bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perceptions of Wild Pig Impact, Management, and Policy in Alabama
Authors: TuckerWilliams Ellary , Lepczyk Christopher A. , Morse Wayde , Smith Mark
Published: March 2024

Successful management of invasive species often requires working across public and private landownerships. A prime example of an invasive species that commonly occurs on privately and publicly owned and managed lands is the wild pig (Sus scrofa). Because of the multitude of negative impacts associated with wild pigs, management must occur across both private and public lands to achieve widespread control and sustained success. However, managing wild pigs across property boundaries is challenging as we know very little about differing management practices and landowner perspectives. To address this knowledge gap, we sought to understand wild pig management efforts on privately owned lands, the perceived economic, ecological, and human health impact of wild pigs, and beliefs related to policy. Generally, stakeholders believe wild pigs have negative impacts on wildlife, the economy, and ecological and public health, however less than half of landowners participate in wild pig control. Furthermore, stakeholders believe that the responsibility of managing and paying for damages associated with wild pigs lies with individual landowners. Our findings suggest that increased efficacy of wild pig control and collaboration between private and public landowners is not only possible but also necessary if wild pig population control is to be regionally successful.
Characterization of leucine aminopeptidase (LAP) activity in sweet pepper fruits during ripening and its inhibition by nitration and reducing events
Authors: Muñoz-Vargas María A. , Taboada Jorge , González-Gordo Salvador , Palma José M. , Corpas Francisco J.
Published: March 2024

Key message

Pepper fruits contain two leucine aminopeptidase (LAP) genes which are differentially modulated during ripening and by nitric oxide. The LAP activity increases during ripening but is negatively modulated by nitration.

Leucine aminopeptidase (LAP) is an essential metalloenzyme that cleaves N-terminal leucine residues from proteins but also metabolizes dipeptides and tripeptides. LAPs play a fundamental role in cell protein turnover and participate in physiological processes such as defense mechanisms against biotic and abiotic stresses, but little is known about their involvement in fruit physiology. This study aims to identify and characterize genes encoding LAP and evaluate their role during the ripening of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) fruits and under a nitric oxide (NO)-enriched environment. Using a data-mining approach of the pepper plant genome and fruit transcriptome (RNA-seq), two LAP genes, designated CaLAP1 and CaLAP2, were identified. The time course expression analysis of these genes during different fruit ripening stages showed that whereas CaLAP1 decreased, CaLAP2 was upregulated. However, under an exogenous NO treatment of fruits, both genes were downregulated. On the contrary, it was shown that during fruit ripening LAP activity increased by 81%. An in vitro assay of the LAP activity in the presence of different modulating compounds including peroxynitrite (ONOO−), NO donors (S-nitrosoglutathione and nitrosocyteine), reducing agents such as reduced glutathione (GSH), l-cysteine (l-Cys), and cyanide triggered a differential response. Thus, peroxynitrite and reducing compounds provoked around 50% inhibition of the LAP activity in green immature fruits, whereas cyanide upregulated it 1.5 folds. To our knowledge, this is the first characterization of LAP in pepper fruits as well as of its regulation by diverse modulating compounds. Based on the capacity of LAP to metabolize dipeptides and tripeptides, it could be hypothesized that the LAP might be involved in the GSH recycling during the ripening process.
Predictors of recurrence and long-term patient reported outcomes following surgical repair of anal fistula, a retrospective analysis
Authors: Khan Sidrah , Kotcher Rebecca , Herman Paul , Wang Li , Tessler Robert , Cunningham Kellie , Celebrezze James , Medich David , Holder-Murray Jennifer
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Surgery for anal fistulas can result in devastating complications, including reoperations and fecal incontinence. There is limited contemporary evidence comparing outcomes since the adoption of the ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract procedure into mainstream practice. The purpose of this study is to compare recurrence rates and long-term outcomes of anal fistula following repair.

Methods

Data was collected from the electronic medical records or patient reported outcomes from patients aged 18 or older with a primary or recurrent cryptoglandular anal fistula. Primary outcome was recurrence defined as the identification of at least one fistula os or a high clinical suspicion of anal fistula. Secondary outcomes included fecal incontinence and postoperative quality of life.

Results

A total of 171 patients underwent definitive surgical repairs for their anal fistula. So 66.5% had a simple fistula, and 33.5% had a complex fistula. Of the 171 patients, 12.5% had a recurrence. The recurrence rates were 5.9% for simple fistula and 25.4% for complex fistula. Predictors of recurrence included diabetes mellitus, history of anorectal abscess, complex fistula, and sphincter sparing surgery. LIFT or plug/biologic procedures were both associated with a 50% or greater recurrence rate. No significant differences were found in fecal incontinence or associated quality of life between sphincter sparing or non-sphincter sparing surgical resections.

Conclusion

The study provides insights into the long-term outcomes of surgical repair for anal fistula. We demonstrate that sphincter sparing operations are associated with increased recurrence, meanwhile, non-sphincter sparing surgeries did not increase the risk of fecal incontinence or worsen quality of life.
Decreased mebrofenin uptake in patients with non-colorectal liver tumors requiring liver volume augmentation—a single-center analysis
Authors: Fard-Aghaie M. H. , Stern L. , Ghadban T. , Apostolova I. , Lehnert W. , Klutmann S. , Hackert T. , Izbicki J. R. , Li J. , von Kroge P. H. , Heumann A.
Published: March 2024

Background

Posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) remains a life-threatening complication after hepatectomy. To reduce PHLF, a preoperative assessment of liver function is indispensable. For this purpose, 99mTc-mebrofenin hepatobiliary scintigraphy with SPECT (MSPECT) can be used. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the predictive value of MSPECT for PHLF in patients with non-colorectal liver tumors (NCRLT) compared to patients with colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) undergoing extended liver resection.

Methods

We included all patients undergoing extended liver resections via two-stage procedures between January 2019 and December 2021 at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany. All patients received a preoperative MSPECT.

Results

Twenty patients were included. In every fourth patient, PHLF was observed. Four patients had PHLF grade C. There were no differences between patients with CRLM and NCRLT regarding PHLF rate and future liver remnant (FLR) volume. Patients with CRLM had higher mebrofenin uptake in the FLR compared to those with NCRLT (2.49%/min/m2 vs. 1.51%/min/m2; p = 0.004).

Conclusion

Mebrofenin uptake in patients with NCRLT was lower compared to those patients with CRLM. However, there was no difference in the PHLF rate and FLR volume. Cut-off values for the mebrofenin uptake might need adjustments for different surgical indications, surgical procedures, and underlying diseases.
Enhancing endoscopic measurement: validating a quantitative method for polyp size and location estimation in upper gastrointestinal endoscopy
Authors: Safavian Nazanin , Toh Simon K. C. , Pani Martino , Lee Raymond
Published: March 2024

Background

Accurate measurement of polyps size is crucial in predicting malignancy, planning relevant intervention strategies and surveillance schedules. Endoscopists’ visual estimations can lack precision. This study builds on our prior research, with the aim to evaluate a recently developed quantitative method to measure the polyp size and location accurately during a simulated endoscopy session.

Methods

The quantitative method merges information about endoscopic positions obtained from an electromagnetic tracking sensor, with corresponding points on the images of the segmented polyp border. This yields real-scale 3D coordinates of the border of the polyp. By utilising the sensor, positions of any anatomical landmarks are attainable, enabling the estimation of a polyp’s location relative to them. To verify the method’s reliability and accuracy, simulated endoscopies were conducted in pig stomachs, where polyps were artificially created and assessed in a test–retest manner. The polyp measurements were subsequently compared against clipper measurements.

Results

The average size of the fifteen polyps evaluated was approximately 12 ± 4.3 mm, ranging from 5 to 20 mm. The test–retest reliability, measured by the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) for polyp size estimation, demonstrated an absolute agreement of 0.991 (95% CI 0.973–0.997, p < 0.05). Bland & Altman analysis revealed a mean estimation difference of − 0.17 mm (− 2.03%) for polyp size and, a mean difference of − 0.4 mm (− 0.21%) for polyp location. Both differences were statistically non-significant (p > 0.05). When comparing the proposed method with calliper measurements, the Bland & Altman plots showed 95% of size estimation differences between − 1.4 and 1.8 mm (− 13 to 17.4%) which was not significant (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

The proposed method of measurements of polyp size and location was found to be highly accurate, offering great potential for clinical implementation to improve polyp assessment. This level of performance represents a notable improvement over visual estimation technique used in clinical practice.
DIM ESEE—Dubrovnik International ESEE Mining School
Authors: Bertignoll Hanno , Sifferlinger Nikolaus
Published: March 2024

In 2015, together with the University of Zagreb and other partners, the Resources Innovation Center of the Montanuniversität Leoben conceived a series of one-week training workshops—the “Dubrovnik International Eastern and Southeastern Europe Region Mining School—DIM ESEE”.

Every October, 40–60 experts from the region meet in Dubrovnik for three (five in the early years) full days of specialist lectures, case-study discussions, and excursions.

The DIM ESEE workshops aim to provide tailored and industry-oriented training for raw materials professionals, academics, and PhD students and address topics of current relevance to the mining community. In 2023, Montanuniversität was responsible for the topic “Innovation in Extraction” and created a comprehensive training program with interesting contributions from the mining supply industry.
Pediatric cancer patients vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2—a clinical and laboratory follow-up
Authors: Siebald Benjamin , Groll Andreas H. , Salou Sarah , Boldt Andreas , Seiffert Sabine , Sack Ulrich , Reemtsma Judith , Jassoy Christian , Klusmann Jan-Henning , Ciesek Sandra , Hoehl Sebastian , Lehrnbecher Thomas
Published: March 2024

Background

Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 is recommended for cancer patients. However, long-term data on the effectiveness in the pediatric setting are lacking.

Methods

Pediatric patients < 18 years on active treatment for cancer and without prior SARS-CoV-2 infection received three doses of an mRNA vaccine. The clinical course and humoral and cellular immunity were evaluated at the end of the follow-up period of ≥ 1 year after the third dose of vaccine.

Results

SARS-CoV-2 infection occurred in 17 of 19 analyzed patients (median age 16.5 years) during the follow-up period (median 17 months), but no severe symptoms were seen. At ≥ 1 year after the last SARS-CoV-2 antigen exposure, 4 of 17 patients had received the recommended booster vaccine. At the end of the follow-up period, all evaluable 15 patients had anti-SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain IgG antibodies. Twelve of the 15 patients had neutralizing antibody titers ≥ 1:10 against the Delta variant and 12/15 and 13/15 against the BA.1 and BA.5 variants, respectively. Specific T cells against SARS-CoV-2 antigens were seen in 9/13 patients.

Conclusions

Most SARS-CoV-2-vaccinated pediatric cancer patients had SARS-CoV-2 infections and limited interest in booster vaccination. At 1 year after the last antigen exposure, which was mostly an infection, humoral immune responses remained strong.

Trial registration

German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00025254, May 26, 2021.
From understanding diseases to drug design: can artificial intelligence bridge the gap?
Authors: Pushkaran Anju Choorakottayil , Arabi Alya A.
Published: March 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative technology with significant potential to revolutionize disease understanding and drug design in healthcare. AI serves as a remarkable accelerating tool that bridges the gap between understanding diseases and discovering drugs. Given its capacity in the analysis and interpretation of massive amounts of data, AI is tremendously boosting the power of predictions with impressive accuracies. This allowed AI to pave the way for advancing all key stages of drug development, with the advantage of expediting the drug discovery process and curbing its costs. This is a comprehensive review of the recent advances in AI and its applications in drug discovery and development, starting with disease identification and spanning through the various stages involved in the drug discovery pipeline, including target identification, screening, lead discovery, and clinical trials. In addition, this review discusses the challenges that arise during the implementation of AI at each stage of the discovery process and provides insights into the future prospects of this field.
Do Awareness Campaigns Reduce Financial Fraud?
Authors: Jensen Rasmus Ingemann Tuffveson , Gerlings Julie , Ferwerda Joras
Published: March 2024

Public and private organizations regularly run awareness campaigns to combat financial fraud. However, there is little empirical evidence as to whether such campaigns work. This paper considers a campaign by a systemically important Danish bank, targeting clients over 40 years of age with a mass message. We utilize the campaign as a quasi-experiment and consider a multitude of linear probability models, employing difference-in-differences and regression discontinuity designs. None of our models, though controlling for age, sex, relationship status, financial funds, urban residence, and education, find any evidence that the campaign had a significant effect. The results indicate that awareness campaigns relying on mass messaging, such as the one considered in our paper, have little effect in terms of reducing financial fraud.
Experiences of face-to-face and online collaborative learning tutorials: A qualitative community of inquiry approach
Authors: Chim H. Q. , Dolmans Diana H. J. M. , oude Egbrink Mirjam G. A. , Savelberg Hans H. C. M.
Published: March 2024

This study explores the experiences and the preferred schedule of face-to-face and online tutorials in a problem-based learning setting where students learn collaboratively, based on cognitive, social, and teaching presences. Seventeen experienced students and 13 tutors attended semi-structured interviews focusing on their experiences and preferences. The majority (15 students and seven tutors) preferred a 100% face-to-face schedule as the default option to stimulate deep learning and social interactions, while two students and five tutors preferred a schedule with a majority of face-to-face tutorials with some online sessions. Overall, face-to-face tutorial meetings were perceived to deepen content discussions, create a sense of connection through social interactions and non-verbal communication, and protect student well-being.
The large-scale expansion of rubber plantations in southern India: major impacts and the changing nature of drivers
Authors: Vijayan Dhanya , Girindran Renoy , Sam Anu Susan , Sathyan Archana Raghavan , Kaechele Harald
Published: March 2024

This study investigates the major environmental and socio-economic impacts of an increase in the area of rubber plantations and the changing patterns of drivers of land use changes. Using a combination of geospatial techniques and socio-economic methods, we mainly analyzed the rate of increase in area under rubber plantations, the major impacts of land use changes, and the changing drivers of land use changes. Our results show that the area under rubber plantations has increased significantly within the study area, with the area under rubber plantations increasing from 30 to 74% of the total area within five decades. Impact assessment of land use changes based on household surveys showed significant improvement in the socio-economic conditions of the farmers, however, at the expense of severe environmental degradation. Our results also indicate that while areas under rubber plantations continue to increase, the drivers of land use changes have changed over time. Furthermore, it has been observed that in the past, many interventions prioritized social and economic development and placed less emphasis on the ecological stability of the region. Perceptions of farmers revealed that the effects of ecological fragility already affected the economic robustness of the whole area. Therefore, we conclude that government interventions to support additional rubber cultivation should also focus on ecosystem stabilization in order to minimize the risk of an ecological catastrophe that would significantly affect the economic prosperity of the region.
Sociability: Comparing the Effect of Chlorpyrifos with Valproic Acid
Authors: Morales-Navas Miguel , Perez-Fernandez Cristian , Castaño-Castaño Sergio , Sánchez-Gil Ainhoa , Colomina María Teresa , Leinekugel Xavier , Sánchez-Santed Fernando
Published: March 2024

In recent years, exposures to organophosphate pesticide have been highlighted as a possible cause or aggravating factor of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The present study examined if Wistar rats prenatally exposed to chlorpyrifos (CPF) at a dose of 1 mg/kg in GD 12.5–15.5 could express similar behaviors to those exposed to valproic acid (VPA, 400 mg/kg) during the same administration window, which is an accepted animal model of autism. The 3-chambered test was employed to evaluate sociability and reaction to social novelty in two experiments, the first in adolescence and the second in adulthood. The results obtained in this study show that animals prenatally treated with CPF or VPA show a similar behavioral phenotype compared to the control group (CNT). In adolescence, the CPF animals showed a negative index in the reaction to social novelty, followed closely by the VPA, while both experimental groups showed a recovery in this aspect during adulthood. This study therefore provides evidence to suggest that prenatal exposure to CPF in rats could have similar effects on certain components of sociability to those seen in autistic models.
Peer Stress Spills Over to Family Stress in the Context of Emotion Regulation Difficulties: A Daily Diary Study with Chinese Adolescents
Authors: Wang Hui , Zhang Yutong , Hale Molly Elizabeth , Liu Sihan , Xu Jianjie , Zhu Chenxi , Suveg Cynthia , Han Zhuo Rachel
Published: March 2024

Conflict in peer and family relationships becomes more common in the adolescent period when compared to previous developmental periods. These typical developmental challenges can be exacerbated in the context of poor emotion regulation skills. Using daily diary data, the current study examined the stress spillover effects of peer and family stress on one another, as well as the moderating role of emotion regulation challenges (i.e., emotional inhibition, dysregulation). A sample of 310 Chinese adolescents (Mage = 13.02 years, SD = 0.76 years, 50.7% boys) completed an initial measure of emotion regulation difficulties, then reported on peer and family stress for 10 consecutive weekdays. Results indicated that there was an overall same-day peer stress spillover effect in which adolescents’ peer stress on a given day was negatively associated with later conflictual interactions with their parents. Further, the relation between peer stress and same- and next-day family stress was exacerbated in the context of high levels of emotional inhibition. Family stress did not significantly relate to next-day peer stress, nor was this association moderated by difficulties with emotion regulation. These results highlight the temporal sequence of daily peer-to-family stress spillover. Though emotional inhibition may be culturally adaptive for maintaining interpersonal harmony, it can be maladaptive in managing stress for Chinese adolescents.
Thermo-hydraulic and entropy generation analysis of nanofluid flow with variable properties in various duct cross sections: a 3-D two-phase approach
Authors: Varma Anwesha , Nidhul Kottayat
Published: March 2024

A three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) study is carried out to explore the effect of duct cross section on the thermo-hydraulic performance of various ducts. A finite volume-based scheme with an SST k-omega model and mixture model (two-phase model) was used to obtain more realistic results. A two-phase mixture model was used to consider the movement between base fluid and nanoparticles. Al2O3 nanoparticle having a volume fraction of 0.01% and 42 nm as particle size, the heat transfer and friction factor characteristic are studied for turbulent flow regime (3000 < Re < 9000) with variable thermo-physical properties. A maximum enhancement of 86% in heat transfer rate is obtained for the serpentine duct compared to the conventional circular duct at Re = 4500. Owing to a significantly lower increase in pressure drop, the elliptical duct has the highest thermo-hydraulic performance parameter of 1.54 relative to the circular duct. Further, to analyze the heat transfer quality, the entropy generation rate is studied, and it is observed that the square duct reported the highest with an increase of 60% and the elliptical duct the lowest with a reduction of 54% relative to the circular duct. This study can aid in choosing the duct geometry to enhance the heat transfer rate with nanofluid for applications such as solar-thermal, heat exchangers, etc.
Bias of the additive hazard model in the presence of causal effect heterogeneity
Authors: Post Richard A. J. , van den Heuvel Edwin R. , Putter Hein
Published: March 2024

Hazard ratios are prone to selection bias, compromising their use as causal estimands. On the other hand, if Aalen’s additive hazard model applies, the hazard difference has been shown to remain unaffected by the selection of frailty factors over time. Then, in the absence of confounding, observed hazard differences are equal in expectation to the causal hazard differences. However, in the presence of effect (on the hazard) heterogeneity, the observed hazard difference is also affected by selection of survivors. In this work, we formalize how the observed hazard difference (from a randomized controlled trial) evolves by selecting favourable levels of effect modifiers in the exposed group and thus deviates from the causal effect of interest. Such selection may result in a non-linear integrated hazard difference curve even when the individual causal effects are time-invariant. Therefore, a homogeneous time-varying causal additive effect on the hazard cannot be distinguished from a time-invariant but heterogeneous causal effect. We illustrate this causal issue by studying the effect of chemotherapy on the survival time of patients suffering from carcinoma of the oropharynx using data from a clinical trial. The hazard difference can thus not be used as an appropriate measure of the causal effect without making untestable assumptions.
Management zone classification for variable-rate soil residual herbicide applications
Authors: Vagedes Rose V , Ackerson Jason P , Johnson William G , Young Bryan G
Published: March 2024

The use of soil residual herbicides, along with other practices that diversify weed management strategies, have been recommended to improve weed management and deter the progression of herbicide resistance. Although soil characteristics influence recommended application rates for these herbicides, the common practice is to apply a uniform dose of soil residual herbicides across fields with variable soil characteristics. Mapping fields for soil characteristics that dictate the optimal dose of soil residual herbicides could improve the efficiency and effectiveness of these herbicides, as well as improve environmental stewardship. The objectives of this research were to develop and quantify the accuracy of management zone classifications for variable-rate residual herbicide applications using multiple soil data sources and soil sampling intensities. The maps were created from soil data that included (i) Soil Survey Geographic database (SSURGO), (ii) soil samples (SS), (iii) soil samples regressed onto soil electrical conductivity (EC) measurements (SSEC), (iv) soil samples with organic matter (OM) data from SmartFirmer® (SF) sensors (SSSF), and (v) soil samples regressed onto EC measurements plus OM data from SmartFirmer® sensor (SSECSF). A modified Monte Carlo cross validation method was used on ten commercial Indiana fields to generate 36,000 maps across all sources of spatial soil data, sampling density, and three representative herbicides (pyroxasulfone, s-metolachlor, and metribuzin). Maps developed from SSEC data were most frequently ranked with the highest management zone classification accuracy compared to maps developed from SS data. However, SS and SSEC maps concurrently had the highest management zone classification accuracy of 34% among maps developed across all fields, herbicides, and sampling intensities. One soil sample per hectare was the most reliable sampling intensity to generate herbicide application management zones compared to one soil sample for every 2 or 4 hectares. In conclusion, soil sampling with ECadata should be used for defining the management zones for variable-rate (VR) residual herbicide applications.
Public funding accountability: a linked open data-based methodology for analysing the scientific productivity and influence of funded projects
Authors: Perianes-Rodríguez Antonio , Olmeda-Gómez Carlos , Delbianco Natalia R. , Grácio Maria Cláudia Cabrini
Published: March 2024

Although funding acknowledgements (FAs) have been around for nearly three decades, there are not yet enough theoretical and practical studies of them to enable FAs to be considered a consolidated area of research. Fortunately, newly published findings and promising data sources presented in recent years have helped better our understanding of the process of scientific creation and communication and provide evidence of the importance of FAs. This paper seeks to help demonstrate the crucial role FAs play in evaluating research funding’s performance. A methodology based on the use of linked open metadata from diverse sources is presented for this purpose. The methodology highlights the important work analysts do to increase the accuracy, solidity, and diversity of the results of FA-based quantitative studies by gathering and analysing the data furnished by funding organisations. Lastly, the projects funded by the Spanish National Science and Research Agency from 2008 to 2020 are evaluated to verify the method’s usefulness, robustness, and reproducibility. Also, a new unit of analysis is introduced, funders, to create a new type of co-occurrence network: co-funding. In conclusion, funding agencies’ experts and analysts will find that this methodology gives them a valuable instrument for boosting the quality and efficacy of their activities, complying with transparency and accountability requirements, and quantifying the scope of funding results.
Combining Carbon Nanoparticle Coatings and Laser Surface Texturing for Enhanced Lubricity Under High Loads
Authors: MacLucas T. , Grützmacher P. G. , Leonhard-Trautmann P. , Suarez S. , Gachot C. , Mücklich F.
Published: March 2024

Developing new lubrication concepts greatly contributes to improving the energy efficiency of mechanical systems. Nanoparticles such as those based on carbon allotropes or 2D materials have received widespread attention due to their outstanding mechanical and tribological performance. However, these systems are limited by a short wear life. Combining nanoparticle coatings with laser surface texturing has been demonstrated to substantially improve their durability due to the reservoir effect which prevents immediate particle removal from the contact. In this study, we investigate the high-load (20 N) tribological performance of AISI 304 austenitic stainless-steel substrates, which are line-patterned by laser interference patterning and subsequently coated with different carbon nanoparticle coatings (carbon nanotubes, carbon onions, carbon nanohorns) against alumina and 100Cr6 counter bodies. In addition to that, benchmark testing is performed with conventional solid lubricant coatings (graphite, MoS2, WS2). Electrophoretic deposition is used as the main coating technique along with air spraying (for WS2). All coatings substantially improve friction compared to the purely laser-patterned reference. Among all coating materials, carbon nanotubes demonstrate superior lubricity and the longest wear life against 100Cr6 and alumina counter bodies. Detailed characterization of the resulting wear tracks by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and confocal laser scanning microscopy provides insights into the friction mechanisms of the various solid lubricant particles. Further, material transfer is identified as an important aspect for effective and long-lasting lubrication.
Lehrkräftefortbildungen im Kontext digitaler Medien: Welche Bedeutung haben digitalbezogene Fortbildungsthemen für selbsteingeschätzte digitale Kompetenzen und selbstberichtetes digital gestütztes Unterrichtshandeln?
Authors: Runge Isabell , Scheiter Katharina , Rubach Charlott , Richter Dirk , Lazarides Rebecca
Published: March 2024

Lehrkräftefortbildungen sind entscheidend für die Weiterentwicklung professioneller Kompetenzen von Lehrkräften sowie für qualitätsvolles Unterrichtshandeln. Studien verweisen auch auf die Bedeutsamkeit von Fortbildungen, die sich mit digitalbezogenen Themen befassen. Wenige Befunde existieren allerdings darüber, ob und wie die digital gestützte Unterrichtsgestaltung oder digitale Kompetenzen von Lehrkräften abhängig vom Fortbildungsthema variieren. Vor diesem Hintergrund untersucht die vorliegende Studie Zusammenhänge zwischen verschiedenen digitalbezogenen Fortbildungsthemen, selbsteingeschätzten digitalen Kompetenzen von Lehrkräften sowie selbstberichtetem digital gestütztem Unterrichtshandeln. Dabei wurden Daten von 219 Lehrkräften aus einer Onlinebefragung von Anfang des Jahres 2023 ausgewertet, in welcher sie angaben, welche Fortbildungen zu digitalbezogenen Themen sie besucht haben. Es wurden querschnittliche Pfadmodelle in Mplus durchgeführt, welche verdeutlichen, dass Lehrkräfte insbesondere dann digitale Medien häufig zur kognitiven Aktivierung sowie konstruktiven Unterstützung einsetzten, wenn sie angaben, digitalbezogene Fortbildungen besucht zu haben, die technologische mit pädagogischen Inhalten kombinierten. Zudem konnte anhand indirekter Effekte gezeigt werden, dass die selbsteingeschätzten digitalen Kompetenzen von Lehrkräften (TPACK) die Zusammenhänge zwischen der Teilnahme an Fortbildungen zu den Themen „Aktive Medienarbeit“, „Computergestützte Förderung der Schülerinnen und Schüler“ und „Fachspezifische Unterrichtsentwicklung mit digitalen Medien“ und der selbstberichteten digital gestützten Unterrichtsqualität vermittelten. Aus den vorliegenden Ergebnissen werden praktische Implikationen für die Lehrkräftefortbildung im Bereich der Digitalisierung abgeleitet.
Dealcoholized Wine: A Scoping Review of Volatile and Non-Volatile Profiles, Consumer Perception, and Health Benefits
Authors: Kumar Yogesh , Ricci Arianna , Parpinello Giuseppina Paola , Versari Andrea
Published: March 2024

The dealcoholization technique has gained more attention in the wine industry as it can significantly influence wine compositions and quality beyond alcohol level reduction. However, the changes occurring in the various processes of dealcoholization are not fully understood yet. This work summarizes the literature published in the last 10 years (2013–2023) about changes in color, sulfur dioxide (SO2), phenolic composition, losses of desirable volatile aroma compounds, and sensory characteristics of wine after the removal of ethanol by different processes/techniques. Several factors can influence the final characteristics of wine during the process, including physico-chemical parameters such as the initial alcohol level, the retention properties of the wine non-volatile matrix, and the characteristics of aroma components. Additionally, the quality of dealcoholized wine can be affected by the choice of dealcoholization techniques, distillation temperature, operating pressure, and membrane properties, including filtration and pore size. Low- and zero-alcohol products have the potential to expand the market and cater to diverse consumer segments. This comprehensive review would help winemakers in choosing the best techniques to produce dealcoholized wine, limiting the adverse effects, and meeting the needs of consumers.
Advancements in Quantum Computing—Viewpoint: Building Adoption and Competency in Industry
Authors: Pfaendler Sieglinde M. -L. , Konson Konstantin , Greinert Franziska
Published: March 2024

The narrative around quantum computing is evolving quickly. First reports of quantum computers able to solve certain scientific problems on-par with the precision of High-Performance Computers are persuading end-users and industry leaders to shift from passive observation to active exploration. Insights are provided here to enable organization and technology leaders in the database and data science community an entry into the field of quantum computing. This article provides an introduction of key concepts, insights into the rapid advancement of the state-of-the-art, an overview of how companies in Germany are approaching the development of competency and adoption of quantum computing, including an overview of European activities and learning materials in the German language.
Structural Engineering of Anode Materials for Low-Temperature Lithium-Ion Batteries: Mechanisms, Strategies, and Prospects
Authors: Wang Guan , Wang Guixin , Fei Linfeng , Zhao Lina , Zhang Haitao
Published: March 2024

The severe degradation of electrochemical performance for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) at low temperatures poses a significant challenge to their practical applications. Consequently, extensive efforts have been contributed to explore novel anode materials with high electronic conductivity and rapid Li+ diffusion kinetics for achieving favorable low-temperature performance of LIBs. Herein, we try to review the recent reports on the synthesis and characterizations of low-temperature anode materials. First, we summarize the underlying mechanisms responsible for the performance degradation of anode materials at subzero temperatures. Second, detailed discussions concerning the key pathways (boosting electronic conductivity, enhancing Li+ diffusion kinetics, and inhibiting lithium dendrite) for improving the low-temperature performance of anode materials are presented. Third, several commonly used low-temperature anode materials are briefly introduced. Fourth, recent progress in the engineering of these low-temperature anode materials is summarized in terms of structural design, morphology control, surface & interface modifications, and multiphase materials. Finally, the challenges that remain to be solved in the field of low-temperature anode materials are discussed. This review was organized to offer valuable insights and guidance for next-generation LIBs with excellent low-temperature electrochemical performance.
Visible light-induced H2 production and pollutant degradation by copper oxide nanosphere embedded zinc-cadmium-sulfide composite
Authors: Imran Muhammad , Yousaf Ammar Bin , Farooq Muhammad , Kausar Samaira , Yasmeen Samina , Kasak Peter
Published: March 2024

Green hydrogen production using solar water splitting and solving water pollution issues are intricately intertwined global goals which are hindered by the scarcity of highly active photocatalytic materials. Herein, we have presented a simple strategy to couple two semiconductors (Cu2O and ZnCdS) to form a type-I heterojunction with high visible light response. The as-synthesized heterojunction was well characterized by the battery techniques, such as TEM, HAADF-STEM elemental mapping, XRD and XPS. The visible light response was higher for composite than individual components, as was also supported by UV–vis DRS. The Cu2O-ZnCdS composite showed a higher visible light-driven photocatalytic H2 production rate (78.5 µmol g–1 h–1). The catalyst was also active for photocatalytic degradation of a model dye-methylene blue (MB)-with a degradation rate constant of 0.079 min−1. The enhanced performance of the Cu2O-loaded ZnCdS catalysts can be ascribed to both factors, such as enhancement of the visible light absorption and the growth of Cu2O-ZnCdS heterojunction. The heterojunction formation facilitates efficient charge separation with smaller charge resistance, as evidenced by transient photocurrent response and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) studies. This study strongly indicates that the photocatalytic reactions with this catalyst material are kinetically favoured by coupling the two semiconductors.

Graphical abstract
Application of Ultrasound Image Velocimetry (UIV) to cohesive sediment (fluid mud) flows
Authors: Brouwers Bart , van Beeck Jeroen , Lataire Evert
Published: March 2024

Ultrasound image velocimetry (UIV) is a technique that enables non-intrusive whole-flow field velocimetry measurements in opaque fluids. It gained interest in experimental fluid dynamics to study the flow mechanics of, amongst others, sediment-laden fluids. Further customisation of this technique is required to make it a reliable asset for experimental research involving high density cohesive sediments (fluid mud). Potential applications include rheological or settling experiments or experiments serving nautical research on the interaction between a ship, water and fluid mud forming the bottom of the navigation channel. This study presents experiments to validate the applicability of UIV in such dense cohesive sediments exhibiting non-Newtonian and thixotropic behaviour. During these experiments, an ultrasound transducer was moved through stationary mud at known velocities. Due to the viscosity of the mud, the zone of influence of the moving transducer is limited in depth. This enables the recording of the relative velocity between moving transducer and the undisturbed mud at greater depths. Medical ultrasound imaging equipment was used, as such equipment allows ultrasound imaging in the required frequency range and frame rate. A good correlation (accuracy $$>95$$

>
95

 %) was found between the imposed motion velocity of the transducer and the output of UIV. However, limitations were found in both depth and velocity, caused by the equipment, settings and mud properties.
Abundant soliton solution for the time-fractional stochastic Gray-Scot model under the influence of noise and M-truncated derivative
Authors: Baber Muhammad Zafarullah , Ahmed Nauman , Yasin Muhammad Waqas , Ali Syed Mansoor , Ali Mubasher , Akgül Ali , Hassani Murad Khan
Published: March 2024

In this study, we investigate the abundant soliton solutions for the time-fractional stochastic Gray-Scot (TFSGS) model analytically. The Gray-Scot model is considered under the influence of M-truncated derivative and multiplicative time noise. This is a reaction–diffusion chemical concentration model that explains the irreversible chemical reaction process. The M-truncated derivative is applied for the fractional version while Brownian motion is taken in the sense of time noise. The novel mathematical technique is used to obtain the abundant families of soliton solutions. These solutions are explored in the form of shock, complicated solitary-shock, shock-singular, and periodic-singular types of single and combination wave structures. During the derivation, the rational solutions also appear. Moreover, we use MATHEMATICA 11.1 tools to plot our solutions and exhibit several three-dimensional, two-dimensional, and their corresponding contour graphs to show the fractional derivative and Brownian motion impact on the soliton solutions of the TFSGS model. We show that the TFDGS model solutions are stabilized at around zero by the multiplicative Brownian motion. These wave solutions represent the chemical concentrations of the reactants.
Architecting the future: exploring the synergy of AI-driven sustainable HRM, conscientiousness, and employee engagement
Authors: Jia Xiao , Hou Yanghong
Published: March 2024

This study investigates the interrelations between AI-Driven Sustainable Human Resource Management (HRM), Employee Engagement, Employee Performance, and Conscientiousness Personality, through a survey of 470 employees in Chinese enterprises. Integrating Ability-Motivation-Opportunity (AMO) and Person-Organization (P-O) Fit theories, the research introduces a comprehensive model. Our findings suggest that Artificial Intelligence-Driven Sustainable HRM positively influences Employee Engagement, leading to enhanced performance. Moreover, Conscientiousness Personality serves as a critical moderating factor between AI-Driven Sustainable HRM and Employee Engagement. This study provides a theoretical perspective on the integration of AI-Driven Sustainable HRM and Employee Engagement in Chinese enterprises, uncovering a mediating and moderating mechanism. Through this mechanism, AI-Driven Sustainable HR practices contribute to employee engagement and performance, particularly for those with a high level of conscientiousness.
Cancer-triggered systemic disease and therapeutic targets
Authors: Cao Yihai
Published: March 2024

Cancer provokes systemic diseases through three possible mechanisms: 1) Distal metastasis in multiple tissues and organs, which directly causes functional damage and impairment of involved organs; 2) Paraneoplastic syndrome (PNS) that affects multiple organ systems, including the endocrine, gastrointestinal, hematologic, neurologic, dermatologic, and ophthalmologic systems; and 3) Cancer cachexia (CCA) or self-wasting syndrome characterized by anorexia, progressive bodyweight loss, adipose atrophy, and muscle atrophy. While cancer metastasis has received considerable attention for comprehensive research, PNS and CCA remain relatively overlooked. At the time of this writing, effective treatments of PNS and CCA in human cancer patients are lacking. This review focuses on discussing mechanistic insights into PNA and CCA and current advances in development of new possible therapeutic interventions.
Measure transfer and S-adic developments for subshifts
Authors: BÉDARIDE NICOLAS , HILION ARNAUD , LUSTIG MARTIN
Published: March 2024

Based on previous work of the authors, to any S-adic development of a subshift X a ‘directive sequence’ of commutative diagrams is associated, which consists at every level
$n \geq 0$
of the measure cone and the letter frequency cone of the level subshift
$X_n$
associated canonically to the given S-adic development. The issuing rich picture enables one to deduce results about X with unexpected directness. For instance, we exhibit a large class of minimal subshifts with entropy zero that all have infinitely many ergodic probability measures. As a side result, we also exhibit, for any integer
$d \geq 2$
, an S-adic development of a minimal, aperiodic, uniquely ergodic subshift X, where all level alphabets
$\mathcal A_n$
have cardinality
$d,$
while none of the
$d-2$
bottom level morphisms is recognizable in its level subshift
$X_n \subseteq \mathcal A_n^{\mathbb {Z}}$
.
Reconceiving Christianity and the Modern Prison: On Evangelicalism’s Eugenic Logic and Mass Incarceration
Authors: Sexton Jason S.
Published: March 2024

In the aftermath of World War II, eugenics and the pseudoscientific base used to justify its practices are generally understood to have phased off the scene. If, however, eugenics never actually disappeared but has been persistent, and in turn becomes one of the best explanations for mass incarceration today, what role did Christianity—especially Evangelicalism—play in this unprecedented moment of imprisonment? Building on legal scholarship identifying the significant role of eugenic philosophy that manifests in penal policy and ongoing phenomena into the early twenty-first century, this article examines key figures in the backdrop of eugenics’ particular early developments, and leading figures—namely, Billy Graham and Prison Fellowship’s Chuck Colson—whose ministries operated in close proximity to the prison during the latter twentieth century and especially over the past fifty years as incarceration rates skyrocketed. After examining several important theological tenets reflected within Evangelicalism that are compatible with eugenic logic, a critical approach is developed drawing from more robust theological considerations that if appropriated earlier might have found evangelicals resisting the mass incarceration building efforts rather than supporting them.
Cryogenic features and stages in Late Quaternary subaerial sediments of the Lower Volga region
Authors: Taratunina N.A. , Kurbanov R.N. , Rogov V.V. , Streletskaya I.D. , Yanina T.A. , Solodovnikov D.A. , Stevens T.
Published: March 2024

Situated at the southernmost limits of the late Pleistocene Eurasian permafrost zone, the loess–paleosol sequences of the Lower Volga region contain numerous traces of cryogenesis. Cryogenic features are represented by thin vertical wedges in loess and paleosols, and involutions and wedges in alluvial deposits. Here we describe and interpret four stages of cryogenesis during the late Pleistocene, based on analysis of cryogenic structure morphology, morphoscopy of quartz grains, and micromorphology of subaerial sediments, in addition to calculation of the Cryogenic Weathering Index and a new luminescence chronology derived from published ages. These stages differ in type and distribution of cryostructures and formed in different paleogeographic conditions. Stage I, dated 95–90 ka (Marine Isotope Stage [MIS] 5b), is characterized by the existence of continuous permafrost in northern part of the Lower Volga valley. Stage II (75–70 ka, MIS 5a/MIS 4) is characterized by dry and cold conditions and widespread permafrost. During stage III (52–45 ka, MIS 3b/c), the permafrost was thin and of sporadic distribution. Stage IV (37–35 ka, MIS 3a) is characterized by thin and rare sporadic permafrost. The processes of cryogenic transformation of sediments in the region during these stages took place under both permafrost and seasonal frost conditions. The results obtained significantly improve current understanding of the extent of the permafrost in the south of the East European Plain during the late Pleistocene.
CONJECTURES AND OBSERVATIONS ON CATULLUS 63
Authors: Hockings T.A.J.
Published: March 2024

This article discusses textually problematic passages in Catullus 63, a particularly corrupt poem from a particularly corrupt manuscript tradition. It proposes new conjectures and revives several old ones. Throughout there are notes on punctuation, conjecture attribution and an analysis of the structure of Attis’ lament.