bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adam Smith: Evolutionary Social Theorist ante litteram
Authors: Kurz Heinz D. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The paper examines evolutionary elements in Adam Smith’s social theory, connecting them to an earlier contribution to natural history by George-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon. It then compares Smith’s analysis with those of Karl Marx and Joseph Schumpeter, who were fascinated by Darwinian evolutionary biology. This comparison demonstrates that while developing evolutionary approaches to the social sciences suitable for their respective subject matter, Marx and Schumpeter drew heavily on Smith’s insights. All three authors aimed to unveil the forces shaping the “process of civilization”, or society’s “law of motion,” along with its associated hazards. They pondered whether this process inherently led to rising living standards, along with “equality, liberty, and justice”, and whether it could derail, ending in a tailspin.
CellSpark: A Simulation Tool to Spark Discovery Learning of Electrophysiology
Authors: Harvey Tyler G. , Dean Delphine 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Challenge
While hands-on laboratory experiences are an important component of biomedical engineering curricula, many of the topics which would often benefit most from these experiences are often too time-, space-, and resource-intensive to incorporate into laboratory classes. One such topic is electrophysiology, where phenomena are hard to observe and the mathematical models used to describe them are complex.

Novel Initiative
We present CellSpark, an electrophysiology simulation software that allows students to perform virtual patch clamp experiments without the need for complex laboratory equipment, training, or prior knowledge in mathematical modelling. We describe how this tool is implemented in an undergraduate bioinstrumentation lab through the theoretical framework of discovery learning.

Reflection
The use of the software tool was informally assessed by surveying students about their experience using the software, by analyzing the content of their submitted assignments for evidence that the learning objectives were met. Additionally, an individual use case is presented to demonstrate the utility of the tool to achieve authentic discovery learning. Overall, we successfully demonstrate a framework for the effective use of simulation tools designed primarily for research as teaching tools.
Fabrication of filter paper with green synthesized iron nanoparticles for heavy metals contaminated wastewater treatment
Authors: Khan Jamshaid , Fayyaz Muhammad , Aslam Muhammad Mudasar , Gillani Syeda Rabia , Masood Sadaf , Jahangir Muhammad Shadab , Rehman Muhammad , Ullah Faizan , Jamil Muhammad , Saud Shah , Hassan Shah , Nawaz Taufiq , Joshi Nitish , Fahad Shah 
Published: January 2025

AbstractWastewater containing heavy metals poses severe risks to human health. Traditional methods to synthesis iron nanoparticles (Fe NPs) for wastewater treatment are often costly and labor intensive, limiting their widespread use. This study explore the use of green synthesized Fe NPs by green tea extract and their fabrication onto filter paper for efficient heavy metal remediation. The Fe NPs were characterized through UV–Visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). UV–Vis spectroscopy revealed an absorbance peak of Fe NPs at 270 nm, while FT-IR analysis indicated that carboxylic acid and phenol were associated with Fe NPs as a functional group. SEM analysis confirmed that the Fe NPs were spherical in shape. The fabricated Fe NP-coated filter paper was evaluated for its ability to remediate wastewater containing heavy metals. The results demonstrated significant removal efficiencies for cadmium (Cd) 90.4%, copper (Cu) 92.3%, lead (Pb) 93.5%, and nickel (Ni) 85.6%. These findings highlight the potential of green-synthesized Fe NPs as a cost-effective and sustainable solution for wastewater treatment, addressing the pressing need for environmentally friendly remediation technologies.
A modern, flexible cloud-based database and computing service for real-time analysis of vehicle emissions data
Authors: Rushton Christopher E. , Tate James E. , Sjödin Åke 
Published: January 2025

AbstractIn response to the demand for advanced tools in environmental monitoring and policy formulation, this work leverages modern software and big data technologies to enhance novel road transport emissions research. This is achieved by making data and analysis tools more widely available and customisable so users can tailor outputs to their requirements. Through the novel combination of vehicle emissions remote sensing and cloud computing methodologies, these developments aim to reduce the barriers to understanding real-driving emissions (RDE) across urban environments. The platform demonstrates the practical application of modern cloud-computing resources in overcoming the complex demands of air quality management and policy monitoring. This paper shows the potential of modern technological solutions to improve the accessibility of environmental data for policy-making and the broader pursuit of sustainable urban development. The web-application is publicly and freely available at https://cares-public-app.azurewebsites.net.
National survey of sepsis proficiency in Swiss neonatal units
Authors: Giannoni Eric , Asper Nina , Moser Mireille , Rosa-Mangeret Flavia , Calandra Thierry , Stocker Martin , Schuler-Barazzoni Mirjam , Meylan Sylvain 
Published: January 2025

AbstractOptimizing sepsis proficiency of healthcare professionals is key to improving outcomes. We aimed to evaluate sepsis knowledge and management proficiency in neonatal units in Switzerland. This cross-sectional survey, tailored to profession, probed physician and nurses’ self-assessment of sepsis knowledge and management proficiency, sepsis definitions and epidemiology, and sepsis diagnostics and management proficiency in seven of nine tertiary care neonatal units. For proficiency, points were given based on the accuracy of answers on diagnosis and management in vignette clinical questions. Participants’ scores were computed by summing points and expressed in percent of the total available points. The questionnaire was completed by 108/158 physicians (68.3%) and 418/732 nurses (57.1%). Median proficiency of physicians and nurses were 73.1% (Q1-Q3, 68.8–77.4%) and 59.1% (Q1-Q3, 52.3–65.9%). Physicians displayed an imbalance between proficiency and self-assessment. Nurses displayed a significant association between proficiency and self assessment of management but none with self-assessment of knowledge. A higher proficiency in theoretical questions did not correlate with proficiency in decision-making (physicians: R = 0.13, nurses R = 0.24). For instance, while over 90% of physicians and 80% of nurses recognized clinical risk factors and signs of sepsis, and actions to prioritize, in a vignette, 22.2% of physicians and 34.0% of nurses did not recognize the need for antibiotics within 1 h in an extremely preterm newborn with signs of deterioration and phlebitis around a central line. We identified knowledge gaps, a need to better transduce knowledge into decision-making, and potential for improved self-assessment. Targeted simulation training could address these shortcomings.
Reducing the CO2 footprint at an LNG asset with replicate trains using operational data-driven analysis. A case study on end flash vessels
Authors: Paleja Rakesh , Osemwinyen Ekhorutomwen , Jones Matthew , Ayoola John , Pitchumani Raghuraman , Jonathan Philip 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
A liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility often incorporates replicate liquefaction trains. The performance of equivalent units across trains, designed using common numerical models, might be expected to be similar. In this article, we discuss statistical analysis of real plant data to validate this assumption. Analysis of operational data for end flash vessels from a pair of replicate trains at an LNG facility indicates that one train produces 2.8%–6.4% more end flash gas than the other. We then develop statistical models for train operation, facilitating reduced flaring and hence a reduction of up to 45% in CO2 equivalent flaring emissions, noting that flaring emissions for a typical LNG facility account for ~4%–8% of the overall facility emissions. We recommend that operational data-driven models be considered generally to improve the performance of LNG facilities and reduce their CO2 footprint, particularly when replica units are present.
The moth fauna is more diverse in the understorey than in the canopy in a European forest
Authors: Böttger Dennis , Singh Rachit Pratap , Friedrich Egbert , Brehm Gunnar 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThe canopy of forests as the ‘last biotic frontier’ has often been neglected in insect biodiversity studies because it is harder to access compared to the understorey, even in relatively well-known temperate ecosystems. We investigated the diversity, abundance, and body size patterns of macromoths (Lepidoptera) in the canopy and understorey in a central European deciduous forest. We collected moths at two sites during 19 trapping nights and three lunar phases between July and September 2021 using a weak ultraviolet light emitting diode (LED) lamp (LepiLED mini). Overall, we captured 4368 individuals (165 species) from 11 families. Based on a number of metrics, richness and diversity was significantly lower in the canopy than in the understorey. Non-metric multidimensional scaling ordinations show that communities largely overlap, but the proportion of species that only occur in the understorey was higher. While Noctuidae and Erebidae species were abundant in both strata, Geometridae species were most frequently observed in the understorey. We identified 16 indicator species for the understorey but only three for the canopy. Forewing length of moths in the canopy was on average 1.7 mm longer than of those in the understorey. Overall, the understorey is far more important for moths than the canopy in a temperate forest. The canopy is dominated by fewer and larger species and probably has a higher proportion of dispersers.
Influence of different temperatures and diets on the life cycle of invasive species Conogethes punctiferalis
Authors: Ramzan Muhammad , Shi Longfei , Pang Tianyuan , Chen Xiangzhi , Li Ruonan , Almaary Khalid S. , Zhang Yongjun 
Published: January 2025

AbstractUnderstanding the interactive effects of temperature and diet on insect life cycles is crucial for effective pest management. Here, the influence of different temperatures and diets on the life cycle of Conogethes punctiferalis was investigated using the age-stage, two-sex life table analysis. The results support the hypothesis that temperature and diets (maize, apple, and artificial diet) significantly influence the entire life cycle performance of C. punctiferalis. The duration of larval development was significantly prolonged, whereas adult lifespan was shortened and showed lower reproductive capacity on apple and artificial diet than maize. The total pre-oviposition period was longer on apples than on maize and artificial diet at both temperatures (20, 26°C). The highest r (0.113 d−1), λ (1.128 d−1), R0 (57.213), and GRR (75.54) of C. punctiferalis were found on maize at 26°C, while the highest T (45.062) was found on apples. Similar results were obtained in the age-specific survival curves (sxj), fecundity (mx), maternity (lxmx), and reproductive value (vxj) of YPM on different host plants when exposed to 20°C. These findings highlight the need for further research into the complex interactions between temperature, diet, and insect life history traits to develop effective pest management strategies and enhance our understanding of insect ecology in agroecosystems.
Similar host instar preferences by three sympatric parasitoids of Chielomenes sexmaculata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae): potential host niche overlapping
Authors: Cheng Chung-Han , Hwang Shaw-Yhi 
Published: January 2025

AbstractParasitoids employ diverse oviposition strategies to enhance offspring survival and maximise fitness gains from hosts. Ladybird parasitoids, significant natural enemies of ladybirds, have the potential to disrupt biocontrol efforts, yet their biology and ecology remain poorly understood. This study investigated the host–parasitoid interaction among three sympatric larval endoparasitoids of Cheilomenes sexmaculata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae): Homalotylus hemipterinus (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), Nothoserphus mirabilis (Hymenoptera: Proctotrupidae) and Oomyzus scaposus (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae). Our objective was to understand host instar preferences from five perspectives related to host profitability, handling difficulty or parasitism decision-making, and to examine the occupation rates of each parasitoid in different host instars. Host profitability was determined by development time, adult offspring dry mass, sex ratio, brood size, parasitism success rate and host handling time. Host handling difficulty was evaluated through host defensive behaviour and handling time. Parasitism decision-making was evaluated through acceptance rate and preference score that considered the first reaction of female wasp to the host. Results showed that each parasitoid responded differently to the host from various perspectives. However, the first two suitable hosts of these parasitoids overlap on the third instar host, with first to third instar hosts being ideal for H. hemipterinus, and third to fourth instar hosts being ideal for N. mirabilis and O. scaposus. In the field, the occupation rate of each parasitoid in third instar host was influenced by the population of N. mirabilis, implying its superior competitiveness. This study reveals the host instar preferences of ladybird parasitoids and highlights the potential for interspecific competition.
Changes in juvenile hormone titres and differential expression of related genes at different stages of Coccinella septempunctata L. female adults supplied with an artificial diet and aphid diet
Authors: Cheng Ying , Zhou Yuhang 
Published: January 2025

AbstractJuvenile hormone (JH) regulates multiple physiological functions in insects including growth, metamorphosis, and reproduction. Juvenile hormone epoxide hydrolase (JHEH) and juvenile hormone esterase (JHE) are degradative enzymes that metabolise JH, and JH receptor (methoprene-tolerant, Met) functions in the regulation of female reproduction and vitellogenesis. In this study, JH titres in Coccinella septempunctata adult females were determined using ultra high-performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry; the JH titres ranged from 0.03 to 0.16 ng g−1 in 5- to 30-day-old female adults. JHEH, JHE, and Met expression were studied in different reproductive stages of C. septempunctata females by quantitative real-time PCR. JHEH transcription levels were highest in 25-day-old female adults and were 1.93-fold higher than expression levels in 5-day-old adults. JHEH and JHE expression levels were inhibited by the addition of JH to the artificial diet. Met expression in C. septempunctata supplied with 3 μl JH in artificial diet was similar to Met transcription in females supplied with an aphid diet, and the results showed that supplementation with 3 μl JH in 582.2 g of artificial diet was the most suitable for reproductive regulation of C. septempunctata. The results of this study provide important insights for the improvement of C. septempunctata artificial diets.
Vapour heat as a potential means of controlling insects in stored dates
Authors: Zinhoum Rasha A. , Negm Amira A. K. H. , El-Shafei W. K. M. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractPost-harvest treatments are very critical in accepting the exported dates. However, stored dates are attacked by a wide range of stored pests causing serious damage to yield. Therefore, this study investigated the efficacy of treating stored dates variety Siwi with vapour heat on almond moth Ephestia cautella (Walker), the Indian meal moth Plodia interpunctella (Hübner), the saw-toothed grain beetle Oryzaephilus surinamensis Linnaeus, the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum (Herbst), and the drugstore beetle Stegobium paniceum (L.) of stored dates. Additionally, the effects of vapour heat on the quality and microbial load of treated dates were examined. The tested insects were infested and randomly distributed to eight positions inside a vapour heat chamber at 46.5°C and 95% relative humidity for 30 min. The results showed that a 120 cm height from the vapour heat source led 100% mortality in all tested insects. Furthermore, the treatment of vapour heat had a great efficacy to eliminate infestations. Meanwhile, the vapour heat treatment slightly reduced the microbial load of stored dates, and non-significantly (P ≤ 0.05) affected the chemical and physical characteristics of the stored dates. Therefore, vapour heat is a safe and environmentally friendly insect pest control alternative for exported dates.
More eggs are not more sires: long-term monogamy reduces fertility in a predatory ladybird
Authors: Steindorff Gabriela Streppel , Pontes Wendel José Teles 
Published: January 2025

AbstractMultiple mating is a behaviour observed across various polyandrous insect species. It is suggested that, in ladybirds, this strategy of multiple copulations is used to enhance fecundity and fertility through sperm replenishment. Studies on sperm depletion need to correlate fertility with the presence of spermatozoa in the spermatheca. This study investigates the role of sperm replenishment in the ladybird Cryptolaemus montrouzieri. We hypothesised that females of this species exhibit fecundity and fertility rates proportional to the number of sperm replenishment opportunities (constant, periodic or absent). We observed oviposition behaviour and hatching rates over 30 days, and simultaneously tested for sperm depletion in females that copulated once. We dissected the spermathecae at four post-copulation moments to count spermatozoa under a microscope. Our results indicate that a single copulation suffices to maintain fertility for at least 30 days. Females with constant replenishment opportunities exhibited higher fecundity but lower fertility and increased mortality, suggesting a reproductive cost associated with frequent mating. Females with no replenishment during the experiment, exhibited the highest hatchability rate and lowest oviposition. Periodic copulation resulted in optimal female mating rate, with average fertility and fecundity. A plausible hypothesis would be that paired females choose to fertilise fewer eggs from a single male but are unable to control the effects of the oviposition stimulus induced by the male's presence. These findings have implications for the management and rearing of C. montrouzieri in biological control programmes, optimizing mating strategies for mass production.
Reconsidering remission in recurrent late-life depression: clinical presentation and phenotypic predictors of relapse following successful antidepressant treatment
Authors: Taylor Warren D. , Butters Meryl A. , Elson Damian , Szymkowicz Sarah M. , Jennette Kyle , Baker Kiara , Renfro Brianca , Georgaras Angie , Krafty Robert , Andreescu Carmen , Ajilore Olusola 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackground:Late-life depression (LLD) is characterized by repeated recurrent depressive episodes even with maintenance treatment. It is unclear what clinical and cognitive phenotypic characteristics present during remission predict future recurrence.Methods:Participants (135 with remitted LLD and 69 comparison subjects across three institutions) completed baseline phenotyping, including psychiatric, medical, and social history, psychiatric symptom and personality trait assessment, and neuropsychological testing. Participants were clinically assessed every two months for two years while receiving standard antidepressant treatment. Analyses examined group differences in phenotypic measure using general linear models. Concurrent associations between phenotypic measures and diagnostic groups were examined using LASSO logistic regression.Results:Sixty (44%) LLD participants experienced a relapse over the two-year period. Numerous phenotypic measures across all domains differed between remitted LLD and comparison participants. Only residual depressive symptom severity, rumination, medical comorbidity, and executive dysfunction significantly predicted LLD classification. Fewer measures differed between relapsing and sustained remission LLD subgroups, with the relapsing group exhibiting greater antidepressant treatment intensity, greater fatigue, rumination, and disability, higher systolic blood pressure, greater life stress and lower instrumental social support. Relapsing group classification was informed by antidepressant treatment intensity, lower instrumental social support, and greater life stress.Conclusions:A wide range of phenotypic factors differed between remitted LLD and comparison groups. Fewer measures differed between relapsing and sustained remission LLD subgroups, with less social support and greater stress informing vulnerability to subsequent relapse. This research suggests potential targets for relapse prevention and emphasizes the need for clinically translatable relapse biomarkers to inform care.
A systematic review of pre-pandemic resilience factors and mental health outcomes in adolescents and young adults during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Wiedemann Anna , Gupta Radhika , Okey Catherine , Galante Julieta , Jones Peter B. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Adolescence and young adulthood are sensitive developmental periods to environmental influences. Investigating pre-emptive measures against stressors, such as those associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, on mental health is crucial. We aimed to synthesize evidence on pre-pandemic resilience factors shaping youth mental health outcomes during this period. For this pre-registered systematic review, we searched seven databases for longitudinal studies of youth populations affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, assessing a priori defined resilience factors at the individual, family, or community level before the pandemic. Studies required validated mental health or wellbeing measures collected both before and during the pandemic. Study quality was assessed using the corresponding NIH Quality Assessment Tool. From 4,419 unique records, 32 studies across 12 countries were included, using 46 distinct resilience measures. Due to the heterogeneity of study designs, we applied a narrative synthesis approach, finding that resilience factors were generally associated with better mental health outcomes both prior to and during the pandemic. However, most factors did not mitigate pandemic-related mental health effects. Nonetheless, family-level resilience factors emerged as promising under specific conditions. Study quality was generally fair, with concerns in resilience assessment and sampling quality. Future research should prioritize rigorous study designs and comprehensive resilience assessments.