bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Scrippsiella luzonensis sp. nov. (Thoracosphaerales, Dinophyceae), a new small marine dinoflagellate from the Philippines
Authors: Benico Garry A. , Esteban Samantha Patricia C. , Kuwata Koyo , Iwataki Mitsunori 
Published: February 2025

SUMMARYA small marine dinoflagellate was isolated from fish‐kill bloom in Manila Bay, Luzon Island, Philippines, and described as a new Scrippsiella species based on the cellular morphology, thecal arrangement and molecular phylogeny inferred from internal transcribed spacer and large subunit rDNA sequences. Cells were ellipsoid, appearing teardrop‐shaped with a prominent apical horn, and the conical episome was slightly larger than the hyposome. Its plate tabulation Po, X, 4′, 3a, 7′′, 6c, 5s, 5′′′, 2′′′′ shown by scanning electron microscopy was consistent with Scrippsiella, and a thecal variation was often found in the anterior sulcal plate. The apical pore plate and canal plate were surrounded by an upright collar of apical plates 2′–4′, and the elongated canal plate was distinctive, being more than half‐length of narrow 1′ plate. The nucleus was laterally elongated and located at the center. The cysts formed in culture were spherical, small (10.1 μm in diameter), and covered by a transparent and smooth wall without calcareous crystals. In the phylogenetic trees, it was accommodated in the clade of Scrippsiella sensu lato, but its close relative was not revealed. Because the species could be differentiated from other Scrippsiella species, in the shape of cell, apical pore complex and nucleus, as well as the formation of non‐calcareous cyst, it is proposed as a novel species Scrippsiella luzonensis sp. nov. An occurrence of another species Scrippsiella masanensis, forming non‐calcareous cysts, was also reported from the Philippines.
Morphology and molecular characterization of a new Chloroidium (Trebouxiophyceae, Chlorophyta) species isolated from lichen in Antarctica
Authors: Chae Hyunsik , Lee Yung Mi , Lee Hyodong , So Jae Eun , So Jeongha , Choi Han‐Gu , Kim Sanghee , Kim Ji Hee 
Published: February 2025

SUMMARYAntarctica's harsh environment supports a unique diversity of microalgae that inhabit freshwater, soil and snow, and engage in symbiotic associations with lichens. Among these, the photosynthetic eukaryotic algae in lichens primarily exhibit Chlorella‐like morphology, which complicates their identification as a result of the simplicity of their form. In the present study, we aimed to identify a Chlorella‐like strain isolated from the lichen Psoroma antarcticum in Antarctica based on its morphological and molecular characteristics. The strain PAMC 29142 showed ellipsoidal to almost spherical cells with parietal chloroplasts and reproduced through equally sized autospores, closely resembling other members of the genus Chloroidium. The phylogenetic analyses using nuclear small subunit and internal transcribed spacer rDNA sequences data confirmed that PAMC 29142 represents a distinct lineage within the genus. Internal transcribed spacer 2 secondary structures and the compensatory base changes approach were used to compare this strain with other Chloroidium species. Based on comprehensive morphological and molecular data, we propose the designation of PAMC 29142 as a new species, Chloroidium psoromicola sp. nov.
Beyond Simplification in Public Sector Accountability: Contradictions Between Principal‐Agent and Complexity Theories
Authors: Rajala Tomi , Jalonen Harri 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTThis conceptual study explores the complexity of public sector accountability, traditionally framed by principal‐agent theory (PAT), which simplifies relationships through rigid contracts. The findings reveal how PAT's assumptions often misalign with the intricate realities of public sector accountability, which are better explained by complexity theories (CT). Contradictions between PAT and CT assumptions are highlighted, underlining the need for more flexible and dynamic accountability frameworks. The study calls for further research to refine the concept of complexity‐based accountability and investigate tensions between practical accountability applications of PAT and CT. Such research could transform public administration practice and scholarship by better accommodating the complex realities of managing public services.
Quantitative microbial risk assessment of bioaerosol emissions from squat and bidet toilets during flushing
Authors: Ali Wajid , Hu Zhen , Tang Zhe‐ren , Liu Si‐yi , Nasir Zaheer Ahmad , Coulon Frederic , Liu Peng , Yan Cheng 
Published: February 2025

AbstractBioaerosol emissions during toilet flushing are an often‐overlooked source of potential health risks in shared public facilities. This study systematically investigated the emission characteristics of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bioaerosols in washrooms with squat and bidet toilets under varying flushing conditions and ventilation scenarios. Using Monte Carlo simulation–based quantitative microbial risk assessment and sensitivity analysis, the study estimated the disease burden and identified key factors influencing risk. The results showed that squat toilets generated 1.7–2.6 times higher concentrations of S. aureus bioaerosols and 1.2–1.4 times higher concentrations of E. coli bioaerosols compared to bidet toilets. After the first flush, bioaerosol concentrations were 1.3–1.8 times (S. aureus) and 1.2–1.4 times (E. coli) lower than those observed after the second flush. The second flush released a higher proportion of fine bioaerosol particles (<4.7 µm), increasing inhalation risks. The disease health risk burden was consistently one order of magnitude lower after the first flush than the second one. Ventilation with a turned‐on exhaust fan further reduced the risk by one order of magnitude. Sensitivity analysis identified exposure concentration as the most influential parameter, contributing up to 50% of the overall risk. This study highlights the importance of optimizing toilet design and ventilation systems to mitigate bioaerosol emissions and associated health risks. It provides actionable insights for improving public washroom hygiene and minimizing bioaerosol exposure.
Preschoolers' Gender Identification Rigidity Relates to Their Gender‐Typed Predictions for Others
Authors: Fawcett Christine , Hellmer Kahl 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTChildren begin to reason about gender and others' gender‐typed preferences from early in life, yet not enough is known about whether their reasoning reflects only binary categorization or a more nuanced way understanding of variation in gender. Further, little is known about how children's conception of their own gender affects how they think about others. In the current study, 3–6‐year‐old preschool children (n = 56) were asked to predict preferred and nonpreferred toys that included feminine, neutral, and masculine options for other children who were described using their binary gender identity (i.e., a gender‐typical hairstyle, name, pronouns) and their home environment (i.e., room decoration and toys which were provided by their parents and were either feminine, neutral, or masculine). Children also participated in tasks to assess their own gender‐typed toy preferences and their own gender identity using two continuous scales for identification with girls and with boys and their gender‐typed behavior was rated by their preschool teachers. Results indicated that children considered both binary gender and information about the home environment when predicting others' toy preferences. Further, children's greater reliance on an individual's binary gender identity when allocating toys was related to the rigidity of their own gender identity and their own gender‐typed toy preferences. Together, these findings add nuance to our understanding of children's developing reasoning about gender identity and preferences and reinforce that children can conceptualize gender as more than a binary category.
ChatGPT as a voting application in direct democracy
Authors: Reveilhac Maud , Morselli Davide 
Published: February 2025

AbstractThe study examines the potential role of ChatGPT as a tool for popular voting. It assesses ChatGPT's positions on four voting objects (three initiatives and one referendum) by simulating various Swiss voter profiles (neutral, centrist, left, right, progressist, and conservative) and comparing these to its default stance. Additionally, ChatGPT's responses to arguments for and against each object were analyzed for consistency with its voting patterns. The study compared ChatGPT's decisions to real voting outcomes, fixing the temperature and collecting 100 answers per question to ensure reliability. Results showed that voting decisions varied by model version (GPT‐3.5 or GPT‐4) and language (French or German), indicating cultural and model iteration influences. ChatGPT's decisions did not consistently align with a left‐progressist stance, highlighting the impact of language, model versions, and contextual factors on political interpretations.
Panethnic Fate Unlinked: Who Finds the Term “Chinese Virus” Acceptable?
Authors: Trinh Duy , Vu Milkie 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTObjectiveWe explain why some immigrants tolerate or even support discrimination against members of their own panethnic groups. We propose that such attitudes are shaped by an individual's acculturation to both their origin and host cultures. Specifically, acculturation affects susceptibility to discrimination faced by panethnic in‐groups and moderates beliefs in panethnic‐linked fate and solidarity.MethodsWe conducted an original survey of Vietnamese immigrants in the United States during a surge in anti‐Chinese discrimination. The survey assessed perceptions of the discriminatory term “Chinese virus,” focusing on variations in cultural identity and language use as dimensions of acculturation.ResultsRespondents with stronger Vietnamese and weaker American acculturation in internal dimensions, such as cultural identity, were more likely to reject the term. Conversely, higher Vietnamese acculturation in external dimensions, such as language use, correlated with greater tolerance of the term. Meanwhile, experiencing discrimination had no significant effect. The findings are robust to alternate model specifications and controls for demographics, nativity, socioeconomic status, partisanship, social support, and negative experiences with the COVID‐19 pandemic.ConclusionOur findings highlight the complex ways in which acculturation shapes immigrant attitudes toward ethnically charged discrimination, with important implications for understanding panethnic solidarity and responses to prejudice.
Friend or Foe? Partisanship, Rivalry, and Overseas Foreign Direct Investment in the United States
Authors: Biglaiser Glen , Lu Kelan (Lilly) , Yoo Seong Hun 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTObjectiveThis article revisits how political partisanship and home and host‐state relations affect foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows.MethodWe use panel data for overseas Chinese and South Korean FDI into the United States from as early as 2006 to 2022.ResultsWe observe differences in Chinese and South Korean FDI, finding that Chinese firms prefer Republican‐governed states because of the lower economic costs and higher political safety sought by rival countries. Conversely, South Korean firms favor investing in states with divided governments since both Democrats and Republicans will want to take credit for the job creation from a U.S. ally, offering greater financial incentives to South Korean businesses. Divided governments also increase policy stability, benefitting South Korean firms. We also conduct robustness checks and assess the politics of the FDI mode of entry, and the results confirm our main findings.ConclusionOur study offers nuance into how partisanship and foreign relations between home and host states affect political risk and FDI.
Innovative premix treatment for enhancing the efficacy of microbial‐induced calcite precipitation in improving shear strength of fly ash‐mixed sand
Authors: Rawat Vikas , Satyam Neelima 
Published: February 2025

AbstractMicrobial‐induced calcite precipitation (MICP) is a promising, sustainable and environmentally friendly method for ground improvement. The current study examined the efficacy of the premix treatment technique in comparison to the normal treatment method for the MICP process. The biotreatment was conducted using Sporosarcina pasteurii and a 0.5 molar cementation solution at one pore volume, with the treatment applied in 24‐h cycles for 8 and 16 days. The study also explored the impact of adding fly ash (FA) at concentrations of 2%, 4% and 6% of the soil weight on biocementation. Direct shear tests (DST) were conducted to evaluate the shear strength of the samples under normal stresses of 98, 196 and 294 kPa. The calcite content, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) were carried out to assess the effectiveness of the premix treatment for the MICP process. The study found that incorporating FA improved peak strength and shear strength parameters, with the most significant increase at 4% FA. Beyond this threshold, additional FA reduced strength because of decreased pore space, which limited the mobility of bacteria and calcite (CaCO3) precipitation. The treatment technique significantly impacts the efficacy of the MICP technique. Premix‐treated samples demonstrated higher strength and CaCO3 content compared with normal‐treated samples. Extending the treatment duration from 8 to 16 days led to a 214% increase in cohesion for normal‐treated samples and a 234% increase for premix‐treated samples, both at the optimal FA content of 4%. SEM analysis revealed CaCO3 precipitates on soil grains and at contact points, which were confirmed by the calcium peaks in the EDS spectra, indicating the formation of CaCO3 in the biotreated samples. The premix‐treated samples exhibited more uniform CaCO3 precipitation compared with the normal‐treated samples, and more effective bonding because of CaCO3 was observed in the premix‐treated samples.
Characterisation of the Novel HLA‐DQA1*01:157 Allele by Sequencing‐Based Typing
Authors: Pajot Thibault , Elsermans Vincent , Top Isabelle , Labalette Myriam , Guillaume Nicolas 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTHLA‐DQA1*01:157 differs from HLA‐DQA1*01:01:01:01 by one nucleotide substitution in codon 199 in exon 4.
Allied Health Student Placements in Residential Aged Care: Attitudes, Experiences and Impact
Authors: Matthews Kristie , Barker Lisa , Bourne Elizabeth , Dixon Karen , Palermo Claire 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundDespite clear needs to prepare allied health professionals to work in aged care to meet community needs, student placements in residential aged care are not commonplace. There is limited evidence that explores allied health students' attitudes to aged care placement learning experiences.ObjectiveThis work aims to examine the attitudes, experiences and impact of a residential aged care placement on allied health professional students.MethodsThe study employed an exploratory qualitative approach within an interpretative philosophy. Participants were 14 dietetics, occupational therapy and speech pathology students who had a placement experience in residential aged care in Australia. Students completed a demographics questionnaire, and either an online interview before and after their placement, or a group online interview after their placement. Verbatim transcripts were analysed thematically using an inductive approach.ResultsStudents acknowledged the usefulness of placement in ‘Building Skills,’ and proposed how they could translate these skills to future acute setting placements. However, the ‘Legitimacy of the Learning Environment’ was a concern given the limited in situ role modelling from their own profession. Students clearly identified how they had and could make a meaningful ‘Contribution to Care’ of the older person.ConclusionsPlacement experiences in residential aged care are a legitimate learning opportunity for allied health professional students to develop their capabilities to work with older people; however, the student sense of fit within the workplace was disconnected. Supporting effective student learning in the aged care setting is important to enable students to be prepared to enter the aged care workforce.
Utopianism and Plato's Republic
Authors: Kippes R. Austin 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTThis paper criticises the two prominent interpretations of utopianism in Plato's Republic. The traditional argues that it is mere utopianism, seriously proposing that Kallipolis is, in fact, the ideal city. The ironic argues that the Republic is a critique of the ability for reason to reconstruct human nature and is, therefore, a dire warning against utopian thinking in politics. I oppose these two interpretations and instead argue that the Republic implies a paradoxical necessity in the nature of utopianism: The ideal cannot be theorised without itself being conditioned by the politics of theorising, and yet the politics of theorising is immanently motivated by the ideal. I locate this seemingly antonymic dynamic within the education of the learner/citizen in the Republic. Although this is centred on the notion of self‐governance, it cannot be imposed and instead depends on the philosophical development of one's soul that is inextricably linked to justice in the city. Therefore, the utopianism of the Republic ought to be thought of as dialectical, being simultaneously situated and yet normatively transcending.
Nietzsche as Optimistic Nutritionist: Reading Ecce Homo as a Practical Guide to a Spinozistic Ethics of Self‐Preservation
Authors: Dahlbeck Johan 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTIn his From Bondage to Freedom, Michael LeBuffe argues that Spinoza's theory of ethics hinges on a figure that he calls the optimistic nutritionist. LeBuffe sets up the optimistic nutritionist as a thought experiment useful for illustrating how Spinoza's ethical theory can be put into practice. While LeBuffe offers some illuminating examples intended to illustrate how the optimistic nutritionist would function as a pedagogical guide of sorts, the practical aspects of this figure remain vague and underdeveloped. In this paper, the aim is to read Nietzsche's controversial autobiography Ecce Homo as an exemplification of how the optimistic nutritionist might be conceived in situ, in terms of a person applying a systematic form of selectivity to different things so as to determine whether or not they are useful for furthering their self‐preservation and empowerment. This amounts to a practical guide to a form of Spinozistic ethics, where Nietzsche's optimistic nutritionist functions by setting up concrete guidelines for the selectivity of useful things, without succumbing to the hazards of moral universalism and abstract perfectionism.
Mycobacterium abscessus Complex Infections Among Lung Transplant Recipients: A Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study in Canada
Authors: Bitterman Roni , Soualhine Hafid , Akochy Pierre‐Marie , Poirier Charles , Ferraro Pasquale , Kabbani Dima , Hirji Alim , Tyrrell Gregory , Bergeron Celine , Levy Robert D. , Wright Alissa , Leung Victor , Singer Lianne G , Chaparro Cecilia , Keshavjee Shaf , Richard‐Greenblatt Melissa , Husain Shahid , Luong Me‐Linh 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundMycobacterium abscessus complex is known to cause life‐threatening disease in lung transplantation (LT) recipients (LTRs). Therefore, many centers consider the presence of M. abscessus as a relative contraindication to LT.MethodsWe conducted a multicenter retrospective cohort study including all 4 LT centers in Canada. All LTRs transplanted in 2006–2016 with at least one respiratory sample positive for M. abscessus prior or posttransplantation were included. Pulmonary disease was defined using the American Thoracic Society criteria. Minimal follow‐up duration was 5 years after transplantation.ResultsAmong 2181 LTRs across Canada, 14 had M. abscessus disease after LT (incidence rate 1.1/1000 transplant‐years) and 6 had pulmonary colonization (incidence rate 0.5/1000 transplant‐years). Fifteen patients had M. abscessus cultured before LT. Among those with pretransplant M. abscessus, 53% (8/15) developed M. abscessus infection posttransplant (6 disease, 2 colonization). Posttransplant disease was less frequent among those with microbiologic eradication before transplant (0% vs. 85.7%, p = 0.001). LTRs with pretransplant M. abscessus had comparable survival to those without M. abscessus (log rank p = 0.37). Among patients with pretransplant infection, mortality was higher in those who did not achieve microbiological eradication before transplantation (57.1% vs. 0%, p = 0.03) and those who developed disease after transplantation (66.7% vs. 0%, p = 0.01).ConclusionsM. abscessus is an uncommon cause of infection among LTRs. Survival among those with pretransplant M. abscessus infection was similar to that observed in noninfected LTRs. However, lack of eradication before transplantation was associated with higher posttransplant disease and mortality.
Association of Eyelid Margin Thickness and Meibography in Dogs With Meibomian Gland Dysfunction
Authors: Kim Giyeon , Kang Seonmi , Seo Junehee , Seo Kangmoon 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo measure the eyelid margin thickness (LMT) in dogs with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and evaluate its correlation with meibomian gland (MG) morphology.Animals StudiedFifty‐nine client‐owned dogs.ProcedureThe LMT was measured on slit lamp biomicroscopy images and divided into groups of 1 to 4, from the thinnest to thickest, based on quartiles. MG morphology, including distortion, thickening, shortening, and dropout, was evaluated using noninvasive infrared meibography. The LMT and meibography results were compared between the MGD and normal groups. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the correlation between LMT and MG morphology.ResultsThe mean LMT was significantly greater in the MGD group (1.18 ± 0.19 mm) than the normal group (1.00 ± 0.13 mm) and was positively correlated with MG loss (p < 0.01). The LMT was thicker in dogs over 12 years (1.25 ± 0.20 mm). The LMT group 4 (≥ 1.26 mm) had the highest percentage of abnormal MG (95.7%) and MG loss area (37%). The total abnormal MG ratio and thickened MG ratio were significantly higher in the LMT group 4. LMT ≥ 1.20 mm was identified as a potential indicator for MG loss area of more than one‐third.ConclusionsEyelids with thick LMT had more abnormal MG morphology, including thickening and dropout. An LMT ≥ 1.20 mm could be a criterion to suspect MGD. Thus, the LMT could be a simple screening tool to predict MG loss and might aid in the diagnosis and early management of MGD with a sensitivity of 0.645 and a specificity of 0.768.