bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reclaiming ritual in palliative care: A hermeneutic narrative review
Authors: Butler Chrystabel , Michael Natasha , Kissane David
Published: January 2025

Objectives

To explore the potential of incorporating personally meaningful rituals as a spiritual resource for Western secular palliative care settings. Spiritual care is recognized as critical to palliative care; however, comprehensive interventions are lacking. In postmodern societies, the decline of organized religion has left many people identifying as “no religion” or “spiritual but not religious.” To assess if ritual could provide appropriate and ethical spiritual care for this growing demographic requires comprehensive understanding of the spiritual state and needs of the secular individual in postmodern society, as well as a theoretical understanding of the elements and mechanisms of ritual. The aim of this paper is to provide a comprehensive and theoretically informed exploration of these elements through a critical engagement with heterogeneous literatures.

Methods

A hermeneutic narrative review, inspired by complexity theory, underpinned by a view of understanding of spiritual needs as a complex mind–body phenomenon embedded in sociohistorical context.

Results

This narrative review highlights a fundamental spiritual need in postmodern post-Christian secularism as need for embodied spiritual experience. The historical attrition of ritual in Western culture parallels loss of embodied spiritual experience. Ritual as a mind–body practice can provide an embodied spiritual resource. The origin of ritual is identified as evolutionary adaptive ritualized behaviors universally observed in animals and humans which develop emotional regulation and conceptual cognition. Innate human behaviors of creativity, play, and communication develop ritual. Mechanisms of ritual allow for connection to others as well as to the sacred and transcendent.

Significance of results

Natural and innate behaviors of humans can be used to create rituals for personally meaningful spiritual resources. Understanding the physical properties and mechanisms of ritual making allows anyone to build their own spiritual resources without need of relying on experts or institutionalized programs. This can provide a self-empowering, client-centered intervention for spiritual care.
Planetary Politics and the Climates of History
Authors: Mann Geoff
Published: January 2025

In Ray Cummings's loony 1922 novel The Girl in the Golden Atom, a man known only as the Chemist discovers a beautiful woman in a subatomic world in the gold of his mother's wedding ring. Smitten, he figures out how to shrink himself to join her. Upon his return to our world, he finds that although seven days passed for him while “in the ring,” he has arrived back only forty hours after leaving. Over drinks, the Banker asks him to explain how the difference is possible. The Chemist replies, “To get a conception of this change you must analyze definitely what time is. We measure and mark it by years, months, and so forth, down to minutes and seconds, all based upon the movements of our earth around its sun. But that is the measurement of time, not time itself.” He then turns to the Big Business Man and asks, “How would you describe time?” “The Big Business Man smiled. ‘Time,’ he said, ‘is what keeps everything from happening at once.’”
Research Ethics and Methods in Shifting Policy Climates: The Case of Abortion Rights in the United States and Latin America
Authors: Calasanti Anna , Fernández Anderson Cora , Kay Tamara
Published: January 2025

We have spent the last two years conducting fieldwork on abortion rights movements in the United States and Latin America, building from our previous work on abortion policies, movements, organizations, and activists across the Americas (Beisel and Kay 2004; Calasanti 2015; Calasanti, Kay, and Ostermann 2023; Fernández Anderson 2017, 2020, 2022; Ruibal and Fernández Anderson 2018). In the wake of the 2022 US Supreme Court decision Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, we have noted a palpable shift in the dynamics between organizations, new challenges in establishing contacts, and a heightened need to safeguard participants’ identity. While the ramifications of Dobbs have been felt most keenly in the US, there have been reverberations through the connections between movements across the Americas. We find organizations in the US to be inextricably linked with and informed by networks originating in Latin America. Indeed, much of our present approach to research in the US has been informed by our knowledge and experience researching abortion rights movements outside of the US.
Velocity vector estimation in automotive radar networks
Authors: Lopez Fernandez Sergio , Samarasekera A. Chaminda J. , Feger Reinhard , Stelzer Andreas
Published: January 2025

In this work, we develop a method for robust single-cycle measurement velocity vector estimation for automotive radar. Building upon our previous work, we introduce a methodology that leverages spatial diversity for accurate estimation of the velocity vector of targets in the medium to close ranges. We extend our initial conceptual framework, addressing limitations from our first approach and proposing necessary enhancements for real-world applicability. Our improved process excels in target separation, identification, and velocity vector estimation, proving effective across various scenarios and minimizing errors. The system, tested on pedestrians and metal targets, presents a promising avenue for exploring its performance with varying target sizes. Simultaneously, our in-depth study on Doppler-multiplex modulation reveals new relevant constraints, prompting a modulation change for improved response separation. Despite the necessity of increasing module numbers for enhanced performance, our structured approach to target itemization and classification positions our methodology as a valuable framework for future systems, offering a comprehensive solution to diverse challenges in target estimation and classification within the automotive landscape.
Cover crops and fall residual herbicides for managing Italian ryegrass
Authors: de Sanctis Jose H S , Cahoon Charles W , Everman Wesley J , Gannon Travis W , Jennings Katherine M , Taylor Zachary R , Dean Brock A , Forehand Jacob C , Lee James H
Published: January 2025

North Carolina growers have long struggled to control Italian ryegrass, and recent research has confirmed Italian ryegrass biotypes resistant to nicosulfuron, glyphosate, clethodim, and paraquat. Integrating alternative management strategies is crucial to effectively control such biotypes. The objectives of this study were to evaluate Italian ryegrass control with cover crops and fall-applied residual herbicides and investigate cover crop injury from residual herbicides. This study was conducted during the fall/winter of 2021-22 in Salisbury and fall/winter of 2021-22 and 2022-23 at Clayton, NC. The study was designed as a 3x5 split-plot, where the main plot consisted of three cover crop treatments (no-cover, cereal rye at 80 kg ha-1, and crimson clover at 18 kg ha-1), and the subplots consisted of five residual herbicide treatments (S-metolachlor, flumioxazin, metribuzin, pyroxasulfone, and nontreated). In the 2021-22 season at Clayton, metribuzin injured cereal rye and crimson clover 65% and 55%, respectively. However, metribuzin injured both cover crops ≤6% in 2022-23. Flumioxazin resulted in unacceptable crimson clover injury with 50% and 38% in 2021-22 and 2022-23 in Clayton and 40% at Salisbury, respectively. Without preemergence herbicides, cereal rye controlled Italian ryegrass 85% and 61% at 24 WAP in 2021-22 and 2022-23 at Clayton and 82% in Salisbury, respectively. In 2021-22, Italian ryegrass seed production was lowest in cereal rye treatments at both locations, except when cover crop was treated with metribuzin. For example, in Salisbury, cereal rye plus metribuzin resulted in 39324 seeds m–2, compared to ≤4386 seeds m–2 from all other cereal rye treatments. In 2022-23, Italian ryegrass seed production in cereal rye was lower when either metribuzin or pyroxasulfone were used PRE (2670 and 1299 seeds m–2, respectively) when compared to cereal rye without herbicides (5600 seeds m–2).
Grapevine, stone fruit, and tree nut crop response to simulated tetflupyrolimet drift
Authors: Inci Deniz , Hanson Bradley D. , Al-Khatib Kassim
Published: January 2025

Off-target rice herbicide drift is historically a concern in California, where susceptible crops such as orchards and vineyards are nearby. Tetflupyrolimet is a potent inhibitor of dihydroorotate dehydrogenase which provides excellent grass weed control in rice cropping systems. In efforts to steward tetflupyrolimet before its registration in California, this research was conducted to compare the onset of foliar symptoms from tetflupyrolimet applications onto almond, grapevine, peach, pistachio, plum, and walnut. Tetflupyrolimet was applied to these tree and vine crops at fractional rates of 1/200×, 1/100×, 1/33×, and 1/10× of the 125 g ai ha–1 rice use rate. Almond, pistachio, and walnut trees also received the 1× of the rice use rate. Tetflupyrolimet treatments were applied on one side of 3- to 4-yr-old almond, peach, pistachio, plum, and walnut trees and on one side of 25- to 26-yr-old grapevines in 2022 and 2023. Visible injury ratings were carried out weekly to assess symptomology throughout the growing seasons and at leaf out the following springs. Tree trunk diameter was recorded before and after herbicide applications. No injury was observed on any crops tested, regardless of the tetflupyrolimet application rate. In all orchard crops, tree trunk diameter was not affected by tetflupyrolimet treatments. Likewise, grape yield was not reduced even at the 1/10× tetflupyrolimet fractional rate. Since no injury symptoms were recorded, this research suggested that tetflupyrolimet can be safely used at nearby rice fields and might be a target for future registration consideration in orchard and vineyard crops.
Cultivar Response and Weed Control in Peanut with Trifludimoxazin
Authors: Abbott Chad C. , Shay Nicholas J. , Prostko Eric P.
Published: January 2025

Trifludimoxazin is a new PPO-inhibiting herbicide that is being evaluated for the control of small-seeded annual broadleaf weeds and grasses in several crops. Currently, no information is available regarding peanut cultivar response to trifludimoxazin and its utility in peanut weed control systems. Three unique field experiments were conducted and replicated in time from 2019 through 2022 to determine the response of seven peanut cultivars (AU-NPL 17; FloRun 331; GA-06G; GA-16HO; GA-18RU; GA-20VHO; and TifNV High O/L) to preemergence (PRE) applications of trifludimoxazin and to determine the efficacy of trifludimoxazin at multiple rates and tank-mixtures with acetochlor, diclosulam, dimethenamid-P, pendimethalin, and S-metolachlor for weed management. Cultivar sensitivities to trifludimoxazin were not observed. Peanut density was not reduced by any trifludimoxazin rate. Trifludimoxazin at 75 g ai ha-1 increased leaf necrosis by 18%, peanut stunting by 10%, and reduced yield by 6% when compared to the non-treated control in 2019. However, this rate only increased leaf necrosis by 4%, stunting by 3% to 5%, and had no negative impact on yield in 2020-2021. Generally, peanut injury from PRE applied trifludimoxazin was similar to or less than that observed from flumioxazin at 2 wk after application (WAA). Peanut yield in the weed control study was reduced 11 to 12% when treated with trifludimoxazin at 150 g ha-1 rate (4X) when compared to the 75 g ha-1 rate. However, yield was not different from the flumioxazin treatment. Palmer amaranth control with trifludimoxazin systems was ≥ 91% at 13 WAA, wild radish control was ≥ 96% at 5 WAA, and annual grass control was ≥ 97% at 13 WAA. Peanut is sufficiently tolerant of 38 g ha-1 of trifludimoxazin and when tank-mixed with other residual herbicides provides weed control similar to flumioxazin-based systems.
Habitat Suitability Modeling of Dominant Weed in Rapeseed (Brassica napus) Fields Using Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Dastres Emran , Sarvestani Ghazal Shafiee , Edalat Mohsen , Pourghasemi Hamid Reza
Published: January 2025

Weed infestations have been identified as a major cause of yield reductions in rapeseed (Brassica napus L.), a vital oil crop that has gained significant prominence in Iran, especially within Fars Province. Weed management using machine learning algorithms has become a crucial approach within the framework of precision agriculture for enhancing the efficacy and efficiency of weed control strategies. The evolution of habitat suitability models for weeds represents a significant advancement in agricultural technology, offering the capability to predict weed occurrence and proliferation accurately and reliably. This study focuses on the issue of dominant weed infestation in rapeseed cultivation, particularly emphasizing the prevalence and impact of wild oat (Avena fatua L.) as the dominant weed species in rapeseed farming in 2023. We collected data on 12 environmental variables related to topography, climate, and soil properties to develop habitat suitability models. Three “machine learning techniques”, including “random forest (RF)”, “support vector machine (SVM)”, and “boosted regression tree (BRT)”, were estimated based on the “receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and area under the curve (AUC)” to model the distribution of A. fatua. Model performance was quantified using the “ROC curve and AUC” metrics to identify the best predictive algorithm. The findings indicated that “Random Forest (RF), boosted regression tree (BRT), and support vector machine (SVM)” models exhibited accuracies of 99%, 97%, and 96% for the habitat suitability of A. fatua, respectively. The Boruta feature selection method identified the slope variable as significantly influential in wild oat habitat suitability modeling, followed by plan curvature, clay, temperature, and silt. This study serves as a case study that highlights the utility of machine learning for habitat suitability predictions when information on multiple environmental variables is available. This approach supports effective weed management strategies, potentially enhancing rapeseed productivity and mitigating the ecological impacts associated with weed infestation.
Welche Rolle spielt das Studieninteresse für den Erfolg im Frühstudium?
Authors: Fleischmann Lorena , Schmiedeler Sandra , Spinath Birgit , Schneider Wolfgang
Published: January 2025

Zusammenfassung: Das Frühstudium ist eine Maßnahme der Begabtenförderung, die es motivierten und leistungsstarken Schülerinnen und Schülern erlaubt, bereits während ihrer Schulzeit reguläre Lehrveranstaltungen an Hochschulen zu besuchen und an Prüfungen teilzunehmen. Bisherige Studien zur Erklärung des Frühstudienerfolgs haben als Prädiktoren hauptsächlich Leistungsmaße wie den Notendurchschnitt, die Intelligenz und das fachspezifische Vorwissen der Schülerinnen und Schüler betrachtet. In der vorliegenden Studie gingen wir der Frage nach, ob das fachspezifische Studieninteresse ebenfalls einen signifikanten Beitrag zur Erklärung des Frühstudienerfolgs leistet. Im Rahmen des Auswahlverfahrens für das Frühstudium an der Universität Würzburg wurden die Leistungsmaße sowie der demografische Hintergrund von 531 Schülerinnen und Schülern erhoben, die im Zeitraum von 2006 bis 2019 an dem Förderprogramm teilgenommen hatten; das fachspezifische Studieninteresse der Schülerinnen und Schüler wurde im ersten Semester erfasst. Als Erfolg im Frühstudium betrachteten wir den Frühstudienverlauf (Teilnahmedauer, Teilnahmeumfang, Anzahl erworbener Leistungsnachweise und Anzahl erzielter Spitzenleistungen) sowie retrospektive Kriterien (wahrgenommene Erleichterung der Studienfachwahl und des Studieneinstiegs im Regelstudium, Studienzeitverkürzung sowie retrospektive Zufriedenheit mit dem Frühstudium). Die Ergebnisse zeigten, dass das fachspezifische Studieninteresse der Frühstudierenden sowohl die unterschiedlichen Kriterien des Frühstudienverlaufs als auch die meisten retrospektiven Kriterien signifikant vorhersagte und über alle anderen Prädiktoren hinaus zur Varianzaufklärung in den Kriterien beitrug (Effektstärken zwischen Δ R2 = .02, p < .05, und Δ R2 = .04, p < .01). Gleichzeitig war auch das fachspezifische Vorwissen der Frühstudierenden durchgehend zur Vorhersage des Frühstudienerfolgs relevant. Die übrigen Leistungsmaße (Notendurchschnitt und Intelligenz) leisteten keine konsistenten Beiträge. Die Befunde der vorliegenden Studie können als Ausgangspunkt dazu dienen, die Auswahl geeigneter Schülerinnen und Schüler für das Frühstudium zu verbessern.
Wind‐Wave Momentum Flux in Steep, Strongly Forced, Surface Gravity Wave Conditions
Authors: Tan Peisen , Savelyev Ivan , Laxague Nathan J. M. , Haus Brian K. , Curcic Milan , Matt Silvia , Zappa Christopher J. , Mehta Sanchit , Wray Sydney
Published: January 2025

The airflow separation from the water surface strongly impacts the coupling between wind and waves. To visualize the airflow and quantify the potential airflow separation's effect on the momentum transfer from wind to the wave, we conducted colocated sampling of air pressure, airflow, and water elevation under a range of wind and wave conditions in the laboratory. The experiments were conducted in the SUrge‐STructure‐Atmosphere INteraction (SUSTAIN) facility at the University of Miami. Three background wave conditions were subjected to wind forcing ( 5–16 m ) to investigate the effects of wave amplitude, frequency, and wind forcing on the airflow regime and momentum transfer. We found the wind forcing shifts the phase of the wave‐induced pressure fluctuations, enhancing the momentum transfer. An increase in wave amplitude or frequency also enhances the aerodynamic sheltering and the momentum transfer. The airflow‐derived pressure based on the nonseparated sheltering (NSS) hypothesis accounts for more than 90% of the momentum transfer until potential airflow separation. We found that the potential airflow separation over the waves' leeward face, which is not accounted for by the NSS hypothesis, leads to an underestimate in momentum transport of more than 30% than the actual value of momentum transport obtained from pressure measurements. Our wave growth rate is consistent with the revisited Miles theory that incorporates the wave‐induced Reynolds stress. The results of this work help explain the wave growth mechanism and inform the development of wind input functions for numerical wave models that account for airflow separation.
Revisiting the Contributions of Surface Sensible and Latent Heat Fluxes to the Outer Spiral Rainbands of Tropical Cyclones
Authors: Ji Dong , Qiao Fangli
Published: January 2025

The separate effects of the sensible heat flux (SHF) and latent heat flux (LHF) on the outer spiral rainbands of tropical cyclones (TCs) have not received sufficient attention. This study examines the separate contributions of the SHF and LHF to the outer spiral rainbands of TCs via a series of sensitivity experiments using the three‐dimensional cloud‐resolving Weather Research and Forecasting model. The results indicate that removing the outer SHF suppresses the activity of the outer spiral rainbands and results in a stronger and smaller‐scale TC, whereas decreasing the outer LHF by the same amount has only a slight impact on the outer spiral rainbands. Further investigations indicate that the positive radial gradient of the potential temperature at the cold‐pool outer edge is crucial for the strength of outer spiral rainbands. The strong positive radial gradient of the potential temperature gives rise to a negative radial gradient of the horizontal pressure at the cold‐pool outer edge, and thus an outward radial pressure gradient force. As a result, strong outflow exists near the cold‐pool outer edge, producing horizontal convergence and eventually lifting air to generate new convective cells. Distinct from the LHF, the SHF directly modulates the potential temperature immediately outside the cold pool and thus the radial gradient of the potential temperature at the cold‐pool outer edge. Removing the outer SHF leads to a significantly lower potential temperature outside the cold pool, which is averse to the formation of a larger radial gradient of the potential temperature at the cold‐pool outer edge.
Closing the Circulation Budget
Authors: Morris F. , Robinson C. M. , Reeder M. , Schwendike J. , Parker D. J. , Bain C. L. , Short C. J.
Published: January 2025

Circulation budgets can identify physical processes underpinning tropical cyclones, mesoscale convective vortices, and other weather systems where there are interactions across scales. It is unclear, however, how well these budgets close in practice. The present study uses the rapid intensification of Tropical Cyclone Nepartak (2016) as a case study to quantify the practical limitations of calculating circulation budgets using standard reanalyzes and numerical weather model data. First, we evaluate the circulation budget with ERA5. The budget residual can be reduced considerably by including contributions to circulation changes from subgrid‐scale momentum transports, and reduced further with 24‐hr smoothing, which dampens the discontinuous effects of data assimilation. Second, using a high‐resolution Met Office Unified Model simulation, we examine how the choice of the path used (the domain boundary) affects the budget closure. Third, the truncation errors associated with numerical differentiation in time and space are investigated. The circulation budget improves as the model data are analyzed with more frequent time output intervals, and as the output grid spacing decreases. For the tropical convective examples evaluated here, the column mean budget residuals increase by up to 50% as the output intervals increase from 5 min to 3 hr. Errors also increase if the data are regridded to a coarser horizontal grid spacing and when convection straddles the domain boundary. A key result is that the circulation budget need not close for physical inferences made about the circulation and its evolution to be meaningful, thus validating the use of the technique in prior studies.
Quantifying CO2 Emissions From Smaller Anthropogenic Point Sources Using OCO‐2 Target and OCO‐3 Snapshot Area Mapping Mode Observations
Authors: Moeini Omid , Nassar Ray , Mastrogiacomo Jon‐Paul , Dawson Megan , O’Dell Christopher W. , Nelson Robert R. , Chatterjee Abhishek
Published: January 2025

We quantify CO2 emissions from smaller anthropogenic point sources compared with earlier satellite studies, which have mostly focused on mid‐sized (∼10 MtCO2/year) and larger fossil fuel burning power plants. Two types of Orbiting Carbon Observatory (OCO) observation modes are used: OCO‐2 Target mode and OCO‐3 Snapshot Area Mapping (SAM) mode. Methods previously used with OCO‐3 SAMs are adapted to quantify CO2 emissions with OCO‐2 Targets for the first time, demonstrating a similar capability to track emission changes at the Bełchatów Power Station. SAMs and Targets are then applied to quantify emissions from smaller sources in Canada: the Boundary Dam and Poplar River Power Stations in Saskatchewan, and the Suncor and Syncrude Mildred Lake mined oil sands processing facilities in northern Alberta. We verify our method on the nearby Colstrip Power Station in Montana by comparison with hourly reported values. For Canadian sources, only annual emissions are reported, to which our emission estimates cannot be directly compared. Emissions derived from a single satellite overpass correspond to daily or finer temporal scales and thus do not account for source intermittency or variability, which requires multiple revisits to reliably estimate annual emissions. Finally, we average OCO‐3 SAMs on repeated revisits to improve weak enhancement signals above background noise. Averaging SAMs yields mixed results, with improvements achieved only under certain conditions. These studies help to clarify the capabilities and limitations of CO2 point source emission quantification with current satellites in advance of plans for operational monitoring with future CO2 satellite missions.
Finding gaps in the national electric vehicle charging station coverage of the United States
Authors: Hanig Lily , Ledna Catherine , Nock Destenie , Harper Corey D. , Yip Arthur , Wood Eric , Spurlock C. Anna
Published: January 2025

The United States federal government has invested $7.5 billion into charging infrastructure, including the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program, to build fast charging stations along designated highways for long-distance car travel. We develop a consecutive coverage metric to compute the percent of United States roads (traffic-weighted) that are consecutively accessible within 500 miles of each county. We answer (1) what the state of consecutive coverage is in each county and (2) what the increase in coverage is when designated highways receive fast chargers. In 2023, 10% of counties had at least 75% minimum viable coverage. We find that if all designated highways receive fast-charging stations, 94% of United States counties will reach at least 75% fast charger coverage. However, the remaining counties are rural. This demonstrates that federal funding for fast chargers will help connect most—but not all—counties to the national network of continuously accessible charging stations.
Genetic coupling of enhancer activity and connectivity in gene expression control
Authors: Ray-Jones Helen , Sung Chak Kei , Chan Lai Ting , Haglund Alexander , Artemov Pavel , Della Rosa Monica , Ruje Luminita , Burden Frances , Kreuzhuber Roman , Litovskikh Anna , Weyenbergh Eline , Brusselaers Zoï , Tan Vanessa Xue Hui , Frontini Mattia , Wallace Chris , Malysheva Valeriya , Bottolo Leonardo , Vigorito Elena , Spivakov Mikhail
Published: January 2025

Gene enhancers often form long-range contacts with promoters, but it remains unclear if the activity of enhancers and their chromosomal contacts are mediated by the same DNA sequences and recruited factors. Here, we study the effects of expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) on enhancer activity and promoter contacts in primary monocytes isolated from 34 male individuals. Using eQTL-Capture Hi-C and a Bayesian approach considering both intra- and inter-individual variation, we initially detect 19 eQTLs associated with enhancer-eGene promoter contacts, most of which also associate with enhancer accessibility and activity. Capitalising on these shared effects, we devise a multi-modality Bayesian strategy, identifying 629 “trimodal QTLs” jointly associated with enhancer accessibility, eGene promoter contact, and gene expression. Causal mediation analysis and CRISPR interference reveal causal relationships between these three modalities. Many detected QTLs overlap disease susceptibility loci and influence the predicted binding of myeloid transcription factors, including SPI1, GABPB and STAT3. Additionally, a variant associated with PCK2 promoter contact directly disrupts a CTCF binding motif and impacts promoter insulation from downstream enhancers. Jointly, our findings suggest an inherent genetic coupling of enhancer activity and connectivity in gene expression control relevant to human disease and highlight the regulatory role of genetically determined chromatin boundaries.
A systematic review and meta-analyses of the temporal stability and convergent validity of risk preference measures
Authors: Bagaïni Alexandra , Liu Yunrui , Kapoor Madlaina , Son Gayoung , Bürkner Paul-Christian , Tisdall Loreen , Mata Rui
Published: January 2025

Understanding whether risk preference represents a stable, coherent trait is central to efforts aimed at explaining, predicting and preventing risk-related behaviours. We help characterize the nature of the construct by adopting a systematic review and individual participant data meta-analytic approach to summarize the temporal stability of 358 risk preference measures (33 panels, 57 samples, 579,114 respondents). Our findings reveal noteworthy heterogeneity across and within measure categories (propensity, frequency and behaviour), domains (for example, investment, occupational and alcohol consumption) and sample characteristics (for example, age). Specifically, while self-reported propensity and frequency measures of risk preference show a higher degree of stability than behavioural measures, these patterns are moderated by domain and age. Crucially, an analysis of convergent validity reveals a low agreement across measures, questioning the idea that they capture the same underlying phenomena. Our results raise concerns about the coherence and measurement of the risk preference construct.
Scrutinizing the untapped potential of emerging ABSe3 (A = Ca, Ba; B = Zr, Hf) chalcogenide perovskites solar cells
Authors: Srinivasan Dhineshkumar , Rasu Chettiar Aruna-Devi , Vincent Mercy Eupsy Navis , Marasamy Latha
Published: January 2025

ABS3chalcogenide perovskites (CPs) are emerging as promising alternatives to lead halide perovskites due to their unique properties. However, their bandgap exceeds the Shockley-Queisser limit. By substituting S with Se, the bandgap is significantly reduced, shifting it from the visible into the near-infrared region. Hence, we have investigated the potential of Se-based absorbers with device structure FTO/TiO2/ABSe3 (A = Ca, Ba; B = Zr, Hf)/NiO/Au using SCAPS-1D. We analyzed the critical parameters impacting each layer of the solar cell. Notably, we achieved an enhanced light absorption (~ 26.5%) at an optimal absorber thickness (500 nm), intensifying carrier generation. Additionally, we observed an increase in VOC (1.03 V) due to improved quasi-Fermi level splitting and a reduction in energy loss (0.45 V) across all solar cells with an optimal absorber carrier concentration (1016  cm−3). Overall, the optimization resulted in improvements in PCE by the difference of 20.14%, 20.44%, 14.33%, and 14.56% for CaZrSe3, BaZrSe3, CaHfSe3, and BaHfSe3 solar cells, respectively. The maximum PCE of over 30% was attained for both CaZrSe3and BaZrSe3 solar cells, attributed to their narrow bandgap, enhanced light absorption (53.60%), high JSC (29 mA/cm2), and elevated generation rate of 1.19 × 1022 cm−2s−1. Thus, these significant outcomes highlight the potential of these absorbers for fabricating high-efficiency CP solar cells.
Evaluation of auditory alerting systems for safe electric scooter operations
Authors: Walton Tim , Torija Antonio J. , Hughes Richard J. , Elliott Andy S.
Published: January 2025

It is well understood that a significant shift away from fossil fuel based transportation is necessary to limit the impacts of the climate crisis. Electric micromobility modes, such as electric scooters and electric bikes, have the potential to offer a lower-emission alternative to journeys made with internal combustion engine vehicles, and such modes of transport are becoming increasingly commonplace on our streets. Although offering advantages such as reduced air pollution and greater personal mobility, the widespread approval and uptake of electric micromobility is not without its challenges. Concerns have been raised regarding the safety of such vehicles, most notably related to pedestrian safety of blind and partially sighted individuals, due to the inherently lower sound levels produced by electric vehicles. This study addresses this issue by investigating the use of an Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) for electric scooters by means of a virtual reality experiment and field trials. Eighty-eight participants from four European countries, including thirty-five blind or partially sighted individuals participated across the experiments. Results show high missed detection rates for electric scooter operations without an AVAS in typical city soundscapes (90–97%) and an increase in detectability for all AVAS conditions tested. Modifying AVAS sounds with playback rate and level changes with respect to operational state facilitates detection of deceleration, as well as improving detectability in multiple vehicle scenarios.
Rural-urban transformation shapes oasis agriculture in Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains
Authors: Boubou Youness , Fastner Kira , Buerkert Andreas
Published: January 2025

Traditional agricultural activities and rural livelihoods in Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains are rapidly changing. This is triggered by increasing rural-urban interactions and new livelihood opportunities in cities. A typical example is the oasis of Tizi N’Oucheg in the country’s High Atlas Mountains, which over centuries was largely self-sufficient in food grain and livestock production. Improved infrastructure and better connections to distant urban centers have caused declining livelihood reliance on agricultural activities and enhanced dependence on remittances and the tourism sector in the region. Based on the case of Tizi N’Oucheg, this study aims at assessing the socio-economic and ecological implications of rural-urban transformation for ancient oasis systems in Morocco. Surveys on agricultural practices, census, and meteorological data were combined with GIS (Geographical Information System) -based analyses to examine land use and cropping pattern changes of 625 fields from 1967 to 2022. For the GIS analyses, historical aerial images, multispectral satellite images, and drone-based surveys were used to generate manually classified agricultural fields and NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) time series. Our results show a major decline in cultivated land from 13 ha to 6.8 ha over the past 50 years accompanied by an expansion of modern infrastructure since the 2000s. Land management has shifted from labor-intensive multiple cropping and natural fertilization to monocropping of barley for local livestock feeding and increased application of mineral fertilization. The challenging geography of the oasis increased the hardship of practicing traditional agriculture, and therefore largely determines the response of the community to rural-urban transformation. Our data also highlight the increased financial dependence of rural populations on urban centers and the demise of traditional, sustainable agriculture in Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains if policies on agricultural development are not adapted to rural circumstances.
Piezoelectric biosensor with dissipation monitoring enables the analysis of bacterial lytic agent activity
Authors: Obořilová Radka , Kučerová Eliška , Botka Tibor , Vaisocherová-Lísalová Hana , Skládal Petr , Farka Zdeněk
Published: January 2025

Antibiotic-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus pose a significant threat in healthcare, demanding urgent therapeutic solutions. Combining bacteriophages with conventional antibiotics, an innovative approach termed phage-antibiotic synergy, presents a promising treatment avenue. However, to enable new treatment strategies, there is a pressing need for methods to assess their efficacy reliably and rapidly. Here, we introduce a novel approach for real-time monitoring of pathogen lysis dynamics employing the piezoelectric quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) with dissipation (QCM-D) technique. The sensor, a QCM chip modified with the bacterium S. aureus RN4220 ΔtarM, was utilized to monitor the activity of the enzyme lysostaphin and the phage P68 as model lytic agents. Unlike conventional QCM solely measuring resonance frequency changes, our study demonstrates that dissipation monitoring enables differentiation of bacterial growth and lysis caused by cell-attached lytic agents. Compared to reference turbidimetry measurements, our results reveal distinct alterations in the growth curve of the bacteria adhered to the sensor, characterized by a delayed lag phase. Furthermore, the dissipation signal analysis facilitated the precise real-time monitoring of phage-mediated lysis. Finally, the QCM-D biosensor was employed to evaluate the synergistic effect of subinhibitory concentrations of the antibiotic amoxicillin with the bacteriophage P68, enabling monitoring of the lysis of P68-resistant wild-type strain S. aureus RN4220. Our findings suggest that this synergy also impedes the formation of bacterial aggregates, the precursors of biofilm formation. Overall, this method brings new insights into phage-antibiotic synergy, underpinning it as a promising strategy against antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains with broad implications for treatment and prevention.
HER2 expression and pathway status in male breast cancer patients: results of an integrated analysis among 6,150 patients
Authors: Lyu Boqiang , Zhao Shidi , Wang Hui , Gong Shouping , Wang Biyuan
Published: January 2025

The role of human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2) in male breast cancer (MBC) is poorly defined. A comprehensive description of HER2 status was conducted. A total of 6,015 MBC patients from 45 studies and 135 MBC patients with sequencing data were identified. HER2 positive rates and hazard ratios (HR) for overall survival (OS) were combined using Metaprop. The prevalence of HER2 + MBC was 10.0% (95% CI: 8.0-13.0%). Subgroup analyses showed that 7% (95% CI: 2.0-14.0%) had HER2 + protein overexpression. 10% of MBC patients had HER2 + overexpression and/or gene amplification. Asian MBC patients had the highest HER2 + incidence of 17% (95% CI: 12.0-22.0%). The prevalence of HER2 positive MBC fluctuated widely from 2001 to 2015 and then stabilized at 10%. HER2 positivity was significantly correlated with worse OS than negative ones (HR = 1.92, 1.47–2.51). The proportion of HER2 + MBC was inconsistent with the results for the intrinsic HER2-enriched subtype. Altered genes in HER2 + MBC, such as ERBB2, AGO2, RECQL4, and CLTC, were not detected in HER2-MBC. Genomic analysis revealed differences between the patients with HER2 + MBC and those with HER2 + FBC. The percentage of HER2 + MBC was slightly lower than that of women. Multiple approaches may be needed to jointly assess HER2 status in MBC.
Research on the impact of the digital economy on carbon emissions based on the dual perspectives of carbon emission reduction and carbon efficiency
Authors: Liu Xin , Chen Liang , Lu Yifu , Chang Ming , Xiao Yi , Yang Haonan , Kong Deyuan , Zhang Lili
Published: January 2025

China’s digital economy is currently thriving, with the “dual carbon” targets representing a significant pursuit of economic development. The role of the digital economy in achieving these targets warrants detailed discussion. Using urban panel data from China spanning 2011 to 2021, this paper empirically examines the impact of the digital economy on urban carbon emissions. The findings reveal several key points: Firstly, the digital economy significantly reduces urban carbon emissions and enhances efficiency, a conclusion that remains valid after a series of robustness checks. Secondly, there is a notable structural effect, with different dimensions of the digital economy exhibiting varying impacts on urban emission reduction and efficiency enhancement. Thirdly, green economic efficiency and green technological innovation are crucial mechanisms through which the digital economy facilitates urban carbon emission reduction and efficiency improvement, operating through green development and innovation channels. Fourthly, industrial structure upgrading is a key nonlinear factor reducing the digital economy’s impact on carbon reduction, while the digital economy’s effect on urban carbon efficiency shows a U-shaped pattern. Lastly, the impact of the digital economy on urban carbon emissions displays significant heterogeneity across cities of different locations, tiers, and characteristics.
High-density electromyography for effective gesture-based control of physically assistive mobile manipulators
Authors: Yang Jehan , Shibata Kent , Weber Douglas , Erickson Zackory
Published: January 2025

High-density electromyography (HDEMG) can detect myoelectric activity as control inputs to a variety of electronically-controlled devices. Furthermore, HDEMG sensors may be built into a variety of clothing, allowing for a non-intrusive myoelectric interface that is integrated into a user’s routine. In our work, we introduce an easily-producible HDEMG device that interfaces with the control of a mobile manipulator to perform a range of household and physically assistive tasks. Mobile manipulators can operate throughout the home and are applicable for a spectrum of assistive and daily tasks in the home. We evaluate the use of real-time myoelectric gesture recognition using our device to enable precise control over the intricate mobility and manipulation functionalities of an 8 degree-of-freedom mobile manipulator. Our evaluation, involving 13 participants engaging in challenging self-care and household activities, demonstrates the potential of our wearable HDEMG system to control a mobile manipulator in the home.
Blood Purification Membranes Used in Liquid–Liquid Environments
Authors: Sun Shudong , Li Yupei , Zhi Lunhao , Zhao Weifeng , Zhao Changsheng
Published: January 2025

Currently, the majority of blood purification membranes, including those applied in hemodialysis, hemofiltration, and plasma separation, are used in liquid–liquid environments, where both sides of the membrane contact liquid. This type of membrane material has strict requirements regarding permselectivity function, antifouling performance, and blood compatibility (especially anticoagulant properties). In this chapter, first the materials used for this type of blood purification membrane are introduced briefly, then the fouling of membranes and relevant improvement strategies are discussed. Subsequently, membrane materials used in the fields of hemodialysis, hemofiltration, and plasmapheresis are described, including the structural characteristics, membrane materials, separation effects, and evaluation indices.
Blood Purification Membranes Used in Liquid–Gas Environments: Artificial Lungs
Authors: Zhi Lunhao , Sun Shudong , Zhao Changsheng
Published: January 2025

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), the key component of which is a membrane oxygenator, known as the artificial lung, could provide irreplaceable respiratory support for patients with cardiopulmonary failure. The membrane oxygenator serves as a barrier between blood and gas, and offers a means of CO2 and O2 exchange. This chapter systematically reviews the evolution of the membrane oxygenator, from blood-film to hollow-fiber membranes, and from silicone to the present polymethylpentene. In particular, the dilemma faced by membrane oxygenators in balancing antifouling, anticoagulation, and gas-exchange efficiency is discussed. Moreover, special attention is given to describe the most promising oxygenator materials, e.g. poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and polyethersulfone (PES), along with membrane modification methods such as surface coating, blending, and geometry design. Typical assessment criteria for the performance of membranes with respect to gas permeation, selectivity, and anticoagulation are elucidated. Finally, a brief summary of and future prospects for membrane oxygenators are presented. This chapter provides a comprehensive introduction to artificial lung membranes, and may offer some inspirations for subsequent membrane oxygenator design.
Processing and Assembly of Adsorption Devices
Authors: Jia Lingyun , Zang Berlin , Chen Jiewen , Li Da , Peng Qiang , Wang Xiaofei , Ji Fangling
Published: January 2025

Adsorption devices generally have a column structure, and the adsorption functional material is filled into the column cylinder with a filter screen at both ends. The key step in its production process is the preparation of a microsphere adsorption medium, including raw material preparation, post-treatment, and functionalization. Then, as medical devices, they need to be assembled and sterilized. This chapter provides an overview of the processing of adsorbents for blood purification and the assembly principle of relevant devices.
Conclusion
Authors: Zhao Changsheng
Published: January 2025

In recent decades, both membrane materials and adsorption materials used for blood purification have made significant progress. Combination of the advantages of membranes and adsorption materials to achieve complementary advantages is an important trend in current blood purification materials. Moreover, in-depth research on the anticoagulant and antifouling properties of blood purification materials is also an important trend for future development.
Magnesium-doped lithium manganese oxide composite with mesoporous silica for methylene blue dye and heavy metal removal
Authors: Das Arun Kumar , Saravaia Hitesh
Published: January 2025

In this study, magnesium-doped lithium manganese oxide nanoparticles were prepared through a solid-state reaction technique, and their surface was modified with mesoporous silica.
Unravelling the role of –OCH3 positional isomerism and dihedral angle in Ni(ii)-dppe dithiolates for enhanced heterogeneous electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction (OER)
Authors: Srivastava Devyani , Kushwaha Aparna , Chauhan Ratna , Gosavi Suresh W. , Ahmed Sarfaraz , Kociok-Köhn Gabriele , Kumar Abhinav
Published: January 2025

New heteroleptic dppe appended Ni(ii) dithiolates with isomeric–OMe substituents were synthesized and used as electrocatalysts for heterogeneous OER.
Benzylperoxy radical cation: an exceptionally stable and bound species
Authors: Lam Chow-Shing , Wei Xi-Guang , Pan Yi , Lau Kai-Chung
Published: January 2025

Linnett structural representation of the speculated mechanism of O2 addition to the benzyl radical cation, forming the benzylperoxy cation.
High performance humidity sensor based on a graphene oxide–chitosan composite
Authors: Kumari Parvesh , Kumar Ankit , Yadav Aditya , Sabri Ylias , Ippolito Samuel J. , Shivagan Dilip. D. , Bapna Komal
Published: January 2025

An high performance humidity sensor is poposed based on composite of chitosan (CS) and graphene oxide (GO), prepared by simple drop casting method.
Synthesis, structures, and magnetic properties of alkali metal manganese(iii) fluorophosphates containing low-dimensional S = 2 spin structures
Authors: Cheng Xiedong , Li Feifan , Huang Qingqing , Pereira Laura C. J. , Cui Rui , Li Yaping , Lü Minfeng
Published: January 2025

Fluoride-rich hydrothermal synthesis enables access to five alkali metal manganese(iii) fluorophosphates containing low-dimensional S = 2 spin structures, which include a uniform chain, a zigzag chain and a triangular network.
Copper(iii) organometallic complexes of non (anti)aromatic and aromatic doubly N-confused porphyrinoids: syntheses and characterization
Authors: Panua Anirban , Velmurugan Gunasekaran , Comba Peter , Rath Harapriya
Published: January 2025

Target syntheses of hitherto unknown highly stable Nonaromatic, aromatic and anti-aromatic meso-aryl substituted modified doubly N-confused porphyrinoids with differing affinity towards stabilizing Cu(iii).
Construction of an MXene/MIL Fe-53/ZIF-67 derived bifunctional electrocatalyst for efficient overall water splitting
Authors: Farooq Komal , Murtaza Maida , Kiran Laraib , Farooq Kashf , Shah Waqas Ali , Waseem Amir
Published: January 2025

Research on water splitting is paramount for developing low-carbon alternative energy sources.
Synergistic strategies for defluoridation from RECl3–AlCl3–F complex solution: pH regulation and hydrolysis coprecipitation of aluminum by Ca2Al(OH)6Cl·2H2O
Authors: Zhang Jikai , Li Ping , Guan Xindi , Zhang Hailin , Han Yunwu , Chang Qingqing , Xiong Jiachun , Li Qian , Tang Jie , Yang Youming , Zheng Shili
Published: January 2025

The application of Ca2Al(OH)6Cl·2H2O enables simultaneous defluoridation, dealumination and resourcing of impurity aluminium from high-concentration RECl3 solution.
Constructing a magnetic ionic covalent organic polymer through a post-synthesis functionalization approach for efficient iodine/iodide adsorption
Authors: Shen Yang , Zhang Jingbo , Wang Yue , Li Xuemei
Published: January 2025

A magnetic ionic covalent organic polymer was constructed through a post-synthesis functionalization approach to achieve effective adsorption of iodine and iodide.