bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of particle size on the oxygen reduction reaction activity of carbon‐supported niobium-oxide‐based nanoparticle catalysts
Authors: Shinyoshi Naoki , Seino Satoshi , Hasegawa Yuta , Uetake Yuta , Nagai Takaaki , Monden Ryuji , Ishihara Akimitsu , Nakagawa Takashi 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
In this study, niobium oxynitride nanoparticles were examined to determine the effect of particle size on oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity. To this end, catalyst precursors with niobium oxides dispersed on carbon supports were prepared using the irradiation or impregnation method. Polyacrylonitrile was added to each precursor, followed by heat treatment under an ammonia‐containing atmosphere to synthesize niobium oxynitride nanoparticles. The structures of the prepared catalysts were analyzed using transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy. The results indicated that two catalysts with the same crystal phase but different particle sizes were obtained. Comparing their ORR activities revealed that the effect of particle size on ORR activity was limited. Thus, it was inferred that controlling the microelectron conduction paths can help maximize the benefits of particle size reduction. In addition, niobium oxynitride nanoparticles with different structures were obtained by varying the heat-treatment temperatures, and the ORR activity of each prepared catalyst was evaluated. These findings suggest that forming graphitized carbon residues with high electrical conductivity and controlling nitrogen-doping in the oxide nanoparticles are crucial steps for enhancing the ORR activity of oxide-based catalysts. These findings offer valuable insights for developing material design strategies to improve oxide-based catalyst performance.

Graphical abstract
What Do Antenatal Women Want From Their Antenatal Education? A National Survey
Authors: Larkai Eva , Davies Anna , Toolan Miriam , Lynch Mary , Plachcinski Rachel , Larkin Michael , Fraser Abigail , Burden Christy , Merriel Abi 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Introduction
Antenatal education (ANE) equips pregnant women with knowledge and skills for pregnancy, birth, and the postnatal period. It should facilitate preparation for the whole spectrum of the maternal journey and empower women to make informed decisions. This study aimed to explore the antenatal education needs and preferences of women who are currently pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

Methods
A UK wide cross-sectional survey was conducted (September 2019 to July 2020), recruiting women living in the UK, above 16, who were currently pregnant or planning a pregnancy. The survey gathered demographic information, details of current or planned class attendance, preferred ANE providers and desired skills and information. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively, and free-text responses underwent thematic analysis.

Results
Of 553 participants included in the analyses, 77% preferred free National Health Service (NHS) classes and 60% planned to attend multiple class types, including paid options. Participants valued practical skills, particularly for labour and the postpartum period, and actively sought perinatal social networks. Multiparous women were less likely to attend classes, citing prior experience or practical barriers. Despite high interest in NHS classes, regional variations in availability and limited accessibility were noted.

Conclusion
NHS antenatal classes are a trusted source of ANE, forming a core element of many women’s antenatal journey. However, inconsistent provision highlights the need for a standardised, comprehensive curriculum. Flexible delivery models and tailored content are crucial to address diverse needs, particularly for multiparous women and underrepresented groups. Enhanced accessibility could reduce inequalities in ANE provision and improve maternal outcomes.
Intrinsic brain functional connectivity mediates the relationship between psychological resilience and cognitive decline in ageing
Authors: Chen Menglu , Gao Mengxia , Ma Junji , Lee Tatia M. C. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Ageing individuals often experience cognitive decline and intrinsic functional connectivity (FC) changes. Psychological resilience, a personality trait that reflects the capacity to adapt and cope with age-related challenges, plays a key role in mitigating cognitive decline. In this study involving 101 older adults, we investigated how psychological resilience influences cognitive decline measured by processing speed. Particularly, we obtained resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to assess how intrinsic FC, represented by degree centrality, modulates the relationship between resilience and processing speed. Our results indicated while psychological resilience positively predicted processing speed, this relationship was mainly driven by education. Additionally, the degree centrality of both thalamus and caudate negatively correlated with processing speed and resilience. Notably, the degree centrality of both thalamus and caudate significantly mediated the relationship between resilience and processing speed. These findings suggest that psychological resilience could protect against age-related cognitive decline via its influence on FC in the thalamus and caudate, highlighting these areas as potential intervention targets for reducing cognitive decline in ageing people.
Neurologists’ perspectives of cannabis-based medicines: results from an all-Ireland survey
Authors: Savio Michael , Kearney Hugh , Downer Eric J. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Advancements continue to be made in the development of medicines containing components of the Cannabis sativa L. plant. Consultants can prescribe specific cannabis-based products for a restricted set of indications in Ireland, with neurologists being at the forefront of therapy. Much debate on the therapeutic potential/efficacy of such cannabis-based products exists.

Aim
The objective of this study was to conduct a national survey to determine the perspectives/views of Irish neurologists regarding the use of cannabis-based medicines.

Methods
An online anonymous survey was conducted to capture the perspectives and experiences of neurologists in Ireland regarding cannabis-based therapeutics.

Results
Thirty-four neurologists completed the survey in full, with study participants rating their knowledge of cannabis-based medicines as average. Data presented herein indicate that there is a need for educational programmes on the cannabinoid system and cannabinoid-based medicines, and the findings indicate that neurologists are interested in the use of cannabinoid-based medicines in their practice. Study participants were more divided with regard to the clarity of the process for accessing cannabis-based medicines, and the consensus is that the application process is unclear. Approximately one-third of participants have made an application to access medicinal cannabis-based products on behalf of a patient.

Conclusions
Data presented herein indicates that the majority of neurologists surveyed are aware of the current systems in place to access cannabis-based products for medicinal use in Ireland and that some engagement with these systems has taken place. A key finding is that educational programmes on the cannabinoid system and cannabis-based medicines are required.
Distribution of quarries in the piedmont region: the regional plan of mining activities (PRAE) as a tool for mining activities regulation and characterisation
Authors: Narcisi Roberta , Taddia Glenda , Gizzi Martina 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The Regional Plan of Mining Activities (PRAE), adopted in December 2022, represents the strategic regulation instrument pursuing the balance between environmental sustainability and economic development produced by mining activity at a regional scale. The paper proposes an overview of the main regional in-force instrument for surface and ground-water planning and management (PAI and PTA) and how these intersect with the introduced PRAE. Besides, the interaction between mining activities and the geomorphological and hydrogeological contexts in which they are located is described, defining the resulting constraints regarding their interaction with extraction areas. A significant portion of the quarries are located in the floodplain, falling both in river bands of medium–high probability of flooding and in areas involving aquifers bodies, hence these extractive sites are heavily restricted both in terms of excavation depths, never exceeding the base of the surface aquifer. The depth of the water table and the base of the aquifer represent the two fundamental parameters on which new restrictions have been defined in the PRAE in terms of the possibility of developing new quarry areas.
Automated Vehicle Regulation Needs to Speak to Code, not to Humans: Keeping Safety and Ethics in the Public Domain
Authors: Sütfeld Leon René , Bronson Joshua , Kirchmair Lando 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
In anticipation of the market introduction of highly and fully automated vehicles, regulations for their behavior in public road traffic are emerging in various countries and regions. Yet, as we show using the example of EU and German regulations, these rules are both incomplete and exceptionally vague. In this paper we introduce three traffic scenarios highlighting conflicting ethical, legal, and utility-related claims, and perform a legal analysis with regards to the expected behavior of AVs in these scenarios. We show that the existing regulatory framework disregards the realities of algorithmic decision-making in automated vehicles, such as the incomplete and imprecise perception of their environment and the probabilistic nature of their predictions. Importantly, the current regulations are written in abstract language addressing human interpreters rather than the precise logical-numerical computer code. We argue that the required interpretation and translation of the abstract legal language into the logical-numerical domain is so ambiguous that the regulations as they stand fail to guide or limit automated vehicle behavior in any meaningful way. This comes with significant ethical implications, as the interpretation and translation is unavoidable and, if not provided by regulatory bodies, will have to be performed by manufacturers. We argue that ethical decisions with significant impact on public safety must not be delegated to private companies, and thus, regulatory frameworks need significant improvements.
Integration of biomedical concepts for enhanced medical literature retrieval
Authors: Frihat Sameh , Fuhr Norbert 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
This study investigates the potential of biomedical concepts—genes, diseases, and chemicals—in enhancing biomedical literature retrieval systems amidst the burgeoning volume of biomedical literature. We compare five traditional sparse approaches against hybrid BERT-based methods, to assess their effectiveness in leveraging biomedical concepts for improved retrieval accuracy. Our research poses critical questions on the necessity and efficiency of biomedical concepts in the era of advanced language models and evaluates if these concepts can further refine retrieval outcomes. Using datasets from Text REtrieval Conference Precision Medicine tracks (2017–2019), which are based on the Medline collection (30+ million biomedical publications) and NDCG@10 (Normalized Discounted Cumulative Gain) for evaluation, we demonstrate that biomedical concepts are indeed helpful for both hybrid and sparse retrieval strategies in the biomedical domain and that the performance of sparse and hybrid methods is comparable. We further demonstrate how our findings can be integrated into a live search system to support clinical practice.
A Qualitative Exploration of Moderating Factors Shaping Implementation Fidelity to Post-Abortion Care Guidelines in Chibombo District, Zambia
Authors: Mubanga Chikwanka , Silumbwe Adam , Munakampe Margarate Nzala , Lubeya Mwansa Ketty , Zulu Joseph Mumba 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
We sought to identify and describe modifying factors influencing adherence to the post-abortion care guidelines, as well as potential strategies to address them in rural health facilities of Chibombo District, Zambia. We used a qualitative descriptive approach, drawing on key informant interviews with program managers (n = 4) and in-depth interviews with post abortion care providers (n = 22). We adopted Carroll et al.‘s Framework for Implementation Fidelity which prescribes four categories of potential moderating factors that may shape adherence to post abortion care guidelines including comprehensiveness of policy description, facilitative implementation strategies, patient responsiveness, and quality of delivery. We analyzed the interview data using deductive thematic analysis. The study revealed shortcomings in the comprehensive description and dissemination of post abortion care guidelines, underscored by limited provider understanding and reference to them during practice, and delayed dissemination of any guideline changes or updates. Facilitative implementation strategies encompassed monitoring and supervision, technical and administrative support, documentation and audit, and community engagement. Inadequate provider training, inconsistent post abortion care drug supply, weak referral mechanisms and funding gaps affected the quality of delivery of post abortion care services. Lastly, patient responsiveness was affected by non-compliance to the guidelines and community reliance on self-treatment. There is a critical need for comprehensive training, supply chain improvements, and stronger health system support to ensure adherence to post-abortion care guidelines in rural settings. Such initiatives may have far-reaching implications for maternal health outcomes and general health equity.
Deriving the impact mechanism of urban green space environment on community social capital based on multi-source data integration: a case study of nanjing city, China
Authors: Zhen Feng , Liu Mohan , Yang Runlin 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
With the orderly progression of urban renewal in China, social capital, as an important factor in analyzing the relationship between stakeholders, has once again become a key topic in urban planning research. Green spaces have proved to have a more notable impact on social capital than other built environment factors. In light of this, the present study is based on the data of 1,282 residents’ questionnaire surveys conducted in Nanjing in 2022 and extracts spatial characteristic information of green space through multisource big data such as remote sensing data, street-view data, and points of interest, to investigate the influence mechanism of physical and perceived attributes of urban green space on community social capital. The study found that there are differences in the influence mechanisms and dimensions of these dual attributes of green space on social capital. The direct effect of perceptual attributes is more substantial, while physical attributes almost exclusively affect social capital indirectly through the perception of green space. Notably, among the physical attributes, only the total coverage of neighborhood vegetation has a considerable direct effect on neighborhood relations, whereas community sentiment, a willingness to participate, and larger and more aggregated green spaces do not enhance community social capital effectively. Lastly, community social capital is affected substantially by exogenous variables of socioeconomic attributes, and there is group differentiation. Results reveal the direction of renewal and optimization of urban green spaces from the perspective of promoting social capital, which provides a reference for the synergistic and high-quality development of the community’s physical and nonphysical environments.
A Torelli theorem for graphs via quasistable divisors
Authors: Abreu Alex , Pacini Marco 
Published: February 2025

AbstractThe Torelli theorem establishes that the Jacobian of a smooth projective curve, together with the polarization provided by the theta divisor, fully characterizes the curve. In the case of nodal curves, there exists a concept known as fine compactified Jacobian. The fine compactified Jacobian of a curve comes with a natural stratification that can be regarded as a poset. Furthermore, this poset is entirely determined by the dual graph of the curve and is referred to as the poset of quasistable divisors on the graph. We present a combinatorial version of the Torelli theorem, which demonstrates that the poset of quasistable divisors of a graph completely determines the biconnected components of the graph (up to contracting separating edges). Moreover, we achieve a natural extension of this theorem to tropical curves.
Feasibility, acceptability and preliminary effectiveness of a culturally adapted nonspecialist delivery Problem-Solving Therapy: Friendship Bench Intervention for perinatal psychological distress in Sierra Leone
Authors: Bah Abdulai Jawo , Wurie Haja Ramatulai , Samai Mohamed , Horn Rebecca , Ager Alastair 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
In low- and middle-income countries like Sierra Leone, there is a significant gap in the treatment of perinatal mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression and somatization. This study explored the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary effectiveness of a culturally adapted Problem-Solving Therapy – Friendship Bench Intervention (PST-FBI) delivered by nonspecialists, mother-to-mother support groups (MMSGs), to perinatal women experiencing psychological distress. MMSGs provide 4 weeks of home-based, individual PST-FBI, followed by a peer-led group session called col at sacul (circle of serenity). The intervention targeted peri-urban pregnant women and new mothers screened for psychological distress. This was a two-armed, pre–post, waitlist-controlled study that employed the Sierra Leone Perinatal Psychological Distress Scale (SLPPDS) to screen and measure their outcomes. Feasibility and acceptability were examined through in-depth interviews using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research, analyzed thematically, while preliminary effectiveness was evaluated with chi-squared analysis for categorical and t-test for continuous variables. Twenty of the 25 women completed all four PST-FBI sessions delivered by five MMSGs. The individual PST and the peer-led session were viewed as beneficial for problem-sharing and skill building. The SLPPDS scores significantly dropped by 58.9% (17.1–8.4) in the intervention group, while the control group showed a 31.6% (18.0–12.3) decrease. The intervention’s effect size was d = 0.40 (p < 0.05). The MMSG-led PST-FBI, including the col at sacul session, proved feasible, acceptable and with preliminary effectiveness in improving the mental health of peri-urban pregnant women and new mothers in Sierra Leone. Further randomized-controlled trials are recommended before nationwide implementation.
Second reported outbreak of pneumococcal pneumonia among shipyard employees in Turku, Finland, August–October 2023: a case–control study
Authors: Kitowska Wioleta , Gonzalez-Perez Ana Cristina , Sequeira Neto Joana , Kanerva Mari , Kaukavuori Heikki , Lindström Irmeli , Frilander Heikki , Dub Timothée , Siira Lotta ,   Pneumococcal Shipyard Outbreak Team
Published: February 2025

Abstract
In August 2023, the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare received reports of a potential cluster of pneumococcal pneumonia cases among shipyard employees in Turku, Finland. Considering a similar outbreak in the same shipyard in 2019, we initiated a case–control study to investigate individual and environmental risk factors specific to this occupational setting in order to inform targeted prevention measures. In total, 14 hospitalized cases were identified from 19 August to 15 October 2023. Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes 4 and 9 V were isolated from blood cultures of seven cases. Eleven cases and 67 controls working at the shipyard were included in the case–control study. Compared with controls, cases were more likely to be living in an apartment/studio or a hotel/hostel, and less likely in a house or with family. Furthermore, cases were more likely to have a shorter duration of employment (< 1 year) at the shipyard compared to controls. Control measures, including an information and a vaccination campaign, were implemented. We emphasize shipyard-wide hygiene improvements and recommend nationwide consideration of expanding pneumococcal vaccination eligibility to all shipyard construction employees as an occupational high-risk group.
Long-chain PUFA and painful temporomandibular disorder in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos
Authors: Sanders Anne E. , Cai Jianwen , Daviglus Martha L. , Garcia-Bedoya Olga , Slade Gary D. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Objective:
n-6 and n-3 long-chain PUFA play opposing roles in inflammation, anxiety and nociception, all of which are closely associated with chronic pain. We hypothesised that diets high in n-6 arachidonic acid (C20:4n-6, AA) and low in combined n-3 EPA (C20:5n-3, EPA) and DHA (C22:6n-3, DHA) would be associated with higher odds of painful temporomandibular disorder (TMD).

Design:
We analysed baseline data from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL). Two 24-h dietary recall surveys quantified intake of long-chain n-6 and n-3 PUFA along with their precursors, linoleic acid (C18:2n-6, LA) and alpha linolenic acid (C18:3n-3, ALA), respectively. n-3 PUFA supplementation was quantified. Interviewer-administered questions assessed TMD. Survey multiple logistic regression estimated covariate-adjusted OR and 95 % confidence limits (CL) for associations between PUFA and TMD.

Setting:
From 2008 to 2011, HCHS/SOL recruited 16 415 adults of Hispanic/Latino backgrounds (Cuban, Puerto Rican, Dominican, Mexican, Central/South American), through field centres located in Miami, FL; San Diego CA; Chicago, IL; and the Bronx, NY.

Participants:
13 870 participants with non-missing data.

Results:
In analysis adjusted for covariates, each sd increase in dietary intake of C20:4n-6, AA was associated with 12 % higher odds of TMD (OR = 1·12, CL: 1·01, 1·24). Although the dietary intake of combined long-chain C20:5n-3, EPA and C22:6n-3 DHA was not associated with TMD, each sd increase in n-3 dietary supplement was associated with lower odds of TMD.

Conclusions:
A diet rich in C20:4n-6, AA was associated with higher odds of painful TMD.