bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing CO2/N2 and CO2/CH4 separation in mixed matrix membrane: A comprehensive study on Pebax®1657 with SSMMP/IL for improved efficiency
Authors: Ferrari Henrique Z. , Bernard Franciele , dos Santos Leonardo , Dias Guilherme , Le Roux Christophe , Micoud Pierre , Martin François , Einloft Sandra
Published: April 2024

Mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) have been proposed as a solution to surmount Robeson's trade‐off curves and have demonstrated efficacy in gas separation processes, particularly for CO2 capture. In this study, MMMs based on Pebax®1657 were obtained utilizing synthetic silico‐metallic mineral particles (SSMMP) functionalized with ionic liquids (ILs). The objective was to attain enhanced CO2 separation performance, thereby showcasing the potential to mitigate the environmental repercussions of industrial processes that entail greenhouse gas emissions. For membrane production, an ethanol/water mixture was used as solvent, with the SSMMP/IL content varying from 0.5 to 20% by weight of the polymer. The primary aim of this study was to assess the effect of filler addition on permeability and selectivity for CO2, CH4, and N2. Comprehensive analyses, including SEM, FTIR, TGA, DSC, and DMA were conducted to evaluate the properties of the produced membranes. Gas permeability and ideal selectivity were measured at 25°C and different pressures, ranging from 1 to 7 bar. Characterization results demonstrate that the glass transition temperature (Tg) of MMMs increased compared to pure Pebax®1657, indicating that the addition of SSMMP/IL reduces the flexibility of the PEO chains, forming a rigid interface at the polymer/filler, which may enhance selectivity. This effect, corroborated by gas permeation, was observed for both CO2/N2 and CO2/CH4. For CO2/N2, the highest selectivity was achieved at lower filler concentrations, gradually decreasing as the filler load increased. MMM‐0.5 wt% achieved the highest selectivity of 91.96. The membrane CO2 permeability rose with an elevated filler content, rising from 84.21 for pure Pebax®1657 to 192.17 Barrer for MMM‐20 wt% at 4 bar. The permeability results were influenced by the gas diffusion coefficients of the MMMs, which increased with increasing SSMMP/IL content. The effect of feed pressure on MMM‐5 wt% was also assessed, revealing that CO2 permeability increased with increasing pressure, from 126.72 Barrer at 1 bar to 165.56 Barrer at 7 bar. This work showcased the viability of MMMs incorporating SSMMP/IL for industrial use, as they displayed separation capabilities that exceeded the 2008 Robeson upper bound.

Highlights

Mixed matrix membranes based on Pebax®1657 and SSMMP‐20%‐[bmim][Tf2N] were prepared.

CO2 permeability of the MMMs was increased by 128% and CO2/N2 selectivity by 83%.

Higher CO2 pressures increase MMMs permeability.

The obtained MMMs have separation performances above the Robeson upper Bound.
Combinatorial Property Mapping of Titanium‐Zirconium Thin Film Libraries as Screening for Medical Material Candidates
Authors: Greul Andreas , Knapic Dominik , Popescu‐Pelin Gianina , Urzica Iuliana , Socol Gabriel , Mardare Andrei Ionut , Hassel Achim Walter
Published: April 2024

By employing a co‐sputtering technique, combinatorial thin film libraries in the Ti–Zr system are produced. The libraries have a compositional spread ranging from 40 to 70 at% Ti. The confocal geometry of the sputtering system is maintained for the production of all thin films. The microstructural and crystallographic properties are elucidated by energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. Furthermore, contact angle measurements and nanoindentations are performed to map the wettability, hardness, and elastic modulus of the alloy system. The electrochemical properties, i.e., the oxide film formation factor and the relative permittivity of anodically grown oxides on the parent metal alloys are determined. The measurements are performed in phosphate‐buffered saline in order to best simulate a biological environment. A linear shift in the properties is observed along the compositional gradient for the EDX, XRD, and SEM analysis. For all other sets of measurements deviations from the linear behavior, are observed around the 60 at% Ti concentrations. This coincides with the formation of a congruent alloy in bulk material. The observed changes however, deviated also from expectations for bulk alloys. The implications and potential for those alloys as implant material are discussed in the following.
A new ordering method of basic events in dynamic fault tree for sequential binary decision diagram
Authors: Huang Tudi , Zeng Ying , Li Yan‐Feng , Liu Jun , Huang Hong‐Zhong
Published: April 2024

Dynamic fault tree (DFT) is a reliable method for modeling complex systems with dynamic characteristics. However, evaluating the reliability of such systems can be complex. The sequential binary decision diagram (SBDD) method simplifies this process by reducing computational complexity. This study investigates factors influencing SBDD size and proposes a new method, the complete priority ordering method, for ordering basic events in SBDDs. Results demonstrate the method's effectiveness in comparison to existing approaches.
Additives for Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Batteries: Recent Progress, Mechanism Analysis, and Future Perspectives
Authors: Cao Jianghui , Zhao Fang , Guan Weixin , Yang Xiaoxuan , Zhao Qidong , Gao Liguo , Ren Xuefeng , Wu Gang , Liu Anmin
Published: April 2024

Aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs) stand out as a promising next‐generation electrochemical energy storage technology, offering notable advantages such as high specific capacity, enhanced safety, and cost‐effectiveness. However, the application of aqueous electrolytes introduces challenges: Zn dendrite formation and parasitic reactions at the anode, as well as dissolution, electrostatic interaction, and by‐product formation at the cathode. In addressing these electrode‐centric problems, additive engineering has emerged as an effective strategy. This review delves into the latest advancements in electrolyte additives for ZIBs, emphasizing their role in resolving the existing issues. Key focus areas include improving morphology and reducing side reactions during battery cycling using synergistic effects of modulating anode interface regulation, zinc facet control, and restructuring of hydrogen bonds and solvation sheaths. Special attention is given to the efficacy of amino acids and zwitterions due to their multifunction to improve the cycling performance of batteries concerning cycle stability and lifespan. Additionally, the recent additive advancements are studied for low‐temperature and extreme weather applications meticulously. This review concludes with a holistic look at the future of additive engineering, underscoring its critical role in advancing ZIB performance amidst the complexities and challenges of electrolyte additives.
Microstructure Evolution and Mechanical Properties of Laser Welded Dissimilar/Similar Joints Between Medium‐Mn Transformation‐Induced Plasticity Steel and DP980/22MnB5 Steels
Authors: Pan Haijun , Yu Wangwang , Zhang Shunhu , Zhou Wenhao , Sun Ze , Zhang Jun , Wu Zhiqiang
Published: April 2024

In this article, the microstructure and mechanical properties of the Fe–0.31C–6.86Mn–3.53Al steel and DP980 and 22MnB5 steel dissimilar/similar joints by fiber laser welding are studied. Based on experimental results, fusion zone (FZ) of transformation‐induced plasticity (TRIP)‐welded joint mainly consists of 77 vol% martensite and 23 vol% ferrite. The FZ of TRIP‐DP980 and TRIP‐22MnB5 welds mainly consist of martensite. The hardness profile of weld cross‐section exhibits significant asymmetry, and softening zones hardness of TRIP‐DP980 and TRIP‐22MnB5 accounts for 82% and 64% of DP980 and 22MnB5 base materials (BM), respectively. However, no softening zone is observed on TRIP steel side, primarily due to the lack of martensite in TRIP BM. The tensile results showed that welding efficiency of TRIP‐TRIP reached 99%, but elongation of welded specimen is only 50% of TRIP BM due to the high hardness and brittleness of FZ region. TRIP‐DP980 and TRIP‐22MnB5 joints did not fail in softening zone, because the constraint stress is generated on both sides of softening zone to inhibit the plastic deformation in softening zone during tensile process. The tensile stress is distributed on the surface of tensile specimens and concentrated in BM on the side with low yield strength (YS), resulting in the final fracture.
Personal value of Alzheimer's disease biomarker testing and result disclosure from the patient and care partner perspective
Authors: Patel Khushbu J. , Yang David , Feldman Howard H. , Hsiung Ging‐Yuek R. , Nygaard Haakon B. , Best John R. , Dwosh Emily , Robillard Julie M. , DeMarco Mari L.
Published: April 2024

INTRODUCTION

We described patients’ and care partners’ experiences with Alzheimer's disease (AD) cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarker testing and result disclosure in routine care.

METHODS

IMPACT‐AD BC is an observational study of clinic patients who underwent AD CSF biomarker testing as part of their routine medical care (n = 142). In the personal utility arm of the study, semi‐structured phone interviews were conducted with a subset of patients (n = 34), and separately with their care partners (n = 31). Post‐disclosure interviews were conducted ∼1 month and ∼6 months after biomarker result disclosure and investigated the patients’ decision‐making process around testing, impact of receiving results, wellness and lifestyle changes, and future planning.

RESULTS

A majority of patients (90%) rated their decision to undergo testing as “easy.” Post‐disclosure, the majority (82%) reported overall positive feelings from having greater certainty and the ability to plan ahead, and results spurred them to adopt/continue healthy behaviors such as exercise (84%) and cognitive activities (54%). Care partners expressed relief from having more diagnostic certainty, increased appreciation of future caregiving responsibilities, and a desire to connect with support resources.

DISCUSSION

Perspectives of persons with lived experience in dementia provide new insight into the value of biomarker testing and should be included as part of evidence‐guided considerations for pre‐test counseling and result disclosure. Moreover, study findings identify an interval when patients and care partners are highly receptive to positive lifestyle and medical interventions.
Opportunities and challenges for precipitation forcing data in post‐wildfire hydrologic modeling applications
Authors: Partridge Trevor F. , Johnson Zachary C. , Sleeter Rachel R. , Qi Sharon L. , Walvoord Michelle A. , Murphy Sheila F. , Peterman‐Phipps Cara , Ebel Brian A.
Published: April 2024

The frequency and extent of wildfires have increased in recent decades with immediate and cascading effects on water availability in many regions of the world. Precipitation is used as primary input to hydrologic models and is a critical driver of post‐wildfire hydrologic hazards including debris flows, flash floods, water‐quality effects, and reservoir sedimentation. These models are valuable tools for understanding the hydrologic response to wildfire but require accurate precipitation data at suitable spatial and temporal resolutions. Wildfires often occur in data‐sparse, headwater catchments in complex terrain, and post‐wildfire hydrologic effects are particularly sensitive to high‐intensity, short‐duration precipitation events, which are highly variable and difficult to measure or estimate. Therefore, the assessment and prediction of wildfire‐induced changes to watershed hydrology, including the associated effects on ecosystems and communities, are complicated by uncertainty in precipitation data. When direct measurements of precipitation are not available, datasets of indirect measurements or estimates are often used. Choosing the most appropriate precipitation dataset can be difficult as different datasets have unique trade‐offs in terms of spatial and temporal accuracy, resolution, and completeness. Here, we outline the challenges and opportunities associated with different precipitation datasets as they apply to post‐wildfire hydrologic models and modeling objectives. We highlight the need for expanded precipitation gage deployment in wildfire‐prone areas and discuss potential opportunities for future research and the integration of precipitation data from disparate sources into a common hydrologic modeling framework.

This article is categorized under:

Science of Water > Hydrological Processes

Science of Water > Methods

Science of Water > Water and Environmental Change
Cement augmentation for proximal humerus fractures: a meta-analysis of randomized trials and observational studies
Authors: Lecoultre Yannic , Beeres Frank J. P. , Link Björn C. , Pretz Fabian , Tillmann Franz , Babst Reto , van de Wall Bryan J. M.
Published: April 2024

Introduction

It is unclear if elderly patients treated with plate osteosynthesis for proximal humerus fractures benefit from cement augmentation. This meta-analysis aims to compare cement augmentation to no augmentation regarding healing, complications, and functional results.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched for randomized clinical trials and observational studies. Effect estimates were pooled across studies using random effects models. The primary outcome is overall complication rate. Stratified analyses were performed for types of complication (implant-related or systemic). Secondary outcomes include re-interventions, hospital stay, operation time, functional scores, and general quality of life.

Results

Five observational studies and one randomized controlled trial with a total of 541 patients were included. The overall complication rate was significantly lower in the augmented group (15.6% versus 25.4%, OR 0.54 (95%CI 0.33–0.87)). This was caused by a reduction of implant-related complications (10.4% vs. 19.9%, OR 0.49 (95%CI 0.28, 0.88)). No difference in humeral head necrosis was found. Data on re-intervention, hospital stay, and operation time was limited but did not show significant differences. No impact on functional scores and general quality of life was detected.

Conclusion

This meta-analysis shows that cement augmentation may reduce overall complications, mainly by preventing implant-related complications. No difference was detected regarding need for re-intervention, functional scores, general quality of life, and hospital stay. This is the first meta-analysis on this topic. It remains to be seen whether conclusions will hold when more and better-quality data becomes available.
The improvement of ground truth annotation in public datasets for human detection
Authors: Nou Sotheany , Lee Joong-Sun , Ohyama Nagaaki , Obi Takashi
Published: April 2024

The quality of annotations in the datasets is crucial for supervised machine learning as it significantly affects the performance of models. While many public datasets are widely used, they often suffer from annotations errors, including missing annotations, incorrect bounding box sizes, and positions. It results in low accuracy of machine learning models. However, most researchers have traditionally focused on improving model performance by enhancing algorithms, while overlooking concerns regarding data quality. This so-called model-centric AI approach has been predominant. In contrast, a data-centric AI approach, advocated by Andrew Ng at the DATA and AI Summit 2022, emphasizes enhancing data quality while keeping the model fixed, which proves to be more efficient in improving performance. Building upon this data-centric approach, we propose a method to enhance the quality of public datasets such as MS-COCO and Open Image Dataset. Our approach involves automatically retrieving missing annotations and correcting the size and position of existing bounding boxes in these datasets. Specifically, our study deals with human object detection, which is one of the prominent applications of artificial intelligence. Experimental results demonstrate improved performance with models such as Faster-RCNN, EfficientDet, and RetinaNet. We can achieve up to 32% compared to original datasets in the term of mAP after applying both proposed methods to dataset which is transformed the grouped of instances to individual instance. In summary, our methods significantly enhance the model’s performance by improving the quality of annotations at a lower cost with less time than manual improvement employed in other studies.
Targeting CXCR4/CXCL12 axis via [177Lu]Lu-DOTAGA.(SA.FAPi)2 with CXCR4 antagonist in triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Bao Guangfa , Wang Ziqiang , Liu Luoxia , Zhang Buchuan , Song Shuang , Wang Dongdong , Cheng Siyuan , Moon Eu-Song , Roesch Frank , Zhao Jun , Yu Bo , Zhu Xiaohua
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Radiopharmaceutical therapies targeting fibroblast activation protein (FAP) have shown promising efficacy against many tumor types. But radiopharmaceuticals alone in most cases are insufficient to completely eradicate tumor cells, which can partially be attributed to the protective interplay between tumor cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). The C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4/C-X-C motif chemokine 12 (CXCR4/CXCL12) interaction plays an important role in orchestrating tumor cells and CAFs. We hereby investigated the feasibility and efficacy of [177Lu]Lu-DOTAGA.(SA.FAPi)2, a FAP-targeting radiopharmaceutical, in combination with AMD3100, a CXCR4 antagonist, in a preclinical murine model of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).

Methods

Public database was first interrogated to reveal the correlation between CAFs’ scores and the prognosis of TNBC patients, as well as the expression levels of FAP and CXCR4 in normal tissues and tumors. In vitro therapeutic efficacy regarding cell proliferation, migration, and colony formation was assessed in BALB/3T3 fibroblasts and 4T1 murine breast cancer cells. In vivo therapeutic efficacy was longitudinally monitored using serial 18F-FDG, [18F]AlF-NOTA-FAPI-04, and [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-Pentixafor PET/CT scans and validated using tumor sections through immunohistochemical staining of Ki-67, α-SMA, CXCR4, and CXCL12. Intratumoral abundance of myeloid-derived suppressive cells (MDSCs) was analyzed using flow cytometry in accordance with the PET/CT schedules. Treatment toxicity was evaluated by examining major organs including heart, lung, liver, kidney, and spleen.

Results

CAFs’ scores negatively correlated with the survival of TNBC patients (p < 0.05). The expression of CXCR4 and FAP was both significantly higher in tumors than in normal tissues. The combination of [177Lu]Lu-DOTAGA.(SA.FAPi)2 and AMD3100 significantly suppressed cell proliferation, migration, and colony formation in cell culture, and exhibited synergistic effects in 4T1 tumor models along with a decreased number of MDSCs. PET/CT imaging revealed lowest tumor accumulation of 18F-FDG and [18F]AlF-NOTA-FAPI-04 on day 13 and day 14 after treatment started, both of which gradually increased at later time points. A similar trend was observed in the IHC staining of Ki-67, α-SMA, and CXCL12.

Conclusion

The combination of [177Lu]Lu-DOTAGA.(SA.FAPi)2 and AMD3100 is a feasible treatment against TNBC with minimal toxicity in main organs.
(F)utility of preoperative pulmonary function testing in pectus excavatum to assess severity
Authors: Gonzalez Gabriel C. , Berazaluce Alejandra M. Casar , Jenkins Todd M. , Hardie William D. , Foster Karla E. , Moore Ryan A. , Powell Adam W. , Garcia Victor F. , Brown Rebeccah L.
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The utility of pulmonary function testing (PFT) in pectus excavatum (PE) has been subject to debate. Although some evidence shows improvement from preoperative to postoperative values, the clinical significance is uncertain. A high failure-to-completion rate for operative PFT (48%) was identified in our large institutional cohort. With such a high non-completion rate, we questioned the overall utility of PFT in the preoperative assessment of PE and sought to evaluate if other measures of PE severity or cardiopulmonary function could explain this finding.

Methods

Demographics, clinical findings, and results from cardiac MRI, PFT (spirometry and plethysmography), and cardiopulmonary exercise tests (CPET) were reviewed in 270 patients with PE evaluated preoperatively between 2015 and 2018. Regression modeling was used to measure associations between PFT completion and cardiopulmonary function.

Results

There were no differences in demographics, symptoms, connective tissue disorders, or multiple indices of pectus severity and cardiac deformation in PFT completers versus non-completers. While regression analysis revealed higher RVEF, LVEF, and LVEF-Z scores, lower RV-ESV/BSA, LV-ESV/BSA, and LV-ESV/BSA-Z scores, and abnormal breathing reserve in PFT completers vs. non-completers, these findings were not consistent across continuous and binary analyses.

Conclusions

We found that PFT completers were not significantly different from non-completers in most structural and functional measures of pectus deformity and cardiopulmonary function. Inability to complete PFT is not an indicator of pectus severity.
The effects of temperature on plasticity, shape symmetry and seasonal variation in the freshwater benthic green microalga Micrasterias thomasiana
Authors: Neustupa Jiri , Woodard Katerina
Published: April 2024

Desmids are usually abundant in shallow peatland pools. In these localities, water temperature is closely linked to seasonal fluctuations in air temperature, so with increasing temperature extremes in temperate ecosystems, these microalgae are exposed to conditions of high-temperature stress. We investigated whether the shape, size, and growth rates of Micrasterias thomasiana, a frequently occurring species, are associated with varying temperatures in cultures and natural populations. The research was based on parallel analysis of clonal populations in temperature levels from 13 to 33 °C as well as cells from natural populations collected during the season. The effects of high temperature on morphological plasticity and fluctuating asymmetry in the shape of cellular parts were investigated by the landmark-based geometric morphometrics. The results showed that variation among individuals and fluctuating asymmetry between the lateral lobes of Micrasterias cells increased at 29 °C and in natural samples taken in July and October. In parallel, the size of semicells growing at temperatures above 25 °C decreased compared to those grown at lower temperatures. However, the temperature effects on shape and size were not directly related to the growth rates. The overall bilateral asymmetry between semicell halves did not change in relation to varying temperatures. In general, the results showed that morphological variation in natural populations of M. thomasiana reflected seasonal cycles and corresponded to plasticity associated with temperature changes in clonal cultures. It might therefore be possible to use these phenotypic markers as indicators of thermal stress in natural populations inhabiting shallow pools in peatlands.
Identification and quantification of phosphate turnover indicators after long-term compost application – long-term and single season effects
Authors: Wanke Daniel J. , Nkebiwe Peteh Mehdi , Günther Johannes , Reusser Jolanda E. , Hartmann Tobias Edward , Yang Huaiyu , Zhang Wei , Chen Xinping , Müller Torsten
Published: April 2024

Background and aims

Soil organic phosphorus (Porg) is of interest for plant nutrition because it can comprise between 20 and 80% of total soil phosphate (P). This study aims to examine the effect of compost application on soil phosphatases and microbial biomass, which influence the P turnover and, furthermore, to examine the speciation of Porg.

Methods

Soil from a long-term field experiment (since 1997) which compares compost application with inorganic fertilization was analyzed for calcium-acetate-lactate extractable P (CAL-P), Olsen-P, acid (Acid-Pase) and alkaline (Alk-Pase) phosphatase activity and microbial biomass P. Porg speciation was additionally analyzed with liquid-state 31P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31P-NMR).

Results

We found a significant increasing long-term effect of high compost application (equivalent to 400 kg ha−1 N (400)) on Acid-Pase (45%) and Alk-Pase (58%). After compost application, Acid-Pase increased by 41% in treatment 400 (3 days after compost application (DAA)). The 31P-NMR analysis showed a significant increase of inorganic orthophosphate (55%) after high compost application. Furthermore, the total phosphomonoester region was significantly decreased in the treatment 400 (8%).

Conclusions

We demonstrated that long-term compost application increases phosphatase activity which plays a key role in the mineralization of soil Porg. In particular, the decrease of the concentration of Porg species in the phosphomonoester region in the treatment 400 with high compost application highlights that an increased turnover affects this soil P pool and may provide P to plants. This knowledge provides a better understanding of how the P cycle responds to long-term compost fertilization.
Regulatory Reviews: Revolutionary Re-imagining of Charity Law or Simply Restatements of Convenience?
Authors: Breen Oonagh B.
Published: April 2024

This article examines a decade of charity law review processes in six jurisdictions—Australia, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales and Ireland. Using a life-cycle basis viewed through a functional comparative lens, it examines review terms of reference, stakeholder involvement in public consultations, report recommendations and governmental responses. The article compares post-review recommendation implementation across government-owned and independent review processes. In identifying areas most open to and most difficult to reform (including charity definition and advocacy) and probing the hidden state/non-profit sector tensions that underlie such reform attempts, this article provides new insights for future review processes.
Carbon dioxide enrichment affected flower numbers transiently and increased successful post-pollination development stably but without altering final acorn production in mature pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.)
Authors: McClory Ryan , Ellis Richard H. , Lukac Martin , Clark Jo , Mayoral Carolina , Hart Kris M. , Plackett Andrew R. G. , MacKenzie A. Rob
Published: April 2024

Acorn production in oak (Quercus spp.) shows considerable inter-annual variation, known as masting, which provides a natural defence against seed predators but a highly-variable supply of acorns for uses such as in commercial tree planting each year. Anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases have been very widely reported to influence plant growth and seed or fruit size and quantity via the ‘fertilisation effect’ that leads to enhanced photosynthesis. To examine if acorn production in mature woodland communities will be affected by further increase in CO2, the contents of litter traps from a Free Air Carbon Enrichment (FACE) experiment in deciduous woodland in central England were analysed for numbers of flowers and acorns of pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) at different stages of development and their predation levels under ambient and elevated CO2 concentrations. Inter-annual variation in acorn numbers was considerable and cyclical between 2015 and 2021, with the greatest numbers of mature acorns in 2015, 2017 and 2020 but almost none in 2018. The numbers of flowers, enlarged cups, immature acorns, empty acorn cups, and galls in the litter traps also varied amongst years; comparatively high numbers of enlarged cups were recorded in 2018, suggesting Q. robur at this site is a fruit maturation masting species (i.e., the extent of abortion of pollinated flowers during acorn development affects mature acorn numbers greatly). Raising the atmospheric CO2 concentration by 150 μL L−1, from early 2017, increased the numbers of immature acorns, and all acorn evidence (empty cups + immature acorns + mature acorns) detected in the litter traps compared to ambient controls by 2021, but did not consistently affect the numbers of flowers, enlarged cups, empty cups, or mature acorns. The number of flowers in the elevated CO2 plots’ litter traps was greater in 2018 than 2017, one year after CO2 enrichment began, whereas numbers declined in ambient plots. Enrichment with CO2 also increased the number of oak knopper galls (Andricus quercuscalicis Burgsdorf). We conclude that elevated CO2 increased the occurrence of acorns developing from flowers, but the putative benefit to mature acorn numbers may have been hidden by excessive pre- and/or post-dispersal predation. There was no evidence that elevated CO2 altered masting behaviour.
Multiplicities and Contingency: Rethinking ‘Popular Buddhism’, Religious Practices and Ontologies in Thailand
Authors: Taylor Jim
Published: April 2024

This paper reconsiders explanations of ‘popular’ Buddhism in Thailand initiated in mid-twentieth century anthropological definitions of vernacular articulations of religiosity in village settings. Buddhist localism, in its various manifestations, is seen to contrast with a doctrinal or literate ‘great’ monastic tradition. In this persisting ethnographic argument, an actor may draw randomly on various syncretic elements of their religiosity according to circumstances (an historical complexity which is sourced in a mix of Sinhalese-sourced Buddhism, animism including magic, and folk Brahmanism). It is therefore not wholly or consistentlyone, but substantively divided into several strands. This long-standing position is problematic as the paper shows. There are multiple coextensive Buddhism/s (plural) within the Greater Theravada tradition, which emerge from an identification of the actors themselves with the one, not the many, as one-unitary-Buddhists. I theorise using a general framework of Meillassoux’s discussion on contingency and, by way of contrast, taking Deleuzian ideas on multiplicity. It is grounded on an understanding of popular or organic lived religion sourced in the early counter-enlightenment or radical enlightenment thinking of Giambattista Vico. Here, it is argued that in Thailand villagers would identify cosmologically as the one, not as the many (in a sense as in the assemblages or varieties of religious practices detached from the totality of the cosmological unitary one). Understanding the creative processes behind cosmological multiplicities is a starting point, with the notion that within specific cultural forms we are faced with a multiplicity of definitions and things to observe, as in an understanding of the varieties of lived Buddhism. The essay is based on an ethnographic assessment from over three decades of field research among ethnic Thai Buddhists at various modalities and settings, and in framing these vernacular religious practices and their ontologies. My gratitude to two anonymous reviewers for their constructive comments. The essay does not deal directly with specific ethnographic case studies; instead, it is intended as retheorising representations of ‘Popular Buddhism’ in Thailand as based on early scholarship since the 1960s (where Buddhism is constituted as three or more distinctive but intertwined religious strands).
Integrating Deep Learning and Reinforcement Learning for Enhanced Financial Risk Forecasting in Supply Chain Management
Authors: Cui Yuanfei , Yao Fengtong
Published: April 2024

In today’s dynamic business landscape, the integration of supply chain management and financial risk forecasting is imperative for sustained success. This research paper introduces a groundbreaking approach that seamlessly merges deep autoencoder (DAE) models with reinforcement learning (RL) techniques to enhance financial risk forecasting within the realm of supply chain management. The primary objective of this research is to optimize financial decision-making processes by extracting key feature representations from financial data and leveraging RL for decision optimization. To achieve this, the paper presents the PSO-SDAE model, a novel and sophisticated approach to financial risk forecasting. By incorporating advanced noise reduction features and optimization algorithms, the PSO-SDAE model significantly enhances the accuracy and reliability of financial risk predictions. Notably, the PSO-SDAE model goes beyond traditional forecasting methods by addressing the need for real-time decision-making in the rapidly evolving landscape of financial risk management. This is achieved through the utilization of a distributed RL algorithm, which expedites the processing of supply chain data while maintaining both efficiency and accuracy. The results of our study showcase the exceptional precision of the PSO-SDAE model in predicting financial risks, underscoring its efficacy for proactive risk management within supply chain operations. Moreover, the augmented processing speed of the model enables real-time analysis and decision-making — a critical capability in today’s fast-paced business environment.
Effects of sugary drinks, coffee, tea and fruit juice on incidence rate, mortality and cardiovascular complications of type2 diabetes patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ding Ping , Yue Wei , Wang Xu , Zhang Yuqing , Liu Yuxiang , Guo Xiaofeng
Published: April 2024

Aims

Despite more and more studies indicate that beverages play an important role in type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM), the efficacy of intaking different beverages for T2DM has not been clearly stated in one article. The meta-analysis was performed, which aims to assess the effects of beverages on mortality and cardiovascular complications in patients with type 2 diabetes and the incidence of T2DM.

Method

PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Library databases were search up to March, 2023 to identify relevant studies, including studies researching beverage consumption, the incidence and mortality of T2DM and incidence of cardiovascular disease, a kind of complication of T2DM. The way to explore the source of heterogeneity is performing subgroup analyses and sensitivity analyses. Funnel plots and Egger’s regression test were performed to assess publication bias. The Hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were used to analysis the results. Fifteen observational studies were included in our meta-analysis.

Results

Fifteen eligible articles were included sugar-sweetened beverages(SSB) consumption increased the mortality and incidence of T2DM ( Hazard ratio (HR), 1.20; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.05–1.38; P = 0.01 and HR, 1.15; 95% CI,1.06–1.24; P = 0.001), respectively. Artificially-sweetened beverages (ASB) consumption was not associated with the mortality and incidence of T2DM (HR,0.96;95%CI, 0.86–1.07; P = 0.464 and HR, 1.15; 95% CI,1.05–1.26; P = 0.003), respectively. Fruit juice consumption increased the incidence of T2DM (HR,1.08;95%CI,1.02–1.14, P = 0.296).

Tea or coffee consumption can reduce the incidence of T2DM (HR, 0.89; 95%CI,0.81–0.98; P = 0.016). Tea or coffee consumption was associated with a lower risk of mortality of T2DM (HR,0.84; 95% Cl, 0.75–0.94; P = 0.002 and HR,0.75; 95% CI, 0.65–0.87; P < 0.001), respectively. Additionally, beverage consumption was not associated with cardiovascular disease in T2DM patients (HR,1.03; 95% Cl, 0.82–1.30, P > 0.05).

Conclusions

High consumption of SSBs led to a higher risk and mortality of T2DM, while high consumption of coffee or tea showed significant associations with a lower risk of the incidence and mortality of T2DM.
Hollow Metal–Organic Framework/MXene/Nanocellulose Composite Films for Giga/Terahertz Electromagnetic Shielding and Photothermal Conversion
Authors: Mai Tian , Chen Lei , Wang Pei-Lin , Liu Qi , Ma Ming-Guo
Published: April 2024

With the continuous advancement of communication technology, the escalating demand for electromagnetic shielding interference (EMI) materials with multifunctional and wideband EMI performance has become urgent. Controlling the electrical and magnetic components and designing the EMI material structure have attracted extensive interest, but remain a huge challenge. Herein, we reported the alternating electromagnetic structure composite films composed of hollow metal–organic frameworks/layered MXene/nanocellulose (HMN) by alternating vacuum-assisted filtration process. The HMN composite films exhibit excellent EMI shielding effectiveness performance in the GHz frequency (66.8 dB at Ka-band) and THz frequency (114.6 dB at 0.1–4.0 THz). Besides, the HMN composite films also exhibit a high reflection loss of 39.7 dB at 0.7 THz with an effective absorption bandwidth up to 2.1 THz. Moreover, HMN composite films show remarkable photothermal conversion performance, which can reach 104.6 °C under 2.0 Sun and 235.4 °C under 0.8 W cm−2, respectively. The unique micro- and macro-structural design structures will absorb more incident electromagnetic waves via interfacial polarization/multiple scattering and produce more heat energy via the local surface plasmon resonance effect. These features make the HMN composite film a promising candidate for advanced EMI devices for future 6G communication and the protection of electronic equipment in cold environments.
Arsenic in the Tibetan Plateau’s geothermal systems: a detailed analysis of forms, sources, and geochemical behaviors
Authors: Shi Shengchao , Feng Qingda , Zhang Huaisheng , Zhao Wenqiang , Zhou Jun , Zhu Guilin , Niu Zhaoxuan , Zhang Shengsheng
Published: April 2024

In high-altitude tectonic regions, significant geothermal activity influences groundwater arsenic levels, presenting crucial resource and environmental challenges. The present study examines the Gonghe-Guide Basin located in the northeastern region of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The study employs a comprehensive approach encompassing field sampling, hydrochemical analysis, thermodynamic modeling, and statistical analysis to ascertain the composition and origins of arsenic in geothermal groundwater. The research data indicates that the geothermal groundwater in the area displays weak alkalinity and medium to high mineralization, with the principal hydrochemical types being SO4−Cl·Na and Cl·Na. The concentration of arsenic has a notable inverse relationship with Cl− and a positive correlation with water temperature and DO. According to thermodynamic calculations, the most common kind of arsenic is As5+. The hydrochemical properties of the research area are shaped by rock weathering, evaporative concentration, and ion-exchange adsorption working together. These factors contribute to the favorable circumstances for the formation and migration of arsenic throughout the environment. Notably, the ion-exchange between sodium ions and calcium and magnesium ions significantly impacts the arsenic concentration. This study marks the first discovery of a unique arsenic contamination pattern in geothermal groundwater within the Gonghe-Guide Basin in the northeastern Tibetan Plateau, revealing a positive correlation between arsenic levels, water temperature, and dissolved oxygen content. This provides a new perspective on understanding arsenic pollution in geothermal groundwater in high-altitude regions.
Influence of synthesis route on structural properties of SnFe2O4 spinel phase via methods of co-precipitation, sol–gel and solvothermal: morphology, phase analysis, crystallite size and lattice strain
Authors: Sedaghati-Jamalabad Gh. , Bagheri-Mohagheghi M. M.
Published: April 2024

In this study, regarding to the wide applications of spinel ferrites in various fields such as Li ion-batteries, photocatalysts, and optoelectronics, the structural and morphological properties of tin ferrite oxide (SnFe2O4) nanoparticles are investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The sol–gel, solvothermal, and co-precipitation methods were used to synthesize the SnFe2O4 nanoparticles, and the effect of annealing temperatures at T = 350 °C, 450 °C, and 550 °C was investigated. The XRD results confirmed the formation of tin ferrite spinel phase at an annealing temperature of 350 °C with a preferred peak (311). Crystallite size (D) and strain (ε) of SnFe2O4 nanoparticles was determined in region 20–45 nm and 2–4 × 10–4, respectively, using the Scherer, Williamson–Hall, and Rietveld computational methods. The results showed that the crystallite size in the samples increased with increasing annealing temperature. This increase is attributed to the reduction of defects, imperfections and lattice strain, which leading to an increase in the lattice constants and unit cell volume in the nanocrystalline structure. The Rietveld method determine smaller crystal sizes compared to the Williamson–Hall and Scherer methods because it can correct for peak broadening by taking into account all instrumental factors. The FESEM images of the synthesized nanostructures of SnFe2O4 showed cubic and polyhedral grains with cluster growth and an average grain size of 50–80 nm. According to the crystal structure of tin ferrite spinel, the cubic morphology confirmed the formation of this structure. The average crystallite size and grains in the synthesized samples was determined using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) analysis, respectively. The formation conditions of the SnFe2O4 spinel phase and other phases in the synthesis process at different temperatures and dependence of structural parameters was studied by various structural models for the samples.
Exploring the interactions between algae and archaea
Authors: Lian Jie , Zou Dayu , Trebuch Lukas M. , Duan Changhai , Li Meng
Published: April 2024

Algae and archaea co-exist in diverse aquatic ecosystems and play a significant role in ecological functions and biogeochemical cycles. Compared to well-studied algal–bacterial interactions, there is a lack of information on algal–archaeal interactions and how their interactions affect their physiological fitness and nutrient cycles in either artificial cultivation systems or natural environments. The vast archaeal biodiversity, as indicated by genomic sequencing and computational approaches, has stimulated great interest in exploring uncultivated archaea to expand our knowledge of algae-archaea symbiosis. In this review, we summarize the latest studies on the diversity of algae-associated archaea and their (putative) symbiotic interactions, highlight the effects of algal–archaeal interactions on biogeochemical cycles and extend such knowledge to facilitate novel archaeal isolation and a broad range of algae-based biotechnological applications.
Learning by doing? The relationship between effort, learning effect and product quality during hackathons of novice teams
Authors: Martins Pacheco Nuno Miguel , Geisler Mara , Bajramovic Medina , Fu Gabrielle , Vazhapilli Sureshbabu Anand , Mörtl Markus , Zimmermann Markus
Published: April 2024

Design education prepares novice designers to solve complex and challenging problems requiring diverse skill sets and an interdisciplinary approach. Hackathons, for example, offer a hands-on, collaborative learning approach in a limited time frame to gain practical experience and develop problem-solving skills quickly. They enable collaboration, prototyping and testing among interdisciplinary teams. Typically, hackathons strongly focus on the solution, assuming that this will support learning. However, building the best product and achieving a strong learning effect may not be related. This paper presents the results of an empirical study that examines the relationship between product quality, learning effect and effort spent in an academic 2-week hackathon. Thirty teams identified user problems in this course and developed hardware and mechatronic products. This study collected the following data: (1) effort spent during the hackathon through task tracking, (2) learning effect through self-assessment by the participants and (3) product quality after the hackathon by an external jury. The study found that the team effort spent has a statistically significant but moderate correlation with product quality. The correlation between product quality and learning effect is statistically insignificant, suggesting that for this setting, there is no relevant association.
War and women: An analysis of Ukrainian refugee women staying in the Czech Republic
Authors: Preiss Marek , Fňašková Monika , Berezka Sofia , Yevmenova Tetiana , Heissler Radek , Sanders Edel , Winnette Petra , Rektor Ivan
Published: April 2024

In addition to the loss of life, Russian aggression against Ukraine, which began in February 2022, also brings interpersonal losses resulting from the need to emigrate. Parallel to the fighting men, women bear most of the burden of caring for the family. Using in-depth interviews supplemented by questions about adverse childhood experiences and administration of The Centrality of Events Scale and the PTSD Checklist – PCL-5 with 43 Ukrainian women (18–60 years old), we analyzed adaptation to the situation of emigration and the association of their war and earlier experiences with the level of traumatization. Women were interviewed shortly after emigration to the Czech Republic (3–42 week afterward). High levels of adverse childhood experiences and post-traumatic stress symptoms were found. The war was perceived as a currently negative central event associated with traumatic stress symptoms, and 79% of the sample expressed the opinion that the war had changed them. The results of this study suggest an intertwining of previous life experiences with the current need and ability to adapt.
Equatorial modons in thermal rotating shallow water model
Authors: Lahaye Noé , Larroque Olivier , Zeitlin Vladimir
Published: April 2024

Exact steady eastward-moving vortex-dipole solutions, the equatorial modons, are constructed in the asymptotic limit of low divergence and small temperature variations in the thermal rotating shallow water (TRSW) model on the equatorial beta-plane. This regime is known to be relevant for the tropical atmosphere. The model itself is a generalization, allowing for horizontal temperature gradients, of the classical rotating shallow water model. The asymptotic modons can carry a temperature anomaly and exist also on the inhomogeneous temperature background. The modon configurations are then used to initialize numerical simulations, in order to check whether such coherent structures can exist in the full TRSW model. The results show that this is, indeed, the case. The parameter regimes and limitations on the structure of the temperature anomaly inside, in order for the modons to persist, are established. It is also shown that the modons keep their coherence even while evolving on the background of meridionally inhomogeneous temperature fields, or while interacting with sharp temperature fronts. A general scenario of disaggregation of the modons, if they are out of the stability domain, is exhibited and analysed.