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Navicula subphyllepta sp. nov. (Naviculaceae, Bacillariophyceae), a new brackish diatom species from France
No full textAbstract: A new brackish-water diatom species, Navicula subphyllepta Contamine, Beauger & Van de Vijver sp. nov., is described from a managed canal in the Marais Poitevin (Vend & eacute;e, western France). This taxon was initially misidentified as Navicula phyllepta K & uuml;tzing, but detailed morphological analysis using light and scanning electron microscopy revealed significant differences in valve dimensions, stria density, and ultrastructural features of the central area and raphe system. The new species was dominant in a pelagic sample from a moderately alkaline site characterized by high conductivity and elevated sulfate and bromide concentrations, reflecting a strong brackish influence. Navicula subphyllepta is compared to similar species, including 1205527114 N. phyllepta, N. phylleptosoma, N. salinarum, andN. lindae, from which it is clearly separated by a combination of morphometric and structural features. The new species is observed seasonally in both planktonic and benthic assemblages. Its description contributes to the growing recognition of taxonomic diversity in brackish diatom floras, which remain understudied in Western Europe
Behavioral experiments to reduce food loss and waste : a meta-analysis
No full textAbstract: Food loss and food waste put pressure on society, the environment and the economy. A variety of experimental interventions to reduce food loss and waste have been conducted, as well as several review studies. However, it remains unclear which intervention is the most effective and which characteristics contribute to the effectiveness. As there is an urgent need to reduce food loss and waste, it is important to know how this reduction can be achieved effectively. Following the PRISMA guidelines, we conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess which type of interventions are most effective in reducing food loss and waste, focusing on pretestposttest-control experiments and considering the whole food supply chain. Twenty articles meet all inclusion criteria, of which nineteen focus on consumers and nineteen concentrate on high-income countries. Overall, a significant but small effect of the food waste reduction interventions is found (dPPC = -0.258). However, not all intervention types resulted in a significant effect. Several of the tested design characteristics significantly influence the effect size (such as using a theoretical framework, the country in which the study is conducted, the type of intervention and the duration of the study). Only a few studies performed long-term follow-ups, and the interventions' effects were not found to be sustainable. Based on these findings, recommendations for future research are formulated related to three major topics: what should be examined in further research, how different food loss and waste behavioral experiments can become more consistent, and what should be reported
Visualized analysis on thermal runaway related research trends for lithium-ion batteries : a bibliometric study
No full textAbstract: It is well known that lithium-ion batteries(LIBs) plays an important role in the energy storage space. This bibliometric study presents a visualized analysis of research trends related to lithium-ion batteries thermal runaway (LIBsTR) from 1996 to 2024. The annual publication trend shows exponential growth, transitioning from a niche concern to a mainstream priority in battery science. China leads in research output, followed by the United States, while European nations contribute high-quality but fragmented work. Chinese academic institutions are highly productive in this field. Co-authorship analysis reveals a centralized research ecosystem dominated by Chinese teams, with emerging open-collaboration models. The Journal of Energy Storage and the Journal of Power Sources are among the most productive journals, and the latter has the highest citation influence. Citation analysis indicates that top-cited papers have significantly impacted the field, with Chinese-affiliated authors becoming prominent post-2015. Keyword analysis shows that "thermal runaway," "lithium-ion battery," and "safety" are core topics. Four keyword clusters identify different research focuses, including battery components, thermal management, battery state diagnosis, and thermal runaway mechanisms. The research evolution has shifted from basic understanding to practical applications. Future research should focus on data-driven methods, early-warning systems, battery thermal management, and the development of high-power and high-energydensity battery safety technologies. However, this study has limitations, such as relying solely on the WoS database and potential tool-related restrictions
Evidence for pathogenicity of BRCA2 c.8351G>A p.(Arg2784Gln) and the challenges in classification of pathogenic variants with reduced penetrance
No full textAbstract: Background The BRCA2 c.8351G>A p.(Arg2784Gln) variant has long been classified as a variant of uncertain significance (VUS) due to conflicting evidence used in variant classification. This study aims to clarify its pathogenicity and associated risks for breast and ovarian cancer. Methods This study was conducted by the international Evidence-based Network for the Interpretation of Germline Mutant Alleles consortium. We collected data from 29 informative families with this variant. Co-segregation likelihood ratios (LRs) were calculated using the full-likelihood method to assess pathogenicity, and cancer risks were estimated with modified segregation analysis. Results Co-segregation analysis using a grid search across scaled penetrance levels for BRCA2 truncating variants yielded the strongest evidence in favour of pathogenicity, with LR maximised at approximately 20% of full penetrance (LR=11.026). Furthermore, estimated breast cancer risks were markedly higher for early onset breast cancer; women diagnosed at = 50 years. The estimated lifetime risks were 25% for breast cancer and 6% for ovarian cancer. Evidence of pathogenicity was also supported by the presence of the variant allele in two patients with Fanconi anaemia.Results Co-segregation analysis using a grid search across scaled penetrance levels for BRCA2 truncating variants yielded the strongest evidence in favour of pathogenicity, with LR maximised at approximately 20% of full penetrance (LR=11.026). Furthermore, estimated breast cancer risks were markedly higher for early onset breast cancer; women diagnosed at = 50 years. The estimated lifetime risks were 25% for breast cancer and 6% for ovarian cancer. Evidence of pathogenicity was also supported by the presence of the variant allele in two patients with Fanconi anaemia. Conclusions Our results indicate that BRCA2 c.8351G>A p.(Arg2784Gln) has a disease-causing effect, with reduced penetrance, similar to other pathogenic variants in moderate risk breast cancer genes such as ATM and CHEK2. We also provide risk-adapted recommendations for clinical management. Importantly, one should be aware of a reduced penetrance as the underlying reason for conflicting results among pieces of evidence used for variant classification
Shaping the future of human biomonitoring (HBM) : progress, strategy, and global vision from ISES Europe and the HBM Global Network
No full textAbstract: Human biomonitoring (HBM) continues to play an indispensable role within exposure science, offering insights into aggregate chemical exposures across populations and life stages. Since 2018, the European chapter of the International Society of Exposure Science Human Biomonitoring Working Group (ISES Europe HBM WG) has aimed to facilitate generation of more and high-quality HBM data. The working group aims to strengthen integration of HBM data into regulatory frameworks through improved study design, harmonized methodologies, and enhanced reporting practices. Key achievements in the past seven years include the harmonization of HBM metadata through development of minimum information requirements for HBM (MIR-HBM), development of chemical-specific BASIC Guides for occupational health and hygiene professionals, and establishment of the FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) Environmental and Health Registry (FAIREHR) to enhance data transparency and reusability. Recognizing the need for broader impact, the HBM Global Network was launched in 2025 to promote worldwide collaboration, capacity building, and policy integration. Together, ISES Europe HBM WG and the HBM Global Network form a coordinated platform with shared governance, strategic priorities, and digital infrastructure. This short communication outlines the progress to date, strategic pillars guiding our work, and ongoing initiatives linking science, policy, and practice. We call on researchers, regulators, and stakeholders worldwide to join these networks, strengthen harmonized approaches, and ensure that HBM becomes a cornerstone of 21st-century chemical risk governance
Recovery of multiple polyol grades from complex flexible polyurethane foams by depolymerization with alkanolamines
No full textAbstract: The chemical recycling of polyurethane (PU) foams is limited by their chemical complexity, especially in multi-polyol formulations, resulting in low recovery rates of high-value products. This study presents a novel chemical depolymerization approach using diethanolamine (DEA) to achieve three-phase separation and maximize recovery of aromatic amines derived from isocyanates. Reaction parameters including temperature, reaction time, and DEA:PU ratio were evaluated, identifying optimal conditions (240 degrees C, 30 min, DEA:PU 2:1 by mass) that consistently produced a clear three-phase separation and yielded methylenedianiline (MDA) at 89 % of the theoretical maximum. Layer analysis revealed a distinct component distribution: the top and middle phases contained mainly polyols (82.7 % Polyol 1, 87.4 % Polyol 2, respectively), while the bottom phase was predominantly MDA and unreacted DEA. Urea-containing intermediates formed under milder conditions, gradually decomposing into aromatic amines under extended reaction times, revealed aminolysis as the dominant reaction pathway. The method was successfully applied to MDI-and TDI-based foams, with up to five polyols, and to mixed foams, demonstrating robustness and versatility. A predictive test, mixing polyols and cleaving agents at room temperature, reliably indicated the feasibility of three-phase separation even before depolymerization. Testing other cleaving agents showed that alkanolamines with primary or secondary amines, such as 2-aminoethanol, can also induce three-phase separation. The potential of other amines requires further investigation for optimized and efficient macroscopic phase separation
The coach matters : facilitating characteristics of PLC coaches within the context of a professional development trajectory for school leaders
No full textAbstract: Group coaching for school leaders can make a positive contribution to supporting professional and school development. Little research has focused on the effect of group coaching as an integrated approach during a professional development trajectory. To maximize effectiveness, empirical research on perceived key factors is essential. A professional development trajectory for school leaders with integrated professional learning communities provided an opportunity to examine the experienced impact of coach characteristics linked to the coaching approach, coaching skills and coaching expertise on outcomes. Based on mixed-method research, we can conclude that the PLC coach matters. Depending on the didactic approach and coaching skills applied by the coach, school leaders sometimes experienced that coaching had a major impact on their ability to convert insights into concrete actions, as well as on their desire to continue working on the content of the trajectory. Both school leaders and coaches perceived that coaches with a large amount of domain expertise but little in the area of coaching were less effective than those more skilled with coaching and with less domain-specific knowledge. Nevertheless, both are important: coaches should use existing expertise in the development process, taking into account the needs and expectations of school leaders. Mediating factors that influenced the experienced effectiveness of PLC coaching were also examined
Methodology for the design of educational digital interfaces applying neurodesign concepts
No full textAbstract: The development of digital teaching aids responds to the advances in the application of technologies in educational processes. Their design must be based on the analysis of the characteristics and needs of the students, the training process and the digital context. The selection of the conceptual, visual, relational and interactive elements of these aids define the user interface, which have a conceptual basis from the application of neurosciences. The neurodesign of educational digital interfaces is the result of a multidisciplinary research process that supports the configuration of visual and interactive elements, in order to guarantee the motivation and effectiveness of communication and therefore contributes to the learning processes. On the other hand, there are methodologies for the design applied to digital environments, graphic design, and the development of educational software, however, they do not have analysis dimensions that respond to the integration from the neurocognitive, didactic, semiotic-visual and techno-formative point of view for the design of educational digital interfaces, focused on guaranteeing learning processes with the most effective technologies. Based on the above, the objective of the research is to develop a methodology for the design of educational digital interfaces using the application of neurodesign. These references allowed for the conception of four phases of the methodology: Phase I: where the users, the teaching process and the available technology are diagnosed; the design objectives are defined; the design hypothesis is formulated and the communicative intention of the user interface is determined. Phase II: aimed at selecting the interface components according to their characteristics, established requirements, and determining their visual codes. Phase III: the user interface of the educational software is developed, visual elements and structure of the screens, interaction design, information architecture, and the navigation map from requirements, creating partial tests that validate its conception. Phase IV: which responds to the validation of the interface with real users through satisfaction tests involving the work team, stakeholders, and potential users in the deployment context
Development of methods for species-specific quantitation of Eimeria oocysts in mixed vaccines for chickens and turkeys
No full textAbstract: Coccidiosis in chickens and turkeys is caused by various closely related Eimeria species. The infection is transmitted through the fecal-oral route and may lead to large outbreaks that are difficult to mitigate, hence leading to considerable economic losses. The current standard in-feed use of anticoccidials suffers from disadvantages such as increasing drug-resistance, residues in food for human consumption, and legislative pressure to reduce antimicrobial use. The alternative control method is based on the use of multivalent (attenuated) vaccines for which the EU-regulatory authorities require stringent quality criteria for species composition and viability, overall immunogenicity, and vaccine stability. Unfortunately, these data are currently only obtained in expensive and time-consuming in vivo immunization and challenge experiments. In an attempt to overcome the need for these in vivo experiments, this thesis focused on the development of novel in vitro laboratory methodologies by using a combination of flow cytometry and molecular methods for oocyst speciation and viability assessment to better define vaccine composition and batch release characteristics. To enable quantitation of species-specific viability of oocysts in a multivalent vaccine, permeabilization of the notoriously impermeable oocyst wall was required, which was achieved by developing a detergent-enhanced oocyst viability staining technique. As oocysts of poultry Eimeria species are genetically and morphologically very similar, hereby complicating straightforward species identification, flow cytometric sorting in combination with innovative digital PCR technology using Sequence Characterized Amplified Region (SCAR) primers was implemented. Species quantitation was further refined by applying correction factors that account for DNA extraction efficiency, PCR efficiency and SCAR copy numbers in chicken and turkey Eimeria species. The resulting assay was extensively validated for its intended use as a batch release test and was shown to be applicable across multiple stages of vaccine production, including shelf-life determination and vaccine formulation optimization. In summary, the PhD thesis describes the development and validation of a novel in vitro laboratory method to quickly determine the species-specific volumetric viability during vaccine development and in the final multivalent coccidiosis vaccine product, providing a novel way to perform batch release testing without the need of animal testing. A provisional patent application of the developed technique has been filed (No. PCT/US2025/032408)
CH\u2084 conversion in nanosecond pulsed plasma : is it pyrolysis?
No full textAbstract: chemistry and energy production. However, the fundamental plasma-chemical pathways leading to H2, olefins, and soot precursors remain insufficiently understood. This study addresses these knowledge gaps by investigating CH4 conversion in a nanosecond pulsed discharge through a combined experimental and modelling approach. A zero-dimensional kinetic model is developed, incorporating excitation, ionisation, dissociation, and radical recombination reactions to capture the plasma-chemical dynamics. The model predictions were validated by gas chromatography measurements across a pressure range of 0.5\u2013 2.0 bar. The CH4 conversion averaged 3c17%, with H2 and C2H2 as the main products. The best performance was obtained at 2.0 bar, yielding an energy cost of 272 kJ mol 121 . The simulations and experiments consistently revealed that both power density and gas temperature critically influence species formation, highlighting the interplay between plasma-induced and thermal (pyrolysis) processes during the nanosecond pulse and in the afterglow, respectively. The reaction mechanism clarifies the relative importance of electron impact processes versus thermally driven chemistry, as well as the growth routes toward solid carbon and soot precursors. By correlating kinetic modelling with time-resolved plasma conditions, this work provides new insights into the elementary steps governing CH4 decomposition in nanosecond pulsed plasmas. Overall, this study advances our understanding of plasma-driven CH4 valorisation and establishes a framework for distinguishing plasma-specific effects from conventional thermal pyrolysis