bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Compatibility of synthetic and biological pesticides with a biocontrol agent Phytoseiulus longipes (Acari: Phytoseiidae)
Authors: Savi Patrice Jacob , de Moraes Gilberto José , Hountondji Fabien Cossi Charles , Nansen Christian , de Andrade Daniel Júnior 
Published: June 2024

AbstractPhytoseiulus longipes is a predatory mite of Tetranychus evansi, which is an invasive pest in Africa and elsewhere. The introduction of this predator in Africa has considerable potential, but little is known about the compatibility of P. longipes with commonly used pesticides. Here, we examined lethal and sublethal effects of two pyrethroids (cypermethrin and deltamethrin), two organophosphates (dimethoate and chlorpyrifos), one nicotinoid (imidacloprid), two acaricides (propargite and abamectin), two naturally derived pesticides (oxymatrine and azadirachtin), and one entomopathogenic fungal-based formulation (Hirsutella thompsonii) on P. longipes eggs and adults. The pesticides were sprayed at their maximum recommended concentrations. Topical exposures to azadirachtin, imidacloprid, propargite, abamectin, oxymatrine, and H. thompsonii significantly reduced the net reproductive rate (R0), intrinsic rate of increase (r) and finite rate of increase (λ)of P. longipes. Pesticide lethal and sublethal effects on the predator were summarized in a reduction coefficient (Ex) for the classification based on IOBC toxicity categories. Results revealed that Azadirachtin and H. thompsonii were slightly harmful effects to adults. Imidacloprid, propargite, abamectin, and oxymatrine were moderately harmful to both eggs and adults. Residual persistence bioassays revealed that 4-day-old residue of azadirachtin had no harmful effect on the predator. Abamectin, oxymatrine, and H. thompsonii became harmless to it 10 days post-spraying, and propargite and imidacloprid were considered harmless after 20 days. Cypermethrin, deltamethrin, dimethoate, and chlorpyrifos were highly harmful to both eggs and adults, persistence remaining high even after 31 days of application. These findings provide valuable insights into decision-making when considering P. longipes for use in IPM programs.
Bacterial pathogens in Ixodes ricinus collected from lizards Lacerta agilis and Zootoca vivipara in urban areas of Wrocław, SW Poland– preliminary study
Authors: Dyczko Dagmara , Krysmann Alicja , Kolanek Aleksandra , Borczyk Bartosz , Kiewra Dorota 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe aim of this study was to determine the level of infection of Ixodes ricinus ticks with pathogens (Borrelia spp., Rickettsia spp., and Anaplasma spp.) collected from Lacerta agilis and Zootoca vivipara lizards in the urban areas of Wrocław (SW Poland). The study was carried out in July-August 2020. Lizards were caught by a noose attached to a pole or by bare hands, identified by species, and examined for the presence of ticks. Each lizard was then released at the site of capture. Ticks were removed with tweezers, identified by species using keys, and molecular tests were performed for the presence of pathogens. From 28 lizards (17 specimens of Z. vivipara and 11 specimens of L. agilis) a total of 445 ticks, including 321 larvae and 124 nymphs, identified as I. ricinus were collected. A larger number of ticks were obtained from L. agilis compared to Z. vivipara. Molecular tests for the presence of pathogens were performed on 445 specimens of I. ricinus. The nested PCR method for the fla gene allowed the detection of Borrelia spp. in 9.4% of ticks, and it was higher in ticks from L. agilis (12.0%) than from Z. vivipara (1.0%). The RFLP method showed the presence of three species, including two belonging to the B. burgdorferi s.l. complex (B. lusitaniae and B. afzelii), and B. miyamotoi. The overall level of infection of Rickettsia spp. was 19.3%, including 27.2% in ticks collected from Z. vivipara and 17.0% from L. agilis. Sequencing of randomly selected samples confirmed the presence of R. helvetica. DNA of Anaplasma spp. was detected only in one pool of larvae collected from L. agilis, and sample sequencing confirmed the presence of (A) phagocytophilum. The research results indicate the important role of lizards as hosts of ticks and their role in maintaining pathogens in the environment including urban agglomeration as evidenced by the first recorded presence of (B) miyamotoi and (A) phagocytophilum in I. ricinus ticks collected from L. agilis. However, confirmation of the role of sand lizards in maintaining (B) miyamotoi and A. phagocytophilum requires more studies and sampling of lizard tissue.
Subtropical stormwater ponds are more frequently net nitrogen fixing compared to natural ponds
Authors: Goeckner Audrey H. , Smyth Ashley R. , Holgerson Meredith A. , Reisinger Alexander J. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractUrban stormwater ponds (SWPs) are engineered ecosystems designed to prevent flooding and protect downstream ecosystems by retaining nutrients associated with stormwater runoff, including nitrogen (N). Despite these expectations, multiple studies have found that SWPs have low N removal efficiencies and can be sources of N to downstream ecosystems. To understand mechanisms controlling the fate of N in SWPs, we quantified dinitrogen (N2) gas saturation to characterize net N2 exchange as either net denitrification or net N-fixation. We assessed temporal and spatial patterns of N2 dynamics in fifteen SWPs and six naturally occurring ponds in undisturbed watersheds (Florida, USA) by sampling in two seasons (dry and wet) and from multiple depths of the water column. Samples from SWPs were equally likely to exhibit N2 supersaturation (net denitrification; 50%) or undersaturation (net N-fixation; 50%). In contrast, the majority (82%) of samples from natural ponds were supersaturated with N2, indicating net denitrification. The mean SWP air–water N2 flux was − 1.7 μg N2-N m−2 h−1 (range − 500 to 433 μg N2-N m−2 h−1), which was lower than clear (40 μg N2-N m−2 h−1; range − 68 to 74 μg N2-N m−2 h−1) and humic (202 μg N2-N m−2 h−1; range 41 to 407 μg N2-N m−2 h−1) natural ponds despite considerably higher variation in SWPs. These results indicate that SWPs may have low N removal efficiencies in part due to N-fixation adding new N to the system. Overall, this study shows that SWPs are less effective than natural ponds at removing reactive N from the environment, potentially impacting downstream water quality.
Choose Wisely! – Considering the Perceived Threat in the Selection of Trauma Film Clips May Improve the Ecological Validity of the Trauma Film Paradigm
Authors: Herzog Philipp , McNally Richard J. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
The trauma film paradigm (TFP) is the gold standard experimental psychopathology model of psychological trauma. However, different film clips with distinct effects on trauma-analogue symptoms are used across TFP studies, raising questions about the generalizability of study-specific results and the ecological validity of the TFP. Little is known about differences among film clips commonly used in the TFP regarding key features of psychological trauma (i.e., threat and anxiety) and their veridicality.

Methods
Thirty healthy participants watched eight trauma film clips in randomized order and subsequently rated each in view of perceived threat, anxiety, and realism. In addition to descriptive statistics, variance analyses and pairwise comparisons were performed to test for differences on these outcomes.

Results
The results indicated significant differences among the trauma film clips in terms of perceived threat and realism. However, nearly all trauma film clips evoked moderate anxiety levels.

Conclusions
This study stressed the importance of perceived threat as a key feature in selecting film clips for the TFP, as highly threatening film clips were also perceived as more realistic. When replicated using delayed outcomes (e.g., intrusive memories), choosing trauma film clips in view of their perceived threat might improve the ecological validity of the TFP.
Digital competence among 1st and 4th year primary education undergraduate students: a comparative study of face-to-face and on-line teaching
Authors: Cepa-Rodríguez Estíbaliz , Murgiondo Juan Etxeberria 
Published: June 2024

AbstractDigital competence (DC) has become a key element for future teachers in the effort to guarantee a high-quality education system that responds to the needs of the 21st century. For this reason, numerous studies have tried to evaluate the DC of university students in education degrees, although very few have focused on the differences according to the academic year or the methodology used. This study aims to determine the level of DC among 1st and 4th year Primary Education undergraduates at two Spanish universities that employ different learning methods (face-to-face and online). The sample comprised 396 undergraduates who completed an online instrument (with a 10-point response scale) called the Higher Education Student Digital Competence Questionnaire (CDAES). The results reveal that students’ level of DC upon graduation is basic-intermediate and that the dimensions in which they are most proficient are ‘Digital Citizenship’ and ‘Innovation’. Despite this, however, the tasks performed to justify this level are basic. The results also indicate that students’ DC improves as they progress in their degree and that the online method seems to be more effective in promoting this particular competency. We can therefore conclude that tasks specially designed to improve DC are included in teacher training degrees, particularly in the case of online courses, although we are unable to determine which specific practices or methodologies foster better outcomes. To clarify this, new empirical approaches that focus on these aspects are required, along with specific improvement actions or initiatives adapted to the needs of each individual group.
Towards a New Criminal Offence of Intimate Intrusions
Authors: McGlynn Clare 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis article suggests a new approach to tackling women’s experiences of harm and abuse, particularly online, namely a criminal law of ‘intimate intrusions’. It seeks to reinvigorate Betsy Stanko’s (1985) concept of intimate intrusions, developing it particularly in the context of the ever-increasing prevalence of online abuse against women and girls, as well as establishing how this conceptualisation might manifest in law reform. Intimate intrusions, it is argued, provides a valuable umbrella concept that may better encompass both the range and nature of existing harms, as well as, crucially, the yet-to-be-imagined modes of abuse. Further, in suggesting a new criminal offence of intimate intrusions, this article challenges the common process of piecemeal criminal law reform, with each new manifestation of abuse resulting in a specific offence tackling that specific behaviour. While such an approach provides new redress options, it remains limited. Following an examination of recent reforms in Northern Ireland, where three distinct new criminal offences were adopted covering downblousing, upskirting and cyberflashing, this article suggests that the concept of ‘intimate intrusions’ provides a better foundation for a new criminal offence and outlines its potential nature and scope.
BRG1 Deficiency Promotes Cardiomyocyte Inflammation and Apoptosis by Activating the cGAS-STING Signaling in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Chen Ziying , Lai Xiangmao , Li Jingxuan , Yuan Xun , Li Yilang , Zhang Xiaojing , Kang Zhanfang , Ouyang Zizhang , Zeng Jianwen , Hou Ning , Liu Xiaoping 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Brahma-related gene 1 (BRG1) has been implicated in the repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). Downregulation of BRG1 impairs DSBs repair leading to accumulation of double-stranded DNA (dsDNA). Currently, the role of BRG1 in diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) has not been clarified. In this study, we aimed to explore the function and molecular by which BRG1 regulates DCM using mice and cell models. We found that BRG1 was downregulated in the cardiac tissues of DCM mice and in cardiomyocytes cultured with high glucose and palmitic acid (HG/PA), which was accompanied by accumulation of dsDNA and activation of the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)–stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling pathway. shRNA-mediated Brg1 knockdown aggravated DCM mice cardiac functions, enhanced dsDNA accumulation, cGAS-STING signaling activation, which induced inflammation and apoptosis. In addition, the results were further verified in HG/PA-treated primary neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs). Overexpression of BRG1 in NRCMs yielded opposite results. Furthermore, a selective cGAS inhibitor RU.521 or STING inhibitor C-176 partially reversed the BRG1 knockdown-induced inflammation and apoptosis in vitro. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that BRG1 is downregulated during DCM in vivo and in vitro, resulting in cardiomyocyte inflammation and apoptosis due to dsDNA accumulation and cGAS-STING signaling activation. Therefore, targeting the BRG1-cGAS-STING pathway may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for improving cardiac function of patients with DCM.
Microstructure, hardness, electrical, and thermal conductivity of SZCN solder reinforced with TiO2 and ZrO2 nanoparticles fabricated by powder metallurgy method
Authors: Mousa M. M. , Mohammed Moustafa M. , El-Kady Omyma A. , Mohamed H. S. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe microstructure and characterization of Sn–Zn–Cu–Ni (SZCN) solder alloy reinforced with TiO2 and ZrO2 nanoparticles (NPs) synthesized by powder metallurgy were investigated. Sn, Zn, Cu and Ni metallic powders were mixed mechanical by 10:1 ball to powder ratio with 300 rpm speed for 2 h. Then 0.5 wt% from nano ZrO2 or TiO2 was mixed by the same parameters with the mixed metal powder. The morphologies and microstructures development during the fabrication process was investigated by X-ray diffractometer (XRD), optical microscope (OM), and scanning electron microscope (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX). The results reveal an improved distribution of TiO2 or ZrO2 NPs in the SZCN matrix solder, which resulted in an improvement in its density. The analyses of microstructural demonstrated that the addition of TiO2 or ZrO2 NPs to SZCN solder results in the grain refinement of the β-Sn phase, besides the formation of Ni3Sn IMC with small size and uniform distribution. The microhardness was enhanced as a result of the addition of TiO2 or ZrO2 NPs. The experimental results showed that the SZCN-ZrO2 composite solder had the greatest hardness and stress exponent values due to its effectiveness in suppressing the growth of β-Sn grains and the pile-up of dislocations. Both the electrical and thermal conductivities were improved by incorporating TiO2 NPs compared to other solders.
Lifestyle Dimensions of Public Safety Personnel Families: There’s No Life Like It
Authors: Cramm Heidi , Cox Marilyn , Norris Deborah , Reid Nathalie , Tam-Seto Linna , Dekel Rachel , Fear Nicola T. , Delaney Lisa , Richmond Rachel , Mahar Alyson 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Purpose
The nature and cumulative occupational demands imposed on families of public safety personnel (PSP) are substantial, in many cases non-negotiable, and distinct from the general population accentuating risk factors for family well-being. Despite this reality, the contributions of PSP families are not well understood, and a conceptual framework is needed. The aim of this paper is to summarize contextual factors (lifestyle dimensions) that shape the lives of PSP families; factors supported in the existing, albeit limited, body of research.

Methods
Grounded in the interpretive/constructivist paradigm, a synthesis was central to understanding the lived experiences of PSP families. An interdisciplinary research team engaged in an iterative process of framework analysis to capture the variability and complexity of PSP family life and distilled the overarching lifestyle dimensions.

Results
Three lifestyle dimensions—logistics, risks, and identities—emerged from contextual factors and represent distinct aspects of PSP family life. PSP families play a crucial role in that their capacity to accommodate the lifestyle dimensions (i.e., logistics, risks, and identities), without which the PSP could not meet the demands of the profession.

Conclusion
Promoting awareness of these dimensions and their consequent demands underscores the cumulative demands that put PSP families at risk. Responses from governments, public safety organizations, and communities are required to help PSP families manage non-negotiable elements of the public safety occupation that spill over into family life over which they have no control.
Measurement of Spiritual Wellbeing in an Australian Hospital Population Using the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy: Spiritual Wellbeing Scale (FACIT-Sp-12)
Authors: Best Megan C. , Simpson Grahame , Jones Kate F. , Merritt Frankie , Casey Michael , Lynch Sandra , Eisman John A. , Cohen Jeffrey , Mackie Darryl , Beilharz Kirsty , Kearney Matthew 
Published: June 2024

AbstractSpiritual wellbeing is known to be a predictor of increased patient coping in hospital settings. Therefore, access to a valid and reliable measure of spiritual wellbeing amongst general hospital patients is highly recommended. The aim of this study was to investigate the dimensionality, reliability, and validity of the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy Spiritual Wellbeing scale (FACIT-Sp-12) in a heterogeneous cohort of hospital patients. A cross-sectional survey was administered to 897 adult patients across six hospitals in Sydney, Australia. Confirmatory factor analysis for the three-factor FACIT-12-Sp indicated a poor fit, but after removal of Item 12, the three-factor FACIT-11-Sp presented a good fit to the data. Reliability testing indicated acceptable to good internal consistency. Validity was supported by statistically significant differences between patients who considered themselves ‘both spiritual and religious’ and ‘not religious or spiritual’. While some caution should be taken when using the FACIT-Sp due to several limitations, nevertheless, in a general hospital population in Australia, the three-factor FACIT-11-Sp indicated good dimensionality, reliability, and validity.
Preparation of radiation-sensitive dosimeter for gamma rays
Authors: Gafar S. M. , El-Tokhy H. H. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis research uses two different dosimetry techniques (films and gels) to evaluate how γ-rays affect Cyanidin chloride. The first method relies on combining CC with poly (vinyl alcohol) to create a thin film dosimeter, while the second uses CC with gelatin to create a gel dosimeter that is more sensitive to γ-rays. The produced film or gel changes visually from red to colorless when exposed to γ-rays. The usable dose range of films was up to 35 kGy, and for gels, it was between 10 and 150 Gy. All dosimetric characteristics were studied.
Deontology and safe artificial intelligence
Authors: D’Alessandro William 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe field of AI safety aims to prevent increasingly capable artificially intelligent systems from causing humans harm. Research on moral alignment is widely thought to offer a promising safety strategy: if we can equip AI systems with appropriate ethical rules, according to this line of thought, they’ll be unlikely to disempower, destroy or otherwise seriously harm us. Deontological morality looks like a particularly attractive candidate for an alignment target, given its popularity, relative technical tractability and commitment to harm-avoidance principles. I argue that the connection between moral alignment and safe behavior is more tenuous than many have hoped. In general, AI systems can possess either of these properties in the absence of the other, and we should favor safety when the two conflict. In particular, advanced AI systems governed by standard versions of deontology need not be especially safe.
The effect of time since last fire occurrence on selected soil hydrological properties in a South African savanna
Authors: Strydom Tercia , Smit Izak P.J. , van Tol Johan J. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
Fires are a natural occurrence in African savannas yet little is known about how fires affect soil hydrological properties over time. This study aimed to determine the short-term (1–9 months post fire) and long-term (> seven decades fire exclusion) impact of experimental fires on soil hydrology in a fire-prone African savanna. This study also investigated how soil hydrological properties may vary under different vegetation physiognomies.

Methods
Saturated hydraulic conductivity (K) was determined using a modified falling head method through macropores (KMacro) while unsaturated K was measured using a tension disc infiltrometer (Ψ = 30 mm) to reflect the meso- and micro-pore conductivity (KMeso+Micro). Soil hydrophobicity was measured using the water droplet penetration time (WDPT) test.

Results
For the finer soil pores, fires significantly reduce KMeso+Micro in the short-term one month post-burn but returns to Pre-burn KMeso+Micro rates nine months later. After decades of fire suppression, KMacro is significantly faster compared to burned soils while KMeso+Micro was significantly slower through smaller pores compared to soils burned annually. KMeso+Micro is slowest under shrubs in fire suppression plots compared to other vegetation physiognomies. Fires did not induce hydrophobicity in the short-term nor the long-term.

Conclusion
Whilst fire reduces KMeso+Micro in the short-term, soils recovered nine months later, indicating that prescribed burning does not lead to lasting detrimental impacts on soil hydrological properties. Interestingly, decades of active fire suppression had either a positive or negative effect on the soil’s ability to allow water to infiltrate through the soil surface depending on the pore size and possible susceptibility to bioclogging and biocrusts.
Present records of the Past Hypothesis
Authors: Stradis Athamos 
Published: June 2024

AbstractA striking feature of our world is that we only seem to have records of the past. To explain this ‘record asymmetry’, Albert and Loewer claim that the Past Hypothesis induces a narrow probability density over the world’s possible past macrohistories, but not its future macrohistories. Because we’re indirectly acquainted with this low-entropy initial macrostate, our observations of records allow us to exploit the associated narrow density to infer the past. I will argue that Albert and Loewer cannot make sense of why this probabilistic structure exists without falling back on the very records they wish to explain. To avoid this circularity, I offer an alternative account: the ‘fork asymmetry’ explains the record asymmetry, and this in turn explains the narrow density—not vice versa.