bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Curriculum as ‘folding’ democratic practice: Integrating Deleuzian and Deweyan philosophies with the lived experiences of English teachers
Authors: Nigar Nashid , Kostogriz Alex , Mhilli Olga , Yu Xingxing
Published: July 2024

This article advocates the revision of the English as an Additional Language (EAL) Curriculum in Australia into a “curriculum as ‘folding’ democratic practice”, a concept deeply informed by the lived experiences of sixteen teachers of English from multilingual backgrounds. Using hermeneutic phenomenology and narrative inquiry, this study explores how these educators leverage their personal and professional lived experiences to transcend the limitations of a curriculum dominated by Australian Standard English. These narratives highlight the adaptation of the curriculum through ethical engagements with learners’ diverse needs, embodying democratic and pluralistic approaches. Drawing on Gilles Deleuze’s (1993) concepts of the “fold” and “molecular possibilities” and John Dewey’s “democratic education” (1916), the research illustrates the potential of a responsive and inclusive curriculum that fosters intercultural capabilities in superdiverse classrooms. This study advocates an EAL curriculum that not only imparts linguistic skills but also prepares learners for meaningful participation in a globally interconnected society, extending the scope of English language education and teacher capabilities in Australia and beyond. The research highlights broader implications for other subject-related curricula, suggesting principles that could foster inclusivity and intercultural understanding.
Neuauflage des TAEG Fragebogens: Technikaffinität valide und multidimensional mit einer Kurz- oder Langversion erfassen
Authors: Karrer-Gauß Katja , Roesler Eileen , Siebert Felix Wilhelm
Published: July 2024

Ein weit verbreitetes Instrument zur standardisierten Erfassung der Technikaffinität ist der 19-Items umfassende Fragebogen TAEG (Karrer et al. 2009). Er erfasst Technikaffinität auf vier Skalen: (1) selbsteingeschätzte Kompetenz, (2) Begeisterung, (3) wahrgenommene positive Folgen und (4) wahrgenommene negative Folgen. In der vorliegenden Studie wird eine neue Version des TAEG mit 12 Items vorgestellt, die das mehrdimensionale Konstrukt valide erfasst. Der ursprüngliche Fragebogen wurde aktualisiert und an einer Stichprobe von N = 1206 validiert. Die vier Fragebogenskalen zeigten gute interne Konsistenzen. Die dimensionale Struktur des Fragebogens konnte in einer konfirmatorischen Faktorenanalyse repliziert werden. Die Konstruktvalidität der Skalen wurde mit korrelierten Fragebögen bestätigt, die Kriteriumsvalidität mit der Nutzungshäufigkeit und -erfahrung mit technischen Geräten. Für die eine deutsche Stichprobe werden Normwerte zur Verfügung gestellt, welche den Vergleich von individuellen TAEG-Werten für vordefinierte Geschlechts‑, Alters- und Bildungshintergrundgruppen ermöglicht. Darüber hinaus wird ein Gesamtwert über die vier Skalen eingeführt sowie eine Kurzversion des Fragebogens.

Praktische Relevanz Technikaffinität wird im Forschungskontext der Mensch-Maschine-Interaktion als Kontrollvariable oder zur Auswahl von Versuchspersonen erhoben. Technologieunternehmen können so Kundschaftssegmente analysieren und unterschiedliche Perspektiven in den Innovations- und Entwicklungsprozess integrieren.
Empathy in the Workplace: Disentangling Affective from Cognitive Empathy
Authors: Vallette d’Osia Armelle , Meier Laurenz L.
Published: July 2024

Empathy plays a crucial role in the workplace, associated with positive outcomes, including helping behavior and task performance. While most studies have treated empathy as a unidimensional and trait-like characteristic, empathy is best understood as a two-dimensional construct, encompassing stable and fluctuating aspects. Considering this conceptualization, our research explores the relationship between the two dimensions – affective and cognitive empathy – with well-being and prosocial behavior, both at the trait and state levels. We hypothesized that affective empathy is positively associated with fatigue, whereas cognitive empathy is positively related to provided support. Furthermore, we predicted that these relationships would be especially pronounced on days when employees witness conflicts in the workplace. Our results, drawn from two diary studies (Ns = 119 and 179), indicated that affective empathy was related to fatigue, and cognitive empathy was related to provided support on the trait level, supporting our hypotheses. However, the distinctions between the two empathy dimensions were less prominent at the state level, and these effects did not depend on observed conflicts. These findings suggest that affective and cognitive empathy have differential effects, emphasizing the need for balanced and beneficial utilization of empathy in both theoretical development and practical workplace contexts.
Simultaneous Effects of Linguistic Knowledge and Topic Familiarity on L2 Writing of Vietnamese Upper-Secondary School Students: A Simple SEM Model
Authors: Bo Linh K. , Le Anh N. N.
Published: July 2024

This study seeks to investigate the impact of linguistic knowledge and topic familiarity on upper secondary school students’ L2 writing performance in the Vietnamese context. A structural equation modeling (SEM) model was employed to analyse quantitative data collected from 131 students from Binh Duong province. Results revealed that linguistic knowledge positively influenced L2 writing performance, with mid-to-low-frequency vocabulary knowledge having the greatest impact. High-frequency vocabulary knowledge and grammar knowledge were also significant but to a lesser extent. Furthermore, self-reported familiarity with the topic did not account for variances in L2 writing performance when students were given the same topic. The study provides implications for research and teaching of L2 writing, suggesting that linguists, teachers and researchers should consider both linguistic knowledge and topic familiarity in designing and implementing effective L2 writing instructions in Vietnamese public secondary schools.
The Affordances of Identity Texts with Adult Students with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education
Authors: Slaughter Yvette , Choi Julie
Published: July 2024

Working with adult Students with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education (SLIFE) requires teachers to develop a knowledge and understanding of a complex range of matters related to pedagogy, language and literacy acquisition and the practical and socio-emotional challenges of resettlement. Limited research has focused on how teachers can support students’ literacy practices and the expression of students’ rich life experiences and knowledge systems through language learning. Using a design-based framework and undertaken across 10 weeks, this research investigated the pedagogical potential of identity texts when working with adult SLIFE in the Australian context. The collaborative research design involved teachers and teacher educators participating in ongoing professional learning sessions as a range of identity texts were integrated into lessons. Data collected included classroom recordings, recordings from professional learning sessions and formal interviews with teachers and materials produced by learners during the project. A thematic analysis of the data highlighted the transformative potential of the use of identity texts in creating more inclusive, student-centred learning environments and greater learner agency. Further work is needed to better understand the necessary pace, tempo and utility of a range of identity texts in adult SLIFE language learning contexts.
The ontology of coevolution beyond economic systems
Authors: Pérez-Jara Javier
Published: July 2024

This paper provides an analysis of the general ontology of coevolutionary processes. I argue that to properly understand the ontological phenomenon of coevolution, we need to move away from neophobic, flat, and substance-based ontologies and adopt a pluralist and emergentist process metaphysics that takes into account both horizontal and vertical codetermination. Following this approach, I differentiate between ontological (co)evolution in a general and specific sense. General (co)evolution can be observed in physical and chemical matter. Before the emergence of living matter, the universe evolved, achieving more ontological complexity and qualitative density. Since physical and chemical matter are made up of a complex interplay of continuities and discontinuities, physical and chemical entities and processes are multiple and codetermine each other through a dynamic complex patterning, as basically described by what the Spanish philosopher Gustavo Bueno called symploké following Plato’s Sophist. Therefore, physical and chemical evolutionary processes are more accurately described as coevolutionary processes. On the other hand, specific coevolution can be observed in the biological, social, and cultural/artificial realms. Its ontological specificity lies in the dynamic interactions of novelty, replication, and selection, which are absent in physical and chemical matter. In conclusion, I argue that rather than unnecessarily complicating our view of reality, this approach is manageable epistemologically and allows for a better understanding of dynamic codetermination in the universe, from physical matter to cultural spheres.
Sustainable practices and firm competitiveness: an empirical analysis of the Saudi Arabian energy sector
Authors: AlKhars Mohammed , Masoud Mahmoud , AlNasser Ahmad , Alsubaie Mohammed
Published: July 2024

In pursuit of reducing dependence on oil, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has made significant efforts to advance sustainability under the strategic framework known as Saudi Vision. This initiative encompasses a range of activities aimed at promoting sustainability within the energy sector. This paper aims to analyze the existing sustainable practices of companies, employees, and the broader community in the supply chain. The objective is to evaluate current progress toward the sustainability goals of the Kingdom and assess the competitiveness of firms in the energy sector based on the effectiveness of sustainability management in their supply chain. Based on data collected from Saudi energy companies, structural equation modeling (SEM) techniques are utilized to investigate sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) practices and their influence on CP in Saudi Arabian energy companies. This study examines the influence of several practices on competitiveness (CP), including environmental practices (EMPs), social practices for employees (SPEs), social practices for the community (SPCs), operational practices (OPs), and supply chain integration practices (SCIs). The study incorporates five distinct independent variables, namely, EMP, SPE, SPC, OP, and SCI, where the dependent variable under investigation is denoted as CP. The findings from the SEM analysis show that three variables—SPE, SPC, and OP—demonstrate statistical significance, while EMP and SCI do not. These findings enhance the continuing academic discussion about balancing economic growth and environmental preservation through sustainable practices in the energy sector.
Closing nature connectedness to foster environmental culture: investigating urban residents’ utilization and contribution to parks in Vietnam
Authors: Khuc Van Quy , Tran Mai , Thinh Nguyen An , Lich Hoang Khac , Dang Thao , Nguyen Thi Mai Huong , Tran Duc Trung
Published: July 2024

This study aims to investigate the potential for enhancing financial contributions to nature conservation and/or environment protection contributed by citizens and/or the private sector in Vietnam. Specifically, the study empirically examines the antecedents of the utilization patterns and financial contribution of city dwellers to public and national parks. We introduce and use a novel CBMM analytic method (Bayesian mindsponge mindspongeconomics combined with Culture Tower) to analyze the dataset of 535 Vietnamese urban residents surveyed in late 2020. Empirical results demonstrate that the more frequently individuals visit parks, the more likely they are to contribute financially to projects in parks as a whole. In addition, having trees in the house positively correlates with donations to national park conservation projects, while the intention to visit a national park in the next 12 months encourages urban residents to contribute to planting projects in public parks. These results suggest that improved environmental literacy and nature connectedness can help encourage citizens to act collectively to help alleviate the financial burden in dealing with environmental issues. We also found that the increased frequency of bushmeat consumption impedes people’s intention to support conservation projects, implying that the consumer culture of nature might be a hindrance in the efforts to engage the public. Based on the findings, this study offers not only the key solution to alleviate financial burdens for nature conservation but also paves the way to nurture and foster environmental culture associated with closer nature connectedness and improved consumption culture for a sustainable future in years to come.
3D technologies in STEAM education
Authors: Staribratov Ivaylo , Manolova Nikol
Published: July 2024

The article presents the application of 3D technologies in STEAM education through a conducted scientific research, highlighting the role of 3D modeling and 3D printing as an innovative approach in achieving an interdisciplinary learning model. The research included the following stages: preparation for designing a detailed 3D steam locomotive model; analysis of process difficulties; giving students and lecturers the opportunity to perform a specific modeling task, using basic primitives from solid geometry, as well as a questionnaire to analyze and evaluate the skills and knowledge of the participants in the 3D modeling field. In this context, the preparation process of a 3D steam locomotive model for educational purposes, using Autodesk 3ds Max software, is presented, and the 3D printing technology FDM is examined. We issued a challenge to the participants in the research to design a non-complex 3D model, using unfamiliar 3D modeling software Blender, within a limited time. The questionnaire covered topics in education, science, art, STEAM, and 3D modeling. The goal is to showcase the role of the integration of 3D technologies in educational environments with the idea of developing key skills and knowledge in learners.
Timing of Volatile Degassing From Hydrous Upper‐Crustal Magma Reservoirs With Implications for Porphyry Copper Deposits
Authors: Gruzdeva Yulia , Weis Philipp , Andersen Christine
Published: July 2024

The timing and duration of volatile generation from crystallizing magma reservoirs and fluid release across the magmatic‐hydrothermal interface depend on complex coupled interactions controlled by non‐linear, dynamic properties of magmas, rocks and fluids. Understanding these mechanisms is essential to explain the rare formation of economic porphyry copper deposits. For this study, we further developed a coupled numerical model that can simultaneously resolve magma and hydrothermal flow by introducing a description of fluid transport within the magma reservoir and volatile release to the host rock. Our simulations use realistic magma properties derived from published experimental and modeling studies and cover different magma compositions and water contents. We show that magma convection at melt‐dominated states leads to homogenization, which delays fluid release and promotes a rapid evolution toward a mush state. The onset of magmatic volatile release can be near‐explosive with a tube‐flow outburst event lasting <100 years for high initial water contents of >3.5 wt% H2O that could result in the formation of hydrothermal breccias and vein stockworks or trigger eruptions. This event can be followed by sustained fluid release at moderate rates by volatile flushing caused by magma convection. Subsequent fluid release from concentric tube rings by radial cooling of non‐convecting magma mush with a volume of ∼100 km3 at ∼5 km depth is limited to remaining water contents of ∼3.1 wt% H2O and lasts 50–100 kyr. Ore formation from hydrous magmas may thus involve distinct phases of volatile release.
Generation and Impacts of Whistler‐Mode Waves During Energetic Electron Injections in Jupiter's Outer Radiation Belt
Authors: Ma Q. , Li W. , Zhang X.‐J. , Bortnik J. , Shen X.‐C. , Daly A. , Kurth W. S. , Mauk B. H. , Allegrini F. , Connerney J. E. P. , Bagenal F. , Bolton S. J.
Published: July 2024

Energetic particle injections are commonly observed in Jupiter's magnetosphere and have important impacts on the radiation belts. We evaluate the roles of electron injections in the dynamics of whistler‐mode waves and relativistic electrons using Juno measurements and wave‐particle interaction modeling. The Juno spacecraft observed injected electron flux bursts at energies up to 300 keV at M shell ∼11 near the magnetic equator during perijove‐31. The electron injections are related to chorus wave bursts at 0.05–0.5 fce frequencies, where fce is the electron gyrofrequency. The electron pitch angle distributions are anisotropic, peaking near 90° pitch angle, and the fluxes are high during injections. We calculate the whistler‐mode wave growth rates using the observed electron distributions and linear theory. The frequency spectrum of the wave growth rate is consistent with that of the observed chorus magnetic intensity, suggesting that the observed electron injections provide free energy to generate whistler‐mode chorus waves. We further use quasilinear theory to model the impacts of chorus waves on 0.1–10 MeV electrons. Our modeling shows that the chorus waves could cause the pitch angle scattering loss of electrons at <1 MeV energies and accelerate relativistic electrons at multiple MeV energies in Jupiter's outer radiation belt. The electron injections also provide an important seed population at several hundred keV energies to support the acceleration to higher energies. Our wave‐particle interaction modeling demonstrates the energy flow from the electron injections to the relativistic electron population through the medium of whistler‐mode waves in Jupiter's outer radiation belt.
Wind‐Enhanced Separation of Large‐Scale River Plumes From Coastal Corners
Authors: Whitney Michael M.
Published: July 2024

Idealized models are analyzed to quantify how large‐scale river plumes interact with coastal corners with and without wind‐driven currents. The configuration has a corner formed by two perpendicular shelves (with constant slope) that are joined with a coastal radius of curvature (rc). The buoyant plume originates from an upstream point source. The rc and wind forcing are varied among runs. Steep‐ and gentle‐slope runs are compared for some situations. Without winds, plumes separate from corners with rc smaller than two inertial radii (ri); this threshold is twice the rc < ri theoretical separation criterion. After separation, no‐wind plumes form an anticyclonic bulge, and reattach farther downstream. Offshore excursion increases as rc decreases. A downwelling‐favorable wind component along the upstream coast (τsx) favors separation by increasing total plume speed. An upwelling‐favorable wind component along the downstream coast (τsy) also increases offshore excursion. Winds blowing obliquely offshore with both these wind components advect the plume farther offshore. Wind‐driven currents that steer plumes in this situation include a downshelf jet originating on the upstream shelf and continuing around the coastal corner and beyond, offshore and upshelf surface transport downstream of the corner, and surface Ekman transport on the outer shelf. Multiple linear regressions quantify plume position sensitivity to rc, τsx, and τsy; results are discussed in a dynamical context. Globally, many river plumes interact with coastal corners under various wind conditions.
To Exascale and Beyond—The Simple Cloud‐Resolving E3SM Atmosphere Model (SCREAM), a Performance Portable Global Atmosphere Model for Cloud‐Resolving Scales
Authors: Donahue A. S. , Caldwell P. M. , Bertagna L. , Beydoun H. , Bogenschutz P. A. , Bradley A. M. , Clevenger T. C. , Foucar J. , Golaz C. , Guba O. , Hannah W. , Hillman B. R. , Johnson J. N. , Keen N. , Lin W. , Singh B. , Sreepathi S. , Taylor M. A. , Tian J. , Terai C. R. , Ullrich P. A. , Yuan X. , Zhang Y.
Published: July 2024

The new generation of heterogeneous CPU/GPU computer systems offer much greater computational performance but are not yet widely used for climate modeling. One reason for this is that traditional climate models were written before GPUs were available and would require an extensive overhaul to run on these new machines. In addition, even conventional “high–resolution” simulations don't currently provide enough parallel work to keep GPUs busy, so the benefits of such overhaul would be limited for the types of simulations climate scientists are accustomed to. The vision of the Simple Cloud‐Resolving Energy Exascale Earth System (E3SM) Atmosphere Model (SCREAM) project is to create a global atmospheric model with the architecture to efficiently use GPUs and horizontal resolution sufficient to fully take advantage of GPU parallelism. After 5 years of model development, SCREAM is finally ready for use. In this paper, we describe the design of this new code, its performance on both CPU and heterogeneous machines, and its ability to simulate real‐world climate via a set of four 40 day simulations covering all 4 seasons of the year.
A recommendation for the use of electrical biosensing technology in neonatology
Authors: van Wyk Lizelle , Austin Topun , Barzilay Bernard , Bravo Maria Carmen , Breindahl Morten , Czernik Christoph , Dempsey Eugene , de Boode Willem-Pieter , de Vries Willem , Eriksen Beate Horsberg , Fauchére Jean-Claude , Kooi Elisabeth M. W. , Levy Philip T. , McNamara Patrick J. , Mitra Subhabrata , Nestaas Eirik , Rabe Heike , Rabi Yacov , Rogerson Sheryle R. , Savoia Marilena , Schena Frederico , Sehgal Arvind , Schwarz Christoph E. , Thome Ulrich , van Laere David , Zaharie Gabriela C. , Gupta Samir ,   ESPR Special Interest Group on Non-Invasive Cardiac Output Monitoring, van Wyk Lizelle , de Boode Willem-Pieter , de Vries Willem , van Laere David
Published: July 2024

Non-invasive cardiac output monitoring, via electrical biosensing technology (EBT), provides continuous, multi-parameter hemodynamic variable monitoring which may allow for timely identification of hemodynamic instability in some neonates, providing an opportunity for early intervention that may improve neonatal outcomes. EBT encompasses thoracic (TEBT) and whole body (WBEBT) methods. Despite the lack of relative accuracy of these technologies, as compared to transthoracic echocardiography, the use of these technologies in neonatology, both in the research and clinical arena, have increased dramatically over the last 30 years. The European Society of Pediatric Research Special Interest Group in Non-Invasive Cardiac Output Monitoring, a group of experienced neonatologists in the field of EBT, deemed it appropriate to provide recommendations for the use of TEBT and WBEBT in the field of neonatology. Although TEBT is not an accurate determinant of cardiac output or stroke volume, it may be useful for monitoring longitudinal changes of hemodynamic parameters. Few recommendations can be made for the use of TEBT in common neonatal clinical conditions. It is recommended not to use WBEBT to monitor cardiac output. The differences in technologies, study methodologies and data reporting should be addressed in ongoing research prior to introducing EBT into routine practice.

Impact statement

TEBT is not recommended as an accurate determinant of cardiac output (CO) (or stroke volume (SV)).

TEBT may be useful for monitoring longitudinal changes from baseline of hemodynamic parameters on an individual patient basis.

TEBT-derived thoracic fluid content (TFC) longitudinal changes from baseline may be useful in monitoring progress in respiratory disorders and circulatory conditions affecting intrathoracic fluid volume.

Currently there is insufficient evidence to make any recommendations regarding the use of WBEBT for CO monitoring in neonates.

Further research is required in all areas prior to the implementation of these monitors into routine clinical practice.
The 2023 Doyne Lecture—a cornea care system: evolution
Authors: Rao Gullapalli N.
Published: July 2024

Blindness and visual impairment affect the quality of life of the individual and their family members. Corneal opacities are a key cause of vision loss around the world, especially in low-income and middle-income countries (LMIC). Corneal blindness and vision loss impacts every age group, and the risk factors and the causes are also varied. Socio-economic factors also play a significant role in its prevalence. Preventing, treating, and managing corneal conditions in LMIC contexts can therefore be quite complex and challenging. A model of eye care delivery developed and refined over the past four decades, the L V Prasad Eye Institute’s cornea care system presents an example and a sense of hope. The model takes corneal care from world-class facilities in urban locations to rural locations, overcoming a variety of challenges. The initial breakthrough came with solving and ensuring a steady supply of corneal tissue. Then to training high-quality resources, building capacity, and investing in research that translates from the bench to the bedside. A variety of innovations, both in diagnosis and the operating theatre, have paved for improved outcomes that are tailored for the contexts in which this system operates. The institute envisions a future where its work further narrows the gap in eye care disparities and leads to life-changing impact in ophthalmic care of the cornea.
Risks and regulation of rubber scattershot in Switzerland: a narrative review
Authors: Fierz Anna
Published: July 2024

Multiple kinetic impact projectiles (KIPs) are responsible for most eye injuries by crowd-control weapons. This review aims to outline an underreported, ongoing series of eye injuries by rubber scattershot in Switzerland, and to relate current knowledge about thresholds for lasting visual loss to the energy limits set on KIPs in crowd control, by way of a retrospective compilation of cases from publicly available records and a review of the pertinent literature. Scattershot can cause irreversible visual loss. Since 1980, there have been 36 known cases of eye injuries by rubber pellets in Switzerland. In 2023, the incidence was higher here than at the peak of protests in France. KIPs were originally cleared for use in crowd control at kinetic and area-normalised energies assumed to lie below the threshold for ocular penetration. However, closed globe injuries suffice to cause permanent visual loss. Lower energy thresholds for lasting damage have been confirmed by the newer literature on paintballs, airbags, air guns and toys. These values may differ in vivo versus in vitro, and in humans versus in animals. There is no clear consensus on how best to predict loss of vision. Underreporting the risks of crowd-control weapons may contribute to their prolonged and increasingly liberal use. Regulations should consider what is known on energy thresholds for permanent visual loss. It is critical for ophthalmologists to be involved in the evaluation and monitoring of eye injuries caused by projectiles, including KIPs and toys. An interdisciplinary approach could help to elucidate damage thresholds.
Telomere-to-telomere Citrullus super-pangenome provides direction for watermelon breeding
Authors: Zhang Yilin , Zhao Mingxia , Tan Jingsheng , Huang Minghan , Chu Xiao , Li Yan , Han Xue , Fang Taohong , Tian Yao , Jarret Robert , Lu Dongdong , Chen Yijun , Xue Lifang , Li Xiaoni , Qin Guochen , Li Bosheng , Sun Yudong , Deng Xing Wang , Deng Yun , Zhang Xingping , He Hang
Published: July 2024

To decipher the genetic diversity within the cucurbit genus Citrullus, we generated telomere-to-telomere (T2T) assemblies of 27 distinct genotypes, encompassing all seven Citrullus species. This T2T super-pangenome has expanded the previously published reference genome, T2T-G42, by adding 399.2 Mb and 11,225 genes. Comparative analysis has unveiled gene variants and structural variations (SVs), shedding light on watermelon evolution and domestication processes that enhanced attributes such as bitterness and sugar content while compromising disease resistance. Multidisease-resistant loci from Citrullus amarus and Citrullus mucosospermus were successfully introduced into cultivated Citrullus lanatus. The SVs identified in C. lanatus have not only been inherited from cordophanus but also from C. mucosospermus, suggesting additional ancestors beyond cordophanus in the lineage of cultivated watermelon. Our investigation substantially improves the comprehension of watermelon genome diversity, furnishing comprehensive reference genomes for all Citrullus species. This advancement aids in the exploration and genetic enhancement of watermelon using its wild relatives.
Multivariate analysis of the summer herbaceous vegetation and environmental factors of the sub-tropical region
Authors: Ullah Tahseen , Muhammad Zahir , Shah Ishaq Ali , Bourhia Mohammed , Nafidi Hiba-Allah , Mohammad Salamatullah Ahmad , Ali Younous Youssouf
Published: July 2024

Understanding the distribution of the plant species of an unexplored area is the utmost need of the present-day. In order to collect vegetation data, Quadrat method was used having size of 1 m2. The composite soil samples from each site were tested for various edaphic properties. PC-ORD v.5 was used for the classification of the vegetation while CANOCO v.5.1 was used for ordination of the data and to find out the complex relationship between plants and environment. Survey was conducted during summer season and a total of 216 herbaceous species were recorded from forty different sites of District Kohat, Pakistan. Cluster Analysis (CA) and Two-Way Cluster Analysis (TWCA) classified the vegetation of forty sites into six major plant groups i.e., 1. Paspalum paspalodes, Alternanthera sessilis, Typha domingensis, 2. Cynodon dactylon, Parthenium hysterophorus, Brachiaria ramosa, 3. Cynodon dactylon, Eragrostis minor, Cymbopogon jwarancusa, 4. Cymbopogon jwarancusa, Aristida adscensionis, Boerhavia procumbens, 5. Cymbopogon jwarancusa, Aristida adscensionis, Pennisetum orientale and 6. Heteropogon contortus, Bothriochloa ischaemum, Chrysopogon serrulatus. They were named after the dominant species based on their Importance Value (IV). The detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) analysis further confirmed the vegetation classification. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) indicated that the species distribution in the area was strongly affected by various environmental factors including status, soil characteristics, topography and altitude.
A DFT study of superior adsorbate–surface bonding at Pt-WSe2 vertically aligned heterostructures upon NO2, SO2, CO2, and H2 interactions
Authors: Kushwaha Aditya , Goel Neeraj
Published: July 2024

This study investigates the potential of platinum (Pt) decorated single-layer WSe2 (Pt-WSe2) monolayers as high-performance gas sensors for NO2, CO2, SO2, and H2 using first-principles calculations. We quantify the impact of Pt placement (basal plane vs. vertical edge) on WSe2’s electronic properties, focusing on changes in bandgap (ΔEg). Pt decoration significantly alters the bandgap, with vertical edge sites (TV-WSe2) exhibiting a drastic reduction (0.062 eV) compared to pristine WSe2 and basal plane decorated structures (TBH: 0.720 eV, TBM: 1.237 eV). This substantial ΔEg reduction in TV-WSe2 suggests a potential enhancement in sensor response. Furthermore, TV-WSe2 displays the strongest binding capacity for all target gases due to a Pt-induced “spillover effect” that elongates adsorbed molecules. Specifically, TV-WSe2 exhibits adsorption energies of − 0.5243 eV (NO2), − 0.5777 eV (CO2), − 0.8391 eV (SO2), and − 0.1261 eV (H2), indicating its enhanced sensitivity. Notably, H2 adsorption on TV-WSe2 shows the highest conductivity modulation, suggesting exceptional H2 sensing capabilities. These findings demonstrate that Pt decoration, particularly along WSe2 vertical edges, significantly enhances gas sensing performance. This paves the way for Pt-WSe2 monolayers as highly selective and sensitive gas sensors for various applications, including environmental monitoring, leak detection, and breath analysis.
CCR2+ monocytes/macrophages drive steroid hormone imbalance-related prostatic fibrosis
Authors: Popovics Petra , Silver Samara V. , Uchtmann Kristen S. , Arendt Lisa M. , Vezina Chad M. , Ricke William A.
Published: July 2024

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a complex condition leading to Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in aging men, characterized by cellular proliferation, smooth muscle dysfunction, inflammation, and fibrosis. While BPH is known to involve heightened macrophage infiltration, the specific contribution of infiltrating monocytes/macrophages to the disease mechanism remains uncertain. This research explores the impact of reducing circulating monocytes and subsequently limiting their tissue infiltration by using Ccr2 knockout (Ccr2-KO) mice. Ccr2-KO and wild type mice were implanted with testosterone and estradiol (T + E2, 25 mg + 2.5 mg) pellets. Urinary function was assessed via weekly void spot assays over 12 weeks, and prostatic macrophage levels were visualized and quantified in tissue sections using an F4/80 antibody. Additionally, Ki-67 staining was used to evaluate cell proliferation, and picrosirius red staining to assess collagen accumulation. Increased voiding frequency which developed in T + E2 mice, was significantly ameliorated in Ccr2-KO mice, however, both Ccr2-KO and wild type (WT) mice showed increased bladder weights after three month, representing a hypertrophic response to bladder outlet obstruction. T + E2 substantially increased the density of macrophages in WT but not Ccr2-KO mouse prostate. Proliferation rate, as indicated by Ki-67 positivity, was elevated in the vental and anterior prostate lobes but was only marginally reduced in Ccr2-KO mice. Most importantly, a significant prostatic collagen accumulation was observed in WT mice that was markedly reduced by Ccr2 deficiency post T + E2 treatment. The absence of Ccr2 mitigates urinary dysfunction and alters prostatic macrophage levels and collagen accumulation in steroid hormone imbalance. These findings suggest a crucial role for monocyte infiltration, giving rise to macrophages or other cell derivatives, to drive fibrosis.
Identifying critical age and gender-based metabolomic shifts in a Japanese population of the Tohoku Medical Megabank cohort
Authors: Sakurai Miyuki , Motoike Ikuko N. , Hishinuma Eiji , Aoki Yuichi , Tadaka Shu , Kogure Mana , Orui Masatsugu , Ishikuro Mami , Obara Taku , Nakaya Naoki , Kumada Kazuki , Hozawa Atsushi , Kuriyama Shinichi , Yamamoto Masayuki , Koshiba Seizo , Kinoshita Kengo
Published: July 2024

Understanding the physiological changes associated with aging and the associated disease risks is essential to establish biomarkers as indicators of biological aging. This study used the NMR-measured plasma metabolome to calculate age-specific metabolite indices. In doing so, the scope of the study was deliberately simplified to capture general trends and insights into age-related changes in metabolic patterns. In addition, changes in metabolite concentrations with age were examined in detail, with the period from 55–59 to 60–64 years being a period of significant metabolic change, particularly in men, and from 45–49 to 50–54 years in females. These results illustrate the different variations in metabolite concentrations by sex and provide new insights into the relationship between age and metabolic diseases.
Feasibility of 129I groundwater dating calibrated by both 81Kr and 4He for the assessment of deep geological repositories in Japan
Authors: Ohta Tomoko , Hasegawa Takuma , Jiang Wei , Yang Guo Min , Lu Zheng-Tian , Mahara Yasunori
Published: July 2024

Iodine-129, which is a promising tracer for dating old groundwater, has been used as a tracer for deep upwelling groundwater. The nuclide is expected to be one of the key factors for site selection for high-level radioactive waste disposal, which is a global societal issue. The pre-anthropogenic 129I/127I ratio for marine iodine is (1.50 ± 0.15) × 10−12, which could be considered the initial value for 129I dating. This study identifies the challenges in groundwater age dating using 129I/127I. We measured the ratios of 129I/127I and 81Kr/Kr and concentration of 4He in groundwater from boreholes on the northern coast of Japan. The 129I dating results were not coincident with the other groundwater dating results. The iodine in the groundwater was inferred to be released in situ from marine organisms in sediments of various ages. We estimated that the primordial iodine ratio originating from seawater was ~ 1 × 10–13 (8 × 10–14 ~ 2 × 10–13). The groundwater age deduced from the 129I/127I ratio using this value agrees with other groundwater dating results.
Reinforcement learning-trained optimisers and Bayesian optimisation for online particle accelerator tuning
Authors: Kaiser Jan , Xu Chenran , Eichler Annika , Santamaria Garcia Andrea , Stein Oliver , Bründermann Erik , Kuropka Willi , Dinter Hannes , Mayet Frank , Vinatier Thomas , Burkart Florian , Schlarb Holger
Published: July 2024

Online tuning of particle accelerators is a complex optimisation problem that continues to require manual intervention by experienced human operators. Autonomous tuning is a rapidly expanding field of research, where learning-based methods like Bayesian optimisation (BO) hold great promise in improving plant performance and reducing tuning times. At the same time, reinforcement learning (RL) is a capable method of learning intelligent controllers, and recent work shows that RL can also be used to train domain-specialised optimisers in so-called reinforcement learning-trained optimisation (RLO). In parallel efforts, both algorithms have found successful adoption in particle accelerator tuning. Here we present a comparative case study, assessing the performance of both algorithms while providing a nuanced analysis of the merits and the practical challenges involved in deploying them to real-world facilities. Our results will help practitioners choose a suitable learning-based tuning algorithm for their tuning tasks, accelerating the adoption of autonomous tuning algorithms, ultimately improving the availability of particle accelerators and pushing their operational limits.
A multicenter study of asymmetric and symmetric dimethylarginine as predictors of mortality risk in hospitalized COVID-19 patients
Authors: Hannemann Juliane , Zink Anne , Mileva Yoana , Balfanz Paul , Dahl Edgar , Volland Sonja , Illig Thomas , Schwedhelm Edzard , Kurth Florian , Stege Alexandra , Aepfelbacher Martin , Hoffmann Armin , Böger Rainer
Published: July 2024

Mortality of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 has remained high during the consecutive SARS-CoV-2 pandemic waves. Early discrimination of patients at high mortality risk is crucial for optimal patient care. Symmetric (SDMA) and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) have been proposed as possible biomarkers to improve risk prediction of COVID-19 patients. We measured SDMA, ADMA, and other L-arginine-related metabolites in 180 patients admitted with COVID-19 in four German university hospitals as compared to 127 healthy controls. Patients were treated according to accepted clinical guidelines and followed-up until death or hospital discharge. Classical inflammatory markers (leukocytes, CRP, PCT), renal function (eGFR), and clinical scores (SOFA) were taken from hospital records. In a small subgroup of 23 COVID-19 patients, sequential blood samples were available and analyzed for biomarker trends over time until 14 days after admission. Patients had significantly elevated SDMA, ADMA, and L-ornithine and lower L-citrulline concentrations than controls. Within COVID-19 patients, SDMA and ADMA were significantly higher in non-survivors (n = 41, 22.8%) than in survivors. In ROC analysis, the optimal cut-off to discriminate non-survivors from survivors was 0.579 µmol/L for SDMA and 0.599 µmol/L for ADMA (both p < 0.001). High SDMA and ADMA were associated with odds ratios for death of 11.45 (3.37–38.87) and 5.95 (2.63–13.45), respectively. Analysis of SDMA and ADMA allowed discrimination of a high-risk (mortality, 43.7%), medium-risk (15.1%), and low-risk group (3.6%); risk prediction was significantly improved over classical laboratory markers. We conclude that analysis of ADMA and SDMA after hospital admission significantly improves risk prediction in COVID-19.
Werner helicase interacting protein 1 contributes to G-quadruplex processing in human cells
Authors: Hegedus Lili , Toth Agnes , Harami Gabor M. , Palinkas Janos , Karatayeva Nargis , Sajben-Nagy Eniko , Bene Szabolcs , Afzali Jaktajdinani Sara , Kovacs Mihaly , Juhasz Szilvia , Burkovics Peter
Published: July 2024

Genome replication is frequently impeded by highly stable DNA secondary structures, including G-quadruplex (G4) DNA, that can hinder the progression of the replication fork. Human WRNIP1 (Werner helicase Interacting Protein 1) associates with various components of the replication machinery and plays a crucial role in genome maintenance processes. However, its detailed function is still not fully understood. Here we show that human WRNIP1 interacts with G4 structures and provide evidence for its contribution to G4 processing. The absence of WRNIP1 results in elevated levels of G4 structures, DNA damage and chromosome aberrations following treatment with PhenDC3, a G4-stabilizing ligand. Additionally, we establish a functional and physical relationship between WRNIP1 and the PIF1 helicase in G4 processing. In summary, our results suggest that WRNIP1 aids genome replication and maintenance by regulating G4 processing and this activity relies on Pif1 DNA helicase.
Compound osteoderms preserved in amber reveal the oldest known skink
Authors: Daza Juan D. , Stanley Edward L. , Heinicke Matthew P. , Leah Chuck , Doucet Daniel S. , Fenner Kelsey L. , Arias J. Salvador , Smith Ru D. A. , Peretti Adolf M. , Aung Nyi Nyi , Bauer Aaron M.
Published: July 2024

Scincidae is one of the most species-rich and cosmopolitan clades of squamate reptiles. Abundant disarticulated fossil material has also been attributed to this group, however, no complete pre-Cenozoic crown-scincid specimens have been found. A specimen in Burmite (99 MYA) is the first fossil that can be unambiguously referred to this clade. Our analyses place it as nested within extant skinks, supported by the presence of compound osteoderms formed by articulated small ostedermites. The specimen has a combination of dorsal and ventral compound osteoderms and overlapping cycloid scales that is limited to skinks. We propose that this type of osteoderm evolved as a response to an increased overlap of scales, and to reduced stiffness of the dermal armour. Compound osteoderms could be a key innovation that facilitated diversification in this megadiverse family.
Genetic analyses and dispersal patterns unveil the Amazonian origin of guava domestication
Authors: Arévalo-Marín Edna , Casas Alejandro , Alvarado-Sizzo Hernán , Ruiz-Sanchez Eduardo , Castellanos-Morales Gabriela , Jardón-Barbolla Lev , Fermin Gustavo , Padilla-Ramírez José S. , Clement Charles R.
Published: July 2024

Guava (Psidium guajava L.) is a semi-domesticated fruit tree of moderate importance in the Neotropics, utilized for millennia due to its nutritional and medicinal benefits, but its origin of domestication remains unknown. In this study, we examine genetic diversity and population structure in 215 plants from 11 countries in Mesoamerica, the Andes, and Amazonia using 25 nuclear microsatellite loci to propose an origin of domestication. Genetic analyses reveal one gene pool in Mesoamerica (Mexico) and four in South America (Brazilian Amazonia, Peruvian Amazonia and Andes, and Colombia), indicating greater differentiation among localities, possibly due to isolation between guava populations, particularly in the Amazonian and Andean regions. Moreover, Mesoamerican populations show high genetic diversity, with moderate genetic structure due to gene flow from northern South American populations. Dispersal scenarios suggest that Brazilian Amazonia is the probable origin of guava domestication, spreading from there to the Peruvian Andes, northern South America, Central America, and Mexico. These findings present the first evidence of guava domestication in the Americas, contributing to a deeper understanding of its evolutionary history.
Experimental study on soil improvement by electrochemical injection of calcium chloride solutions with time interval
Authors: Han Shaoyang , Wang Baotian , Wang Yu , Liu Wenpeng , Chen Chenghao , Zhang Yijiang
Published: July 2024

An improved electroosmotic method is proposed in this paper to enhance the non-uniform effect and efficiency of electroosmotic process. Such method is electroosmotic flow with injection of calcium chloride through the anode, followed by injection through the central tube (a tube at the midpoint between the anode and the cathode) with a suitable time interval between injections. Experimental results indicate that using this method can significantly improve the non-uniform reduction in water content throughout the soil, mitigate the formation of cracks in the anode section, and therefore considerably inhibit the increase in the electric resistance. After treatment, the drained water could be raised to 3.59 times more than that of pure electroosmotic flow, and 1.3 times that of simultaneous injection through both the anode and the central tube with considerably slight increase in power consumption. Moreover, the area of cementation was also expanded, approximately twice larger than that of pure electroosmotic flow and one and a half that of simultaneous injection. It is also worth noting that the proposed method performs better with the same power consumption. The results demonstrate that electroosmotic flow with a suitable time interval between injections could improve the efficiency of electroosmotic process and expand the treatment region in soils, hence can be a promising and economic technique for soil improvement in practical engineering.
Prevention of bone dehiscence associated with orthodontic tooth movement by prophylactic injection of bone anabolic agents in mice
Authors: Qi Jia , Matsumoto Yoshiro , Xie Cangyou , Rashed Fatma , Ono Takashi , Aoki Kazuhiro
Published: July 2024

Although bone dehiscence may occur during orthodontic tooth movement into the narrow alveolar ridge, a non-invasive prevention method is yet to be fully established. We show for the first time prevention of bone dehiscence associated with orthodontic tooth movement by prophylactic injection of bone anabolic agents in mice. In this study, we established a bone dehiscence mouse model by applying force application and used the granular type of scaffold materials encapsulated with bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2 and OP3-4, the receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL)-binding peptide, for the prophylactic injection to the alveolar bone. In vivo micro-computed tomography revealed bone dehiscence with decreased buccal alveolar bone thickness and height after force application, whereas no bone dehiscence was observed with the prophylactic injection after force application, and alveolar bone thickness and height were kept at similar levels as those in the control group. Bone histomorphometry analyses revealed that both bone formation and resorption parameters were significantly higher in the injection with force application group than in the force application without the prophylactic injection group. These findings suggest that the prophylactic local delivery of bone anabolic reagents can prevent bone dehiscence with increased bone remodelling activity.