bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding the effect of experimental variables on the recovery of 231Pa from siliceous cake using factorial design
Authors: Dalvi Aditi A. , Remya Devi P. S. , Swain Kallola K.
Published: November 2024

Four-factor (oxalic acid concentration, contact time, temperature, ultra-sound), two-level experimental design was applied during the recovery of 231Pa from siliceous cake—a solid radioactive-waste, produced in monazite processing. Oxalic acid (0.5 to 1.1 M) had the highest positive (F = 1018.6) and ultrasound had the least (F = 33.0) impact on recovery. All inter-factor interactions were significant, as Fcalculated < Fcritical and P < 0.05. Enthalpy of protactinium-oxalate complexation was found to be − 24.8 kJ mol−1. The regression coefficient (0.9853), randomness and magnitude (< ± 2) of fitted residuals explicated the suitability of present statistical model for predictive analysis.
Current evaluation of radiation hazards from sediments of Manzala Lake, Egypt
Authors: Abd El-Hamid Hazem T. , El-Emam Doaa A. , Eissa Hassan S. , El-Alfy Muhammad A.
Published: November 2024

Surface sediment samples were collected from 12 different sites in Manzala Lake for measuring 238U, 226Ra, 232Th and 40K. Those elements were measured using High Purity Germanium (HPGe) detector. The concentrations of radionuclides were within the UNSCEAR limits. Various indices were applied to detect the environmental and human risk assessment for example activity utilization index, external hazard index and others. Environmental Risk from Ionising Contaminants: Assessment and Management (ERICA) tool was applied and showed no considered biological hazards. The results showed that concentrations of radionuclides in sediments of Manzala Lake were within the safe limits for further uses.
Degradation mechanism of dual-phase thermal barrier coatings Gd2Zr2O7 + 8YSZ under hot corrosion in pure Na2SO4
Authors: Iqbal Amjad , Moskal Grzegorz , Witala Bartosz
Published: November 2024

The research presented in the article concerns the identification and characterisation of degradation mechanisms of two-phase coating thermal barriers based on the 8YSZ/Gd2Zr2O7 (8YSZ/GZO) system, and analysed under the conditions of exposure to pure sulphate salts of the Na2SO4 type. The scope of the presented research included the characterisation of microstructural phenomena in conditions of heating at a temperature of 920 °C for 240 h, followed by heating at a temperature of 970 °C for another 96 h until visually significant degradation effects of the ceramic coating were achieved. Detailed studies of the phase and chemical composition using XRD and SEM/EDS methods were carried out on the surface of the tested coatings and their cross sections to describe microstructural phenomena. The analysis of the phase composition of the ceramic layer showed the course of degradation processes based on the disintegration of the pyrochlore phase into intermediate forms of non-stoichiometric fluorite with the simultaneous enrichment of tetragonal zirconium oxide into a cubic form with a high content of the stabilising phase (Gd2O3). Tests on model powder systems confirmed the degradation mechanism of two-phase TBC coatings.
Hate-Speech Bans are at Odds with Central Principles of Liberalism
Authors: Kramer Matthew H.
Published: November 2024

In line with my 2021 book Freedom of Expression as Self-Restraint – albeit in a much shorter compass – this essay will argue against the moral defensibility of hate-speech laws like those in the United Kingdom and Canada and the Antipodes and most countries of western Europe. Such laws contravene the moral principle of freedom of expression, and therefore contravene one of the central precepts of liberal democracy. Under that principle, a necessary condition for the moral permissibility of any law that proscribes some type or instance of communicative activity is that the activity in question is constitutive of serious communication-independent wrongdoing. Given the centrality of the notion of communication-independent wrongdoing to the principle of freedom of expression, we should begin here with an explication of that notion.
Pious people, patronage jobs, and the labor market: Turkey under Erdoğan’s AKP
Authors: Oyvat Cem , Tekgüç Hasan , Yagci Alper H.
Published: November 2024

In fragmented societies, electoral competition often entails using public office to advance group interests. Using individual-level polling data from 2012 to 2018, we analyze whether age cohorts entering the labor market before and after the religiously conservative Justice and Development Party (AKP) assumed power in Turkey experienced different public employment outcomes based on their religion and religiosity. Our analysis reveals that under the AKP rule, pious Sunnis (who constitute a large part of the society) significantly increased their presence in public sector employment (notably among women) and in high-status private jobs (notably among men). Furthermore, the subset of highly religious Sunnis (only 9.3% of the population) improved their likelihood of being employed in the public sector compared to other pious Sunnis and everyone else. Our findings are likely to be driven by the lifting of the headscarf ban in public employment and AKP’s strategic use of public employment and resources to reward like-minded groups in both the public and private spheres.
The Multi-State Epigenetic Pacemaker enables the identification of combinations of factors that influence DNA methylation
Authors: Farrell Colin , Tandon Keshiv , Ferrari Roberto , Lapborisuth Kalsuda , Modi Rahil , Snir Sagi , Pellegrini Matteo
Published: November 2024

Epigenetic clocks, DNA methylation-based predictive models of chronological age, are often utilized to study aging associated biology. Despite their widespread use, these methods do not account for other factors that also contribute to the variability of DNA methylation data. For example, many CpG sites show strong sex-specific or cell-type-specific patterns that likely impact the predictions of epigenetic age. To overcome these limitations, we developed a multidimensional extension of the Epigenetic Pacemaker, the Multi-state Epigenetic Pacemaker (MSEPM). We show that the MSEPM is capable of accurately modeling multiple methylation-associated factors simultaneously, while also providing site-specific models that describe the per site relationship between methylation and these factors. We utilized the MSEPM with a large aggregate cohort of blood methylation data to construct models of the effects of age-, sex-, and cell-type heterogeneity on DNA methylation. We found that these models capture a large faction of the variability at thousands of DNA methylation sites. Moreover, this approach allows us to identify sites that are primarily affected by aging and no other factors. An analysis of these sites reveals that those that lose methylation over time are enriched for CTCF transcription factor chip peaks, while those that gain methylation over time are associated with bivalent promoters of genes that are not expressed in blood. These observations suggest mechanisms that underlie age-associated methylation changes and suggest that age-associated increases in methylation may not have strong functional consequences on cell states. In conclusion, the MSEPM is capable of accurately modeling multiple methylation-associated factors, and the models produced can illuminate site-specific combinations of factors that affect methylation dynamics.
Artificial Intelligence in Achieving Sustainable Development: Expectations of Undergraduate Students
Authors: Kim Jinhee
Published: November 2024

While there has been ample discussion regarding Artificial Intelligence (AI)’s contributions and challenges on the development agenda at the policy level, little is known about how students translate the potential and barriers of AI in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Drawing upon various qualitative data, including class observation, focus group interviews, and learning activity outcomes generated by 240 students across 7 different majors, this case study explores the expected roles of AI as well as barriers to AI adoption for sustainable development perceived by undergraduate students. The study revealed that students anticipated AI to play diverse roles, including data analyst, a bridge to connect people and resources, and a barrier breaker. On the other hand, students addressed multiple barriers to AI adoption for sustainable development including access to high-quality data and lack of a goal-oriented AI model and skills in AI development and use. These findings suggest how AI can be conceptualized and positioned as a development intervention as well as offer implications on AI-driven interventions for SDGs.
Comparative analysis of image quality and diagnostic performance among SS-EPI, MS-EPI, and rFOV DWI in bladder cancer
Authors: Takeuchi Mitsuru , Higaki Atsushi , Kojima Yuichi , Ono Kentaro , Maruhisa Takuma , Yokoyama Takatoshi , Watanabe Hiroyuki , Yamamoto Akira , Tamada Tsutomu
Published: November 2024

Purpose

To compare image quality and diagnostic performance among SS-EPI diffusion weighted imaging (DWI), multi-shot (MS) EPI DWI, and reduced field-of-view (rFOV) DWI for muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC).

Materials and methods

This retrospective study included 73 patients with bladder cancer who underwent multiparametric MRI in our referral center between August 2020 and February 2023. Qualitative image assessment was performed in 73; and quantitative assessment was performed in 66 patients with maximum lesion diameter > 10 mm. The diagnostic performance of the imaging finding of muscle invasion was evaluated in 47 patients with pathological confirmation of MIBC. T2-weighted imaging, SS-EPI DWI, MS-EPI DWI, rFOV DWI, and dynamic contrast-enhanced imaging were acquired with 3 T-MRI. Qualitative image assessment was performed by three readers who rated anatomical distortion, clarity of bladder wall, and lesion conspicuity using a four-point scale. Quantitative assessment included calculation of SNR and CNR, and grading of the presence of muscle layer invasion according to the VI-RADS diagnostic criteria. Wilcoxon matched pairs signed rank test was used to compare qualitative and quantitative image quality. McNemar test and receiver-operating characteristic analysis were used to compare diagnostic performance.

Results

Anatomical distortion was less in MS-EPI DWI, rFOV DWI, and SS-EPI DWI, in that order with significant difference. Clarity of bladder wall was greater for MS-EPI DWI, SS-EPI DWI, and rFOV DWI, in that order. There were significant differences between any two combinations of the three DWI types, except between SS-EPI DWI and MS-EPI in Reader 1. Lesion conspicuity, diagnostic performance, SNR and CNR were not significantly different among the three DWI types.

Conclusions

Among the three DWI sequences evaluated, MS-EPI DWI showed the least anatomical distortion and superior bladder wall delineation but no improvement in diagnostic performance for MIBC. MS-EPI DWI may be considered for additional imaging if SS-EPI DWI is of poor quality.
Habitat association and demographic rates for large tree species: implications for native tree species used in forestry
Authors: Bin Yue , Cao Honglin , Rodríguez-Hernández Diego I. , Wang Zi , Chu Chengjin , Li Buhang
Published: November 2024

Exotic tree species, though widely used in forestry and restoration projects, pose great threats to local ecosystems. They need to be replaced with native species from natural forests. We hypothesized that natural forests contain large, fast-growing, dominant native tree species that are suitable for specific topographic conditions in forestry. We tested this hypothesis using data from a 50-ha forest dynamics plot in subtropical China. We classified the plot into the ridge, slope, and valley habitats and found that 34/87 species had significant associations with at least one topographic habitat. There were 90 tree species with a maximum diameter ≥ 30 cm, and their abundances varied widely in all habitat types. In all habitat types, for most species, rate of biomass gain due to recruitment was < 1% of its original biomass, and rate of biomass gain due to tree growth was between 1 and 5% of its original biomass. For most species, biomass loss due to tree mortality was not significantly different than biomass gain due to recruitment, but the resulting net biomass increment rates did not significantly differ from zero. The time required to reach a diameter of 30 cm from 1 cm diameter for Altingia chinensis in the slope habitat, for Quercus chungii and Morella rubra in the ridge habitat and for Castanopsis carlesii in all habitats could be as short as 30 years in our simulations based on actual distributions of tree growth observed in the forest. Principal component analyses of maximum diameter, abundance and net biomass increment rates suggested several species were worthy of further tests for use in forestry. Our study provides an example for screening native tree species from natural forests for forestry. Because native tree species are better for local ecosystems, our study will also contribute to biodiversity conservation in plantations.
Climate-smart forestry: an AI-enabled sustainable forest management solution for climate change adaptation and mitigation
Authors: Wang G. Geoff , Lu Deliang , Gao Tian , Zhang Jinxin , Sun Yirong , Teng Dexiong , Yu Fengyuan , Zhu Jiaojun
Published: November 2024

Climate change is the most severe ecological challenge faced by the world today. Forests, the dominant component of terrestrial ecosystems, play a critical role in mitigating climate change due to their powerful carbon sequestration capabilities. Meanwhile, climate change has also become a major factor affecting the sustainable management of forest ecosystems. Climate-Smart Forestry (CSF) is an emerging concept in sustainable forest management. By utilizing advanced technologies, such as information technology and artificial intelligence, CSF aims to develop innovative and proactive forest management methods and decision-making systems to address the challenges of climate change. CSF aims to enhance forest ecosystem resilience (i.e., maintain a condition where, even when the state of the ecosystem changes, the ecosystem functions do not deteriorate) through climate change adaptation, improve the mitigation capabilities of forest ecosystems to climate change, maintain high, stable, and sustainable forest productivity and ecosystem services, and ultimately achieve harmonious development between humans and nature. This concept paper: (1) discusses the emergence and development of CSF, which integrates Ecological Forestry, Carbon Forestry, and Smart Forestry, and proposes the concept of CSF; (2) analyzes the goals of CSF in improving forest ecosystem stability, enhancing forest ecosystem carbon sequestration capacity, and advocating the application and development of new technologies in CSF, including artificial intelligence, robotics, Light Detection and Ranging, and forest digital twin; (3) presents the latest practices of CSF based on prior research on forest structure and function using new generation information technologies at Qingyuan Forest, China. From these practices and reflections, we suggested the development direction of CSF, including the key research topics and technological advancement.
On Compactness of Products of Toeplitz Operators
Authors: Le Trieu , Rodriguez Tomas Miguel , Şahutoğlu Sönmez
Published: November 2024

We study compactness of product of Toeplitz operators with symbols continuous on the closure of the polydisc in terms of behavior of the symbols on the boundary. For certain classes of symbols f and g, we show that

$$T_fT_g$$

T
f

T
g

is compact if and only if fg vanishes on the boundary. We provide examples to show that for more general symbols, the vanishing of fg on the whole polydisc might not imply the compactness of

$$T_fT_g$$

T
f

T
g

. On the other hand, the reverse direction is closely related to the zero product problem for Toeplitz operators on the unit disc, which is still open.
Apraxia: From Neuroanatomical Pathways to Clinical Manifestations
Authors: Stoll Sarah , Lorentz Lukas , Binkofski Ferdinand , Randerath Jennifer
Published: November 2024

Purpose of Review

Apraxia typically involves impairments in gesture production and tool use, affecting daily life activities. This article reviews current conceptualizations and developments in diagnostic and therapy.

Recent Findings

Apraxia has been studied in various neurological conditions, particularly stroke and dementia, but recent studies show gesturing deficits in psychiatric populations as well. Promising results have emerged from integrative treatment approaches involving intensive practice of gestures or daily activities. However, several reviews have noted the only marginal progress in apraxia therapy research despite new technologies, like virtual reality and brain stimulation, offering fresh opportunities for assessment and therapy.

Advances in lesion-symptom mapping and connectivity analyses led to more detailed neuroanatomical models emphasizing parallel and gradual processing. These models facilitate the understanding of underlying mechanisms of motor cognitive performance and its decline. Finally, the digital era prompts the need to study digital tool use in apraxia, with initial efforts underway.
Predictors and Outcomes of Mental Health Conditions Among Patients with Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Taylor Sydney M. , Tumin Dmitry , Tiu Lance C. , Patel Pankti S. , Honaker Michael D.
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Mental health (MH) conditions are common in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) due to the unique challenges these patients encounter. The primary aim was to investigate predictors of new onset MH conditions after a diagnosis of CRC and determine the association of new MH conditions on survival.

Methods

A single institution, retrospective study was conducted. A multivariable Fine-Gray competing risks model was used to describe the primary study outcome of new MH diagnosis in patients at least 18 years of age with CRC. Survival was modeled using Cox proportional hazards regression with a time-varying covariate for new MH diagnosis.

Results

456 patients were identified for inclusion, with 16% developing a new MH condition and 29% dying during follow-up. A new MH condition was more likely among non-Hispanic white patients compared to non-Hispanic black and were less likely among those who are male or had a pre-cancer MH condition. The onset of a new MH condition was associated with a threefold decrease in survival. In addition, having a pre-cancer MH condition decreased survival nearly twofold.

Conclusions

Our findings emphasize the importance of new-onset MH in patients after CRC diagnosis. Standardized screenings may alleviate some of the MH burden that patients with CRC experience in addition to potentially improving the overall health of patients.

Implications for Cancer Survivors.

MH conditions may impact not only CRC outcomes but may direct future studies analyzing the risks of new onset MH conditions in other types of cancers, further expanding the importance of psychiatric support in patients with cancer.
Serum Mature and Precursor Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factors and Their Association with Neurocognitive Function in ART-Naïve Adults Living with HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Michael Henry U. , Rapulana Antony M. , Smit Theresa , Xulu Njabulo , Danaviah Sivapragashini , Ramlall Suvira , Oosthuizen Frasia
Published: November 2024

This study investigates the association between serum mature brain-derived neurotrophic factor (mBDNF), its precursor proBDNF, and neurocognitive function in ART-naïve adults with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa, exploring the distinct roles of these neurotrophic factors in cognitive health. This cross-sectional analysis utilized stored baseline serum samples and neuropsychological test data from participants in the AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) A5199 study in the Johannesburg and Harare sites. Serum concentrations of mBDNF and proBDNF were quantified using ELISA. Neurocognitive function was assessed via standardized tests, with results adjusted for site-specific demographics. Linear and quantile regression models examined the relationship of mBDNF and proBDNF with a composite cognitive score (NPZ-6), and structural equation modeling (SEM) explored their association with individual cognitive test outcomes. The analysis involved 157 ART-naïve adults with HIV. Increased serum mBDNF levels showed a significant positive association with cognitive performance (β = 1.30, p = 0.02), while elevated proBDNF levels were linked to poorer outcomes, particularly affecting fine motor skills and speed (β =  − 0.29 to − 0.38, p ≤ 0.01). Quantile regression analysis highlighted mBDNF’s stronger positive impact at higher cognitive performance percentiles (β = 1.04 (0.01, 2.06) at the 75th percentile), while proBDNF showed significant negative association at the 75th percentile (β =  − 0.26 (− 0.47, − 0.06)). The study highlights the positive association of mature BDNF and the negative association of proBDNF with cognitive function in HIV. These findings emphasize the need for longitudinal research to understand the temporal dynamics of neurotrophic factors during ART initiation and their potential as targets for neurocognitive interventions in HIV.
Navigating the Landscape of Organizational Process Mining Setups
Authors: Marcus Laura , Schmid Sebastian Johannes , Friedrich Franziska , Röglinger Maximilian , Grindemann Philipp
Published: November 2024

Process mining (PM) technology evolves around the analysis, design, implementation, and ongoing improvement of business processes. While it has experienced a lot of attention and significant technological advancements, contributions to the field have mostly revolved around technical matters, neglecting managerial and organizational aspects. Thus, researchers have called for a more holistic view of the application and adoption of PM in enterprises. To address this gap, this paper presents a taxonomy for organizational PM setups. Its applicability and usefulness are shown in three exemplary cases. This study extends the descriptive knowledge at the intersection of PM and business process management governance, highlighting the unique governance requirements associated with PM that cannot be effectively addressed through traditional governance approaches. The taxonomy provides practitioners with orientation when developing an effective PM setup and helps to characterize existing setups.
Effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae on Pancreatic Alpha and Beta Cells and Metabolic Profile in Broilers
Authors: Peña B. Silvana J. , Salazar J. Johan S. , Pardo Jhon F. , Roa Maria L. , Corredor-Matus José R. , Ochoa-Amaya Julieta E.
Published: November 2024

To evaluate the impact of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC) supplementation on pancreatic islet areas, alpha and beta cell populations, blood glucose levels, and lipid profiles in broilers, broilers were randomly assigned to two groups: a control group (T1) without SC and a treatment group (T2) supplemented with SC. Islet areas, alpha and beta cell counts, serum glucose and insulin levels, and lipid profiles were assessed. SC supplementation significantly decreased blood glucose levels compared to the control group. Additionally, HDL cholesterol levels were elevated in the SC-supplemented group. Although insulin levels remained unchanged, SC supplementation altered the correlation between pancreatic islet areas and alpha and beta cell populations, suggesting a potential influence on pancreatic islet function. Dietary supplementation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae can improve glycemic control and lipid profile in broilers. These findings highlight the potential benefits of using SC as a dietary additive in broiler production.
Reaping what we sow: Centering values in food systems transformations research
Authors: Care O. , Zaehringer Julie G. , Bernstein Michael J. , Chapman Mollie , Friis Cecilie , Graham Sonia , Haider L. Jamila , Hernández-Morcillo Mónica , Hoffmann Harry , Kernecker Maria Lee , Pitt Hannah , Seufert Verena
Published: November 2024

In many transdisciplinary research settings, a lack of attention to the values underpinning project aims can inhibit stakeholder engagement and ultimately slow or undermine project outcomes. As a research collective (The Careoperative), we have developed a set of four shared values through a facilitated visioning process, as central to the way we work together: care, reflexivity, inclusivity, and collectivity. In this paper, we explore the implications of a values-centered approach to collaboration in food system transformation research. The paper presents two cases that illustrate how researchers might approach centering values in practice. Where much research on food system transformation focuses on values of food system stakeholders, we contribute insights into the values of researchers in such transdisciplinary endeavors. Specifically, we argue that researchers working on sustainability transformations need to be better prepared to engage in such reflections and aspire to embody values aligned with the transformations they seek to research.
Understanding and simulating of three-dimensional subsurface hydrological partitioning in an alpine mountainous area, China
Authors: Zhang Lanhui , Tu Jiahao , An Qi , Liu Yu , Xu Jiaxin , Zhang Haixin
Published: November 2024

Critical zone (CZ) plays a vital role in sustaining biodiversity and humanity. However, flux quantification within CZ, particularly in terms of subsurface hydrological partitioning, remains a significant challenge. This study focused on quantifying subsurface hydrological partitioning, specifically in an alpine mountainous area, and highlighted the important role of lateral flow during this process. Precipitation was usually classified as two parts into the soil: increased soil water content (SWC) and lateral flow out of the soil pit. It was found that 65%–88% precipitation contributed to lateral flow. The second common partitioning class showed an increase in SWC caused by both precipitation and lateral flow into the soil pit. In this case, lateral flow contributed to the SWC increase ranging from 43% to 74%, which was notably larger than the SWC increase caused by precipitation. On alpine meadows, lateral flow from the soil pit occurred when the shallow soil was wetter than the field capacity. This result highlighted the need for three-dimensional simulation between soil layers in Earth system models (ESMs). During evapotranspiration process, significant differences were observed in the classification of subsurface hydrological partitioning among different vegetation types. Due to tangled and aggregated fine roots in the surface soil on alpine meadows, the majority of subsurface responses involved lateral flow, which provided 98%–100% of evapotranspiration (ET). On grassland, there was a high probability (0.87), which ET was entirely provided by lateral flow. The main reason for underestimating transpiration through soil water dynamics in previous research was the neglect of lateral root water uptake. Furthermore, there was a probability of 0.12, which ET was entirely provided by SWC decrease on grassland. In this case, there was a high probability (0.98) that soil water responses only occurred at layer 2 (10–20 cm), because grass roots mainly distributed in this soil layer, and grasses often used their deep roots for water uptake during ET. To improve the estimation of soil water dynamics and ET, we established a random forest (RF) model to simulate lateral flow and then corrected the community land model (CLM). RF model demonstrated good performance and led to significant improvements in CLM simulation. These findings enhance our understanding of subsurface hydrological partitioning and emphasize the importance of considering lateral flow in ESMs and hydrological research.
Harmonic curves and the beauty of projective geometry
Authors: Abreu José Luis , Bracho Javier
Published: November 2024

The purpose of this paper is to present projective geometry in a synthetic, visual and intuitive style through the central notion of harmonicity which leads to harmonic curves. This presentation includes new results, unpublished proofs of some classic theorems and a slight reformulation of its axiomatics.
Causal discovery from nonstationary time series
Authors: Sadeghi Agathe , Gopal Achintya , Fesanghary Mohammad
Published: November 2024

This paper introduces a new causal structure learning method for nonstationary time series data, a common data type found in fields such as finance, economics, healthcare, and environmental science. Our work builds upon the constraint-based causal discovery from nonstationary data algorithm (CD-NOD). We introduce a refined version (CD-NOTS) which is designed specifically to account for lagged dependencies in time series data. We compare the performance of different algorithmic choices, such as the type of conditional independence test and the significance level, to help select the best hyperparameters given various scenarios of sample size, problem dimensionality, and availability of computational resources. Using the results from the simulated data, we apply CD-NOTS to a broad range of real-world financial applications in order to identify causal connections among nonstationary time series data, thereby illustrating applications in factor-based investing, portfolio diversification, and comprehension of market dynamics.
On-site physiotherapy in older emergency department patients following a fall: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Benhamou Jonathan , Espejo Tanguy , Riedel Henk B. , Dreher-Hummel Thomas , García-Martínez Ana , Gubler-Gut Barbara , Kirchberger Joris , Overberg Jan-Arie , Perrot Guido , Bingisser Roland , Nickel Christian H.
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Greater fear of falling (FOF) is associated with an increased risk of falling in patients aged 65 and older. This study aims to assess the impact of physiotherapy on FOF in older patients and investigates the feasibility of such an intervention in the emergency department (ED) setting.

Methods

All patients aged 65 or older, who presented to the ED of the University Hospital Basel after a fall between January 2022 and June 2023 were screened for inclusion. Participants were assigned to an intervention or control group depending on the randomized presence or absence of a physiotherapist at inclusion. Both groups received the same fall prevention booklet. Physiotherapists instructed and performed exercises with patients in the intervention group. The primary outcome was the difference in FOF between groups 7 days post inclusion, assessed by short Falls Efficacy Scale International (sFES-I). Secondary outcomes included feasibility, overall reduction of FOF, patient satisfaction, the occurrence of falls post inclusion and the use of medical resources.

Results

Of the 1204 patients screened for inclusion, 104 older adults with a recent fall were enrolled (intervention: n = 44, control: n = 60); median age was 81 years and 59.1% were female. There was no between-group difference in FOF as measured by sFES-I within a week of inclusion (p = 0.663, effect size = 0.012 [95% confidence interval (CI) – 0.377 to 0.593]). Despite the intervention being deemed feasible from the physiotherapist’s perspective, the study encountered challenges, such as low recruitment (with the planned sample size not being reached) and a notable dropout rate before the first follow-up.

Conclusion

A physiotherapy intervention in the ED showed no improvement in FOF when compared to a control group.

Trial registration

Trial registration number and date NCT05156944, 01.12.2021.
Silymarin attenuates oxidative stress and pathological changes induced by salinomycin in adult male rabbits
Authors: Hopo Mai G. , Ghonaim Ahmed H. , AboElnaga Tarek R. , Elgawish Rania Abdelrahman , Abdou Rania H. , Elhady Kawther A.
Published: November 2024

Feed additives are used in animal husbandry to prevent diseases and enhance growth rates. Salinomycin sodium (SAL) is an approved feed additive for rabbit fattening diets, typically administered at a dosage of 20–25 mg/kg feed with a 5-day withdrawal period. However, the misuse or abuse of SAL can result in toxicity in rabbits. This study aimed to evaluate the adverse effects of SAL administration in different organs for the first time and the protective role of silymarin in rabbits. Seven groups of rabbits were randomly allocated. The control group received no additives. The second and third groups received rations with 20 mg SAL/kg and 40 mg SAL/kg, respectively. The fourth and fifth groups received the same SAL doses with silymarin at 6.5 mg/kg body weight (bw) and 13 mg/kg bw, respectively. The sixth and seventh groups were administered silymarin alone at 6.5 mg/kg bw and 13 mg/kg bw, respectively. Rabbits were euthanized and slaughtered on day 29 following the Halal method. SAL at 20 mg/kg ration caused mild to moderate pathological changes compared to the control group, while 40 mg SAL/kg ration induced severe pathological changes. However, silymarin supplementation, alone or with SAL, improved organs histology. Both silymarin doses (6.5 mg/kg bw and 13 mg/kg bw) mitigated SAL's harmful effects. In conclusion, this study highlights the potential detrimental effects of SAL toxicity on different organs in rabbits. The supplementation of silymarin reduced and prevented these hazardous effects. These findings emphasize the promising role of silymarin as a protective agent against SAL-induced toxicity in rabbits.
The role of data embedding in equivariant quantum convolutional neural networks
Authors: Das Sreetama , Martina Stefano , Caruso Filippo
Published: November 2024

Geometric deep learning refers to the scenario in which the symmetries of a dataset are used to constrain the parameter space of a neural network and thus, improve their trainability and generalization. Recently, this idea has been incorporated into the field of quantum machine learning, which has given rise to equivariant quantum neural networks (EQNNs). In this work, we investigate the role of classical-to-quantum embedding on the performance of equivariant quantum convolutional neural networks (EQCNNs) for the classification of images. We discuss the connection between the data embedding method and the resulting representation of a symmetry group and analyze how changing representation affects the expressibility of an EQCNN. We numerically compare the classification accuracy of EQCNNs with three different basis-permuted amplitude embeddings to the one obtained from a non-equivariant quantum convolutional neural network (QCNN). Our results show a clear dependence of classification accuracy on the underlying embedding, especially for initial training iterations. The improvement in classification accuracy of EQCNN over non-equivariant QCNN may be present or absent depending on the particular embedding and dataset used. The noisy simulation using simple noise models shows that certain EQCNNs are more robust to noise than non-equivariant QCNNs. It is expected that the results of this work can be useful to the community for a better understanding of the importance of data embedding choice in the context of geometric quantum machine learning.
Pediatric endoscopic pilonidal sinus treatment (PEPSiT) for managing pilonidal disease in adolescents
Authors: Fadgyas Balazs , Vajda Peter
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The aim was to evaluate the success rate, complications and recurrence following paediatric endoscopic pilonidal sinus treatment (PEPSiT) in the treatment of pilonidal disease (PD).

Methods

A prospective observational study was performed between 01.06.2019 and 30.06.2022 at the author’s institute in patients under 18 years. The indication for PEPSiT was moderate or severe PD. Length of hospital stay (LOS), complications, recurrence, wound healing time (fistula closing) and postoperative hair removal were observed.

Results

During the study period, 51 PEPSiTs (4 redo) were performed in 47pts. The average age of the studied patients was 15.92 years at the operation. LOS was a day in all cases. The regular day activity came back on the 1.07 postoperative day (in average). The fistula closing time was 6.5 (1–24) weeks. Complication observed in 9/47 patients. Recurrence (including non-healed cases) was found in 15/51 (29.4%) cases. The postoperative hair removal was inadequate (23) or missed (7) in 30pts and the majority of recurrent cases (11/15) were found in this group. The overall success rate of PEPSiT was 70.4%.

Conclusions

The main reason of recurrence following PEPSiT could be the insufficient hair removal. The advantage of the procedure is the shorter LOS and faster recovery.
Towards sustainable food systems: a review of governance models and an innovative conceptual framework
Authors: Donner Mechthild , Mamès Maurine , de Vries Hugo
Published: November 2024

To accelerate the transition towards inclusive, ecological, just and economically viable food systems, insights into appropriate governance models and principles are needed. This article aims to understand how food system governance is linked to and can contribute to sustainability. A review of 34 articles addressed food system governance, sustainability, current barriers and potential solutions. Some authors propose new, participatory, collaborative and democratic governance models to achieve a sustainable food system transition. Other authors consider a lack of integrated policies across sectors and siloed governance major barriers to holistic sustainability agendas and food system approaches. Three main elements of governance emerged from the reviewed literature: (i) interactions between actors, (ii) control and power balances, and (iii) (in)formal rules. Our analysis provides a fourth element: the orchestration of (multiple) food systems and policies. These four elements are integrated into a novel conceptual framework for consistently researching food systems governance for sustainability. The latter is now defined as ‘the continuous process of orchestration of policies and (multiple) food systems consisting of diverse interacting actors, respecting (in)formal rules and striving to provide food for all, in equitable and environmentally-friendly ways, at any time and in any context’.
Seismic Microzonation and Geotechnical Modeling Studies Considering Local Site Effects for İnegöl Plain (Bursa‐Turkey)
Authors: Uyanık O. , Öncü Z. , Uyanık N. A. , Ekin N.
Published: November 2024

Local site effects play a vital role in determining the level of structural damage to the structures built on soil. Therefore, correctly determining the underground layer structure and its physical characteristics in the lateral and vertical directions is essential for the geotechnical model. More information and more accurate results will be obtained if the geotechnical model is evaluated multidisciplinary together with geophysical studies, not only based on drilling results. For this purpose, vertical electric sounding, seismic refraction, microtremor, and mechanical drilling techniques were applied within the scope of geotechnical studies in the İnegöl district of Bursa. The methods were evaluated together, and the geotechnical cross‐sections of the underground were interpreted. In addition, microzonation maps determined from Geophysical parameters were created in the study area. These maps, geotechnical cross‐sections, and microtremor data evaluation results predicted how the study area's buildings and soils would behave under dynamic forces such as earthquakes. As a result, the soils in the study area were mainly saturated with water and had weak strength. Existing or newly constructed engineering structures on such soils are predicted from microzonation maps that will damage both the soils and the buildings in a seven‐magnitude earthquake.
Observing Array Designed for Improving the Short‐Term Prediction of Kuroshio Extension State Transition Processes
Authors: Geng Yu , Wang Qiang , Ren Hong‐Li , Dan Bo , Pierini Stefano , Zhang Hui
Published: November 2024

Given the essential implications of Kuroshio Extension (KE) bimodality on oceanic dynamical environment and climate, the present study investigates the targeted observation schemes, based on the conditional nonlinear optimal perturbation (CNOP) method and a reduced‐gravity shallow‐water model, to improve the forecast skills of transition processes of KE bimodal states. To obtain a suitable observing array, the observation schemes, with different numbers of observation sites and observation distances between two sites, are designed. Furthermore, to demonstrate the superiority of the observing networks in predicting KE transition processes, two existing observation schemes and six random observation schemes are compared with the CNOP‐determined observing array. Based on this, a relatively optimal observing array with three sites and observation distance of 90 km is established, which is mainly located between 31°N and 33°N in the south of Japan. This targeted observing network is universal for two KE transition processes. The removal of initial errors on this array results in the mean prediction improvements of about 9.2% and 22.5% for KE transition processes from the low‐ to the high‐energy state and from the high‐ to the low‐energy state, respectively.
Consumption‐Based Emissions of African Countries: An Analysis of Decoupling Dynamics and Drivers
Authors: Wang Jieyu , Shan Yuli , Xu Jinghang , Li Ruoqi , Zhao Congyu , Wang Shaojian
Published: November 2024

Formulating equitable climate policies should not overlook the challenges faced by less developed regions. African countries are at a crucial stage of economic development and deeper integration into global trade. Therefore, understanding their carbon footprints (i.e., consumption‐based CO2 emissions) is essential for crafting a sustainable development pathway for Africa and developing comprehensive and fair climate policies. Here, we investigate consumption‐based CO2 emissions in 55 African economics using a new Multi‐Regional Input‐Output model called “EMERGING” for 2015–2019; we also analyze the impacts of global trade participation on emissions, the decoupling status of emissions and economic, and hidden influencing factors. Results show that 65% of African countries experienced rapid growth in consumption‐based emissions, with an average annual growth rate of 6.4%. Significantly, 87% of African countries are net emissions importers, predominantly attributed to their trade relations with other developing countries (i.e., South‐South trade), a condition characterizing 68% of all trade interactions; The embodied carbon in imports is primarily concentrated in the transportation, petroleum refining, metal products, and machinery sectors. The decoupling analysis indicates that 15 countries strongly decoupled from production‐based carbon emissions, and 14 from consumption‐based; however, only 9 have concurrently achieved decoupling in both domains of emissions. Optimizing the carbon emission efficiency of final demand, particularly within the tertiary sector, is a key for successful decoupling and emissions reduction. The findings provide essential insights from consumption‐based emissions that could guide more effective, targeted climate policies contributing to the mitigation of climate impacts and fostering sustainable development in African nations.
Bacteria Battled for Iron in Earth’s Early Oceans
Authors: Hasler Caroline
Published: November 2024

Billions of years ago, iron-oxidizing microbes may have competed for dissolved iron in the ocean, with some strains producing toxic gases that smothered their rivals.
What’s Next for Science? Look in the Mirror
Authors: Micalizio Caryl-Sue
Published: November 2024

AGU24 gives us an opportunity to reflect on how science can grow in breadth and depth and how scientific communities can help define the future.
The Arctic's Uncertain Future
Authors: van Deelen Grace
Published: November 2024

Over the next century, the Arctic will change and look much different than it does today. Just how different is still unknown.
Substantial Increase in Sub–Daily Precipitation Extremes of Flooding Season Over China
Authors: Wang Yujie , Song Lianchun , Shen Pengke , Yang Yan
Published: November 2024

Understanding sub‐daily precipitation extremes (SPEs) can provide scientific insights for taking effective measures to mitigate climate risks. Leveraging gauge observations at hourly precipitation in 2,312 meteorological stations and extreme sub‐daily precipitation indices (ESPIs), we investigate the changes of SPEs in flooding season of 1971–2022 in China. On country scale, the occurrences and intensity of SPEs have significantly increased and even accelerated since the 21st century, suggesting increases in 2010s by 15%–38% compared with that in 1970s. The SPE risks for 20‐year and 50‐year return‐period increased by 2–4 and 8–20 times in 2001–2022 compared with that in 1971–2000, respectively. Over 80% stations are found to have positive trends in all ESPIs. On regional scale, seven sub‐regions experienced significant increases in ESPIs with larger magnitudes in the East China. The enlarged 500‐hPa geopotential height, 700‐hPa pseudoequivalent potential temperature, 700‐hPa specific humidity, saturated vapor pressure and urbanization ratio may be bonded to more SPEs.
Energy Conversion Associated With Anomalous Magnetic Topology Sublayers in the Inner Low‐Latitude Boundary Layer
Authors: Zhong Ping , Zhong Zhihong , Zhou Meng , Pang Ye , Song Liangjin , Deng Xiaohua
Published: November 2024

The low‐latitude boundary layer (LLBL) is a crucial region for the transfer of mass, momentum, and energy between the solar wind and the planetary magnetosphere. However, the processes of energy conversion within this layer are not well understood. In this study, the anomalous magnetic topology sublayers (AMTSs) within Earth's inner LLBL are investigated during the local reconnection inactive period, using data from the Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) mission. We present the first in situ observations showing that these AMTSs lead to significant energy conversion within the inner LLBL. The electron populations in AMTSs are dominated by either the magnetospheric or magnetosheath populations, creating a substantial electron temperature gradient between these sublayers. This temperature gradient, in turn, generates non‐ideal electric fields through the pressure gradient term. Our findings improve the understanding of dynamics in the planetary LLBL, highlighting the importance of AMTSs in the energy conversion process.
Near‐Real‐Time Identification of the Source of Ionospheric Disturbances
Authors: Maletckii B. , Astafyeva E.
Published: November 2024

The ionosphere is characterized by a large number of disturbances generated in response to a wide range of phenomena, including natural hazards, space weather and man‐made events. Identification of the origin of ionospheric disturbances (ID), especially in real or near‐real‐time (NRT), is an extremely difficult task, and it is one of the most interesting fundamental scientific questions. In this paper we present, for the first time, an approach for an automatic and NRT‐compatible detection and recognition of the source of ionospheric disturbances in time series of total electron content (TEC) measured by the Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) method. The main idea is (a) to analyze main characteristics (such as spatio‐temporal features and frequency content) of ID generated by known sources, and (b) in NRT, to rapidly examine ID's features, and, based on this information, recognize their source. Currently, our database contains TEC data series with response to earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tornadoes, explosions, rocket launches, equatorial plasma bubbles and geomagnetic storms. Our developments are important for the future assessment of natural hazards from the ionosphere, and also for NRT Space Weather nowcast and applications. Also, our work presents important information about the physical properties of ID of different origins.