bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Representability of Kleene Posets and Kleene Lattices
Authors: Chajda Ivan , Länger Helmut , Paseka Jan
Published: December 2023

A Kleene lattice is a distributive lattice equipped with an antitone involution and satisfying the so-called normality condition. These lattices were introduced by J. A. Kalman. We extended this concept also for posets with an antitone involution. In our recent paper (Chajda, Länger and Paseka, in: Proceeding of 2022 IEEE 52th International Symposium on Multiple-Valued Logic, Springer, 2022), we showed how to construct such Kleene lattices or Kleene posets from a given distributive lattice or poset and a fixed element of this lattice or poset by using the so-called twist product construction, respectively. We extend this construction of Kleene lattices and Kleene posets by considering a fixed subset instead of a fixed element. Moreover, we show that in some cases, this generating poset can be embedded into the resulting Kleene poset. We investigate the question when a Kleene poset can be represented by a Kleene poset obtained by the mentioned construction. We show that a direct product of representable Kleene posets is again representable and hence a direct product of finite chains is representable. This does not hold in general for subdirect products, but we show some examples where it holds. We present large classes of representable and non-representable Kleene posets. Finally, we investigate two kinds of extensions of a distributive poset $${\textbf{A}}$$
A
, namely its Dedekind-MacNeille completion $${{\,\mathrm{\textbf{DM}}\,}}({\textbf{A}})$$

DM

(
A
)

and a completion $$G({\textbf{A}})$$

G
(
A
)

which coincides with $${{\,\mathrm{\textbf{DM}}\,}}({\textbf{A}})$$

DM

(
A
)

provided $${\textbf{A}}$$
A
is finite. In particular we prove that if $${\textbf{A}}$$
A
is a Kleene poset then its extension $$G({\textbf{A}})$$

G
(
A
)

is also a Kleene lattice. If the subset X of principal order ideals of $${\textbf{A}}$$
A
is involution-closed and doubly dense in $$G({\textbf{A}})$$

G
(
A
)

then it generates $$G({\textbf{A}})$$

G
(
A
)

and it is isomorphic to $${\textbf{A}}$$
A
itself.
Early assessment of the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic effects following acetylsalicylic acid loading: toward a definition for acute therapeutic response
Authors: Gurbel Paul A. , Bliden Kevin P. , Kundan Parshotam , Kraft Danielle , Parekh Rueshil , Singh Sahib , Babu Aravind D. , Shah Anika P. , Chaudhary Rahul , Tantry Udaya S.
Published: December 2023

Despite decades of investigations, the optimal assessment of the “therapeutic response” to early after loading dose of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) remains unclear. Limited information is available on the relation between pharmacodynamic (PD) and pharmacokinetic (PK) measurements assessed immediately after ASA administration. Serial PD and PK analyses were performed immediately after a single 162 or 650 mg dose of chewed and swallowed ASA in ten healthy adults. ASA response was defined as > 95% inhibition of serum thromboxane (Tx)B2, < 550 aspirin reaction units (ARU) by VerifyNow Aspirin (VN) test, and ≤ 20% arachidonic acid (AA)-induced platelet aggregation (PA). Correlation analyses between PK and PD measurements and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed. ASA response measured by VN test and AA-induced PA was achieved within 30 min of ASA administration. A correlation was observed between ARU and AA-induced maximum PA (r = 0.69, p < 0.001), serum TxB2 (r = 0.74 and p < 0.001), and serum TxB2 inhibition (r = 0.79, p < 0.001). In ROC curve analyses, ≤ 558 ARU and ≤ 7% AA-induced PA were associated with > 95% inhibition of TxB2. 686 ng/ml plasma ASA cut-off point was associated with > 95% inhibition of serum TxB2, ≤ 7% 1 mM AA-induced PA, and ≤ 585 ARU. A modest ~ 50% inhibition of TxB2 inhibition was associated with marked inhibition of 1 mM AA-induced platelet aggregation by LTA. Our analyses demonstrated important relationships between pharmacodynamic, and pharmacokinetic parameters measured immediately following oral ASA and cutoff values for ARU and AA-induced PA that is associated with > 95% inhibition of serum TxB2.
Association between the cardiometabolic index and chronic kidney disease: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Guo Qian , Wang Yani , Liu Yuchen , Wang Yun , Deng Lin , Liao Lihua , Lin Xueqin , Wu Mingxin , Sun Meirui , Liao Ying
Published: December 2023

Background

Central obesity is a risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, the exact correlation between the cardiometabolic index (CMI), an indicator of central obesity, and CKD remains unclear. Here, we aimed to investigate the correlation between the CMI and CKD in the general American population.

Methods

This cross-sectional study involved 64,313 members of the general population (≥ 20 years of age) with data in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999–2020. The individuals were grouped into three categories by CMI tertile: T1 group (n = 7,029), T2 group (n = 7,356), and T3 group (n = 7,380). Logistic regression analysis was performed, with NHANES recommended weights, to assess the association between the CMI and CKD.

Results

A total of 21,765 participants were included; the overall prevalence of CKD was 12.2%. From the low to the high CMI tertile, the prevalence of CKD increased from 8.9% to 16.0% (P < 0.001). After full adjustment for confounders, the higher tertile of CMI (OR: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.03 − 1.13, P = 0.002) had the higher risk of CKD. Compared with the T1 group, the groups with higher CMI levels had a higher CKD risk (T2: OR: 1.01, 95%CI: 0.87–1.18, P = 0.812; T3: OR: 1.22, 95%CI: 1.05–1.43, P = 0.013).

Conclusions

Higher CMI was independently associated with higher CKD risk in the general population.
Oxide Glasses for Removal of Ammonia and Nitrogen Derivatives from Industrial Wastewater
Authors: Ibrahim Ali M. , Mahitab Nazem M. , Gad Ali A. M. , Soliman Mohamed F.
Published: December 2023

Adsorption is a rapid and known method to treat wastewater and remove contaminants such as ammonia (NH3+) and nitrogen derivatives. Herein, novel adsorption materials are demonstrated to eliminate the most hazard industrial and municipal contaminants including ammonia and nitrogen derivatives. Oxide glasses as new adsorbing media are beneficial for wastewater treatment due to dangling bond defects and non-bridging oxygen, which act as adsorption centers. Oxide glasses are characterized by their low cost and simple preparation method. Different types of oxide glasses including borate, phosphate, silicate, and germinate glasses are used as adsorbents to estimate the glass type of the optimal removal efficiency. It is found that the higher removal efficiency is exhibited for both borate and silicate glasses. Therefore, by preparing hybrid borate-silicate (borosilicate) glass, the best efficiency is achieved. The influences of boundary conditions including contact time, adsorption temperature, and adsorbent dosage on the efficiency of adsorption process are demonstrated. The optimal removal efficiency is achieved when using borosilicate glass sample (as adsorbent) with contact time of 90 min, adsorption temperature of 70 °C, and adsorbent dosage of 1.5 mg/100 ml. Finally, by comparing our results with the previous adsorption treatment works, it is found that adsorption capacity of ammonia reached to 9.12 mg/g, which is a valid and acceptable value.
Pot experimental trial for assessing the role of different composts on decontamination and reclamation of a polluted soil from an illegal dump site in Southern Italy using Brassica juncea and Sorghum bicolor
Authors: Mazzon Martina , Bozzi Cionci Nicole , Buscaroli Enrico , Alberoni Daniele , Baffoni Loredana , Di Gioia Diana , Marzadori Claudio , Barbanti Lorenzo , Toscano Attilio , Braschi Ilaria
Published: December 2023

A pot experiment was carried out to evaluate the remediation potential of Brassica juncea and Sorghum bicolor in the decontamination of soil polluted with heavy metals such as copper, lead, tin, and zinc along with polychlorinated biphenyls, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and heavy hydrocarbons. Two composts obtained from different composting processes were tested as biostimulating agents. At the end of the trial, the effect of plant/compost combinations on soil microbial composition, contaminant removal, biochemical indicators, and plant biomass production was determined. The results highlighted that compost addition improved plant biomass despite slowing down plants’ removal of organic and inorganic contaminants. In addition, compost partially enhanced the soil biochemical indicators and modified the relative abundance of the rhizosphere microorganisms. Sorghum showed better mitigation performance than Brassica due to its higher growth. The soil fertility level, the choice of plant species, and microbial richness were found fundamental to perform soil remediation. In contrast, compost was relevant for a higher crop biomass yield.

Graphical abstract
A Longitudinal and Multilevel Investigation of Grateful Climate in Cultivating Psychological Resilience: The Mediating Role of Athlete’s Gratitude
Authors: Chen Lung Hung , Kuo Che-Chun , Ni Ying-Lien , Hsu Shih-Chi
Published: December 2023

For athletes facing high levels of pressure and experiencing significant psychological and physical demands, mere adaptation to the pressure is insufficient. They must also possess psychological resilience, which entails the ability to rebound from stressful conditions or even surpass their previous performance levels. Previous research has indicated that receiving unilateral positive support is one of the factors contributing to psychological resilience. Therefore, the objective of this study is to examine the relationship between athlete gratitude and psychological resilience. Gratitude is considered a relational, reciprocal, and prosocial construct that aligns well with the interdependence inherent in the sports context. This research focuses on both the environmental and individual levels of gratitude, drawing on the multilevel model of gratitude framework. The study investigates how the grateful climate, representing environmental gratitude, influences athletes’ psychological resilience through individual gratitude. A longitudinal survey method was employed, involving a total of 289 high school student-athletes from 49 teams who participated in a five-wave survey conducted over a three-year period. The results indicate a significant influence of the grateful climate on changes in athletes’ psychological resilience. This influence operates through individual gratitude, which acts as a mediating factor in predicting changes in psychological resilience. The findings of this study can provide practical guidance for human resource managers and educators by highlighting the importance of fostering gratitude at both the individual and environmental levels to enhance athletes’ psychological resilience.
Effect of In utero Exposure to Air Pollution on Adulthood Hospitalizations
Authors: Martin-Bassols Nicolau , de New Sonja C. , Shields Michael A. , Johnston David W.
Published: December 2023

Empirical analyses have demonstrated that individuals exposed to severe air pollution in utero have worse health outcomes during childhood. However, there is little evidence on the long-term health impacts of air pollution exposure. The objective of this paper is to estimate the effect of in utero exposure to the Great London Smog of 1952 (GLS) on five health outcomes identified through a scoping review to be those most likely affected: respiratory, circulatory, neoplasms, mental health, and nervous system conditions. We use the GLS, an extreme air pollution event in December 1952, as a quasi-natural experiment to estimate the effect of exposure to air pollution in utero on adulthood health. Data from the UK Biobank is analysed for a cohort of participants born from December 1952 to July 1956. Differences in health outcomes between adults exposed and not exposed to the GLS due to their birth dates, born inside and outside London, were explored. Our primary focus is hospitalization events between 1997 and 2020 (corresponding to ages 40 to 69), as recorded in linked administrative data from the National Health Service (NHS). Specifically, the five primary outcomes are binary variables indicating that the individual had at least one hospitalization where the main cause of hospitalization is related to respiratory, circulatory, neoplasms, mental health, or nervous system conditions. The analytical sample comprised 36,281 individuals. A positive effect on adulthood hospitalizations due to respiratory conditions was observed. If exposed to the GLS in utero, the probability of at least one respiratory health-related hospitalization between 1997 and 2020 increased by 2.58 percentage points (95% CI 0.08, 4.30, p = 0.03), a 23% increase relative to the sample mean. Small effects were found for all other outcomes, suggesting that these conditions were not affected by the GLS. We do not find heterogeneous effects by sex or childhood socioeconomic status. This study found that a 5-day pollution exposure event while in utero significantly increased respiratory-related hospitalizations at ages 40 to 69 but had no impact on hospitalizations due to circulatory, neoplasms, mental health, and nervous system conditions.
Does ash dieback affect the reproductive ecology of Fraxinus excelsior L.?
Authors: Eisen Anna-Katharina , Buchner Lisa , Fussi Barbara , Jochner-Oette Susanne
Published: December 2023

Forest tree species reproduction is a key factor in maintaining the genetic diversity of future generations and the stability of forest ecosystems. The ongoing ash dieback disease could affect the reproductive ecology of Fraxinus excelsior L. and have a major impact on the quantity and quality of pollen and seeds. In this study, we investigated pollen production and viability of pollen and seeds of ash trees with different health status from 2018 to 2022. Inflorescences were collected from 105 trees (pollen production), pollen from 125 trees (pollen viability), and seeds from 53 trees (seed quality) in two seed orchards and in one floodplain forest in southern Germany. Not all parameters were examined at every site every year. The average pollen production per tree was estimated at 471.2 ± 647.9 billion pollen grains. In addition, we found that a high number of inflorescences did not equate to high pollen production per inflorescence. Pollen production of healthy and diseased trees did not differ significantly, although only 47% of severely diseased male trees (vs. 72% for healthy trees) produced flowers. With regards to pollen viability, the TTC test showed an average viability of 73% ± 17%. Overall, there was a slight tendency for diseased trees to have less viable pollen. However, a significant difference could only be calculated for trees in the floodplain forest. The percentage of germinable seeds in 2018 was 38% in the floodplain forest and 57% in one of the seed orchards. The percentage of viable seeds (TTC test) ranged from 17 to 22% in the orchards in 2020. Non-viable seeds were usually heavily infested by insects. In general, seed quality was not significantly different between healthy and diseased trees. Our results indicate that ash dieback affects flower formation and pollen viability but not pollen production or seed quality. Nevertheless, the fact that hardly any flowering was observed, especially for trees that were seriously affected, suggests a negative effect of ash dieback on reproductive performance. Thus, severely diseased trees will transfer their genes to a smaller extent to the next generation.
Redescription and Molecular Characterisation of Derogenes ruber Lühe, 1900 (Hemiuroidea: Derogenidae) from Chelidonichthys lastoviza (Scorpaeniformes: Triglidae) in the Western Mediterranean
Authors: Gharbi Kamilia , Bouguerche Chahinez , Ahmed Mohammed , Pérez-Ponce de León Gerardo , Tazerouti Fadila
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Derogenes ruber Lühe, 1900, the type-species of the genus Derogenes Lühe, 1900, is a poorly known derogenid digenean. The original description of this species was not illustrated and aspects of the morphology of the parasite from the type-host remain scarce. Available records of this species were brief and/or lacked illustrations and were based on morphology alone. Additionally, molecular data for Derogenes spp. are warranted to untangle species complexes as they provide a better assessment of interspecific genetic divergence.

Methods

Derogenes ruber is redescribed based on newly collected specimens from the gall bladder of its type-host Chelidonichthys lastoviza (Bonnaterre, 1788) collected in the Western Mediterranean off the Algerian coast during 2017–2019 and molecular data are provided using a partial fragment of the nuclear 28S ribosomal RNA gene (28S rRNA), the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) and a fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene.

Results

We herein provide a detailed illustrated redescription and morphometric data of D. ruber from its type-host C. lastoviza. We report a new geographical record (off Algeria) for it. Derogenes ruber is also genetically characterised for the first time. Species/lineages of Derogenes were recovered in five strongly supported reciprocally monophyletic clades: (i) D. ruber from C. lastoviza off Algeria; (ii) D. lacustris from Galaxias maculatus (Jenyns) off Argentina; (iii) Lineage “D. varicus DV1” (D. varicus sensu stricto) from fish hosts in the White and Barents seas and the North Sea; (iv) Lineage “D. varicus DV2” from mollusc hosts in the White Sea; and (v) Lineage “D. varicus DV3” from Eumicrotremus fedorovi Mandrytsa. in the Pacific Ocean. Hence, comparison of the newly generated sequences with other available data for Derogenes species supports the distinction of D. ruber confirming its taxonomic status and helping assess interspecific variation. Comparison of D. ruber with the closely related species Derogenes latus revealed overlaps in morphometric data and the validity of the latter species is questioned.

Conclusion

The combination of morphological and molecular data provided for D. ruber provides a firm foundation for further investigations of Derogenes spp. Although we do describe herein material of D. ruber from the type-host, given that the occurrence of a single Derogenes species in various hosts has been challenged by molecular data, and both D. lacustris and D. varicus sensu stricto had been genetically proven to occur in various hosts, D. ruber and D. latus may be indeed synonymous. Additional sequencing effort on Derogenes spp. will strengthen systematic comparative studies and evolutionary relationships within the Derogenidae in general.
Study of micelles and surface properties of triterpene saponins with improved isolation method from Hedera helix
Authors: Bajcura Martin , Lukáč Miloš , Pisárčik Martin , Horváth Branislav
Published: December 2023

Triterpene saponin fractions were extracted from Hedera helix, and in-depth analysis of their physicochemical properties was conducted. Hederasaponin B and hederacoside C were extracted from Hedera helix leaves, and their purification was carried out using reverse phase column chromatography with a modified method, providing an affordable alternative to HPLC. Structurally, hederacoside C differs from hederasaponin B only by the presence of a hydroxyl group at the carbon 23 of the aglycon. The critical micelle concentration (cmc) measurement confirmed hydrophilic nature of hederacoside C that led to a higher cmc value compared to hederasaponin B and alpha-hederin. Therefore, the cmc value of hederasaponin B is nearly an order of magnitude lower compared to hederacoside C. Additionally, the study of the surface tension revealed that the more lipophilic alpha-hederin displayed a greater surface tension value (γcmc = 39.8 mN·m−1) compared to hederasaponin B and hederacoside C. Measurements of the surface tension dependence on the concentration in water were enabled to determine the area corresponding to a single saponin molecule at the water/air phase interface (Acmc). Notably, structural changes had negligible effects, as Acmc values remained practically identical. Particle size determination further indicated that hederacoside C forms only micelles compared to the remaining substances that showed signs of vesicles formation. Alpha-hederin, as the only measured molecule capable of ionization, showed a negative zeta potential.
Clinical characteristics of survivors versus non-survivors after acute diquat poisoning: a comparative study
Authors: Yan Min , Liu Hongbo , Yang Yihong , Cheng Xin , Sun Wanpeng , Ma Tengfei , Cai Xiaopei
Published: December 2023

The aim of this study was to compare the clinical characteristics between survivors and non-survivors after acute diquat (DQ) poisoning. Patients treated in the Emergency Department of Fu Yang People’s Hospital for DQ poisoning between January 2018 and February 2022 were enrolled in this retrospective comparative study. A total of 65 patients were collected, including 36 males (55.4%) and 29 females (44.6%). There were 34 survivors (52.3%), and 31 non-survivors (47.7%). Patients in the non-survivor group were significantly older (P = 0.003), received a higher dose of DQ before admission (P < 0.001), had more severe organ damage (P < 0.001), lower respiration rate (P < 0.001) and enema (P = 0.009), lower GCS score (P = 0.038), and higher SIRS score (P = 0.018) and APACHE-II score (P < 0.001) than patients in the survivor group. Additionally, biochemical indicators after admission between survivors and non-survivors were significantly different (all P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that respiratory failure (P = 0.021), the dose of DQ (P = 0.022), respiratory rate (P = 0.007), and highest alanine transaminase (ALT) level after admission (P = 0.030) were independent risk factors for acute DQ-induced death. These data suggest that non-survivors with acute DQ poisoning are more likely to suffer from respiratory failure, have higher respiratory rate and ALT after admission, and are exposed higher doses of DQ before admission than survivors.
Characterization of Fe-6Si Soft Magnetic Alloy Produced by Laser-Directed Energy Deposition Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Adamczyk Jesse M. , Birchall Sarah E. , Rothermel Ethan T. , Whetten Shaun R. , Barrick Erin J. , Pearce Charles J. , Delaney Robert E. , Pegues Jonathan W. , Johnson Kyle L. , Susan Donald F. , Monson Todd C. , Kustas Andrew B.
Published: December 2023

Commercial electrical steels, Fe-Si alloys with < 4 wt.% Si, are inexpensive and efficient materials for electrical power conversion. Further efficiency improvements require increasing the silicon concentration to 6 wt.%, at which point the material becomes brittle and difficult to form by conventional rolling and sheet fabrication methods. Additive manufacturing stands to overcome challenges with commercial manufacturing techniques by leveraging near-net-shape fabrication. The wide array of process conditions provides additive manufacturing with increased flexibility, enabling control over the microstructure and mechanical properties. This work explores the microstructures and magnetic properties of ring-shaped Fe-Si alloys produced using concentric and cross-hatch tool paths on a laser-directed energy deposition additive manufacturing system. Concentric-built samples exhibit elongated grain structures while cross-hatch-built samples comprise lower aspect ratio grain structures. Thermal finite element analysis simulations model the stress conditions produced by the different scan path geometries. Microhardness measurements probe the mechanical properties as a function of anneal temperature, providing a qualitative understanding of the intergranular defect density. Soft magnetic properties measured under quasistatic and AC conditions show frequency- and microstructure-dependent coercivity and permeability. Finally, analysis of the core loss quantifies how the build strategies and thermal treatments influence efficiency in electrical power conversion applications. Understanding the influences of scan path geometry and thermal treatment provides a pathway towards application of additively manufactured soft magnetic materials.
Hybrid approach for gas viscosity in Yemeni oil fields
Authors: Al-Gathe Abdelrigeeb , Baarimah Salem O. , Al-Khudafi Abbas M. , Bawahab Mohammed , Dmour Hazim
Published: December 2023

The estimation of a gas viscosity experimentally is often difficult. So, accurate determination of gas viscosity has been the main challenge in a gas reservoir development. There are many correlations to estimate this property. Often time, the results of these correlations do not agree with experimental data, thereby causing a considerable amount of error. The difficulty of these correlations can be propagated simply by tuning against some experimental data using artificial intelligent model. Currently, the achievements of artificial neural networks (ANN) techniques alone to predict gas viscosity open the door to use the hybrid system. In this model, the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm is employed to search for optimal connection weighs and thresholds for the neural networks (NN), then the back-propagation learning rule and training algorithm is used to adjust the final weights. A total of about 868 data points obtained from the laboratory measurements of gas viscosity were used. The data include measured gas viscosity, specific gas gravity, temperature, pressure, molecular weight, pseudo-critical temperature and pressure and non-hydrocarbon components (H2S, CO2, and N2). The performance of the PSONN model is compared with performance of ANN and other empirical model to show the most general and accurate model for predicting gas viscosity. From the results of this study, we found that the PSONN model is more reliable and accurate with the absolute present relative (APRE) error and mean square error (RMS) of 2.76 and 5.49 respectively.
Online fundraising for NPOs via email marketing – A critical success factors analysis in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland
Authors: Harken Sonja , Mertins Vanessa , Urselmann Michael
Published: December 2023

This study aims to empirically determine success factors in the email marketing as a sub-discipline of online fundraising of nonprofit organizations (NPOs). Hereby, it responds to the gap of knowledge as existing research has not in detail touched nonprofit email marketing. To explore success factors in NPOs’ email marketing, a detailed structural equation model, in which email marketing success acts as the final endogenous variable and the nine potential success factors function as formative latent exogenous variables, was developed. A quantitative survey was conducted with employees of NPOs from German-speaking countries. For data analysis, which was carried out with the software SmartPLS, 153 responses were utilized. Using aggregate and disaggregate analyses on the developed model, various critical success factors in NPOs’ email marketing could be empirically identified. Furthermore, an importance-performance map analysis allowed the identification of the most crucial measures for increasing success, as a low performance of the NPOs faces a high total effect on email marketing success. From the results of the importance-performance map analysis, it was possible to derive specific practice-relevant action recommendations regarding measures in which NPOs should prioritize an increase in performance. Therefore, in addition to its theoretical relevance, the study also has a strong practical value.
Sciomyzidae (Diptera) Assemblages in Constructed and Natural Wetlands: Implications for Constructed Wetland Design
Authors: Mulkeen Collette J. , Gormally Michael J. , Swaney William T. , Healy Mark G. , Williams Christopher David
Published: December 2023

Wetlands constructed primarily for the treatment of wastewaters have been shown to have a role in enhancing biodiversity. However, while most biodiversity studies of constructed wetlands focus on the larger, more iconic animal groups, there is a paucity of information on the aerial phases of wetland invertebrate species associated with constructed wetlands. This study compares Sciomyzidae (Diptera) assemblages, established indicators of wetland dipteran communities, in Irish constructed and natural wetlands, in addition to determining the impacts of water quality and surrounding habitats on Sciomyzidae community structure. Natural wetlands had significantly greater species richness, abundances and diversity (measured as Shannon’s entropy) of sciomyzid flies than constructed wetlands. Nevertheless, although concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus in waters were significantly greater in constructed wetlands, seven of the eight constructed wetlands examined hosted species of Sciomyzidae listed as scarce or threatened in Britain. In addition, sciomyzid species richness increased as areas of semi-natural habitat immediately surrounding constructed and natural wetlands increased. Composition of Sciomyzidae assembalges in both natural and constructed wetlands were analysed. The results of this study demonstrate that constructed wetlands can be important contributors to biodiversity particularly in the context of current losses of natural wetlands worldwide. The importance of habitats immediately surrounding constructed wetlands also highlights the need for relatively simple design recommendations (e.g. wet grassland creation or judicious planting of wetland trees) that could enhance the biodiversity of existing and future constructed wetlands.
$$k^{n}_{m}$$-Rung picture fuzzy information in a modern approach to multi-attribute group decision-making
Authors: Ibrahim Hariwan Z. , Al-shami Tareq M. , Arar Murad , Hosny M.
Published: December 2023

A useful tool for expressing fuzziness and uncertainty is the recently developed n,m-rung orthopair fuzzy set (n,m-ROFS). Due to their superior ability to manage uncertain situations compared to theories of q-rung orthopair fuzzy sets, the n,m-rung orthopair fuzzy sets have variety of applications in decision-making in daily life. To deal with ambiguity and unreliability in multi-attribute group decision-making, this study introduces a novel tool called $$k^{n}_{m}$$

k
m
n

-rung picture fuzzy set ($$k^{n}_{m}$$

k
m
n

-RPFS). The suggested $$k^{n}_{m}$$

k
m
n

-RPFS incorporates all of the benefits of n,m-ROFS and represents both the quantitative and qualitative analyses of the decision-makers. The presented model is a fruitful advancement of the q-rung picture fuzzy set (q-RPFS). Furthermore, numerous of its key notions, including as complement, intersection, and union are explained and illustrated with instances. In many decision-making situations, the main benefit of $$k^{n}_{m}$$

k
m
n

-rung picture fuzzy sets is the ability to express more uncertainty than q-rung picture fuzzy sets. Then, along with their numerous features, we discover the basic set of operations for the $$k^{n}_{m}$$

k
m
n

-rung picture fuzzy sets. Importantly, we present a novel operator, $$k^{n}_{m}$$

k
m
n

-rung picture fuzzy weighted power average ($$k^{n}_{m}$$

k
m
n

-RPFWPA) over $$k^{n}_{m}$$

k
m
n

-rung picture fuzzy sets, and use it to multi-attribute decision-making issues for evaluating alternatives with $$k^{n}_{m}$$

k
m
n

-rung picture fuzzy information. Additionally, we use this operator to pinpoint the countries with the highest expat living standards and demonstrate how to choose the best option by comparing aggregate findings and applying score values. Finally, we compare the outcomes of the q-RPFEWA, SFWG, PFDWA, SFDWA, and SFWA operators to those of the $$k^{n}_{m}$$

k
m
n

-RPFWPA operator.
Influence of coupling mechanism of loose layer and fault on multi-physical fields in mining areas
Authors: Luo Jin , Li Yingming , Meng Xiangrui , Guo Qingbiao , Zhao Guangming
Published: December 2023

Coal mining under the geological conditions of a loose layer will lead to the intensification of surface movement and deformation, and mining under the geological conditions of a fault will lead to the living slip of a fault. Mining under both conditions will have a great impact on the safety of coal production. To reveal the evolution law of the coupling mechanism of loose layer and fault on the multi-physical fields of overburden, the numerical simulation method is used to simulate the coupling of loose layer and fault with different thicknesses, analyze the changes of vertical stress on the key strata, the changes of surface subsidence, the evolution of elastic energy on the fault zone and the changes of activated slip area of the fault zone. The simulation analysis shows that the vertical stress change trend of the key strata gradually changes from the "V" shape to the "W" shape at the beginning of mining, and the vertical stress concentration will occur at the fault. The loose layer will promote surface subsidence, and the fault will hinder the surface subsidence to a certain extent. The loose layer and the fault alternately affect the surface subsidence. The elastic energy accumulation on the key strata is mainly concentrated on both sides of the goaf. The elastic energy in the center of the goaf is dissipated. The elastic energy accumulation in the fault zone starts from the shallowly buried fault and gradually develops to the deeply buried fault. The instability of fault activation has gone through the initial stage of activation—the intensification stage of activation—the stable stage of activation. Under the working conditions of no loose layer, thin loose layer, and thick loose layer, the fault zone is the first to undergo living slip, and under the action of an extra-thick loose layer, there is a certain lag in the activation slip of the fault zone.
Long-term changes of rice yield loss estimated with AOT40 and M7 metrics using comprehensive ozone and rice cultivation data over South Korea
Authors: Lee Jimin , Han Jin-seok , Park Jinsu , Ahn Joon-Yeong , Lee Gangwoong
Published: December 2023

This study examines the change in rice yield due to ozone exposure in South Korea using extended air quality monitoring data from 2000 onwards. Notably, the maximum daily 8-h average O3 (MDA8O3) showed a substantial annual increase of 1 part per billion by volume (ppbv) from 1990 to 2021. AOT40 (accumulated dose of ozone over a threshold of 40 ppb) levels exceeded set thresholds in the early 2010s, and the M7 (mean 7-h ozone mixing ratio) index exhibited a parallel pattern, with a more pronounced increase than the AOT40 during the same period. Spatial variations of AOT40 and M7 metrics have been assessed annually across South Korea since 2000. Both metrics displayed spatial disparities, with higher values in western regions and lower values in the east. In particular, Dangjin and Seosan counties in Chungnam province experienced the greatest rice yield loss due to extensive rice cultivation area and high ozone exposure metrics. The quantified yield loss due to AOT40 increased from 127,000 in 2000 to 230,000 tonnes in 2021 with an increasing rate of 6500 tonnes per year. M7 indicated a rise in yield loss of 3500 tonnes per year, with yield losses growing from 32,000 in 2000 to 92,000 tonnes in 2021. Despite M7’s lower loss, it demonstrated a higher percentage increase of 188% over two decades, which was double AOT40’s 81%. While the decline in rice production was mainly linked to shrinking cultivation areas, its productivity was improved. Taking both factors into account, there was an unexplained 3% decrease in production over the same period. This discrepancy was close to the 2.5% rice yield loss attributed to the AOT40 metrics, suggesting that the majority of the additional 3% decline in production, surpassing improvements in productivity, could be attributed to the impacts of ozone exposure. We estimated the annual economic loss due to rice yield loss up to around 0.6 billion US dollars, corresponding to an annual rice production loss of 230,000 tonnes using AOT40. It is important to note that this value is expected to steadily worsen as ozone levels increase. This underscores the urgency of taking swift measures to reduce ozone levels, aiming not only to mitigate future economic losses but also to prevent potential health implications.
Analysis of spatiotemporal distribution of air quality index (AQI) in the state of West Bengal, India from 2016 to 2021
Authors: Ghosh Buddhadev , Barman Harish Chandra , Padhy Pratap Kumar
Published: December 2023

The ambient air quality is progressively declining, especially in emerging countries, due to increased urbanization, high demands of energy, and industrialization. High risks to human health and environmental degradation are associated with air pollution. The analysis of the Air Quality Index (AQI) serves as a valuable tool for simplifying the communication of air quality in a specific region, making it easily comprehensible to the general public. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and Indian air quality regulations recommend mathematical functions to compute sub-indices for calculating the AQI. The main objectives of this study were to evaluate the AQI status from a different point of view (monthly, seasonal, and annual variations and association of AQI with meteorological factors) and estimate the future AQI. The monthly AQI values in West Bengal vary from “Satisfactory to Moderate” level from 2016 to 2021. In district-wise, the highest AQI was observed in Kolkata (189), Bardhaman (178), and Murshidabad (167) in the year 2016; Kolkata (180), Bardhaman (155), and Howrah (155) in 2017; Howrah (180), Kolkata (179) and Hoogly (166) in 2018; Howrah (170), Kolkata (156) and Bardhaman (156) in 2019; Howrah (150), South 24 Parganas (137), and Kolkata (136) in 2020 and Howrah (161), Kolkata (139), and South 24 Parganas (139) in 2021 respectively in Winter season. The association between meteorological parameters, such as temperature (r = − 0.605, p < 0.001), relative humidity (r = − 0.647, p < 0.001), and precipitation (r = − 0.821, p < 0.001) and AQI shows a significant strong negative correlation (p < 0.05). In addition, the relative influence of temperature, precipitation, and relative humidity was 53.13%, 36.69%, and 10.18%, respectively, on AQI variation. Temperature plays a significant role in association with AQI distribution in the atmosphere than RH and precipitation. The distribution of AQI in the whole state of West Bengal showed a higher AQI observed in the Southern part compared to the northern part of the state. The study's conclusions and recommendations can help stakeholders and policymakers’ to control and improve the deterioration of air quality caused by concerns about AQI and human health.
The Problem of Divine Action in the World
Authors: Archer Joel
Published: December 2023

The world's major monotheistic religions share the view that God acts in the world. This Element discusses the nature of divine action, with a specific focus on miracles or 'special' divine acts. Miracles are sometimes considered problematic. Some argue that they are theologically untenable or that they violate the laws of nature. Others claim that even if miracles occur, it is never rational to believe in them based on testimony. Still others maintain that miracles are not within the scope of historical investigation. After addressing these objections, the author examines the function of miracles as 'signs' in the New Testament.
Drought and Human Mobility in Africa
Authors: Ceola S. , Mård J. , Di Baldassarre G.
Published: December 2023

Human mobility from droughts is multifaceted and depends on environmental, political, social, demographic and economic factors. Although droughts cannot be considered as the single trigger, they significantly influence people's decision to move. Yet, the ways in which droughts influence patterns of human settlements have remained poorly understood. Here we explore the relationships between drought occurrences and changes in the spatial distribution of human settlements across 50 African countries for the period 1992–2013. For each country, we extract annual drought occurrences from two indicators, the international disaster database EM‐DAT and the standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI‐12) records, and we evaluate human settlement patterns by considering urban population data and human distance to rivers, as derived from nighttime lights. We then compute human displacements as variations in human distribution between adjacent years, which are then associated with drought (or non‐drought) years. Our results show that drought occurrences across Africa are often associated with (other things being equal) human mobility toward rivers or cities. In particular, we found that human settlements tend to get closer to water bodies or urban areas during drought conditions, as compared to non‐drought periods, in 70%–81% of African countries. We interpret this tendency as a physical manifestation of drought adaptation, and discuss how this may result into increasing flood risk or overcrowding urban areas. As such, our results shed light on the interplay between human mobility and climate change, bolstering the analysis on the spatiotemporal dynamics of drought risks in a warming world.
These Four Exoplanets Have Wild, Rocky Weather
Authors: Cutts Elise
Published: December 2023

On many exoplanets, conditions are so exotic that minerals form clouds and fall as rain. Recent studies revealed the rocky weather on these four exoplanets in more detail than ever before.
A Comprehensive Assessment of Anthropogenic and Natural Sources and Sinks of Australasia's Carbon Budget
Authors: Villalobos Yohanna , Canadell Josep G. , Keller Elizabeth D. , Briggs Peter R. , Bukosa Beata , Giltrap Donna L. , Harman Ian , Hilton Timothy W. , Kirschbaum Miko U. F. , Lauerwald Ronny , Liang Liyin L. , Maavara Taylor , Mikaloff‐Fletcher Sara E. , Rayner Peter J. , Resplandy Laure , Rosentreter Judith , Metz Eva‐Marie , Serrano Oscar , Smith Benjamin
Published: December 2023

Regional carbon budget assessments attribute and track changes in carbon sources and sinks and support the development and monitoring the efficacy of climate policies. We present a comprehensive assessment of the natural and anthropogenic carbon (C‐CO2) fluxes for Australasia as a whole, as well as for Australia and New Zealand individually, for the period from 2010 to 2019, using two approaches: bottom‐up methods that integrate flux estimates from land‐surface models, data‐driven models, and inventory estimates; and top‐down atmospheric inversions based on satellite and in situ measurements. Our bottom‐up decadal assessment suggests that Australasia's net carbon balance was close to carbon neutral (−0.4 ± 77.0 TgC yr−1). However, substantial uncertainties remain in this estimate, primarily driven by the large spread between our regional terrestrial biosphere simulations and predictions from global ecosystem models. Within Australasia, Australia was a net source of 38.2 ± 75.8 TgC yr−1, and New Zealand was a net CO2 sink of −38.6 ± 13.4 TgC yr−1. The top‐down approach using atmospheric CO2 inversions indicates that fluxes derived from the latest satellite retrievals are consistent within the range of uncertainties with Australia's bottom‐up budget. For New Zealand, the best agreement was found with a national scale flux inversion estimate based on in situ measurements, which provide better constrained of fluxes than satellite flux inversions. This study marks an important step toward a more comprehensive understanding of the net CO2 balance in both countries, facilitating the improvement of carbon accounting approaches and strategies to reduce emissions.
Active‐Source Seismic Imaging of Fault Re‐Activation and Leakage: An Injection Experiment at the Mt Terri Rock Laboratory, Switzerland
Authors: Shadoan Tanner A. , Ajo‐Franklin Jonathan B. , Guglielmi Yves , Wood Todd , Robertson Michelle , Cook Paul , Soom Florian , Daley Thomas M. , Hopp Chet , Tribaldos Verónica Rodríguez , Marchesini Pierpaolo , Nussbaum Christophe , Birkholzer Jens
Published: December 2023

We conducted a time‐lapse seismic experiment utilizing automated active seismic source and sensor arrays to monitor a reactivated fault within the Opalinus clay formation at the Mont Terri Rock Laboratory (Switzerland), an analog caprock for geologic carbon storage. A series of six brine injections were conducted into the so‐called Main Fault to reactivate it. Seismic instrumentation in five monitoring boreholes on either side of the fault was used to continuously probe changes in P‐wave travel‐times associated with fault displacement and leakage. We performed time‐lapse travel‐time tomography on five hundred sequential data sets; this revealed a zone of decreased P‐wave velocity, up to 16 m/s, during each injection cycle, followed by a velocity increase during shut‐in. These results demonstrate varying elastic property perturbations, both spatially and temporally, along the fault plane during reactivation. We then interpreted these velocity changes in terms of fault dilation induced by pressurized fluids along the fault.
Differentiating Between Simultaneous Loss Drivers in Earth's Outer Radiation Belt: Multi‐Dimensional Phase Space Density Analysis
Authors: Staples F. A. , Ma Q. , Kellerman A. , Rae I. J. , Forsyth C. , Sandhu J. K. , Bortnik J.
Published: December 2023

We analyzed the contribution of electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) wave driven electron loss to a flux dropout event in September 2017. The evolution of electron phase space density (PSD) through the dropout showed the formation of a radially peaked PSD profile as electrons were lost at high L*, resembling distributions created by magnetopause shadowing. By comparing 2D Fokker Planck simulations of pitch angle diffusion to the observed change in PSD, we found that the μ and K of electron loss aligned with maximum scattering rates at dropout onset. We conclude that, during this dropout event, EMIC waves produced substantial electron loss. Because pitch angle diffusion occurred on closed drift paths near the last closed drift shell, no radial PSD minimum was observed. Therefore, the radial PSD gradients resembled solely magnetopause shadowing loss, even though the local pitch angle scattering produced electron losses of several orders of magnitude of the PSD.
The Relation Among the Ring Current, Subauroral Polarization Stream, and the Geospace Plume: MAGE Simulation of the 31 March 2001 Super Storm
Authors: Bao Shanshan , Wang Wenbin , Sorathia Kareem , Merkin Viacheslav , Toffoletto Frank , Lin Dong , Pham Kevin , Garretson Jeffrey , Wiltberger Michael , Lyon John , Michael Adam
Published: December 2023

The geospace plume, referring to the combined processes of the plasmaspheric and the ionospheric storm‐enhanced density (SED)/total electron content (TEC) plumes, is one of the unique features of geomagnetic storms. The apparent spatial overlap and joint temporal evolution between the plasmaspheric plume and the equatorial mapping of the SED/TEC plume indicate strong magnetospheric‐ionospheric coupling. However, a systematic modeling study of the factors contributing to geospace plume development has not yet been performed due to the lack of a sufficiently comprehensive model including all the relevant physical processes. In this paper, we present a numerical simulation of the geospace plume in the 31 March 2001 storm using the Multiscale Atmosphere‐Geospace Environment model. The simulation reproduces the observed linkage of the two plumes, which, we interpret as a result of both being driven by the electric field that maps between the magnetosphere and the ionosphere. The model predicts two velocity channels of sunward plasma drift at different latitudes in the dusk sector during the storm main phase, which are identified as the sub‐auroral polarization stream (subauroral polarization streams (SAPS)) and the convection return flow, respectively. The SAPS is responsible for the erosion of the plasmasphere plume and contributes to the ionospheric TEC depletion in the midlatitude trough region. We further find the spatial distributions of the magnetospheric ring current ions and electrons, determined by a delicate balance of the energy‐dependent gradient/curvature drifts and the E × B drifts, are crucial to sustain the SAPS electric field that shapes the geospace plume throughout the storm main phase.