bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regional climate change adaptation planning in Canada: Actors and their articulation
Authors: Weissenberger Sebastian , Jeff Birchall S.
Published: November 2024

Climate change governance presents challenges and most of the responsibility for it is offloaded to local governments often ill‐equipped to deal with it. In Canada, where climate extremes are on the rise, regional adaptation governance structures have emerged as an avenue for more efficient adaptation. Governance at this scale has the potential to mutualize expertise and means, to involve local population, and favour a vertical integration of the adaptation process. From selected examples of regional collaboration on climate change adaptation, in this short viewpoint paper, we identify some factors favouring such initiatives. The presence of “boundary organizations” such as research centres or non‐governmental organizations that can act as catalysts, is a predictor in all our cases and has been proposed in literature before. Funding opportunities can of course offer a strong incentive for various actors to get together. Other factors such as geographical or cultural particularities can shape communities’ response to the stress of climate change. More research should be led into understanding these factors and translate them into policies favouring the emergence of regional adaptation instances, especially in rural coastal zones, in Canada.
A Comprehensive Mendelian Randomization Study Investigating Multiple Exposures and Outcomes: Focusing on Nontoxic Goitre and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Wu Yizhi , Yao Zhenghong , Wang Yimin , Lou Yufei , Yu Tugen , Chen Rucheng , Shou Xinyang , Gu Weijia
Published: November 2024

Objective

Previous research suggests a correlation between nontoxic goitre and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, the causality was vulnerable to confounding variables. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a more rigorous research approach to examine the causal connection between nontoxic goitre and T2DM.

Design

Multiple exposures and outcomes two‐sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study was carried out in two stages: nontoxic goitre traits (including nontoxic diffuse goitre, NDG; nontoxic multinodular goitre, NMG; and other/unspecified nontoxic goitre, OUNG) were investigated as exposure while T2DM was investigated as an outcome in the first step, whereas the second step was reversed. The GWAS summary data for nontoxic goitre traits and T2DM were collected from the Finngen database. The summary data for fasting glucose, fasting insulin, and HbA1c were obtained from the open GWAS database established by the MRC Integrated Epidemiology Unit (IEU). The inverse‐variance weighted (IVW) approach was used to obtain MR estimates, and various sensitivity analysis was also performed.

Results

NDG had a potential protective causal relationship with T2DM (OR = 0.978; 95% CI: 0.957−0.998; p = 0.034) and fasting glucose (OR = 0.995; 95% CI: 0.990−0.999; p = 0.011), while NMG had a potential protective causal relationship with T2DM (OR = 0.941; 95% CI: 0.902−0.982; p = 0.008) and HbA1c (OR = 0.992; 95% CI: 0.986−0.998; p = 0.015). OUNG was found to decrease the odds of T2DM by 4.4% (OR = 0.966; 95% CI: 0.938−0.995, p = 0.023). T2DM had a potential causal relationship with NDG (OR = 1.239; 95% CI: 1.020−1.504; p = 0.031), and a potential protective effect against NMG (OR = 0.669; 95% CI: 0.566−0.792; p < 0.001) and OUNG (OR = 0.694; 95% CI: 0.545−0.883; p = 0.004). There was no evidence of a positive association between glycemic traits and nontoxic goitre traits (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Our findings indicate a potential causal relationship between nontoxic goitre traits and T2DM. Specifically, our study addresses that NMG and T2DM may have a significant causal effect on each other in both directions.
Safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of sofnobrutinib, a novel non‐covalent BTK inhibitor, in healthy subjects: First‐in‐human phase I study
Authors: Miyamoto Kyoko , Miller Robert M. , Voors‐Pette Christine , Oosterhaven Jart A. F. , van den Dobbelsteen Marieke , Mihara Katsuhiro , Geldof Marian , Sato Yuji , Matsuda Naomi , Kirita Shirou , Sawa Masaaki , Arimura Akinori
Published: November 2024

Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) is a potential therapeutic target for allergic and autoimmune diseases. This first‐in‐human phase I study evaluated safety, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic profiles of sofnobrutinib (formerly AS‐0871), a highly selective, orally available, non‐covalent BTK inhibitor, in healthy adult subjects. Single ascending doses (SAD; 5–900 mg) and multiple ascending doses (MAD; 50–300 mg twice daily [b.i.d.] for 14 days [morning dose only on Day 14]) of sofnobrutinib were tested. In the entire study, all adverse events (AEs) were mild or moderate, and no apparent dose‐proportional trend in severity or frequency was observed. No serious treatment‐emergent AEs, cardiac arrythmias, or bleeding‐related AEs were reported. In the SAD part, sofnobrutinib exhibited approximately dose‐dependent systemic exposures up to 900 mg with rapid absorption (median time to maximum concentration of 2.50–4.00 h) and gradual decline (mean half‐lives of 3.7–9.0 h). In the MAD part, sofnobrutinib showed low accumulation after multiple dosing (mean accumulation ratios of ≤1.54) and reached a steady state on ≤Day 7. Single dosing of sofnobrutinib rapidly and dose‐dependently suppressed basophil and B‐cell activations in ex vivo whole blood assays. Multiple dosing of sofnobrutinib achieved 50.8%–79.4%, 67.6%–93.6%, and 90.1%–98.0% inhibition of basophil activation during the dosing interval of 50, 150, and 300 mg b.i.d., respectively. Based on pharmacokinetic‐pharmacodynamic analysis, half‐maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of sofnobrutinib for basophil activation was 54.06 and 57.01 ng/mL in the SAD and MAD parts, respectively. Similarly, IC50 for B‐cell activation was 187.21 ng/mL. These data support further investigation of sofnobrutinib in allergic and autoimmune diseases.
Length‐Based Assessment of Hovsgol Grayling (Thymallus nigrescens), Lenok (Brachymystax lenok), and Burbot (Lota lota) Population Status in Lake Hovsgol, Mongolia
Authors: Shaw Margaret J. , Free Christopher M. , Mendsaikhan Bud , Ganzorig Batsaikhan , Jensen Olaf P.
Published: November 2024

Despite the global importance of inland fisheries, data available for stock assessment is often limited. Data‐limited methods that use length composition data offer a potential approach to assessing more inland fisheries. We assessed the population status of three fish species in Lake Hovsgol, Mongolia through length‐based spawning potential ratio (LBSPR) analysis and evaluation of trends in eight length‐based indicators of population status, catch‐per‐unit‐effort (CPUE), and body size. Hovsgol grayling (Thymallus nigrescens) were not yet overfished, but CPUE and body size declined due to targeting of large, mature fish. Lenok (Brachymystax lenok) were experiencing overfishing, especially of small, immature fish, which contributed to size–structure truncation. The burbot (Lota lota) population was healthy according to most indicators, but the lack of local life history information exacerbated already large uncertainties. Continued monitoring and improved coordination among fishers, managers, and scientists will be critical to enhancing the sustainability of these fisheries.
Genomics‐Informed Range Predictions Under Global Warming Reveal Reduced Adaptive Diversity Whilst Buffering Range Shifts for a Marine Snail
Authors: Lin Xiao‐Nie , Ma Chao‐Yi , Hu Li‐Sha , Liao Ming‐Ling , Ma Lin‐Xuan , Teske Peter R. , Hoffmann Ary , Dong Yun‐Wei
Published: November 2024

Understanding the genetic basis of local adaptation in thermal performance is useful for predicting species distribution shifts under anthropogenic climate change. Many species are distributed across multiple biogeographic regions, and the uniquely adapted populations in each region may respond to future ocean warming with distinct distribution changes. In the present study, we investigated phylogeographic patterns, thermal sensitivity, and genetic differentiation in the intertidal snail Littorina brevicula along China's coast. Whole‐genome sequencing results based on a newly assembled chromosome‐level genome revealed two genetic lineages, with a north–south divergence that is linked to the thermal environment. Within each lineage, individuals could be further subdivided into genetic subgroups that differ at key genomic loci underpinning differences in upper heat tolerance. Heat stress drives adaptive divergence across multiple levels of organization, from the individual to the biogeographic level. Taking into account genetic diversity associated with variation in heat tolerance, a physiological species distribution model (pSDM) was applied to predict the distributions of the different genetic subgroups in response to climate change. Both northern and southern lineages were predicted to experience declines in habitat suitability under a 4°C future warming scenario, and that a genotypic subset of snails from the southern lineage may even be driven to extinction. These findings illustrate that even when a species' range is maintained, it can nonetheless experience a significant decrease in adaptive diversity as a result of climate change. The integrated approach presented here, which considered both physiological and adaptive genetic variation at the level of individuals within a biogeographical context, provided new insights into how marine species can respond to global warming.
A Systematic Review Evaluating Methods for Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention of Dental Erosions
Authors: Jarkander Maria Skalsky , Domeij Helena , Edebert Irene , Astvaldsdottir Alfheidur , Grindefjord Margaret , Johannsen Annsofi
Published: November 2024

Aim

The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the quality of evidence for methods used to diagnose, restore and prevent dental erosions, by evaluating and summarising clinical controlled studies and in situ studies covering this field.

Material and Methods

Three databases, PubMed, Embase and Cochrane database, were searched for studies published until October 2023. Studies fulfilling the selection criteria were selected, and the risk of bias of the included studies was assessed. Two authors independently reviewed the studies, evaluated their risk of bias and extracted data from the included studies. The certainty of evidence of the findings in the studies was determined using GRADE.

Results

The literature search identified 7176 records. Out of these, 19 studies were included in this review, three revolving diagnostics, three revolving treatment and 13 revolving prevention. However, due to the fact that only few studies with a small number of participants have investigated the same methods on the same outcome, the studies do not constitute any body of evidence.

Conclusion

This systematic review highlights the shortage of data on methods used for diagnostics, restorative treatment and prevention of dental erosions. More knowledge is needed to strengthen the scientific evidence regarding methods used for dental erosions.
Stigmatization and perceived health status in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa: an observational multicenter study in Europe
Authors: Marron Servando E. , Gracia‐Cazaña Tamara , Sampogna Francesca , Schut Christina , Kupfer Joerg , Dalgard Florence J. , Bewley Anthony , van Beugen Sylvia , Gieler Uwe , Lien Lars , Ständer Sonja , Vulink Nienke , Finlay Andrew Y. , Legat Franz J. , Titeca Geraldine , Jemec Gregor B. , Misery Laurent , Szabo Csanad , Grivcheva‐Panovska Vesna , Spillekom‐van Koulil Saskia , Balieva Flora , Szepietowski Jacek C. , Reich Adam , Roque Ferreira Bárbara , Lvov Andrey , Romanov Dmitry , Svensson Ake , Altunay Ilknur K. , Thompson Andrew R. , Zeidler Claudia , Tomas‐Aragones Lucía ,   the ESDAP Study Collaborators
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) can severely affect the quality of life (QoL) and is linked to psychological distress, including anxiety, depression, and reduced self‐esteem. Stigmatization due to physical appearance may significantly contribute to the psychological burden and impact on QoL for HS patients. This study investigates the association between stigmatization, depression, anxiety, and health‐ and disease‐related variables among HS patients in Europe.

Patients and methods

This observational cross‐sectional multicenter study was conducted across 22 dermatological outpatient clinics in 17 European countries. Data collected included sociodemographic variables, general health variables, disease‐related variables, perceived stigmatization (PSQ), and mental health (PHQ‐2, GAD‐2).

Results

Of the 5487 dermatological patients, 142 (2.6%) were diagnosed with HS, and data from 135 patients (70.1% women, mean age 38.2 years) who completed the PSQ questionnaire were analyzed. Scores on the stigmatization measure indicated that significant stigmatization levels were present in the sample. Linear regression models revealed a significant relationship between stigmatization and both the duration of HS and the presence of itch. Similar findings were noted for the PSQ “confused/staring behavior” scale with depression. The PSQ “absence of friendly behavior” scale was inversely associated with general health status, whereas the “hostile behavior” scale was positively linked to depression.

Conclusion

HS patients experience significant stigmatization linked to disease duration, itch, and depression. Comprehensive management, including screening for psychosocial co‐morbidity, is essential, as is providing access to psychological interventions that support patients to both manage internal distress and the potential reactions of others.
Rule‐based clinician‐developed programmes can facilitate haemodialysis clinical workflows
Authors: Satheakeerthy Shrirajh , Booth Andrew EC , Chan Weng O. , Moloney Brona , Farnan Ava , Gluck Samuel , Rao Nitesh , Gilbert Toby , Bacchi Stephen
Published: November 2024

There are routine hospital workflows that are not addressed by certain institutional electronic medical records, including the detection of patients requiring haemodialysis who are admitted under non‐nephrology services. In this study, the feasibility and performance of a clinician‐developed automated haemodialysis patient finder was evaluated. The programme ran with zero downtime for 6 months and had zero false negatives or false positives. This work demonstrates the potential benefits that may be gained when clinicians can meaningfully alter electronic clinical workflows.
Exploring the Influencing Factors of Experienced Nurses' Retention Behaviour: A Qualitative Study Based on the COM‐B Model
Authors: Huang Liebin , Liu Ming , Leung Angela Y. M. , Zhang Jun‐E , Deng Renli , Dai Hongxia , He Binbin
Published: November 2024

Aim

The aim of this study was to explore the factors influencing the retention behaviour of experienced nurses in China, using the capability, opportunity, motivation and behaviour (COM‐B) model as a conceptual framework.

Design

A qualitative descriptive study based on the COM‐B model.

Methods

In this qualitative descriptive study, semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 22 nurses across 11 cities in the Guangdong‐Hong Kong‐Macao Great Bay Area of China between March and May 2024. The interviews followed a predefined topic guide derived from the COM‐B model. The transcriptions of the interviews were then subjected to deductive thematic analysis.

Results

Eleven key themes emerged, which were embedded in three categories of the COM‐B model, including capability (physical and mental health, professional knowledge and skills), motivation (increasing income, sense of fulfilment in nursing work, positive colleague relationships and job stability) and opportunity (management, career development opportunities, work–life balance, prejudice against nursing and workload).

Conclusions

The study provides new perspectives on factors influencing the retention of experienced nurses in Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao. The study identified 11 factors that influence nurse retention behaviour, emphasising three distinctive perceptions: the ‘iron rice bowl’, the concept of filial piety and public prejudice towards nursing in Chinese society, which are unique to China compared to other nations. Additionally, it revealed similarities in nurse retention factors across Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao.

Implications for the Profession

To strengthen nurse retention, it is essential to develop tailored strategies for experienced nurses. Future research should also take social culture into account to enhance retention efforts.

Reporting Method

This study's reporting adhered to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Studies (COREQ) checklist.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
Occurrence of juvenile porbeagle sharks (Lamna nasus) in the northern coast of Spain
Authors: Carrasco‐Puig Pol , Miralles Laura , Colmenero Ana I. , Barría Claudio
Published: November 2024

Opportunistic records can provide valuable information on certain species, including the critically endangered porbeagle shark (Lamna nasus). This note documents the occurrence of three juveniles, with approximate 120‐, 88‐, and 85‐cm fork lengths respectively, observed along the coast of Asturias, Spain, in 2024. Given the three distinct scenarios in which these records respectively occurred (incidental capture, washed ashore and stranding), they emphasize the role of citizen science in identifying potential threats to this species, particularly in early stages of life, in a region that may be important and previously overlooked.
Spectral absorbance changes in the photoreceptors of the juvenile masked greenling, Hexagrammos octogrammus (Pisces, Hexagrammidae)
Authors: Kondrashev Sergei L.
Published: November 2024

When changing habitat during migration or ontogenesis, fish encounter changes of the visual environment, among which the most important is the spectral composition of light and turbidity. This leads to changes in the behavior, morphology, and physiology of the visual system, in particular, spectral sensitivity, which is determined by the properties of visual pigments. The masked greenling Hexagrammos octogrammus has an additional factor that shapes effective spectral sensitivity—the presence of densely bright orange cornea which reversibly changes its density depending on the state of light/dark adaptation. However, it is unknown to what extent the properties of visual pigments are matched to spectral properties of the developing cornea at the final stage of metamorphosis during migration of juveniles from pelagic to coastal environments. The findings of this microspectrophotometric study show that the range of the spectral sensitivity of rods and cones in juveniles is much wider than in adults, with a shift in the sensitivity of a significant part of the cells to shorter wavelengths. The reason for this is the large variation in the ratio of chromophores A1:A2 in the pigment mixture in each cell and possible expression of new opsins. This also indicates the asynchrony of pigment transformations in different types of photoreceptors and the incompleteness of these transformations on the eve of the transition to bottom life in shallow water.
What will my life be like when I am 25? How do children's social class contexts predict their imagined and actual futures?
Authors: Laurin Kristin , Engstrom Holly R. , Huang Muhua
Published: November 2024

Children use school as a way to imagine and strive toward their futures. We analyzed thousands of essays written by children in Britain in the late 1960s about what their lives would be like as adults. We used a bottom‐up approach to explore naturally occurring topics in these essays and tested how these topics varied with children's social class context and their adult outcomes. Higher education was the most prevalent topic in these children's essays; children whose fathers—and maternal grandfathers—had higher‐status occupations were especially likely to write about this, as well as about interests in teaching, medicine, and the military. Children in lower class contexts were especially likely to write about making money, but also about family and daily responsibilities. We further found that—controlling for family background—children who wrote more about higher education and less about money‐making tended to achieve education, status, and income.
Systematic Literature Review on the Determinants of Demand and Supply at the Combat Aircraft Market
Authors: Saitova Alsu
Published: November 2024

Through a systematic literature review of 42 recent peer‐reviewed empirical studies of international arms markets, this paper examines the determinants of supply and demand for manned fixed‐wing combat aircraft in the post–Cold War era. This literature review distinguishes more than 80 different determinants related to either the international system interaction, an international state or the aircraft offered. The determinants can be related to the main characteristics of the market, namely, security, economics and normative values. Measurable effects are only visible for security and economic determinants. Normative factors appear to play a rudimentary role across the board, although they can be found to be significant in individual studies. One conclusion that can be drawn is that the most commonly studied determinants are not those with the greatest impact. In addition, it is important to note that all but a few of the publications analysed do not address the difference in market power between a producing and a supplying (reselling) state.
Knowledge, Attitudes and Confidence in Providing Dementia Care to Older Adults Among Nurses Practicing in Hanoi, Vietnam: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Nguyen Anh Huynh Phuong , Nguyen Huy V. , Nguyen Thanh Xuan , Nguyen Huong Thi Thu , Nguyen Tam Ngoc , Nguyen Thu Thi Hoai , Goldberg Robert J. , Yuan Yiyang , Gurwitz Jerry H. , Nguyen Hoa L. , Vu Huyen Thi Thanh
Published: November 2024

Background

Nurses' competencies are crucial in providing effective dementia care in healthcare settings for older people. Understanding nurses' current knowledge, attitudes and confidence in this area is essential for developing education programmes for healthcare professionals to improve patient care. The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes and confidence related to providing dementia care among nurses practicing in geriatric hospital wards and nursing homes in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Methods

A total of 269 out of 313 (response rate was 86%) full‐time nurses working at six geriatric wards in hospitals and nursing homes in Hanoi were surveyed using three self‐administered questionnaires: the Dementia Knowledge Assessment Scale (DKAS), Dementia Attitude Scale (DAS) and the Confidence in Dementia Scale (CODE). Multiple regression models were constructed to identify factors associated with dementia care knowledge, attitudes and confidence.

Results

The overall mean scores of nurse's knowledge, attitudes and confidence were 28.1 ± 8.0, 102.1 ± 13.4 and 28.3 ± 6.4, respectively. A positive correlation was reported between the knowledge and attitude scores and between the attitudes and confidence scores. Greater seniority (β: 0.29; 95% CI: 0.03–0.56) and having learned information through colleagues or experts (β: 3.02; 95% CI: 0.88–5.16) were associated with better dementia knowledge. A higher level of dementia training desirability was associated with increased knowledge (β: 0.74; 95% CI: 0.28–1.20) and favourable attitudes (β: 0.94; 95% CI: 0.15–1.74), whereas frequent exposure to dementia cases was associated with higher confidence (β: 3.56; 95% CI: 1.39–5.73) and more favourable attitudes (β: 3.96; 95% CI: 0.27–7.66).

Conclusion

Our study highlights deficits in knowledge, low levels of social comfort in nurses' attitudes towards people with dementia and a lack of confidence in providing effective care among nurses practicing in healthcare settings for older adults in Hanoi, Vietnam. With the ageing of the population and with increasing numbers of persons living with dementia, our findings suggest the importance of improving the training of nurses to specifically address these deficits.

Implications for Practice

Multidisciplinary consultation meetings need to be encouraged in the healthcare workplace setting as well as ensuring the presence of qualified counsellors for care teams working with older adults in non‐hospital settings.

Training about non‐cognitive symptoms of dementia and demonstrating effective verbal and non‐verbal communication skills is critical and should be integrated into nurse's educational training.
From infodemic to resilience: Exploring COVID‐19 protective measures in armed‐conflict zone
Authors: Salim Mona , Wei Jiuchang
Published: November 2024

The proliferation of inaccurate and misleading information about COVID‐19 on social media poses a significant public health concern. This study examines the impact of the infodemic and beneficial information on COVID‐19 protective behaviors in an armed‐conflict country. Using the protective action decision model (PADM), data were collected from 1439 participants through a questionnaire in Yemen between August 2020 and April 2021. Structural equation modeling tested hypotheses generated by the PADM. The findings indicate that the infodemic reduces the likelihood of individuals adopting protective measures against COVID‐19. Surprisingly, official announcements by accountable authorities do not moderate the relationship between the infodemic and protective responses. These results highlight the need for further research on resilience in armed‐conflict countries. This study contributes to understanding armed‐conflict countries' unique challenges in combating health crises. Addressing the infodemic and promoting accurate information is crucial in enhancing protective behaviors and mitigating the negative impact of misinformation. Policymakers and public health authorities can utilize these insights to develop targeted interventions and communication strategies that ensure accurate information dissemination and encourage the adoption of adequate protective measures.
Visual Representation of Gender in Morocco's Earthquake Coverage in International News Channel
Authors: Nser Khaled Kh. , AL-Tkhayneh Khawlah M. , Ziani Abdulkrim
Published: November 2024

This study aimed at identifying the way of Media's framing of gender while covering Twitter official accounts for the international news channels concerning Morocco's earthquake. To achieve the study objectives. The researchers used quantitative and qualitative content-analysis approach by using MAXQDA software. Adopted in Ali (2014), where similar sample-selection way and analysis categories were used. The study’s findings indicate that Al-Jazeera account was the most publishing site to mixed images (males/ females) with a total of 22 images, whereas (CNN) account was the most publishing site to women's images with a total of 17 images. The results of image-analysis, according to the category, revealed that the most common category was “helplessness” with a percentage of 46%. The images of “weakness and sickliness” were identical for the mixed and women's images, whereas only one image was for men. This revealed that women have usually been amongst the weakest categories that were more exposed to risks in case of natural disasters, such as earthquakes and floods. Image analysis revealed that the means of media supports the idea that some housework tasks are exclusive for women, and that those tasks may increase in times of natural disasters. Some images revealed that women remain physically strong and attempt to overcome this disaster, where they could break the stereotypical view implying that women are helpless in times of crises.
Exergy Optimization of a Hybrid Multi-Evaporative Desalination Plant Powered by Solar and Geothermal Energy
Authors: Malek Charfeddine , Tahar Khir
Published: November 2024

An energy and exergy analysis has been conducted on a hybrid desalination system powered by solar energy using vacuum collectors and geothermal energy. This system is specifically designed to operate under the environmental conditions of southern Tunisia. The desalination plant is mainly constituted by a solar collector field, a thermal energy storage system, a multiple effect distillation (MED) unit system, an evaporative condenser, and a geothermal energy recovery system. The analysis is performed using computational code established with ees software. A parametric study is conducted to examine the effects of key operating parameters on plant performances. The operating mode is determined for winter and summer seasons. The obtained results show that the thermal storage system provides thermal power permitting continuous operation for about 8 h during the nighttime period. The storage tank is the most contributor in exergy destruction with approximately 4.3 kW in winter and 5.5 kW in summer followed by the solar collector field of about 3.6 kW in winter and 3.8 kW in summer. The exergy efficiency of the desalination effects reaches 70% in winter and 75% in summer. The daily production of drinking water is about 12 m3/day in winter and 14 m3/day in summer. This meets the daily drinking water needs of around 3000 people.
Experimental Investigation of Nonlinear Forces on a Monopile Offshore Wind Turbine Foundation Under Directionally Spread Waves
Authors: Ding Haoyu , Zhao Guangwei , Tang Tianning , Taylor Paul H. , Adcock Thomas A. A. , Dai Saishuai , Ning Dezhi , Chen Lifen , Li Jinxuan , Wang Rongquan , Zang Jun
Published: November 2024

Accurate prediction of nonlinear wave loading is crucial for designing marine and offshore structures, yet it remains a challenging task. Prior research has primarily focused on unidirectional extreme sea states, revealing that linear loading cannot accurately represent the total wave forces acting on offshore wind turbine foundations, with significant contributions from high-order harmonics. This study broadens the scope to include multidirectional and bidirectional wave interactions with monopile offshore wind turbine foundations. We use a phase-based harmonic separation method to isolate harmonic components in the presence of complex wave scenarios. This approach allows for the clear delineation of individual harmonics from the total wave force by controlling the phase of incident-focused waves. Remarkably, this method is effective even with multidirectional and bidirectional spreading. The clean separation of individual harmonics enables the estimation of contributions from each harmonic. Our findings are in line with previous research, showing that nonlinear loading can constitute up to 40% of the total under certain wave conditions. We have also observed that wider wave spreading reduces nonlinear high-order harmonics, and unidirectional waves induce the most severe nonlinear forces. These insights emphasize the importance of accounting for high-order nonlinear wave loading in offshore structure design.
Evaluation of Machine Learning Models for Predicting the Hot Deformation Flow Stress of Sintered Al–Zn–Mg Alloy
Authors: Harikrishna Katika , Nithin Abeyram , Davidson M. J.
Published: November 2024

In predicting flow stress, machine learning (ML) offers significant advantages by leveraging data-driven approaches, enhancing material design, and accurately forecasting material performance. Thus, the present study employs various supervised ML models, including linear regression (Lasso and Ridge), support vector regression (SVR), ensemble methods (random forest (RF), gradient boosting (GB), extreme gradient boosting (XGB)), and neural networks (artificial neural network (ANN), multilayer perceptron (MLP)), to predict flow stress in the hot deformation of an Al–Zn–Mg alloy. The ML methodology involves sequential steps from data extraction to cross-validation and hyperparameter tuning, which is conducted using the hyperopt library. Model performance is assessed using average absolute relative error (AARE), root-mean-squared error (RMSE), and mean squared error (MSE). The results show that ensemble methods (RF, GB, XGB) and neural networks outperform traditional regression methods, demonstrating superior predictive accuracy. Visualization using half-violin plots reveals the models' error ranges, with XGB consistently exhibiting the best performance. SVR, RF, GB, XGB, ANN, and MLP showed better performance than the Arrhenius model in the context of AARE and MSE metrics. Interestingly, SVR had a somewhat higher AARE of 1.89% and an MSE of 0.251 MPa2, while XGB had the lowest AARE of 0.2% and the lowest MSE of 0.011 MPa2. When ML models were evaluated using the skill score in relation to the Arrhenius model, XGB scored higher than the support vector machine (SVM) at 0.714, with a score of 0.986. In contrast, Lasso and Ridge exhibited negative scores of −0.847 and −0.456, respectively.
Collegiate Esports: To Be or Not to Be a Collegiate Sport
Authors: Papadakis Zacharias , Morris Kendrick
Published: November 2024

Esports is a global competitive phenomenon in which gamers and spectating enthusiasts engage in virtual playing competition. The growth of esports has fostered so much prominence that the establishment of amateur intercollegiate competition has taken place across the United States. Numerous institutions have sanctioned esports teams and have welcomed players as student-athletes within athletics departments. Positioned as the recipient to a remarkable boom in global esteem, the appeal of esports has stimulated exponential growth in commercial value, patronage, and societal acceptance. Scholars have since assessed the entwining of the world of sport with competitive gaming, sparking debate arguing whether esports is an admissible form of sport, and its participants credited as athletes eligible for intercollegiate athletic scholarships. In this literature overview—perspective article—we present characteristics of mainstream allure, operational terminology, and fitness of participants to render the status of esports to be, or, not to be, a collegiate sport. It is this multidisciplinary point of analysis from which the authors conclusion is supplicated. While esports currently do not satisfy the philosophical principles from which sport is characterized, growing acceptance, economic value, and alternative exhibitions of athleticism suggests the prospective of the industry’s future embrace.
Perceptions of Teachers’ Emphasis on Self-Transcendent Goals and Students’ Social Self-Efficacy and Socially Shared Regulation in Physical Education
Authors: Sereli Sevasti , Papaioannou Athanasios G.
Published: November 2024

Students adopt a wide range of achievement goals in physical education (PE): performance or Self-Enhancing, mastery or Self-Improvement, and Self-Transcendence (ST; improve others’ competence). Yet, little is known about how perceptions of physical education teachers’ emphasis on ST achievement goals relate to students’ achievement goal adoption and social outcomes. Results from 516 students (262 boys and 254 girls) supported the construct validity of a measure assessing perceptions of teachers’ emphasis on ST, Self-Improvement, and Self-Enhancing goals. Perceptions of teachers’ emphasis on ST goals corresponded positively to ST goal adoption, positive affect, socially shared regulation, social efficacy with peers, and inversely to negative affect. ST goal adoption fully mediated the effects of perceived teacher-initiated Self-Improvement and ST climate, on social efficacy and socially shared regulation. Perceptions of teachers’ emphasis on ST had also direct effect on socially shared regulation. The results provide a new framework for understanding achievement goals structures triggering harmonic promotion of achievement and adaptive social outcomes in physical education and youth sport settings.
A Survey Evaluating the Relationship Between the Perceived Side Effects of Hormonal Contraception and Physical Activity Levels in Adult U.S. Women
Authors: Cabre Hannah E. , Moore Sam R. , Smith-Ryan Abbie E.
Published: November 2024

Objective: Nearly all females use some form of contraception in their lifetimes, making hormonal contraception (HC) a prevalent hormonal landscape. The purpose of this survey was to characterize the prevalence of HC use and the associated perceived side effects in active U.S. adult females. Study Design: Six hundred seventy active adult females between ages 18 and 52 years living in the United States (age = 30.7 ± 8.1 years; body mass index = 25.4 ± 5.5 kg/m2) completed an online questionnaire based on previously validated assessments to characterize menstrual cycle, prevalence of HC use, perceived side effects, and physical activity. Physical activity was reported in minutes over 7 days and converted into metabolic equivalent-minutes per week. Data are reported as descriptive statistics and proportions; Pearson’s chi-squared analyses were used to examine the relationships between categorical variables. Results: Overall, 65.2% of females reported using HC. Combined oral contraceptives were most commonly used (48.3%), followed by intrauterine devices (40.7%). Compared with non-HC users, HC users reported a significantly lower occurrence of premenstrual syndrome (65.7% vs. 54.0%, respectively; p = .004). Compared with the prevalence of perceived negative side effects, HC users reported a higher prevalence of perceived positive side effects. Progestin-only HC users reported significantly more perceived negative side effects than combination HC users (58.2% vs. 48.5%, respectively; p = .042). The physical activity level did not appear to influence perceived side effects. Conclusions: HC use in females remains very high. HC users reported a higher number of perceived positive side effects compared with perceived negative side effects; the type of HC method may impact the perceived side effects.
Identifying potential introduced and natural sources of pollution in Delaware watersheds
Authors: Bowen Malique , Main Christopher R. , Farag Ibrahim F. , Biddle Jennifer F.
Published: November 2024

Managing water quality with microbial impairment caused by
Enterococcus
poses unique challenges regarding the determination of fecal host origin. Most water monitoring is performed based on
Enterococcus
counts that neither detect the location of the introduction of pollution nor identify the type of contaminating
Enterococcus
. The use of sequenced-based microbial source tracking could allow for identification of fecal origin and potential remediation of pollution. The state of Delaware has numerous waterways with high microbial impairment from unknown sources, so we used sequence-based microbial source tracking to investigate potential microbial pollution in three watersheds with significant variation in land use and population density. In this study, we use a 16S rRNA sequence reference library of microbial communities from relevant fecal sources (wild animal, domestic animal, sediment, and septic/wastewater) to determine the most likely sources of microbial impairment in three Delaware watersheds. This study assigned sources of microbial contamination to mostly human-related sources (septic and wastewater) or unknown sources indicating that waste infrastructure may have a larger influence on microbial community structure in Delaware watersheds than previously considered. Our results suggest that long-term source tracking is valuable for ruling out native or domesticated animals as contributors to water pollution.

IMPORTANCE

Traditional microbial pollution monitoring utilizes specific fecal indicator bacteria that need to grow in the laboratory for detection. Here, we show the use of sequence information from whole microbial communities and an expanded reference library in microbial source tracking. Expanding the host detection range by including the whole microbial community may allow for a wider range of potential fecal origin identification even when specific fecal indicators are absent or in low concentration. We show that many Delaware waterways bear the signature of human influence compared to natural sources. In addition, the robust reference library built in this study can be used to conduct source tracking studies in the mid-Atlantic USA.
Simulation of blood flow in a tapered artery with ternary hybrid nanofluid and Jeffrey model
Authors: Elsaid Essam M.
Published: November 2024

This research simulates flow of blood in a tapered peristaltic artery integrating ternary hybrid nanofluid using the Jeffrey fluid model. The simulation examines the effects of Au, Fe3O4, and Ag nanoparticles on the flow. The artery, modeled as a peristaltic channel, is subjected to nonlinear thermal radiation, magnetic forces, and heat source. The problem is formulated using non-linear Cartesian partial differential equations, which are then transformed into dimensionless form without approximations. Adomian Decomposition Method (ADM) is employed to solve these equations, revealing how normal and shear stress, normal and axial velocities, induced magnetic fields, and temperature profiles vary with changes in relevant parameters. Additionally, biological factors are considered to graph streamlines, providing a comprehensive analysis of the flow dynamics. Some notable results include that adding ternary nanoparticles increases the Nusselt number by 26.03% in Newtonian fluids and 158.69% in Jeffrey fluids, and increasing tapering parameters and wavenumber improves axial and normal velocities, heat transfer, and flow complexity.
An Improved Spray and Wait Routing Algorithm Based on Stable Transmission Capacity Evaluation of Nodes in Opportunistic Network
Authors: Huang Feng , Cui Jianqun , Chang Yanan , Wang Tong , Wang Min , Yang Yi
Published: November 2024

In opportunistic network, the regular connectivity of nodes and their individual conditions significantly influence message transmission. To address this, we propose an improved spray and wait routing algorithm based on stable transmission capacity evaluation of nodes (referred to as STCESW), which is derived from traditional Prophet and spray and wait algorithms but surpasses them. STCESW incorporates network models that consider node connection stability and transmission capacity, aiming to enhance the update and punishment formulas for node delivery probability. Furthermore, it combines the residual message buffer size of nodes with the angle between motion directions of nodes to determine more efficient and extensive message spraying in the network. The simulation results clearly indicate that STCESW significantly outperforms the other three enhanced algorithms in both SPMBM and RWP. It demonstrates its robust performance in terms of delivery probability, showing an increase ranging from 2% to 87% across diverse node buffer sizes or simulation time intervals. Additionally, it compromises slightly on delivery latency while maintaining relatively stable message latency and buffer time.
Experimental Simulation of Proppant Migration for Slick Water With Variable Viscosity During Fracturing
Authors: Wang Guiquan , Zhao Jingyuan , Sun Yuxue , Shen Anqi
Published: November 2024

The migration law of proppants in slick water during fracturing is of great significance for field fracturing. A large‐scale visualized experimental device was utilized to test sand patterns for varying injection parameter combinations, and sensitivity parameters of proppant settlement are analyzed. Experimental results showed that when the viscosity of fluid is 5 mPa.s, proppants with 70–140 mesh and 8% sand ratio were used, the slick water for fracture initiation had a good sand‐carrying capacity, and there was no sand bank formed at the entrance of the fracture but the spreading of sands in fractures was insufficient. When slick water with a lower viscosity of 10 mPa.s, the proppant of 40–70 mesh and 10% sand ratio were used, massive proppants were filled within the fractures, and a high sand bank was formed in the deep of the fracture, while a poor‐filling effect appeared at the entrance of fracture. When the higher viscosity slick water of 20 mPa.s, proppants with 20–40 mesh and 20% sand ratio were used; with the growth of pump‐in rate, the distance between the sand front and fracture entrance increased, the height of the bank is lower, and the balance height stayed the same for various fracturing fluid and proppant combination. The injection parameters affected the sand bank patterns and made diverse bank shapes, which made it essential to modify the fracturing fluid and proppant combination in the field to improve the conductivity at the entrance of the fracture.
Supplementary Table 4 from High TNF and NF-κB Pathway Dependency Are Associated with AZD5582 Sensitivity in OSCC via CASP8-Dependent Apoptosis
Authors: Chai Annie Wai Yeeng , Tan Yee Hua , Ooi Shiyin , Yee Pei San , Yee Shi Mun , Lightfoot Howard , Barthorpe Syd , Garnett Mathew J. , Cheong Sok Ching
Published: November 2024

ln IC50 data of 339 compounds in 21 OSCC cell lines
Supplementary Figure 5 from High TNF and NF-κB Pathway Dependency Are Associated with AZD5582 Sensitivity in OSCC via CASP8-Dependent Apoptosis
Authors: Chai Annie Wai Yeeng , Tan Yee Hua , Ooi Shiyin , Yee Pei San , Yee Shi Mun , Lightfoot Howard , Barthorpe Syd , Garnett Mathew J. , Cheong Sok Ching
Published: November 2024

Necroptosis is activated in the absent of CASP8 upon AZD5582 treatment as shown by induction of p-MLKL.
Supplementary Figure 4 from High TNF and NF-κB Pathway Dependency Are Associated with AZD5582 Sensitivity in OSCC via CASP8-Dependent Apoptosis
Authors: Chai Annie Wai Yeeng , Tan Yee Hua , Ooi Shiyin , Yee Pei San , Yee Shi Mun , Lightfoot Howard , Barthorpe Syd , Garnett Mathew J. , Cheong Sok Ching
Published: November 2024

Investigation of gene expression changes associated with AZD5582.
Supplementary Figure 3 from High TNF and NF-κB Pathway Dependency Are Associated with AZD5582 Sensitivity in OSCC via CASP8-Dependent Apoptosis
Authors: Chai Annie Wai Yeeng , Tan Yee Hua , Ooi Shiyin , Yee Pei San , Yee Shi Mun , Lightfoot Howard , Barthorpe Syd , Garnett Mathew J. , Cheong Sok Ching
Published: November 2024

Correlation of AZD5582 sensitivity with OSCC essential genes.
Supplementary Figure 1 from High TNF and NF-κB Pathway Dependency Are Associated with AZD5582 Sensitivity in OSCC via CASP8-Dependent Apoptosis
Authors: Chai Annie Wai Yeeng , Tan Yee Hua , Ooi Shiyin , Yee Pei San , Yee Shi Mun , Lightfoot Howard , Barthorpe Syd , Garnett Mathew J. , Cheong Sok Ching
Published: November 2024

PIK3CA-dependent OSCC showed higher sensitivity towards PI3K inhibitors.
Figure 6 from High TNF and NF-κB Pathway Dependency Are Associated with AZD5582 Sensitivity in OSCC via CASP8-Dependent Apoptosis
Authors: Chai Annie Wai Yeeng , Tan Yee Hua , Ooi Shiyin , Yee Pei San , Yee Shi Mun , Lightfoot Howard , Barthorpe Syd , Garnett Mathew J. , Cheong Sok Ching
Published: November 2024

Proposed modes of mechanism of action of AZD5582 in OSCC. A, Upon activation by external death stimuli such as TNF, cIAP1/2 in OSCC trigger ubiquitination of RIP1, disabling its binding with FADD and CASP8 in the formation of ripoptosome complex, thereby preventing apoptosis. Likewise, necrosome formation is also inhibited. By contrast, cIAP1/2 promotes the ubiquitination cascade of LUBAC and IKK complexes, activating the NF-κB canonical signaling pathway, promoting cell survival. B, In the presence of high levels of TNF, AZD5582 degrades cIAP1/2, thereby preventing it from ubiquitinating RIP1. RIP1 forms the ripoptosome complex with FADD and CASP8, leading to cell death via apoptosis. Necroptosis is inhibited in the presence of CASP8, but on the contrary, if functional CASP8 is absent, the RIP1–RIP3–MLKL complex may lead to cell death via necroptosis. On the other hand, the NF-κB canonical signaling pathway is inhibited in the absence of cIAP1/2, impairing OSCC cell survival. TAB - TGF-Beta Activated Kinase 1 (MAP3K7) Binding Protein.