bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sampling complex social and behavioral phenomena
Authors: Olsson Henrik , Galesic Mirta
Published: February 2024

We comment on the limits of relying on prior literature when constructing the design space for an integrative experiment; the adaptive nature of social and behavioral phenomena and the implications for the use of theory and modeling when constructing the design space; and on the challenges of measuring random errors and lab-related biases in measurement without replication.
Test many theories in many ways
Authors: Cyrus-Lai Wilson , Tierney Warren , Uhlmann Eric Luis
Published: February 2024

Demonstrating the limitations of the one-at-a-time approach, crowd initiatives reveal the surprisingly powerful role of analytic and design choices in shaping scientific results. At the same time, cross-cultural variability in effects is far below the levels initially expected. This highlights the value of “medium” science, leveraging diverse stimulus sets and extensive robustness checks to achieve integrative tests of competing theories.
Assume a can opener
Authors: Clark Cory J. , Isch Calvin , Connor Paul , Tetlock Philip E.
Published: February 2024

We propose a friendly amendment to integrative experiment design (IED), adversarial-collaboration IED, that incentivizes research teams from competing theoretical perspectives to identify zones of the design space where they possess an explanatory edge. This amendment is especially critical in debates that have high policy stakes and carry a strong normative-political charge that might otherwise prevent free exchange of ideas.
Individual differences do matter
Authors: Glasauer Stefan
Published: February 2024

The integrative experiment design proposal currently only relates to group results, but downplays individual differences between participants, which may nevertheless be substantial enough to constitute a relevant dimension in the design space. Excluding the individual participant in the integrative design will not solve all problems mentioned in the target article, because averaging results may obscure the underlying mechanisms.
Panoramic visual system for spherical mobile robots
Authors: Arif Muhammad Affan , Zhu Aibin , Mao Han , Tu Yao
Published: February 2024

Aimed at the challenges of wide-angle mobile robot visual perception for diverse field applications, we present the spherical robot visual system that uses a 360° field of view (FOV) for realizing real-time object detection. The spherical robot image acquisition system model is developed with optimal parameters, including camera spacing, camera axis angle, and the distance of the target image plane. Two 180
$^{\circ}$
-wide panoramic FOVs, front and rear view, are formed using four on-board cameras. The speed of the SURF algorithm is increased for feature extraction and matching. For seamless fusion of the images, an improved fade-in and fade-out algorithm is used, which not only improves the seam quality but also improves object detection performance. The speed of the dynamic image stitching is significantly enhanced by using a cache-based sequential image fusion method. On top of the acquired panoramic wide FOVs, the YOLO algorithm is used for real-time object detection. The panoramic visual system for the spherical robot is then tested in real time, which outputs panoramic views of the scene at an average frame rate of 21.69 fps and panoramic views with object detection at an average of 15.39 fps.
POVERTY
Authors: Schmidtz David
Published: February 2024

Poverty can be an ephemeral life stage of a young person whose skill sets will become more valuable with training and experience, a personal setback such as losing a job, or a systemic affliction that puts a whole community in danger of widespread famine. A common theme of this volume’s essays is that we cannot understand poverty and famine unless we acknowledge that poor people are not mouths to be fed but agents. Amartya Sen got this right, crediting Adam Smith for the seeds of his insight. What has been enabling people by the billions since Smith’s time to work their way out of poverty?
POVERTY, TRUST, AND SOCIAL DISTANCE: A SELF-REINFORCING “POVERTY TRAP”?
Authors: Fernández Almudena , López-Calva Luis F. , Rodríguez Santiago
Published: February 2024

We consider the concept of poverty from the asset-accumulation approach and propose an integrated framework, building upon existing theories, to describe how the interconnected factors of trust (or lack thereof) and social distance can reinforce poverty traps. Social distance is influenced by choice, while trust is the symptom that defines the strength of social ties on a group. We look at how an absence of trust influences how households make decisions about the use and accumulation of assets in ways that could perpetuate poverty. Weak trust also affects how groups interact with each other in a society, creating “trust clusters” within homogeneous groups and antagonism across groups, which in turn affects aspirations and leads to an erosion of the basis of a social contract. For more effective and sustainable poverty reduction, we need to understand these linkages and address them systematically.
FREEDOM, POVERTY, AND IMPACT REWARDS
Authors: Pogge Thomas
Published: February 2024

A free world is one in which human beings can live free, self-directed lives. A great obstacle to such a world is severe poverty, still blighting the lives of half of humankind. We have the resources, technologies, and administrative capacities to eradicate severe poverty, but doing so requires some restructuring of existing social arrangements. We might begin with the current regime governing innovation, which has monopoly markups as its key funding source. Such monopoly rents encourage the quest for innovations, but also greatly impede their diffusion. This headwind harms the poor, who cannot afford monopoly prices and whose specific needs innovators thus tend to ignore. It also works against potential innovations whose benefits would mostly go to third parties whom buyers care little about. Both problems can be much alleviated through a supplementary alternative reward mechanism that would enable innovators to exchange their monopoly privileges on any patentable technology for impact rewards based on the social benefits achieved with it. By promoting innovations and their diffusion together, international impact funds would bring substantial gains in justice and cost-effectiveness, especially in the pharmaceutical and green-technology sectors.
SOCIAL CAPITAL AND THE ROLE OF THE STATE: NURTURING COLLECTIVES FOR POVERTY ALLEVIATION
Authors: Chaudhary Arvind Kumar
Published: February 2024

For eradication of acute poverty, it is vital to factor in the human experience of it. Building social capital and networks that nurture, empower, and consistently reinforce a new shared economic identity can provide rich socioeconomic dividends. For states tackling extreme poverty at scale, building and strengthening social capital are essential public goods investments.
THE IMPORTANCE OF CHOICE: CATFISH MAN OF THE WOODS THEORY OF DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Kramer Claudia Williamson
Published: February 2024

The importance of economic freedom for economic development can no longer be denied. What is often denied, however, is respect for individuals’ rights and personal choices. The role of individual choice is often dismissed or set aside by the development community. In this essay, I argue that inherent to economic freedom’s economic success is the promotion and acceptance of individual choice. Development theory should include recognition of and respect for personal choices, a theory I call “Catfish Man of the Woods” theory of development.
Preschool children’s discourse competence in different genres and how it relates to iconic gestures
Authors: KERN Friederike , BODEN Ulrich , NEMETH Anne , KOUTALIDIS Sofia , ABRAMOV Olga , KOPP Stefan , ROHLFING Katharina J.
Published: February 2024

Based on the linguistic analysis of game explanations and retellings, the paper’s goal is to investigate the relation of preschool children’s situated discourse competence and iconic gestures in different communicative genres, focussing on reinforcing and supplementary speech-gesture-combinations. To this end, a method was developed to evaluate discourse competence as a context-sensitive and interactively embedded phenomenon. The so-called GLOBE-model was adapted to assess discourse competence in relation to interactive scaffolding. The findings show clear links between the children’s competence and their parents’ scaffolding. We suggest this to be evidence of a fine-tuned interactive support system. The results also indicate strong relations between higher discourse competence and increased frequency of iconic gestures. This applies in particular to reinforcing gestures. The results are interpreted as a confirmation that the speech-gesture system undergoes systematic changes during early childhood, and that gesturing becomes more iconic – and thus more communicative – when discourse competence is growing.
Recovering the past for the future: Racibórz after World War II
Authors: Kisiel Piotr
Published: February 2024

This article delves into the post-war urban planning of Racibórz (Ger. Ratibor), a mid-size city in Poland, shedding light on the socialist city’s historical roots and its adherence to socialist urbanism models. Using planning maps and other archival documents, it examines the reconstruction process that aimed at creating green spaces and quality housing, while at the same time revealing its medieval past. The article also investigates the city’s deviation from known recovery patterns and highlights a lesser known approach to creating a city with a national form and socialist content. Overall, this research offers a comprehensive exploration of a reconstruction process in a mid-size city, enriching the understanding of European post-war urban history.
REFLECTIONS ON THE HISTORY OF ECONOMICS SOCIETY AT FIFTY: LOSING OUR WAY?
Authors: Davis John B.
Published: February 2024

The task given to me for this issue was to discuss the history, challenges, and accomplishments of the History of Economics Society (HES) as I see them from my vantage point as a past president. I frame my remarks in terms of changes I believe have occurred in how our field has been pursued in the society since I became involved.
REFLECTIONS ON THE STATE OF THE HISTORY OF ECONOMICS
Authors: Schabas Margaret
Published: February 2024

The celebration of fifty years of the History of Economics Society (HES) is a wonderful achievement. It is a pity that the majority of the founding members are not alive to see this landmark. The initial seeds were planted in 1968, with a gathering run by Donald Winch at the University of Sussex, and watered the following year by A. W. “Bob” Coats at the University of Nottingham, who produced the first British History of Economic Thought newsletter. These meetings, and discussions at the annual meetings of the Allied Social Science Associations (ASSA), prompted the formation of the journal History of Political Economy (HOPE), with the first issue appearing in the spring of 1969.1 The idea of forming the HES was seriously broached in Chicago in 1973, and the first official meeting was held in Chapel Hill (North Carolina) the following year, although HES had already mounted four sessions in New York City at the 1973 ASSA meetings.
Determinants of household-, maternal- and child-related factors associated with nutritional status among children under five in Mali: evidence from a Demographic and Health Survey, 2018
Authors: Gebreegziabher Tafere , Sidibe Saran
Published: February 2024

Objective:

The current study aims to determine household-, maternal- and child-related factors influencing nutritional status among children under five in Mali.

Design:

Quantitative cross-sectional study using secondary data extracted from Mali DHS-VI 2018.

Setting:

Urban and rural areas of Mali.

Participants:

A total of 8908 children participated, with 3999 in the younger age group (0–24 months) and 4909 in the older age group (25–59 months).

Results:

In the younger age group, the prevalence of stunting, wasting and underweight was 18·8 % (95 % CI%: 17·5, 20·0), 24·6 % (95 % CI: 23·2, 26·0) and 13·2 % (95 % CI: 12·1, 14·3), respectively, while in the older age group, it was 24·9 % (95 % CI: 23·7, 26·2), 22·7 % (95 % CI: 21·5, 24·0) and 5·7 % (95 % CI: 5·0, 6·5), respectively. Being average or large size at birth, having piped source of water, receiving Zn, deworming, high maternal BMI, receiving Fe during pregnancy, higher maternal education and being rich were associated with lower odds of one or more form of undernutrition in both groups. On the other hand, children who were anaemic, drank from a bottle, maternal anaemia, current pregnancy of mothers and living in rural areas were associated with higher odds of stunting, wasting or underweight. Interestingly, children who received Fe supplementation had a higher odds of wasting in the younger group but lower odds of all forms of undernutrition in the older group.

Conclusions:

This study emphasised the potential risk factors associated with undernutrition in children. Children who consume non-potable water, have mothers with lower levels of education and BMI and reside in rural areas are more likely to experience undernutrition.
Post-traumatic stress disorder as a risk factor for major adverse cardiovascular events: a cohort study of a South African medical insurance scheme
Authors: Mesa-Vieira Cristina , Didden Christiane , Schomaker Michael , Mouton Johannes P. , Folb Naomi , van den Heuvel Leigh L. , Gastaldon Chiara , Cornell Morna , Tlali Mpho , Kassanjee Reshma , Franco Oscar H. , Seedat Soraya , Haas Andreas D.
Published: February 2024

Aims

Prior research, largely focused on US male veterans, indicates an increased risk of cardiovascular disease among individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Data from other settings and populations are scarce. The objective of this study is to examine PTSD as a risk factor for incident major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in South Africa.

Methods

We analysed reimbursement claims (2011–2020) of a cohort of South African medical insurance scheme beneficiaries aged 18 years or older. We calculated adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) for associations between PTSD and MACEs using Cox proportional hazard models and calculated the effect of PTSD on MACEs using longitudinal targeted maximum likelihood estimation.

Results

We followed 1,009,113 beneficiaries over a median of 3.0 years (IQR 1.1–6.0). During follow-up, 12,662 (1.3%) persons were diagnosed with PTSD and 39,255 (3.9%) had a MACE. After adjustment for sex, HIV status, age, population group, substance use disorders, psychotic disorders, major depressive disorder, sleep disorders and the use of antipsychotic medication, PTSD was associated with a 16% increase in the risk of MACEs (aHR 1.16, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.05–1.28). The risk ratio for the effect of PTSD on MACEs decreased from 1.59 (95% CI 1.49–1.68) after 1 year of follow-up to 1.14 (95% CI 1.11–1.16) after 8 years of follow-up.

Conclusion

Our study provides empirical support for an increased risk of MACEs in males and females with PTSD from a general population sample in South Africa. These findings highlight the importance of monitoring cardiovascular risk among individuals diagnosed with PTSD.
Cellular senescence of renal tubular epithelial cells in acute kidney injury
Authors: Chen Juan , Zhang Huhai , Yi Xiangling , Dou Qian , Yang Xin , He Yani , Chen Jia , Chen Kehong
Published: February 2024

Cellular senescence represents an irreversible state of cell-cycle arrest during which cells secrete senescence-associated secretory phenotypes, including inflammatory factors and chemokines. Additionally, these cells exhibit an apoptotic resistance phenotype. Cellular senescence serves a pivotal role not only in embryonic development, tissue regeneration, and tumor suppression but also in the pathogenesis of age-related degenerative diseases, malignancies, metabolic diseases, and kidney diseases. The senescence of renal tubular epithelial cells (RTEC) constitutes a critical cellular event in the progression of acute kidney injury (AKI). RTEC senescence inhibits renal regeneration and repair processes and, concurrently, promotes the transition of AKI to chronic kidney disease via the senescence-associated secretory phenotype. The mechanisms underlying cellular senescence are multifaceted and include telomere shortening or damage, DNA damage, mitochondrial autophagy deficiency, cellular metabolic disorders, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and epigenetic regulation. Strategies aimed at inhibiting RTEC senescence, targeting the clearance of senescent RTEC, or promoting the apoptosis of senescent RTEC hold promise for enhancing the renal prognosis of AKI. This review primarily focuses on the characteristics and mechanisms of RTEC senescence, and the impact of intervening RTEC senescence on the prognosis of AKI, aiming to provide a foundation for understanding the pathogenesis and providing potentially effective approaches for AKI treatment.
Orchestrating chromosome conformation capture analysis with Bioconductor
Authors: Serizay Jacques , Matthey-Doret Cyril , Bignaud Amaury , Baudry Lyam , Koszul Romain
Published: February 2024

Genome-wide chromatin conformation capture assays provide formidable insights into the spatial organization of genomes. However, due to the complexity of the data structure, their integration in multi-omics workflows remains challenging. We present data structures, computational methods and visualization tools available in Bioconductor to investigate Hi-C, micro-C and other 3C-related data, in R. An online book (https://bioconductor.org/books/OHCA/) further provides prospective end users with a number of workflows to process, import, analyze and visualize any type of chromosome conformation capture data.
Logical design of synthetic cis-regulatory DNA for genetic tracing of cell identities and state changes
Authors: Company Carlos , Schmitt Matthias Jürgen , Dramaretska Yuliia , Serresi Michela , Kertalli Sonia , Jiang Ben , Yin Jiang-An , Aguzzi Adriano , Barozzi Iros , Gargiulo Gaetano
Published: February 2024

Descriptive data are rapidly expanding in biomedical research. Instead, functional validation methods with sufficient complexity remain underdeveloped. Transcriptional reporters allow experimental characterization and manipulation of developmental and disease cell states, but their design lacks flexibility. Here, we report logical design of synthetic cis-regulatory DNA (LSD), a computational framework leveraging phenotypic biomarkers and trans-regulatory networks as input to design reporters marking the activity of selected cellular states and pathways. LSD uses bulk or single-cell biomarkers and a reference genome or custom cis-regulatory DNA datasets with user-defined boundary regions. By benchmarking validated reporters, we integrate LSD with a computational ranking of phenotypic specificity of putative cis-regulatory DNA. Experimentally, LSD-designed reporters targeting a wide range of cell states are functional without minimal promoters. Applied to broadly expressed genes from human and mouse tissues, LSD generates functional housekeeper-like sLCRs compatible with size constraints of AAV vectors for gene therapy applications. A mesenchymal glioblastoma reporter designed by LSD outperforms previously validated ones and canonical cell surface markers. In genome-scale CRISPRa screens, LSD facilitates the discovery of known and novel bona fide cell-state drivers. Thus, LSD captures core principles of cis-regulation and is broadly applicable to studying complex cell states and mechanisms of transcriptional regulation.
Subtractive transformation of cathode materials in spent Li-ion batteries to a low-cobalt 5 V-class cathode material
Authors: Ma Jun , Wang Junxiong , Jia Kai , Liang Zheng , Ji Guanjun , Ji Haocheng , Zhu Yanfei , Chen Wen , Cheng Hui-Ming , Zhou Guangmin
Published: February 2024

Adding extra raw materials for direct recycling or upcycling is prospective for battery recycling, but overlooks subtracting specific components beforehand can facilitate the recycling to a self-sufficient mode of sustainable production. Here, a subtractive transformation strategy of degraded LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 and LiMn2O4 to a 5 V-class disordered spinel LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4-like cathode material is proposed. Equal amounts of Co and Ni from degraded materials are selectively extracted, and the remaining transition metals are directly converted into Ni0.4Co0.1Mn1.5(CO3)2 precursor for preparing cathode material with in-situ Co doping. The cathode material with improved conductivity and bond strength delivers high-rate (10 C and 20 C) and high-temperature (60 °C) cycling stability. This strategy with no extra precursor input can be generalized to practical degraded black mass and reduces the dependence of current cathode production on rare elements, showing the potential of upcycling from the spent to a next-generation 5 V-class cathode material for the sustainable Li-ion battery industry.
Geographic pair matching in large-scale cluster randomized trials
Authors: Arnold Benjamin F. , Rerolle Francois , Tedijanto Christine , Njenga Sammy M. , Rahman Mahbubur , Ercumen Ayse , Mertens Andrew , Pickering Amy J. , Lin Audrie , Arnold Charles D. , Das Kishor , Stewart Christine P. , Null Clair , Luby Stephen P. , Colford John M. , Hubbard Alan E. , Benjamin-Chung Jade
Published: February 2024

Cluster randomized trials are often used to study large-scale public health interventions. In large trials, even small improvements in statistical efficiency can have profound impacts on the required sample size and cost. Location integrates many socio-demographic and environmental characteristics into a single, readily available feature. Here we show that pair matching by geographic location leads to substantial gains in statistical efficiency for 14 child health outcomes that span growth, development, and infectious disease through a re-analysis of two large-scale trials of nutritional and environmental interventions in Bangladesh and Kenya. Relative efficiencies from pair matching are ≥1.1 for all outcomes and regularly exceed 2.0, meaning an unmatched trial would need to enroll at least twice as many clusters to achieve the same level of precision as the geographically pair matched design. We also show that geographically pair matched designs enable estimation of fine-scale, spatially varying effect heterogeneity under minimal assumptions. Our results demonstrate broad, substantial benefits of geographic pair matching in large-scale, cluster randomized trials.
Unveiling the dynamics of little-bang nucleosynthesis
Authors: Sun Kai-Jia , Wang Rui , Ko Che Ming , Ma Yu-Gang , Shen Chun
Published: February 2024

High-energy nuclear collisions provide a unique site for the synthesis of both nuclei and antinuclei at temperatures of kT ≈ 100 − 150 MeV. In these little bangs of transient collisions, a quark-gluon plasma (QGP) of nearly vanishing viscosity is created, which is believed to have existed in the early universe within the first few microseconds after the Big Bang. Analyses of identified particles produced in these little bangs based on the statistical hadronization model for the QGP have suggested that light (anti)nuclei are produced from the QGP as other hadrons and their abundances are little affected by later hadronic dynamics. Here, we find a strong reduction of the triton yield by about a factor of 1.8 in high-energy heavy-ion collisions based on a kinetic approach that includes the effects of hadronic re-scatterings, particularly that due to pion-catalyzed multi-body reactions. This finding is supported by the latest experimental measurements and thus unveils the important role of hadronic dynamics in the little-bang nucleosynthesis.
300 years of sclerosponge thermometry shows global warming has exceeded 1.5 °C
Authors: McCulloch Malcolm T. , Winter Amos , Sherman Clark E. , Trotter Julie A.
Published: February 2024

Anthropogenic emissions drive global-scale warming yet the temperature increase relative to pre-industrial levels is uncertain. Using 300 years of ocean mixed-layer temperature records preserved in sclerosponge carbonate skeletons, we demonstrate that industrial-era warming began in the mid-1860s, more than 80 years earlier than instrumental sea surface temperature records. The Sr/Ca palaeothermometer was calibrated against ‘modern’ (post-1963) highly correlated (R2 = 0.91) instrumental records of global sea surface temperatures, with the pre-industrial defined by nearly constant (<±0.1 °C) temperatures from 1700 to the early 1860s. Increasing ocean and land-air temperatures overlap until the late twentieth century, when the land began warming at nearly twice the rate of the surface oceans. Hotter land temperatures, together with the earlier onset of industrial-era warming, indicate that global warming was already 1.7 ± 0.1 °C above pre-industrial levels by 2020. Our result is 0.5 °C higher than IPCC estimates, with 2 °C global warming projected by the late 2020s, nearly two decades earlier than expected.
Predictions of rhizosphere microbiome dynamics with a genome-informed and trait-based energy budget model
Authors: Marschmann Gianna L. , Tang Jinyun , Zhalnina Kateryna , Karaoz Ulas , Cho Heejung , Le Beatrice , Pett-Ridge Jennifer , Brodie Eoin L.
Published: February 2024

Soil microbiomes are highly diverse, and to improve their representation in biogeochemical models, microbial genome data can be leveraged to infer key functional traits. By integrating genome-inferred traits into a theory-based hierarchical framework, emergent behaviour arising from interactions of individual traits can be predicted. Here we combine theory-driven predictions of substrate uptake kinetics with a genome-informed trait-based dynamic energy budget model to predict emergent life-history traits and trade-offs in soil bacteria. When applied to a plant microbiome system, the model accurately predicted distinct substrate-acquisition strategies that aligned with observations, uncovering resource-dependent trade-offs between microbial growth rate and efficiency. For instance, inherently slower-growing microorganisms, favoured by organic acid exudation at later plant growth stages, exhibited enhanced carbon use efficiency (yield) without sacrificing growth rate (power). This insight has implications for retaining plant root-derived carbon in soils and highlights the power of data-driven, trait-based approaches for improving microbial representation in biogeochemical models.
A novel class of inhibitors that disrupts the stability of integrin heterodimers identified by CRISPR-tiling-instructed genetic screens
Authors: Mattson Nicole M. , Chan Anthony K. N. , Miyashita Kazuya , Mukhaleva Elizaveta , Chang Wen-Han , Yang Lu , Ma Ning , Wang Yingyu , Pokharel Sheela Pangeni , Li Mingli , Liu Qiao , Xu Xiaobao , Chen Renee , Singh Priyanka , Zhang Leisi , Elsayed Zeinab , Chen Bryan , Keen Denise , Pirrotte Patrick , Rosen Steven. T. , Chen Jianjun , LaBarge Mark A. , Shively John E. , Vaidehi Nagarajan , Rockne Russell C. , Feng Mingye , Chen Chun-Wei
Published: February 2024

The plasma membrane is enriched for receptors and signaling proteins that are accessible from the extracellular space for pharmacological intervention. Here we conducted a series of CRISPR screens using human cell surface proteome and integrin family libraries in multiple cancer models. Our results identified ITGAV (integrin αV) and its heterodimer partner ITGB5 (integrin β5) as the essential integrin α/β pair for cancer cell expansion. High-density CRISPR gene tiling further pinpointed the integral pocket within the β-propeller domain of ITGAV for integrin αVβ5 dimerization. Combined with in silico compound docking, we developed a CRISPR-Tiling-Instructed Computer-Aided (CRISPR-TICA) pipeline for drug discovery and identified Cpd_AV2 as a lead inhibitor targeting the β-propeller central pocket of ITGAV. Cpd_AV2 treatment led to rapid uncoupling of integrin αVβ5 and cellular apoptosis, providing a unique class of therapeutic action that eliminates the integrin signaling via heterodimer dissociation. We also foresee the CRISPR-TICA approach to be an accessible method for future drug discovery studies.
Designing a novel fractional order mathematical model for COVID-19 incorporating lockdown measures
Authors: Adel Waleed , Günerhan Hatıra , Nisar Kottakkaran Sooppy , Agarwal Praveen , El-Mesady A.
Published: February 2024

This research focuses on the design of a novel fractional model for simulating the ongoing spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). The model is composed of multiple categories named susceptible $$S(t)$$

S
(
t
)

, infected $$I(t)$$

I
(
t
)

, treated $$T(t)$$

T
(
t
)

, and recovered $$R(t)$$

R
(
t
)

with the susceptible category further divided into two subcategories $${S}_{1} (t)$$

S
1

(
t
)

and $${S}_{2} (t)$$

S
2

(
t
)

. In light of the need for restrictive measures such as mandatory masks and social distancing to control the virus, the study of the dynamics and spread of the virus is an important topic. In addition, we investigate the positivity of the solution and its boundedness to ensure positive results. Furthermore, equilibrium points for the system are determined, and a stability analysis is conducted. Additionally, this study employs the analytical technique of the Laplace Adomian decomposition method (LADM) to simulate the different compartments of the model, taking into account various scenarios. The Laplace transform is used to convert the nonlinear resulting equations into an equivalent linear form, and the Adomian polynomials are utilized to treat the nonlinear terms. Solving this set of equations yields the solution for the state variables. To further assess the dynamics of the model, numerical simulations are conducted and compared with the results from LADM. Additionally, a comparison with real data from Italy is demonstrated, which shows a perfect agreement between the obtained data using the numerical and Laplace Adomian techniques. The graphical simulation is employed to investigate the effect of fractional-order terms, and an analysis of parameters is done to observe how quickly stabilization can be achieved with or without confinement rules. It is demonstrated that if no confinement rules are applied, it will take longer for stabilization after more people have been affected; however, if strict measures and a low contact rate are implemented, stabilization can be reached sooner.
AMMI and GGE biplot analysis of genotype by environment interaction for yield and yield contributing traits in confectionery groundnut
Authors: Kona Praveen , Ajay B. C. , Gangadhara K. , Kumar Narendra , Choudhary Raja Ram , Mahatma M. K. , Singh Sushmita , Reddy Kiran K. , Bera S. K. , Sangh Chandramohan , Rani Kirti , Chavada Zarana , Solanki K. D.
Published: February 2024

The global market has a high demand for premium edible grade groundnut, particularly for table use. India, in particular, exhibits significant potential for exporting confectionary grade large seeded groundnut. The environment plays a significant impact in influencing the expression of seed traits, which subsequently affects the confectionary quality of groundnut genotypes. The states of Gujarat and Rajasthan in India are prominent producers of high-quality groundnuts specifically used for confectionary purposes. The current study was conducted with 43 confectionery groundnut genotypes at Junagadh, Gujarat, and Bikaner, Rajasthan, with the goals of understanding genotype-by-environment interaction (GEI) effects and identifying stable, high yielding confectionery quality groundnut genotypes using AMMI and GGE biplot models. Pod yield per plant (PYP), number of pods per plant (NPP), hundred kernel weight (HKW), and shelling percent (SP) were estimated. The interplay between the environment and genotype has had a notable impact on the manifestation of confectionary grade characteristics in peanuts. The results from the Interaction Principal Component Analysis (IPCA) indicate that HKW contributed 76.68% and 18.95% towards the Global Environmental Index (GEI) through IPCA1 and IPCA2, respectively. Similarly, NPP contributed 87.52% and 8.65%, PYP contributed 95.87% and 2.1%, and SP contributed 77.4% and 16.22% towards GEI through IPCA1 and IPCA2, respectively. Based on the ranking of genotypes, the ideal genotypes were PBS 29079B for HKW, PBS 29230 for NPP. The genotypes PBS 29233 and PBS 29230 exhibited superior performance and stability in terms of pod yield, hundred kernel weight, number of pods per plant, and shelling percentage across various sites. These breeding lines have the potential to be developed for the purpose of producing confectionary grade groundnut with larger seeds, in order to fulfil the growing demand for export.
Nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy and incidence of Parkinson’s disease based on a nationwide population based study
Authors: Ahn Jong Hyeon , Kang Min Chae , Youn Jinyoung , Park Kyung-Ah , Han Kyung-Do , Jung Jin-hyung
Published: February 2024

This study aimed to investigate the association between nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) and Parkinson's disease (PD) using a retrospective, nationwide, population-based cohort in South Korea. This study utilized data from the Korean National Health Insurance database, including 43,960 NAION patients and 219,800 age- and sex-matched controls. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to assess the risk of developing PD in the NAION group compared to the control group after adjusting for various confounding factors. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on sex, age, and comorbidities. The incidence rate of PD was higher in the NAION group (1.326 per 1000 person-years) than in the control group (0.859 per 1000 person-years). After adjusting for confounding factors, the risk of developing PD was significantly higher in the NAION group (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.516, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.300–1.769). Subgroup analyses did not reveal a significant difference in the risk of PD development based on sex, age, or comorbidities. This retrospective, nationwide, population-based cohort study revealed a significant association between NAION and an increased risk of developing PD in a South Korean population. The incidence rate of PD was observed to be higher in individuals diagnosed with NAION than in age- and sex-matched controls even after adjusting for potential confounding variables, with the risk being approximately 51.6% higher in the NAION group. Further research is necessary to elucidate the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms linking NAION to PD and to determine whether similar associations exist in other ethnic and geographical populations.
In-lab synthesized turn-off fluorescence sensor for estimation of Gemigliptin and Rosuvastatin polypill appraised by Spider diagram, AGREE and whiteness metrics
Authors: Mohyeldin Sara M. , Talaat Wael , Kamal Miranda F. , Daabees Hoda G. , El-Tahawy Mohsen M. T. , Keshk Reda M.
Published: February 2024

Gemigliptin-Rosuvastatin single-pill combination is a promising therapeutic tool in the effective control of hyperglycemia and hypercholesterolemia. Organic sensors with high quantum yields have profoundly significant applications in the pharmaceutical industry, such as routine quality control of marketed formulations. Herein, the fluorescence sensor, 2-Morpholino-4,6-dimethyl nicotinonitrile 3, (λex; 226 nm, λem; 406 nm), was synthesized with a fluorescence quantum yield of 56.86% and fully characterized in our laboratory. This sensor showed high efficiency for the determination of Gemigliptin (GEM) and Rosuvastatin (RSV) traces through their stoichiometric interactions and simultaneously fractionated by selective solvation. The interaction between the stated analytes and sensor 3 was a quenching effect. Various experimental parameters and the turn-off mechanism were addressed. The adopted approach fulfilled the ICH validation criteria and showed linear satisfactory ranges, 0.2–2 and 0.1–1 μg/mL for GEM and RSV, respectively with nano-limits of detection less than 30 ng/mL for both analytes. The synthesized sensor has been successfully applied for GEM and RSV co-assessment in their synthetic polypill with excellent % recoveries of 98.83 ± 0.86 and 100.19 ± 0.64, respectively. No statistically significant difference between the results of the proposed and reported spectrophotometric methods in terms of the F- and t-tests. Ecological and whiteness appraisals of the proposed study were conducted via three novel approaches: the Greenness Index via Spider Diagram, the Analytical Greenness Metric, and the Red–Green–Blue 12 model. The aforementioned metrics proved the superiority of the adopted approach over the previously published one regarding eco-friendliness and sustainability. Our devised fluorimetric turn-off sensing method showed high sensitivity, selectivity, feasibility, and rapidity with minimal cost and environmental burden over other sophisticated techniques, making it reliable in quality control labs.
Western Caucasus regional hydroclimate controlled by cold-season temperature variability since the Last Glacial Maximum
Authors: Wolf Annabel , Baker Jonathan Lloyd , Tjallingii Rik , Cai Yanjun , Osinzev Alexander , Antonosyan Mariya , Amano Noel , Johnson Kathleen Rose , Skiba Vanessa , McCormack Jeremy , Kwiecien Ola , Chervyatsova Olga Yakovlevna , Dublyansky Yuri Viktorovich , Dbar Roman Saidovich , Cheng Hai , Breitenbach Sebastian Franz Martin
Published: February 2024

The Caucasus region is key for understanding early human dispersal and evolution in Eurasia, and characterizing the environmental contrast between Last Glacial Maximum and Holocene is crucial for investigating human adaptation strategies to large climatic shifts. However, a paucity of high-resolution paleoclimate records leave this context largely unknown for early human populations in the Caucasus region. Based on our model-proxy comparison of high- and low-resolution records of 24 stalagmites from three caves, we find spatially distinct changes in vegetation and seasonality of precipitation, especially under glacial conditions. Supported by modern oxygen-isotope data and climate modeling, we identify a supraregional cold-season temperature control for oxygen isotopes in Black Sea speleothems, which previously had been interpreted as a local moisture-source signal. Carbon-isotope and trace-element data further suggest disproportionate changes in vegetation cover and soil dynamics at high altitudes, which would have resulted in a reduction but not a disappearance of human refugia during the Last Glacial Maximum, relative to the current interglacial. Our findings imply that abrupt climatic pressures from harsh conditions were overcome by adaptive strategies in the past.
A heterogeneous cobalt cubane polymer co-catalyst for cooperative water oxidation
Authors: Li Siyuan , Jiang Wenchao , Sui Qi , Gao Yujie , Jiang Yi
Published: February 2024

A heterogeneous Co4O4-poly cocatalyst demonstrated superior catalytic performance in water oxidation.
Terpyridine isomerism as a tool for tuning red-to-NIR emissive properties in heteronuclear gold(i)–thallium(i) complexes
Authors: Royo David , Moreno Sonia , Rodríguez-Castillo María , Monge Miguel , Olmos M. Elena , Zubkov Fedor I. , Pronina Anastasia A. , Mahmoudi Ghodrat , López-de-Luzuriaga José M.
Published: February 2024

Terpyridine ligand isomerism permits the tuning of the emissions in heteropolynuclear gold(i)–thallium(i) complexes from orange to NIR thanks to different coordination environments in thallium(i) centres.
Ultra-high photoelectric conversion efficiency and obvious carrier separation in photovoltaic ZnIn2X4 (X = S, Se, and Te) van der Waals heterostructures
Authors: Liang Zheng , Liu Yao-Zhong , Gong Ze-Ting , Li Jun-Yao , Yao Yong-Sheng , Tang Zhen-Kun , Wei Xiao-Lin
Published: February 2024

The ZnIn2S4/ZnIn2Se4 heterostructure has obvious carrier separation. The maximum theoretical photoelectric conversion efficiency of ZnIn2S4/ZnIn2Se4 heterostructure was 32.1%, and it can be further enhanced to 32.9% under 2% tensile strain.
Highly selective electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 to HCOOH over an in situ derived Ag-loaded Bi2O2CO3 electrocatalyst
Authors: Zheng Wei , Wang Changlai , Chen Jing , Chen Shi , Lin Zhiyu , Huang Minxue , Huang Hao , Qu Yafei , Wang Peichen , Hu Lin , Chen Qianwang
Published: February 2024

Ag/Bi2O2CO3 generated during the carbonatization process in KHCO3 electrolyte achieves a high faradaic efficiency toward HCOOH in a wide potential window.
Detection of tritium using ultrafast laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy
Authors: Harilal Sivanandan S. , Shaik Abdul K. , Kautz Elizabeth J. , Devaraj Arun , Casella Andrew M. , Senor David J.
Published: February 2024

Detection of protium, deuterium and tritium using ultrafast LIBS with rapid, and standoff capability in addition to no sample preparation requirement which are crucial to nuclear nonproliferation, safeguards, and security
CeO2-promoted Cu2O-based catalyst sprayed on the gas diffusion layer for the electroreduction of carbon dioxide to ethylene
Authors: Alarcón A. , Andreu T. , Ponce de León C.
Published: February 2024

In the catalytic system based on Cu2O–CeO2-C, the interaction between Cu2O and CeO2-Ccreates intrinsic sites (Cux–CeO2−x; Cux= Cu2+, Cu+, Cu0), which are beneficial for achieving competitive ethylene production from CO2RR.
Merging gold plasmonic nanoparticles and l-proline inside a MOF for plasmon-induced visible light chiral organocatalysis at low temperature
Authors: Kushnarenko A. , Zabelina A. , Guselnikova O. , Miliutina E. , Vokatá B. , Zabelin D. , Burtsev V. , Valiev R. , Kolska Z. , Paidar M. , Sykora V. , Postnikov P. , Svorcik V. , Lyutakov O.
Published: February 2024

Plasmon-active centers (AuNPs) and chiral catalyst (proline) were immobilized in close vicinity using UiO-66–NH2 for aldol reaction. The reaction was performed under illumination and plasmon triggering allows achieving a high value of enantioselectivity and reaction yield at −20°.
Recent advances in nano-fertilizers: synthesis, crop yield impact, and economic analysis
Authors: Channab Badr-Eddine , EL Idrissi Ayoub , Ammar Ayyoub , Dardari Othmane , Marrane Salah Eddine , el Gharrak Abdelouahed , Akil Adil , Essemlali Youness , Zahouily Mohamed
Published: February 2024

The escalating global demand for food production has predominantly relied on the extensive application of conventional fertilizers (CFs).
Mechanism of RGD-conjugated nanodevice binding to its target protein integrin αVβ3 by atomistic molecular dynamics and machine learning
Authors: Frigerio Giulia , Donadoni Edoardo , Siani Paulo , Vertemara Jacopo , Motta Stefano , Bonati Laura , Gioia Luca De , Valentin Cristiana Di
Published: February 2024

Based on atomistic molecular dynamics simulations and machine learning approaches we unveil the binding mechanism of a cyclic-RGD-ligand activated NP (PEGylated-TiO2) to its receptor protein (integrin-αVβ3) overexpressed in many tumor cells.
Two-dimensional MXene nanosheets on nano-scale fibrils in hierarchical porous structure to achieve ultra-high sensitivity
Authors: Wu Bingjie , Xie Zhenghui , Shi Qiwu , Yang Junlong , Park Chul B. , Gong Pengjian , Li Guangxian
Published: February 2024

Attributed to hierarchical EVOH-g-EOPO skeleton and abundant interaction between 2D MXene nanosheets with skeleton, a hybrid nanostructure is constructed here to create sufficient contacts and hence achieve an ultra-high piezoresistive sensitivity.
Polyoxometalate nanocluster-infused triple IPN hydrogels for excellent microplastic removal from contaminated water: detection, photodegradation, and upcycling
Authors: Dutta Soumi , Misra Ashok , Bose Suryasarathi
Published: February 2024

Microplastic (MP) pollution threatens ecosystems globally, necessitating urgent environmental intervention. This article proposes a solution for combating MP pollution in water by an innovative hydrogel synthesis and circular economy-based upcycling.
AB-type monomer of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane
Authors: Nakano Taishi , Imoto Hiroaki , Naka Kensuke
Published: February 2024

An AB-type open-cage silsesquioxane monomer has been firstly synthesized. From two isomers, polymer and cyclic compound are selectively produced.
A high-entropy layered P2-type cathode with high stability for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Liu Hongfeng , Wang Yingshuai , Ding Xiangyu , Wang Yusong , Wu Feng , Gao Hongcai
Published: February 2024

The configuration entropy is increased by substitution of beryllium and magnesium for nickel. And sodium-ion diffusion rate and cycling performance at high rates were improved with the co-doping strategy.
Adhesion-based high-throughput label-free cell sorting using ridged microfluidic channels
Authors: Chrit Fatima Ezahra , Li Peiru , Sulchek Todd , Alexeev Alexander
Published: February 2024

Numerous applications in medical diagnostics, cell engineering therapy, and biotechnology require the identification and sorting of cells that express desired molecular surface markers.
Geometry, mechanics and actuation of intrinsically curved folds
Authors: Feng Fan , Dradrach Klaudia , Zmyślony Michał , Barnes Morgan , Biggins John S.
Published: February 2024

We actuate designed liquid crystal elastomer sheets to form curved folds that bear non-zero Gaussian curvature and have unusual mechanics.
Determining hyperelastic properties of the constituents of the mussel byssus system
Authors: Lyu Yulan , Pang Yong , Liu Tao , Sun Wei
Published: February 2024

The mussel byssus system, comprising the adhesive plaque, distal thread, and proximal thread, plays a crucial role in the survival of marine mussels amongst ocean waves.
pH-controlled breakup of fractal aggregates, microgels and gels formed by self-assembled amphiphilic triblock copolymers
Authors: Balakrishnan Gireeshkumar , De Souza Lima Marli Miriam , Niepceron Frederick , Colombani Olivier , Nicolai Taco , Chassenieux Christophe
Published: February 2024

The degradation of (micro)gels and aggregates based on self-assembled triblock copolymers was induced by increasing pH. It is controlled by the escape time of the end blocks with a rate that varied by several orders of magnitude by varying the pH.
Novel dual spectral conversion via Eu2+, Cu+-coactivated core–shell-structured CaS@CaZnOS phosphors for efficient photosynthesis of plants
Authors: Yan Liu , Peng Mei , Song Zirong , He Yue , Fan Yulin , Wang Yuya , Xiong Rumeng , Lian Shixun , Ma Xinxian , Qiu Zhongxian
Published: February 2024

Core–shell-structured CaS:Eu2+,Cu+@CaZnOS:Cu+ phosphor with excellent dual-excitation and dual-emission performance can efficiently convert solar energy and enhance the photosynthesis efficiency of crops in facility agriculture.
Cu-based catalysts for electrocatalytic nitrate reduction to ammonia: fundamentals and recent advances
Authors: Zhang Kouer , Liu Yun , Pan Zhefei , Xia Qing , Huo Xiaoyu , Esan Oladapo Christopher , Zhang Xiao , An Liang
Published: February 2024

This review provides an overview of Cu-based catalysts for electrocatalytic nitrate reduction to ammonia. It encompasses materials, reaction mechanisms, analysis methods and insights into the practical applications and economic prospects.
SERS nanostructures with engineered active peptides against an immune checkpoint protein
Authors: Gobbo Marina , Caligiuri Isabella , Giannetti Micaela , Litti Lucio , Mazzuca Claudia , Rizzolio Flavio , Palleschi Antonio , Meneghetti Moreno
Published: February 2024

Engineered peptides on plasmonic nanostructures show a good targeting activity against the immune checkpoint programmed death ligand 1 protein (PD-L1) expressed by tumor cells. SERS signals allow quantitative evaluation of the targeting activity.