bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Everything has changed: the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the transit market in Montréal, Canada
Authors: Carvalho Thiago , El-Geneidy Ahmed
Published: May 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the transit market leading to ridership loss and service cuts. Most of the post-pandemic transit market literature has focused on how to attract those who stopped using transit services, however little attention has been given to how rider profiles have changed. To address this gap, we examine 2019 and 2022 data regarding transit commuters from Montréal, Canada. We apply factor and k-means cluster analyses to derive market segments at both points in time considering satisfaction levels, telecommuting rates, and frequency of transit use. We build upon these analyses to report on overall and mode group-level changes in the transit market. Our market segmentation reveals that captive, captive-by-choice, and choice riders still exist in the current public transit market. However, the share of these groups in the market has changed. The proportion of captive and choice riders has increased while captive-by-choice riders have shrunk in size. Moreover, the post-pandemic market has become mostly composed of infrequent riders and higher rates of telecommuting. We further explore these trends by commute mode (i.e., bus only, metro only, and bus and metro users). The findings from this research can be of interest to practitioners and policymakers as they shed light on the evolution of the perceptions and behaviours of segments of transit riders from before to after pandemic.
Airglow and Aurora in the Martian Atmosphere: Contributions by the Mars Express and ExoMars TGO Missions
Authors: González-Galindo Francisco , Gérard Jean-Claude , Soret Lauriane , Chaufray Jean-Yves , Fedorova Anna , Holmstrom Mats , Lefèvre Franck , López-Valverde Miguel Ángel , Montmessin Franck
Published: May 2024

The study of atmospheric emissions from orbit to probe the middle and upper atmosphere of Mars, which started with the Mariner missions, is living a golden era thanks to the European Space Agency (ESA) Mars Express mission and other subsequent missions built upon its success, including the ESA ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO) mission. Here we summarize the most relevant information obtained by the analysis of atmospheric emissions data from Mars Express and TGO, about the temperature and density structure, the atmospheric dynamics, the chemistry and the atmospheric escape to space. Mars Express also opened a new field of research on Mars with the discovery of aurorae on the planet. We present here the most outstanding results collected by Mars Express about aurorae. Finally, we also discuss how later measurements by other missions have complemented Mars Express and TGO results, and the potential future developments relevant to this field of research.
A TabPFN-based intrusion detection system for the industrial internet of things
Authors: Ruiz-Villafranca Sergio , Roldán-Gómez José , Gómez Juan Manuel Castelo , Carrillo-Mondéjar Javier , Martinez José Luis
Published: May 2024

The industrial internet of things (IIoT) has undergone rapid growth in recent years, which has resulted in an increase in the number of threats targeting both IIoT devices and their connecting technologies. However, deploying tools to counter these threats involves tackling inherent limitations, such as limited processing power, memory, and network bandwidth. As a result, traditional solutions, such as the ones used for desktop computers or servers, cannot be applied directly in the IIoT, and the development of new technologies is essential to overcome this issue. One approach that has shown potential for this new paradigm is the implementation of intrusion detection system (IDS) that rely on machine learning (ML) techniques. These IDSs can be deployed in the industrial control system or even at the edge layer of the IIoT topology. However, one of their drawbacks is that, depending on the factory’s specifications, it can be quite challenging to locate sufficient traffic data to train these models. In order to address this problem, this study introduces a novel IDS based on the TabPFN model, which can operate on small datasets of IIoT traffic and protocols, as not in general much traffic is generated in this environment. To assess its efficacy, it is compared against other ML algorithms, such as random forest, XGBoost, and LightGBM, by evaluating each method with different training set sizes and varying numbers of classes to classify. Overall, TabPFN produced the most promising outcomes, with a 10–20% differentiation in each metric. The best performance was observed when working with 1000 training set samples, obtaining an F1 score of 81% for 6-class classification and 72% for 10-class classification.
The epistemic value of doombehaviour: beyond the prudential consequences of doomscrolling, doomchecking, and doomsurfing
Authors: Neijzen Mara
Published: May 2024

This paper analyses a novel and increasingly prevalent category of epistemic behaviour: doombehaviour, constituted by the popular phenomena of doomscrolling and doomsurfing, as well as doomchecking, which is introduced in this paper. Doombehaviour, referring to the frequent or immersive online consumption of negatively valenced news, became ubiquitous during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. As this behaviour has since then been found to negatively impact mood and mental health, advice has been to minimise doombehaviour or even limit news consumption altogether. Yet, as I argue, this assessment overlooks the importance of the epistemic motivation instantiating the behaviour. By presenting an analysis of doomscrolling, doomsurfing, and doomchecking within the context of our socio-technical environment, arguing for the distinct instrumental epistemic values of these categories of doombehaviour, this paper provides more nuanced advice for individuals seeking to balance the potential epistemic benefits and prudential costs of this behaviour. Epistemically motivated individuals should refrain from doomscrolling due to the risk of consuming sophisticated misinformation. However, within the parameters presented in this paper, the epistemic goods obtained through doomchecking and doomsurfing may justify the prudential costs for individuals motivated to acquire knowledge of, or be informed about, current events. This discussion opens the door to further explorations of these increasingly prevalent and potentially harmful epistemic behaviours that have, so far, been ignored by the discipline.
Use of flow cytometry method to detect contaminations of platelet suspensions
Authors: Bolat Mehtap , Hatipoğlu Hüseyin , Köroğlu Mehmet , Toptan Hande , Altındiş Mustafa
Published: May 2024

In this study, it was aimed to investigate bacterial contamination in apheresis platelet suspensions (APS) by automated blood culture system and flow cytometry method (FCM).

33 spiked APS each using 11 bacterial strains (5 standard strains, 6 clinical isolates), were prepared in three different dilutions (1–10, 10–50, 50-100 cfu/mL), incubated in two different temperatures (35–37 °C and 22–24 °C) and different incubation times (18–96 h) evaluated by FCM. This three different dilutions were also inoculated into special platelet culture bottles (BacT/ALERT® BPA) and loaded into the blood culture system. Additionally 80 APSs routinely prepared in the Transfusion Center were evaluated by both FCM and the blood culture system. Platelets were lysed by freeze-thaw method.

All spiked samples were positive with BacT/ALERT® BPA in 12–18 h. In 96 h incubation at 22–24 °C, the presence of bacteria was detected by FCM in all other samples (31/33) except low dilutions (1–10 and 10–100 CFU/ml) of K.pneumoniae standard strain. In the 35–37 °C, the presence of bacteria was detected by FCM in all samples (33/33) after 48 h of incubation. In routine APS one sample detected as positive (Bacillus simplex) with BacT/ALERT® BPA and no positivity was detected by FCM.

The freeze-thaw method, which we have optimized for the lysis of platelets, is very practical and can be easily applied. The BacT/ALERT® system has been found to be very sensitive in detecting bacterial contamination in PSs. Flow cytometry method has been found to be successful, fast, easy to use and low cost in detecting bacterial contamination in PSs.
Physical properties of the urban soils of Santiago de Compostela (Spain)
Authors: Paradelo R. , Herbón C. , Barral M. T.
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Poor physical conditions are a typical feature of urban soils that reduce their functionality regarding plant production or the water cycle. However, the increasing importance of urbanization makes it necessary to carry out additional research on physical properties of urban soils.

Methods

In this work, we have studied 64 urban soils in Santiago de Compostela (Spain), over different parent materials and under several land uses. We assessed their physical properties in the field and laboratory, with measures of bulk density and porosity, water holding capacity, aggregate stability and water-dispersible clay, permeability and resistance to penetration. The erosion risk was assessed by estimation of the k factor in the RUSLE.

Results

The results show that the soils present heterogeneous physical properties, as common in urban soils. As a result of high organic matter and Fe contents, the soils present low bulk densities and high aggregate stability. Compaction issues are widespread but dependent on land use: in general soils under urban agriculture use present higher permeability and lower compaction levels than urban grasslands and forests. High infiltration values observed despite compaction are likely due to the abundance of coarse fragments and preferential flow.

Conclusion

Overall, urban soils have potentially low erosion risk as shown by the K factor values, but sound management is essential to keep actual erosion rates down, because relief, climatic factors as well as human behavior are susceptible of increasing erosion risk at some points.
Ecological Empiricism
Authors: Vosgerau Gottfried
Published: May 2024

Both metaphysics and cognitive science raise the question of what natural concepts or properties are. A link between the two is notoriously hard to establish. I propose to take natural concepts or properties to be those that are revealed in interaction. The concept of affordances is refined and naturalized to spell out how interacting with objects grounds concepts. I will call this account “Ecological Empiricism”. I argue that the notion of naturalness within this framework turns out to be a gradable – there are more or less natural properties – and dependent on the perspective taken – metaphysically natural properties are different from cognitive natural properties. From a metaphysical point of view, perfect correlations between actions and sensory input are relevant, which are best approximated by scientific measurement. For cognition, simple or basic actions are relevant. Although metaphysical and cognitive naturalness does not coincide according to Ecological Empiricism, it presents a common framework with a uniform conception of naturalness.
Smart goggles augmented reality CT–US fusion compared to conventional fusion navigation for percutaneous needle insertion
Authors: Borde Tabea , Saccenti Laetitia , Li Ming , Varble Nicole A. , Hazen Lindsey A. , Kassin Michael T. , Ukeh Ifechi N. , Horton Keith M. , Delgado Jose F. , Martin Charles , Xu Sheng , Pritchard William F. , Karanian John W. , Wood Bradford J.
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Targeting accuracy determines outcomes for percutaneous needle interventions. Augmented reality (AR) in IR may improve procedural guidance and facilitate access to complex locations. This study aimed to evaluate percutaneous needle placement accuracy using a goggle-based AR system compared to an ultrasound (US)-based fusion navigation system.

Methods

Six interventional radiologists performed 24 independent needle placements in an anthropomorphic phantom (CIRS 057A) in four needle guidance cohorts (n = 6 each): (1) US-based fusion, (2) goggle-based AR with stereoscopically projected anatomy (AR-overlay), (3) goggle AR without the projection (AR-plain), and (4) CT-guided freehand. US-based fusion included US/CT registration with electromagnetic (EM) needle, transducer, and patient tracking. For AR-overlay, US, EM-tracked needle, stereoscopic anatomical structures and targets were superimposed over the phantom. Needle placement accuracy (distance from needle tip to target center), placement time (from skin puncture to final position), and procedure time (time to completion) were measured.

Results

Mean needle placement accuracy using US-based fusion, AR-overlay, AR-plain, and freehand was 4.5 ± 1.7 mm, 7.0 ± 4.7 mm, 4.7 ± 1.7 mm, and 9.2 ± 5.8 mm, respectively. AR-plain demonstrated comparable accuracy to US-based fusion (p = 0.7) and AR-overlay (p = 0.06). Excluding two outliers, AR-overlay accuracy became 5.9 ± 2.6 mm. US-based fusion had the highest mean placement time (44.3 ± 27.7 s) compared to all navigation cohorts (p < 0.001). Longest procedure times were recorded with AR-overlay (34 ± 10.2 min) compared to AR-plain (22.7 ± 8.6 min, p = 0.09), US-based fusion (19.5 ± 5.6 min, p = 0.02), and freehand (14.8 ± 1.6 min, p = 0.002).

Conclusion

Goggle-based AR showed no difference in needle placement accuracy compared to the commercially available US-based fusion navigation platform. Differences in accuracy and procedure times were apparent with different display modes (with/without stereoscopic projections). The AR-based projection of the US and needle trajectory over the body may be a helpful tool to enhance visuospatial orientation. Thus, this study refines the potential role of AR for needle placements, which may serve as a catalyst for informed implementation of AR techniques in IR.
The Prevalence of Bradycardia 12 Years After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass for Severe Obesity
Authors: Brudeseth Simen , Sandvik Jorunn , Nymo Siren , Johnsen Gjermund , Kulseng Bård , Hoff Dag Arne Lihaug , Hole Torstein
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The aim was to describe the frequency of bradycardia 12 years after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), relations to weight loss, patient characteristics, and the clinical impact.

Materials and Methods

The BAROPS study is a prospective observational study of patients who had follow-up > 10 years after RYGB. Patients with heart rate (HR) ≤ 50 bpm were compared to patients with HR > 50 bpm.

Results

After a mean observation period of 12 years, 32 of 546 patients (6%) had a HR ≤ 50 with a mean HR of 47.0 (2.8) bpm. The comparator group (192 patients) had a mean HR of 66.4 (10.2) bpm (p < 0.001). A higher proportion of the bradycardic vs. non-bradycardic patients (18.8% vs. 7.8% at baseline (p = 0.05) and 18.8% vs. 5.2% at end of study (p = 0.006)) used beta-blockers. Both groups had a significant reduction in heart rate from pre-surgery to end of observation. Percent total weight loss from baseline was negatively related to heart rate (p < 0.001), and smoking was positively related to heart rate (p = 0.014). Change in BMI from pre-surgery (p < 0.001) and hypertension at pre-surgery (p = 0.006) were significant predictors of change in heart rate. The only predictor of HR ≤ 50 was the use of beta-blockers (p = 0.010). There were no difference in bradycardia-related symptoms.

Conclusion

Six percent of patients had HR ≤ 50 bpm 12 years after RYGB, but there was no increased bradycardia-related symptoms in these patients. RYGB induced a significant reduction in HR, and heart rate and changes in heart rate 12 years after RYGB were related to the amount of weight loss.

Graphical Abstract
Investigation of crack segmentation and fast evaluation of crack propagation, based on deep learning
Authors: Tran Than V. , Nguyen-Xuan H. , Zhuang Xiaoying
Published: May 2024

Identifying crack and predicting crack propagation are critical processes for the risk assessment of engineering structures. Most traditional approaches to crack modeling are faced with issues of high computational costs and excessive computing time. To address this issue, we explore the potential of deep learning (DL) to increase the efficiency of crack detection and forecasting crack growth. However, there is no single algorithm that can fit all data sets well or can apply in all cases since specific tasks vary. In the paper, we present DL models for identifying cracks, especially on concrete surface images, and for predicting crack propagation. Firstly, SegNet and U-Net networks are used to identify concrete cracks. Stochastic gradient descent (SGD) and adaptive moment estimation (Adam) algorithms are applied to minimize loss function during iterations. Secondly, time series algorithms including gated recurrent unit (GRU) and long short-term memory (LSTM) are used to predict crack propagation. The experimental findings indicate that the U-Net is more robust and efficient than the SegNet for identifying crack segmentation and achieves the most outstanding results. For evaluation of crack propagation, GRU and LSTM are used as DL models and results show good agreement with the experimental data.
In silico analysis of a heme-thiolate peroxidase gene discovered in an ectomycorrhizal fungus of Carpathian primeval forest: implications for biotechnological applications
Authors: Kubala Bohuš , Ferianc Peter , Chovanová Katarína , Zámocký Marcel
Published: May 2024

In this work, we focus on the identification of novel fungal peroxygenase gene belonging to the peroxidase-peroxygenase superfamily. We applied a metagenomic approach on soil samples from primeval forest and appropriate bioinformatics tools for analysis of obtained genomic DNA sequence. Peroxidases are ubiquitous metalloenzymes that are able to reduce reactive peroxides, mainly hydrogen peroxide, into water, whereas several substrates can be concomitantly oxidized during their catalytic reaction. Our purpose was to collect unique peroxygenase sequence data originating from a preserved biotope for a robust phylogenetic reconstruction of a particular gene family coding for highly versatile heme-thiolate peroxidases that has peculiar yet undiscovered representatives among ectomycorrhizal fungi. We identified unique DNA sequence, 812 bp long, from ectomycorrhizal Suillus species coding for a heme-thiolate peroxidase with 1 typical intron that appears distinctive for Carpathian forests. After translation in corresponding protein sequence 251 amino acids long we could identify typical signatures of this peroxygenase. On the proximal side of heme we found the conserved P-C-P triad responsible for efficient ligation of heme iron thus influencing the reactivity of this peroxidase. On the distal side we recognized the E-H-D-X-S-L motif for interaction with a stabilizing magnesium ion. Maximum likelihood reconstruction of protein phylogeny revealed with a high bootstrap support the presence of a monophyletic HTP4 clade originating in numerous Suillus representatives. Together with sister clades of edible Boletus and poisonous Paxillus containing diverse peroxygenases these newly discovered heme catalyst can be considered for application of oxyfunctionalization of organic molecules.
The Effect of Milk Fat Globule Membrane (MFGM) Concentrate Addition on Ultrafiltered Goat Milk Coagulation and Fresh Cheese Rheology
Authors: Hueso Diego , Delgado David , Gallo Veronica , Gómez-Guillén M. Carmen , Fontecha Javier , Gómez-Cortés Pilar
Published: May 2024

Milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) is a lipidic tri-layer structure rich in polar lipids and glycoproteins with promising health and technological benefits, which can be isolated from dairy industry by-products. The present research aims to understand the effect of the addition of an enriched MFGM concentrate on the milk coagulation process and on the structural behavior of ultrafiltered fresh cheeses (UFC). To this end, goat milk was ultrafiltered at 3 protein levels (10, 12, and 14%) and three MFGM contents were evaluated (0, 0.4, and 0.8%). UFC batches were manufactured and characterized using rheology. Coagulation kinetics revealed that ultrafiltration and MFGM addition increased the firmness of the cheese gel. Protein content was the primary factor contributing to gel firmness, and among the mixtures tested, those containing 14% proteins exhibited the highest elastic modulus values. Dynamic and static shear analyses showed that the combination of ultrafiltration and enriched MFGM concentrate supplementation had a synergic effect on cheese viscoelastic behavior. Loss factor (tan(δ)) may be a marker that can be monitored in cheesemaking when adding MFGM concentrate. Overall, MFGM concentrate would improve the rheological characteristics of fresh cheeses, being a promising ingredient for the food industry.
The mediating and buffering effect of resilience on the relationship between loneliness and social media addiction among adolescent
Authors: Yam Faruk Caner , Yıldırım Oğuzhan , Köksal Burak
Published: May 2024

Social media addiction has many negative effects on the mental health of adolescents. In addition, adolescence is among the high-risk groups in terms of social media addiction. Loneliness is an important variable in the emergence of social media addiction in adolescents. In addition, loneliness is considered a risk factor for adolescents' psychological resilience. Although there is a significant relationship between psychological resilience and technology addictions, there is no research examining the mediating role of psychological resilience between loneliness and social media addiction in adolescents. This study aimed to examine the mediating role of resilience in the relationship between loneliness and social media addiction in adolescents. The study was conducted with 786 adolescents aged 11 to 18, including 474 girls (60.3%) and 312 (39.7%) boys. The data of the study were collected using the Social Media Addiction Scale, the UCLA-Loneliness Short Form, and the Psychological Resilience Scale. The mediation analysis results showed that psychological resilience had a partial mediator role in the relationship between loneliness and social media addiction. These results obtained in the study provide important evidence for the potential buffering role of psychological resilience in reducing social media addiction in adolescents with high levels of loneliness. An overall evaluation of the results indicates that psychological resilience interventions for adolescents with high levels of loneliness could reduce their social media addiction and affect their mental health positively.
Counterfactual Explanations in the Big Picture: An Approach for Process Prediction-Driven Job-Shop Scheduling Optimization
Authors: Mehdiyev Nijat , Majlatow Maxim , Fettke Peter
Published: May 2024

In this study, we propose a pioneering framework for generating multi-objective counterfactual explanations in job-shop scheduling contexts, combining predictive process monitoring with advanced mathematical optimization techniques. Using the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II) for multi-objective optimization, our approach enhances the generation of counterfactual explanations that illuminate potential enhancements at both the operational and systemic levels. Validated with real-world data, our methodology underscores the superiority of NSGA-II in crafting pertinent and actionable counterfactual explanations, surpassing traditional methods in both efficiency and practical relevance. This work advances the domains of explainable artificial intelligence (XAI), predictive process monitoring, and combinatorial optimization, providing an effective tool for improving automated scheduling systems’ clarity, and decision-making capabilities.
Enablers and Barriers of Online Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Informal Carers: A Mixed-Methods Systematic Review
Authors: Abeysinghe Mudiyanselage Charunya Amilani Kumarihami Rambukw , Ewens Beverley , Smyth Aisling , Dickson Joanne , Ang Seng Giap Marcus
Published: May 2024

Objectives

Informal carers are an integral part of any health care system. However, provision of informal care is associated with caregiver burden and decreased wellbeing. Mindfulness programs can reduce caregiving burden and improve wellbeing among informal carers, but they face challenges when participating in face-to-face programs. Studies have explored the effects of online delivery of mindfulness programs for informal carers. However, the enablers and barriers for participation are not well understood. This review aimed to synthesise the evidence and provide a comprehensive understanding of the enablers and barriers to participation in online mindfulness programs among this population.

Methods

A mixed-methods systematic review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute mixed-methods systematic review approach and using eight databases. All empirical studies published in English and involving informal carers aged over 18 years were included. Critical appraisal was conducted using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Thematic analysis was conducted to integrate the data.

Results

Nine studies were included: three quantitative, two qualitative, and four mixed methods. Three subthemes for enablers and barriers were developed. Three subthemes for enablers included self-motivation, positive experience of mindfulness, and program structure and delivery. Three subthemes for barriers included lack of self-motivation, external factors preventing participation, and program structure and delivery. The enablers and barriers were interrelated within and across the identified themes.

Conclusions

A comprehensive synthesis of current evidence was provided for consideration when developing online mindfulness-based interventions for informal carers. Further investigation is recommended, particularly in relation to the enablers and barriers to engagement by informal carers.

Preregistration

The review protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023409311).
Robotic surgery for thymic cysts: clinical features, management, and results of a multicentric study
Authors: Cusumano Giacomo , Meacci Elisa , Romano Gaetano , Cavaleri Marco , Congedo Maria Teresa , Davini Federico , Margaritora Stefano , Terminella Alberto , Melfi Franca
Published: May 2024

Thymic cysts are rare, radiological diagnosis is often incidental, and cysts seldom assume clinical relevance for symptoms of compression. Thymoma were occasionally found inside both complex and simple thymic cysts. Given the challenges in accurately clinical diagnosing and since the occasionally discovering of thymoma inside both complex and simple thymic cysts, the management of thymic cysts remains controversial. Advancements in surgical tools such as robotics, applied to thymic conditions, could potentially transform the approach to thymic cysts. We report one the largest multicentric series of thymic cysts surgically treated with robotic approach, focusing on preoperative findings and surgical results. Cases were gathered from three Italian thoracic surgery centers with homogeneous clinical practice, significant experience in thymic neoplasms, and thoracic robotic skilled. Surgical intervention was indicated for patients with radiological diagnosis of thymic cysts under the following circumstances: the presence of symptoms, concurrent myasthenia gravis, cysts growing in follow-up, and the complexity of the cyst with suspicion of neoplasm. Data were collected and matched according to postoperative and pathological features to identify potential prognostic factors. Population include 57 patients, 29/28 male/female ratio with mean age of 59.46 ± 11.67 years. The average size of the thymic cysts was 29.14 ± 24.53 ranged between 3 and 150 mm. All patients undergone CT scan and mean of values of density was 25.82 ± 11–82 Hounsfield. Surgical procedures were robotic approach in all case including total/extended thymectomy 35 (61.4%) and cyst resection/partial thymectomy 22 (38.6%). There were no mortality or recurrence. Major complications rate was 5.3%. No correlations were observed between preoperative features and complication. Pathological examination revealed microfoci of thymic tumor in four cases. Robot-assisted surgery for thymic cysts showed excellent early clinical outcomes with low rate of postoperative complications also in case of large lesion. Thymic cysts should not be underestimated due to the risk of coexistent thymic neoplasm.
β-Sitosterol alleviates the malignant phenotype of hepatocellular carcinoma cells via inhibiting GSK3B expression
Authors: Wang Ruoyu , Tang Dan , Ou Longyun , Jiang Jiacheng , Wu Yu-nan , Tian Xuefei
Published: May 2024

To explore the effects of β-Sitosterol upon hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), and to investigate the underlying mechanism using network pharmacology. Human hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines (Huh-7 and HCCLM3) were expose to gradient concentrations of β-Sitosterol (5 μg/mL, 10 μg/mL, and 20 μg/mL). Cell viability and proliferation were assessed using MTT, CCK-8, colony formation, and EdU assays.Flow cytometry was employed to evaluate cell cycle and apoptosis. Scratch and Transwell assays were performed, respectively, to detect cell migration and invasion. The levels of apoptosis-associated proteins (BAX, BCL2, and cleaved caspase3) as well as EMT-associated proteins (E-cadherin, N-cadherin, Snail, and Vimentin) were detected in Huh-7 and HCCLM3 cell lines using Western blot analysis. The drug target gene for β-Sitosterol was screened via PubChem and subsequently evaluated for expression in the GSE112790 dataset. In addition, the expression level of glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3B) within the Cancer Genome Atlas-Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma (TCGA-LIHC) database was analyzed, along with its correlation to the survival outcomes of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. The diagnostic efficiency of GSK3B was assessed by analyzing the ROC curve. Subsequently, Huh-7 and HCCLM3 cell lines were transfected with the overexpression vector of GSK3B and then treated with β-Sitosterol to further validate the association between GSK3B and β-Sitosterol. GSK3B demonstrated a significantly elevated expression in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, which could predict hepatocellular carcinoma patients’ impaired prognosis based on GEO dataset and TCGA database. GSK3B inhibitor (CHIR-98014) notably inhibited cell proliferation and invasion, promoted cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. β-Sitosterol treatment further promoted the efffects of GSK3B inhibitor on hepatocellular carcinoma cells. GSK3B overexpression has been found to enhance the proliferative and invasive capabilities of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Furthermore it has been observed that GSK3B overexpression, it has been obsear can partially reverse the inhibitory effect of β-Sitosterol upon hepatocellular. β-Sitosterol suppressed hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation and invasion, and enhanced apoptosis via inhibiting GSK3B expression.
Energy, exergy, exergoeconomic, and exergoenvironmental analyses and multi-objective optimization of parallel two-stage compression on the domestic refrigerator-freezer
Authors: Alihosseini Nader , Jahangiri Ali , Ameri Mohammad
Published: May 2024

In this paper, the performance of a parallel two-stage compression (PTC) cycle on the domestic refrigerator-freezer in a laboratory according to the IEC 62552–2015 standard is investigated. The relatively large temperature difference between the fresh food compartment (FFC) and the refrigerant in the fresh food compartment evaporator (FFCE) leads to high compression and irreversible losses in the refrigeration circuit. To avoid the mentioned problems and reduce energy consumption, a PTC cycle is used. The innovation of this article is the 4E analyses (energy, exergy, exergoeconomic, exergoenvironmental) for the PTC cycle using the results obtained from the laboratory. Ultimately, the multi-objective optimization of the PTC cycle is conducted. For optimizing the PTC cycle, the total cost rate and the exergy efficiency are set as targets and the evaporator pressure and condenser pressure as variables. MATLAB and REFPROP 9.1 are used to model the system. Results showed that the highest exergy destruction rate is associated with the FFCE (0.349 kW) and compressor (0.183 kW). The highest exergy efficiency among the equipment is evaporators. The maximum exergoeconomic factor is related to the freezer compartment evaporator (FZCE) (98.70%) and then the compressor (98.62%). FZCE has the highest environmental impact (99.9%).
Anthropological Archaeology Underwater
Authors: Lemke Ashley
Published: May 2024

Anthropological archaeology underwater is a new field. What type of research is this and how do anthropologists go about it? When most people hear the phrase 'underwater archaeology', they think of shipwrecks and dramatic images of lost ships at sea, but the underwater archaeological record is vast. In addition to historic vessels, water preserves some of the oldest landscapes on the planet. While archaeologists are interested in the past, those working underwater apply the latest technologies to provide fresh understandings about ancient human behaviour. Underwater environments provide preservation that is unmatched on land and therefore the data collected is novel – providing information about human lifeways and creating a picture of the past we would otherwise never see. This Element will explore the world of anthropological archaeology underwater, focusing on submerged sites, and review the techniques, data, and theoretical perspectives which are offering new insights into the human story.
Nucleation of Particles from the Gas Phase
Authors: Girshick Steven L.
Published: May 2024

Formation of small solid and liquid particles is vital for a variety of natural and technological phenomena, from the evolution of the universe, through atmospheric air pollution and global climate change. Despite its importance, nucleation is still not well understood, and this unique book addresses that need. It develops the theory of nucleation from first principles in a comprehensive and clear way, and uniquely brings together classical theory with contemporary atomistic approaches. Important real-world situations are considered, and insight is given into cases typically not considered such as particle formation in flames and plasmas. Written by an author with more than 35 years of experience in the field, this will be an invaluable reference for senior undergraduates and graduate students in a number of disciplines, as well as for researchers in fields ranging from climate science and astrophysics to design of systems for semiconductor processing and materials synthesis.
Macro impacts of plastic pollution in Ghana
Authors: Hosseinian-Far Amin , Laryea Ebenezer , Uba Chijioke D. , Sarwar Dilshad , Derrick Simon , Omoloso Oluwaseyi
Published: May 2024

In recent decades, the proliferation of single-use plastic products has significantly contributed to a surge in plastic pollution on a global scale. Researchers have extensively investigated the impacts of plastic pollution across various regions, yet a comprehensive holistic and location-based understanding of these impacts in the West African context is lacking. This study addresses this gap through a systemic assessment of the impacts of plastic pollution, in West Africa, particularly Ghana. Employing a qualitative system dynamics causal modelling approach, this study establishes linkages between pollution effects at the macro level, constructing a hierarchical outline of both high- and low-level impacts. The significance of this research lies in the application of pertinent systems thinking techniques to comprehend the broader impacts of plastic pollution. The outcomes of this study will inform the development of effective policies aimed at preventing or mitigating plastic pollution in Ghana, and potentially the wider West African context.
Where does Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) really breed in a Mediterranean residential area? Results from a field study in Valencia, Eastern Spain
Authors: Alarcón-Elbal Pedro María , López-de-Felipe Marcos , Gil-Torró Ignacio , García-Masiá Isaac , Mateo-Herrero Pilar , Bueno-Marí Rubén
Published: May 2024

Since its introduction in Spain in 2004, Aedes albopictus has rapidly spread across the country. Its aggressive biting behaviour causes nuisance, limiting outdoor activities. Also, its role as a vector of several arboviruses implies a major public health risk, with several cases of autochthonous dengue having been reported nationwide over the past few years. Control strategies usually focus on interventions in breeding sites. As such, accurate knowledge of the main larval habitats becomes a major priority in infested areas. A detailed identification of breeding sites of Ae. albopictus was carried out in the outdoors of 60 residential properties during July–August 2022 in El Vedat de Torrent (Valencia, Eastern Spain), an area recently colonised by this species. A total of 1444 real and potential breeding sites were examined. The most abundant potential larval habitat were plant pot plates (6.48 units/house), although a low infestation level was found, both for larvae (2.06% positivity, x̄ = 30.5 larvae/container), and pupae (0.51%, x̄ = 2.5 pupae/container). A total of 7715 larvae and 205 pupae were found in a disused flooded water pool depuration system. Animal drinkers, buckets and irrigation water containers were found to be the most common positive containers. No statistical difference was observed among the different container materials. A general statistical increase of 1 larva per 11.7 ml of water in breeding sites was detected. Breeding sites of other species such as Culex pipiens (n = 2) and Culex modestus (n = 1) were also rarely found in this residential area. To our knowledge, this is the first aedic index study carried out in Europe, and it provides valuable information about the main domestic breeding habitats of Ae. albopictus, which can greatly improve control programmes.
The Construction of ‘Tribe’ as a Socio-Political Unit in Global History
Authors: Leake Elisabeth
Published: May 2024

This article explores the construction of ‘tribe’ as a socio-political unit of global history, revealing an evolution of ideas and practices, both of which actively sought to limit, by co-opting, the opportunities and agency of Indigenous groups. The category of ‘tribe’ was, and is, co-constitutive of Euro-American empire. Euro-American empires created two interlinked dynamics in the social history of the ‘tribe’. One was external, a process of categorization to facilitate and effect conquest and integration. The other was internal, a process of reimagining social relationships through which locals adapted to the threats and opportunities of empire. By mapping British approaches to ethnic Pashtuns and the state of Afghanistan onto imperial engagement with ‘tribal’ communities worldwide – and highlighting both similarities and differences with the North American examples more prominent in the existing literature – global patterns of ‘tribalism’, as defined by Euro-Americans, become apparent. The article illustrates some – but certainly not all – of the impacts of being labelled ‘tribal’ while demonstrating ways that areas and societies seemingly peripheral to each other became interconnected because of shared Euro-American terminology and practice.
Using multivariate analysis to predict carcass characteristics of lambs in grazing and supplemented with different levels of non-protein nitrogen
Authors: Roberto Francisca Fernanda da Silva , Ribeiro Neila Lidiany , Difante Gelson dos Santos , Guidolin Diego Gomes Freire , Ítavo Luís Carlos Vinhas , Ítavo Camila Celeste Brandão Ferreira , Rodrigues Jéssica Gomes , Pereira Marislayne de Gusmão , Costa Roberto Germano
Published: May 2024

The aim of this study is to assess the effects of substituting soybean meal with extruded urea in the diet of crossbred Texel x no defined racial pattern lambs under continuous grazing on Brachiaria ssp., focusing on both their productive and nutritional performance. 60 Texel crossbred lambs (12 animals for each treatment) were used, with an average initial weight of 20.7 ± 0.87 kg and an average age of 2.5 ± 0.70 months, fed treatments with increasing levels of UE (Urea extruded Amireia® 200S): 0; 6; 12; 18 and 24 grams of EU 100/kg of body weight, with trial period was 5 months, using the multivariate technique. The data were subjected to principal component and canonical discriminant analysis to check possible differences between the evaluated treatments and identify the variables that best discriminate and use these variables to create a discriminant function that represents the differences between treatments. Of the 12 variables initially used, we observed that 9 were used by the main components, but 6 were those that presented the greatest discriminatory power for the study. Main component 1 was characterized by biometric measurements and showed the greatest power of variation in the study (60%), followed by main component 2, represented by slaughter weight and empty body weight (13%). These correlations indicate that biometric measurements can serve as reliable indirect indicators for estimating carcass traits in sheep, offering a practical alternative to visual assessments.
Economic freedom and academic freedom across nations
Authors: Berggren Niclas , Bjørnskov Christian
Published: May 2024

Academic freedom is a cornerstone of modern academic life. It is not only implied by basic liberal principles but also contributes to scientific progress and economic growth. It is therefore important to better understand what affects how free scholarly pursuits are, and to that end, we ask whether economic freedom can help explain variation in academic freedom across countries. In our case, relating the Economic Freedom of the World index and its five areas to V-Dem's index of academic freedom and its five areas reveals that the rule of law is positively and robustly related to academic freedom in all its forms. This suggests that the rule of law, in its general and broad sense, can arguably serve as a guarantor of academic freedom. Where the rule of law is weakened, academic freedom can be at risk. There are some indications that regulatory freedom is similarly related to academic freedom, but less robustly so, maybe indicating that interventionism in one policy area (economics) can breed interventionism in another (academia).
Eine emotionale Achterbahn
Authors: Hahn Maximilian , Roddewig Marion
Published: May 2024

Zusammenfassung: Die psychische Gesundheit von Pflegekräften wird besonders in emotional belastenden Situationen wie der Betreuung von sterbenden Menschen herausgefordert. Vorliegende qualitative Studie untersucht diese Belastungen der Psyche in der praktischen Pflegeausbildung. Dabei werden die Perspektiven von Studierenden, Praxisanleitenden und Pflegepädagog_innen betrachtet, basierend auf dem aktuellen Forschungsstand.
Induced Seismicity Controlled by Injected Hydraulic Energy: The Case Study of the EGS Soultz‐Sous‐Forêts Site
Authors: Drif K. , Lengliné O. , Kinscher J. , Schmittbuhl J.
Published: May 2024

How induced seismicity in deep geothermal project (enhanced geothermal systems, EGS) is controlled by fluid injection is of central importance for monitoring the related seismic risk. Here we analyze the relationship between the radiated seismic energy and the hydraulic energy related to the fluid injection during several hydraulic stimulations and circulation tests at Soultz‐sous‐Forêts geothermal site. Based on a harmonized database, we show that the ratio between these energies is at first order constant during stimulations and of the same magnitude independently of the stimulation protocol and injection depth. Re‐stimulations are characterized by a sharp evolution of this ratio during injection which ultimately converges to the characteristic value of the reservoir. This supports that the seismicity is caused by the relaxation of the pre‐existing strain energy in the stimulated volume, rather than by the deformation generated from fluid injection. The ratio appears as an intrinsic large‐scale property of the reservoir that can be assessed at the very beginning of the first stimulation. Based on this property, we suggest a way to predict the largest magnitude of the induced seismic events knowing the maximum targeted hydraulic energy of the injection.
Soil Organic Nitrogen Mineralization and N2O Production Driven by Changes in Coastal Wetlands
Authors: Yang Ping , Yang Hong , Hong Yan , Lin Xiao , Zhang Linhai , Tong Chuan , Lai Derrick Y. F. , Tan Lishan , Lin Yongxin , Tian Yalan , Tang Kam W.
Published: May 2024

Plant invasion and land reclamation have drastically transformed the landscape of coastal wetlands globally, but their resulting effects on soil organic nitrogen (SON) mineralization and nitrous oxide (N2O) production remain unclear. In this study, we examined 21 coastal wetlands across southern China that have undergone habitat transformation from native mudflats (MFs) to Spartina alterniflora marshes (SAs), and subsequently to earthen aquaculture ponds (APs). We determined the SON net mineralization rate and the presence of pertinent enzyme‐encoding genes, namely chiA, pepA, and pepN. The SON net mineralization rate increased by 46.7% following the conversion of MFs to SAs but decreased by 33.1% in response to the transformation of SAs to APs. Nevertheless, there was no significant difference in the estimated mineralization efficiency of soil microbes among the habitat types. The results of structural equation modeling showed that N‐mineralization gene abundance played a major role in regulating SON mineralization. Although less than 20% of the SON was estimated to be labile/semi‐labile, SON mineralization was important in sustaining soil N2O production, with 5.8% of the mineralized N being fed into N2O production. Overall, our findings showed that the presence of S. alterniflora increased both SON content and mineralization rate, which would in turn promote further proliferation of this exotic plant along the coast. The conversion of S. alterniflora marshes to APs partially mitigated the positive effects of exotic plant invasion on SON turnover.
Polygenic risk of social isolation behavior and its influence on psychopathology and personality
Authors: Socrates Adam J. , Mullins Niamh , Gur Ruben C. , Gur Raquel E. , Stahl Eli , O’Reilly Paul F. , Reichenberg Abraham , Jones Hannah , Zammit Stanley , Velthorst Eva
Published: May 2024

Social isolation has been linked to a range of psychiatric issues, but the behavioral component that drives it is not well understood. Here, a genome-wide associations study (GWAS) was carried out to identify genetic variants that contribute specifically to social isolation behavior (SIB) in up to 449,609 participants from the UK Biobank. 17 loci were identified at genome-wide significance, contributing to a 4% SNP-based heritability estimate. Using the SIB GWAS, polygenic risk scores (PRS) were derived in ALSPAC, an independent, developmental cohort, and used to test for association with self-reported friendship scores, comprising items related to friendship quality and quantity, at age 12 and 18 to determine whether genetic predisposition manifests during childhood development. At age 18, friendship scores were associated with the SIB PRS, demonstrating that the genetic factors can predict related social traits in late adolescence. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) score correlation using the SIB GWAS demonstrated genetic correlations with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), schizophrenia, major depressive disorder (MDD), educational attainment, extraversion, and loneliness. However, no evidence of causality was found using a conservative Mendelian randomization approach between SIB and any of the traits in either direction. Genomic Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) revealed a common factor contributing to SIB, neuroticism, loneliness, MDD, and ASD, weakly correlated with a second common factor that contributes to psychiatric and psychotic traits. Our results show that SIB contributes a small heritable component, which is associated genetically with other social traits such as friendship as well as psychiatric disorders.