bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nested barycentric coordinate system as an explicit feature map for polyhedra approximation and learning tasks
Authors: Gottlieb Lee-Ad , Kaufman Eran , Kontorovich Aryeh , Nivasch Gabriel , Pele Ofir
Published: September 2024

We introduce a new embedding technique based on a nested barycentric coordinate system. We show that our embedding can be used to transform the problems of polyhedron approximation, piecewise linear classification and convex regression into one of finding a linear classifier or regressor in a higher dimensional (but nevertheless quite sparse) representation. Our embedding maps a piecewise linear function into an everywhere-linear function, and allows us to invoke well-known algorithms for the latter problem to solve the former. We explain the applications of our embedding to the problems of approximating separating polyhedra—in fact, it can approximate any convex body and unions of convex bodies—as well as to classification by separating polyhedra, and to piecewise linear regression.
Digital equity and government support during COVID-19
Authors: Kazembalaghi Shabnam , Coakley Jerry , Liñares-Zegarra José M. , Vismara Silvio
Published: September 2024

The advent of COVID-19 portended a dire liquidity crunch for small firms as traditional external funding sources were severely curtailed. Defying expectations, initial equity crowdfunding (ECF) campaigns not only withstood the pandemic’s onslaught but also saw unprecedented growth in funding volume, investor participation and overfunding. The upshot was that external equity, the traditional funding of last resort, became the first choice. Increased ECF funding especially for seed ventures are likely linked to government-backed loan guarantee schemes that acted as a quality signal for investors. The paper highlights the unanticipated positive synergies between public support mechanisms and private equity dynamics where equity was funding of first choice for many small firms seeking external funding. These developments underscore ECF’s central role in digitally channelling equity capital to small firms during a period of heightened economic uncertainty.
Naïve realism and sensorimotor theory
Authors: Kim Daniel S H
Published: September 2024

How can we have a sense of the presence of ordinary three-dimensional objects (e.g., an apple on my desk, a partially occluded cat behind a picket fence) when we are only presented with some parts of objects perceived from a particular egocentric viewpoint (e.g., the facing side of the apple, the unoccluded parts of the cat)? This paper presents and defends a novel answer to this question by incorporating insights from two prominent contemporary theories of perception, naïve realism and sensorimotor theory. Naïve realism is the view that perception is fundamentally a matter of obtaining a relation of ‘acquaintance’ with some mind-independent entities (e.g., objects, properties, events). Sensorimotor theory holds that perception involves implicit practical understanding or ‘anticipation’ of the covariance between movements and sensory changes. I argue that perceptual presence is best accounted for in terms of the combination of our direct ‘acquaintance’ with some parts of perceived objects and sensorimotor ‘anticipations’ of how the objects would look different depending on some movements and actions.
Multi-core interference over-estimation reduction by static scheduling of multi-phase tasks
Authors: Meunier Rémi , Carle Thomas , Monteil Thierry
Published: September 2024

Interference between tasks running on separate cores in multi-core processors is a major challenge to predictability for real-time systems, and a source of over-estimation of worst-case execution duration bounds. This paper investigates how the multi-phase task model can be used together with static scheduling algorithms to improve the precision of the interference analysis. The paper focuses on single-period task systems (or multi-periodic systems that can be expanded over an hyperperiod). In particular, we propose an Integer Linear Programming (ILP) formulation of a generic scheduling problem as well as 3 heuristics that we evaluate on synthetic benchmarks and on 2 realistic applications. We observe that, compared to the classical 1-phase model, the multi-phase model allows to reduce the effect of interference on the worst-case makespan of the system by around 9% on average using the ILP on small systems, and up to 24% on our larger case studies. These results pave the way for future heuristics and for the adoption of the multi-phase model in multi-core context.
Pollen source affects acorn production in pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.)
Authors: McClory Ryan , Ellis Richard H. , Lukac Martin , Clark Jo
Published: September 2024

Acorn production in oaks (Quercus spp.) shows considerable inter-annual variation, known as masting. The effects of pollen sourced from trees within or outside the stand on acorn production were investigated in pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) in an ancient mixed woodland during two moderate masting years. Comparisons were made between natural pollination, hand pollinations with out-of-stand pollen, in-stand pollen or a 1:1 combination of the two pollen sources, and for bagged flowers left unpollinated. After all treatments, > 85% of the flowers or developing acorns were aborted between May and August of both years. When flowers were protected with pollen bags and no pollen added, no acorns were produced. In contrast, hand pollination with out-of-stand pollen produced the most acorns both years and significantly more than within-stand pollen or natural pollination in 2022. Hand pollination with out-of-stand or within-stand pollen provided significantly more acorns than natural pollination in 2023. In 2022, hand pollination with a 1:1 mixture of out-of-stand and within-stand pollen yielded an intermediate number of mature acorns between those for the out-of-stand and within-stand pollination treatments. The study provides clear evidence of maternal choice during acorn development in pedunculate oak and of the benefits of pollen supplementation. It also confirms that pedunculate oak is a fruit-maturation masting species; abortion of pollinated flowers and immature acorns determines a mast year (rather than the number of flowers produced) at this site.
Laxative Properties of Microencapsulated Oleic Acid Delivered to the Distal Small Intestine in Patients with Constipation after Bariatric Surgery or Treatment with Glucagon-Like- Peptide 1 Analogues
Authors: Al-Humadi Ahmed W. , Al-Najim Werd , Bleiel Sinead , le Roux Carel W.
Published: September 2024

Background

Constipation is prevalent after bariatric surgery and glucagon-like-peptide 1 (GLP-1) analogues. Increasing fat content in the distal small intestine and colon can enhance colonic peristalsis, potentially alleviating symptoms of constipation.

Aim

We investigated whether oleic acid can ameliorate constipation in patients undergoing bariatric surgery or receiving GLP-1 analogues.

Methodology

Fourteen adults with chronic constipation according to Rome IV criteria following bariatric surgery or GLP-1 analogues were on stable treatment for constipation for more than 4 weeks. This randomized double-blind crossover trial compared microcapsules containing 21.25 g of oleic acid delivered in the distal small intestine or the stomach. The primary outcome was changed in the number of bowel motions over 24 h. Exploratory endpoints included alterations in straining, diarrhoea, faecal leakage over 24 h and hunger, fullness, nausea and calorie intake for the 3 h after ingesting the microcapsules.

Findings

Receiving oleic acid into the distal small intestine increased number of bowel movements per day (2.5 vs 1.1, p = 0.009) and caused softer stool consistency (p = 0.03). 9/14 of the control group passed motions and 13/14 of the intervention group passed motions in 24 h (p = 0.059). No significant differences were observed in straining (p = 0.65), rapid bowel movements (p = 0.08), accidental leakage (p = 0.32), hunger, fullness, nausea or food intake between the groups (all p > 0.05). There were no disparities in safety profile between groups.

Conclusion

Microcapsules containing oleic acid delivered to the distal small intestine appear to be a safe and effective relief from chronic constipation in patients undergoing bariatric surgery and/or receiving GLP-1 analogues.

Graphical Abstract
The environmental performance of zero-emission buildings in a fossil-free energy system
Authors: Jonasson Jonas , Faith-Ell Charlotta , Carlman Inga , Englund Oskar
Published: September 2024

Buildings can play an important role in reducing GHG emissions through increased energy efficiency. The European Commission mandates that all new buildings should be “zero emission buildings” (ZEB), aiming at a zero GHG emission building stock by 2050. The extent to which ZEB can contribute to reduced GHG emissions, however, varies between countries, due to different energy systems. It is also important to consider other environmental effects to avoid that climate benefits come with unintended consequences. Here, we explore the life-cycle environmental performance for a ZEB in a case where electricity and heating are largely fossil-free. The assessment concentrates on i) environmental impact of the use stage in relation to the product stage, ii) the interrelation between different energy sources, with focus on household electricity, and iii) the performance for more impact categories than primary energy use and climate change. While our results generally support the use of ZEBs from an environmental perspective, they also show that the climate benefit in this setting is marginal. However, given that energy systems are connected and energy savings in one place can reduce the demand for fossil energy elsewhere, the climate benefit of ZEBs is likely underestimated. Besides methodological implications for future studies, this indicates that current EU policy is promising, as incentives for implementation of ZEBs are unaffected by domestic effects.
PCMT1 as a prognostic marker in breast cancer
Authors: Rogaczewski Patryk , Janiak Michał , Borowczak Jędrzej , Szylberg Łukasz
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is one of the most aggressive cancers in women, therefore it is necessary to determine novel prognostic markers to estimate survival and advancement the treatment of the disease. Recently, PCMT1, a protein mediating TNBC immune infiltration, has gained attention as a potential therapeutic target. The aim of the study was to demonstrate the relationship between PCMT1 protein overexpression as a prognostic indicator for patients with TNBC cancer and patient survival.

Materials and methods

The study included 64 samples collected from 64 TNBC patients. We used the ImageJ software with the IHC Profiler driver for image analysis. To improve the reliability of the results, we expanded the analysis by including The Cancer Genome Atlas cohort.

Results

We observed strong PCMT1 immunoreactivity in breast cancer samples and PCMT1 expression in TNBC was significantly higher than in the control group. Patients with high PCMT1 expression had a significantly lower overall survival rate (60.62% vs. 90.35%, respectively) than patients with low PCMT1 expression. In our study and TCGA groups, PCMT1 expression did not correlate with lymph node involvement and distant metastases but correlated with tumor stage. The results obtained in a larger TCGA group are consistent with those in our research group. Overexpression of PCMT1 was a prognostic marker of shorter survival in patients with TNBC.

Conclusions

The overexpression of the PCMT1 protein in triple negative breast cancer significantly correlated with shorter overall survival. The confirmed association could be a potential prognostic biomarker for patients with TNBC.
The Role of Teachers in Fostering Resilience After a Disaster in Indonesia
Authors: Parrott Elinor , Lomeli-Rodriguez Martha , Burgess Rochelle , Rahman Alfi , Direzkia Yulia , Joffe Helene
Published: September 2024

Disasters are distressing and disorientating. They often result in enduring community-wide devastation. Consequently, young people may seek support from trusted adults to scaffold their emotional responses and to support their psychosocial recovery. An important non-familial adult in a student’s life is their teacher. However, few studies have examined teachers’ perspectives on the support they provide to students after exposure to disasters, such as earthquakes and tsunamis, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) with collectivistic cultural orientations. Given the potential for teachers to foster students’ resilience, the goal of this study was to examine how teachers conceptualise their role following a major disaster. Forty teachers were interviewed from three schools in Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, after a major earthquake and tsunami in September 2018. Thematic analysis shows that teachers act as agents of community resilience after a disaster. The two themes presented converge on support-based aspects. Teachers provided: (1) psychoeducational support (i.e. supporting students’ well-being and educational continuity, including encouraging their return to school) and (2) practical support (i.e. assisting administrative roles, aid distribution and disaster risk reduction). Within these themes, socioculturally specific practices are elucidated, including the Indonesian value of mutual assistance (‘gotong royong’), storytelling (‘tutura’) and the role of religiosity as a form of psychosocial support. Overall, our results highlight the capacity and willingness of teachers to play a central role in the psychosocial recovery of students and their families, contributing to community resilience. We identify implications such as the importance of providing accessible psychological training and support for teachers.
Serological and Molecular Survey of Hepatitis E Virus in Small Ruminants from Central Portugal
Authors: Santos-Silva Sérgio , Romalde Jesús L. , Bento Jaqueline T. , Cruz Andreia V. S. , López-López Pedro , Gonçalves Helena M. R. , Van der Poel Wim H. M. , Nascimento Maria S. J. , Rivero-Juarez António , Mesquita João R.
Published: September 2024

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is currently recognized as an emerging problem and a growing concern for public health in developed countries, with HEV infections mainly attributable to foodborne transmission of HEV-3. The zoonotic HEV genotype 3 infects a wide range of mammalian hosts, with swine considered as the primary host. This study investigates the occurrence of HEV among small ruminants in Portugal. The primary aim of the present research was to evaluate the circulation and the potential for HEV infection among sheep and goats. A total of 400 bile samples and 493 blood samples were collected from sheep and goats at a slaughterhouse in the center region of Portugal, between January 2022 and March 2023. The HEV RNA detection in bile samples was performed using a nested broad-spectrum RT-PCR targeting the ORF1 region. Serological analysis to detect anti-HEV antibodies was conducted using a commercial double-antigen sandwich multi-species ELISA. The HEV RNA was not detected in any bile samples using the nested broad-spectrum RT-PCR. Serological analysis revealed an overall HEV antibody seroprevalence of 2% (10/493, 95% CI: 0.98–3.70) among the small ruminants, namely 2.2% in goats and 2.0% in sheep. Curiously, no statistically significant association among the factors, age, sex and species and HEV seroprevalence was observed. Although HEV RNA was not detected in the bile of sheep and goats, this study the evidence of seroprevalence in these small ruminant species. Further research could provide additional insights into the factors influencing HEV transmission dynamics in small ruminants in Portugal and its potential implications for public health.
Design resistance strengths of composite steel box girder bridge using different codes
Authors: El-masry Ay. A. , Rabou S. M. Abd , Ghannam M.
Published: September 2024

Bridges design based on prescriptive normative rules regarding loads and their combinations, safety factors, material properties, analysis methods, required verifications, and other issues that are included in design codes. In addition, Composite Steel Box Girder (CSBG) bridges present a prominent structural solution for straight and curved bridges with moderate spans, because of their large bending resistance and high torsional stiffness as well as rapid erection. This paper aims to perform a detailed theoretical comparative study between fundamental calculations of the design resistance strengths of shear, Vn or VRd, and flexure, Mn or MRd, in positive (sagging) and negative (hogging) moment regions, of CSBG highway bridges. The comparison is involved with design specification methodologies proposed by Egyptian Code of Practice (ECP-207-part 6), Bridge Design Specifications (BDS) presented by Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), and European Standard (EC-4). On its turn, the study aims to standing on differences and similarities between considered standards in the design of such bridges.
Flexural behaviour of bamboo concrete beams
Authors: Ibrahim W. , El-Fattah W. , Hassan H. Ali , Ehab Ahmed , Elkarem A.
Published: September 2024

Bamboo plants can be found in both tropical and non-tropical locations of the world, it is thought of as a naturally occurring, quick-growing, and renewable resource. Bamboo is seen as a good alternative for construction due to the high energy requirements of current building materials and the limited availability of other naturally occurring materials like wood., bamboo is considered a good alternative for construction. To minimize carbon footprints in the environment, the research illustrates the flexural properties of Bamboo reinforced concrete to be able to use it as a successful replacement for steel bars. To study the flexural behavior, the total reinforcement constant and partially replaced steel with bamboo at 0%, 25%, 50%, 60%, 75% & 100%. Bamboo is a versatile material that can be used in a variety of construction applications, and it can also be employed in a variety of housing applications, notably roofing, and flooring. Moreover, bamboo culms are often used directly as structural members such as beams, slabs, and columns without any alteration. Bamboo can also be used as reinforcement in concrete as a replacement for steel. The shear and flexural behavior of bamboo-reinforced concrete beams is significantly better than that of plain concrete beams. Furthermore, bamboo fiber-reinforced concrete is a good alternative to existing fiber-reinforced concrete, such as glass and steel fibers.
Quantification of Historical Riverbank Erosion and Population Displacement Using Satellite Earth Observations and Gridded Population Data
Authors: Islam Md Sariful , Mitra Juthi Rani
Published: September 2024

Riverbank erosion in Bangladesh is a significant hazard, recurring annually and causing loss of homes, land, and livelihoods. Each year, thousands of people are displaced as a result. Given the urgency of mitigating extreme erosion and preventing further displacement, it is imperative to accurately quantify the magnitude and severity of this phenomenon. With an aim to assess the spatiotemporal changes in riverbank erosion and its impact on population displacement, this study used multi-temporal Landsat imagery from 1990 to 2020. To evaluate the impact of riverbank movement on population displacement, this study utilized gridded population data. The analysis revealed that the region has experienced extreme erosion over the past three decades, with the central region exhibiting the highest erosion rates (-128.5 m/year). More than 50% of transects are experiencing high erosion rates (> 50 m/year). The analysis also revealed that over three decades, more than 11% of transects experience continuous erosion, with the central region being the most affected (44%). Additionally, findings indicate that thousands of individuals have been displaced due to severe erosion. The insights gained from this study will help policymakers in formulating effective mitigation and adaptation strategies tailored to the unique challenges of this region.
Pole Placement of a Nonlinear Electromagnetic System by the Receptance Method
Authors: Farzannasab Mahshad , Tehrani Maryam Ghandchi
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This paper addresses the challenge of pole placement for controlling a nonlinear electromagnetic system using the receptance method. The system, consisting of a pair of identical magnets and coils, is mathematically modeled to introduce nonlinear (cubic) stiffness. This nonlinear stiffness can be adjusted by varying the input electrical current to the coils and the displacement between the magnets and coils.

Methods

The transfer function of the open-loop nonlinear system is obtained under low excitation levels, where the system exhibits weak nonlinearity. Using this method, the evaluation of the mass, stiffness, and damping matrices, which are generally required, is avoided. To demonstrate the system’s nonlinear behavior, the excitation level is subsequently increased, and open-loop receptances are measured at various levels. The poles of the nonlinear system are assigned using linear feedback control and the Sherman–Morrison formula across different excitation levels. Given the system’s response dependency on amplitude, an iterative approach is employed to determine the feedback gains.

Results

The performance of the nonlinear control is examined under varying excitation levels and different positions of the magnets relative to the coils. The feedback control adapts to changes in amplitude and displacement, ensuring the active control system's performance remains effective. Experiments were carried out to demonstrate the successful assignment of the poles.

Conclusion

The results demonstrate that feedback control performs well with varying excitation levels, even with small changes in the amplitude or the distance between the magnets and coils.
Assessing urban air pollution dynamics: the impact of traffic emissions and urban morphology in Lecce and Bari, Italy
Authors: Metrangolo Chiara , Dinoi Adelaide , Esposito Antonio , Pappaccogli Gianluca , Donateo Antonio , Santiago Jose Luis , Buccolieri Riccardo
Published: September 2024

Urban air pollution, exacerbated by vehicular emissions, poses a significant health threat, especially in densely populated areas. This study, part of the PNRR Italian National Center for Sustainable Mobility (MOST), aims to assess the impact of vehicular pollutants in urban environments. Focusing on Lecce and Bari (Italy), the research integrates data from dispersion models and meteorological analyses to evaluate pollutant concentrations. Preliminary analysis of eight urban areas in Lecce and six in Bari reveals trends in PM10 concentrations influenced by urban morphology and wind dynamics. These findings underscore the essential role of sustainable mobility strategies in mitigating urban air pollution and promoting healthier urban environments.
Situating AI in assessment—an exploration of university teachers’ valuing practices
Authors: Sporrong Elin , McGrath Cormac , Cerratto Pargman Teresa
Published: September 2024

Emerging AI technologies are changing teachers’ assessment practices and posing higher education institutions with novel ethical dilemmas. While frameworks and guidelines promise to align technology with moral and human values, the dilemma of how AI may impact existing valuing practices is often overlooked. To examine this gap, we conducted an interview study with university teachers from different disciplines at a university in Sweden. Following a semi-structured study design, we explored university teachers’ anticipations of AI in assessment and examined how emerging AI technologies may reconfigure the fit between values, challenges, and activities situated in everyday assessment contexts. Our findings suggest that anticipated AI, including automation and AI-mediated communication and grading, may amplify and reduce teachers’ possibilities to align activities with professional, pedagogical, and relational values and solve current challenges. In light of the study’s findings, the paper discusses potential ethical issues in the anticipated shifts from human to automated assessment and possible new and reinforced challenges brought by AI for education.
Financial literacy in the Understanding America Study
Authors: Angrisani Marco , Kapteyn Arie
Published: September 2024

We provide a brief history of administering financial literacy questions in probability-based Internet panels. After financial literacy questions were asked in the Centerpanel in the Netherlands and the RAND American Life Panel, the Understanding America Study (UAS) has been administering 14 financial literacy questions in its biannual core surveys since 2014. Due to its longitudinal nature and the vast amount of available information on its panel members, the UAS provides unique opportunities for analyzing patterns of financial literacy over time and its associations with financial outcomes, cognition, health, personality, and economic preferences, among others. The UAS survey-based dataset is further enriched with administrative records from consenting respondents. Importantly, researchers can incorporate additional questions and modules to gather specific data, which can then be linked to both existing and forthcoming information on panel members. In this paper, we describe the UAS financial literacy measures and offer descriptive analyses, highlighting the patterns of financial knowledge over time and by individuals’ background characteristics. We also show how financial outcomes, such as financial wealth and retirement preparedness, relate to financial literacy scores.
Associations between keystroke and stylus metadata and depressive symptoms in adolescents
Authors: Jang Moonyoung , Cho Youngeun , Kim Do Hyung , Park Sunghyun , Park Seonghyeon , Hur Ji-Won , Kim Minah , Cho Kwangsu , Lee Chang-Gun , Kwon Jun Soo
Published: September 2024

Background

Adolescents often experience a heightened incidence of depressive symptoms, which can persist without early intervention. However, adolescents often struggle to identify depressive symptoms, and even when they are aware of these symptoms, seeking help is not always their immediate response. This study aimed to explore the relationship between passively collected digital data, specifically keystroke and stylus data collected via mobile devices, and the manifestation of depressive symptoms.

Methods

A total of 927 first-year middle school students from schools in Seoul solved Korean language and math problems. Throughout this study, 77 types of keystroke and stylus data were collected, including parameters such as the number of key presses, tap pressure, stroke speed, and stroke acceleration. Depressive symptoms were measured using the self-rated Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9).

Results

Multiple regression analysis highlighted the significance of stroke length, speed, and acceleration, the average y-coordinate, the tap pressure, and the number of incorrect answers in relation to PHQ-9 scores. The keystroke and stylus metadata were able to reflect mood, energy, cognitive abilities, and psychomotor symptoms among adolescents with depressive symptoms.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the potential of automatically collected data during school exams or classes for the early screening of clinical depressive symptoms in students. This study has the potential to serve as a cornerstone in the development of digital data frameworks for the early detection of depressive symptoms in adolescents.
Geodetic Evidence for Distributed Shear Below the Brittle Crust of the Walker Lane, Western United States
Authors: Miller N. M. , Kreemer C. , Hammond W. C. , Blewitt G.
Published: September 2024

Models of active deformation of the Earth's crust are predominantly represented with dislocations having a downdip continuation into the lower crust, where the fault slips continuously. This model predicts surface strain accumulation concentrated near the fault during the interseismic period. In an alternative model, faults do not extend beneath the elastic portion of the crust and are accompanied by a wide zone of distributed shear underneath, predicting a more constant strain rate lacking concentrations at the faults. We use high‐precision GPS data collected across the northern and central Walker Lane, USA— a region of complex faulting near the western edge of the Basin and Range Province to evaluate which model is appropriate. Despite the existence of dense continuous and semi‐continuous geodetic networks that have been surveyed for ∼20 years, the horizontal velocities reveal no evidence of localized strain accumulation across the fault surface expressions. Instead, deformation within the Walker Lane is uniformly linear, suggesting that the surface deformation reflects distributed shear within the ductile crust rather than focused deformation at faults. This suggests no downdip extension of the faults below the seismogenic layer. The shear zone is 172 ± 6 km wide in the northernmost Walker Lane narrowing to 116 ± 4 km in the central Walker Lane. The total velocity budget across the shear zone is 7.2 ± 0.1 mm/yr in the north, increasing to 10.1 ± 0.1 mm/yr in the central Walker Lane. We conclude that assuming the presence of lower crustal dislocations when estimating geodetic faults slip rates may be inappropriate.
Seawater Intrusion Inhibits Nitrate Removal in Tidal Marsh Aquifers
Authors: Luo Zhaoyang , Kong Jun , Yu Xiayang , Gao Chao , Barry D. A. , Fatichi Simone
Published: September 2024

Tidal freshwater marshes are threatened by seawater intrusion globally due to freshwater discharge reduction and sea‐level rise. However, terrestrial nitrate (NO3−) transport responding to seawater intrusion remains poorly understood in tidal marshes. After validation against laboratory experiments, numerical simulations were conducted to analyze seawater intrusion effects on terrestrial NO3− transport and transformation in tidal marsh aquifers. Results reveal that seawater intrusion noticeably affects NO3− transport from the marsh aquifer to the tidal creek. Seawater intrusion results in an upper saline plume and a saltwater wedge within the aquifer, which markedly narrows the discharge outlet width of the NO3− plume and intensifies the peak NO3− flux across the creek bank. Consequently, both the NO3− removal efficiency and total nitrogen gas load to the creek decrease substantially after seawater intrusion. This is because the reduction of the transit time and the mixing zone width of the NO3− plume after seawater intrusion weakens denitrification. Sensitivity analyses indicate that the difference of the NO3− removal efficiency before and after seawater intrusion depends on soil properties. A larger unsaturated flow effect, saturated hydraulic conductivity or effective porosity leads to a greater difference of the NO3− removal efficiency before and after seawater intrusion. The predicted decrease of the NO3− removal efficiency after seawater intrusion is consistent with existing field data.
Uncovering convergence and divergence between autism and schizophrenia using genomic tools and patients’ neurons
Authors: Romanovsky Eva , Choudhary Ashwani , Peles David , Abu-Akel Ahmad , Stern Shani
Published: September 2024

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are highly heritable and result in abnormal repetitive behaviors and impairment in communication and cognitive skills. Previous studies have focused on the genetic correlation between ASDs and other neuropsychiatric disorders, but an in-depth understanding of the correlation to other disorders is required. We conducted an extensive meta-analysis of common variants identified in ASDs by genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and compared it to the consensus genes and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of Schizophrenia (SCZ). We found approximately 75% of the GWAS genes that are associated with ASD are also associated with SCZ. We further investigated the cellular phenotypes of neurons derived from induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) models in ASD and SCZ. Our findings revealed that ASD and SCZ neurons initially follow divergent developmental trajectories compared to control neurons. However, despite these early diametrical differences, both ASD and SCZ neurons ultimately display similar deficits in synaptic activity as they mature. This significant genetic overlap between ASD and SCZ, coupled with the convergence towards similar synaptic deficits, highlights the intricate interplay of genetic and developmental factors in shaping the shared underlying mechanisms of these complex neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders.
Highly sensitive magnetic particle imaging of abdominal aortic aneurysm NETosis with anti-Ly6G iron oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Wang Heng , Zhang Ruijing , Jia Xiaohua , Gao Siqi , Gao Tingting , Fan Keyi , Li Yaling , Wang Shule , Qiao Maolin , Yan Sheng , Hui Hui , Dong Honglin
Published: September 2024

Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) are a significant health concern in developed countries due to their considerable mortality rate. The crucial factor of the progression of AAA is the release of neutrophils and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). Magnetic particle imaging (MPI) is a new imaging technique that offers the capability to detect superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION) with exceptional sensitivity. We aimed to investigate the functional imaging of MPI for the detection and monitoring of neutrophil infiltration within AAA. A novel multimodal imaging agent targeting neutrophils, PEG-Fe3O4-Ly6G–Cy7 nanoparticles (Ly6G NPs), were designed by coupling Fe3O4 nanoparticles with Ly6G antibodies and Cy7. The targeting and sensitivity of Ly6G NPs were assessed using MPI and fluorescence imaging (FLI) in the AAA mouse model. After the inhibition of NETosis, the degree of neutrophil infiltration and AAA severity were assessed using MPI with Ly6G NPs. Ly6G NPs accurately localized and quantitatively analyzed AAA lesion sites in mice using MPI/FLI/CT. Compared to the control group, elevated MPI and FLI signal intensities were detected at the abdominal aortic lesion site, and neutrophil infiltration and NETs accumulation were detected by histological analysis in the AAA models. After the inhibition of NETs accumulation in vivo, pathological damage in the abdominal aorta was significantly reduced, along with a decrease in the accumulation of Ly6G NPs and MPI signals. This multimodal MPI strategy revealed that nanoparticles targeting Ly6G can be used to detect neutrophil infiltration within AAA and monitor AAA severity.
Opportunities and challenges for global food safety in advancing circular policies and practices in agrifood systems
Authors: Pearson Andrew J. , Mukherjee Keya , Fattori Vittorio , Lipp Markus
Published: September 2024

Sustainable agrifood systems are needed to provide safe and nutritious food for the growing world’s population. To improve sustainability, transforming linear policies and practices in agrifood systems into circularity will be critical, with food safety considerations key for the success of this shift. This review provides a synthesis of the current and emerging risks, data gaps, and opportunities for food safety in agrifood initiatives aiming to advance circular economy models.
Bismuth-based electrocatalytic scheme enabling efficient and selective electrosynthesis of 4-aminophenol in acidic media
Authors: Sari Fitri Nur Indah , Su Cheng-Yi , Huang Shih-Ching , Lin Chia-Yu
Published: September 2024

A simple and efficient electrocatalytic scheme based on Bi3+/Bi0 was developed for the first time for the efficient electrosynthesis of 4-aminophenol with high selectivity (∼100%) at an ultra-low overpotential in acidic media.
Long-term stable electrochemiluminescence of perovskite quantum dots in aqueous media
Authors: Wang Zhong-Xia , Liu Kai-Qi , Li Feng , Li Heng-Ye , Wang Wei , Gao Hang
Published: September 2024

The first example of a water-phase perovskite with stable electrochemiluminescent emission is demonstrated.
A series of neutral alkaline earth metal hydride complexes supported by a bulky, unsymmetrical β-diketiminate ligand, [{(Dip/TCHPNacnac)M(μ-H)}2] (M = Mg, Ca, Sr or Ba)
Authors: Kennedy Dominic B. , Evans Matthew J. , Jones Dafydd D. L. , Parr Joseph M. , Hill Michael S. , Jones Cameron
Published: September 2024

A bulky, unsymmetrical β-diketiminate ligand has been used to stabilise the first complete series of β-diketiminato heavier group 2 metal hydride complexes.
The fracture stress of 8-inch silicon carbide during the PVT growth
Authors: Xu Binjie , Lu Sheng'ou , Cui Hao , Pi Xiaodong , Yang Deren , Han Xuefeng
Published: September 2024

Numerical studies involving elastic–plastic behaviors of σϕϕ, which causes SiC crystal fractures, were developed to investigate the fracture mechanism in 4H-SiC, indicating that the plastic deformations caused by the prismatic slips increase σϕϕ.
Achieving 9% EQE in light-emitting electrochemical cells via a TADF-sensitized fluorescence strategy
Authors: Zhou Zeyang , Chang Qingda , Chen Rui , Jin Pengfei , Yin Baipeng , Zhang Chuang , Yao Jiannian
Published: September 2024

By introducing a TSF strategy using DMAC-DPS as the sensitizer and 4CzPN-tBu as the emitter, a record-breaking 9% EQE for green TADF-LEC is achieved.
Cuboctahedral Pd13 as a spherical aromatic noble metal core: insights from a ligand-protected [Pd13(Tr)6]2+ cluster
Authors: Wei Jianyu , Rodríguez-Kessler Peter L. , Saillard Jean-Yves , Muñoz-Castro Alvaro
Published: September 2024

Low-valent ligand-protected palladium nanoparticles leads to the formation of superatoms, which in turn gives rise to spherical aromatic properties.
Relaxometric properties and biocompatibility of a novel nanostructured fluorinated gadolinium metal–organic framework
Authors: Trovarelli Letizia , Mirarchi Alessandra , Arcuri Cataldo , Bruscoli Stefano , Bereshchenko Oxana , Febo Marta , Carniato Fabio , Costantino Ferdinando
Published: September 2024

A novel Gd-MOF based on tetrafluoro-terephthalic acid has been synthesized and its structure has been solved using X-ray single crystal diffraction data.
Plant nanobiotechnology: a new strategy to enhance crop photosynthesis
Authors: Liu Jiahao , Zhang Dan , Bao Linfeng , Mao Tingyong , Zhao Linbo , Liu Chan , Huang Guanjun , Zhai Yunlong
Published: September 2024

Primary mechanism through which nanomaterials enhance plant photosynthesis.
Separation behavior of hydrogen isotopes via water pervaporation using proton conductive membranes
Authors: Park Chan Woo , Kim Sung-Wook , Kim Hyung-Ju , Jeong Euna , Yoon In-Ho
Published: September 2024

Hydrogen isotope fractionation during water pervaporation through proton conductive membranes is primarily driven by H+/D+ transport, achieving a maximum H/D separation factor of 1.086.
Practical electrochemical hydrogenation of nitriles at the nickel foam cathode
Authors: Narobe Rok , Perner Marcel Nicolas , Gálvez-Vázquez María de Jesús , Kuhwald Conrad , Klein Martin , Broekmann Peter , Rösler Sina , Cezanne Bertram , Waldvogel Siegfried R.
Published: September 2024

We report a scalable hydrogenation method for nitriles based on cost-effective materials in a very simple two-electrode setup under galvanostatic conditions.
anti-Dihydroxylation of olefins enabled by in situ generated peroxyacetic acid
Authors: Tapera Michael , Chotia Mohit , Mayer-Figge Jan Lukas , Gómez-Suárez Adrián , Kirsch Stefan F.
Published: September 2024

Herein, we report a general and green protocol for the anti-dihydroxylation of unactivated alkenes.
Correction: Performance of ferrite nanoparticles in inductive heating swing adsorption (IHSA): how tailoring material properties can circumvent the design limitations of a system
Authors: De Belder Maxim , Morais Alysson F. , De Vos Natan , Basov Sergey , Joris Rikkie , Van Bael Margriet J. , Van Meervelt Luc , Denayer Joeri F. M. , Martens Johan A. , Breynaert Eric
Published: September 2024

Correction for ‘Performance of ferrite nanoparticles in inductive heating swing adsorption (IHSA): how tailoring material properties can circumvent the design limitations of a system’ by Maxim De Belder et al., Mater. Horiz., 2024, 11, 4144–4149, https://doi.org/10.1039/d4mh00377b.
Surface modification of a biomass-derived self-supported carbon nano network as an emerging platform for advanced field emitter devices and supercapacitor applications
Authors: Mutadak Pallavi , Vedpathak Amol , Warule Sambhaji , Chaudhari Nilima , Sartale Shrikrishna , More Mahendra , Late Dattatray J.
Published: September 2024

The architecture of self-supported carbon network, which incorporates F doping, the in situ formation of CaF2, and graphitic nanocrystals, contributes to enhanced field emission and electrochemical properties.
Improvement of thermal stability and luminescence in La3ZrxSn1−xGa5O14:0.015Cr3+ by the substitution of Zr # Sn and its application in level detection, biomedical imaging and night vision monitoring
Authors: Zhang Xiaoshuai , Liu Chengrun , Yu Xiaoyan , Wang Zixuan , Li Panlai , Shi Yawei , Wang Zhijun
Published: September 2024

The luminescence properties of La3ZrxSn1−xGa5O14:0.015Cr3+ can be successfully improved by cationic substitution, and this phosphor can be applied to level detection, biomedical imaging, and night vision monitoring.
Photo- and pH-responsive giant vesicles: harnessing the properties of surface-active ionic liquids in designing dual-responsive catanionic vesicles
Authors: Patel Tapas , Pansuriya Raviraj , Mittal Hemant , Kumar Sugam , Aswal Vinod K , Malek Naved I.
Published: September 2024

Photo- and pH-responsive giant vesicles composed of two SAILs: [C8EMoprh][MO] and [Ch][Ol].
Mechanochemical deprotection of t-butoxycarbonyl (Boc) group using basic alumina
Authors: Tian Kaidi , Cai Tingna , Zhu Zedong , Cheng Kai , Yu Lemao , Li Yong
Published: September 2024

A solvent-free, operationally simple, and chemoselective mechanochemical method for t-butoxycarbonyl (Boc) deprotection is described.
Ethylene-bridged bisisoindigo-based conjugated polymers: influence of intramolecular CH⋯N hydrogen bonds
Authors: Shi Keli , Lai Jing , Zhao Qianqian , Zhang Weifeng , Che Qian , Chen Jiadi , Chen Zhihui , Wang Liping , Yu Gui
Published: September 2024

Four ethylene-bridged bisisoindigo-based conjugated polymers were synthesized and characterized. Combined with the more rigid backbone of (E)-1,2-di(thiophen-2-yl)ethene (DTE), PNNNN-DTE showed the highest electron mobility of 1.64 cm2 V−1 s−1.
Photosensitizing metal–organic polyhedra combined with Co catalytic sites for CO2 photoreduction
Authors: Li Jixin , Liu Yaming , Ma Kaiyue , Li Chunguang , Shi Zhan
Published: September 2024

A novel photosensitizing metal–organic polyhedron combined with Co2+ catalytic sites for efficient photoreduction of CO2 to CO.
Metal-free approach for imidazole synthesis via one-pot N-α-C(sp3)–H bond functionalization of benzylamines
Authors: Kadu Vikas D. , Thokal Machhindra S. , Godase Rajkumar K. , Kotali Bhagyashree C. , Wadkar Pooja S.
Published: September 2024

A metal-free one-pot method is established for the synthesis of tetrasubstituted imidazoles from the reaction of arylmethylamines and 1,2-dicarbonyls/benzoin.
Isotype heterojunction graphitic carbon nitride photocathode for photo-accelerated zinc-ion capacitors
Authors: Liu Xiaopeng , Zhu Yijia , Alam Firoz , Wang Tianlei , Parkin Ivan P. , Wang Mingqing , Deka Boruah Buddha
Published: September 2024

A g-C3N4 isotype heterojunction photo-electrode is reported for high-performance photo-accelerated zinc-ion capacitors.
Surface protonic conduction in porous alkaline earth zirconate perovskites CaZrO3, SrZrO3, and BaZrO3
Authors: Gu Jie , Sun Xinwei , Jiang Lulu , Zhang Zihan , Norby Truls , Han Donglin
Published: September 2024

Conduction of protons in chemisorbed and physisorbed water layers on the surface of AZrO3 (A = Ca, Sr, Ba) perovskite oxides, depending on compositions (A-site cations and deficiency) and microstructures (controlled by sintering conditions).
Influence of lipid vesicle properties on the function of conjugation dependent membrane active peptides
Authors: Iversen Alexandra , Utterström Johanna , Khare Lalit Pramod , Aili Daniel
Published: September 2024

Membrane active peptides (MAPs) can provide novel means to trigger the release of liposome encapsulated drugs to improve the efficacy of liposomal drug delivery systems.
Bioinspired triple-layered membranes for periodontal guided bone regeneration applications
Authors: Yang Yang , Yang Deng-Cheng , Long Xian-Yan , Liu Xiang , Lu Jing-Wen , Zhang Zhou-Jing , Shi Qian-Qian , Zhou Yong , Zou Duo-Hong
Published: September 2024

The combination bio-inspired nacre-like structure with biocompatible raw materials leads to mechanically strong and robust barrier membranes with improved periodontal guided bone regeneration performance.
Dynamic scheduling of hybrid flow shop problem with uncertain process time and flexible maintenance using NeuroEvolution of Augmenting Topologies
Authors: Chen Yarong , Zhang Junjie , Rauf Mudassar , Mumtaz Jabir , Huang Shenquan
Published: September 2024

A hybrid flow shop is pivotal in modern manufacturing systems, where various emergencies and disturbances occur within the smart manufacturing context. Efficiently solving the dynamic hybrid flow shop scheduling problem (HFSP), characterised by dynamic release times, uncertain job processing times, and flexible machine maintenance has become a significant research focus. A NeuroEvolution of Augmenting Topologies (NEAT) algorithm is proposed to minimise the maximum completion time. To improve the NEAT algorithm's efficiency and effectiveness, several features were integrated: a multi‐agent system with autonomous interaction and centralised training to develop the parallel machine scheduling policy, a maintenance‐related scheduling action for optimal maintenance decision learning, and a proactive scheduling action to avoid waiting for jobs at decision moments, thereby exploring a broader solution space. The performance of the trained NEAT model was experimentally compared with the Deep Q‐Network (DQN) and five classical priority dispatching rules (PDRs) across various problem scales. The results show that the NEAT algorithm achieves better solutions and responds more quickly to dynamic changes than DQN and PDRs. Furthermore, generalisation test results demonstrate NEAT's rapid problem‐solving ability on test instances different from the training set.
SpeechMatch—A novel digital approach to supporting communication for neurodiverse groups
Authors: Lennard Sarah , Tromans Samuel J. , Taub Robert , Mitchell Sarah , Shankar Rohit
Published: September 2024

Communication can be a challenge for a significant minority of the population. Those with intellectual disability, autism, or Stroke survivors can encounter significant problems and stigma in their communication abilities leading to worse health and social outcomes. SpeechMatch (https://www.speechmatch.com/) is a digital App which is a pragmatic mobile language training platform that teaches individuals to “match” critical components of conversation and looks to provides subjects with immediate visual feedback to shape identification and expression of emotion in speech. While it has been used in autistic people there has been no systematic exploration of its strengths and weaknesses. Further, it's potential to afford improvements in communication to other vulnerable groups such as intellectual disability or Stroke survivors has not been explored. This study looked to understand acceptability from people with intellectual disability and/or autism and those recovering from a stroke on the utility and scope of SpeechMatch using co‐production techniques using experts by experience and a mixed methods evaluation. Results across four domains suggest high acceptability levels but highlighting needs for platform capabilities improvement and better user engagement. The study outlines a vital and essential aspect for improving SpeechMatch. It gives a template for evidenced based quality improvement of similar devices.