupiter's Great Red Spot (GRS) extracted from the Galileo cloud images. The analysis demonstrates the generality of the proposed kinematic vorticity decomposition and its superiority in capturing the details of flow structures. The present exposition could be valuable in separating the elementary vorticity modes at different levels of description, as well as understanding their kinematic evolution mechanisms in a wide range of vortical-flow phenomena.
Diurnal activity budget of the kultarr (Antechinomys laniger) in captivity
Authors: Stannard Hayley J. , Goodchild Lisa M. , Old Julie M.
Published: February 2025

The kultarr (Antechinomys laniger) is a small carnivorous marsupial native to arid and semiarid regions of mainland Australia. This study assessed historical video data to develop an activity budget for a captive kultarr population. The study had very limited diurnal footage and found that kultarrs spent the most time displaying movement, foraging and stationary alert behaviours. The study has contributed to our understanding of kultarr behaviour in captivity; however, more research is needed that encompasses a larger data set to fully understand kultarr activity.
Aboriginal-constructed lizard traps on Western Australia’s south coast create reptile habitat and teach principles of granite outcrop conservation
Authors: Cramp Susie , Knapp Lynette , Paterson Harriet , Speldewinde Peter , Lullfitz Alison , Hopper Stephen D.
Published: February 2025

Context Granite outcrops of the Southwest Australian Floristic Region are places of cultural and ecological significance that are at risk from human disturbance. Lizard traps are propped-up rock slabs on granite outcrops, constructed by Aboriginal peoples to create habitat for and to catch reptiles. Despite the cultural importance of traps, public awareness remains low, and they are at risk from destruction and removal. Lizard traps are likely ecologically important, but data supporting this have yet to be published. Aims We aimed to; (1) clarify the ecological role of lizard traps on Western Australia’s south coast; (2) address the hypothesis that lizard traps provide reptile habitat; and (3) explore what lizard traps teach us about conservation of granites. Methods Directed by Merningar Elder Lynette Knapp, and focused around Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve, we used time-lapse cameras to undertake a cross-cultural investigation into the ecological role of lizard traps. Key results We found at least seven reptile groups use lizard traps on Western Australia’s south coast for activities including thermoregulation and shelter. Reptile presence was observed at 60% of lizard traps over 1 day. We found no difference between natural exfoliation (known reptile habitat) and lizard traps in reptile occurrence, diversity, duration of presence, and thermal complexity. Elder Lynette Knapp shares that lizard traps were created for human survival, and they teach us that caring for granite Country involves minimising disturbance, deep knowledge of the landscape, and multi-generational thinking. Conclusions First Nations-constructed lizard traps create reptile habitat as a key principle of caring for granite Country. Implications Lizard traps are culturally and ecologically important features of granite outcrops that need greater recognition and protection.
Grazing management of Australian native woody regeneration as an effective nature-based climate-change solution
Authors: Waters C. M. , Hacker R. B. , Sekaran A. , Grant A. R.
Published: February 2025

Rangelands are playing a major role in delivering ~50% of the Australian land-sector abatement across some 42 million ha. Carbon credits are an incentive for the regeneration of native woody vegetation through grazing management that remove past suppression activities preventing the establishment of forest cover.1 Although there are divergent views on the use of grazing management as a credible land management activity and carbon market mechanism, guidelines to support effective woody regeneration outcomes are lacking. We review the literature, adopting a case-study approach for the semi-arid rangelands in south-eastern Australia, asking ‘What is the capacity for grazing management to influence patterns of woody recruitment and growth’? The role of grazing in the context of woody plant encroachment and life stages of regeneration for mulga (Acacia aneura) were examined. We identify climate as the primary driver setting the potential for carbon accumulation and outline the capacity of grazing management to directly and indirectly affect temporal patterns of accretion, to influence initial site condition, germination and establishment, growth and mortality. Grazing management will determine the direction and pattern of carbon accumulation by influencing (i) the size of the seed pool available to commence the regeneration process and buffer the effects of preceding fire on seed production; (ii) the functionality of the landscape, suitability of seedbed conditions and resource retention; (iii) the successful establishment of woody seedlings through herbivory or trampling; (iv) the growth rate of young plants and time required to reach reproductive maturity or forest canopy height; and (v) fuel availability and the capacity to manage fire. On the basis of this information, we develop broad grazing management principles and guidelines. The question is therefore not about whether specific grazing management is essential to allow regeneration to occur, but the extent to which grazing management can allow the potential set by climate to be realised.
Determinants of intention to test for sexually transmitted infections among late adolescent women in the United States
Authors: Lederer Alyssa M. , Perry Callie Patterson
Published: February 2025

Background Individuals aged 15–24 years are disproportionately affected by sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the United States, and young women can face severe health consequences if STIs are left undiagnosed. Yet STI testing rates in this priority population remain low. Few studies incorporate health behavior theory to examine factors associated with STI testing among young women in the United States, which is vital for intervention development. This study therefore sought to identify the determinants of college-enrolled late adolescent women’s intentions to be tested for common STIs in the next 12 months using a theory-based approach. Methods Students who identified as female at a large Midwestern university completed an online survey about STIs (n = 171). Hierarchical multiple regression was used to assess the relationship between STI testing intention and the Reasoned Action Approach (RAA) global constructs of attitude, perceived norm, and perceived behavioral control, supplemented by STI knowledge, STI stigma, and STI shame. Results Findings indicate that the RAA global constructs predicted STI testing intention (P < 0.001), with perceived norm making the largest contribution. Neither STI knowledge, stigma, nor shame were significantly associated with STI testing intention. Conclusions Future interventions aimed at increasing STI testing among young women should focus on beliefs underlying the RAA global constructs and especially young women’s beliefs regarding other people’s support for getting tested for STIs.
Australian veteran sexual health: ‘…you are the first person I’ve spoken to about it.’
Authors: Douvos Kosta , Bourchier Louise , Temple-Smith Meredith J. , Malta Sue
Published: February 2025

Background Sexual health and functioning outcomes have been shown to be poor among veterans due to factors associated with military service, as well as barriers to healthcare access. However, there is currently limited research attempting to assess the scope and extent of these issues in the Australian context. Methods Ten qualitative, semi-structured interviews were conducted with Australian professionals working within or adjacent to veteran sexual health and were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Results Sexual health and functioning issues commonly develop among Australian veterans due to a variety of physical, psychological and social factors. Factors include mental ill-health, physical illness and injury, use of medication, and relationship strain. These contribute to physiological dysfunctions, poor sexual behaviours and difficulties in forming healthy, meaningful intimate relationships. Barriers, such as lack of awareness and understanding, stigma, and structural barriers, were suggested to interfere with healthcare access and worsen outcomes. Key informants recommended increasing provider training, research and military support, as well as de-stigmatising sexual health issues. Conclusions Veteran sexual health is not often on the radar of Australian health and research professionals. Our study is one of few studies in the Australian context, highlighting the need to conduct more research to better manage veteran sexual health and functioning needs.
Pattern recognition and modelling of virulent wildfires in Spain
Authors: Bugallo María , Esteban María Dolores , Marey-Pérez Manuel Francisco , Morales Domingo
Published: February 2025

Background Driven by global warming and land use, fire dynamics are changing worldwide, increasing fire activity and its impacts on ecosystems, livelihoods and human settlements. In southern European countries, large forest fires are increasing annually and a high spatio-temporal concentration has been shown to overwhelm fire suppression systems. Aims Propose sound statistical criteria for grouping fire ignitions based on auxiliary information. Methods Our methodology combines pattern recognition and complex statistical modelling that, by capturing underlying dependencies and adapting to the nature of the data, provides a reliable statistical basis for formulating firefighting strategies. Key results Weekly and provincial data from 2007 to 2015 are used to illustrate the performance of the procedures. Conclusions Research indicates that weather conditions, the simultaneous occurrence of events and the proximity of urban areas contribute to making the Spanish landscape highly susceptible to wildfires in summer. Implications Risk mapping is key to fire management and efficient resource allocation.
Una visita clandestina
Authors: Ibáñez Tarín Margarita
Published: February 2025

The secret meeting between Corpus Barga and Pablo Neruda in 1948, at the beginning of the Cold War, serves as a starting point to reflect on the relationship between two anti-fascist writers in a bipolar world. In the face of Neruda’s communist radicalization, Corpus Barga maintained positions of independent critical judgment. In this article we are interested in seeing the context in which Neruda’s artistic production was developed, made from a militant conscience, and the relationship that he developed with Corpus Barga, a cosmopolitan journalist with a long professional career developed between two centuries — born in 1887, he covered the First and Second World Wars — and between two continents, Europe and America.
Response of a cold-electron bolometer in a coplanar antenna system
Authors: Pimanov Dmitry A. , Pankratov Andrey L , Gordeeva Anna , Chiginev Alexander , Blagodatkin Anton , Revin Leonid , Razov Sergey A , Safonova Victoria Yu. , Федотов Илья , Skorokhodov Evgeny , Orlova Anastasia , Tatarskiy D A , Gusev Nikita , Trofimov Igor , Mumlyakov Alexander , Tarkhov Mikhail Alexandrovich
Published: February 2025

Cold-electron bolometers have shown suitability for use in modern fundamental physical experiments. In this study, the fabrication and measurements of the samples with cold-electron bolometers integrated into coplanar antennas are performed. The absorber layer was made using combined aluminum-hafnium technology to improve quality of aluminum oxide layer and decrease electron-phonon coupling. The samples of two types were measured in a dilution cryostat at various temperatures from 20 to 300 mK. The first sample with Ti/Au/Pd antenna shows response in the two frequency bands, at 7–9 GHz with bandwidth of about 20%, and also at 14 GHz with 10% bandwidth. The NEP below 10 aW/√Hz is reached at 300 mK for 7.7 GHz signal. The second sample with aluminum made antenna shows response in the frequency range 0.5–3 GHz due to the effect of kinetic inductance of superconducting aluminum.
Nuclear shape transitions visualized for the first time
Authors: Dumé Isabelle
Published: February 2025

Xenon nuclei change shape as they collide, transforming from soft, oval-shaped particles to rigid, spherical ones.
Return to Helgoland: the centenary of quantum mechanics
Authors: Crease Robert P
Published: February 2025

One of the most significant events in the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology is a workshop being held in June 2025 in Helgoland – the island where Werner Heisenberg laid the foundations for quantum mechanics 100 years ago. Robert P Crease asks delegates what they’ll be discussing and wonders whether Heisenberg’s work was as definitive as we like to think.
Conditions, Necessity, and Transcendental Linguistic Idealism in Wittgenstein’s Tractatus
Authors: Tejedor Chon
Published: February 2025

The question whether Wittgenstein’s Tractatus endorses a transcendental form of linguistic idealism is a highly complex one. This is so, not just because the textual evidence from Wittgenstein’s first published book is notoriously ambiguous and lends itself to differing interpretations, but also because the versions of idealism most relevant to discussing Wittgenstein’s work are intricate and, therefore, potentially elusive and difficult to pinpoint. This chapter argues that Wittgenstein aims to dissolve, rather than endorse, transcendental linguistic idealism in the Tractatus. In order to show this, it examines two versions of this doctrine. According to the first, the world is the world as given to the transcendental willing subject (i.e., to me) in representation; according to the second, possible representation  determines the possibilities of the world. The chapter argues that Wittgenstein seeks to show that both of these forms of transcendental linguistic idealism, together with the notions of necessity and purpose associated with them, disintegrate upon closer inspection.
Metaphysics First or Language First
Authors: Moltmann Friederike
Published: February 2025

In philosophy, general attention has been focused on the notion of an object as such, rather than that of a single object. There are two approaches concerning the notion of an object (as such). A metaphysics-first view takes objects to be given independently of language (and often leads to scepticism concerning whether language involves reference to objects at all). The second, language-first view takes the notion of an object to be defined on the basis of language, as in the Fregean definition according to which an object is what a referential noun phrase (NP) may stand for. This chapter argues that the notion of a single object or ‘being one’ does not require worldly or perceived conditions of integrity and even less so concept-relative atomicity. The notion of a single object is often based on conditions of integrity of some sort, but not strictly or always so. The notion is rather imposed through the use of count categories in natural language and thus provides a piece of support for linguistic idealism.
Systematic and predictable variation in heritage grammars
Authors: Rinke Esther , Flores Cristina
Published: February 2025

This chapter argues that some of the linguistic particularities of heritage grammars can be ascribed to the amplification of variation that is present in the input to heritage speakers. Our argumentation is based on studies on European Portuguese as a heritage language acquired in contact with German (and other environmental languages). Three different dimensions of linguistic variation are taken into consideration: variation caused by linguistic complexity (exemplified through clitic placement), variation caused by ongoing diachronic development (exemplified through null objects), and variation caused by lexical and/or grammatical ambiguity (expressed by the interpretation of overt subject pronouns; and multiple functions of the element que). We conclude that phenomena detected in heritage languages, which could at first sight be interpreted as deviant, are often a predictable outcome of variation in the input.
Heritage language gaps
Authors: Polinsky Maria
Published: February 2025

This chapter presents and analyzes the alternation between overt and null expressions in heritage languages (HLs), with a special emphasis on coreference and the structure of relative clauses. It is commonly observed that languages under contact minimize the use of null forms in favor of overt ones. I examine this claim in detail and conclude that while HLs generally do not change the licensing conditions on null elements, the dependencies in which such elements appear tend to be shortened or eliminated. In discussing structural change in HLs, this chapter also makes a connection between HLs and other language contact situations, in particular, between HLs and endangered languages. Although socio-cultural conditions on heritage and endangered languages may be quite different, structural similarities between the two language types are striking. As a consequence, grammatical observations from one empirical domain can be tested on the other.