University of Graz

Colour plays an important role in the sighted world, not only by guiding and warning, but also by helping to make decisions, form opinions, and influence emotional landscape. While not everyone has direct access to this information, even people without colour vision (i.e., blind, achromatope) understand the meanings of colour terms and can assign sensory and affective properties to colours. To learn which aspects of colour are transmitted non-visually, and thus, are pertinent to those without colour vision, we conducted qualitative interviews with 11 participants (2 congenitally blind, 2 early blind, 4 late blind, 2 late blind with synaesthesia, and 1 achromatope). Our thematic analysis revealed that all participants had detailed knowledge of colours and displayed opinions and attitudes. Colour was important to them as it allowed to take part in the sighted world, navigate the surroundings , and communicate with the sighted peers. While participants with non-congenital colour vision absence could remember and even visualise colours, colour was more abstract to participants with congenital colour vision absence. This was possibly a reason why colour was not very important to their personal lives. Nonetheless, all our participants associated colours with diverse objects, concepts, and emotions, and also had colour preferences, indicating that semantic (conceptual, symbolic, affective) meanings of colour can be transmitted without direct visual experience. Future quantitative and qualitative studies are needed for a systematic understanding of such connotations in the visually impaired population, and their implications to those who can and cannot see colour.

We report the synthesis of a series of detergents with a lactobionamide polar head group and a tail containing four to seven perfluorinated carbon atoms. Critical micellar concentrations (CMCs) were determined using isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and surface tension (SFT) measurements, showing a progressive decrease from 27 mM to about 0.2 mM across the series. While the detergent with the longest fluorinated chain exhibited poor water solubility, the other three derivatives were freely soluble. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements indicated an increase in hydrodynamic diameter with chain length, from 5 nm to 17 nm for the soluble derivatives. We evaluated these detergents for extraction and stabilization of two model membrane proteins, the human adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) and the Bacillus subtilis multidrug resistance ABC transporter BmrA. The perfluorohexyl derivative demonstrated strong solubilization capacity, while the perfluoro‐pentyl derivative was more effective for stabilization. The lack of a clear correlation between fluoroalkyl chain length and solubilizing or stabilizing efficacy highlights the importance of screening diverse detergents for membrane‐protein studies.

Apart from objectivity and validity, reliability is considered a precondition for testing within scientific works, as unreliable testing protocols limit conclusions, especially for practical application. Classification guidelines commonly refer to relative reliability, focusing on Pearson correlation coefficients (rp) and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). On those, the standard error of measurement (SEM) and the minimal detectable change (MDC) are often calculated in addition to the variability coefficient (CV). These, however, do not account for systematic or random errors (e.g., standardization problems). To illustrate, we applied common reliability statistics in sports science on simulated data which extended the sample size of two original counter-movement-jump sessions from (youth) elite basketball players. These show that excellent rp and ICC (≥ 0.9) without a systematic bias were accompanied by a mean absolute percentage error of over 20%. Furthermore, we showed that the ICC does not account for systematic errors and has only limited value for accuracy, which can cause misleading conclusions of data. While a simple re-organization of data caused an improvement in relative reliability and reduced limits of agreement meaningfully, systematic errors occurred. This example underlines the lack of validity and objectivity of commonly used ICC-based reliability statistics (SEM, MDC) to quantify the primary and secondary variance sources. After revealing several caveats in the literature (e.g., neglecting of the systematic and random error or not distinguishing between protocol and device reliability), we suggest a methodological approach to provide reliable data collections as a precondition for valid conclusions by, e.g., recommending pre-set acceptable measurement errors.

Frozen sediment accumulations, including rock glaciers, talus, and moraines, constitute complex aquifers in permafrost‐affected terrain. The spatial distribution of permafrost ice largely governs the flow of water through the subsurface, which exhibits a spectrum of flow patterns, ranging from diffuse flow through a porous matrix to concentrated flow along discrete channels. This study characterizes the groundwater flow system within three active rock glaciers drained by springs in the Austrian Alps. We study the alteration of recharge pulses traveling through the rock glaciers to decipher the dominant flow pattern. Key hydraulic properties are explored through a combined evaluation of spring hydrographs and fluorescence tracer tests. Water predominantly flows through a network of channels within the frozen subsurface. This flow is rapid and highly turbulent, implying high energy dissipation and effective heat transfer. Although the channels exhibit large hydraulic diameters, their irregular structure contributes to exceptionally high frictional resistance. These high energy losses accelerate the melting process and promote flow‐melt feedback loops, driving permafrost degradation and facilitating flow concentration. Ultimately, the hydraulic properties of these channel networks influence permafrost thaw, solute transport, lake outburst hazards, and slope stability.

Climate fiction (cli‐fi) increasingly attracts the attention of wider publics and expert science communities. And yet, critiques of its limits and the limits of its efficiency as a tool of persuading broader readerships are also becoming more frequent. This article draws on such critiques and discussions of the limits of representing climate change and related crises. We argue that, first, a focus on the representational capacity of fiction occludes other, equally important, functions of fiction. Second, we aver that such a focus insufficiently reflects on its own didactic bias that leads critics to endorse or even instrumentalize literary narrative for the seemingly obvious good cause of educating or mobilizing readers. The article suggests shifting the focus from mere issues of representation to questions of the effect and impact of reading in the wider conceptual context of climate imaginaries, defined as a shared set of beliefs, practices and norms, that define the scope of individual and collective future‐thinking. It aims to develop a better understanding of the potential links between future‐making and fiction and employs insights from model theory and theories and practices of (climate) modelling—the dominant, authoritative form of future‐making in many disciplines, especially the natural sciences—to propose that cli‐fi can be seen as an important alternative future‐making tool when it is recognized as a form of cultural modelling. This allows us to acknowledge that cli‐fi is a future‐making technology directly impacting climate imaginaries, as the article will show through exemplary readings of two case studies, Jessie Greengrass's novel The High House (2021) and Rory Mullarkey's play Flood (premiered 2018).

Aim Most previous studies have used physical literacy (PL) instruments in children and adolescents, while such studies are lacking among adults. This research aimed to investigate the psychometric properties of the Perceived Physical Literacy Questionnaire (PPLQ) for adults in Southeastern Europe. Subject and methods This study included 519 participants from Croatia with a mean age of 27.46 years, of whom 298 were female. Variables included sociodemographic characteristics and PL levels, which were assessed by the PPLQ translated into the Croatian language (PPLQ-SEE). Confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs) were conducted to examine the hypothesized factor structure. McDonald’s ω was calculated to determine the composite reliability, and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated to estimate the test–retest reliability (n = 122). Results The global fit of the original 24-item model showed acceptable fit indices, except for the CFI (χ²(247) = 640.4, p < 0.001, CFI = 0.871, RMSEA = 0.077 [90% CI 0.064–0.089], SRMR = 0.083). The revised model excluding the knowledge factor demonstrated an acceptable global fit (χ²(99) = 299.7, p < 0.001, CFI = 0.926, RMSEA = 0.069 [90% CI 0.060–0.078], SRMR = 0.071). All domains except the knowledge domain had acceptable composite reliability (ω = 0.63–0.85), and moderate-to-good test–retest reliability (ICC = 0.62–0.89). Conclusion The results of this study indicate that the 16-item PPLQ-SEE can be used in applied research studies for assessing PL in adults when the knowledge domain of the original instrument is removed. Importantly, this questionnaire can also be used in neighboring countries with similar languages (e.g., Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro), which broadens its applicability.

According to the neural efficiency hypothesis (NEH), individuals with higher expertise in a domain use their brain more efficiently when processing domain-specific tasks and show more efficient brain activity than individuals with lower expertise. In this study 64 participants with differing levels of volleyball expertise were recruited to investigate the NEH by means of a volleyball-specific tactical decision-making task. The participants, which were allocated to three different expertise groups (based on prior volleyball experience), saw videos of setting situations of real volleyball matches and were asked to predict the outcome of these situations. Behavioral performance and event-related de-/synchronization (ERD/S) in the EEG theta and alpha bands during the completion of the task, were examined. Our results show significantly higher prediction accuracy in relation to volleyball expertise. Significantly stronger theta synchronization, as well as alpha desynchronization were observed during the tactical prediction condition compared to a control condition. No significant group differences in theta or alpha ERD/S were observed. Descriptive examinations of theta and alpha ERD/S distributions, which revealed mixed results regarding support for the NEH, are discussed. Our findings provide new insights to the ongoing debate on how the NEH applies to the domain of sport.

Background Insecure adult attachment has previously been linked to more severe psychopathology and to alterations within neuronal connectivity on a structural as well as functional level. Little is known about the resting state functional connectivity (rs-FC) of the attachment system in patients suffering from poly-drug use disorder (PUD). Methods The present study investigated rs-FC at two measuring points (t1: ROI-to-ROI; t2: seed-to-voxel) in a sample of PUD patients (n = 33; Age: M = 30y; SD = 8y; Female = 15%). Adult attachment was measured with the German version of the Experiences in Close Relationships Scale (ECR-RD8). Furthermore, insecure attachment was correlated with depressive symptoms (ADS), trait anxiety (STAI) and general psychopathology (BSI-53). Results More insecure attachment was associated with increased trait anxiety, depressive and general psychiatric symptom burden in patients. Furthermore, we observed time-stable links between insecure adult attachment and increased rs-FC between the left lateral parietal default mode network (DMN LP) and bilateral parts of the salience network, as well as decreased rs-FC between DMN LP and medial parts of the DMN. Discussion Implications of the present study are highlighting the association between attachment security and brain areas related to affect regulation.

Over the past decades, missions at the L1 point have been providing solar wind and interplanetary magnetic field measurements that are necessary for forecasting space weather at Earth with high accuracy and a lead time of a few tens of minutes. Improving the lead time, while maintaining a relatively high level of accuracy, can be achieved with missions sunward of L1, so‐called sub‐L1 monitors. However, too much is unknown to plan for sub‐L1 monitors as operational missions: both the orbital requirements of such missions, and the achievable accuracy of forecasts based on their measurements have not been quantitatively defined. We review here some proposed mission concepts and explain the knowledge gaps related to coronal mass ejections (CMEs) that require a space weather research or science mission. We first show how STEREO‐A measurements in 2023 can be used as a proof of concept of the use of sub‐L1 monitor slightly off the Sun‐Earth line to forecast the Dst index. We then highlight that separations of ≲10° $\lesssim 10{}^{\circ}$ are needed to ensure that CMEs measured by a sub‐L1 monitor impact Earth. Next, we show that measurements with angular separations of ≲0.35° $\lesssim 0.35{}^{\circ}$ have negligible errors but separations of a few degrees can result in significant errors in lead time and in the forecasted magnetic field strength of CMEs. We also discuss how CME evolution over the last 0.05–0.2 au before impacting Earth is strongly under‐constrained and needs to be better understood before using measurements of sub‐L1 monitors for real‐time space weather forecasting.

The workshop “Real-world data to document the use of phytopharmaceuticals in children” was organized by the GA Foundation Plants for Health in collaboration with multiple international scientific societies on July 14, 2024, during the International Congress on Natural Products Research in Kraków, Poland. The event focused on leveraging real-world data and real-world evidence to support the use of herbal medicinal products (syn. phytopharmaceuticals) in pediatric care. The workshop aimed to discuss the current state and future approaches for utilizing real-world data/real-world evidence in expanding the use of herbal medicinal products in children and adolescents. Therefore, the workshop highlighted the unmet needs and challenges in documenting the effectiveness and safety of herbal medicinal products in children and emphasized the coordinated exchange and collaboration among academia, industry, and regulatory authorities. After an e-symposium in May 2022 with more than 300 participants and an in-person workshop on this topic in Bonn in June 2023, this workshop in Krakow was the third event of its kind hosted by the Foundation Plants for Health. Participants concluded that interdisciplinary collaboration is highly needed to establish qualified methods of data collection and assessment of real-world data, e.g., establishing requirements to incorporate nonprescription herbal medicinal products into electronic patient records and registries that can be accessed by all stakeholders.

We obtain explicit formulas for the spinor representation $\rho$ of the real orthosymplectic supergroup $\mathrm {OSp}(2p|2q,{\mathbb R })$ by integral “Gauss–Berezin” operators. Next, we extend $\rho$ to a complex domain and get a representation of a larger semigroup, which is a counterpart of Olshanski subsemigroups in semi-simple Lie groups. Further, we show that $\rho$ can be extended to an operator-valued function on a certain domain in the Lagrangian super-Grassmannian (graphs of elements of the supergroup $\mathrm {OSp}(2p|2q,{\mathbb C })$ are Lagrangian super-subspaces) and show that this function is a “representation” in the following sense: we consider Lagrangian subspaces as linear relations, and composition of two Lagrangian relations in general position corresponds to a product of Gauss–Berezin operators.

Objectives This study presents the German version of the Bergen Yale Sex Addiction Scale (BYSAS). The questionnaire screens for different risk levels of problematic excessive sexual behavior (“hypersexuality”). Methods Based on an online sample (N = 492), a confirmatory factor analysis as well as other reliability analysis were conducted. Demographic characteristics of the sample were also assessed. The BYSAS was validated with psychiatric symptoms. Results Global fit statistics indicate a one-factorial structure of the BYSAS. Cronbach’s α was 0.77. 2.03% of the study participants were categorized as “high risk” regarding sex addiction. Discussion Initial results suggest that the German version of the BYSAS is a promising screening instrument for sex addiction. However, further validation in clinical populations is essential to ensure generalizability and clinical utility. In addition, different risk levels as well as the mechanisms underlying hypersexuality need to be examined more closely.

Differential privacy has become a widely popular method for data protection in machine learning, especially since it allows formulating strict mathematical privacy guarantees. This survey provides an overview of the state of the art of differentially private centralized deep learning, thorough analyses of recent advances and open problems, as well as a discussion of potential future developments in the field. Based on a systematic literature review, the following topics are addressed: emerging application domains, differentially private generative models, auditing and evaluation methods for private models, protection against a broad range of threats and attacks, and improvements of privacy-utility tradeoffs.

Four CoII complexes [Co(L¹)(MeOH)] ⋅ MeOH (1 ⋅ MeOH), [Co(L²)(MeOH)] ⋅ MeOH (2 ⋅ MeOH), [Co(L³)(H2O)] ⋅ MeOH (3 ⋅ MeOH) and [Co(L⁴)] (4), derived from tripodal tetradentate phenolic amine arms, H2L¹–4 were synthesized and structurally characterized. The complexes 1 ⋅ MeOH, 2 ⋅ MeOH and 3 ⋅ MeOH displayed distorted trigonal bipyramidal geometry, whereas 4 exhibited distorted tetrahedral geometry, depending on the substituents at the phenolate rings and amine arm. The variation of the coordination geometries and interatomic parameters around the CoII center has an impact on the magnetic behavior of the compounds. The complexes show magnetic anisotropy (ZFS) of the MS= ± ${\pm }$ 1/2 and and ± ${\pm }$ 3/2 sub‐levels, with D=29.1(2), 22.7(1), 28.8(2) and 30.9(5) cm⁻¹ for 1 ⋅ MeOH, 2 ⋅ MeOH, 3 ⋅ MeOH and 4, respectively. The results obtained from ab initio CASSF calculations match well with the experimental data, revealing the origin of magnetic anisotropy. The dynamic ac magnetic investigation of the magnetic susceptibility revealed a slow magnetic relaxation behavior for 2 ⋅ MeOH, 3 ⋅ MeOH and 4. The field‐induced slow relaxation of the magnetization occurred through combination of Raman and Direct processes, depending on the variation in the coordination geometries imposed by the coordinated ligand and/or the interatomic parameters around the CoII center, which in turn have definite impact on the magnetic features of the compounds.

We discuss activation and reaction of CO2 on oxide-supported Au nanoparticles in connection with the preparation and characterization of model systems for heterogeneous catalysts, referring mostly to our own studies in the field. These systems are based on crystalline oxide thin films grown on metal substrates, which allows us to characterize them at the atomic scale. Depending on preparation conditions, the oxide-supported Au nanoparticles assume a particular morphology that is largely controlled by electron transfer from the metal substrate through the oxide film or from dopants in the oxide film. If such an electron transfer to the Au nanoparticles is possible, they assume a two-dimensional morphology and electrons can flow from the particle rim to attached CO2 molecules. This electron transfer leads to the formation of oxalate species that may spill over to the oxide substrate and are available for further reactions. The required structural parameters and the possibilities to monitor the spill-over process are discussed in detail in this paper.

Aim Epigenetic clocks, quantifying biological age through DNA methylation (DNAmAge), have emerged as potential indicators of brain aging. As the variety of DNAmAge algorithms grows, consensus on their efficacy in predicting age‐related changes is lacking. This study aimed to explore the intricate relationship between diverse DNAmAge algorithms and structural and cognitive markers of brain aging. Methods Within a cohort of 796 elderly patients (mean age, 65.8 ± 7.9 years), we scrutinized 11 DNAmAge algorithms, including Horvath, Hannum, Zhang's clocks, PhenoAge, GrimAge, DunedinPACE, and principal component (PC)–based PCHorvath, PCHannum, PCPhenoAge, and PCGrimAge. We evaluated their association with baseline cognition and cognitive decline, assessed through follow‐up evaluations at three (T1) and six (T2) years postbaseline. Additionally, we examined their relationship with structural magnetic resonance imaging markers of brain aging, including white matter. Results Zhang's clock was the best predictor of decline in memory ( β = −0.04) and global cognition ( β = −0.03), whereas PCGrimAge was the best predictor of speed decline ( β = −0.17). The DNAmAge algorithms were the second‐best predictors in explaining cognitive variability after education in memory and global cognition ( R ² partial = 1.66% to 2.82%) and the best predictors for speed decline ( R ² partial = 2.13%). PC‐trained DNAmAge algorithms outperformed their respective original version. Conclusion DNAmAge algorithms are strong and independent predictors of cognitive decline in the normal elderly population and explain additional variability in cognitive decline beyond that accounted for by conventional risk factors.

Color centers are promising single-photon emitters owing to their operation at room temperature and high photostability. In particular, using nanodiamonds as a host material is of interest for sensing and metrology. Furthermore, being a solid-state system allows for incorporation to photonic systems to tune both the emission intensity and photoluminescence (PL) spectrum and therefore adapt the individual color center to desired properties. We show successful coupling of a single nanodiamond hosting silicon-vacancy color centers to a plasmonic double bowtie antenna structure. To predict the spectrum of the coupled system, the PL spectrum of the silicon vacancy centers was measured before the coupling process and convoluted with the antenna resonance spectrum. After transferring the nanodiamond to the antenna the combined spectrum was measured again. The measurement agrees well with the calculated prediction of the coupled system and therefore confirms successful coupling.