bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The efficacy of antimicrobial therapies in the treatment of mixed biofilms formed between Candida albicans and Porphyromonas gingivalis during epithelial cell infection in the aspiration pneumonia model
Authors: Bras Grazyna , Wronowska Ewelina , Gonzalez-Gonzalez Miriam , Juszczak Magdalena , Surowiec Magdalena , Sidlo Wiktoria , Satala Dorota , Kulig Kamila , Karkowska-Kuleta Justyna , Budziaszek Joanna , Koziel Joanna , Rapala-Kozik Maria
Published: February 2025

Aspiration pneumonia is a serious respiratory condition, which is particularly prevalent in patients with dysphagia, neurological disorders, or those undergoing surgical interventions. The formation of multispecies biofilms in the oral cavity, involving the bacterial periodontopathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis and the opportunistic pathogenic fungus Candida albicans, may also be related to the development of this serious disease, contributing also to the resistance to standard antimicrobial treatment. Therefore, this research aimed to evaluate the efficacy of selected antibiotics‒levofloxacin, metronidazole, meropenem, vancomycin‒and antifungal agents‒amphotericin B, caspofungin, and fluconazole‒on these mixed biofilms in the aspiration pneumonia model. While metronidazole and levofloxacin effectively inhibited bacterial viability in the mixed biofilms, lower doses increased release of bacterial proteases. In the conditions of mixed biofilms meropenem and vancomycin showed reduced efficacy, requiring significantly higher doses to achieve similar effect in mixed biofilms as in single bacterial cultures. Treatment with antifungals revealed that amphotericin B significantly impacted fungal cell viability within mixed biofilms, and this effect was enhanced when the antifungal drug was applied in the presence of P. gingivalis. Caspofungin and fluconazole showed variable efficacy, with caspofungin being more effective against C. albicans cells within biofilm.

These findings indicated that due to the mutual microbial protection in the mixed-species biofilm, P. gingivalis retained its virulence despite increasing antibiotic doses. However, no excessive benefit of mixed biofilms was observed for C. albicans in the presence of antifungals, indicating the minor importance of yeasts in aspiration pneumonia development and their protective role for other pathogens in mixed-species infection.

Graphical abstract
Controversies in treating febrile infantile urinary tract infection caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producing Enterobacteriaceae: an international multi-centre survey
Authors: Wong Sze Wa , Tullus Kjell , Chan Yu Hin Eugene
Published: February 2025

Background

There is a lack of consensus in treating infants with extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-E) urinary tract infection (UTI) who demonstrate good clinical response to initial antibiotics within 48 h.

Methods

We conducted an international survey among paediatric nephrologists and fellows in training using a web-based questionnaire.

Results

A total of 232 centres across 77 countries participated in the survey. Second- or third-generation cephalosporins were the initial antibiotic of choice upon presentation in 63.8% of the centres. If the ESBL-E isolated from urine culture demonstrated in vitro susceptibility, 81.0% of respondents would continue the initial oral antibiotics. In contrast, there was considerable practice variation in the presence of in vitro resistance to the initial oral antibiotic. 19.0% would switch to a carbapenem group antibiotic, while 49.6% would change to a non-carbapenem antibiotic according to the sensitivity profiles. 22.8% would continue initial antibiotics based on satisfactory clinical response. The remaining 8.6% would choose other options. Similar emphasis on in vitro susceptibility result for the treatment was observed among centres who treated patients with intravenous antibiotics at UTI presentation. In the presence of a UTI with an ESBL-E, 50.0% centres would perform additional radiological investigations, and 61.2% would offer antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent further UTIs.

Conclusion

There are significant variations in the management of UTI caused by ESBL-E bacteria between centres. In vitro susceptibility to the antibiotics remains an important management consideration. Antibiotics from the non-carbapenem groups seem to be the preferred option. Further studies are required to identify the optimal treatment regimen in this patient population.

Graphical abstract
Care for patients with cancer and substance use disorders: a qualitative study of oncology team experiences
Authors: Kale Sachin S. , Rush Laura J. , Eramo Jennifer L. , Bitangacha Mireille , Chen Sadie , Check Devon K. , Jones Katie Fitzgerald , Merlin Jessica , McAlearney Ann Scheck
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Clinical decisions surrounding cancer care can be complicated by co-occurring substance use disorders (SUDs), particularly with respect to pain management and cancer treatment safety. Yet, few studies have examined oncology teams’ experiences treating patients with co-occurring cancer and SUDs. We therefore sought to understand the perspectives of oncology team providers regarding the challenges they face when caring for patients with cancer and SUDs.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative study to understand the experiences of clinicians who have provided cancer care to patients with concurrent SUD. Questions about substances used focused mainly on non-prescribed opioids and stimulants. Individual interviews were conducted in March–July 2023 by telephone or videoconference, recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed rigorously using thematic analysis.

Results

Twenty-seven individuals were interviewed (15 physicians, 8 advanced practice providers, 2 registered nurses, and 2 social workers). Specialties included medical oncology, hematology, radiation oncology, and gynecology oncology. We identified four themes representing the challenges oncology teams face when caring for patients with cancer and SUD: (1) patients’ unmet social needs; (2) uncertainty about pain management options; (3) implicit biases about patients with SUDs; and( 4) patients’ active substance use.

Conclusion

Oncology teams face many challenges when caring for patients with cancer and SUDs. Understanding these challenges is critical and can both inform the design of interventions for patients with cancer and SUD and guide future research.
Antipredator behaviour in semi-feral horses: innate response and the influence of external factors
Authors: Bercy Antoine , Ceacero Francisco , Komárková Martina
Published: February 2025

Rewilding can play a vital role in safeguarding biodiversity, with the grazing pressure exerted by large ungulates and controlled by their predators being a significant factor, particularly in European contexts. Domestic horses are becoming integral to such ungulates’ biomass, but they may differ from truly wild species due to their domesticated origin. This raises concerns about whether feral horses retain adequate antipredator behaviours, especially in the presence of expanding, large predators like wolves. The field of antipredator behaviour research is hampered by inconsistent results and a lack of standardisation, and the behaviour of free-ranging horses remains underexplored. To address this gap, we conducted a playback experiment on semi-feral Exmoor ponies (n = 97) in the Czech Republic, exposing them to wolf howls, deer rut calls, and static noise as a control. We assessed alert behaviour and herd grouping while accounting for variables such as herd size, sex, time of day, weather conditions, environment type, presence of other ungulates, and habituation effects. Over 70% of the ponies exhibited alert behaviour in response to both wolf and deer calls. Although the magnitude of responses did not differ significantly between wolf and deer calls, both elicited distinct reactions compared to the control. Most of the studied external factors significantly affected the observed alert responses, highlighting that they must be carefully considered in such studies since these may explain the conflicting results observed in previous studies. The significant behavioural differences in reaction to the sounds indicate that the horses can differentiate them and likely still possess some innate memory, as reported in other ungulates. This is a positive sign towards reintroduction. Future research should carefully consider the validity of the testing environment, habituation effects, and other external factors to ensure robust results.
Recent developments in waterborne pathogen detection technologies
Authors: Feleni Usisipho , Morare Rebotiloe , Masunga Ginny S. , Magwaza Nontokozo , Saasa Valentine , Madito Moshawe J. , Managa Muthumuni
Published: February 2025

Waterborne pathogens find their way into water bodies through contamination of fecal discharge, stormwater run-offs, agriculture and industrial activities, and poor water infrastructure. These organisms are responsible for causing diarrheal, gastroenteritis, cholera, and typhoid diseases which raise an alarming sense on public human health due to the high mortality rate, especially in children. Several studies have indicated that these waterborne diseases can be managed by monitoring pathogens in water using traditional culture-based and molecular techniques. However, these methods have shown several setbacks such as the longer duration for detection and the inability to detect pathogens at low concentrations. Effective management of these diseases requires rapid, sensitive, highly selective, fast, and efficient economic methods to monitor pathogens in water. Since the creation of biosensors, these tools have been applied and shown the ability to detect pathogens at low concentrations. The highlights of biosensor systems are that they are fast, portable, easy to use, highly sensitive, and specific. The capabilities of biosensors have given these tools exposure to be widely applied in detecting pharmaceutical pollutants, pesticides, toxins, residues of detergents, and cosmetics from household activities in soil and water. With such difficulties faced for detecting waterborne pathogens, this review evaluates the effectiveness of technologies for waterborne pathogens detection and their drawbacks. It further highlights biosensors as the current reliable method available for detecting pathogens in water and its future capabilities in sustaining safe potable water.
Does financial development influence environmental quality? Evidence from emerging and developing countries
Authors: Elatroush Ibrahim
Published: February 2025

This study aims to explore the link between financial development (FD) and economic growth on environmental quality in 60 developing and emerging countries over the period 1980–2021. Before assessing the employed model, the CDS, slope heterogeneity, and CIPS tests are performed for the study variables. Afterwards, the Pooled Mean Group and panel quantile regression techniques are carried out. The countries were clustered to assess the impact of FD and the study variables on environmental quality, as measured by CO2 emissions. Additionally, the Dumitrescu-Hurlin panel causality test was performed. The findings revealed a positive relationship between variables and CO2 in some clusters, which contributed to greater environmental degradation. In contrast, in other clusters, there was a significant negative relationship existed between study variables and CO2 emissions, which helped to mitigate of environmental damage. The discrepancy in results between groups can be related to differences in income levels, development patterns, production technologies, FD scores, and other socioeconomic characteristics between countries. The study underlines the crucial role of policymakers, authorities, and financial institutions in achieving the 2030 sustainable development goals (SDGs) 7, 11, 12, and 13 to improve the environmental quality in developing and emerging countries. It recommends that policies and strategies be undertaken to promote environmentally friendly products, eliminate polluting activities, embrace eco-friendly manufacturing technologies, and increase the use of bioenergy and renewable energy while reducing nonrenewable energy use. Policymakers, authorities, civic society, and financial institutions must all take responsibility for ensuring the proposals' successful implementation.
The ABC Model of Positive Feelings: A Preliminary Test
Authors: Tiba Alexandru , Drugaș Marius , Sîrbu Ioana , Simona Trip , Bora Carmen , Miclăuș Daiana , Voss Laura , Sanislav Ioana , Ciurescu Daniel
Published: February 2025

According to the ABC model of positive feelings, responding to positive activating events with irrational beliefs will result in dysfunctional positive feelings. Evidencing the role of irrational beliefs in dysfunctional positive feelings may have important clinical implications. However, no study has tested this model. Here, we tested the ABC model of positive feelings based on the REBT model of emotion. 115 participants had to imagine eight anticipatory positive situations. Then they reported how vividly they imagined the situations, and what they would believe and feel if they were in each situation. After that, they completed a hypomania scale, a general measure of positive irrational beliefs, and a general measure of irrational beliefs about adverse events. Results showed that situational positive primary irrational beliefs mediate the effect of vividness of imagining positive situations on dysfunctional positive feelings (b = 2.436, 95% CI: LL = 1.314 to UL = 3.832) while situational preferences mediated the effect of positive events on functional positive feelings (b = 0.642, 95% CI: LL = 0.165 to UL = 1.209). Moreover, the effect of positive primary irrational beliefs on dysfunctional positive feelings was mediated by secondary positive irrational beliefs such as positive intolerance (b = 3.826, 95% CI: LL = 0. 370; to UL = 7.740), and extreme self-valuing (b = 1. 330, 95% CI: LL = 0.287 to UL = 2.471) but not by wonderfulizing (b = 0.061, 95% CI: LL = −3.337 to UL = 3.298). Finding support for the ABC model of positive feelings and showing the role of irrational beliefs in dysfunctional and functional positive feelings may advance existing treatments for promoting mental health and reducing the disturbances of positive emotions.
Predictors of favorable long-term outcomes in first-line surgery for microprolactinomas
Authors: Andereggen Lukas , Christ Emanuel
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Opting for first-line surgery in carefully selected patients with microprolactinomas provides the advantage of avoiding long-term dopamine agonist (DA) medication and potential associated side effects. However, the lack of comprehensive long-term data poses a challenge in identifying those patients who would benefit the most from upfront surgery. To improve guidance in the selection process for microprolactinoma patients in clinical practice, we aimed to establish simple clinical and biochemical parameters predicting non-dependence on DAs.

Methodology

Retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database, focusing on patients with microprolactinomas who underwent upfront surgery. We assessed clinical and biochemical risk factors for the patients’ reliance on DAs at their latest follow-up using regression analysis. We next proceeded to conduct Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis to determine the optimal threshold cutoff prolactin (PRL) level for practical application in clinical settings that best differentiates between surgical long-term remission status and long-term dependence on DAs.

Results

A microadenoma was observed in 46 patients, of whom 12 (26%) exhibited long-term dependence on DAs at a median follow-up of 78 months. Baseline PRL values were significantly higher in patients with long-term DA dependence compared to those without (p = 0.05). High baseline PRL values (HR 23.9, 95% CI 1.0-593.7, p = 0.05), but not the presence of headache or male gender, were identified as independent predictors of long-term dependence on DAs. PRL thresholds for discriminating long-term DA dependence were estimated to be 290 µg/L (AUROC = 0.73, 95% CI 0.55–0.92, p = 0.03; sensitivity = 90%, specificity = 80%).

Conclusions

In patients with microprolactinomas, first-line surgery presents a favorable prospect for reducing reliance on DAs. However, for those with high PRL levels ≥ 290 µg/L at diagnosis, first-line surgery is not recommended, as the majority of them require adjuvant DA therapy in the long term.
Dietary phytochemical indole-3-carbinol regulates metabolic reprogramming in mouse prostate tissue
Authors: Peter Rebecca Mary , Sarwar Md. Shahid , Wang Lujing , Chou Pochung , Wang Chao , Wang Yujue , Su Xiaoyang , Kong Ah-Ng
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Indole-3-carbinol (I3C) is shown to possess multiple pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiviral, and anti-cancer activities. It is widely accepted as modulator of multiple signaling pathways particularly those related to cell cycle, cell growth and division, angiogenesis, apoptosis and immunity. We explored the metabolic reprogramming based on treatment with I3C in mice prostate tissue.

Methods

In this study we utilized Pten knockout (KO)-induced prostate tumorigenesis mouse model to examine mechanism of action of I3C via metabolic rewiring. Phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (Pten), a tumor suppressor gene is frequently found to be mutated or deleted in prostate cancer. Untargeted metabolomics was performed using liquid-chromatography mass-spectrometry (LC–MS) based platform to investigate Pten-dependent and Pten-independent metabolic targets of I3C.

Results

The most impacted pathways by I3C included pyrimidine metabolism, arginine and proline metabolism, porphyrin metabolism, citrate cycle and lipoic acid metabolism.

Conclusion

These pathways taken together help in understanding the overall health beneficial effects of I3C.
Examining Mathematics Teachers Noticing the Rationality: Scenario-Based Training with AI Chatbot
Authors: Galiç Selen , Urhan Selin , Dost Şenol , Lavicza Zsolt
Published: February 2025

It is essential that students are encouraged to become rational thinkers for building thinking classrooms. Teachers must adopt rational questioning techniques to facilitate the development of rational behaviours in their students. However, the implementation of rational questioning requires the ability to respond to students based on their performance, thereby requiring teacher noticing in the context of rationality. In this study, we adopt teacher noticing in the context of three components of rationality (epistemic, teleological, and communicative) and demonstrate the potential of ChatGPT to monitor teachers’ noticing the rationality. In this context, we conducted scenario-based training with three in-service mathematics teachers using ChatGPT. Participants were presented with a scenario involving a common difficulty related to the concept of slope and were asked to engage in an interactive session with ChatGPT. We then conducted individual interviews to gain insight into their noticing the rationality. Our findings clearly pointed to a tendency among the teachers to focus on the epistemic and teleological aspects of ChatGPT’s response, with no engagement in communicative decision-making. ChatGPT provided the opportunity to determine the cases in which the teacher could not attend and interpret the rationality and decide for rational questioning. Based on these findings, we suggest that ChatGPT could be used as a tool for monitoring teacher noticing the rationality in teacher education.
Percutaneous laser ablation vs. radical nephroureterectomy: a comparative study on renal pelvic tumors
Authors: Li Gao , Chen Yuanhao , Zhang Xin
Published: February 2025

Purpose

To compare the safety and efficacy of percutaneous laser ablation and radical nephroureterectomy for renal pelvic tumors.

Methods

This prospective cohort study included 30 patients diagnosed with renal pelvic tumors who met the established selection criteria. The cohort was divided into two groups: Group I, consisting of 15 patients who underwent percutaneous laser ablation, and Group II, comprising 15 patients who received radical nephroureterectomy. Comprehensive data collection encompassed demographic information, intraoperative and postoperative outcomes, and disease-free survival.

Results

The analysis revealed that percutaneous laser ablation offered modest benefits over radical nephroureterectomy in terms of reduced surgical duration (P < 0.01) and shorter hospital stays (P = 0.03). However, in evaluating long-term oncologic outcomes, percutaneous laser ablation did not achieve parity with radical nephroureterectomy. Although the differences in long-term outcomes were not statistically significant (HR: 0.48; 95% CI 0.05–4.92, P = 0.54), radical nephroureterectomy exhibited a slight advantage in disease-free survival.

Conclusion

Percutaneous laser ablation presents a safe and effective, less invasive treatment alternative, rendering it a feasible option for patients who are either unable or unwilling to undergo radical nephroureterectomy due to comorbid conditions or personal preferences.
An artificial intelligence-supported GFCA learning model to enhance L2 students’ role-play performance, English speaking and interaction mindset
Authors: Darmawansah Darmawansah , Hwang Gwo-Jen , Lin Chi-Jen , Febiyani Febiyani
Published: February 2025

Role-play tasks have long been used by researchers and practitioners to observe L2 (Second language) speaking performance. This social-situated simulation allows students to employ their language skills to converse about real-life themes. While role-plays are highly plausible to actively engage students in interactive learning environments, it has been challenging to determine whether students perform at an adequate level of speaking proficiency with an appropriate learning approach. Nevertheless, the emerging technology-supported role-play tasks employing AI (artificial intelligence) could enhance competencies, enabling students to perform better in role-plays. Therefore, to enhance and support students’ performance in role-plays, English speaking skills, and their interaction mindset, we integrated an AI-based speaking learning app in the Generalization, Formulation, Correction, Appreciation (AI-GFCA) learning model. A quasi-experiment was conducted in a university with a total of 45 students. One class was randomly assigned to apply the AI-GFCA learning model as the experimental group, while the other was the control group (AI-C). The findings indicated that the AI-GFCA learning model could significantly enhance students’ role-play performance, English speaking skills, and interaction mindset. Furthermore, students produced fewer L2 errors and perceived a better learning experience than the AI-C group. It is noted that with the support of AI learning speaking through role-play tasks, students received sufficient corrective feedback, which encouraged them to establish a positive and motivating learning interaction, thus benefiting their academic performance.
Multi-product Newsvendor problem with dynamic pricing: a decision interpolation approximation
Authors: Sprenkels Laura , Atan Zümbül , Adan Ivo
Published: February 2025

In this paper we present an approximation for the finite horizon, finite inventory multi-product dynamic pricing problem. We consider both price- and stock-out- based substitutions. The computation time of the optimal solution grows exponentially in the number of products, while computation time of the proposed approximation is linear in the number of products. We compare the approximation with existing methods.
Elevated vascular endothelial growth factor a is associated with disruption of default network connectivity in older adults
Authors: Kapoor Arunima , Jang Jung Yun , Engstrom Allison C. , Lohman Trevor , Dutt Shubir , Alitin John Paul M. , Sible Isabel J. , Marshall Anisa , Shenasa Fatemah , Gaubert Aimee , Nguyen Amy , Bradford David Robert , Rodgers Kathleen , Han S. Duke , Nation Daniel A.
Published: February 2025

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A (VEGF-A) is an angiogenic signaling protein involved in the maintenance of the cerebral vasculature. No prior study has explored whether plasma VEGF-A levels may be associated with brain functional connectivity changes, such as disruption of the default mode network (DMN), which often precedes the development of cognitive changes in aging. Seventy-six independently living older adults (mean age = 70.3 years; SD = 7.5; 31.6% male) free of dementia or clinical stroke underwent venipuncture and brain MRI. Plasma was assayed for VEGF-A. Using resting state functional MRI, region of interest (ROI) to ROI connectivity and graph theory analysis were conducted to determine average connectivity and global efficiency between each of the following ROIs comprising the DMN: medial prefrontal cortex, lateral parietal cortex and precuneus cortex. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed a significant negative association between VEGF-A levels and DMN connectivity (B = − 0.14, 95% CI (-0.26, − 0.01), p =.038), accounting for age, sex, education, and vascular risk factors. Graph theory analysis similarly revealed that VEGF-A levels are associated with global efficiency of the entire network (B = − 0.18, p =.004). These findings suggest that VEGF-A may be elevated early in the progression of neurocognitive disorders. Whether higher levels of VEGF-A contribute to the pathogenesis of neurocognitive disorders or play a protective role in preserving cognitive function warrants further investigation. Clinical Trial Number: N/A; None.
Enhancing streamflow drought prediction: integrating wavelet decomposition with deep learning and quantile regression neural network models
Authors: Mohammadi Babak , Abdallah Mohammed , Oucheikh Rachid , Katipoğlu Okan Mert , Cheraghalizadeh Majid
Published: February 2025

Drought is a significant natural hazard that severely challenges water resource management and agricultural sustainability. This study aims to propose a novel approach for predicting streamflow drought indices (SDI-3, SDI-6, and SDI-12) in humid continental (Stockholm) and semi-arid (ELdiem) climates at different time-steps. The approach utilizes a Quantile Regression Neural Network (QRNN) coupled with wavelet decomposition (WD) techniques. Six mother wavelets (haar, sym8, coif5, bior6.8, demy, and db10) were used to decompose the SDI time series into different frequency bands, helping to identify patterns and trends in drought signals. The QRNN was compared with a tree-based machine learning (ML) model and two deep learning models: Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) and Convolutional Neural Network (CNN). Results from stand-alone models showed that the LSTM model outperformed others in predicting SDI-3, while the QRNN model performed best in predicting SDI-6 and SDI-12 in both study regions. In the Stockholm station, the hybrid models achieved acceptable accuracy with bior6.8-LSTM2 (Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) = 0.927), bior6.8-QRNN2 (NSE = 0.962), and demy-QRNN2 (NSE = 0.984) performing best for SDI-3, SDI-6, and SDI-12 predictions during the test phase, respectively. For the ELdiem station, the db10-QRNN3 (NSE = 0.926), demy-QRNN3 (NSE = 0.934), and demy-QRNN2 (NSE = 0.981) models demonstrated superior performance during the test phase in predicting SDI-3, SDI-6, and SDI-12, highlighting the robust capability of hybrid models across two case studies. The results indicate that combining WD with ML models can produce more accurate hydrological drought predictions than traditional models.
The Choice of Local or Imported Building Stone in English Medieval Churches; A South Cambridgeshire Case Study
Authors: Woodcock Nigel H.
Published: February 2025

External building stone has been recorded in 124 medieval churches in a 1200 km2 area in south Cambridgeshire, UK. Each component (e.g. walling, windows, doors) in each architectural part (e.g. tower, nave, aisles, chancel) of each church has been separately recorded, generating over 2000 records of construction or repair projects. Every project has been dated from documentary records or architectural style, allowing analysis of stone use in both space and time. The pre-Reformation churches of the area mostly have rubble walls of local Fieldstone and Clunch (Cretaceous Chalk), and imported Jurassic limestone from Barnack, 60 km to the northwest. Less common are ashlar walls of Clunch or Barnack. The medieval dressings clearly show the use of local Clunch in less exposed positions but of the weather-resistant imported Barnack stone for exposed locations. This use of Barnack was despite the transport costs for the circuitous inland waterway journey of about 110 km. The amount of imported Barnack stone in windows and doors is probably a good indicator of a church’s medieval wealth. Dressings of Clunch were much repaired or wholly replaced during the nineteenth century church ‘restorations.’ The replacement stone came mostly from the Jurassic Lincolnshire Limestone belt, not from Barnack but from other quarries along its outcrop from Weldon to Ancaster. The methodology of data collection, analysis and presentation in the Cambridgeshire study should prove useful for other heritage buildings nationally and internationally.
Aspect-based currency of customer reviews: A novel probability-based metric to pave the way for data quality-aware decision-making
Authors: Hägele Lukas , Klier Mathias , Moestue Lars , Obermeier Andreas
Published: February 2025

Customer reviews from digital platforms are a vital data resource for recommender and other decision support systems. The performance of these systems is highly dependent on the quality of the underlying data—particularly its currency. Existing metrics for assessing the currency of customer reviews are often based solely on data age. They do not consider that customer reviews can be outdated with respect to one aspect (e.g., guest room after renovation) while still being up-to-date with respect to others (e.g., location). Moreover, they disregard that customer reviews can only become outdated due to state changes of the corresponding item (e.g., renovation), which are associated with uncertainty. We propose a probability-based metric for the aspect-based currency of customer reviews. The values of the metric represent the probability that information in a set of customer reviews is still up-to-date. Our evaluation on a large TripAdvisor dataset shows that the values of the metric are reliable and discriminate well between up-to-date and outdated data, paving the way for data quality-aware decision-making based on customer reviews.
Climate, peace, and conflict—past and present: Bridging insights from historical sciences and contemporary research
Authors: White Sam , Collet Dominik , Alcoberro Agustí , Barriendos Mariano , Brázdil Rudolf , Castell Pau , Chen Siyu , de Coning Cedric , Degroot Dagomar , Dolák Lukáš , Döring Stefan , Gorostiza Santiago , Kleemann Katrin , Krampe Florian , Lin Kuan-Hui , Maughan Nicolas , Melo Natália , Molloy Barry , Ogilvie Astrid E. J. , Pai Piling , Pei Qing , Pfister Christian , Serafimova Silviya , Zhang Diyang
Published: February 2025

Concern has risen that current global warming and more frequent extreme events such as droughts and floods will increase conflict around the world. This concern has spurred both social science research on contemporary climate, peace, and conflict as well as research in the historical sciences on past climate, weather, warfare, and violence. This perspectives article compares these two fields of scholarship and examines how each may benefit the other. It finds significant convergences in methods and insights across contemporary and historical research as well as persistent patterns in causal pathways between climate and conflict. Contemporary climate, peace, and conflict (CPC) research may sharpen methods and causal models for historical researchers. Historical studies, particularly those informed by contemporary research, may elucidate deep origins and long-term effects of climate-related conflicts. For policymakers and the public, history offers comprehensible ways to make sense of complex and contingent linkages and to construct cogent narratives of the past as well as storylines for the future.
Single-incision versus conventional laparoscopic appendectomy in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Kossenas Konstantinos , Kouzeiha Riad , Moutzouri Olga , Georgopoulos Filippos
Published: February 2025

Three-port (trocar) laparoscopic appendectomy is the standard treatment for acute appendicitis and previous studies have compared to single-incision approach, however, they often include both pediatric and adult patients and fail to account for surgeons’ experience, leading to variability in outcomes. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to address these literature gaps by focusing on adult patients and controlling for surgeon expertise. We conducted a comprehensive search of randomized controlled trials comparing single-incision laparoscopic appendectomy (SILA) and conventional laparoscopic appendectomy (CLA) up to November 2024. We assessed the length of hospitalization, operative duration, postoperative complications, and surgical wound infections. Data were synthesized using random-effects models to account for variability among studies. The meta-analysis included four studies with a total of 408 patients, comprising 202 in the single-incision laparoscopic appendectomy (SILA) group and 206 in the conventional laparoscopic appendectomy (CLA) group. For the length of hospitalization, no statistically significant difference was observed, with a weighted mean difference (WMD) of 0.07 days (95% CI  − 0.32 to 0.47, I
2 = 0%, p = 0.72). Similarly, the operative duration showed no significant difference, with a WMD of 4.49 min (95% CI  − 7.02 to 16.00, I
2 = 89%, p = 0.44). The analysis of postoperative complications also revealed no significant difference between the groups, with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.32 (95% CI 0.69 to 2.51, I
2 = 0%, p = 0.40). Surgical wound infections were found to be comparable, with an OR of 1.14 (95% CI 0.46 to 2.83, I
2 = 0%, p = 0.78). Sensitivity analysis indicated that the results were statistically significant regarding operative duration when Kim et al. was excluded from the analysis. SILA and CLA yield comparable outcomes in terms of hospitalization length, operative duration, and complications, suggesting that both techniques are viable options for the management of acute appendicitis in adults. Further studies investigating overall cosmesis, patient satisfaction, and postoperative pain are warranted to optimize surgical approaches.

PROSPERO registration: CRD42024612596.
Trust and Trustworthiness in AI
Authors: Durán Juan Manuel , Pozzi Giorgia
Published: February 2025

Achieving trustworthy AI is increasingly considered an essential desideratum to integrate AI systems into sensitive societal fields, such as criminal justice, finance, medicine, and healthcare, among others. For this reason, it is important to spell out clearly its characteristics, merits, and shortcomings. This article is the first survey in the specialized literature that maps out the philosophical landscape surrounding trust and trustworthiness in AI. To achieve our goals, we proceed as follows. We start by discussing philosophical positions on trust and trustworthiness, focusing on interpersonal accounts of trust. This allows us to explain why trust, in its most general terms, is to be understood as reliance plus some “extra factor”. We then turn to the first part of the definition provided, i.e., reliance, and analyze two opposing approaches to establishing AI systems’ reliability. On the one hand, we consider transparency and, on the other, computational reliabilism. Subsequently, we focus on debates revolving around the “extra factor”. To this end, we consider viewpoints that most actively resist the possibility and desirability of trusting AI systems before turning to the analysis of the most prominent advocates of it. Finally, we take up the main conclusions of the previous sections and briefly point at issues that remain open and need further attention.
Hydrazine (Bio) synthesis and separation: Advances, state-of-the-art methods, and patent review
Authors: Sari Tugba , Akgul Deniz
Published: February 2025

Hydrazine (N2H4) is a highly versatile industrial compound valued for its energetic properties, ease of oxidation, and chemical activity, making it indispensable in various applications such as rocket fuel. Currently, industrial-scale production of N2H4 relies solely on chemical processes. In nature, anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) bacteria have the unique ability to synthesize N2H4 in their metabolism, adding an interesting dimension to N2H4 production. Recent studies revealed that anammox bacteria could be considered a potential alternative bioenergy resource for N2H4. On the other hand, since N2H4 is produced at low concentrations in chemical reaction mixtures, numerous separation techniques have been investigated for this purpose and many patents have been filed over the years. Despite the extensive research on N2H4, there is a notable lack of comprehensive review studies, particularly focusing on N2H4 separation methods. Besides, advancements in N2H4 production routes have not been systematically reviewed in over a decade. Furthermore, there are currently no established methods for extracting N2H4 from biological systems. Within these frameworks, this review first highlighted advances in N2H4 (bio)production and separation processes, emphasizing critical aspects such as efficiency, safety, and technological progress. Then, several separation methods were suggested for extracting N2H4 from biological matrices, considering separation approaches used in chemical reaction mixtures and synthetic wastewater compositions employed in N2H4 biosynthesis. This review provides valuable insight into the detailed, historical, holistic, and up-to-date analysis of hydrazine research, spanning its production methods to separation techniques, for researchers and various industries.

Graphical Abstract
Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems in the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction: Achievements, Gaps, and Future Directions
Authors: Rokhideh Maryam , Fearnley Carina , Budimir Mirianna
Published: February 2025

Bringing together global efforts to enhance the implementation of warnings in managing vulnerabilities, hazards, risks, and disasters is essential to saving lives and for long-term vulnerability reduction. Ten years into the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 (SFDRR), there has been a renewed focus on warnings following the 2022 announcement by the United Nations Secretary-General of the five-year goal of Early Warnings for All. Delivering on Target G of the SFDRR has subsequently generated significant outcomes, however substantial gaps remain with implementing effective early warning systems (EWS). This article charts the policy evolution of warnings within the UN context and outlines the progress and remaining gaps of EWS in the SFDRR to date. Three key gaps that hinder the effective delivery of SFDRR and beyond are identified: (1) the need for common understanding of warning processes and terminology, such as multi-hazard EWS, and further elucidation of indicators used to measure and chart progress; (2) the need to mobilize and strengthen existing EWS, many of which are not formally recognized yet do the work of warnings across actors and entities, especially in fragile or resource-poor contexts; and (3) the need to foster collaboration between the multitude of actors and approaches involved in all forms of warnings, including people-centered warnings to address diversity and inclusivity, and integrate top-down and bottom-up approaches across sectors. Significant barriers to working across the numerous silos (institutional, geographical, political, and scientific) must be overcome to generate effective people-centered multi-hazard EWS to support disaster risk reduction in the future. Recommendations on how to fill these gaps in future frameworks are provided, to support people-centered, integrated warnings for all.
Within and Beyond: Chert Procurement Patterns During The Upper Palaeolithic in Southwesternmost Iberia
Authors: Belmiro Joana , Terradas Xavier , Dominguez-Bella Salvador , Cascalheira João
Published: February 2025

Analyses of raw materials and the distinction between local/regional and long-distance sources have proven invaluable for understanding the extensive movements, interactions, and social networks during the Upper Palaeolithic in the Iberian Peninsula. However, unlike other parts of Iberia, research on the management and acquisition of raw materials in the south and west of Iberia remains relatively underdeveloped. Despite significant knowledge about the technological practices of Palaeolithic hunter-gatherers from southern Portugal, particularly from studies conducted at the site of Vale Boi, there is a noticeable lack of focus on raw materials management. This paper presents the first comprehensive characterisation of chert raw materials from the Gravettian, Proto-Solutrean, and Solutrean occupations at Vale Boi, using both macroscopic and petrographic techniques. Our study reveals that the majority of chert found at Vale Boi originates locally, within a 20 km radius. However, a non-negligible portion of the chert comes from non-local sources, indicating > 200 km raw material circulation from central Portugal and southern Spain.
Detection and Analysis of Critical Interactions in Illegal U-Turns at an Urban Signalized Intersection
Authors: Schicktanz Clemens , Gimm Kay
Published: February 2025

Before automated vehicles can safely operate in real-world traffic, it is crucial to ensure their reliability not only in normal conditions but also in rare and critical situations, such as traffic conflicts. Understanding these critical situations is essential for generating test cases that ensure robust system performance. However, current models of real-world traffic behavior in such situations are limited. This study addresses this gap by detecting rare critical situations at an urban signalized intersection, analyzing road user behavior, and deriving relevant parameter distributions through a long-term analysis of naturalistic trajectory data. Specifically, we focus on interactions between motorized road users (MRU) and crossing vulnerable road users (VRU) in illegal U-turn scenarios. Using over 180 days of video recordings, we extracted 9 million trajectories and identified four critical MRU–VRU interactions utilizing Surrogate Safety Measures and deceleration metrics. The analysis reveals that these interactions occur when the VRU traffic light switches from red to green. In addition, we descriptively model the driving behavior to generate parameter distributions for U-turn scenarios. Unlike previous studies, we differentiate between object classes, allowing us to effectively illustrate variations in curve radius—such as median values of 8.1 m for cars, 9.7 m for vans, and 14.3 m for trucks. Our results demonstrate an approach for modeling traffic participant behavior using large-scale trajectory data, showcasing a use case of data science in transportation and contributing valuable insights for simulation-based testing and scenario generation in automated vehicle development.
Evidence-based Korean guidelines for the clinical management of multiple myeloma: addressing 12 key clinical questions
Authors: Jung Sung-Hoon , Koh Youngil , Kim Min Kyoung , Kim Jin Seok , Moon Joon Ho , Min Chang-Ki , Yoon Dok Hyun , Yoon Sung-Soo , Lee Je-Jung , Hong Chae Moon , Kang Ka-Won , Kwon Jihyun , Kim Kyoung Ha , Kim Dae Sik , Kim Sung Yong , Kim Sung-Hyun , Kim Yu Ri , Do Young Rok , Mun Yeung-Chul , Park Sung-Soo , Park Young Hoon , Shin Ho Jin , Eom Hyeon-Seok , Yoon Sang Eun , Hwang Sang Mee , Lee Won Sik , Lee Myung-won , Yi Jun Ho , Lee Ji Yun , Lee Ji Hyun , Lee Ho Sup , Lim Sung-Nam , Lim Jihyang , Yhim Ho-Young , Chang Yoon Hwan , Jo Jae-Cheol , Cho Jinhyun , Cho Hyungwoo , Choi Yoon Seok , Cho Hee jeong , Ahn Ari , Choi Jong Han , Kim Hyun Jung , Kim Kihyun
Published: February 2025

Multiple myeloma (MM), a hematological malignancy, is characterized by malignant plasma cell proliferation in the bone marrow. Recent treatment advances have significantly improved patient outcomes associated with MM. In this study, we aimed to develop comprehensive, evidence-based guidelines for the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of MM. We identified 12 key clinical questions essential for MM management, guiding the extensive literature review and meta-analysis of the study. Our guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations by integrating patient preferences with survey data. These recommendations include current and emerging diagnostic tools, therapeutic agents, and treatment strategies. By prioritizing a patient-centered approach and rigorous data analysis, these guidelines were developed to enhance MM management, both in Korea and globally.
Sir Emanuel Asanes alias Sophianos of Tregoose, a fifteenth-century Greek émigré in Cornwall
Authors: Kleineke Hannes
Published: February 2025

This paper discusses the career of Emanuel Asanes Sophianos, a Byzantine refugee who settled in Cornwall in the aftermath of the fall of the despotate of the Morea to the Ottomans. It traces his later career in England and marriage to an English widow. The unusually detailed documentation for Asanes’ later life aside, it is of particular interest on account of his association with one of the most notorious aristocratic law-breakers in the period.
Information Hazards as Activity and Content: A Grounded Account of Dis/Misinformation
Authors: El Mawas Omar
Published: February 2025

The study of dis/misinformation is currently in vogue, however with much ambiguity about what the problem precisely is, and much confusion about the key concepts that are brought to bear on this problem. My aim of this paper is twofold. First, I will attempt to precisify the (dis/mis)information problem, roughly construing it as anything that undermines the “epistemic aim of information.” Second, I will use this precisification to provide a new grounded account of dis/misinformation. To achieve the latter, I will critically engage with three of the more popular accounts of dis/misinformation which are (a) harm-based, (b) misleading-based, and (c) ignorance-based accounts. Each engagement will lead to further refinement of these key concepts, ultimately paving the way for my own account. Finally, I offer my own information hazard-based account, which distinguishes between misinformation as content, misinformation as activity, and disinformation as activity. By introducing this distinction between content and activity, it will be shown that my account is erected on firmer conceptual/ontological grounds, overcoming many of the difficulties that have plagued previous accounts, especially the problem of the proper place of intentionality in understanding dis/misinformation. This promises to add clarity to dis/misinformation research and to prove more useful in practice.