bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detecting mining impacts on freshwater ecosystems using replicated sampling before and after the impact
Authors: Mykrä Heikki , Aroviita Jukka , Tolonen Kimmo , Turunen Jarno , Weckström Kaarina , Weckström Jan , Hellsten Seppo
Published: June 2024

Detecting human impact on freshwater ecosystems is problematic without rigorous assessment of temporal changes. Assessments of mining impacts are further complicated by the strong influence of local catchment geology on surface waters even in unmined environments. Such influence cannot be effectively considered by using broad-scale reference frameworks based on regionalization and stream types. Using the BACI (Before-After Control-Impact) design, we examined the impact of mining discharges on freshwater algae and macroinvertebrate communities resulting from the rerouting of treated wastewaters through a pipeline to larger water bodies in Northern and North-Eastern Finland. Impacted sites and control sites were sampled 1 to 2 years before and 1 to 3 years after the pipelines became operational. Stream diatom communities recovered from past loadings upstream of the pipeline (which was no longer impacted by wastewaters) after rerouting of the wastewaters, while no changes downstream from the pipeline were detected. Upstream from the pipeline, diatom species richness increased and changes in relative abundances of the most common diatom taxa as well as in the overall community composition were observed. The effects of the pipeline were less evident for stream macroinvertebrate communities. There was an indication that regional reference conditions used in national biomonitoring may not represent diatom communities in areas with a strong geochemical background influence. Lake profundal macroinvertebrate communities were impacted by past loadings before the construction of the pipeline, and the influence of the pipeline was observed only as changes in the abundances of a few individual species such as phantom midges (which increased in abundance in response to discharges directed through the pipeline). Our results highlight the variable influence of mining discharges on aquatic communities. Statistically strong monitoring programmes, such as BACI designs, are clearly needed to detect these influences.
On the Growing Universe of Causal Set Theory—An Order-Type Approach
Authors: Placek Tomasz , Wroński Leszek
Published: June 2024

We investigate a model of becoming—classical sequential growth (CSG)—that has been proposed within the framework of causal sets (causets), with the latter defined as order types of certain partial orderings. To investigate how causets grow, we introduce special sequences of causets, which we call “csg-paths”. We prove a number of results concerning relations between csg-paths and causets. These results paint a highly non-trivial picture of csg-paths. There are uncountably many csg-paths, all of them sharing the same beginning, after which they branch. Every infinite csg-path achieves in the limit an infinite causet, and vice versa, every infinite causet is achieved in the limit by an infinite csg-path. However, coalescing csg-paths, i.e., ones that achieve the same causet even after forking off at some point, are ubiquitous.
Growth and fatty acid profile of Nannochloropsis oceanica cultivated on nano-filtered whey permeate
Authors: Kiani Hossein , Ma Qinge , Xiao Mengsong , Li Yuchen , Brooke Felix Joel , Mulcahy Shane , Miros Svitlana , Halim Ronald
Published: June 2024

Nano-filtered whey permeate (WP), a major by-product of dairy industry, is produced by membrane filtration of whey. The oleaginous microalga Nannochloropsis oceanica was successfully cultivated on WP without salinity and nutrient amendments. Growth, cell characteristics, and fatty acid profile of the cultures were analyzed using microscopy, flow cytometry, and GC analysis. WP was nitrogen limited, comprising primarily protein as a nitrogen source and only small amounts of free inorganic nitrogen (in the form of nitrate). Nannochloropsis oceanica (and associated bacteria) efficiently removed nitrate (100%), protein (87%), and phosphate (74%) from the whey permeate. Microscopic and flow cytometric analysis revealed diverse size distributions in whey permeate cultures, with significant cell aggregation attributed to low-salinity acclimatization and nitrogen limitation. Autofluorescence analysis revealed reduced photosynthetic activity in whey permeate-grown cells, possibly as a consequence of heightened mixotrophic activities on carbon source in the medium. Low nitrogen availability in whey permeate resulted in biomass with a fatty acid profile enriched in saturated fatty acids. Despite this, a considerable level of the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (in the form of eicosapentanoic acid or EPA) was detected at ca. 16% of total fatty acids. Whey permeate proved beneficial for the growth of N. oceanica and yielded high concentrations of eicosapentaenoic acid in the extracted lipids for potential applications in the feed/food industries.
Exploring agricultural landscape change from the second half of the twentieth century onwards: combining aerial imagery with farmer perspectives
Authors: Mohr Franziska , Pazur Robert , Debonne Niels , Dossche Rebekka , Helfenstein Julian , Hepner Samuel , Levers Christian , Verburg Peter H. , Bürgi Matthias
Published: June 2024

Context

Anthropogenic landscape change is an important driver shaping our environment. Historical landscape analysis contributes to the monitoring and understanding of these change processes. Such analyses are often focused on specific spatial scales and single research methods, thus covering only limited aspects of landscape change.

Objectives

Here, we aim to assess the potential of combining the analysis of historical aerial imagery and local stakeholder interviews for landscape change studies using a standardized mapping and interviewing approach.

Methods

We compared six agricultural landscapes across Europe and mapped land-cover using historical aerial imagery (starting between 1930 and 1980, depending on data availability, until recent years) with an object-based image analysis and random forest classification. For local perspectives of landscape change, we conducted oral history interviews (OHIs) with (almost) retired farmers. Comparing recorded landscape changes from both approaches provided insight into advantages of combining these two methods.

Results

Object-based analysis enabled the identification of high-resolution land-cover dynamics, with scale enlargement and cropland/grassland expansion being the most commonly recurring trends across European landscapes. Perceived landscape changes identified in the OHIs included changes in farm management, landscape structure, and infrastructure. Farmers also reported drivers and personal values associated with landscape change. Combining the two historical landscape analysis tools resulted in a qualitative and quantitative understanding of changes in land-cover, land use, and land management.

Conclusions

Comparing physical land-cover change with local farmer perspectives is key to a comprehensive understanding of landscape change. There are different ways the two methods can be combined, leading to different venues for science and policy making.
Fluctuation Moments for Regular Functions of Wigner Matrices
Authors: Reker Jana
Published: June 2024

We compute the deterministic approximation for mixed fluctuation moments of products of deterministic matrices and general Sobolev functions of Wigner matrices. Restricting to polynomials, our formulas reproduce recent results of Male et al. (Random Matrices Theory Appl. 11(2):2250015, 2022), showing that the underlying combinatorics of non-crossing partitions and annular non-crossing permutations continue to stay valid beyond the setting of second-order free probability theory. The formulas obtained further characterize the variance in the functional central limit theorem given in the recent companion paper (Reker in Preprint, arXiv:2204.03419, 2023). and thus allow identifying the fluctuation around the thermal value in certain thermalization problems.
Key points trajectory and multi-level depth distinction based refinement for video mirror and glass segmentation
Authors: Wang Ziyue , Liu Yanchao , Cheng Xina , Ikenaga Takeshi
Published: June 2024

Mirror and glass are ubiquitous materials in the 3D indoor living environment. However, the existing vision system always tends to neglect or misdiagnose them since they always perform the special visual feature of reflectivity or transparency, which causes severe consequences, i.e., a robot or drone may crash into a glass wall or be wrongly positioned by the reflections in mirrors, or wireless signals with high frequency may be influenced by these high-reflective materials. The exploration of segmenting mirrors and glass in static images has garnered notable research interest in recent years. However, accurately segmenting mirrors and glass within dynamic scenes remains a formidable challenge, primarily due to the lack of a high-quality dataset and effective methodologies. To accurately segment the mirror and glass regions in videos, this paper proposes key points trajectory and multi-level depth distinction to improve the segmentation quality of mirror and glass regions that are generated by any existing segmentation model. Firstly, key points trajectory is used to extract the special motion feature of reflection in the mirror and glass region. And the distinction in trajectory is used to remove wrong segmentation. Secondly, a multi-level depth map is generated for region and edge segmentation which contributes to the accuracy improvement. Further, an original dataset for video mirror and glass segmentation (MAGD) is constructed, which contains 9,960 images from 36 videos with corresponding manually annotated masks. Extensive experiments demonstrate that the proposed method consistently reduces the segmentation errors generated from various state-of-the-art models and reach the highest successful rate at 0.969, mIoU (mean Intersection over Union) at 0.852, and mPA (mean Pixel Accuracy) at 0.950, which is around 40% - 50% higher on average on an original video mirror and glass dataset.
Effects of tumor treating fields (TTFields) on human mesenchymal stromal cells
Authors: Strack Maren , Kückelhaus Jan , Diebold Martin , Wuchter Patrick , Huber Peter E. , Schnell Oliver , Sankowski Roman , Prinz Marco , Grosu Anca-Ligia , Heiland Dieter Henrik , Nicolay Nils H. , Rühle Alexander
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) within the glioblastoma microenvironment have been shown to promote tumor progression. Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) are alternating electric fields with low intensity and intermediate frequency that exhibit anti-tumorigenic effects. While the effects of TTFields on glioblastoma cells have been studied previously, nothing is known about the influence of TTFields on MSCs.

Methods

Single-cell RNA sequencing and immunofluorescence staining were employed to identify glioblastoma-associated MSCs in patient samples. Proliferation and clonogenic survival of human bone marrow-derived MSCs were assessed after TTFields in vitro. MSC’ characteristic surface marker expression was determined using flow cytometry, while multi-lineage differentiation potential was examined with immunohistochemistry. Apoptosis was quantified based on caspase-3 and annexin-V/7-AAD levels in flow cytometry, and senescence was assessed with ß-galactosidase staining. MSCs’ migratory potential was evaluated with Boyden chamber assays.

Results

Single-cell RNA sequencing and immunofluorescence showed the presence of glioblastoma-associated MSCs in patient samples. TTFields significantly reduced proliferation and clonogenic survival of human bone marrow-derived MSCs by up to 60% and 90%, respectively. While the characteristic surface marker expression and differentiation capacity were intact after TTFields, treatment resulted in increased apoptosis and senescence. Furthermore, TTFields significantly reduced MSCs’ migratory capacity.

Conclusion

We could demonstrate the presence of tumor-associated MSCs in glioblastoma patients, providing a rationale to study the impact of TTFields on MSCs. TTFields considerably increase apoptosis and senescence in MSCs, resulting in impaired survival and migration. The results provide a basis for further analyses on the role of MSCs in glioblastoma patients receiving TTFields.
Dominant patterns in small directed bipartite networks: ubiquitous generalized tripod gait
Authors: Lozano Álvaro , Vigara Rubén , Mayora-Cebollero Carmen , Barrio Roberto
Published: June 2024

The synchronization patterns exhibited by small networks of neurons that regulate biological processes (CPGs) have aroused growing scientific interest. In many of these networks there is a main behavioral pattern within the parameter space. In particular, in the context of insect locomotion, tripod walking stands out as a predominant pattern, both in natural observations (where insects walk on tripod gait) and in mathematical models. This predominance appears to be stable under parameter variations within the network, suggesting a possible correlation with the underlying network topology. Tripod walking can be naturally extended to all CPGs with a bipartite connectivity. Then a natural question arises: Are “generalized tripod gaits” equally dominant among synchronization patterns within those networks? To investigate this, we carried out a comprehensive study covering all bipartite networks of up to nine neurons. For each of those networks we numerically explore the phase space using a quasi-MonteCarlo method to see what are the main synchronization patterns that the network can achieve. Then, all those patterns are grouped according to their dynamics. Generalized tripod gait was observed in all cases examined as the dominant pattern again. However, certain cases revealed additional stable patterns, mainly associated with the 3-colorings of the respective graph structures.
Modeling Study of Chemical Kinetics and Vibrational Excitation in a Volumetric DBD in Humid Air at Atmospheric Pressure
Authors: Pierotti Giacomo , Popoli Arturo , Pintassilgo Carlos Daniel , Cristofolini Andrea
Published: June 2024

A zero-dimensionl model is developed to study the chemical kinetics of a volumetric dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) reactor operating with humid air at atmospheric pressure. This work focuses on the relation between molecular vibrational excitation, the plasma reactor input power and the number densities of several species that are known to play an important role in biomedical applications (e.g. $$\textrm{O}_{3},\textrm{NO, NO}_{2}$$

O
3

,
NO,

NO
2

, ...). A preliminary study is carried out to observe the influence of water molecules on the electron energy distribution function for different values of water concentration and reduced electric field. A simplified approach is then adopted to quantify the contribution of vibrationally-excited $$\textrm{O}_{2}$$

O
2

molecules to $$\textrm{NO}$$
NO
formation. The results obtained using our detailed model suggest that for the physical conditions considered in this work $$\textrm{O}_{2}$$

O
2

vibrational kinetics can be neglected without compromising the overall accuracy of the simulation. Finally, a reaction set is coupled with an equivalent circuit model to simulate the E-I characteristic of a typical DBD reactor. Different simulations were carried out considering different values of the average plasma input power densities. A particular focus was given to the influence of the Zeldovich mechanism on $$\textrm{O}_{3}$$

O
3

and $$\textrm{NO}_\textrm{X}$$

NO
X

production performing simulations where this reaction is not considered. The obtained results are shown and the role of vibrationally excited $$\textrm{N}_{2}$$

N
2

molecules is discussed. The simulation results indicate also that $$\textrm{N}_{2}$$

N
2

vibrational excitation, and more precisely the Zeldovich mechanism, has a larger effect on $$\textrm{O}_{3}$$

O
3

and $$\textrm{NO}_\textrm{X}$$

NO
X

production at intermediate input power levels.
Complementing or competing with public transit? Evaluating the parameter sensitivity of potential Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) urban users in Germany, the Czech Republic, Poland, and the United Kingdom with a mixed choice model
Authors: Matowicki Michal , Pecherkova Pavla , Amorim Marco , Kern Mira , Motzer Nicolaj , Pribyl Ondrej
Published: June 2024

In this study, we conducted a comprehensive survey involving a substantial sample size (n = 6,405) of urban daily commuters across four European nations (Germany, the United Kingdom, Poland, and the Czech Republic). Our investigation contributes to an enriched comprehension of the user dynamics associated with Mobility-as-a-Service alternatives and their interrelation with public transit modalities in the context of travel preferences. Specifically, we researched the responsiveness of participants to variations in pricing and travel durations. Additionally, we examine the tendencies of various participant categories, stratified into distinct segments based on shared attributes, toward the adoption of public transportation, MaaS solutions, or private vehicular transport. Our findings highlight the essential role fundamental mobility determinants, such as price and travel time, play in influencing the likelihood of opting for a specific transportation modality. This phenomenon was particularly discernible within the "Unspecified Users" group, which gives us options to alter their behavior. The analytical framework used in our study that combined several mathematical modeling tools provided insight into the choices people make when choosing between different travel options, and our findings may be used by decision makers to create better and more informed approaches to promote sustainable alternatives to the use of cars in urban settings.
Exploring the Associations of Afterschool Science Participation and Friendships with Science Identities
Authors: Hill Patricia Wonch , Kelly Grace M. , McQuillan Julia , Ledesma Jorge , Melson Miranda , Gauthier G. Robin
Published: June 2024

Building on previous research that demonstrates the association of youth experiences in afterschool science and higher science identities, this paper presents a network study of 421 middle school students that examines afterschool science participation, friendship ties, and science identities. Participation in afterschool science clubs is associated with higher science identity, but the mechanisms and order of causality are unclear. Youth form friendships inside and outside of school, and peers may influence participation in afterschool activities, as empirical research on friendships shows that they are associated with youth interests. These peer interactions also have the potential to shape identity development during adolescence. In this study, we explore associations among youth participation in afterschool science clubs, peer friendship groups, and science identity. We find that youth who participate in afterschool science clubs have higher science identities than those who do not participate. Additionally, having friends in afterschool science clubs is associated with higher science identity, even among students who report not participating in clubs themselves. Results suggest that afterschool science clubs support youth science identities, even beyond those who directly participate.
Collaboration at the phylum level: coauthorship and acknowledgment patterns in the world of the water bears (phylum Tardigrada)
Authors: McCain Katherine W.
Published: June 2024

Coauthor and acknowledgment data were captured for 1384 research articles published between 1980 and June, 2023 that focused on tardigrades. Articles indexed in Web of Science or an archives of tardigrade literature were downloaded and thoroughly examined for personal acknowledgment data. Annual publication counts and coauthor maps for four successive time periods (1980–1999, 2000–2008, 2009–2017, 2018-June 2023) showed growth in the literature and increased research activity (more researchers, more complex networks, more international collaboration), beginning in 2000. A two-level Personal Acknowledgments Classification (PAC), was used to code types of acknowledgments. The majority of articles focused on field studies and/or descriptions of new species of tardigrades. This was reflected in rankings of acknowledgment categories and additions to the PAC. Ranked lists of frequently-thanked acknowledgees (all tardigrade researchers) were produced for each period. Acknowledgment profiles of four frequently-thanked researchers identified three different roles that researchers might play in tardigrade studies—”informal academic editorial consultant,” “taxonomic gatekeeper,” and “all-rounder.” Acknowledgments honoring people by naming a new species after them were only found in the species description, not in the formal acknowledgment section.
Composition and diversity of 16S rRNA based skin bacterial microbiome in healthy horses
Authors: Strompfová Viola , Štempelová Lucia
Published: June 2024

Characterization of microbiota structure on the skin of healthy horses is important for further development of modulation strategies to ensure optimal bacterial composition for physiological processes. This requirement is also supported by the relatively high incidence of dermatological diseases in horses and thus the need to manage them therapeutically. The taxonomic analysis of skin samples (n = 30) from five different body parts of clinically healthy Shetlands ponies females (neck, back, abdomen, pastern, muzzle) kept under homogeneous conditions (in open stalls with paddock, feed with dry hay, green grass ad libitum and granulated feed) was performed using amplification of V3—V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene. Results indicate that bacteria associated with healthy equine skin represent 18 phyla, 29 classes and 119 families. The most abundant phyla were Proteobacteria (30.8 ± 9.1%) followed by Actinobacteriota (20.4 ± 7.6%), Firmicutes (19.5 ± 10.1%), Bacteroidota (8.5 ± 5.0%) and Deinococcota (7.2 ± 14.8%). Among 229 genera identified, Corynebacterium (7.4 ± 6.5%) was the most abundant genus in skin sites of horses, followed by Deinococcus (7.1 ± 14.9%) and Macrococcus (5.0 ± 8.2%). Indices for the richness and diversity of species within bacterial populations for five regions of horses skin revealed no significant variations observed for species richness (Chao1, p-value 0.2001) but significant result for species evenness (Shannon, p-value 0.0049) with maximum on the neck and minimum on the back skin site. The clustering was seen across samples from different skin sites but also across samples collected from individual horses.
Empathy in the Zhuangzi
Authors: Wang Youru
Published: June 2024

This article investigates elements of empathy in the Zhuangzi 莊子. It outlines four prominent aspects of current scholarship on empathy: different types of empathy, the other-centeredness of empathy, empathy as a process and the role empathy plays in responsiveness to others, and interaction between empathy and other capacities. Based on materials from the Zhuangzi that involve elements of empathy, I delegate them respectively to these four areas. While the Zhuangzi does not invent any specific term for an exclusive designation of the meaning of empathy, I attempt to show that the Zhuangzi does explore the phenomena of empathy to a great extent. It characterizes unique features of empathy, such as other-centeredness, perceptual directness, its function as listening, mirroring, qi 氣-connecting and receptivity, the issue of how to cultivate one’s empathic capacity in the everyday encounter with others, and especially how empathic capacity works closely with the Zhuangzian forgetfulness of oneself.
Zertifizierungsrichtlinien der Österreichischen Gesellschaft für Schlafmedizin und Schlafforschung (ÖGSM) für schlafmedizinische Einrichtungen in Österreich
Authors: Popovic R. , Heidbreder A. , Amouzadeh-Ghadikolai O. , Bender B. , Holzinger B. , Kerbl R. , Mitterling T. , Moser D. , Saletu M. ,   Arbeitskreis Zertifizierung und Fortbildung der ÖGSM
Published: June 2024

Die Zertifizierung von Schlaflaboren ist eine notwendige Voraussetzung zur Qualitätssicherung für den Betrieb eines Schlaflabors und wird von der Österreichischen Gesellschaft für Schlafmedizin und Schlafforschung (ÖGSM), einer interdisziplinären wissenschaftlichen Gesellschaft, seit 1998 angeboten und durchgeführt. Bislang handelt es sich um eine freiwillige Maßnahme. Da diese Beurteilung immer nur eine Momentaufnahme darstellen kann, ist eine regelmäßige Reevaluierung notwendig. Nach der Erstzertifizierung, die eine Inspektion beinhaltet, ist eine Rezertifizierung im Abstand von 5 Jahren und eine jährliche Aktualisierung über etwaige Veränderungen erforderlich. Das von uns entwickelte Stufenschema erlaubt die Einstufung von 0 (Antrag auf Zertifizierung), über 1A−C (Erfüllung der Qualitätsanforderungen) bis hin zu Stufe 2 (Nichterfüllung der Anforderungen am Ende der Inspektion). Der Antrag auf Rezertifizierung unterstreicht auch das Interesse des Schlaflabors an einer kontinuierlichen Qualitätssicherung.
A conversion of the geoid to the quasigeoid at the Hong Kong territories
Authors: Nsiah Ababio Albertini , Foroughi Ismael , Tenzer Robert , Bagherbandi Mohammad
Published: June 2024

A levelling network was readjusted and a new geoid model compiled within the framework of geodetic vertical datum modernization at the Hong Kong territories. To accomplish all project objectives, the quasigeoid model has to be determined too. A quasigeoid model can be obtained from existing geoid model by applying the geoid-to-quasigeoid separation. The geoid-to-quasigeoid separation was traditionally computed as a function of the simple planar Bouguer gravity anomaly, while disregarding terrain geometry, topographic density variations, and vertical gravity changes due to mass density heterogeneities below the geoid surface. We applied this approximate method because orthometric heights of levelling benchmarks in Hong Kong were determined only approximately according to Helmert’s theory of orthometric heights. Considering a further improvement of the accuracy of orthometric heights by applying advanced numerical procedures, we determined the geoid-to-quasigeoid separation by applying an accurate method. The comparison of the accurately and approximately computed values of the geoid-to-quasigeoid separation revealed significant differences between them. The approximate values are all negative and reach -2.8 cm, whereas values from the accurate method vary between -4.1 and + 0.2 cm. In addition, we assessed the effect of anomalous topographic density on the geoid-to-quasigeoid separation by employing a newly developed digital rock density model. According to our estimates the effect of anomalous topographic density reaches a maximum value of 1.6 cm, reflecting a predominant presence of light volcanic rocks and sedimentary deposits at the Hong Kong territories. Our numerical findings indicate that the conversion between geoid and quasigeoid models should be done accurately, even in regions with a moderately elevated topography.
Economic and environmental assessment of the retrofitting of a first-generation ethanol plant
Authors: Susmozas Ana , Matschegg Doris , Davidis Bas , Spekreijse Jurjen , Tzelepi Vasiliki , Kourkoumpas Dimitrios-Sotirios , García Alonso Juan María , Coto Bárbara , Iglesias Raquel
Published: June 2024

Bioenergy retrofitting may be a short-term strategy to promote the transition from first-generation to advanced bioethanol, as it could improve the cost-competitiveness of the latter. In addition, this strategy could also extend the operational lifetime of first-generation ethanol plants, whose production is restricted by the current European renewable energy regulations. Therefore, this work evaluates two retrofitting scenarios of an existing corn-based first-generation ethanol facility located in Spain from an economic and environmental perspective. In the first case (scenario 1), advanced bioethanol was produced using industrial waste streams included in the Renewable Energy Directive II. The second approach (scenario 2) involves the integration of second-generation technology into the existing first-generation facility. The economic analysis shows that scenario 1 presents a low capital expenditure (CAPEX, €100,000), as it only requires the installation of an industrial waste storage tank. Although, in terms of net present value (NPV), the CAPEX of scenario 2 is higher. It obtains better profitability reaching an NPV of approximately €25,610,000. The environmental assessment identified natural gas consumption as the main contributor to the overall score of the global warming impact category. Consequently, the increased energy demand of the retrofit scenarios, mainly linked to second-generation technology, has a negative impact in terms of greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, a key aspect to improve the environmental performance of these scenarios would be the replacement of natural gas with a more sustainable alternative, such as bio-based gases.
The degradation of poly(1-butene) extrudates subjected to artificial and natural aging
Authors: Zenzingerova Sona , Kudlacek Michal , Benicek Lubomir , Jaska David , Navratilova Jana , Gajzlerova Lenka , Cermak Roman
Published: June 2024

In this work, we examined the degradation behavior of isotactic poly(1-butene) (PB-1) under artificial aging and natural weathering conditions. PB-1 samples underwent accelerated aging through UV irradiation and natural weathering. Chemical and structural changes in the degraded samples were characterized using Fourier-transform infrared–attenuated total reflectance (FTIR–ATR) spectroscopy, surface analysis, and wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS). The mechanical properties were evaluated via tensile testing. FTIR–ATR analysis revealed the presence of carbonyl groups in the degraded samples, indicating oxidative degradation. Surface observations employing scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed the formation of surface cracks in both samples, with differing crack initiation mechanisms. The two aging methods affected the mechanical properties of the samples: artificial aging induced a gradual reduction in both tensile modulus and strength, whereas natural weathering engendered a marginal increment in modulus alongside diminished strength. Additionally, elongation-at-break value witnessed a marked decrease in both sample sets during the preliminary stages of degradation. This work employed accelerated time equivalent, obtained by juxtaposition of the values of carbonyl index during both artificial aging and natural weathering and their interpolation to determine the degradation rate and adequately to correlate the final properties of the aged PB-1. It was observed that surface morphology and mechanical attributes of degraded samples were subject to additional influences such as temperature, humidity, and precipitation during natural weathering. This research work provided significant insights into PB-1 degradation mechanisms and effect of different aging conditions on its performance.

Graphical abstract
Equitable Partnerships and Programs to Advance Pediatric Global Health
Authors: Zhang Sirey , Amour Maryam , Adams Lisa V.
Published: June 2024

Purpose of the Review

This review underscores the critical need for equitable collaborations to uphold robust and enduring pediatric global health programs to improve child health worldwide. We advocate for the core tenets of reciprocity, longitudinal relationships, and resource redistribution in developing equitable global child health partnerships.

Recent Findings

We reviewed evidence signifying how local and global inequities adversely affect child health. In this review, we provide three examples of successful collaborations between high-income countries and low- and middle-income countries— the Rwandan Human Resources for Health Program, the Global Initiative for Children’s Surgery, and the Baylor College of Medicine International Pediatrics AIDS Initiative— that effectively address these inequities and result in improved child health outcomes. Common themes to equitable partnerships include: (1) prioritizing community voices to inform program development and ensure local needs are met; (2) practicing intentional reciprocity; and (3) challenging outdated and harmful approaches in global health by advocating for a decolonial, socially just, and solidarity-oriented mindset.

Global pediatric health partnerships must be based on equity to be effective and sustainable. Examples exist whereby programs prioritize community engagement and in-country ownership throughout, ensure reciprocity, and build longitudinal relationships that consider context, historical legacies, systemic inequalities, and promote necessary resource redistribution. These criteria should be used to assess current global child health partnerships and to train the next generation of pediatric global health practitioners, thereby paving the way for a more equitable and sustainable future in pediatric global health.
Joint Estimation of Ride-Hailing Services (RHS) Adoption and Frequency: Assessing Impacts of Built Environment on Work and Discretionary Trips
Authors: Meshram Abhishek , Jain Anmol , Bhaduri Eeshan , Manoj B. S. , Goswami Arkopal Kishore
Published: June 2024

In recent years, ride-hailing services (RHS) (also known as on-demand ride services), such as Uber, Ola, Lyft, Didi, etc., have transformed the urban transportation environment. RHS promises to promote sustainable urban mobility as it combines the flexibility of personal vehicles and the shared nature of public transport. In developing countries like India, research on these emerging RHS is still in its infancy, and the role of the built environment (BE) in influencing RHS choice and usage has not been explored. The current study aims to do so, for the city of Kolkata, India which has the highest modal share of ride-hailing amongst million-plus cities in India. Revealed preference (RP) household surveys were conducted, and information on 841 ride-hailing user trips was collected and a semi-ordered bivariate probit model was developed to estimate RHS adoption and usage frequency simultaneously. Model results show that BE variables like destination accessibility, bus stop density, road density, and population density significantly influence the adoption of RHS and use frequency of RHS with varied intensity for work and discretionary trips. Users residing in neighbourhoods with higher accessibility and better public transit connectivity are the least likely to adopt RHS and are also likely to be infrequent users. On the other hand, individuals living in high-density neighbourhoods are more likely to adopt RHS. Also, with increasing distances between origin and destination, commuters tend to adopt and use RHS frequently.
Krisen im Elementar- und Primarbereich – nichts Neues? Ein Rückblick
Authors: Fölling-Albers Maria
Published: June 2024

Krisen im Elementar- und Primarbereich sind seit vielen Jahren ein Dauerthema in der bildungspolitischen und pädagogischen Öffentlichkeit: fehlende Kita-Plätze, erheblicher Mangel an Erzieher:innen und Lehrkräften, ungleiche Bildungschancen, unzureichende Schülerleistungen. Es wird aufgezeigt, dass auch in den 1960er-/1970er-Jahren in Westdeutschland entsprechende Probleme bestanden, die seinerzeit durch weitgehende strukturelle und curriculare Bildungsreformen gelöst werden sollten. Können damalige Reforminitiativen ein „Masterplan“ für gegenwärtige Krisen im Bildungssystem sein? Mit Bezug auf krisentheoretische Annahmen werden in einem Rückblick ausgewählte Schwerpunkte des Elementar- und Primarbereichs mit ihren spezifischen Merkmalen, die von der damaligen Bildungspolitik und der pädagogischen Fachwelt als defizitär bzw. reformbedürftig identifiziert worden waren, dargestellt, und es wird erörtert, in welcher Weise diese Reformen durchgeführt wurden. Es wird abschließend die Frage gestellt, inwiefern die derzeitigen Krisen neu sind, und es wird diskutiert, ob Erfahrungen aus der damaligen Reformphase hilfreich sein könnten zur Bewältigung gegenwärtiger Krisen.
Gatekeeping girls’ access to education: an exploration of matrilineal relationships, gatekeepers, and contentions at the micro-household-level
Authors: Akuffo Aboabea Gertrude
Published: June 2024

The lack of attention to micro-politics at the household-level makes us miss the gatekeeping strategies that family members at the micro household-level employ to enable, and or hinder education access for children, especially girls. In this paper, I draw on qualitative interviews and autobiographical narratives of 15 women from matrilineal societies to explore answers to the question: How did gatekeeping shape gendered pathways to education access for women born between 1917 and 1957? Examining this demography is essential as it addresses the often-overlooked education access dynamics among women born within this specific timeframe in education research. This paper makes the case that a complex web of gatekeeping systems regarding access to education existed at the micro household family-levels in Ghana. Particularly in matrilineal societies, maternal uncles, maternal grand uncles, and fathers collectively acted as gatekeepers regulating girls’ access to education. The findings underscore the role of cultural resources in facilitating men’s control over family finances, breadwinning roles, and decision-making processes, thereby acting as gatekeepers limiting girls’ access to education. Gatekeeping access created two pathways, non-access, and access with conditions. Access with conditions explain how girls were restricted to reading courses typical to their gender and attending schools of the gatekeeper’s choice. These gatekeeping practices shaped the education access and life outcomes of Ghana’s pioneering generation of educated women.
Recent trends in crowd management using deep learning techniques: a systematic literature review
Authors: Alasmari Aisha M. , Farooqi Norah S. , Alotaibi Youseef A.
Published: June 2024

Crowd management has become an integral part of urban planning in abnormality in the crowd and predict its future issues. Big data in social media is a rich source for researchers in crowd data analysis. In this systematic literature review (SLR), modern societies. It can organize the flow of the crowd, perform counting, recognize the related works are analyzed, which includes crowd management from both global and local sides (Hajj events—Saudi Arabia) based on deep learning (DL) methods. This survey concerns crowd management research published from 2010 to 2023. It has specified 45 primary studies that accomplish the objectives of the research questions (RQs), namely, investigation of the taxonomies, approaches, and comprehensive studies of crowd management both globally and locally and focusing on the most commonly used techniques of DL. We found both supervised and unsupervised DL techniques have achieved high accuracy, with different strengths and weaknesses for each approach. A lot of these studies discuss aspects of scene analysis of crowds, that are captured by installed cameras in the place. However, there is a dilemma regarding exploiting data provided on social media to use in the crowd analysis domain. Which we believe that the analysis of big data may raise crowd management to the upper level of enhancement. To this end, motivated by the findings of this SLR. The primary purpose of this review is strived to illustrate obstacles and dilemmas in crowd analysis fields to provide a road map for future researchers. Furthermore, it aims to find research gaps existing to focus on it in the future studies. The results indicate that the lack of Hajj research, especially in sentiment analysis and the study of the pilgrims' behavior.
Engaging chemistry educators through virtual roundtables: how the COVID-19 pandemic led to a community-wide initiative
Authors: Haynes M. Taylor , Pratt Justin M. , Cranswick Matthew A. , Grice Kyle A. , Nataro Chip , Shaner Sarah E. , Stone Kari L. , Porter Meghan , Raker Jeffrey R.
Published: June 2024

Members of the Interactive Online Network of Inorganic Chemists (IONiC) report the development and sustained efforts to provide virtual professional development sessions: Supporting Learning with Interactive Teaching: a Hosted, Engaging Roundtable (SLiThEr). SLiThEr’s emerged from a community need at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic; since then, SLiThEr’s have become a standard event for the IONiC community. SLiThEr’s are real- time virtual community events, after which a recording of the SLiThEr is posted on the IONiC YouTube channel. In this paper, an overview of the structure, format, and emergence of SLiThEr’s is reported, followed by evaluation of SLiThEr offerings, a plan for future SLiThEr offerings, and a discussion of how SLiThEr’s impact teaching practice.

Graphical Abstract
Modelling and predicting annual rainfall over the Vietnamese Mekong Delta (VMD) using SARIMA
Authors: Minh Huynh Vuong Thu , Van Ty Tran , Nam Nguyen Dinh Giang , Lien Bui Thi Bich , Thanh Nguyen Truong , Cong Nguyen Phuoc , Meraj Gowhar , Kumar Pankaj , Van Thinh Lam , Van Duy Dinh , Van Toan Nguyen , Downes Nigel K. , Bhuyan Md. Simul , Kanga Shruti , Singh Suraj Kumar
Published: June 2024

Climate and rainfall are extremely non-linear and complicated phenomena, which require numerical modelling to simulate for accurate prediction. We obtained local historical rainfall data for 12 meteorological stations in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta (VMD) for the 45-year period 1978–2022, to predict annual rainfall trends. A statistical time series predicting technique was used based on the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model. We utilized the seasonal ARIMA process of the form (p,1,q)(P,1,Q) for our study area. The best seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (SARIMA) models were then selected based on the autocorrelation function (ACF) and partial autocorrelation function (PACF), the minimum values of Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) and the Schwarz Bayesian Information (SBC). The seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average model with external regressors (SARIMAX) was discovered, and a series of SARIMA models of various orders were estimated and diagnosed. To evaluate model fitting, we used the Nash–Sutcliffe coefficient (Nash) and the root-mean-square error (RMSE). The study has shown that the SARIMA (1, 1, 1)(2, 1, 1)11 and SARIMA (1, 1, 1)(2, 1, 1)12 model were appropriate for analyzing and forecasting future rainfall patterns at particular meteorological station in the VMD. The results showed the SARIMA model is more reliable and provides more accurate projections than other commonly used statistical methods, notably interval forecasts. We found that interpretable and reliable near-term location-specific rainfall predicts can be provided by the SARIMA-based statistical predicting model.
An Inconsistent ENSO Response to Northern Hemisphere Stadials Over the Last Deglaciation
Authors: Glaubke Ryan H. , Schmidt Matthew W. , Hertzberg Jennifer E. , Ward Lenzie G. , Marcantonio Franco , Schimmenti Danielle , Thirumalai Kaustubh
Published: June 2024

The dynamics shaping the El Niño‐Southern Oscillation's (ENSO) response to present and future climate change remain unclear, partly due to limited paleo‐ENSO records spanning past abrupt climate events. Here, we measure Mg/Ca ratios on individual foraminifera to reconstruct east Pacific subsurface temperature variability, a proxy for ENSO variability, across the last 25,000 years, including the millennial‐scale events of the last deglaciation. Combining these data with proxy system model output reveals divergent ENSO responses to Northern Hemisphere stadials: enhanced variability during Heinrich Stadial 1 (H1) and reduced variability during the Younger Dryas (YD), relative to the Holocene. H1 ENSO likely intensified through meltwater‐induced changes to ocean/atmospheric circulation, a response observed in models, but the lack of a similar response during the YD challenges model simulations. We suggest the tropical Pacific mean state during H1 primed ENSO for larger fluctuations under meltwater forcing, whereas the YD mean state likely buffered against it.
Direct Observation of Magnetic Reconnection Resulting From Interaction Between Magnetic Flux Rope and Magnetic Hole in the Earth's Magnetosheath
Authors: Wang Shimou , Wang Rongsheng , Lu Quanming , Lu San , Huang Kai
Published: June 2024

We report in situ observation of magnetic reconnection between magnetic flux rope (MFR) and magnetic hole (MH) in the magnetosheath by the Magnetospheric Multiscale mission. The MFR was rooted in the magnetopause and could be generated by magnetopause reconnection therein. A thin current sheet was generated due to the interaction between MFR and MH. The sub‐Alfvénic ion bulk flow and the Hall field were detected inside this thin current sheet, indicating an ongoing reconnection. An elongated electron diffusion region characterized by non‐frozen‐in electrons, magnetic‐to‐particle energy conversion, and crescent‐shaped electron distribution was detected in the reconnection exhaust. The observation provides a mechanism for the dissipation of MFRs and thus opens a new perspective on the evolution of MFRs at the magnetopause. Our work also reveals one potential fate of the MHs in the magnetosheath which could reconnect with the MFRs and further merge into the magnetopause.
Phase and Amplitude Changes in Rainfall Annual Cycle Over Global Land Monsoon Regions Under Global Warming
Authors: Lv Songxin , Song Fengfei , Dong Hongqiang , Wu Lixin
Published: June 2024

Land monsoon rainfall has a distinct annual cycle. Under global warming, whether the phase and amplitude of this annual cycle would be changed is still unclear. Here, a global investigation is conducted using 34 CMIP6 and 34 CMIP5 models under a high emission scenario. Seasonal delays would occur in the Southern Hemisphere (SH) American (3.43 days), Northern Hemisphere (NH) African (5.98 days) and SH African (3.76 days) monsoon regions, while no robust signal is found in other monsoon regions. Except NH American monsoon, amplitude is enhanced in all the monsoon regions. Compared to amplitude, the phase changes dominate the future changes of precipitation in the SH American, NH African and SH African monsoon regions. In these phase‐dominated regions, atmospheric energetic framework is proved to be reliable at regional scale and the enhanced effective atmospheric heat capacity is found to be the dominant factor.
Bering Strait Ocean Heat Transport Drives Decadal Arctic Variability in a High‐Resolution Climate Model
Authors: Li Yuchen , Weijer Wilbert , Kurtakoti Prajvala , Veneziani Milena , Chang Ping
Published: June 2024

We investigate the role of ocean heat transport (OHT) in driving the decadal variability of the Arctic climate by analyzing the pre‐industrial control simulation of a high‐resolution climate model. While the OHT variability at 65°N is greater in the Atlantic, we find that the decadal variability of Arctic‐wide surface temperature and sea ice area is much better correlated with Bering Strait OHT than Atlantic OHT. In particular, decadal Bering Strait OHT variability causes significant changes in local sea ice cover and air‐sea heat fluxes, which are amplified by shortwave feedbacks. These heat flux anomalies are regionally balanced by longwave radiation at the top of the atmosphere, without compensation by atmospheric heat transport (Bjerknes compensation). The sensitivity of the Arctic to changes in OHT may thus rely on an accurate representation of the heat transport through the Bering Strait, which is difficult to resolve in coarse‐resolution ocean models.