bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic evidence identifies a causal relationship between EBV infection and multiple myeloma risk
Authors: Li Jian , Tan Rong , Yang Bing , Du Changpu , Tian Jie , Yang Zhu , Tang Dongxin 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Background: Previous observational studies have suggested a potential association between Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection and the development of multiple myeloma (MM), but this relationship is not clear. Therefore, we conducted a systematic Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to investigate the causal relationship between EBV infection and the risk of MM, while exploring the possible mediating role of immune cells in this association. Methods: The study first conducted a two-sample MR analysis using the MM R11 dataset from the FinnGen Consortium to evaluate the causal relationship between five EBV infection-related antibodies (AEB-IgG, EA-D, EBNA-1, VCA-p18, and ZEBRA) and MM, with validation in the MM R10 dataset. A reverse MR analysis was then performed. For significant results, multivariable MR (MVMR) was used to adjust for the effects of confounding risk factors. Next, a two-step MR mediation analysis was applied to investigate the potential mediating role of 731 immune cell types between positive exposure and MM. Multiple sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the robustness of the findings. Results: A two-sample MR study found that EBNA-1 antibodies (OR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.06–1.73; P = 0.015) were associated with an increased risk of MM, with similar results observed in the FinnGen Consortium R10 replication study. Although the association did not remain statistically significant after false discovery rate (FDR) adjustment (P_fdr = 0.075), further adjustment for relevant confounders using multivariable MR (MVMR) demonstrated that EBNA-1 antibodies (OR = 1.33, 95% CI: 1.01–1.75; P = 0.041) were still significantly associated with an increased risk of MM. Reverse MR analysis indicated no causal effect of MM on EBV-related antibodies. A two-sample MR analysis involving 731 immune cell phenotypes identified 27 potential mediating cell types. Ultimately, two-step MR confirmed that HLA-DR on myeloid dendritic cells (HLA-DR⁺ mDC) serves as a mediating factor, with EBNA-1 antibodies downregulating HLA-DR⁺ mDC, thereby increasing MM risk. Multiple sensitivity analyses supported the robustness of these findings. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that EBNA-1 antibodies may increase the risk of MM by downregulating HLA-DR⁺ mDC. This indicates that chronic EBV infection may contribute to an elevated risk of MM. We hope these results provide new insights for future research on the prevention and treatment of MM.
Updates on Auditory Outcomes of COVID-19 and Vaccine Side Effects: An Umbrella Review
Authors: Jafari Zahra , Kolb Bryan E. , Aiken Steven , Wilson Sarah 
Published: February 2025

Purpose:
This umbrella review synthesizes and discusses systematic reviews (SRs) and meta-analyses (MAs) on auditory outcomes associated with COVID-19 infection and vaccination side effects. It is innovative in offering a comprehensive synthesis of evidence across adults and infants while summarizing vaccine-related auditory side effects.

Method:
This literature search followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 guidelines, with no restrictions on population age or symptom severity. Four electronic databases were searched from their inception to October 2024. The Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews 2 checklist and Risk of Bias in Systematic Reviews tool were used to assess the quality of evidence and the risk of bias.

Results:

The systematic search identified 534 articles, narrowed down to 14 SRs following a full-text review: Nine focused on auditory outcomes of COVID-19; two, on outcomes in infants born to mothers infected during pregnancy; and three, on the auditory side effects of vaccination. A random-effects model revealed significantly high pooled estimates of hearing loss (5.0%, 95% CI [1.0, 9.0],
p
< .012, three MAs,
N
= 21,932) and tinnitus (13.5%, 95% CI [5.9, 21.1],
p
≤ .001, four MAs,
N
= 36,236) in adults. However, current evidence in nonhospitalized patients indicates that auditory symptoms often improve after recovery. Studies also show a low rate of hearing loss in infants whose mothers contracted COVID-19 during pregnancy. Similarly, whereas COVID-19 vaccination has been linked to hearing loss and tinnitus, these effects are rare, and most patients experience improvement within weeks to months.

Conclusions:
Evidence suggests a significantly high rate of hearing loss and tinnitus associated with COVID-19 in adults, although auditory symptoms remain rare in newborns and following vaccination. However, caution is warranted due to limitations and variability across the studies.
Optimal Control Using IsoCost‐Based Dynamic Programming
Authors: Alvankarian Fatemeh , Kalhor Ahmad , Masouleh Mehdi Tale 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTIn this paper, a novel data‐driven optimal control method based on reinforcement learning concepts is introduced. The proposed algorithm performs as a workaround to solving the Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman equation. The main concept behind the proposed algorithm is the so‐called IsoCost hypersurface (ICHS), which is a hypersurface in the state space of the system formed by points from which a specific amount of cost is spent by the control strategy in order to asymptotically stabilize the system. The fact that the control strategy requires to spend equal costs in order to stabilize all points on an ICHS is the reason for the naming of the IsoCost concept. Additional assumptions and definitions are mentioned before providing the theory of ICHS optimality. This theory proves, by contradiction, that the ICHS corresponding to the optimal control policy surrounds the ICHSs corresponding to other non‐optimal control solutions. This paves the path to finding the optimal control solution using dynamic programming. The proposed method is implemented on the linear, fixed‐base inverted pendulum, cart‐pole and torsional pendulum bar system models and the results are compared with that of literature. The performance of this method in terms of cost, settling time and computation time is shown using numeric and illustrative comparisons.
DRSE‐YOLO: Efficient and Lightweight Architecture for Accurate Waste Detection
Authors: Sun Guangling , Zhang Fenqi 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTThis paper introduces DRSE‐YOLO, an efficient waste detection model designed to address detection accuracy and lightweight design challenges. The RCCA module in the model's neck enhances multi‐scale feature representation, thereby improving detection performance. The DySample module optimizes upsampling through adaptive point‐sampling, reducing computational demands and improving resource efficiency. The Slim‐Neck module is applied to select convolutional layers and C2f modules to streamline the model and enhance computational efficiency. The ECC‐Head integrates asymmetric depth convolution, point convolution, and an attention mechanism, balancing accuracy with reduced parameters and computational load. Evaluated on a custom dataset comprising 46 waste classes and approximately 25,000 images, DRSE‐YOLO achieves significant improvements over YOLOv8n, including a higher mAP@0.5 (+1.59%) and mAP@0.5:95 (+2.08%), alongside a reduced parameter count (2.43 M vs. 3.2 M) and GFLOPs (5.8 vs. 8.2, a 24.4% reduction). These results underscore DRSE‐YOLO's efficiency and accuracy.
Negotiating the ethical terrain in global value chains on the road towards the SDGs
Authors: Sinkovics Noemi , Hoque Samia Ferdous , Sinkovics Rudolf R. , Gunaratne Denanjalee 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
This paper employs a pattern matching approach to explore the tensions arising from differences in the ethical dispositions of multinational enterprise (MNE) buyers and their suppliers within the Bangladeshi apparel manufacturing sector. It examines how varying ethical principles shape the development, implementation, and outcomes of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and labor standards. Our analysis resulted in the identification of four scenarios: legitimacy with friction, mitigated forced alignment, collaborative enhancement, and principled resistance. However, the scenario, principled resistance, is purely conceptual, as none of our empirical cases aligned with this category. We extend work highlighting the importance of ethical foundations for strategic decision making. This study advances the understanding of global value chain governance, particularly regarding MNEs’ contribution to the socially oriented Sustainable Development Goals. Our findings suggest that, out of the four scenarios, the combination of virtue ethics and consequentialist principles is most likely to facilitate a just transition to a more desirable state in contexts characterized by development challenges and institutional voids.
Schrödinger’s field equation
Authors: Mroczkowski Jacek 
Published: February 2025

The intrinsic and dynamic kinetic energies and the potential energies of electron states in the hydrogen atom were determined using the operator formalism in Schrödinger’s nonrelativistic equation. Intrinsic energies were determined using the momentum operator, while for ℓ ≠ 0, the additional dynamic energies of the spinning fields were determined using the angular momentum operator. All 10 states up to the principal quantum number n = 3 and all 4 m states of n = 7, l = 3 were analyzed. The two forms of kinetic energy can only be explained with an electron field representation. All total kinetic and potential energies conformed with the well-known 1/n2 rule. Angular momentum analysis of the 2P1/2 state provided a field spinning rate; in addition, the dynamic kinetic energy of the spinning field determined by both operator analysis and explicit calculation based on the spinning rate gave the same energy results.
Analysis of Garbage Management on Urban Beaches: A Case Study in Natal-RN, Brazil
Authors: de Oliveira Aylla A.T. , Ferreira Lissa V.F. , de Barbosa José W.Q. 
Published: February 2025

Summary
The City of Natal (Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil) is strongly linked to sun and beach tourism. Urban beaches attract national and international visitors. In view of its attractiveness, this case study evaluates the garbage management carried out at two beaches located in Natal: Praia do Meio Beach and Ponta Negra Beach. The study used an interview script applied to 145 tourists and residents and a checklist. It was based on an adaptation of the dustbin check methodology, which consists of checking or observing the garbage. The findings revealed that there is a contrasting scenario between the two beaches, as well as a lack of inspection on the part of public management. Regarding Praia do Meio Beach, the treatment of the garbage was rated as “average” by most interviewees, in terms of the collection of discarded materials. At Ponta Negra Beach, on the other hand, this issue was rated more positively.

Information
© The Authors 2025
Understanding hydrogen and heat diffusion across c-Si/a-Si:H heterojunctions for improved thermal management in solar cells fabrication
Authors: Dettori Riccardo , Melis Claudio , Colombo Luciano 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
c-Si/a-Si:H-based solar cells are characterized by impressive efficiencies for silicon based devices. In this paper, we present a comprehensive atomistic simulation study of the structural and transport properties of crystalline silicon and hydrogenated amorphous silicon heterostructures for photovoltaic applications. By leveraging state-of-the-art molecular dynamics simulations with a machine-learned force field, we explore the effects of thermal boundary resistance as well as hydrogen diffusion on device performance. The simulations reveal the dependence of thermal properties on crystalline orientations, cooling rates of the amorphous layer, and interface morphology. A systematic investigation of hydrogen diffusion demonstrates its impact on heat transport and structural stability, highlighting the role of moderate hydrogenation (≤ 10%) and specific orientations in enhancing thermal dissipation and reducing degradation. These findings provide atomistic insights into optimizing c-Si/a-Si:H interfaces, enabling improved thermal management and long-term stability for high-performance solar cells.
Students’ perceptions of the assessment in physics lessons
Authors: Kozelková Katarína 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Assessment plays an important role in teaching and learning. Within the assessment, teachers and students interact to obtain the information needed to improve learning. As the learning can be supported by the quality assessment, the survey was conducted at the lower and upper-secondary schools to investigate the assessment and feedback students were given. The aim of the study was to find out how the students perceived the obtained assessment. The paper describes the results of the preliminary survey on the students’ perceptions of the assessment in physics lessons and compared them to the teachers’ ideas about how the students experience the assessment.
The theory of the Five Pillars of the Mind and Physics Education
Authors: Červeňová Daša , Demkanin Peter 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Neurosciences significantly influence shifts in knowledge in many various fields nowadays. Outcomes of neuroscientific studies help elucidate many phenomena, especially ones occurring during the learning process. The neuroscientific subfield that transdisciplinary studies cognitive development is called educational neuroscience. Many theories proposing to promote education, in general, have been published. The theory of the Five Pillars of the Mind, formulated by Tokuhama-Espinosa, is one of them. This article proposes an example of applying this theory to physics education. We aim to develop a method for using this theory to understand selected parts of the teaching-learning process deeply.
The relationship between the thermodynamic and Boltzmann entropies: the role of degrees of freedom.
Authors: Sands David 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
This paper shows that the statistical and thermodynamic entropies are not generally equivalent. However, they are connected as changes in the internal energy cause changes to the distribution of energy among the effective number of active degrees of freedom in a system. In systems in which the heat capacity is independent of temperature, such as an ideal, classical gas, the number of degrees of freedom is independent of temperature and the two are seen to be equivalent. In more complex systems it is necessary to define an effective number of degrees of freedom. This is done for some solids and it is shown that in such cases that the thermodynamic entropy is not the same as the Boltzmann entropy. The consequences for the chemical potential are explored and the educational implications are discussed.
Trustworthiness as Central Design Principle for Introducing Uncertainties of Measurements to Students
Authors: Nagel Clemens 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Two curricula for the introduction of measurement uncertainties for high school students have been developed. The central design principle was “trustworthiness of experiments and data” following the GUM (Guide to the Expression of Uncertainties in Measurement) recommendations of Type-A and Type-B methods. A time-delayed test demonstrated the long-term acceptance of the key ideas. In lower secondary level, the curriculum starts with an experiment that leads to measurement uncertainties. Sources for uncertainties and the trustworthiness are discussed and data are analysed by simple statistical means. In upper secondary level, students first build a measuring instrument by themselves for introducing Type-B uncertainties. Both curricula together provide a complete introduction in ISO standardized methods how to deal with uncertainties of measurement. It turned out that trustworthiness as a central design principle for curricula to introduce measurement uncertainties in lower and upper secondary high school, is an effective approach to ensuring a thorough comprehension of the concept of uncertainties.
Surprising and interesting projects with Coach – some myths and some facts
Authors: Demkanin Peter , Ellermeijer Ton , Novotná Silvia , Červeňová Daša 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Decades of software and hardware environment development and research on utilising such environments for physics education at lower secondary and higher secondary schools brought us to the state that some myths related to these arose. In this contribution, we briefly bring readers to the state 15 years ago and cite some of our findings from 2008. Then, we mention three well-known myths related to general education and various ways of creating myths. Myths naturally exist because humans want things to be easy. Some myths associated with the topic of this contribution were true using old technologies. In such a background, we meander quite widely around, and we continue to discuss the main topic of this contribution, surprising and interesting projects proposed by groups of students. We conclude with notes on which topics we are much further than 15 years ago and how to proceed.
Spatiotemporal variability in global lakes turbidity derived from satellite imageries
Authors: Wu Defeng , Tang Ting , Odermatt Daniel , Liu Wenfeng 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Turbidity is a key indicator of water quality and has a significant impact on underwater light availability of lakes. But the spatiotemporal variability of turbidity in global lakes, which is important for understanding comprehensive changes in the water quality and status of aquatic ecosystems, remains unclear. In this study, changes in turbidity of 774 lakes worldwide have been investigated using monthly turbidity time series derived from satellite imageries. We found that 63.4% of lakes show widespread low turbidity (≤ 5 Nephelometric Turbidity Units), mainly in North America, Europe, and the Tibetan Plateau, while African lakes are dominated by high turbidity. The average turbidity in lakes is significantly higher than that in deep lakes, while there is no significant difference in average turbidity and turbidity changes between natural lakes and reservoirs. About 72% of the lakes show statistically significant turbidity changes from January 2017 to December 2022 (40% decreasing and 32% increasing). Turbidity decreased in many lakes in North America and the Rift Valley in Africa, while increased in lakes on the Tibetan plateau and in tropical regions. Positive covariates include wind speed of lake, slope, surface runoff, and population within the catchment. Conversely, negative covariates include lake area, volume, discharge, inflow of lake, and gross domestic product. On the other hand, abundant water volume, favorable flow conditions, and more financial investments in lake management may help to reduce turbidity. These findings highlight the spatiotemporal changes of global lake turbidity and underlying mechanisms in controlling the variability, providing valuable insights for future lake water quality management.
The cliffhanger: the vote in the Commons on 22 March 1831
Authors: Aidt Toke S , Franck Raphaël 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
One of the first roadblocks that the Reform Bill had to overcome was to gain majority support in the Unreformed House of Commons. On 22 March 1831, it passed this test with the narrowest of margins: it was supported by a one-vote majority. This chapter uses this to evaluate econometrically the extent to which three competing theories of democratisation related to social movement agitation, political expedience, or threat of revolution can explain how the members of Parliament (MPs) voted. Peaceful agitation from social movements and mass support for reform played an important role. Political expedience also motivated some MPs to support the Reform Bill, especially if they were elected in constituencies located in counties that would gain seats. Urban violent unrest had some influence on the MPs but played a secondary role. Counterfactual scenarios suggest that the Reform Bill would not have obtained a majority in the Commons without these factors.
The battle with the lords: voting on reform in the House of Lords
Authors: Aidt Toke S , Franck Raphaël 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
This chapter investigates how the Great Reform Act of 1832 overcame the final roadblocks between October 1831 and June 1832–that is, breaking the stalemate between the two houses of Parliament and obtaining a majority amongst the lords. The lords rejected the Reform Bill three times before it was finally accepted on 4 June 1832. The econometric analysis of the roll call data shows that the lords were not moved by threats of social unrest and revolution or convinced by agitation from social movements. They were, instead, motivated by political expedience and eventually swayed by a credible threat from the King that he would create enough new pro-reform lords to carry the bill if the peers kept rejecting it. The unelected lords reacted to a threat from above (from the King), unlike the elected MPs in the House of Commons who reacted to a threat from below.
LC16m8 for Pre-exposure Prophylaxis against Mpox in a High-Risk Population: An Open-Label Randomized Trial
Authors: Okumura Nobumasa , Morino Eriko , Nomoto Hidetoshi , Yanagi Mashiho , Takahashi Kozue , Iwasaki Haruka , Uemura Yukari , Shimizu Yosuke , Mizushima Daisuke , Fukushima Kazuaki , Kinai Ei , Shiojiri Daisuke , Itoda Ichiro , Onoe Yasuhiko , Kobori Yoshitomo , Nakamura Fukumi , Tokita Daisuke , Sugiura Wataru , Ueno Shiori , Ainai Akira , Mine Sohtaro , Suzuki Tadaki , Ohmagari Norio , Ujiie Mugen 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
This randomized controlled trial provided LC16m8 pre-exposure prophylaxis to high-risk individuals to assess its efficacy for mpox prevention, safety, and immunogenicity.

Methods
This multicenter, randomized, open-label trial enrolled men and women aged ≥18 years at high risk of mpox. Participants were randomly assigned 1:1 to early- or late-vaccination groups. The primary endpoint was vaccine efficacy (VE) against mpox. Secondary endpoints included VE against severe mpox, symptoms, “take” incidence, adverse events (AEs), and immunogenicity in participants with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Results
In total, 570 and 565 participants were assigned to early- and late-vaccination groups, respectively, with 530 and 476 vaccinated. The median age was 41 years; 99.7% were male, 89.7% were Japanese, and 34.4% had HIV. No mpox cases occurred, precluding VE calculations. The take rates were 89.5% (with HIV) and 93.9% (without HIV). AEs occurred in 97.2% and 98.2% of participants with and without HIV, respectively. No fatal AEs were observed. Serious adverse events (SAEs) were observed in 2/352 (0.6%) and 3/654 (0.5%) of participants with and without HIV, respectively, of which one SAE causally related to vaccination occurred in a participant without HIV. Seroconversion rates for LC16m8 and MPXV were 96.2% and 69.2%, respectively, in participants with HIV, and 92.0% and 52.0%, respectively, in individuals without HIV.

Conclusions
LC16m8 efficacy in mpox remains inconclusive. However, in individuals with well-controlled HIV, it was immunogenic and raised no significant safety concerns, suggesting its suitability for targeted vaccination of at-risk groups. (Japan Registry of Clinical Trials number, jRCT1031230137)