bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comprehensive Review of Antinutrients in Plant‐Based Foods and Their Key Ingredients
Authors: Yılmaz Tuncel Neşe , Polat Kaya Havva , Andaç Ali Emre , Korkmaz Fatma , Tuncel Necati Barış
Published: February 2025

In recent years, the growing popularity of vegan and vegetarian diets, along with the rising demand for plant‐based foods, has led researchers to concentrate on examining the presence and effects of antinutrients. While there are existing literature reviews focusing on antinutritional compounds, particularly on their reduction, this review aims to provide a comprehensive description of antinutrients for producers, food scientists, professionals, legislators and consumers, emphasising the complexity of the subject and the necessity for diverse approaches while identifying aspects that still require further research. Antinutrients, including protease inhibitors, amylase inhibitors, phytic acid, lectins, saponins, tannins, cyanogenic glycosides, oxalic acid, polyphenols, goitrogens and pyrimidine glycosides, are described, encompassing various aspects such as their structural characteristics, analytical detection methods, distribution, physiological impacts and strategies for mitigation or elimination. Specifically, our review concentrates on assessing the presence of antinutrients in plant‐based food products and the primary ingredients, categorised into five distinct groups, cereals, pseudocereals, pulses, seeds and nuts, which are commonly used in their production. Among these categories, legumes are identified as the richest source of anti‐nutritional compounds, followed by cereal grains. However, certain pseudocereals, seeds and nuts also demonstrate high levels of specific antinutrients. While antinutrients are generally regarded as harmful to nutrient absorption, recent studies have revealed some potential health benefits associated with them. Therefore, further in vivo research is essential to elucidate the behaviour of antinutritional compounds within the human body. Additionally, there is a significant lack of formal regulations and guidelines regarding antinutrients, and food products currently do not feature labelling related to these compounds.
The Performative Power of Digital Nursing Platforms: Norms, Values and Identities in Alternative Work Realities
Authors: Dingelstad Justien , Grommé Francisca , Wallenburg Iris
Published: February 2025

Feminised sectors such as healthcare are underrepresented in labour platform research. This study focuses on emerging platforms for licensed nurses and combines a multimodal analysis of the promotional materials of 12 Dutch nursing platforms with interviews with platform directors and representatives. Our analysis shows how nursing platforms construct ‘alternative work realities’ that include features of seamless integration of work and private life, individualism, quantifiable professionalism and a predictable workforce. We demonstrate how interplays of modes, such as text, layout and interaction options, make the alternatives experiential and relatable for both nurses and care organisations, granting them performative power. By making alternative work settings relatable and accessible, nursing platforms introduce novel norms, values and identities to nursing work, thereby engaging in governance of work. This enables nurses to renegotiate traditional norms of self‐sacrifice and altruism, yet it simultaneously normalises new forms of unpaid work and social and economic risks.
Does Less Education Harm Health? Evidence From a Natural Experiment in a Developing Country
Authors: Khalil Islam , Mallick Debdulal , Nicholas Aaron
Published: February 2025

We investigate the health outcome effects of a reduction in years of schooling in Egypt in 1988, a policy change that moves in the opposite direction in relation to the extant literature. We exploit this policy change as a natural experiment and employ a fuzzy regression discontinuity design to investigate a range of objectively measured health outcomes and behaviours. Despite the policy's adverse effect on students' years of schooling and ability to complete educational milestones, there is no statistical effect on any health outcomes. Results also suggest that the reduction in years of schooling had no effect on labour market outcomes, thus providing a rationale for the lack of effect on health outcomes. While increasing education often leads to improved health outcomes, our findings suggest that decreasing education does not necessarily result in poorer health outcomes.
Evaluation of External Apical Root Resorption and the Relevance of Intermediate Radiography in Non‐Extraction Treatment With Fixed Appliances for Adolescents With Crowding: A Multicenter Randomised Controlled Trial Using CBCT
Authors: Johansson Kristina , Christell Helena , Brechter Anna , Paulsson Liselotte
Published: February 2025

Objectives

The objectives are to assess the severity and frequency of clinically relevant external apical root resorption (EARR) ≥ 2 mm during orthodontic treatment with Damon passive self‐ligating and Victory conventional standardised fixed appliance systems and to evaluate the relevance of intermediate radiographic examinations for early detection and prevention of severe EARR.

Materials and Methods

Adolescents aged 12–17 years with crowded and displaced teeth planned for non‐extraction treatment were recruited from three orthodontic clinics. Participants were randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to treatment with either Damon Q (n = 35) or Victory (n = 40) using stratified blocks, with allocation concealed. EARR was assessed for all roots from incisors to molars using multiplanar reconstruction in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images acquired from various CBCT machines before, during and after treatment.

Results

Sixty‐two patients were included in the EARR analysis. The upper incisors were the most affected tooth group, with mean EARR values of 0.20 mm for Damon and 0.51 mm for Victory (NS, alpha 1%). The frequency of clinically relevant EARR in this tooth group was 5.0% for Damon and 7.2% for Victory (NS, alpha 5%). Only one case with clinically relevant EARR after treatment was identified in the intermediate radiographic examinations.

Conclusions

The overall severity and frequency of EARR were below clinically relevant levels in both treatment groups. The results strengthen the evidence that routine intermediate radiography appears to be of limited relevance for early detection and prevention of severe EARR in non‐extraction treatments for adolescents with crowded teeth.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05664282
The role of the epithelium in intraocular lens and corneal power calculation
Authors: Wendelstein Jascha A. , Atchison David A. , Gatinel Damien , Cooke David L. , Langenbucher Achim
Published: February 2025

Purpose

To investigate the influence of the corneal epithelium on corneal power, particularly in special cases such as post‐refractive surgery and keratoconus.

Methods

A retrospective observational study. Measurement data were obtained from a high‐resolution anterior segment analyser (CSO MS‐39). Corneal curvature and power data, as well as surface height data, were organised in a cylindrical coordinate system. Calculations considered one, two and three refractive surfaces, examining the role of epithelial thickness and stromal curvature.

Results

The effect of the epithelium on corneal power was minimal (<0.1 D) in normal corneas, but it was considerable in keratoconus and post‐refractive surgery cases, with differences up to 0.9 D. The effect decreased for larger measurement zones.

Conclusion

Incorporating epithelial thickness and stromal curvature into corneal power calculations is a crucial next step in accurate corneal power and intraocular lens calculation in eyes with previous refractive surgery or keratoconus. This study highlights the need for advanced diagnostic and calculation methods in complex cases.
The Fundamental Wrong of Colonialism
Authors: Agrawal Ritwik , Buchanan Allen
Published: February 2025

We offer an account of the nature and structure of the immorality of colonialism. We distinguish between the fundamental wrong of colonialism and the other wrongs that the fundamental wrong facilitated. On our view, the fundamental wrong was that colonizers regarded the colonized as incapable of managing their own affairs, in effect relegating them to the status of minors or mentally incompetent adults. We call this the nonautonomy assumption. It could also be called the inferior status assumption, for reasons that will become clear as we proceed. We argue that, in addition to the nonautonomy assumption, the most serious wrongs of colonialism were severe economic injustices and practices of humiliation, and that these wrongs can reasonably be seen to be facilitated by or grounded in the fundamental wrong. We make the case that our analysis has two virtues: it provides a more comprehensive characterization of the wrongs of colonialism and the relationships between them than extant philosophical accounts and it helps make sense of the concepts of neocolonialism and internal colonialism, which extant accounts are unable to do. This has the added advantage of bringing discussions that have hitherto taken place in fields such as political theory, postcolonial studies, history, and critical theory into the ambit of analysis by political philosophers, using tools and concepts that philosophers have at their command, such as the notions of autonomy and inferior status. After developing our own view, we offer a critical appraisal of three prominent recent attempts to identify “the wrong” of colonialism, the views of Anna Stilz, Massimo Renzo, and Lea Ypi. We argue that by focusing on defects of the political structure of colonialism such as the deprivation of collective self‐determination, these accounts do not clearly identify the fundamental wrong of colonialism and either completely ignore or pay insufficient attention to severe economic injustices and practices of humiliation; and that they also render the notions of neocolonialism and internal colonialism unintelligible. While acknowledging that the nonautonomy assumption encouraged colonialists to deprive the colonized of collective self‐determination and recognizing that this was a serious wrong, we deny that the deprivation of collective self‐determination was the fundamental wrong of colonialism, as the denial of autonomy is more basic than the denial of political self‐management. The analysis we offer makes it clear that colonialism is not a topic of merely historical interest. The most serious wrongs suffered by colonized people did not end with decolonization, that is, the achievement of independent statehood. The fundamental wrong of colonialism was grounded in inequalities of power that persist today and that continue to contribute to economic injustices and to the failure to regard the weaker as equals, in a variety of contexts, including, but not limited to the case of formerly colonized peoples.
Leveraging Phenotypic Plasticity in Seed Oil Content for Climate‐Adapted Breeding and Production
Authors: Zeng Lingju , Han Xu , Gou Xiangjian , Pei He , Shao Yang , Cao Yilan , Zhang Zhenwei , Li Xianran , Yu Jianming , Yan Jianbing , Guo Liang , Guo Tingting
Published: February 2025

Phenotypic plasticity is the property of an organism to change in response to different environments. Understanding and leveraging crop phenotypic plasticity is crucial for mitigating threats caused by climate change. Here, we assessed phenotypic plasticity in multi‐environment trials over 4 years, using 505 inbred lines from a Brassica napus genetic diversity panel. The variation in seed oil content (SOC) plasticity was primarily associated with three environmental indices: precipitation, diurnal temperature range, and ultraviolet B during the flowering or pod‐filling stage, alongside five major plasticity genes. Leveraging this information with climate records, we developed a predictive model to estimate SOC for various planting dates in seven major production regions and validated our predictions in new environments. As climate change necessitates new breeding materials with improved genetics, we examined the genetic potentials of existing lines for enhanced SOC in future climates. Using projected environmental data and the identified major plasticity genes, we predicted SOC of genotypes across production regions. We also identified an optimal haplotype, a specific combination of alleles, for each production region to sustainably produce high SOC for future climates. This study offers insights and selection methods that contribute to mitigating the adverse effects of climate change on agriculture.
Factor Substitution Possibilities, Labor Share Dynamics, and Inequality in an Age of Intangibles
Authors: Velic Adnan
Published: February 2025

We examine the economy‐wide degree of substitutability between intangible capital and other factor inputs in production using a large sample of advanced countries. In this context, we turn to studying the implications of intangible and tangible capital growth for labor income share dynamics. Compared to tangible capital, we find that intangible capital more strongly complements skilled labor. The analysis further indicates relative fungibility between tangible capital and a composite of intangible capital and skilled labor, in line with the rising prominence of knowledge‐intensive tasks and AI‐driven online platforms. The intrinsic nature of intangibles and their asymmetric effects across skilled and unskilled labor productivity based on our substitution elasticities suggest that intangible capital growth increases income inequality more aggressively.
Molecular Mechanisms of Cell Protection Against Injury—The Foundation of Cell Protective Engineering
Authors: Liu Shu Q.
Published: February 2025

Cells can launch self-protective mechanisms against injury, induced by ischemia, mechanical impact, toxins, radiation, or microorganisms (viruses, bacteria, and fungi), and can also recruit other cells to assist in the protective processes. Primary cell protective mechanisms include early-phase discharge of small molecules (adenosine and bradykinin) and subsequent expression and release of cytokines, growth factors, and anti-reactive oxygen species enzymes from the injured cells as well as activated/recruited cells. These protective factors can act on cognate signaling pathways in the injured cells to support cell survival and prevent cell death. However, these cell protective mechanisms are not optimal in the timing of activation and the level of effectiveness—often occurring after cell death with insufficient activity. Thus, it is necessary to develop and utilize cell protective engineering strategies to activate promptly protective factors to sufficient levels, thereby optimizing cell protective processes. This article reviews the molecular mechanisms of cell protection in injury by using experimental myocardial ischemia as a model and potential engineering strategies for optimizing cell protective processes.
Particle Size Effect on Abrasive Wear Behavior of All-Metal Positive Displacement Motor and Abrasive Particles Control
Authors: Liang Chenfan , Zhang Kai , Wang Yu , Kong Lingrong , Sun Liwei , Su Gang
Published: February 2025

Downhole drilling operations expose all-metal positive displacement motors (AMPDM) to abrasives of different sizes, causing serious abrasive wear behavior. Controlling the entry of large particles into the motor by installing a filter can effectively reduce wear conditions and improve its lifespan. This study investigated the particle size effect on abrasive wear to seek an appropriate filter size for AMPDM. The multi-function tribo-tester was modified according to the actual working conditions of the stator and rotor. The tribological properties of stator material (nitrided 38CrMoAl steel) against rotor material (YL10.2 cemented carbide) were conducted using SiO2 particles with 1–500 μm sizes in the range on a pin-on-disc tribo-tester under wet sliding-vibration conditions. The results showed more complicated friction coefficient evolution characteristics for small particles, existing two stable stages. Two critical-size values of average wear-rate and wear mechanism transformation are determined. The wear products of the tribochemical reaction were determined. The filter porosity of about 200 μm may be an optimal selection to decrease wear. This work has developed new insights into how AMPDM responds to changing abrasive sizes and provides a proposal for controlling the entry size of abrasive particles.
Mathematical tools for the design and accurate reporting of transformed up-and-down staircases (L)
Authors: Hoover Eric C.
Published: February 2025

A surprising number of citations of studies on psychophysical methods come from journals in which the topics do not include psychophysics. Powerful tools have been developed by statisticians to support experimental methods originally borrowed from psychophysics, some of which predate the simplistic and misleading analyses that are commonly cited. This Letter adapts selected results from the mathematical foundations of transformed staircases. Two key results are presented, a more accurate definition of the targeted probability of response and a method to calculate the distribution of signal levels presented—sequentially and asymptotically—that will support advancements in data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
Rheology of fluid foods containing millimeter-sized ingredients examined by velocity-profiling-assisted rheometry and prediction of spreading and descending behaviors
Authors: Ohie Kohei , Kumagai Satomi , Tasaka Yuji , Murai Yuichi
Published: February 2025

As representatives of fluid foods containing millimeter-sized ingredients, three kinds of rice porridge are examined by velocity-profiling-assisted rheometry (VPAR). The obtained flow curves of the plain, egg, and bean porridge are well characterized by the power-law model, where the plain porridge has the highest consistency, the bean porridge is the second, and the egg porridge has the lowest viscosity. These are also time dependent properties; the consistency and the degree of shear-thinning decrease as the measurement repetition proceeds. With these rheology data, spreading and descending behaviors, which are fundamental and important flows in the eating and swallowing process, are discussed. Spreading behavior in the conventional line spread test and descending behavior in a simplified artificial throat model are predicted based on the rheological data identified by VPAR and simple physical models. The spreading behavior is validly described by the consistency, and the descending velocity is evaluated to have high correlation with the representative shear rate predicted. Through the rheological measurement and its application to rationalize the flow behaviors, VPAR is expected to be a practical tool in both rheology and fluid mechanics of complex fluid foods.
Training Motor and Specialized Skills Online: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kim Taewoo , Park Junhyuk , Yun Sanga , Yli-Piipari Sami
Published: February 2025

Online deliveries have recently been actively used in teaching due to their unique strengths. Although online deliveries are known for cognitive and fitness-based improvements, an understanding of the effectiveness of teaching motor skills online is needed. Thus, this systematic review summarized the existing studies using online delivery to improve motor skills and concluded that online delivery is effective for skill learning. Electronic database searches yielded 15 relevant studies meeting eligibility criteria published by July 2023. Out of 59 total skills, 36 total comparisons with effects, small (n = 15), medium (n = 7), and high (n = 14) were identified. Although this review cannot determine whether online delivery is more effective than in-person delivery, it concludes that online modalities can teach motor or specialized skills to diverse populations. Fruitful future work should include robustly designed studies examining all three learning modalities (in-person, synchronous, and asynchronous) and novel motor skills to compare their effectiveness.
Complete genome sequences of AZ
Arthrobacter
phages Wildwest and Sue2
Authors: Cloud Isabella E. , Ortega Ava N. , Spencer Angelina M. , Upadhyayulla Varsha , Adair Tamarah L.
Published: February 2025

This announcement reports the complete genome sequences of two bacteriophages isolated from soil samples using the host
Arthrobacter atrocyaneus
Strain NRRL B-2883. These findings enhance our understanding of AZ1 cluster phages, particularly Wildwest and Sue2, with their unique genomic features.
A Refrigerator for Deep Cooling of Subterahertz Detectors for Radio Astronomy Research
Authors: Marukhno A. S. , Edelman V. S.
Published: February 2025

Abstract—

A dilution cryostat is described, which is designed to carry out observations at dusk in the millimeter range on an optical telescope with a mirror with a diameter of 6 m, when observation in the optical range is still impossible. The cryostat, which cools the detector down to 0.1 K, is built according to the scheme of dissolving 3He in 4He with 3He circulation due to its condensation on a cold wall cooled by sorption pumping of pure liquid 3He from a separate volume. The working conditions are provided by the contact with the stabilizing unit, which accumulates 0.6 L of liquid 4He during active operation of a Gifford–McMahon refrigerator within the time between measurement cycles. During measurements, the refrigerator turns off, which completely eliminates vibrations that interfere with measurements.
Secondary open-angle glaucoma as an initial presentation of diffuse iris melanoma
Authors: Matthys Emiel , Missotten Guy , Van Ginderdeuren Rita , Lemmens Sophie
Published: February 2025

We present a case of unilateral, secondary open-angle glaucoma due to an underlying diffuse iris melanoma. The patient was referred by his ophthalmologist with uncontrolled, elevated intraocular pressure in the left eye. He had been treated for asymmetric open-angle glaucoma for over a year prior to referral. Slit-lamp examination and gonioscopy showed prominent asymmetric hyperpigmentation of the left iris, with a nodular pigmented mass in the inferior angle. A biopsy of the lesion showed features consistent with a pigmented iris melanoma. A full systemic work-up was performed, which ruled out any secondary lesions. The patient opted for enucleation over proton beam therapy for treatment. This case highlights the importance of considering secondary glaucoma in patients with unilateral or highly asymmetric glaucoma, and gonioscopy plays an important role in the clinical assessment. Secondary glaucoma due to intraocular melanoma is a rare entity, but has important implications for affected patients.
Rare blood neoplasm masking as a concerning soft tissue tumour: blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm
Authors: Braungart Sarah , Stahlschmidt Jens , Lethaby Chris , Moore Aiden
Published: February 2025

Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) is a rare and aggressive malignancy with fewer than 100 paediatric cases reported. This report details a boy who presented in young childhood with a skin lesion on his left buttock that clinically resembled a sarcomatous lesion. Histopathological work-up including flow cytometry, immunophenotyping and phenotypic correlation were consistent with the diagnosis of BPDCN. The diagnosis of BPDCN radically altered this patient’s treatment pathway. The case highlights the importance of multidisciplinary team evaluation in soft tissue masses and careful consideration of alternative diagnoses. For this child, the diagnosis of BPDCN prevented an extensive local resection.
Orthopaedic implant cobaltism from spinal instrumentation
Authors: Sedwick Jack Donovan , Tower Stephen , Bridges Robert , Flanum Mark
Published: February 2025

Cobaltism is a well-defined common complication of cobalt-chromium arthroprosthetic implants but has not been previously reported from cobalt-chromium spinal components. Orthopaedic implant cobaltism (OIC) is a spectrum illness, and its severity relates to the magnitude of cobalturia and cobaltaemia and duration of implantation of the wearing or corroding cobalt-chromium component. This case report demonstrates a patient with OIC from failed scoliosis instrumentation using cobalt-chromium rods that both corroded at multiple interfaces with titanium alloy pedicle screws and fractured at the lumbosacral pseudoarthrosis. This patient’s symptoms included tremors, cognitive decline, insomnia and visual changes. The diagnosis of OIC was confirmed when peri-implant fluid returned a cobalt greater than 4800 mcg/L and peri-implant tissue showed obvious signs of metallosis. Following the revision surgery without cobalt-containing implants, the patient’s symptoms improved and the blood-cobalt has returned to near-normal values. This is the first reported case of reversible OIC from spinal implants.
Deployment and uptake of COVID-19 vaccines for refugees and migrants in regular and irregular situations: a mixed-method multicountry study
Authors: Benavente Pierina , Kampalath Vinay N , Zan Moussa Lonkila , Tran Nguyen Toan , Czapka Elżbieta Anna , Hosseinalipour Seyed-Moeen , Teran Enrique , Martens Cheryl , Karmacharya Biraj Man , Joshi Anjali , Das Jai K , Padhani Zahra A , Jurlano Vicente B , Kabamalan Maria Midea M , Nyirazinyoye Laetitia , Blanchet Karl
Published: February 2025

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has widened inequities, affecting migrant and refugee populations in vulnerable situations, who may face elevated risks of infection, constrained healthcare access and discrimination. Inclusive vaccination campaigns are recommended, but barriers persist. This study aimed to identify barriers and facilitators and estimate vaccination coverage among refugees and migrants in low- and middle-income countries, emphasising inclusive policies for effective rollout.

Methods

A mixed-method study was conducted in two phases in Ecuador, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines and Rwanda. Phase 1 (March–May 2022) included policy analysis, in-depth interviews and focus-group discussions with 52 key informants analysed with thematic and grounded theory approaches using hybrid coding. Phase 2 (June–August 2022) included a cross-sectional study among refugees and migrants in regular (MIRS) and irregular situations (MIIS) and used descriptive analysis and a COVID-19 Vaccine Equity Index (CVEI).

Results

A total of 1378 individuals responded to the survey (43.8% MIRS, 31.2% MIIS and 25% refugees). 87% reported receiving at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. The CVEI at the global level (0.824) suggested differences in complete vaccination between migrants and other residents in most of the study countries (refugees reported more access to vaccines than MIRS and MIIS). However, the qualitative phase reported delays and inequities in the early stage of the vaccination process in all countries. Overall, 64.2% of respondents perceived that government’ campaigns were successful. Both the qualitative and quantitative phases identified several barriers and facilitators. The main barriers included a lack of trust in authorities, extended waiting times and distance to vaccination centres, discrimination and xenophobia, lack of identity documentation, and adverse reaction concerns. On the other hand, the primary facilitators were the widespread distribution of vaccination centres, sources and provision of information, specific campaigns for refugees and migrants, free vaccination and the motivation to protect others’ health.

Conclusions

Despite the high coverage of COVID-19 vaccines among refugees and migrants in the study countries, the process had significant barriers. Simple vaccination registration procedures, targeted campaigns, mobile vaccination teams for hard-to-reach and vulnerable groups, and building trust in the host country authorities are pivotal for future and inclusive vaccine deployments.
Knowledge, attitudes, motivations and expectations regarding antimicrobial use among community members seeking care at the primary healthcare level: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Ramdas Nishana , Meyer Johanna C , Schellack Natalie , Godman Brian , Turawa Eunice Bolanle , Campbell Stephen M
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Inappropriate antibiotic use in (primary healthcare, PHC) settings fuels antimicrobial resistance (AMR), threatens patient safety and burdens healthcare systems. Patients’ knowledge, attitudes, motivations and expectations play a crucial role in antibiotic use behaviour, especially in low-income and middle-income countries including South Africa. There is a need to ensure measures of antibiotic use, interventions and future guidance reflect cultural, community and demographic issues associated with patient views to reduce inappropriate use of antibiotics and associated AMR. The objective of this scoping review is to identify key themes surrounding knowledge, attitudes, motivations and expectations among patients and community members regarding antimicrobial use in PHC settings especially in low-income and middle-income countries.

Methods and analysis

This scoping review employs a comprehensive search strategy across multiple electronic databases, including OVID, Medline, PubMed and CINHAL, to identify studies addressing patients or community members seeking care at PHC facilities and exploring key drivers of antimicrobial use. The Covidence web-based platform will be used for literature screening and data extraction and the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme qualitative checklist will assess the quality of qualitative papers. Anticipated results will provide an overview of the current evidence base, enabling identification of knowledge gaps. A narrative synthesis of findings will summarise key themes and patterns in patients’ knowledge, attitudes, motivations and expectations related to antibiotic use across studies while considering methodological diversity and limitations.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval is not required for this scoping review. The findings of this scoping review will be disseminated through publication in a peer-reviewed journal, presentation at relevant conferences and workshops, and collaboration with policy-makers and healthcare stakeholders.
Qualitative study of patients experiences and perceptions of stepping down asthma medication in primary care across England
Authors: Bloom Chloe I , Middleton Jack , Lewis Adam
Published: February 2025

Background

Guidelines recommend that asthma medication should be stepped down to the minimally effective dose that achieves symptom control. Stepping down aims to prevent adverse medication effects and unnecessary costs but is often not implemented in primary care, where most patients with asthma are managed. Little is known about the experiences and views of patients regarding stepping down.

Methods

Patients with stable asthma, with regular use of a preventer inhaler, from general practitioner practices across England, participated in a survey and/or semi-structured interview. Questions explored the patient’s understanding of their asthma, views and knowledge of preventer inhalers, experiences and perceptions of stepping down asthma medication. Qualitative group-based multidisciplinary thematic analysis by two healthcare professionals and a patient were performed.

Results

143 patients responded to the survey, 63% were female, between the ages 18–80 years and including geographical areas across the UK, 17 of whom participated in an interview. Half of these patients with stable asthma, most with asthma for more than 10 years, had never had a discussion regarding stepping down asthma medication. Most stepping down that had occurred was related to seasonal changes in asthma control. Four overarching themes from the interviews were identified, (1) experiences of living with asthma and needing inhalers, (2) insufficient education regarding preventer inhalers, (3) stepping down is agreeable and possible and (4) current asthma care is suboptimal.

Conclusion

Patients with stable asthma were able to self-manage their asthma well. They had little awareness of medication adverse effects and minimal experience of having their medication stepped down by a healthcare professional. Most were inclined to step down, if clinically safe to do so, indeed some had reduced their medication doses themselves, without professional guidance.
New-onset prolonged psychosis from non-convulsive status epilepticus
Authors: Jesus Tiago , Peralta Ana Rita , Moreira Mafalda , Barroso Cândida , Almeida Vânia
Published: February 2025

The most common ictal psychiatric symptom is fear, followed by ictal depression, and least commonly ictal psychosis. A 44-year-old man with poststroke focal epilepsy developed new-onset behavioural change, disorientation, hallucinations and delusions, persisting for several months before medical evaluation. He was agitated, disorientated, with impaired memory and disorganised thinking, but had no minor epileptic motor signs. His EEG showed electroclinical status epilepticus. His psychotic symptoms persisted despite seizure control and required antipsychotic treatment. Ictal psychosis is rare but clinicians should suspect this in people with epilepsy with new-onset behavioural change. Rarely, it can persist for months, sometimes needing antipsychotic treatment.
How oscillations in SIRS epidemic models are affected by the distribution of immunity times
Authors: Nevermann Daniel Henrik , Gros Claudius
Published: February 2025

Models for resident infectious diseases, like the SIRS model, may settle into an endemic state with constant numbers of susceptible (S), infected (I) and recovered (R) individuals, where recovered individuals attain a temporary immunity to reinfection. For many infectious pathogens, infection dynamics may also show periodic outbreaks corresponding to a limit cycle in phase space. One way to reproduce oscillations in SIRS models is to include a non-exponential dwell-time distribution in the recovered state. Here, we study a SIRS model with a step-function-like kernel for the immunity time, mapping out the model’s full phase diagram. Using the kernel series framework, we are able to identify the onset of periodic outbreaks when successively broadening the step-width. We further investigate the shape of the outbreaks, finding that broader steps cause more sinusoidal oscillations while more uniform immunity time distributions are related to sharper outbreaks occurring after extended periods of low infection activity. Our main results concern recovery distributions characterized by a single dominant timescale. We also consider recovery distributions with two timescales, which may be observed when two or more distinct recovery processes co-exist. Surprisingly, two qualitatively different limit cycles are found to be stable in this case, with only one of the two limit cycles emerging via a standard supercritical Hopf bifurcation.
New strategies for probing $$B\rightarrow D^*\ell \bar{\nu }_\ell $$ lattice and experimental data
Authors: Bordone M. , Jüttner A.
Published: February 2025

We present an analysis of the exclusive semileptonic decay

$$B\rightarrow D^*\ell \bar{\nu }_\ell $$

B
→

D
∗

ℓ

ν

¯

ℓ

based on the Belle and Belle II data made public in 2023, combined with recent lattice-QCD calculations of the hadronic transition form factors by FNAL/MILC, HPQCD and JLQCD. We also consider a new combination of the Belle and Belle II data sets by HFLAV. The analysis is based on the form-factor parameterisation by Boyd–Grinstein–Lebed (BGL), using Bayesian and frequentist statistics, for which we discuss novel strategies. We compare the results of an analysis where the BGL parameterisation is fit only to the lattice data with those from a simultaneous fit to lattice and experiment, and discuss the resulting predictions for the CKM-matrix element

$${|V_{cb}|}$$

|

V

cb

|

, as well as other phenomenological observables, such as

$$R^{\tau /\mu }(D^*)$$

R

τ
/
μ

(

D
∗

)

. We find tensions when comparing analyses based on different combinations of experimental or theoretical input, requiring the introduction of a systematic error for some of our results.
Charged particles in dipole magnetosphere of neutron stars: epicyclic oscillations in and off-equatorial plane
Authors: Vrba Jaroslav , Kološ Martin , Stuchlík Zdeněk
Published: February 2025

We study the motion of charged test particles around a magnetized neutron star described by the Schwarzschild gravitational field of mass M and a dipole magnetic field characterized by parameter b, representing the ratio of electromagnetic to gravitational forces. The neutron star’s radius is assumed at

$$R=3M$$

R
=
3
M

. Circular orbits “in” and “off” the equatorial plane, determined by the dipole field’s symmetry plane, are analyzed based on background and particle parameters; their stability against radial and latitudinal perturbations is established. The existence of chaotic charged particle motion in belts around off-equatorial orbits, influenced by sufficiently strong repulsive magnetic force, is demonstrated. The belts’ distance from the neutron star varies with parameter b for different charged particles. Frequencies of epicyclic oscillatory motion related to “in” and “off” equatorial circular orbits, alongside the orbital frequency, are determined. The magnetically modified geodesic model is applied to fit observational data from twin-peak, high-frequency quasi-periodic oscillations in binary systems containing neutron stars. Rough fitting to the data for circular orbits for particles under magnetic attraction (repulsion) is shown. The possible fittings imply strong limits on the magnetic parameter,

$$b \sim 0.01$$

b
∼
0.01

(

$$b \sim -10$$

b
∼
-
10

) for magnetic attraction (repulsion), suggesting minor influence of electromagnetic forces and test particles with small specific charges like dust or plasmoids in strong magnetic fields around neutron stars.
Initial approaches for establishing of the fast neutron radiography with PADC material
Authors: Filová Vendula , Vrban Branislav , Blahušiak Pavol , Čerba Štefan , Lüley Jakub , Glavo Otto , Nečas Vladimír
Published: February 2025

Fast neutron radiography appears as a promising tool for large industrial components testing. The solid-state nuclear track detectors made of poly-allyl diglycol carbonate may be an alternative imaging tool. The presented work aimed to identify the main parameters necessary for the performance of fast neutron imaging using a DD neutron source. The parameters were determined using simulations in MCNP and Track

$$\_$$

_

P, and experiments performed with the Pu–Be neutron source. The thickness of the polyethylene radiator, the etching conditions, and the method of scanning of the resultant image were proposed.
8. Groundwater Control
Authors: Preene Martin , Roberts Toby
Published: February 2025

Groundwater control techniques can be used to avoid or mitigate groundwater problems that can affect below ground construction works, both in the temporary case during construction, and under permanent or long-term conditions. There are two main categories of groundwater control techniques: pumping methods (also known as construction dewatering), whereby groundwater levels are lowered by pumping from an array of wells or sumps; and exclusion, methods where low permeability barriers (cut-off walls or zones of ground treatment) are installed around an excavation or structure to prevent or reduce groundwater inflows. Often a combination of these two approaches is appropriate. This Chapter describes the characteristics and application of groundwater control methods.
Fossil fuels and potential for CO
2
storage in the Slovenian part of the Pannonian Superbasin
Authors: Markič Miloš , Lapanje Andrej , Rajver Dušan , Rman Nina , Sachsenhofer Reinhard F.
Published: February 2025

Two Neogene sub-basins of the Miocene Extensional Pannonian Superbasin are located in Slovenia: the Mura-Zala Basin in the northeast and the Krško Basin in the east of the country. Their predominantly clastic sedimentary fill hosts diverse geoenergy resources in different geological formations. The basin evolution (e.g., very high Miocene heat flow) was not favourable for the accumulation of large amounts of hydrocarbons. Consequently, oil and gas deposits are limited to the Petišovci-Dolina field, which was discovered in 1942. The field is located along the Ormož-Selnica-Lovászi Anticline, an inverted Miocene graben structure. Currently, minor amounts of natural gas are produced from Miocene (Badenian and Pannonian) horizons, while oil production stopped in 2021. Coal deposits formed in deltaic environments during the late Pannonian and were exploited until the 1970s, in both the Mura-Zala Basin and Krško Basin. Depleted oil and gas reservoirs at depths > 800 m, saline aquifers, and deeply buried coals in the Mura-Zala Basin provide potential sites for CO
2
storage, albeit with limited volumes.
Software Engineering by and for Humans in an AI Era
Authors: Abrahão Silvia , Grundy John , Pezzè Mauro , Storey Margaret-Anne , Andrew Tamburri Damian
Published: February 2025

The landscape of software engineering is undergoing a transformative shift driven by advancements in machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI), and autonomous systems. This roadmap paper explores how these technologies are reshaping the field, positioning humans not only as end users but also as critical components within expansive software ecosystems. We examine the challenges and opportunities arising from this human-centered paradigm, including ethical considerations, fairness, and the intricate interplay between technical and human factors. By recognizing humans at the heart of the software lifecycle —spanning professional engineers, end users, and end-user developers —we emphasize the importance of inclusivity, human-aligned workflows, and the seamless integration of AI-augmented socio-technical systems. As software systems evolve to become more intelligent and human-centric, software engineering practices must adapt to this new reality. This paper provides a comprehensive examination of this transformation, outlining current trends, key challenges, and opportunities that define the emerging research and practice landscape, and envisioning a future where software engineering and AI work synergistically to place humans at the core of the ecosystem.
Extremely Low-resolution RFID Vision for Real-time and Visually-anonymized Action Recognition
Authors: Shin Hyeonho , Shim Seungwoo , Cho Myeongkyun , Lee Youngki , Shin Jinwoo , Kim Song Min
Published: February 2025

Despite the potential of vision-based personal monitoring (e.g., healthcare), private data leakage concerns hinder its wide deployment in personal spaces (e.g., bedrooms). A body of data anonymization designs was proposed throughout image processing and federated learning. They commonly store high-quality images and videos locally, which are anonymized via post-processing before cloud upload. However, the recent IoT camera hacking and local data leakage call for anonymized data at the sensing stage. Also, continuous and pervasive monitoring without blind spots in complicated indoor spaces requires a scalable and economic system. This paper presents
Mosaic
, a vision-based end-to-end action recognition framework that (i) intrinsically achieves data anonymity from the sensing stage and (ii) battery-free operation for blind spot-free continuous monitoring.
Mosaic
leverages an extremely low resolution (eLR) Near-Infrared (NIR) image sensor with 6 × 10 pixels for video anonymity and an RFID-compliant fully-passive tag with four solar cells for real-time eLR video streaming under as low as 30 lux (e.g., deep in the shelf without direct light). This is accompanied by a lightweight action recognition neural network for real-time inference (18.4 
ms
on Intel(R) Core i7-8700).
Mosaic
achieves an average of 98% accuracy on 10 action classes, hitting the balance between data anonymity and high-precision action recognition. Taking advantage of the NIR (non-visible) frequency,
Mosaic
also works in the dark without disturbing sleep. Lastly, wildfire detection reaching 20 
m
was demonstrated, showcasing the potential for outdoor monitoring.
Demystifying the Relationship between Digitalization of Government Services and Public Trust: A Scoping Review
Authors: Virnandes Sose Raeinaldo , Shen Jun , Vlahu-Gjorgievska Elena
Published: February 2025

Citizen trust is critical for effective public policy implementation. However, according to a recent report from the OECD, only 39% of citizens have medium or high trust in the government. Among others, the use of digital technology has been considered to foster public trust by leveraging the transparency of government data, information, or decision-making process. The purpose of this scoping review is to provide an overview of the relationship between digitalization of government services and public trust using the Arksey and O'Malley methodological framework. Based on the technology, organization, and environment (TOE) framework, individual, and trust aspect, this study identifies and categorizes 112 distinct constructs mapped across five key contexts: technology, organization, environment, individual, and trust. The study findings help to improve our previously limited understanding of the relationship between digitalization of government services and trust by identifying a set of concepts related to each of six research contexts that may prove fruitful in our efforts to develop theory explaining this key e-government relationship. Furthermore, from the practical aspect, it provides insights for the public administrators and policymakers that should be considered when developing effective public policies regarding digitalization and public trust.
Nano-Structured InGaN Photoanode for Hydrogen Production Using Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting: A Simulation Study
Authors: Tijent Fatima Z. , Gujrati Rajat , Sundaram Suresh , Faqir Mustapha , Voss Paul L. , Salvestrini Jean-Paul , Ougazzaden Abdallah
Published: February 2025

InGaN nanostructures have emerged as a promising solution for developing efficient and stable photoelectrodes for hydrogen production using photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting. In this work, we investigate the performance of an InGaN nanopyramid photoanode through electrical and optical simulations. The simulated structure consists of a p-GaN/InGaN NP /n-GaN nanopyramid with 12 pairs of TiO2/SiO2 dielectric Bragg reflector. We obtain a short-circuit current and a power density of 12.23 mA cm−2 and 16 mW cm−2, respectively. We also compare the photoelectrochemical properties of the InGaN nanopyramid photoanode and a planar InGaN photoanode. The incident photon conversion efficiency of the InGaN nanopyramid reaches 43% compared to 9.5% in the case of planar InGaN photoanode. The hydrogen evolution rate of the InGaN NP reaches 228 μmol.cm−2.h−1, which is four times higher than the planar InGaN photoanode. As for solar-to-hydrogen efficiency, we obtained 15% and 3% for InGaN nanopyramid and planar InGaN photoanode, respectively. Our results suggest that InGaN nanopyramids can serve as an efficient photoanode to produce hydrogen gas via PEC water splitting.