bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advancements in polyol synthesis: expanding chemical horizons and Néel temperature tuning of CoO nanoparticles
Authors: Baričić Miran , Nuñez Jorge M. , Aguirre Myriam H. , Hrabovsky David , Seydou Mahamadou , Meneghini Carlo , Peddis Davide , Ammar Souad
Published: May 2024

The polyol synthesis of CoO nanoparticles (NPs) is typically conducted by dissolving and heating cobalt acetate tetrahydrate and water in diethylene glycol (DEG). This process yields aggregates of approximately 100 nm made of partially aligned primary crystals. However, the synthesis demands careful temperature control to allow the nucleation of CoO while simultaneously preventing reduction, caused by the activity of DEG. This restriction hinders the flexibility to freely adjust synthesis conditions, impeding the ability to obtain particles with varied morpho-structural properties, which, in turn, directly impact chemical and physical attributes. In this context, the growth of CoO NPs in polyol was studied focusing on the effect of the polyol chain length and the synthesis temperature at two different water/cations ratios. During this investigation, we found that longer polyol chains remove the previous limits of the method, allowing the tuning of aggregate size (20–150 nm), shape (spherical-octahedral), and crystalline length (8–35 nm). Regarding the characterization, our focus revolved around investigating the magnetic properties inherent in the synthesized products. From this point of view, two pivotal findings emerged. Firstly, we identified small quantities of a layered hydroxide ferromagnetic intermediate, which acted as interference in our measurements. This intermediate exhibited magnetic properties consistent with features observed in other publications on CoO produced in systems compatible with the intermediate formation. Optimal synthetic conditions that prevent the impurity from forming were found. This resolution clarifies several ambiguities existing in literature about CoO low-temperature magnetic behavior. Secondly, a regular relationship of the NPs' TN with their crystallite size was found, allowing us to regulate TN over ~ 80 K. For the first time, a branching was found in this structure-dependent magnetic feature, with samples of spheroidal morphology consistently having lower magnetic temperatures, when compared to samples with faceted/octahedral shape, providing compelling evidence for a novel physical parameter influencing the TN of a material. These two findings contribute to the understanding of the fundamental properties of CoO and antiferromagnetic materials.
Linking periodontitis with 20 cancers, emphasis on oropharyngeal cancer: a Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Xiong Jun , Liu Hao , Li Conghua , Li Yong , Feng Jiali
Published: May 2024

While associations between periodontitis and an elevated risk of cancer have been suggested, the results of existing observational studies have been inconsistent, also leaving room for further investigation into the underlying mechanisms. This study was designed to delve into the possible causal link between periodontitis and 20 standard cancers while concurrently identifying potential mediators. We initiated a Mendelian randomization analysis that drew from either publicly accessible or personally obtained genome-wide association study (GWAS) datasets. The inverse variance weighting (IVW) method served as our primary tool for analysis. To ensure the strength and consistency of our results, we implemented additional strategies, including weighted median, weighted mode, MR-Egger regression, and MR pleiotropy residual sum and outlier (MR-PRESSO), bolstered by funnel plots. Our analysis unveiled an elevated risk of head and neck cancer concomitant with periodontitis (p = 0.041, OR 0.999, 95% CI 0.999–1.000), specifically a heightened risk of oropharyngeal cancer (p = 0.022, OR 0.999, 95% CI 0.999–1.000). As a result of probing into potential mediators, Fusobacterium nucleatum emerged as a likely intermediary in the promoting effect of periodontitis on oropharyngeal cancer (p = 0.021, OR 0.999, 95% CI 0.998–1.000). Inversely, basal cell carcinoma and endometrial cancer demonstrated an association with an increased incidence of periodontitis (basal cell carcinoma: p = 0.020, OR 0.987, 95% CI 0.976–0.998; endometrial cancer: p = 0.027, OR 0.984, 95% CI 0.970–0.998). However, periodontitis exerted no significant causal impact on the 19 other common cancers or the three subtypes of head and neck cancer. To conclude, our results support the theory that periodontitis contributes to an enhanced risk of head and neck cancer, particularly oropharyngeal cancer, with Fusobacterium nucleatum functioning as a potential intermediary.
The association between overactive bladder and systemic immunity-inflammation index: a cross-sectional study of NHANES 2005 to 2018
Authors: Wei Baian , Zhao Ying , Lin Pinli , Qiu Wenqiang , Wang Shusheng , Gu Chiming , Deng Lili , Deng Tewei , Li Siyi
Published: May 2024

Current research indicate that inflammation is linked to the development of overactive bladder (OAB). The aim of this study was to examine the correlation between OAB and the systemic immunity-inflammation index (SII) in the USA. We analyzed data from 31,881 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005–2018. SII, calculated as platelet count × neutrophil count/lymphocyte count, was categorized into quartiles. OAB was defined by the presence of urge urinary incontinence and nocturia. Weighted logistic regression models were used to examine the independent relationship between SII and OAB, adjusting for demographic factors, kidney function, and diabetes status. The results showed that each tenfold increase in log-transformed SII was associated with an 18% higher odds of OAB (OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.08–1.28) in the fully adjusted model. Compared to the lowest SII quartile, the highest quartile had a 28% increased OAB risk (OR 1.28, 95% CI 1.12–1.47). The positive association between SII and OAB risk was consistently observed across subgroups stratified by age, sex, race, marital status, education, and poverty level. Our study reveals a positive correlation between SII levels and OAB, indicating that higher SII levels are associated with an increased likelihood of developing OAB.
Bone turnover prediction in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) undergoing hemodialysis using shortened dynamic 18F-NaF PET/CT Ki–Patlak
Authors: Sanoesan Viyada , Phannajit Jeerath , Kingpetch Kanaungnit , Sawatnatee Thunyaluk , Phromphao Benchamat , Susantitaphong Paweena , Sukprakun Chanan , Khamwan Kitiwat
Published: May 2024

This study investigated whether Ki–Patlak derived from a shortened scan time for dynamic 18F-NaF PET/CT in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients undergoing hemodialysis can provide predictive accuracy comparable to that obtained from a longer scan. Twenty-seven patients on chronic hemodialysis, involving a total of 42 scans between December 2021 and August 2023 were recruited. Dynamic 18F-NaF PET/CT scans, lasting 60–90 min, were immediately acquired post-injection, covering the mid-twelfth thoracic vertebra to the pelvis region. Ki–Patlak analysis was performed on bone time–activity curves at 15, 30, 45, 60, and 90 min in the lumbar spine (L1–L4) and both anterior iliac crests. Spearman’s rank correlation (rs) and interclass correlation coefficient were used to assess the correlation and agreement of Ki–Patlak between shortened and standard scan times. Bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BsAP) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase isoform 5b (TRAP5b) were tested for their correlation with individual Ki–Patlak. Strong correlations and good agreement were observed between Ki–Patlak values from shortened 30-min scans and longer 60–90-min scans in both lumbar spine (rs = 0.858, p < 0.001) and anterior iliac crest regions (rs = 0.850, p < 0.001). The correlation between BsAP and Ki–Patlak in the anterior iliac crests was weak and statistically insignificant. This finding suggests that a proposed shortened dynamic 18F-NaF PET/CT scan is effective in assessing bone metabolic flux in CKD patients undergoing hemodialysis, offering a non-invasive alternative approach for bone turnover prediction.
Lighting up endogenous H2O2 in the tumor microenvironment using a dual-mode nanoprobe for long afterglow and MR bioimaging
Authors: Wang Yiming , He Jintao , Feng Rong , Chen Jingwen , Xie Gege , Yu Shengrong , Wu Yong-Xiang , Tang Keqi
Published: May 2024

A dual-mode bioimaging nanoprobe ZGC@MnO2 was successfully developed for long afterglow imaging and MRI of endogenous H2O2 in the TME.
Selective encapsulation of carboxylic acid dimers within a size-regulable resorcinarene-based hemicarcerand
Authors: Harada Kentaro , Ono Yudai , Sekiya Ryo , Haino Takeharu
Published: May 2024

A cavity within a resorcinarene-based hemicarcerand was contracted and expanded through conformational changes induced by the complexation and decomplexation, allowing self-sorting of homo- and heterodimeric carboxylic acid pairs.
Differential capacitance of curved electrodes: role of hydration interactions and charge regulation
Authors: Bossa Guilherme Volpe , Caetano Daniel Lucas Zago
Published: May 2024

Supercapacitors offer numerous advantages over conventional batteries. The functioning of supercapacitors relies on the electrostatic double-layer capacitance and it is affected by the electrode geometry and chemical composition.
Portable all-in-one microfluidic system for CRISPR–Cas13a-based fully integrated multiplexed nucleic acid detection
Authors: Zhang Ya , Guo Yue , Liu Guozhen , Zhou Shiqi , Su Rouyu , Ma Qian , Ge Yiyue , Lu Yan-qing , Cui Lunbiao , Wang Guanghui
Published: May 2024

A portable centrifugal microfluidic device was developed that integrates nucleic acid purification, amplification and CRISPR detection for one-step rapid multiplex diagnosis of infectious diseases in resource-limited settings.
Ultra-stretchable, fast self-healing, adhesive, and strain-sensitive wearable sensors based on ionic conductive hydrogels
Authors: Ren Jie , Zhang Wenjing , Li Ruirui , Zhang Minmin , Li Yan , Yang Wu
Published: May 2024

A wearable hydrogel-based sensor has been developed by constructing various dynamic interactions to balance mechanical strength and conductivity as well as improve the self-healing and self-adhesive properties.
Adsorption of C2H2 on heteroatom-decorated graphene
Authors: Cai Tianzi , Zhang Zilong , Gai Xingyu , Zuo Fangmin , Gao Fengkai , Wang Bolin , Zhang Haifeng
Published: May 2024

There remains considerable debate over the adsorption mechanism of acetylene in transformer fault gas detection.
Elucidating, understanding, and correlating the (photo)electrochemical and physicochemical properties of HKUST-1 through an experimental and computational approach
Authors: Alfonso Herrera L. A. , Mondaca F. , Conejeros Sergio , Torres-Martínez Leticia M. , Mora-Hernandez J. Manuel
Published: May 2024

We identified three fundamental issues that limit the photocatalytic activity of HKUST-1: (i) a low relative permittivity of the semiconductor (εr), (ii) a wide bandgap value, and (iii) a low reduction potential for the conduction band (CB).
Advances in antitumor application of ROS enzyme-mimetic catalysts
Authors: Jiang Lingfeng , Luo Menglin , Wang Jiawei , Ma Zijun , Zhang Chuan , Zhang Maochun , Zhang Qing , Yang Hanfeng , Li Ling
Published: May 2024

ROS production is increased by improving Enz-Cats and combining different treatments to achieve the purpose of highly efficient killing of tumor cells.
Effects of Exopolysaccharides on the regulation of FTH1 protein expression and cell death of HaCaT cells under ultraviolet irradiation
Authors: Wu Ruoxi
Published: May 2024

Previous research works indicate that natural exopolysaccharide (EPS) produced by lactic acid bacteria Lactobacillus plantarum HY7714 might be effective at anti-photoaging and due to its function as antioxidants against reactive oxygen species (ROS). Through regulating the expression level of FTH1, intracellular iron dyshomeostasis induced by UV irradiation might be relieved. This research paper investigates on the regulation of exopolysaccharides on FTH1 expression, ferritin concentration and level of lipid peroxidation in HaCaT cells under UVA+UVB exposure. In our research, we found that HaCaT cell viability is higher when treated with exopolysaccharides, which indicates that exopolysaccharides could effectively improve cell viability under UV radiation. Also, the presence of EPS and FTH1 are shown to decrease lipid peroxidation level and reduce intracellular ferritin concentration, which demonstrates that EPS could upregulate the FTH1 expression level to mediate the ferritin concentration in the HaCaT cells which would further balance iron homeostasis. Ultimately, EPS are proved to decrease cell death under UV radiation through modulating FTH1 protein expression.
Effect of Pingxiao capsule on thyroid nodules and its influence on serum TGF-β1 and IGF-1 levels
Authors: Zhang Yan
Published: May 2024

aTo investigate the effect of Pingxiao capsule on the treatment of thyroid nodules and its effect on the levels of serum transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). Eighty-six patients with thyroid nodules admitted to the First Hospital Affiliated to Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine were selected and divided into 2 groups according to the random number table method. In the study, the control group received sodiumlevothyroxine treatment, while the observation group received a combination of Pingxiao capsule and sodiumlevothyroxine. A comparative analysis was conducted between the two groups, assessing Chinese medicine symptom scores, clinical effectiveness, thyroid nodule size, thyroid function indices, serum levels of TGF-β1 and IGF-1, as well as adverse reactions. RESULTS: Post-treatment, both groups exhibited decreased scores in patients with palpable neck nodules, laryngeal obstruction, depression, Shantaixi, and dizziness (P<0.05). Notably, the observation group demonstrated lower scores than the control group (P<0.05). The observation group exhibited a higher total effective rate compared to the control group (P<0.05). Reductions in thyroid nodule sizes and serum thyrotropin (TSH) levels were observed in both groups after treatment (P<0.05), with the observation group displaying lower values than the control group (P<0.05). Additionally, serum free tri-iodothyronine (FT3) and free tetra-iodothyronine (FT4) levels increased in both groups (P<0.05), with the observation group showing higher levels (P<0.05). Post-treatment, serum TGF-β1 levels increased in both groups (P<0.05), with the observation group exhibiting higher levels (P<0.05). Moreover, serum IGF-1 levels decreased in both groups (P<0.05), and the observation group displayed lower levels than the control group (P<0.05). Importantly, there was no statistically significant difference in the incidence rate of adverse reactions between the two groups (P>0.05). Pingxia capsule used in the treatment of patients with thyroid nodules can reduce clinical symptoms, improve the therapeutic effect, and at the same time can promote the recovery of thyroid function and regulate the serum TGF-β1, IGF-1 levels.
Nitric oxide synergistic microwave via amplification of immunogenic cell death for enhanced tumor thermotherapy
Authors: Guo Wenna , Chen Zengzhen , Gu Deen , Meng Xianwei
Published: May 2024

In recent years, microwave thermotherapy (MWT) has been widely concerned in tumor treatment. However, problems such as easy recurrence have restricted its application. And some studies have shown that thermotherapy will enhance the immune effect at the same time, but the effect is weak and not enough to inhibit tumor recurrence after thermotherapy. Therefore, we can effectively inhibit tumor growth and recurrence by enhancing the immune effect after thermotherapy. In this paper, Zr-MOF nanoparticles were used to encapsulate the donor of nitrosocysteine (CSNO) for nitric oxide release, and then the mitochondriatargeting ligand of triphenylphosphine (TPP) was attached to obtain CSNO@Zr-MOF-TPP (SZMT) nanocomposites. Under microwave irradiation, SZMT releases NO, which promotes high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) release and calreticulin (CRT) expression, thereby activating the immune effect. The SZMT nanocomposites realizes the combined treatment of MWT, gas therapy and immunotherapy under microwave irradiation, which provides a new insight for the application of MWT in the clinic.
Mechanism of Th17 and Treg in Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Shu Leqin , Wang Ziyuan
Published: May 2024

Allergic rhinitis (AR) influenced over half billion people around the globe, and its mechanism had been studied for long. While the role of Th1 and Th2 in AR was supported by substantial evidence, the relationship between Th17, Tregs, and AR was less researched. The role of Th17 and Tregs was less understood and sometimes downplayed. However, Recent studies suggested a close relationship between Th17, Tregs, and AR. Th17 and Treg secreted cytokines that could promote or attenuate inflammation and other AR symptoms via interaction with other molecules, cells, and pathways. This essay summarized these studies, and might provide a more thorough insight on AR mechanism and potential AR treatments. Th17 enhanced AR through the release of proinflammatory cytokines, including IL-17 that induced other immune cell response through multiple pathways, increased IgE production via interaction with other interleukins and cells, and promoted the release of other pro-inflammatory mediators. Tregs inhibited inflammation of via the release of anti-inflammatory cytokines including IL-10 and TGF-β, which suppressed the response of other immune cells such as T cell, B cell, eosinophil, and mast cell, inhibited IgE function via regulated immune cell response, and decreased pro-inflammatory factor release through involvement in the STAT3 related pathway. Based on these studies, several potential AR treatments emerged, as anti-IL-17-neutralizing antibodies, anti-IL-33 antibodies, and CC10 effectively inhibited inflammation, and probiotic NVP-1703 reduced rhinorrhea, nasal congestion, watery eyes, and sleep disturbance, though further research was necessary in order to comprehensively examine and compare the efficacy of these treatments. Understanding the role of Th17 and Treg could help researchers develop new drug that target specific messenger in signalling transduction pathways of Th17 and Treg cytokines that might augment or attenuate AR symptoms or immune response, giving rise to a probability of AR treatments with less adverse effects and stronger efficacy in the future.
An Optimized Update Method for Atrial Fibrillation Detection for Wearable Devices
Authors: Zhang Shihui , Zhu Shanshan , Zou Xin
Published: May 2024

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a disease of the elderly with high rates of disability and mortality. In order to solve the problems of missed early AF diagnosis and wearable device AF data analysis not fast and accurate enough, this paper uses deep incremental learning to train AF signals as a capture model based on AF data and normal ECG data in public databases and so on. Capturing atrial fibrillation signals from early stage clinical atrial fibrillation patients is considered as a new task, and the established capture model for the old task is updated and learned online, including the online update algorithm of multi-task atrial fibrillation signal capture model based on knowledge distillation and knowledge verification. Finally, the model parameters are adaptively optimised to solve the problems of time-consuming online updating and poor diagnostic performance of the model. The experimental results show that the diagnostic result of AF based on knowledge review is 0.94, and the diagnostic result of AF based on multi-task incremental learning is 0.88 after adding new samples from the clinic.In summary, the results of this research can improve the ability of early detection of AF, which can help promote the practical process of AF diagnostic technology in the clinic.
Recent Advances in Ligand-Controlled Regio- or Stereodivergent Transition-Metal-Catalyzed Hydroelementation (H[E]) (E = H, B, Si, Ge) of C–C Unsaturated Systems
Authors: Park Sehoon
Published: May 2024

Reductive functionalization of C–C unsaturated systems, including alkenes and alkynes, with a range of hydroelements (H[E]) is one of the most fundamental and highly practical methods for the synthesis of functionalized hydrocarbons. Since the resultant hydrocarbon products have strong applicability as synthetic intermediates, numerous homogeneous organo(metallic) catalysts have been intensively utilized to date for reductive functionalization reactions. In particular, well-defined transition-metal-based catalysts capable of controlling the regio- or stereoselectivity of a product by harnessing the addition of H[E] (E = H, B, Si, Ge) into Cα–Cβ unsaturated bonds have drawn special attention. In this review, we describe recent examples of transition-metal catalytic systems (M = Fe, Co, Rh, Pd, Ni) for regio- or stereodivergent hydroelementation reactions of (conjugated) alkenes, alkynes, and allenes to give a pair of isomeric products in high selectivities from the same starting compounds simply by variation of the ligand. Mechanistic aspects of the ligand-controlled selectivity divergence are discussed in detail on the basis of experimental observations and/or computational insights.

1 Introduction

2 Hydroelementation of Alkenes and Alkynes

3 Hydroelementation of Conjugated Dienes and Diynes

4 Hydroelementation of Allenes

5 Summary and Outlook
Dravet Syndrome: An Electroclinical, Genetic, Treatment, and Outcome Study of 35 Patients in Argentina
Authors: Caraballo Roberto H. , Veneruzzo Gabriel , Loos Mariana , Reyes Gabriela , Juanes Matías , Martín Eugenia , Melgarejo Duarte Sergio , Touzón María Sol , Alonso Cristina
Published: May 2024

We analyzed the electroclinical features, molecular findings, treatment, disease course, and outcomes of patients with Dravet syndrome (DS) with positive genetic markers seen at a public hospital in Argentina. A retrospective study was conducted assessing the clinical records of 44 patients who met the diagnostic criteria for DS according to the 2022 classification of epilepsy of the International League Against Epilepsy seen at our center between March 2018 and June 2023. Of 44 patients, 35 (18 males and 17 females), in whom genetic studies yielded positive results, were included. Median age was 9 years (range 4 to 16 years), and the median time of follow-up was 10 years (range 3 to 14 years). The mean age at onset was 7 months. The first seizure was associated with febrile illness in all patients, and in 11 (31.4%), seizures were immediately preceded by either infectious disease or vaccination. Heterozygous pathogenic/likely pathogenic SCN1A variants were detected in 32 of the original 44 patients (73%), of which 47% were novel. Variants in other genes related to DS (HCN1, STXB1, and SCN1B) were identified in three patients. Cognitive delay and motor impairment were found to be more severe in patients that had multiple and drug-resistant seizures and in those who had the complete phenotype with myoclonic seizures. Novel SCN1A gene variants were identified in nearly half of the patients. The prognosis for cognitive development is unfavorable. Seizures are not well controlled with antiseizure medications and early treatment with ketogenic dietary therapy as well as cannabidiol should be considered.
Novel f-CaO soft sensor for cement clinker based on integrated model of dual-parallel structure
Authors: Xu Ting , Zou Yucheng , Wang Ruizhen , Zhang Chuanbin , Hu Xiaochun , Xia Luyue , Sun Xiaofang
Published: May 2024

Aiming at the problem that the cement production process is inherently affected by uncertainty, time delay, and strong coupling among variables, this paper proposed a novel soft sensor of free calcium oxide in a cement clinker. The model utilizes a dual-parallel integrated structure with an optimized integration of one-dimensional convolutional neural networks, long and short-term memory networks, graphical neural networks, and extreme gradient boosting. The proposed model can mitigate the risks associated with overfitting while incorporating the strengths of each individual model and excels in extracting both local and global features as well as temporal and spatial characteristics from the original time series data, ensuring its stability. The experimental results demonstrate that this dual-parallel integrated model exhibits superior robustness, predictive accuracy, and generalization capabilities when compared to single models or enhancements made to other deep learning algorithms.
Interfacial host–guest complexation for inverted perovskite solar cells
Authors: Ballestas Kevin , Milić Jovana V. , Ramírez Daniel
Published: May 2024

Perovskite solar cells have demonstrated exceptional development over the past decade, but their stability remains a challenge toward the application of this technology. Several strategies have been used to address this, and the use of host–guest complexation has recently attracted more interest. However, this approach has primarily been exploited in conventional perovskite solar cells based on n-i-p architectures, while its use in inverted p-i-n devices remains unexplored. Herein, we employ representative crown ether, dibenzo-24-crown-8, for interfacial host–guest complexation in inverted perovskite solar cells based on methylammonium and methylammonium-free formamidinium-cesium halide perovskite compositions. Upon post-treatment of the perovskite films, we observed nanostructures on the surface that were associated with the reduced amount of trap states at the interface with the electron transport layer. As a result, we demonstrate improved efficiencies and operational stabilities following ISOS-D-2I and ISOS-L-2I protocols, demonstrating the viability of this approach to advance device stability.
Biophysical principles predict fitness of SARS-CoV-2 variants
Authors: Wang Dianzhuo , Huot Marian , Mohanty Vaibhav , Shakhnovich Eugene I.
Published: May 2024

SARS-CoV-2 employs its spike protein’s receptor binding domain (RBD) to enter host cells. The RBD is constantly subjected to immune responses, while requiring efficient binding to host cell receptors for successful infection. However, our understanding of how RBD’s biophysical properties contribute to SARS-CoV-2’s epidemiological fitness remains largely incomplete. Through a comprehensive approach, comprising large-scale sequence analysis of SARS-CoV-2 variants and the identification of a fitness function based on binding thermodynamics, we unravel the relationship between the biophysical properties of RBD variants and their contribution to viral fitness. We developed a biophysical model that uses statistical mechanics to map the molecular phenotype space, characterized by dissociation constants of RBD to ACE2, LY-CoV016, LY-CoV555, REGN10987, and S309, onto an epistatic fitness landscape. We validate our findings through experimentally measured and machine learning (ML) estimated binding affinities, coupled with infectivity data derived from population-level sequencing. Our analysis reveals that this model effectively predicts the fitness of novel RBD variants and can account for the epistatic interactions among mutations, including explaining the later reversal of Q493R. Our study sheds light on the impact of specific mutations on viral fitness and delivers a tool for predicting the future epidemiological trajectory of previously unseen or emerging low-frequency variants. These insights offer not only greater understanding of viral evolution but also potentially aid in guiding public health decisions in the battle against COVID-19 and future pandemics.
Opportunities and Challenges for Malta’s Cruise Tourism and Its Growth Potential
Authors: Antonellini Luca
Published: May 2024

This case study provides an analysis of cruise tourism in Malta for the period from 2002 to 2033, with a specific focus on the year 2023. Malta has experienced a significant growth in cruise tourism over the years, predominantly attributable to the expansion of its home-port function and to the growth in average ship capacity. The comprehensive examination of cruise traffic in 2023 was conducted by employing a range of assessments, including market-related evaluations, and passenger and ship segmentation. A projection of cruise traffic for the ensuing decade was developed. Additionally, a thorough examination was undertaken of the principal tourist attractions in Malta, with attention given to those that are negatively impacted by the problem of overtourism. Furthermore, potential resolutions are proposed with the additional objective of enhancing the destination’s environmental sustainability.

Information

© The Author 2024
Direct inversion of the Longitudinal ray transform for 2D residual elastic strain fields
Authors: Wensrich C M , Holman S , Courdurier M , Lionheart W R B , Polyakova A P , Svetov I E
Published: May 2024

We examine the problem of Bragg-edge elastic strain tomography from energy resolved neutron transmission imaging. A new approach is developed for two-dimensional plane-stress and plane-strain systems whereby elastic strain can be reconstructed from its Longitudinal ray transform (LRT) as two parts of a Helmholtz decomposition based on the concept of an Airy stress potential. The solenoidal component of this decomposition is reconstructed using an inversion formula based on a tensor filtered back projection (FBP) algorithm whereas the potential part can be recovered using either Hooke’s law or a finite element model of the elastic system. The technique is demonstrated for two-dimensional plane-stress systems in both simulation, and on real experimental data. We also demonstrate that application of the standard scalar FBP algorithm to the LRT in these systems recovers the trace of the solenoidal component of strain and we provide physical meaning for this quantity in the case of 2D plane-stress and plane-strain systems.
Cosmic Ray Jump Detection for the Roman Wide Field Instrument
Authors: Sharma Sanjib , Casertano Stefano
Published: May 2024

We investigate algorithms for detecting and correcting for jumps due to cosmic rays in infrared detectors, with emphasis on Roman telescope’s Wide Field Instrument. We use a statistic S based on the excess difference between adjacent resultants (average over a group of reads) normalized to the square root of the expected variance that accommodates the uneven resultants of Roman. We show that it is important to account for the covariance of excess difference with that of the estimated count rate. Due to averaging of reads, the ability to detect jumps is reduced, specially if the jump is in the first or the last resultant. Having the first and last resultants as a single-read resultants improves the ability to detect cosmic rays. The signal due to a jump is split across two resultant differences and this motivates small adjustments to the basic algorithm which improves the jump detection. Bias and false negative rate are investigated using Monte Carlo simulations for a few readout patterns. In order to investigate other scenarios approximate formulas for predicting the bias and the misclassification rate are presented. Using cosmic ray properties based on JWST darks, we show that for high count rates (1000 e−1 s−1) most of the cosmic rays remain undetected, with 65% missed identifications. When averaging over multiple exposures, due to low event rates of cosmic rays, the overall bias in estimated count rate due to undetected cosmic rays is negligible. However, for a single exposure with an undetected cosmic ray, one can have a bias of a few percent. This will manifest as abrupt changes in brightness of targets. Fortunately, the bias ranges between 1 and 5 the measurement uncertainty, and this fact can be used to screen out cosmic rays for scientific applications that seek to detect short duration time domain events.
Lines and Languages
Authors: Constantine Mary-Ann
Published: May 2024

This chapter focuses on the work of the Flintshire naturalist and antiquarian Thomas Pennant, whose Tours in Wales were influential in the growth of the Welsh tour as practice and genre. In the first of nine place-based studies it explores Pennant’s writings through the border territories of the Dee Estuary and the earthworks of Wat’s and Offa’s Dykes. It examines the significance of these lines of demarcation between England and Wales, and asks how such borders are ‘narrated’ and represented in the writings and the cartographical productions of Pennant’s circle. It finds that they are interpreted and questioned in a spirit of open enquiry, unlike the hard conceptual lines developed in the more nation-centred discourse of the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
Consumed Landscapes
Authors: Constantine Mary-Ann
Published: May 2024

Consumed Landscapes’ looks at tourist responses to the rapidly changing industrial landscapes of the coalfields, iron foundries, and copper works of south Wales. From Mary Morgan’s anxious responses to the pitted, unstable landscapes of the open-cast coalmines of south Pembrokeshire, to the scientific curiosity of naturalist Edward Donovan about the extent and nature of Glamorganshire coal-beds, it suggests that visitors to Wales in this period were as fully engaged with the ‘underscapes’ of Wales as with its more conventional scenery; the insights of the chemist Michael Faraday offer a powerful fusion of the scientific and the aesthetic—his encounter with a ‘Welch damsel’ at Melincourt waterfall provides another moment of cultural entanglement. Neath Abbey with its adjacent smelting houses emerges as a site of extraordinary historical overlay, while the compelling images of surveyor Thomas Hornor are used to explore issues of environmental degradation and industrial ingenuity
Elen of the Roads
Authors: Constantine Mary-Ann
Published: May 2024

This chapter uses the legendary figure of the road-building Romano-British princess Elen of the Hosts, to explore the mountains of north Wales and ideas about incursion and movement through/over/across an inherently resistant terrain. Drawing on Simon Bainbridge’s recent work on mountaineering and British Romanticism, and on Nigel Leask’s study of the Scottish Highlands, it approaches the region from three different levels: the summit, the valley floor, and sea level. The chapter shows how Thomas Pennant’s Tours in Wales shaped later tourists’ perceptions of this landscape, and examines an insightful account by Catherine Hutton. The chapter concludes with discussion of William Madocks and the Great Embankment at Tremadoc, a site of coastal land reclamation which aroused considerable tourist interest, attracting Percy and Harriet Shelley and Thomas Love Peacock.
Hydrophilic thioether-functionalized surface based on segregation of hydrophilic cage octasilsesquioxane in PMMA and its application to gold nanoparticle immobilization
Authors: Tokuami Ichiyo , Imoto Hiroaki , Naka Kensuke
Published: May 2024

We demonstrate hydrophilic sulfur functionalization on the surface of a poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) film by entropy-driven surface segregation using a cage octasilsesquioxane, octa[2-(ethylthio)ethanol]-octasilsesquioxane (2a), with S-containing hydrophilic groups. Composite films were prepared by casting from solutions of 2a prepared in tetrahydrofuran (THF) and CHCl3 on a glass substrate. More effective surface segregation of 2a was achieved in the composite film casted from THF compared with that casted from CHCl3. The surface segregation behavior was strongly affected by the solubility of the compound in the casting solvent; highly soluble compounds were more likely to segregate on the surface. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were immobilized on the surface of the PMMA composite film casted from THF by immersing the film in an aqueous AuNP dispersion. Using a similar protocol as for 2a, a PMMA composite film with octa[2-(ethylthio)isobutyl]-octasilsesquioxane (2c) was prepared as the control with hydrophobic sulfur-containing substituents to confirm that hydrophilic sulfur-containing substituents were required to effectively facilitate the immobilization of AuNPs on the polymer surface.
Lie–truth judgments: adaptive lie detector account and truth-default theory compared and contrasted
Authors: Levine Timothy R , Street Chris N H
Published: May 2024

Two contemporary theoretical perspectives explain when and how people make lie–truth judgments. The adaptive lie detector account (ALIED) and truth-default theory (TDT) are described, compared, and contrasted. ALIED and TDT come from different scholarly traditions and propose very different processes and mechanisms, yet they converge on many behavioral predictions. Both views presume adaptive processes. ALIED presumes that humans are adaptive by using available information while TDT presumes that the adaptive value of efficient communication outweighs the value of real-time deception detection. ALIED proposes a Bayesian reasoning approach to lie–truth judgments that weighs information based on its perceived diagnosticity, making no distinction in the processes between reaching a lie and truth judgment. TDT alternatively proposes that the passive presumption of the truth is the default, and the presence of triggers is required to reach a lie judgment. Suggestions for future research are provided.
Climate change and winter wheat yields: the roles of freezing days and long-run adaptations
Authors: Da Yabin , Xu Yangyang , Yi Fujin , McCarl Bruce
Published: May 2024

This paper employs the recently proposed climate penalty model to estimate season-specific climate change impacts on Chinese winter wheat yields and also reveals the effects of long-run adaptions by comparing the short-run and long-run estimates identified from the model. We find that Spring freezing days are critical as we estimate small yield gains when considering a reduction in the number of freezing days (induced by global warming), as opposed to large yield losses when such effects are omitted. We also find substantial influences of adaptation effects that could reverse the sign of climate change impacts.
Clean your own house first: integrating sustainability into microbiology labs
Authors: Carrillo-Barragan Priscilla
Published: May 2024

Microbiology laboratories are pivotal hubs for exploring the potential of microorganisms and addressing global challenges. Particularly, Environmental Microbiology facilities hold substantial influence in advancing knowledge and capabilities crucial for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This raises the imperative of integrating sustainable practices to mitigate the environmental impact of research activities and foster a culture of responsibility. Such an approach not only aligns with global sustainability objectives but also catalyses innovative, eco-conscious methodologies in scientific research aimed at tackling pressing environmental issues. Concerns regarding the environmental footprint of laboratory practices have stimulated innovative improvements within the scientific community, ranging from resource-efficient initiatives to the management of essential commodities like water and energy. This perspective discusses specific areas where microbiology laboratories can enhance their sustainability efforts, drawing on reports and case studies of pioneering groups. Additionally, it explores potential collaborators to support these endeavours and emphasises the pivotal role of early career researchers in driving this transition. By initiating discussions and sparking curiosity within the environmental microbial community, this commentary seeks to propel the microbial ecology field toward a greener future, starting from within the laboratory environment.
Cointegration of Timberland Value in the United States, South and Central America, and Oceania
Authors: McIntosh Michael G , Zhang Daowei
Published: May 2024

In this article, we examine whether the United States, South and Central America, and Oceania timberland markets have integrated per acre timberland values. The vector error correction model and orthogonal impulse response functions provide strong evidence of a long-run relationship regarding per acre timberland value between South and Central America, the United States, and Oceania. The comovement of per acre timberland values and lack of arbitrage opportunities among regions may induce investors to invest locally or diversify portfolios through other industries.

Study Implications: This article explores the relationship between timberland price/value in geographically separate timberland markets to help timberland investors in their portfolio decisions.
Discrimination and Manifestation of Belief: Higgs v Farmor’s School
Authors: Foran Michael
Published: May 2024

This paper analyses the case of Higgs v Farmor’s School, a decision of the Employment Appeal Tribunal concerning unlawful discrimination on the basis of the manifestation of protected philosophical beliefs. It discusses the relationship between human rights standards and discrimination law standards in the interpretation of direct discrimination on grounds of religion or belief. While this decision goes a long way towards providing guidance on how this interaction is to be parsed out in the context of discrimination law, it nevertheless leaves certain important questions open. Finally, the paper argues that much of the discussion of proportionality around the censorship of protected belief manifestation is misconstrued. It is commonly accepted without question that the legitimate aim pursued by censorship is the protection of the rights of others. Yet in the cases dealing with manifestation such as this, there is an extremely remote threat to rights, if one exists at all. The expression of views that some take offense to is not a human rights violation. Rather, censorship of such views is better described as aimed at the protection of morals; the enforcement of speech codes or workplace standards in order to maintain a particular ethos or atmosphere of professionalism. There is then an interesting question which arises: would the choice of justification grounded in protecting morals over the rights of others affect the intensity of the proportionality assessment? There is a plausible argument that attempts to justify infringement on the exercise of fundamental rights by reference to a desire to impose a moral code, unconnected to the rights of others, would attach more intensive scrutiny. If this is true, it is incumbent upon courts not to accept at face value that employment speech codes are necessary to protect the rights of others, certainly not without more searching analysis of which rights in particular are claimed to be infringed by a failure to mandate speech. This is of particular salience given that courts have repeatedly stressed that the right to freedom of expression includes the right to say things that are offensive, shocking or even disturbing.
Effectiveness of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir and molnupiravir in non-hospitalized adults with COVID-19: systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies
Authors: Mesfin Yonatan M , Blais Joseph E , Kibret Kelemu Tilahun , Tegegne Teketo Kassaw , Cowling Benjamin J , Wu Peng
Published: May 2024

Objective

To determine the effectiveness of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir and molnupiravir among vaccinated and unvaccinated non-hospitalized adults with COVID-19.

Methods

Observational studies of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir or molnupiravir compared to no antiviral drug treatment for COVID-19 in non-hospitalized adults with data on vaccination status were included. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, WHO COVID-19 Research Database and medRxiv for reports published between 1 January 2022 and 8 November 2023. The primary outcome was a composite of hospitalization or mortality up to 35 days after COVID-19 diagnosis. Risk of bias was assessed with ROBINS-I. Risk ratios (RR), hazard ratios (HR) and risk differences (RD) were separately estimated using random-effects models.

Results

We included 30 cohort studies on adults treated with nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (n = 462 279) and molnupiravir (n = 48 008). Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir probably reduced the composite outcome (RR 0.62, 95%CI 0.55–0.70; I2 = 0%; moderate certainty) with no evidence of effect modification by vaccination status (RR Psubgroup = 0.47). In five studies, RD estimates against the composite outcome for nirmatrelvir/ritonavir were 1.21% (95%CI 0.57% to 1.84%) in vaccinated and 1.72% (95%CI 0.59% to 2.85%) in unvaccinated subgroups.

Molnupiravir may slightly reduce the composite outcome (RR 0.75, 95%CI 0.67–0.85; I2 = 32%; low certainty). Evidence of effect modification by vaccination status was inconsistent among studies reporting different effect measures (RR Psubgroup = 0.78; HR Psubgroup = 0.08). In two studies, RD against the composite outcome for molnupiravir were −0.01% (95%CI −1.13% to 1.10%) in vaccinated and 1.73% (95%CI −2.08% to 5.53%) in unvaccinated subgroups.

Conclusions

Among cohort studies of non-hospitalized adults with COVID-19, nirmatrelvir/ritonavir is effective against the composite outcome of severe COVID-19 independent of vaccination status. Further research and a reassessment of molnupiravir use among vaccinated adults are warranted.

Registration

PROSPERO CRD42023429232.
The influence of legal scholars on the development of international investment law
Authors: Byrne William Hamilton
Published: May 2024

International investment arbitration is inhabited by actors who theorize the law as scholars and decide on it when arbitrating, which raises critical questions concerning their normative role within the legal system. This article explores empirically the influence of legal scholars on the development of inter-national investment law through a combined legal-empirical and sociological approach designed to capture the multidirectional nature of influence. It relies on a novel database of all citations to legal scholarship in International Centre for the Settlement of Disputes (ICSID) case law, which is analysed quantitatively and qualitatively and contextualized alongside interviews with 16 leading arbitrators and lawyers. The article firstly introduces the arbitrator/academic as an agent of international law, and then details the methodology. It then turns to provide an overview of citations to legal scholarship in ICSID case law, before considering why legal actors find it useful. The following parts show how legal scholarship influenced the development of the definition of an ‘investment’ in ICSID arbitration through an analysis of legal decisions and scholarship authored by arbitrators. The final part goes into conversation with the actors to further unravel how they manage competing and complementary obligations towards theory and practice, and the article concludes by reflecting on the ethical implications of their law-making function.