Newest publications
Stigmatisation of gambling disorder in social media: a tailored deep learning approach for YouTube comments
(2025) Singer, Johannes; Singer, Johannes; Gambling Research Center, University of Hohenheim, Schwerzstraße 44, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany
Background: The stigmatisation of gamblers, particularly those with a gambling disorder, and self-stigmatisation are considered substantial barriers to seeking help and treatment. To develop effective strategies to reduce the stigma associated with gambling disorder, it is essential to understand the prevailing stereotypes. This study examines the stigma surrounding gambling disorder in Germany, with a particular focus on user comments on the video platform YouTube. Methods: The study employed a deep learning approach, combining guided topic modelling and qualitative summative content analysis, to analyse comments on YouTube videos. Initially, 84,024 comments were collected from 34 videos. After review, two videos featuring a person who had overcome gambling addiction were selected. These videos received significant user engagement in the comment section. An extended stigma dictionary was created based on existing literature and embeddings from the collected data. Results: The results of the study indicate that there is substantial amount of stigmatisation of gambling disorder in the selected comments. Gamblers suffering from gambling disorder are blamed for their distress and accused of irresponsibility. Gambling disorder is seen as a consequence of moral failure. In addition to stigmatising statements, the comments suggest the interpretation that many users are unaware that addiction develops over a period of time and may require professional treatment. In particular, adolescents and young adults, a group with a high prevalence of gambling-related disorders and active engagement with social media, represent a key target for destigmatisation efforts. Conclusions: It is essential to address the stigmatisation of gambling disorder, particularly among younger populations, in order to develop effective strategies to support treatment and help-seeking. The use of social media offers a comprehensive platform for the dissemination of information and the reduction of the stigmatisation of gambling disorder, for example by strengthening certain models of addiction.
Tannic acid and ethacridine lactate attenuate markers of stress-induced intestinal barrier dysfunctions in murine small intestinal organoids
(2025) Filipe Rosa, Louisa; Gonda, Steffen; Roese, Nadine; Bischoff, Stephan C.; Filipe Rosa, Louisa; Institute of Nutritional Medicine, University of Hohenheim, Fruwirthstr. 12, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany;; Gonda, Steffen; MEDICE Arzneimittel Pütter GmbH & Co. KG, Kuhloweg 37, 58638 Iserlohn, Germany; Roese, Nadine; MEDICE Arzneimittel Pütter GmbH & Co. KG, Kuhloweg 37, 58638 Iserlohn, Germany; Bischoff, Stephan C.; Institute of Nutritional Medicine, University of Hohenheim, Fruwirthstr. 12, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany;; Kwok, Hang Fai (Henry); Alaimo, Alessandro
(1) Background: Tannacomp® is a drug consisting of tannin albuminate, a complex of tannic acid (TA) and ethacridine lactate (Eta) used for treating acute and traveler’s diarrhea. TA is thought to modulate gastrointestinal barrier function, but the underlying mechanisms and whether Eta has similar effects remains unclear. (2) Methods: to investigate the effects of TA and Eta on the intestinal barrier, stress responses were induced in murine intestinal organoids by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure or withdrawal of growth factors from cell culture medium (GFRed). Further, organoids were exposed to either TA (0.01 mg/mL) or Eta (0.002 mg/mL) and markers of inflammatory response and gut barrier function were assessed. (3) Results: TA and Eta reduced several inflammatory markers such as interleukin 6, interleukin 1β, tumor necrosis factor α, and myeloid differentiation primary response 88 in stressed organoids. In addition, TA and Eta attenuated LPS- and GFRed-mediated gut barrier dysfunctions, with normalization of tight junction, adherent junction and mucin gene expression and reduction of Nod2- and matrix metalloproteinase 7-dependent activation of antimicrobial peptides. (4) Conclusions: our data show that TA and Eta modulate markers of inflammation and the intestinal barrier and suggest novel mechanisms of action of this drug that could broaden its treatment indications.
Impact of construction measures and heat emissions from the operation of underground power cables on spelt (Triticum spelta L.) growth and yield
(2025) Trenz, Jonas; Ingwersen, Joachim; Schade, Alexander; Memic, Emir; Hartung, Jens; Graeff-Hönninger, Simone
Germany decided to promote the energy supply toward low or zero-carbon sources by the middle of the century. Therefore, massive infrastructural investments in grid expansion are needed. These grid expansions will be conducted with 525 kV High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) cables, buried at a depth of 1.5 m, passing mainly through arable land. The expected main effects of these cables on soils and crops are caused by construction measures (soil excavation and backfilling of soil material) and soil warming caused by heat dissipation using HVDC. To date, the impact of subsoil warming on crop growth and yield has not been studied in detail. This study investigates the effects of construction measures and subsoil warming on a field scale level for a 2-yr data set (2022 and 2023) in South Germany. The intricate dynamics between construction measures and subsoil heating on spelt (Triticum spelta L.) growth and yield were analyzed in three treatments: 1) Heated Trench (HT), 2) Unheated Trench (UT), and 3) Control. Construction measures were conducted by excavating the soil with a triple lift method (separated into three layers: A-, B-, and C-layer), storing them separately in ground heaps, and backfilling according to their natural layering. The triple lift method resulted in a 12.1 % decrease in bulk density (BD) for UT and 8.9 % for HT in the subsoil compared to the Control. The changes in soil properties affected spelt growth and yield, resulting in a yield increase of 14 % for the UT treatment. Additional subsoil warming in the HT treatment increased the topsoil temperature by 1.2 °C and spelt yield by 24 %. The triple lift method showed promising results, minimizing the impacts on soil compaction and maintaining the spelt growth and yield level.
Mineral-ecological cropping systems mitigate biodiversity-productivity trade-offs of the organic vs. conventional farming dichotomy
(2024) Kasten, Marit Kinga; Witte, Felix; Sponagel, Christian; Bahrs, Enno; Köhler, Thomas; Morinière, Jérôme; Grass, Ingo; Kasten, Marit Kinga; Ecology of Tropical Agricultural Systems, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstrasse 13, Stuttgart, Germany; Witte, Felix; Department of Farm Management, University of Hohenheim, Schwerzstrasse 44, Stuttgart, Germany; Sponagel, Christian; Department of Farm Management, University of Hohenheim, Schwerzstrasse 44, Stuttgart, Germany; Bahrs, Enno; Department of Farm Management, University of Hohenheim, Schwerzstrasse 44, Stuttgart, Germany; Köhler, Thomas; Ecology of Tropical Agricultural Systems, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstrasse 13, Stuttgart, Germany; Morinière, Jérôme; AIM – Advanced Identification Methods GmbH, Niemeyerstr.1, Leipzig, Germany; Grass, Ingo; Ecology of Tropical Agricultural Systems, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstrasse 13, Stuttgart, Germany
Conventional agriculture significantly reduces biodiversity, while organic farming promotes it, but often yields half as much. Addressing this biodiversity-productivity trade-off is crucial for future agriculture. Mineral-ecological cropping systems (MECS) have been suggested as an alternative, blending organic and conventional methods by avoiding chemical-synthetic pesticides and using mineral fertilizers. In a German experiment with 168 parcels, we compared MECS, conventional, and organic systems in terms of ecological and economic performance. Arthropod diversity was measured through standardized species collections and DNA-metabarcoding. Productivity was assessed via yields and economic profits. MECS showed similar arthropod diversity to other farming systems, achieved 90% of conventional crop yields, and produced 1.8 times of the organic yield. Profits from MECS were on average 37% higher than the conventional system with a short wheat-maize-soy crop rotation. Further farm-level studies are needed, but MECS could be a reasonable alternative to both organic and conventional farming and can mitigate biodiversity-productivity trade-offs.
DIY insect flushing bar 2.0
design and implementation in the InsectMow project
(2025) Frank, Jonas
Quick guide to building the insect flushing bar from the InsectMow project. Second, updated and extended version