bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of 1,4‐dihydropyrrolo[3,2‐b]pyrrole‐containing donor–acceptor copolymers and their optoelectronic properties
Authors: Bell Kenneth‐John J. , Sabury Sina , Phan Vanessa , Wagner Ethan M. , Hawks Allison M. , Bartlett Kimberley A. , Collier Graham S.
Published: April 2024

Donor–acceptor (D–A)‐conjugated polymers have achieved promising performance metrics in numerous optoelectronic applications that continue to motivate studying structure–property relationships and discovering new materials. Here, the materials toolbox is expanded by synthesizing D–A copolymers where 1,4‐dihydropyrrolo[3,2‐b]pyrrole (DHPP) is directly incorporated into the main chain of D–A copolymers for the first time via direct heteroarylation polymerization. Notably, the synthetic complexity of DHPP‐containing polymers coupled with thieno[3,2‐b]pyrrole‐4,6‐dione (TPD) or 3,6‐bis(2‐thienyl)‐2,5‐dihydropyrrolo[3,4‐c]pyrrole‐1,4‐dione (Th2DPP) comonomers is calculated to be lower compared to many common conjugated polymers synthesized via direct arylation. The electron‐rich nature of DHPPs when coupled with TPD or DPP enables optoelectronic properties to be manipulated, evident by measuring distinctly different absorbance and redox properties. Additionally, these D–A copolymers demonstrate their potential in organic electronic applications, such as electrochromics and organic photovoltaics. The reported DHPP‐alt‐Th2DPP copolymer is the first DHPP‐based colored‐to‐transmissive electrochrome and achieves power conversion efficiencies of ~2.5% when incorporated into bulk heterojunction solar cells. Overall, the synthetic accessibility of DHPP monomers and their propensity to participate in robust polymerizations highlights the value of establishing structure–property relationships of an underutilized scaffold. These fundamental attributes serve to inform and advance efforts in the development of DHPP‐containing copolymers for various applications.
A High‐Temperature Optical Spectroscopy Study of the Fundamental Absorption Edge in the LiNbO3–LiTaO3 Solid Solution
Authors: Gaczyński Piotr , Suhak Yuriy , Ganschow Steffen , Sanna Simone , Fritze Holger , Becker Klaus‐Dieter
Published: April 2024

An optical spectroscopy study is reported of single crystals of the LiNbO3–LiTaO3 solid solution. The spectra are dominated by the fundamental absorption edges. The direct band‐to‐band transitions in congruent LiNbO3 (LN) and LiTaO3 (LT) as well as in selected compositions of solid solutions grown from mixtures of the congruently melting end members are studied at temperatures up to 1200 °C. At room temperature, the direct optical bandgaps of congruent LN and LT assume values of about 4.0 and 4.6 eV, respectively. With rising temperatures, the absorption edges are found to shift to lower energies. The isothermal composition dependence of bandgaps is a far from linear by going through a minimum. This behavior is maintained up to the highest temperatures of our study. At about 600 °C, congruent LT undergoes a structural transition from the ferroelectric to the paraelectric phase. This is reflected by a change in the temperature dependence of the gap energy indicating structure‐related changes in electron–phonon coupling.
New Debye Temperature Model of 4H‐SiC Crystal
Authors: Hsiung Wei Jun , Tan Chih Shan
Published: April 2024

The Debye temperature is a crucial parameter in understanding various properties of solids, including their melting temperature. This study focuses on 4H‐SiC, a material renowned for its wide bandgap and high thermal conductivity, making it ideal for high‐power electronic devices. Calculating various physical parameters for 4H‐SiC, including the Debye temperature, is crucial for semiconductor fabrication. However, it is observed that existing Debye models are unsuitable for computing the Debye temperature of 4H‐SiC. Therefore, phonon calculations alongside the Debye model to establish a new model for determining the Debye temperature of 4H‐SiC are used. This research has identified an optimal temperature range, referred to as the ‘T150’ model, between 150 and 160 K, which yields a Debye temperature consistent with experimental values. The newly developed “T150” model, demonstrated herein, holds the potential for determining the Debye temperatures of doped 4H‐SiC, other polytypes of 4H‐SiC, and other semiconductor materials, broadening its applicability in material science.
Virtual control contraction metrics: Convex nonlinear feedback design via behavioral embedding
Authors: Wang Ruigang , Tóth Roland , Koelewijn Patrick J. W. , Manchester Ian R.
Published: April 2024

This article presents a systematic approach to nonlinear state‐feedback control design that has three main advantages: (i) it ensures exponential stability and ‐gain performance with respect to a user‐defined set of reference trajectories, (ii) it provides constructive conditions based on convex optimization and a path‐integral‐based control realization, and (iii) it is less restrictive than previous similar approaches. In the proposed approach, first a virtual representation of the nonlinear dynamics is constructed for which a behavioral (parameter‐varying) embedding is generated. Then, by introducing a virtual control contraction metric, a convex control synthesis formulation is derived. Finally, a control realization with a virtual reference generator is computed, which is guaranteed to achieve exponential stability and ‐gain performance for all trajectories of the targeted reference behavior. We show that the proposed methodology is a unified generalization of the two distinct categories of linear‐parameter‐varying (LPV) state‐feedback control approaches: global and local methods. Moreover, it provides rigorous stability and performance guarantees as a method for nonlinear tracking control, while such properties are not guaranteed for tracking control using standard LPV approaches. Code is available at
https://github.com/ruigangwang7/VCCM.
Distributed optimal output synchronization of heterogeneous multiagent systems with communication delays
Authors: Zhao Wei , Zhang Huaipin , Yu Wenwu
Published: April 2024

The optimal output synchronization problem of heterogeneous multi‐agent systems (HMASs) with communication delays is studied in this article. In order to compensate for communication delays actively, we employ networked data‐driven predictive control method to predict the agents' outputs. Then the output synchronization issue of HAMSs is transformed into the stabilization issue of the local pseudo systems, and model‐free off‐policy reinforcement learning technique is used to learn optimal control policies of the local systems. Combined predicted output information with optimal control policies, we develop a distributed data‐driven optimal output policy for each follower. Finally, a numerical example is given to show the effectiveness of our results.
Ultrasmall and Highly Dispersed Pt Entities Deposited on Mesoporous N‐doped Carbon Nanospheres by Pulsed CVD for Improved HER
Authors: Küspert Sven , Campbell Ian E. , Zeng Zhiqiang , Balaghi S. Esmael , Ortlieb Niklas , Thomann Ralf , Knäbbeler‐Buß Markus , Allen Christopher S. , Mohney Suzanne E. , Fischer Anna
Published: April 2024

Vapor‐based deposition techniques are emerging approaches for the design of carbon‐supported metal powder electrocatalysts with tailored catalyst entities, sizes, and dispersions. Herein, a pulsed CVD (Pt‐pCVD) approach is employed to deposit different Pt entities on mesoporous N‐doped carbon (MPNC) nanospheres to design high‐performance hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) electrocatalysts. The influence of consecutive precursor pulse number (50‐250) and deposition temperature (225–300 °C) are investigated. The Pt‐pCVD process results in highly dispersed ultrasmall Pt clusters (≈1 nm in size) and Pt single atoms, while under certain conditions few larger Pt nanoparticles are formed. The best MPNC‐Pt‐pCVD electrocatalyst prepared in this work (250 pulses, 250 °C) reveals a Pt HER mass activity of 22.2 ± 1.2 A mg−1Pt at ‐50 mV versus the reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE), thereby outperforming a commercially available Pt/C electrocatalyst by 40% as a result of the increased Pt utilization. Remarkably, after optimization of the Pt electrode loading, an ultrahigh Pt mass activity of 56 ± 2 A mg−1Pt at ‐50 mV versus RHE is found, which is among the highest Pt mass activities of Pt single atom and cluster‐based electrocatalysts reported so far.
Synergistic Regulation of Targeted Organelles in Tumor Cells to Promote Photothermal‐Immunotherapy Using Intelligent Core‐Satellite‐Like Nanoparticles for Effective Treatment of Breast Cancer
Authors: Chang Xiaowei , Tang Xiaoyu , Tang Wenjun , Weng Lin , Liu Tao , Zhu Zeren , Liu Jie , Zhu Man , Zhang Yanmin , Chen Xin
Published: April 2024

The normal operation of organelles is critical for tumor growth and metastasis. Herein, an intelligent nanoplatform (BMAEF) is fabricated to perform on‐demand destruction of mitochondria and golgi apparatus, which also generates the enhanced photothermal‐immunotherapy, resulting in the effective inhibition of primary and metastasis tumor. The BMAEF has a core of mesoporous silica nanoparticles loaded with brefeldin A (BM), which is connected to ethylenebis(oxyethylenenitrilo)tetraacetic acid (EGTA) and folic acid co‐modified gold nanoparticles (AEF). During therapy, the BMAEF first accumulates in tumor cells via folic acid‐induced targeting. Subsequently, the schiff base/ester bond cleaves in lysosome to release brefeldin A and AEF with exposed EGTA. The EGTA further captures Ca2+ to block ion transfer among mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and golgi apparatus, which not only induced dysfunction of mitochondria and golgi apparatus assisted by brefeldin A to suppress both energy and material metabolism against tumor growth and metastasis, but causes AEF aggregation for tumor‐specific photothermal therapy and photothermal assisted immunotherapy. Moreover, the dysfunction of these organelles also stops the production of BMI1 and heat shock protein 70 to further enhance the metastasis inhibition and photothermal therapy, which meanwhile triggers the escape of cytochrome C to cytoplasm, leading to additional apoptosis of tumor cells.
Cobalt‐Ion Superhygroscopic Hydrogels Serve as Chip Heat Sinks Achieving a 5 °C Temperature Reduction via Evaporative Cooling
Authors: Xi Mufeng , Zhang Xiaohu , Liu Hong , Xu Bolin , Zheng Yongliang , Du Yujie , Yang Lin , Ravi Sai Kishore
Published: April 2024

In the rapidly advancing semiconductor sector, thermal management of chips remains a pivotal concern. Inherent heat generation during their operation can lead to a range of issues such as potential thermal runaway, diminished lifespan, and current leakage. To mitigate these challenges, the study introduces a superhygroscopic hydrogel embedded with metal ions. Capitalizing on intrinsic coordination chemistry, the metallic ions in the hydrogel form robust coordination structures with non‐metallic nitrogen and oxygen through empty electron orbitals and lone electron pairs. This unique structure serves as an active site for water adsorption, beginning with a primary layer of chemisorbed water molecules and subsequently facilitating multi‐layer physisorption via Van der Waals forces. Remarkably, the cobalt‐integrated hydrogel demonstrates the capability to harvest over 1 and 5 g g−1 atmospheric water at 60% RH and 95% RH, respectively. Furthermore, the hydrogel efficiently releases the entirety of its absorbed water at a modest 40°C, enabling its recyclability. Owing to its significant water absorption capacity and minimal dehydration temperature, the hydrogel can reduce chip temperatures by 5°C during the dehydration process, offering a sustainable solution to thermal management in electronics.
Role of Gas Aspiration through Ladle Shroud and Influence on Tundish Hydrodynamic Performances: A Physical and Mathematical Modeling Study
Authors: Ranjan Subham , Mazumdar Dipak
Published: April 2024

Gas aspiration through ladle shroud, during the teeming of a ladle into a tundish, has been investigated via physical and mathematical modeling. To this end, a volume of fluid‐based two‐phase turbulent flow model (in conjunction with the standard k–ε turbulence model) and a full‐scale two‐strand bloom casting tundish have been applied. Both flow and residence time distribution measurements are carried out in the full‐scale tundish system, adopting well‐established measurement techniques. Computational results, supported appropriately with experimentally measured data, indicate that gas aspiration alters flow and turbulence profoundly in the vicinity of the shroud entry zone. Early reversal of jetting flow toward the free surface, due to the buoyancy of the entrained gas, increases the overall intensity of motion in the tundish, creating more mixing flow volumes at the expense of plug flow volume. Most importantly, however, gas aspiration through shroud tends to drastically cut down interactions between the down coming liquid jet metal and the pouring box, making the specific design and shape of a pouring box redundant toward desirable flow modification. Finally, it is shown that strong surface flows and turbulence, generated due to gas aspiration, can be suitably damped by deploying a set of weirs, increasing plug flow volume in tundish.
Influence of enzyme activity on domestic wastewater amelioration in a hybrid subsurface flow constructed wetland
Authors: Rani Neetu , Pohekar Karuna N. , Sehrawat Anirudh , Gupta N. C.
Published: April 2024

Wastewater treatment in a constructed wetland is achieved by the presence of plant species, the metabolism of microorganisms, and the enzyme activities. Three small‐scale hybrid subsurface flow constructed wetlands (HSFCWs) planted with Arundo donax and one unplanted HSFCW were constructed near a water resource recovery facility at Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University. The purpose of the study was to determine the correlation between soil enzymatic activities and the removal of contaminants from domestic wastewater. Enzyme activity of phosphatase, protease, urease, and cellulase increased with an increase in temperature. A strong correlation between enzyme activities and TKN and surfactant removal was observed, whereas moderate correlation was observed with phosphate in planted HSFCW during the study. The correlation between COD removal and enzyme activities was low to moderate. In unplanted HSFCW, the correlation between enzyme activities and COD removal was negative, negligible to moderate to strong in the case of TKN, low to moderate in the case of phosphate, and negligible to low in the case of surfactants. The increased removal efficiency of the planted system compared with that of the unplanted system indicated a positive impact on enzyme activities with the growth of plants and their roots.

Practitioner Points

Protease, urease, and cellulase activities:

Planted HSFCW exhibited higher protease, urease, and cellulase activities than unplanted, signifying enhanced breakdown.

July displayed maximum enzyme activities, correlating with heightened biological breakdown in both systems.

Fluctuations in enzyme activities reflected seasonal changes, influencing nutrient degradation rates.

Planted HSFCW consistently showed higher enzymatic activities across protease, urease, and cellulase than unplanted.
Social interactions and habitat structure in understanding the dynamic space use of invasive wild pigs
Authors: Ellison Natasha , Potts Jonathan R. , Boudreau Melanie R. , Börger Luca , Strickland Bronson K. , Street Garrett M.
Published: April 2024

Untangling the abiotic and biotic feedback mechanisms driving animal movements and ranges is a core question in ecology, yet progress is hampered by inadequate modelling procedures. Here we show how a recently developed process‐based modelling approach, combining step‐selection functions and individual‐based models, enables a flexible method to infer movement drivers and multi‐scale emergent space use patterns. As a case study, we examine the movement behaviours of a highly invasive social generalist (wild pigs,Sus scrofa) in relation to conspecific space use and multiple land cover types in a complex agricultural landscape, showing that social interactions are predominantly more important to this species than selection for land cover. Thus, animal movement studies should not neglect the effects of sociality when inferring resource driven movements and, crucially, use multi‐scale techniques that incorporate movement processes to untangle drivers of animal space use.
Determining climate classifications and producing climate border maps with GIS of Muğla province on the southern Aegean Sea coast of Türkiye
Authors: Arca Deniz , Keskin Citiroglu Hulya
Published: April 2024

Climate is defined by the average of meteorological events observed over an extended period in a region, expressing the weather conditions of that area. Numerous scientists have developed various climate classifications. The fundamental purpose of these classifications is to distinguish different types of climates and thereby reveal similarities between regions. Such classifications can be based on factors like temperature and precipitation patterns. Understanding climate characteristics enables us to determine the boundaries of different climate types. This, in turn, is crucial for ensuring the sustainable use of regional resources and shaping land use plans. This study evaluates the process of creating climate boundary maps for Muğla province. Various climate classification methods, including Thornthwaite, Trewartha, Erinç, De Martonne, Köppen─Geiger, and Köppen, are comprehensively examined and compared. Our findings indicate that each method offers different approaches to defining Muğla’s climate, each with its unique advantages and limitations. For instance, while the Thornthwaite method provides detailed data, the Köppen─Geiger method offers a more generalized approach. The results suggest that combining various climate classification methods helps in more accurately and comprehensively mapping the climate boundaries of Muğla province. This study underscores the importance of integrating these diverse methods to contribute to the determination of climate boundaries and regional planning processes.
Fluctuations in population size and migration of two species of crossbills in relation to seed crop size of spruce and pine: asymmetric importance of alternative food resources
Authors: Dale Svein , Edvardsen Øyvind Meland
Published: April 2024

Bird species depending on seeds from masting trees face large temporal and spatial variation in food availability and perform nomadic or irruptive movements to locate food. In northern Europe, the Common Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra) is specialized on seeds from Norway Spruce (Picea abies) which usually has peak years followed by crop failure. Common Crossbills breed in mast years and emigrate when spruce seeds are no longer available. On the other hand, the Parrot Crossbill (L. pytyopsittacus) is specialized on seeds from Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris) in which seed production is more stable from year to year. The Parrot Crossbill is therefore thought to be more sedentary. However, both species may switch food if there is low abundance of their 'own' seed type, but little is known about the relative importance of crop size of the two tree species on breeding population size and migration of the two crossbill species. Here, we analyse time series (up to 36 years) of crossbills and crop size of spruce and pine in Norway and Sweden to investigate this. We found that breeding population sizes of both species were positively related to spruce crop size. Surprisingly, pine crop size had no positive influence, not even on the Parrot Crossbill. Emigration of both crossbill species (based on autumn migration counts in southern Sweden) increased when there were small seed crops of spruce, but pine crop size had no influence, not even on the Parrot Crossbill. There was no influence of population size on emigration. These results suggest that alternative food resources had an asymmetric effect, only influencing the Parrot Crossbill. This asymmetry explains why the two crossbill species often have synchronous eruptions despite being specialized on different tree species with different seed crop size dynamics.
The intersection of diet, class, and sex during the Eastern Zhou (770–221 BCE): Bioarchaeological evidence from the Dahan cemetery, China
Authors: Zhang Qian , Liu Yanchang , Xiao Yuni , Hao Daohua , Wang Long , Halcrow Siân E. , Zhao Yongsheng , Dong Yu
Published: April 2024

The Eastern Zhou (770–221 BCE) was an important period of social transformation in ancient China. The development of class- and gender-based stratification of this period had profound effects on human diet. We aim to examine the relationships among diet, class, and sex (as a proxy for gender) during this period through comparative investigations of noble individuals and sacrificial human companions. We analyzed the stable carbon and nitrogen isotope values of bone collagen of 61 human (26 nobles and 35 sacrificial companions) and 32 faunal samples from the Dahan (大韩) cemetery (an Eastern Zhou archaeological site). There are statistically significant class-based dietary differences, with the nobles consuming more socially valued foods (high protein food and millets) compared with sacrificial companions, which is also supported by paleopathological evidence. Sex-based differences were specific to class, with no significant dietary differences found in the nobles, whereas males may have had better diets than females in the lower classes. Our dietary analysis suggests that some sacrificial companions may have benefited from the resources of their noble masters, however, most sacrificial companions had a poorer diet. In addition, one noble individual possibly experienced social mobility in his lifetime, as shown by the discrepancy in his burial treatment and his long-term diet. This cemetery-wide study of dietary differences between nobles and sacrificial companions allows for novel insight into the intersection of class, gender, and diet during the Eastern Zhou period.
Motorisches Lernen mit digitalen Medien im Sportunterricht – Ein digitalbasiertes methodisches Unterrichtskonzept zur Implementierung visuellen Feedbacks
Authors: Mödinger Moritz , Woll Alexander , Wagner Ingo
Published: April 2024

Umfangreiche außerschulische Erkenntnisse bezüglich der Verwendung von Videoanalysen zur Förderung motorischen Lernens stehen einer überschaubaren Studienlage zur Implementierung von Videoanalysen in die schulische Unterrichtspraxis gegenüber. Als Konsequenz fehlen bisher – trotz der auch im Bildungsbereich vorangeschrittenen Digitalisierung sowie der curricularen Verankerung auf Ebene der Bildungspläne – methodische Konzepte für die unterrichtliche Praxis. Vor diesem Hintergrund wurde ein digitalbasiertes Unterrichtskonzept entwickelt und anhand einer geschlossenen leichtathletischen Fertigkeit (Kugelstoßen) im Sportunterricht erprobt.

Drei Interventionsgruppen, eine visuelle Feedbackgruppe (IG1: n = 32), eine verbale Feedbackgruppe (IG2: n = 31) sowie eine selbstorganisiert lernende Gruppe 3 (IG3: n = 32) erhielten vier Wochen Varianten des methodischen Konzepts. Technik und Weite wurden in Pretest (Woche 0), Posttest (Woche 4) und Retentionstest (Woche 11) erhoben.

Das methodische Konzept vermochte die Bewegungsquantität (Weite) für alle Varianten nachhaltig zu verbessern (Huynh-Feld F (1.838, 169.110) = 73,132; p < 0,001; partielles η2 = 0,44). Auch die Bewegungsqualität (Technik) verbesserte sich für alle Varianten, wobei Post-hoc-Tests nach Games-Howell ergaben, dass IG1 (p = 0,036) und IG2 (p = 0,005) besser abschnitten als die IG3. Auch der Retentionstest wies auf signifikante Unterschiede zwischen den Gruppen hin (F (2, 92) = 3,45; p = 0,036). Hierbei zeigten Post-hoc-Tests nach Tukey jedoch nur noch Vorteile zugunsten der IG1 (p = 0,027).

Somit deuten die Ergebnisse auf eine Eignung des methodischen Konzepts für die unterrichtliche Praxis hin und erweitern damit das methodische Repertoire zur Gestaltung von Sportunterricht mit digitalen Medien. Weiter unterstreichen die Ergebnisse den Mehrwert fremdgesteuerten Feedbacks im Kontext motorischen Lernens, liefern jedoch zugleich auch Hinweise, wie und unter welchen Rahmenbedingungen selbstorganisiertes Lernen zielführend in die Unterrichtspraxis implementiert werden kann.
Extractive Arabic Text Summarization Using PageRank and Word Embedding
Authors: Alselwi Ghadir , Taşcı Tuğrul
Published: April 2024

Research on graph-based automatic text summarization for Arabic, the official language of 26 nations with over 200 million speakers, as well as other prevalent languages, has recently increased due to the ability of these approaches to handle linguistic peculiarities such as complex morphological linkages. The present paper proposes a graph-based extractive Arabic text summarization (GEATS) technique that employs word embedding and PageRank algorithms for feature extraction and sentence ordering. The efficiency of the GEATS approach versus the state-of-the-art methods is analyzed based on the quality of the produced summaries over the F-measure values. The findings indicated that it outperformed the nearest alternative by an advantage of over 7.5%.
Efficient machine learning models for estimation of compressive strengths of zeolite and diatomite substituting concrete in sodium chloride solution
Authors: Ozcan Giyasettin , Kocak Burak , Gulbandilar Eyyup , Kocak Yilmaz
Published: April 2024

This study implements a set of machine learning algorithms to building material science, which predict the compressive strength of zeolite and diatomite substituting concrete mixes in sodium chloride solution. Particularly, Random Forest, Support Vector Machine, Extreme Gradient Boosting, Light Gradient Boosting, and Categorical Boosting algorithms are exploited and their optimal parameters are tuned. In the training and testing of these models, 28 day, 56 day, and 90 day compressive strength observations of 63 samples of 7 different concrete mixtures substituting Portland cement, zeolite, diatomite, zeolite + diatomite were used. Consequently, compressive strength experimentation results and machine learning predictions were compared through statistical methods such as RMSE, MAPE, and R2. Results denote that the prediction performance of machine learning is improving with tuned models. Particularly, RMSE, MAPE, R2 scores of Categorical Boosting are, respectively, 1.15, 1.45%, and 98.03% after parameter tuning design. The results denote that presented machine learning model can provide an advantage in the cost and duration of the compressive strength experiments.
The current state of the non-ore mineral deposits mining in the concept of the Ukraine reconstruction in the post-war period
Authors: Dychkovskyi Roman , Saik Pavlo , Sala Dariusz , Cabana Edgar Caceres
Published: April 2024

The study of quantitative and qualitative indicators of the non-metallic mineral deposits mining based on recognized methods of economic and technological assessment to determine the damages and the development of technical–technological measures for the providing the mining industry of construction and bulk materials from the crisis in the post-war period. To assess the state of non-ore mineral deposits, the authors of the article used the following research methods: critical analysis of literary sources, statistical processing of data on the mines functioning and the probability of their manifestation in specific mining and geological conditions. Based on the selected UNIDO method, which is used for the evaluation of high-budget projects, the quantitative performance indicators of the selected quarries of non-ore raw materials have been established. Systematization and visualization of the obtained results were carried out with the help of Excel calculation tables from the available software product MS Office. The main problems associated with the activity of mining enterprises that develop deposits of non-ore useful minerals are highlighted. Qualitative and quantitative values of the work of the selected mines have been prepared according to European standards, which serve as initial data for assessing the economic attractiveness and the possibility of their restructuring in the post-war period. A forecast of the development of the industry is provided on the example of individual technological units of entrepreneurial activity for the nearest period. Dependencies of changes in production capacity indicators of mining enterprises developing non-ore mineral deposits have been established. Data on the spatial distribution of reserves of construction and backfill materials (gravel, sand, clay) were studied. Using generally recognized international methods of assessing the efficiency of enterprises, changes in the priority of mine development were determined depending on the needs of the Ukrainian economy and the destruction of territories caused by military actions, that appeared due to the aggression of the RF. The effectiveness of the methodology was proposed and confirmed, which allows determining the operative parameters of mines, which are mining non-ore mineral deposits. It gives the possibility to assess the economic attractiveness of individual mines and subsequently predict the possibility of their restructuring for the introduction of the innovative equipment and technologies in accordance with generally recognized international standards.
Wide use of broad-spectrum antibiotics in very low birth weight infants with spontaneous focal intestinal perforation—is it really justified?
Authors: Butzer Sarina K. , Faust Kirstin , Oberthuer André , Kleindiek Charlotte , Kuehne Benjamin , Haertel Christoph , Mehler Katrin
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Very low birth weight (VLBW) infants are at a risk of spontaneous focal intestinal perforation (FIP). Treatment includes supportive care, antibiotics, and drainage with/without surgery. Broad-spectrum antibiotic agents like carbapenems are applied frequently, although their use is not well-supported by the limited evidence of causal pathogens. We hypothesize that the use of carbapenems may not be necessary in VLBW infants with FIP. Our primary objective was to evaluate the antimicrobial use in VLBW infants with FIP in a cohort of the German Neonatal Network (GNN). The secondary objective was to characterize a subset in detail as a benchmark for future targets of stewardship.

Methods

Data on VLBW infants with FIP was collected prospectively within the GNN, a collaboration of 68 neonatal intensive care units (NICU). With regards to the primary objective, patient characteristics and antimicrobial treatment were extracted from the predefined GNN database. To address our secondary objective, an additional on-site assessment of laboratory and microbiological culture results were performed.

Results

In the GNN cohort, 613/21,646 enrolled infants (2.8%) developed FIP requiring surgery. They were frequently treated with carbapenems (500/613 (81.6%)) and vancomycin (497/613 (81.1%)). In a subset of 124 VLBW infants, 77 (72.6%) had proof of gram-positive bacteria in the abdominal cavity, coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) predominantly. Despite the low prevalence of gram-negative bacteria (n = 6 (4.8%)), the combination of meropenem and vancomycin was prescribed most frequently (n = 96 (78.0%)).

Conclusion

The use of carbapenems as broad-spectrum antimicrobials agents might not be justified in most VLBW infants with FIP. Knowledge on the development of the neonatal gut microbiota, local resistance patterns and individual microbiological findings should be taken into consideration when implementing antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs).
Der Zusammenhang zwischen betrieblicher Arbeitsschutzorganisation und Gefährdungsbeurteilung
Authors: Sommer Sabine , Lunau Thorsten , Wahrendorf Morten , Beck David , La Rocca Giulia , Rigó Mariann
Published: April 2024

Die vorliegende Studie prüft auf der Basis der Daten der deutschen Teilstichprobe der europäischen Unternehmenserhebung über neue und aufkommende Risiken (ESENER) aus den Jahren 2014 und 2019 den Zusammenhang zwischen der Güte der betrieblichen Arbeitsschutzorganisation und der Umsetzung einer Gefährdungsbeurteilung. Zur Bestimmung der Güte der Arbeitsschutzorganisation und der Güte der Gefährdungsbeurteilung wurden verschiedene Items der ESENER-Befragung verwendet. Die Analysen wurden in Form logistischer Regressionsmodelle ausgeführt. Die Ergebnisse werden in Form von adjustierten prognostizierten Wahrscheinlichkeiten und durchschnittlichen marginalen Effekten dargestellt. In beiden untersuchten Erhebungswellen der ESENER-Befragung zeigt sich ein ausgeprägter und signifikanter Zusammenhang zwischen der Güte der Arbeitsschutzorganisation und der Umsetzung einer Gefährdungsbeurteilung, auch nach Adjustierung für Größe, Branche und Sektor. Während Betriebe mit einer Arbeitsschutzorganisation hoher Güte mehrheitlich angaben, eine umfassende Gefährdungsbeurteilung durchzuführen (2014: 56 %, 2019: 59 %), waren es für Betriebe mit einer Arbeitsschutzorganisation geringer Güte fast 40 Prozentpunkte weniger (18 % bzw. 23 %). Diese Ergebnisse sprechen dafür, dass Maßnahmen zur Stärkung der betrieblichen Arbeitsschutzorganisation zu einer verbesserten Umsetzung der Gefährdungsbeurteilung beitragen.
Diverse Students’ Mathematical Wellbeing
Authors: Hill Julia L. , Hunter Jodie
Published: April 2024

Supporting student wellbeing in schools is increasingly becoming a global priority. However, research and initiatives primarily focus on general wellbeing rather than subject-specific experiences. Given the pervasive levels of mathematics anxiety, negative attitudes, and disengagement in mathematics education, we argue for a more contextualised wellbeing approach. We define ‘mathematical wellbeing’ (MWB) as the fulfilment of values whilst learning mathematics accompanied by positive feelings (e.g., enjoyment) and functioning (e.g., engagement) in the discipline. We report on 3073 New Zealand Year Three to Eight students’ responses to a survey measuring their fulfilment of seven MWB values: accomplishments, cognitions, engagement, meaning, perseverance, positive emotions, and relationships. Students’ MWB was highest for relationships and perseverance and lowest for engagement and positive emotions; MWB declined from Years Three to Eight; females often rated higher MWB than males; school sociodemographic status was mostly not significant, whilst engagement and positive emotions differed across ethnicities. Research implications include understanding target areas to improve diverse students’ experiences and wellbeing in mathematics education.
Gender Gap in STEM Pathways: The Role of Gender-Segregated Schooling in Mathematics and Science Performance
Authors: Smith Alice , Evans Tanya
Published: April 2024

According to the World Economic Forum, the occupational gender gap with men dominating well-remunerated STEM careers is a key factor in the gender pay gap. However, the problem of underrepresentation of women in STEM fields is mitigated or reversed in some Eastern European and Islamic countries. This disparity suggests that cultural factors are at play. Gender-segregated schooling, which is commonly practiced in Islamic countries, is often seen as a contributing factor. However, the issue of gender-segregated education sparks much controversy. Critics argue evidence is lacking, and segregation may foster sexism and hinder social skills.

In New Zealand, there is a significant opportunity to conduct research on gender segregation, as approximately 14.43% of girls and 14.35% of boys attend single-gender schools for their secondary (high school) education. In contrast to the USA and Australia, where single-gender schooling is predominantly offered by private and/or Catholic schools, the majority of New Zealand gender-segregated schools are state schools.

Utilising the TIMSS 2019 dataset, our analysis revealed that girls from low socio-economic backgrounds and boys from higher socio-economic backgrounds who attend single-gender schools exhibit significantly higher mathematics and science achievement scores compared to their counterparts in co-educational settings. This success is particularly striking for girls in low socio-economic settings. Given mixed international evidence, this suggests that there must be protective factors at single-gender New Zealand schools, positively influencing these students. We examine potential factors setting apart girls-only schools to provide an explanation of our results: (1) a mitigated influence of gender socialisation practices and stereotype threat and (2) explicit messaging aimed at challenging stereotypes and empowering girls to actively engage in STEM fields.
Venomous Foes in Mediterranean Africa: Occurrence of Physalia physalis (Linnaeus, 1758), and First Records of Glaucus atlanticus Forster, 1777 for Algeria and Tunisia
Authors: Chebaane Sahar , Sempere-Valverde Juan , Desiderato Andrea , Gueroun Sonia K.M. , Tiralongo Francesco , Azzurro Ernesto , Bouhlel Ramla , Derouiche Emna , Sghaier Yassine Ramzi
Published: April 2024

Climate change can promote shifts in species’ biogeographical distribution, but their monitoring is a challenge in the hardly accessible marine environment. In such cases, citizen science allows collecting data on scales unattainable for researchers. This study uses a citizen science approach through social media platforms to describe a high-occurrence event of the siphonophore Physalia physalis in Tunisia during April 2021, which, in addition to literature records, add to more than 50 colonies recorded in 2021 in Algeria and Tunisia. This is the highest abundance ever reported in these countries. Moreover, 20 specimens of Glaucus atlanticus were recorded in August 2022 in Tunisia, and 1 specimen in June 2023 in Algeria, constituting the first record for the species in both countries. For P. physalis, the reported event could result from an increase of citizen science in these countries, driving an increase of reports uploaded to social media, along with a high occurrence of colonies in 2021. Finally, high occurrence events might be partially predicted by westerly wind prevalence in the Strait of Gibraltar and nearby areas, a geographic bottleneck for colony entrance in the Mediterranean Sea. Overall, this study illustrates the key role of citizen science in resource-limited countries and the need of reinforcing these networks to generate eco-environmental awareness and scientific knowledge towards the achievement of UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Pharmacokinetic interaction between regorafenib and atorvastatin in rats
Authors: Szkutnik-Fiedler Danuta , Szałek Edyta , Otto Filip , Czyrski Andrzej , Karaźniewicz-Łada Marta , Wolc Anna , Grześkowiak Edmund , Lewandowski Konrad , Karbownik Agnieszka
Published: April 2024

Background

Regorafenib is used in the treatment of colorectal cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma. Due to the co-morbidity of hyperlipidemia in these conditions, statins, including atorvastatin, are used as potential adjuvant therapy agents. Both regorafenib and atorvastatin are metabolized by CYP3A4. In addition, atorvastatin is a P-gp and BCRP substrate, whereas regorafenib and its active metabolites M-2 and M-5 are inhibitors of these transporters. Hence, the concomitant use of both drugs may increase the risk of a clinically significant drug–drug interaction. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the pharmacokinetic interactions of atorvastatin and regorafenib and their active metabolites.

Methods

Male Wistar rats were assigned to three groups (eight animals in each) and were orally administered: regorafenib and atorvastatin (IREG+ATO), a carrier with regorafenib (IIREG), and atorvastatin with a carrier (IIIATO). Blood samples were collected for 72 h. UPLC-MS/MS was the method of measurement of regorafenib and atorvastatin concentrations. The pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated with a non-compartmental model.

Results

A single administration of atorvastatin increased the exposure to regorafenib and its active metabolites. In the IREG+ATO group, the Cmax, AUC0–t, and AUC0–∞ of regorafenib increased 2.7, 3.2, and 3.2-fold, respectively. Atorvastatin also significantly increased the Cmax, AUC0–t, and AUC0–∞ of both regorafenib metabolites. Regorafenib, in turn, decreased the AUC0–t and AUC0–∞ of 2-OH atorvastatin by 86.9% and 67.3%, and the same parameters of 4-OH atorvastatin by 45.0% and 46.8%, respectively.

Conclusions

This animal model study showed a significant pharmacokinetic interaction between regorafenib and atorvastatin. While this interaction may be clinically significant, this needs to be confirmed in clinical trials involving cancer patients.

Graphical abstract
Assessment of health consequences of fossil fuel energy use in Osun state, Nigeria: burden and implications
Authors: Akintunde Temitope ’Sade , Akanbi Bosede E. , Adagunodo Matthew , Akintunde Adeseye A.
Published: April 2024

The use of fossil fuel energy persists in all the continents of the world, especially in Africa. This study examined fossil fuel energy usage and its health implications in residents of Osun State, Nigeria. This was a cross-sectional study done across Osun State Nigeria. The study took place between January and June 2020. 1044 participants were recruited by multi-stage random sampling. Structured questionnaires were used to obtain necessary information from the study participants. The study data shows there were 534 females (51.1%). 601 (57.6%) relied solely on fossil fuel energy compared to 443 (42.4%) who use non-traditional energy sources. The proportion of people whose annual income is less than 56.6 USD (fifty thousand Naira based on the current official exchange rate as of Jan 2024) is far higher among those who use fossil fuel energy (88.0%) compared to those who use modern energy (59.1%). Electricity consumption accessibility was also more likely among those who used modern energy (91.9%) compared to 52.4% of those who use fossil fuel energy for daily energy needs. Reports of ill-health were significantly commoner among those who used fossil fuel than modern energy in the population including asthma illness (15.3% vs. 11.3%), cough (21.1% vs. 16.7%), catarrh (19.3% vs. 10.8%) and difficulty in breathing (9.3% vs. 6.3%) respectively. This study showed that fossil fuel energy use is very prevalent among residents of Osun State, Nigeria. And may be linked with many indices of poverty. It is associated with significant health impacts including respiratory diseases and poor quality of life. There is a need to encourage and implement policies toward effective and efficient energy use among residents in Osun State to reduce the associated long-term health impact.
Exploring attitudes toward safety climate: a cross-sectional study among interventional radiology team members using the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire (SAQ)
Authors: Bjällmark Anna , Persson Victoria , Karlsson Bodil , Bazzi May
Published: April 2024

Background

Interventional radiology (IR) has evolved into a well-established medical discipline known for its minimally invasive procedures. Establishing a culture of safety in IR settings is crucial to improve patient safety and quality of care. This study describes and compares attitudes about patient safety among professionals working with IR in Sweden. In addition, this study evaluates whether the WHO Safety Checklist for IR is routinely used for radiological interventions.

Methods

This cross-sectional survey uses an electronic questionnaire to collect data from 25 IR units. The attitudes of IR team members (radiographers, physicians, nurses, and assistant nurses) were assessed using the Swedish Safety Attitudes Questionnaire (SAQ), which was adapted for this context.

Results

The two highest factor scores/percentages of positive responses from the IR team were found for job satisfaction (90/94%) and teamwork climate (85/92%), and stress recognition had the lowest values (54/25%). The attitudes were relatively consistent, with few significant differences between the professions (Factor scores: P = 0.039 for job satisfaction, and P = 0.050 for working conditions. Percentage of positive responses: P = 0.027 for perceptions of management). The radiographers tended to have slightly lower values compared to the other professions among these factors (P < 0.05). The WHO safety checklist for IR was not being used on a regular basis, but the respondents recognized its importance for patient safety.

Conclusions

This study shows high factor scores for the different safety climate factors, with job satisfaction having the highest values. Areas that need improvement are perceptions of management and stress recognition. Attitudes were consistent across professions in the IR team, but radiographers had slightly lower values in some aspects.
Precautionary Principle and Impact Assessment: The Case of School Closures during the Pandemic in Ireland
Authors: Arduin Sarah
Published: April 2024

The development of the precautionary principle by the EU Courts has often been interpreted by scholars as inconsistent with another trend in EU risk regulation: one that is evidence-based and relies on impact assessment. This article argues that the two trends – precaution and regulatory impact assessment – are not mutually exclusive. Together they may, in fact, act as a procedural safeguard against discretionary decisions that have an impact on fundamental rights, especially under conditions of epistemic uncertainty. The article illustrates this claim by looking at the decisions to close schools in Ireland during the pandemic.
Propagation of a viscous gravity current beneath a granular mush
Authors: Hinton Edward M. , Slim Anja C.
Published: April 2024

The two-dimensional gravity-driven motion of a relatively dense viscous liquid at the base of a granular mush is investigated using a model that exploits the relative shallowness of the flow. The granular mush obeys a

$\mu (I)$

-rheology, and we assume that the two phases are segregated throughout the motion. The viscous liquid spreads under gravity, carrying the granular mush above and transporting it outwards as levees at either end of the flow. The accumulation of granular material away from the centre of the deposit produces hydrostatic pressure gradients that retard the viscous gravity current. At later times, the granular mush is quasi-static relative to the moving liquid owing to the balance of outward granular transfer by the liquid and inward hydrostatic pressure gradients associated with the granular free surface. The viscous liquid exhibits a Poiseuille-like flow structure with negligible velocity at both the base and the granular interface. The flow of a fixed volume of viscous liquid becomes self-similar with the effective viscosity quadrupled relative to a classical viscous gravity current owing to the retarding effects of the granular mush. The case of constant input flux of viscous liquid is also analysed. The qualitative features are akin to the fixed volume case with the granular mush forming levees and slowing the viscous spreading. The case in which the upper medium is a Bingham material rather than a granular mush is also discussed, and the same features are observed, demonstrating the importance of the yield criterion in the upper medium.