bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification and prevalence of ixodid ticks of cattle in case of Aleltu district, Oromia regional state, northern Ethiopia
Authors: Gobe Abeti , Chalchisa Adugna , Kumsa Bersissa
Published: September 2024

Background

In Ethiopia, ticks are the major threat to cattle productivity and production, leading to considerable economic losses. The current study was designed to estimate the prevalence of ixodid tick infestation, identify species, assess major risk factors associated with tick infestation and assess public awareness.

Methods

A cross‐sectional and questionnaire‐based study was conducted from January 2022 to June 2022 in the Aleltu district. The study animals were selected using a simple random sampling method.

Results

Of the 400 cattle examined, 303 (75.8%) were found to be infested by one or more tick species. Six species of ticks were identified that belonged to three genera: Amblyomma, Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus, and the subgenus Rhipicephalus (Boophilus). The most common tick species identified in terms of their prevalence and dominance were Rh. (Bo) decoloratus, Rh. evertsi, Am. variegatum, Hy. rufipes, Rh. bergeoni and Rh. praetextatus. In the present study, Rh. (Bo) decoloratus was the most prevalent (56.8%) in the study area. Among the risk factors considered, the prevalence of tick species had a statistically significant (p < 0.05) association with the age, production systems and body condition of animals. Out of 110 people interviewed, 107 (97.3%) believed there was a tick infestation in their village, and almost all farmers 103(93.6%) in the study area were unaware that ticks serve as vectors.

Conclusions

The present study provides preliminary information on the prevalence of tick infestation and the composition of ticks in the Aleltu district. Ticks are a major problem for the cattle in the study area. Therefore, the problem observed in the study area alarms the district and calls for a comprehensive control strategy.
Augmentation laryngoplasty: Results and decision plan
Authors: Tissot Laura , Fabre Christol , Aboussouan Marie‐Pierre , Castellanos Paul F. , Atallah Ihab
Published: September 2024

Objectives

Augmentation laryngoplasty represents a therapeutic choice for patients who suffer from glottic insufficiency of different etiologies. There have been multiple injectables that have been proven effective. The present study examines the short‐term effects of vocal fold augmentation on phonation, swallowing, and breathing in individuals with glottic insufficiency. In addition, a decision plan is also proposed.

Methods

Data from medical records and operative notes were used to conduct a retrospective cohort study on patients with glottic insufficiency who underwent vocal fold augmentation from 2016 to 2023. Hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxyapatite, and polydimethylsiloxane were the injectable materials that were used. An analysis was conducted on phonation, breathing, swallowing, and laryngoscopy findings both before and after vocal folds' augmentation.

Results

Seventy‐nine patients were included, which represents 97 injections. The median (IQR) preoperative Voice Handicap Index‐10 (VHI‐10) score improved from 21 (15–28) to 16 (9–25) postoperatively (p < 0.001). The GRBAS scale also significantly decreased (p < 0.001). The median (IQR) preoperative Dyspnea Index score improved from 6 (0–17) to 2 (0–10) postoperatively (p < 0.05). Laryngoscopic findings showed significant improvement in the bulk of the vocal folds. There was no significant change in swallowing.

Conclusions

In case of dysphonia secondary to glottic insufficiency, augmentation laryngoplasty using various injectable materials has proven to be an effective option across a range of different etiologies, as it results in significant improvements in voice quality. The choice of the injectable material depends upon the severity and the etiology of glottic insufficiency.
Influence of Magnetic Field on Water and Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Poulose Sruthy , Quirke Jennifer A. , Coey Michael
Published: September 2024

Influences of an applied magnetic field and an applied field gradient are explored in pure water and in aqueous solutions. Effects such as diamagnetic levitation require a large magnetic field gradient force, and very large inhomogeneous fields. The weak effects on surface tension are best observed in compensated zero-susceptibility solutions of paramagnetic ions. Much larger effects of magnetic field on evaporation rate, in the range 10–100% may be of either sign. They are related to behaviour of the ortho and para nuclear isomers of water as quasi-independent gasses in the vapor, which are released from the surface of evaporating water in a ratio that is far from the expected equilibrium 3:1 triplet/singlet ratio in the ambient atmosphere. For pure water the ratio is found to be 39:61 The equilibrium is slow to be established by intermolecular collisions, but the ratio can be changed rapidly in the vapor phase, for example by a magnetic field gradient due to Larmour precession, which in turn alters the evaporation rate. The field is most effective in when the vapor is confined in a sheltered space such as a microchannel.
Dealing with the Pitfalls of Inclusion and Diversity: How to Involve Citizens Experiencing Distance from and Distrust of Science and Governance
Authors: de Weger Esther , Fraaije Aafke , Harambam Jaron , Willems Willemine
Published: September 2024

Complex and global emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the climate crisis have made scientific knowledge more relevant and at the same time more contested. Such contestation is amplified by widespread misinformation and a growing scepticism among certain groups in society towards science and policies that seem to be based solely on scientific research. Many have argued that the complexity of such emergencies and the contestation regarding scientifically developed solutions and policies require transdisciplinary research (TDR). In this chapter we present three major pitfalls and potential remedies to help TDR involve citizens (and other stakeholders) in a successful and meaningful way.
Confronting the Projectification of Transdisciplinarity for Transformation
Authors: Gjefsen Mads Dahl , Kok Kristiaan P. W. , Helliwell Richard
Published: September 2024

While the potential of transdisciplinary approaches to stimulate transformation and face society’s grand challenges has been the subject of much debate, a crucial question deserves attention: How plannable are these processes, really? In this chapter, we focus on our work in two agri-food system projects. We explore how considerations relating to fundability, together with the realities imposed by bureaucratic accountability structures and project-based research funding, influenced project formulations and path dependencies, ultimately affecting the transformation trajectories that were or were not pursued. We conclude by presenting recommendations to project management, funders and researchers.
Producing fully-charmed tetraquarks via charm quark fragmentation in colliders
Authors: Bai Xiao-Wei , Feng Feng , Gan Chang-Man , Huang Yingsheng , Sang Wen-Long , Zhang Hong-Fei
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Within the framework of nonrelativistic QCD (NRQCD), we calculate the fragmentation function for a charm quark into an S-wave fully-charmed tetraquark, denoted as T4c. The charm-to-T4c fragmentation function is expressed as a sum of products of the perturbatively calculable short-distance coefficients and the nonperturbative long-distance matrix elements (LDMEs). The short-distance coefficients are ascertained through the perturbative matching procedure at lowest order in αs expansion. The LDMEs are approximated using the T4c four-body wave functions at the origin, which have been evaluated by various phenomenological potential models in literature. Incorporating the celebrated QCD factorization and the charm-to-T4c fragmentation function, we predict the T4c production rate at high transverse momentum pT regime in colliders. Both the differential distribution over pT and the integrated cross sections are predicted at the LHC. The cross sections for T4c states production can reach several femtobarns to several hundreds femtobarns, suggesting a substantial potential for T4c event production at the LHC. Additionally, we estimate for the photoproduction of T4c in electron-proton (ep) collisions. It is observed that the cross sections for these processes are moderate at the HERA and EIC, and relatively small at the EicC. Given the luminosities of these colliders, the prospect of detecting these fully-charmed tetraquarks at ep colliders is somewhat challenging.
Moduli dynamics in effective nested warped geometry in four dimensions and some cosmological implications
Authors: Bhaumik Arko , SenGupta Soumitra
Published: September 2024

Abstract

We analyze the effective four-dimensional dynamics of the extra-dimensional moduli fields in curved braneworlds having nested warping, with particular emphasis on the doubly warped model which is interesting in the light of current collider constraints on the mass of the Kaluza-Klein graviton. The presence of a non-zero brane cosmological constant (Ω) naturally induces an effective moduli potential in the four-dimensional action, which shows distinct features in dS (Ω > 0) and AdS (Ω < 0) branches. For the observationally interesting case of dS 4-branes, a metastable minimum in the potential arises along the first modulus, with no minima along the higher moduli. The underlying nested geometry also leads to interesting separable forms of the non-canonical kinetic terms in the Einstein frame, where the brane curvature directly impacts the kinetic properties of only the first modulus. The non-canonicity of the scenario has been illustrated via an explicit computation of the field space curvature. We subsequently explore the ability of curved multiply warped geometries to drive inflation with an in-built exit mechanism, by considering predominant slow roll along each modular direction on a case-by-case basis. We find slow roll on top of the metastable plateau along the first modular direction to be the most viable scenario, with the higher-dimensional moduli parametrically tuning the height of the potential without significant impact on the inflationary observables. On the other hand, while slow roll along the higher moduli can successfully inflate the background and eventually lead to an exit, consistency with observations seemingly requires unphysical hierarchies among the extra-dimensional radii, thus disfavouring such scenarios.
Remarks on Regularization by Noise, Convex Integration and Spontaneous Stochasticity
Authors: Flandoli Franco , Rehmeier Marco
Published: September 2024

This note is devoted to a discussion of the potential links and differences between three topics: regularization by noise, convex integration, spontaneous stochasticity. All of them deal with the effect on large scales of a small-scale perturbation of fluid dynamic equations. The effects sometimes have something in common, like convex integration and spontaneous stochasticity, sometimes they look the opposite, as in regularization by noise. We are not aware of rigorous links or precise explanations of the differences, and hope to drive new research with this comparative examination.
Adjuvant (chemo)radiotherapy for patients with head and neck cancer: can comorbidity risk scores predict outcome?
Authors: Marschner Sebastian N. , Maihöfer Cornelius , Späth Richard , Haehl Erik , Reitz Daniel , Kienlechner Nora , Schüttrumpf Lars , Baumeister Philipp , Pflugradt Ulrike , Heß Julia , Zitzelsberger Horst , Unger Kristian , Belka Claus , Walter Franziska
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study compares the objective American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) and Adult Comorbidity Evaluation-27 (ACE-27) scores with the subjective Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) for patient outcome prediction.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients treated with adjuvant (chemo)radiotherapy at the LMU Munich from June 2008 to June 2015. The study focused on associations between patient outcomes; treatment failures; known risk factors (including human papillomavirus [HPV] status and tumor stage); and the comorbidity indices ECOG-PS, ASA score, and ACE-27. The Kaplan–Meier method and Cox proportional hazards model were used for survival analysis and identifying independent risk factors.

Results

A total of 302 patients were analyzed, 175 received concurrent chemotherapy. Median follow-up was 61.8 months, and median age at diagnosis was 61 years. The 3‑ and 5‑year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) rates were 70.5%/60.2% and 64.7%/57.6%, respectively. Both ACE-27 and ASA showed significant correlations with OS in univariate and multivariate analyses, while ECOG-PS was significant only in univariate analysis. ASA and ACE-27 scores were also significantly correlated with local and locoregional recurrence, but only HPV status and tumor stage were significant in multivariate models.

Conclusion

ACE-27 and ASA score effectively categorize patients’ risks in adjuvant radiotherapy for head and neck cancer, proving more predictive of overall survival than ECOG-PS. These results underscore the importance of objective comorbidity assessment and suggest further prospective studies.
The co-inoculation ratio of Hanseniaspora vineae-to-Saccharomyces cerevisiae correlates with aroma metabolic features in wine
Authors: Gallo Adelaide , Roman Tomas , Paolini Mauro , Cappello Nicola , Castello Denis , Schiavon Silvia , Guzzon Raffaele , Carrau Francisco , Schneider Rémi , Larcher Roberto
Published: September 2024

Hanseniaspora vineae is a non-Saccharomyces yeast used in winemaking to increase the complexity of wines. However, the fermentation rate in sequential inoculations may be challenging, particularly in industrial winemaking settings. This study aimed to assess how different co-inoculation protocols involving H. vineae and S. cerevisiae affect the fermenting performance and aroma of white and red wines. White and red wines were co-fermented with varying H. vineae-to-S. cerevisiae ratios (67%, 80%, 90%, 95%, and 98%). Results were compared to sequential and pure S. cerevisiae inoculation. Co-inoculation mitigated the inhibitory mechanisms associated with sequential inoculation, resulting in a reduction of 30 days and 6 days of fermentation for white and red wines, respectively. Moreover, the fermentation time in co-inoculation was similar to that of the controls, thereby avoiding the slowdowns typically observed in sequential inoculation. Five yeast-derived metabolic markers, two of which characterizing H. vineae metabolism, were studied to evaluate the processes. In white wines, β-phenylethyl acetate and benzyl alcohol were increased by H. vineae up to 64-fold and sevenfold, respectively, while ethyl hexanoate was fourfold higher in S. cerevisiae. In addition, 2-phenylethanol was up to twofold higher in S. cerevisiae. The results for isoamyl acetate varied depending on the co-inoculation ratio. At 67% and 80%, the H. vineae protocols showed the highest concentration, even exceeding that of S. cerevisiae pure inoculation. All compounds correlated linearly with the H. vineae-to-S. cerevisiae ratio at inoculum. The same trends were observed in red wines, but to a different extent.
Cushion sea-star removal enhances coral restoration practices and limits background mortality on recovering reefs
Authors: Walker Matthew , Mezger Selma D. , Clarke Aiden , Pessoa Igor , Leonhardt Johanna , Allahgholi Ahmad , Craggs Jamie , Sweet Michael John
Published: September 2024

The capacity for natural coral reef recovery and the effectiveness of active restoration efforts are often contingent upon uncertain and understudied background variables, such as chronic predation for example. In the Maldives, small coral colonies (< 10 cm), primarily from the genera Pocillopora and Acropora (often found recolonising degraded reefs) are frequently predated on by the spiny cushion sea-star (Culcita schmideliana). Incidentally, these same corals (especially Acroporids) are often prioritised in active reef restoration practices. However, the level of risk these corallivores pose on restoration success has not yet been assessed. Here, we aimed to initially document the population densities of C. schmideliana on a degraded reef system in the Maldives (Kunfunadhoo, Baa Atoll). We then assessed their associated predatory effects on coral recruits and transplants, and explored the benefits of C. schmideliana removal on the survival of these corals. Population densities ranged between 1.2 and 3.3 individuals per 100 m2, which resulted in high predation rates on coral recruits (4 – 20%) and transplants (11 – 43%). Culcita schmideliana predation accounted for the majority of the documented mortality (85%). Where C. schmideliana were removed, a significant increase in survival for recruits (9% higher) and transplants (24% higher) was shown. Further observations linked a cessation of C. schmideliana removal to a significant rise in predation instances for previously protected corals (up to 52%). Our study therefore highlights the severe impacts of C. schmideliana predation and shows Culcita spp. population management as a viable passive solution for effective reef restoration.
The scientific nature of the linear no-threshold (LNT) model used in the system of radiological protection
Authors: Wojcik Andrzej , Zölzer Friedo
Published: September 2024

During the first half of the 20th century, it was commonly assumed that radiation-induced health effects occur only when the dose exceeds a certain threshold. This idea was discarded for stochastic effects when more knowledge was gained about the mechanisms of radiation-induced cancer. Currently, a key tenet of the international system of radiological protection is the linear no-threshold (LNT) model where the risk of radiation-induced cancer is believed to be directly proportional to the dose received, even at dose levels where the effects cannot be proven directly. The validity of the LNT approach has been questioned on the basis of a claim that only conclusions that can be verified experimentally or epidemiologically are scientific and LNT should, thus, be discarded because the system of radiological protection must be based on solid science. The aim of this publication is to demonstrate that the LNT concept can be tested in principle and fulfils the criteria of a scientific hypothesis. The fact that the system of radiological protection is also based on ethics does not render it unscientific either. One of the fundamental ethical concepts underlying the LNT model is the precautionary principle. We explain why it is the best approach, based on science and ethics (as well as practical experience), in situations of prevailing uncertainty.
Success rate of single versus multiple debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention (DAIR) in hip and knee periprosthetic joint infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Salman Loay A. , Altahtamouni Seif B. , Khatkar Harman , Al-Ani Abdallah , Ahmed Ghalib
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This systematic review aimed to compare outcomes between multiple and single debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention (DAIR) procedures for early periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) in hip and knee arthroplasty.

Methods

Four databases were searched from inception till January 2024 for original studies investigating the outcomes of multiple DAIR in hip and knee PJI. The primary outcome was the success rate in eradicating joint infection. This review was conducted per PRISMA guidelines.

Results

A total of 9 observational studies with 1104 participants were included, with a mean age and BMI of 58.37 years (95%CI: 25.77–90.98) and 31.43 kg/m2 (95%CI: 28.89–34.98), respectively. The mean follow-up period was 58.37 months (95%CI: 25.77–90.98), and the average MINORS score assigned to the review was 17.6 ± 3.46, indicating a low overall risk of bias. An equivalent success rate between single and double DAIR was observed, at 67% (95%CI: 64–71%) and 70% (95%CI: 48–86%), respectively, with no statistically significant difference between the two treatment modalities (p = 0.740). Additionally, the success rate for triple DAIR ranged from 50 to 60%.

Conclusion

This study suggests that double DAIR is a valid treatment option for acute PJI after TKA and THA, with a success rate comparable to single DAIR (70% vs. 67%, p = 0.740). Triple DAIR achieved success rates ranging from 50 to 60%. However, caution is warranted when interpreting these results due to heterogeneity in host comorbidity factors, DAIR protocols, and antibiotic regimens.

Level of Evidence

Therapeutic, Level III.
Magnetic seed technology for the efficient removal of nitrogen from wastewater
Authors: Li Si , Zhu Guocheng , Yan Shijun , Hursthouse Andrew S.
Published: September 2024

Nitrogen pollution is a global issue impacting ecosystems, climate change, human health, and the economy. The challenge to reduce nitrogen pollution as a priority highlights the wastewater treatment system an important point of control. Coagulation, a common water treatment process, has a positive impact on the overall treatment process but often struggles to address nitrogen pollution effectively. Our study introduces a novel magnetic seed to enhance coagulation in treating nitrogen pollution, offering a new solution for the global water treatment industry. We focus on the efficiency, mechanistic detail, and recovery potential of a magnetic zirconium tannate in treating real-world wastewater nitrogen under coagulation conditions. Results show that 9 g/L of magnetic zirconium tannate effectively removes ammonia nitrogen, organic nitrogen, and total nitrogen from five different wastewater types. For low-concentration wastewater with ammonia nitrogen below 20 mg/L and organic nitrogen below 5 mg/L, removal rates reach up to 100%. For high-concentration wastewater with ammonia nitrogen below 98 mg/L and organic nitrogen below 86 mg/L, the maximum removal rate is 59% for ammonia nitrogen and 88% for organic nitrogen. Spectral analysis reveals that magnetic zirconium tannate adsorbs nitrogen compounds in water through both hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions, achieving excellent treatment outcomes. It can be efficiently recovered without using complex organic eluents and is easily separated from the flocculate. This technology offers non-disruptive supplement for current treatment approaches to meet the global nitrogen pollution challenge head on.
Fabrication of nanozeolite-Y/chitosan composite based on rice husks for efficient adsorption of methylene blue dye: kinetic and thermodynamic studies
Authors: Braish Amany G. , Hassan Asaad F. , El-Essawy Shimaa A. , El-Tahawy Mohsen M.T.
Published: September 2024

In this work, three solid adsorbents were synthesized, namely, nanozeolite-Y prepared from rice husks ash by a sol-gel method as a green biosource (ZN), chitosan as a cationic biopolymer (CS), and nanozeolite-Y/chitosan composite (CSZ). An eco-friendly composite that consists of chitosan and nanozeolite-Y was used to combine the advantages of nanoparticles with biopolymers two materials to increase the removal % of methylene blue dye. All the synthetized solid adsorbents were investigated using TGA, nitrogen adsorption, SEM, TEM, FTIR, XRD, and zeta potential. The results showed that CSZ particles had a high specific surface area (432.3 m2/g), mesoporosity (with an average pore diameter of 2.59 nm), a smaller TEM particle size (between 28.6 and 60.7 nm), a lot of chemical functional groups, and high thermal stability. CSZ exhibited the maximum adsorption capacity (141.04 mg/g) towards methylene blue. The adsorption nature of methylene blue onto CS and CSZ is endothermic, spontaneous, and a physical adsorption process, while it is exothermic, nonspontaneous, physical adsorption process in the case of ZN, as confirmed by thermodynamic results. Pseudo-second order, Elovich, Dubinin-Radushkevich, Freundlich, Langmuir, Temkin, and adsorption models all fit the MB adsorption well, with correlation coefficients reaching about 0.9997. Nitric acid was found to be the best desorbing agent, with a desorption efficiency of about 99%.
Lessons Learned from a Community-led, Pilot Teletherapy Group for Older Women Living with Depression and HIV
Authors: Breslow Aaron S. , Lopez Michelle , Warren Barbara , Levin Jules , Sharma Anjali , Watnick Dana , Sims Ginette , Cavic Elizabeth , Bassey Obioesio , Fisher Marla R. , Bauman Laurie J.
Published: September 2024

Older women with HIV face challenges to their quality of life, including neurocognitive decline, early-onset menopause, and chronic health issues. Chief among these concerns is depression, the most common psychiatric comorbidity among people living with HIV, with rates twice as high among women as men. However, tailored interventions among older women living with HIV and depression are lacking. Following the ADAPT-ITT framework to adapt existing interventions for cultural relevance among groups of people living with HIV, the study team revised an evidence-based intervention, the ‘Stress Management and Relaxation Training/Expressive Supportive Therapy Women’s Project (SMART/EST),’ for online implementation. Working with two community stakeholders, the study team conducted focus groups, theater testing, and manual adaptation. This resulted in the development of e-SMART/EST, an online teletherapy group co-facilitated by a Licensed Psychologist and a credentialed Peer Counselor. The adapted, eight-session weekly intervention was tested with an exploratory pilot sample of eight older women (55 years and older) with HIV and depression. Participants rated the acceptability, feasibility, and appropriateness of the intervention, as well as symptoms of depression and HIV-related quality of life before and after the group. The e-SMART/EST Women’s Project demonstrated high acceptability, feasibility, and appropriateness. Engagement was high, as women attended an average of 6.8 sessions. In qualitative interviews, participants reported peer co-facilitation, culturally relevant themes (e.g., HIV-related minority stress, critical consciousness, grief, and sex and pleasure), mindfulness techniques, and cohesion with other women as main favorable elements of the intervention. Barriers to online implementation included technological issues, distractions due to remote participation, and hindered emotional attunement compared with in-person group therapy. Findings support further research to test similar interventions in full-scale trials with older women living with depression and HIV.
Handling imbalanced medical datasets: review of a decade of research
Authors: Salmi Mabrouka , Atif Dalia , Oliva Diego , Abraham Ajith , Ventura Sebastian
Published: September 2024

Machine learning and medical diagnostic studies often struggle with the issue of class imbalance in medical datasets, complicating accurate disease prediction and undermining diagnostic tools. Despite ongoing research efforts, specific characteristics of medical data frequently remain overlooked. This article comprehensively reviews advances in addressing imbalanced medical datasets over the past decade, offering a novel classification of approaches into preprocessing, learning levels, and combined techniques. We present a detailed evaluation of the medical datasets and metrics used, synthesizing the outcomes of previous research to reflect on the effectiveness of the methodologies despite methodological constraints. Our review identifies key research trends and offers speculative insights and research trajectories to enhance diagnostic performance. Additionally, we establish a consensus on best practices to mitigate persistent methodological issues, assisting the development of generalizable, reliable, and consistent results in medical diagnostics.
A comprehensive review of model compression techniques in machine learning
Authors: Dantas Pierre Vilar , Sabino da Silva Waldir , Cordeiro Lucas Carvalho , Carvalho Celso Barbosa
Published: September 2024

This paper critically examines model compression techniques within the machine learning (ML) domain, emphasizing their role in enhancing model efficiency for deployment in resource-constrained environments, such as mobile devices, edge computing, and Internet of Things (IoT) systems. By systematically exploring compression techniques and lightweight design architectures, it is provided a comprehensive understanding of their operational contexts and effectiveness. The synthesis of these strategies reveals a dynamic interplay between model performance and computational demand, highlighting the balance required for optimal application. As machine learning (ML) models grow increasingly complex and data-intensive, the demand for computational resources and memory has surged accordingly. This escalation presents significant challenges for the deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) systems in real-world applications, particularly where hardware capabilities are limited. Therefore, model compression techniques are not merely advantageous but essential for ensuring that these models can be utilized across various domains, maintaining high performance without prohibitive resource requirements. Furthermore, this review underscores the importance of model compression in sustainable artificial intelligence (AI) development. The introduction of hybrid methods, which combine multiple compression techniques, promises to deliver superior performance and efficiency. Additionally, the development of intelligent frameworks capable of selecting the most appropriate compression strategy based on specific application needs is crucial for advancing the field. The practical examples and engineering applications discussed demonstrate the real-world impact of these techniques. By optimizing the balance between model complexity and computational efficiency, model compression ensures that the advancements in AI technology remain sustainable and widely applicable. This comprehensive review thus contributes to the academic discourse and guides innovative solutions for efficient and responsible machine learning practices, paving the way for future advancements in the field.

Graphical abstract
When Vulnerable Narcissists Take the Lead: The Role of Internal Attribution of Failure and Shame for Abusive Supervision
Authors: Braun Susanne , Schyns Birgit , Zheng Yuyan , Lord Robert G.
Published: September 2024

Research to date provides only limited insights into the processes of abusive supervision, a form of unethical leadership. Leaders’ vulnerable narcissism is important to consider, as, according to the trifurcated model of narcissism, it combines entitlement with antagonism, which likely triggers cognitive and affective processes that link leaders’ vulnerable narcissism and abusive supervision. Building on conceptualizations of aggression as a self-regulatory strategy, we investigated the role of internal attribution of failure and shame in the relationship between leaders’ vulnerable narcissism and abusive supervision. We found across three empirical studies with supervisory samples from Germany and the United Kingdom (UK) that vulnerable narcissism related positively to abusive supervision (intentions), and supplementary analyses illustrated that leaders’ vulnerable (rather than grandiose) narcissism was the main driver. Study 1 (N = 320) provided correlational evidence of the vulnerable narcissism-abusive supervision relationship and for the mediating role of the general proneness to make internal attributions of failure (i.e., attribution style). Two experimental studies (N = 326 and N = 292) with a manipulation-of-mediator design and an event recall task supported the causality and momentary triggers of the internal attribution of failure. Only Study 2 pointed to shame as a serial mediator, and we address possible reasons for the differences between studies. We discuss implications for future studies of leaders’ vulnerable narcissism as well as ethical organizational practices.
Exploring the synergistic effect of anionic and cationic fibrillated cellulose as sustainable additives in papermaking
Authors: Signori-Iamin Giovana , Aguado Roberto J. , Tarrés Quim , Santos Alexandre F. , Delgado-Aguilar Marc
Published: September 2024

While cationic cellulose has yet to find a place in the paper industry, manufacturers show certain interest in a more recent material: cellulose nanofibers (CNFs), generally with negative surface charge. This work suggests both to be combined to increase the mechanical properties of recycled paper while preventing the use of synthetic polyelectrolytes as retention agents. On one hand, a bleached pulp was cationized by etherification, both as-is and following mechanical refining (15,000 PFI revolutions) and submitted to high-pressure homogenization, generating two different kinds of cationic CNFs. On the other, the same pulp was submitted to an enzymatic pretreatment and high-pressure homogenization, producing a negatively charged cellulose micro/nanofiber (CMNF). Two different cellulose-based systems consisting of each type of cationic CNF and the enzymatic CMNF were applied in the papermaking of both virgin and recycled paper. This study demonstrates the effective use of the cationic CNFs as retention agents during sheet formation, which together with the enzymatic CMNFs significantly enhanced the mechanical properties of both types of paper. The study found that refining before cationization favored the retention effect, primarily due to increased surface area and charge of the cationic CNFs, where remarkable increases in the breaking length of virgin (125.1%) and recycled paper (46.5%) were reached. The synergy between cationic CNFs and enzymatic CMNFs outperformed the use of commercial polyacrylamide, a non-biodegradable polyelectrolyte. This research highlights the potential of tailored CNFs in producing high-performance papers, while promoting sustainability and offering a plausible strategy to increase paper recycling rates.
Towards practical artificial intelligence in Earth sciences
Authors: Sun Ziheng , ten Brink Talya , Carande Wendy , Koren Gerbrand , Cristea Nicoleta , Jorgenson Corin , Janga Bhargavi , Asamani Gokul Prathin , Achan Sanjana , Mahoney Mike , Huang Qian , Mehrabian Armin , Munasinghe Thilanka , Liu Zhong , Margolis Aaron , Webley Peter , Gong Bing , Rao Yuhan , Burgess Annie , Huang Andrew , Sandoval Laura , Pagán Brianna R. , Duzgun Sebnem
Published: September 2024

Although Artificial Intelligence (AI) projects are common and desired by many institutions and research teams, there are still relatively few success stories of AI in practical use for the Earth science community. Many AI practitioners in Earth science are trapped in the prototyping stage and their results have not yet been adopted by users. Many scientists are still hesitating to use AI in their research routine. This paper aims to capture the landscape of AI-powered geospatial data sciences by discussing the current and upcoming needs of the Earth and environmental community, such as what practical AI should look like, how to realize practical AI based on the current technical and data restrictions, and the expected outcome of AI projects and their long-term benefits and problems. This paper also discusses unavoidable changes in the near future concerning AI, such as the fast evolution of AI foundation models and AI laws, and how the Earth and environmental community should adapt to these changes. This paper provides an important reference to the geospatial data science community to adjust their research road maps, find best practices, boost the FAIRness (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) aspects of AI research, and reasonably allocate human and computational resources to increase the practicality and efficiency of Earth AI research.
Contextualising Experiences of Co-Occurring Mental Ill-Health and Substance Use Among Trans, Non-Binary, and Gender Diverse Young People: Implications for Tailored Harm Reduction Approaches
Authors: Bailey Sasha , Lin Ashleigh , Cook Angus , Winter Sam , Watson Vanessa , Toussaint Dani Wright , Barrett Emma L. , Newton Nicola C. , Perry Yael , Grummitt Lucinda , Strauss Penelope
Published: September 2024

Though significant research highlights higher rates of mental ill-health and substance use among trans, non-binary and gender diverse (henceforth ‘trans’) young people, little research has considered patterns, contextual characteristics, and correlates of co-occurring experiences of mental ill-health and substance use among trans young people. Using data from the Trans Pathways study, we used prevalence ratios and age- and gender-adjusted logistic regression models to examine prevalence and differences of co-occurring substance use (past six-month cigarette use, alcohol use, and other drug use) and contextual characteristics of substance use (past six-month solitary alcohol and/or drug use, substance use for coping) by mental ill-health (depression disorder, anxiety disorder, past 12-month self-harm thoughts and behaviours, suicidal thoughts, planning, and attempt/s). Age- and gender-adjusted models assessed associations between co-occurring depressive and anxiety disorders and recent cigarette, alcohol, and other drug use (six co-occurring items total) and 18 interpersonal stressors. Significantly increased odds of smoking or recent use of cannabis or sedatives was observed among trans young people reporting depressive disorder, anxiety disorder (aORs ranging 1.8–3.1). Trans young people who reported recent smoking or use of cannabis, inhalants, or sedatives, had 40% to 80% reduced odds of past 12-month self-harm thoughts, self-harm behaviours, suicidal thoughts, and suicide attempt/s (aORs ranging 0.2–0.6). On the other hand, solitary alcohol and/or other drug use and substance use for coping was significantly associated with increased odds of all mental ill-health outcomes. Issues with school, secure housing, and intimate partner abuse were the most robust correlates of co-occurring mental ill-health and substance use. Trans young people using substances, especially cigarettes, cannabis, and sedatives, often so do with co-occurring experiences of depression and anxiety though limited substance use in more ‘social’ contexts may confer benefits for preventing self-harm and suicide thoughts and behaviours. Continued research in partnership with trans young people is warranted to conceptualise more nuanced and precise conceptual parameters of trans-affirming substance use harm reduction approaches.
Using DNA to Predict Education: a Meta-analytic Review
Authors: Wilding Kirsty , Wright Megan , von Stumm Sophie
Published: September 2024

Recent advances in genomics make it possible to predict individual differences in education from polygenic scores that are person-specific aggregates of inherited DNA differences. Here, we systematically reviewed and meta-analyzed the strength of these DNA-based predictions for educational attainment (e.g., years spent in full-time education) and educational achievement (e.g., school grades). For educational attainment (k = 20, n = 16, Ntotal = 314,757), a multilevel meta-analysis showed an association with polygenic scores of ρ = .27 (95% CI from .22 to .32). For educational achievement (k = 19, n = 10, Ntotal = 83,788), the association was ρ = .24 (95% CI from .18 to .30). Eurocentric biases were evident with only 15% of estimates being reported in samples of non-European ancestry. After accounting for sample ancestry, age at assessment, and education measure, the meta-analytic estimates increased to ρ = .29 (95% CI from .24 to .33) for educational attainment and ρ = .50 (95% CI from .39 to .61) for educational achievement, indicative of large effect sizes. All meta-analytic estimates were associated with significant heterogeneity. Our findings suggest that DNA-based predictions of education are sizeable but vary across samples and studies. We outline three steps to safeguard potential applications of polygenic score predictions in education to maximize their benefits for personalizing learning, while minimizing the bioethical risks of perpetuating social, cultural, and economic inequalities.
Estimation of marginal excess moments for Weibull-type distributions
Authors: Goegebeur Yuri , Guillou Armelle , Qin Jing
Published: September 2024

We consider the estimation of the marginal excess moment (MEM), which is defined for a random vector (X, Y) and a parameter $$\beta >0$$

β
>
0

as $$\mathbb {E}[(X-Q_{X}(1-p))_{+}^{\beta }|Y> Q_{Y}(1-p)]$$

E
[

(
X
-

Q
X

(
1
-
p
)

)

+

β

|
Y
>

Q
Y

(
1
-
p
)

]

provided $$\mathbb {E}|X|^{\beta }< \infty $$

E
|
X
|

β

<
∞

, and where $$y_{+}:=\max (0,y)$$

y
+

:
=
max

(
0
,
y
)

, $$Q_{X}$$

Q
X

and $$Q_{Y}$$

Q
Y

are the quantile functions of X and Y respectively, and $$p\in (0,1)$$

p
∈
(
0
,
1
)

. Our interest is in the situation where the random variable X is of Weibull-type while the distribution of Y is kept general, the extreme dependence structure of (X, Y) converges to that of a bivariate extreme value distribution, and we let $$p \downarrow 0$$

p
↓
0

as the sample size $$n \rightarrow \infty $$

n
→
∞

. By using extreme value arguments we introduce an estimator for the marginal excess moment and we derive its limiting distribution. The finite sample properties of the proposed estimator are evaluated with a simulation study and the practical applicability is illustrated on a dataset of wave heights and wind speeds.
Mutual and Thermal Diffusivities in Binary Mixtures of Polystyrene with Dissolved N2 or CO2 by Dynamic Light Scattering
Authors: Schmidt Patrick S. , Jander Julius H. , Alhadi Fatima , Ratka Marcel , Bonten Christian , Klein Tobias , Fröba Andreas P.
Published: September 2024

In physical foaming processes of thermoplastics, a liquid mixture consisting of a molten polymer with a dissolved blowing agent is extruded through a die or injected into a mold. The morphology of the foam matrix strongly depends on the mutual diffusion coefficient D11 of the liquid polymer-blowing agent mixture. For a better understanding of the underlying physical mechanisms during the foaming process and the development of corresponding models, accurate knowledge of D11 is needed. This work reports on the simultaneous measurement of D11 and the thermal diffusivity a of liquid mixtures consisting of polystyrene melts with dissolved nitrogen (N2) or carbon dioxide (CO2) at mass fractions wsolute up to 0.003 or 0.02 and temperatures T between (433 and 533) K using dynamic light scattering (DLS). The determined D11 range is between (1 and 4) × 109 m2⋅s−1 and are slightly larger for the mixtures containing N2 at a given T and wsolute. D11 could be determined with an average expanded relative uncertainty of 18%. Considering all investigated state points and the achieved experimental uncertainties, both D11 and a are independent on the amount of dissolved gas, despite relatively large mole fractions of the dissolved blowing agents xsolute of 0.997 and 0.93.
Study Crafting in Higher Education: Scale Development and Initial Validation
Authors: Levin Kfir , Creed Peter Alexander , Jones Liz , Duffy Amanda
Published: September 2024

Students in higher education modify their behaviour and environment to align with their study goals and achievements. This proactive process is referred as study crafting, which includes the physical and cognitive changes students make to the task, cognitive, emotional, and relational aspects of their study. This study developed and validated an inventory to measure students’ study crafting behaviours in higher education. The 16-item multifactorial Study Crafting Inventory was devised and tested for its factorial structure and reliability using two samples split from one larger sample (EFA, Sample A = 308; CFA, Sample B = 272). The Inventory assesses four crafting dimensions of managing challenging demands, social demands, structural resources, and social resources. Sound reliability was found with αs of .87, .87, .84, .85, respectively, for the four subscales and .89 overall. Support for construct validity was demonstrated, with scores on the Inventory associated positively with proactivity, growth mindset, and academic grit. This new measure can be used to progress research into how students manage their demands and resources while in higher education.
Transdiagnostic Emotion-Focused Therapy for Couples with Co-Morbid Relational and Mood, Anxiety and Related Difficulties
Authors: Timulak Ladislav , Dailey Jessica , Lunn Jessica , McKnight Jessica
Published: September 2024

There is a clear association between relational dissatisfaction in romantic relationships and elevated mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. The association can run in both directions and adds complexity to both relationship and individual difficulties. One of the most studied relationship therapy approaches, emotion-focused therapy (EFT) for couples, focuses on the interactional cycle between partners and also stresses the importance of soothing individual vulnerabilities in order to transform troublesome relational interactions. Thus far, there has not been an attempt to describe a systematic framework for using EFT to work with couples with co-morbid mental health issues. This paper aims to address this gap. It builds upon both recent work in transdiagnostic EFT for individuals, and the EFT for couples framework as optimal scaffolding for a transdiagnostic EFT approach that targets relational issues as well as depression- and anxiety-related presentations in couples. The paper outlines several ways how individual’s chronic emotional vulnerability has the potential to rise to clinical levels of distress and complicate a romantic relationship. The paper then outlines specific therapeutic strategies how to work with individual’s emotional vulnerability and symptom distress it may bring, in the context of the couple relationship. The individual’s emotional vulnerability work is tracked along with relational interactions, in an effort to provide healing and transformational interactions and emotional experiences. A case example from a current research project is outlined to illustrate the use of specific therapeutic strategies and the clinical application of the transdiagnostic EFT approach to couple therapy.
Green spaces in Polish large prefabricated housing estates developed in the socialist era
Authors: Starczewski Tomasz , Rogatka Krzysztof , Noszczyk Tomasz , Kukulska-Kozieł Anita , Cegielska Katarzyna
Published: September 2024

Green spaces are an important element of the spatial structure in large prefabricated housing estates. They have their strengths and weaknesses and generate a number of opportunities and threats, the identification of which allows the potential of these areas to be realised and further developed. The goal of the study is to present the general condition and future of green spaces in large prefabricated housing estates in Poland. It is important to note that to date no research works have been published in the literature that would investigate green spaces in such estates using the SWOT/TOWS method, as confirmed by a search of the Web of Science and Scopus databases. The study area included two such estates located in two Polish cities: Toruń (Rubinkowo I) and Kraków (Bronowice Nowe). The study used the SWOT/TOWS method and an urban-architectural inventory research walk. The results of the study indicate that the best strategy for developing green spaces in estates of this kind is the competitive strategy, which involves taking advantage of opportunities while reducing the weaknesses of green spaces. The research walk also identified a diverse composition of green space species and a high proportion of green spaces in the overall estate area. In addition, green spaces are socially inclusive and can be an important element of urban resilience. The results of this research contribute to the discussion on the condition and future of green spaces in the estates.