bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A central limit theorem for integer partitions into small powers
Authors: Lipnik Gabriel F. , Madritsch Manfred G. , Tichy Robert F.
Published: December 2023

The study of the well-known partition function p(n) counting the number of solutions to $$n = a_{1} + \dots + a_{\ell }$$

n
=

a
1

+
⋯
+

a
ℓ

with integers $$1 \le a_{1} \le \dots \le a_{\ell }$$

1
≤

a
1

≤
⋯
≤

a
ℓ

has a long history in number theory and combinatorics. In this paper, we study a variant, namely partitions of integers into $$\begin{aligned} n=\left\lfloor a_1^\alpha \right\rfloor +\cdots +\left\lfloor a_\ell ^\alpha \right\rfloor \end{aligned}$$

n
=

a
1
α

+
⋯
+

a
ℓ
α

with $$1\le a_1< \cdots < a_\ell $$

1
≤

a
1

<
⋯
<

a
ℓ

and some fixed $$0< \alpha < 1$$

0
<
α
<
1

. In particular, we prove a central limit theorem for the number of summands in such partitions, using the saddle-point method.
Projected changes in heatwaves and its impact on human discomfort over India due to global warming under the CORDEX-CORE framework
Authors: Maharana Pyarimohan , Kumar Dhirendra , Das Sushant , Tiwari P. R. , Norgate Marc , Raman Viswanathan Anantha Venkat
Published: December 2023

Due to climate change, rapid warming and its further intensification over different parts of the globe have been recently reported. This has a direct impact on human health, agriculture, water availability, power generation, various ecosystems, and socioeconomic conditions of the exposed population. The current study thus investigates the frequency and duration of heatwaves, human discomfort, and exposure of the human population to these extremes using the high-resolution regional climate model experiments under two Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP2.6, RCP8.5) over India. We find that more than 90% of India will be exposed to uncomfortable warm nights by the end of the 21st century with the highest rise over western India, Madhya Pradesh (MP), Uttar Pradesh (UP), Punjab, and the Haryana region. States like Odisha, Chhattisgarh, eastern parts of MP and UP, and some parts of J&K will be the worst hit by the intense and frequent heatwaves and human discomfort followed by the densely populated Indo-Gangetic plains under RCP8.5. Strict enforcement of the stringent policies on stabilization of population growth, improvement of local adaptive capacities, and economic status of the vulnerable population along with enforcing effective measures to curb greenhouse gas emissions are important to reduce human exposure to future heat stress. We demonstrate that a proper mitigation-based development (RCP2.6) instead of a business-as-usual scenario (RCP8.5) may help to reduce 50–200 heatwave days, 3–10 heatwave spells, and 10–35% warm nights over the Indian region. Consequently, this can avoid the exposure of 135–143 million population to severe discomfort due to extreme heat conditions by the end of the 21st century.
Anti-toxoplasma activity and DNA-binding of copper(II) and zinc(II) coordination compounds with 5-nitroimidazole-based ligands
Authors: Navarro-Peñaloza Rubí , Anacleto-Santos Jhony , Rivera-Fernández Norma , Sánchez-Bartez Francisco , Gracia-Mora Isabel , Caballero Ana B. , Gamez Patrick , Barba-Behrens Norah
Published: December 2023

Tetrahedral copper(II) and zinc(II) coordination compounds from 5-nitroimidazole derivatives, viz. 1-(2-chloroethyl)-2-methyl-5-nitroimidazole (cenz) and ornidazole 1-(3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl)-2-methyl-5-nitroimidazole (onz), were synthesized and spectroscopically characterized. Their molecular structures were determined by X-ray diffraction studies. The complexes [Cu(onz)2X2], [Zn(onz)2X2], [Cu(cenz)2X2] and [Zn(cenz)2X2] (X− = Cl, Br), are stable in solution and exhibit positive LogD7.4 values that are in the range for molecules capable of crossing the cell membrane via passive difussion. Their biological activity against Toxoplasma gondi was investigated, and IC50 and lethal dose (LD50) values were determined. The ornidazole copper(II) compounds showed very good antiparasitic activity in its tachyzoite morphology. The interaction of the coordination compounds with DNA was examined by circular dichroism, fluorescence (using intercalating ethidium bromide and minor groove binding Hoechst 33258) and UV–Vis spectroscopy. The copper(II) compounds interact with the minor groove of the biomolecule, whereas weaker electrostatic interactions take place with the zinc(II) compounds. The spectroscopic data achieved for the two series of complexes (namely with copper(II) and zinc(II) as metal center) agree with the respective DNA-damage features observed by gel electrophoresis.

Graphical abstract
Green building practices to integrate renewable energy in the construction sector: a review
Authors: Chen Lin , Hu Ying , Wang Ruiyi , Li Xiang , Chen Zhonghao , Hua Jianmin , Osman Ahmed I. , Farghali Mohamed , Huang Lepeng , Li Jingjing , Dong Liang , Rooney David W. , Yap Pow-Seng
Published: December 2023

The building sector is significantly contributing to climate change, pollution, and energy crises, thus requiring a rapid shift to more sustainable construction practices. Here, we review the emerging practices of integrating renewable energies in the construction sector, with a focus on energy types, policies, innovations, and perspectives. The energy sources include solar, wind, geothermal, and biomass fuels. Case studies in Seattle, USA, and Manama, Bahrain, are presented. Perspectives comprise self-sufficiency, microgrids, carbon neutrality, intelligent buildings, cost reduction, energy storage, policy support, and market recognition. Incorporating wind energy into buildings can fulfill about 15% of a building's energy requirements, while solar energy integration can elevate the renewable contribution to 83%. Financial incentives, such as a 30% subsidy for the adoption of renewable technologies, augment the appeal of these innovations.
Timing, reproduction and biometrics of a long-distance passerine migrant in a core and a peripheral population
Authors: Polak Marcin , Bažant Miroslav
Published: December 2023

Understanding the mechanisms and the factors influencing the phenology, reproduction and biometrics of long-distance migrants are extremely important as global climate warming has induced changes in the locations of geographic ranges and dates of migration and reproduction. In this article, we compare phenology, reproductive parameters and adult biometrics of core and peripheral populations of a rare and endangered bird—the barred warbler Curruca nisoria—that inhabits the farming landscapes and makes long-distance trans-continental migrations. We predicted that: (i) individuals nesting in the core population would be larger than in the peripheral population; (ii) the reproductive parameters of the Barred Warblers in the core population would be higher than in the peripheral population. The Barred Warblers nesting in the centre of the range laid larger clutches and were clearly larger than individuals from the small, peripheral population. However, no differences in egg size and productivity were observed between the analysed populations. The Barred Warblers synchronised their breeding dates over a large geographical area as they had only a short time window for reproduction and had to lay their eggs as soon as possible. Individuals arriving earlier on the breeding grounds had larger clutches, longer wings and produced more nestlings. The pressure of the passage of time during the breeding season was a more important factor than the geographical location affecting the breeding characteristics in these populations.
The effects of wildfire frequency on post-fire soil surface water dynamics
Authors: González-Pelayo O. , Prats S. A. , van den Elsen E. , Malvar M. C. , Ritsema C. , Bautista S. , Keizer J. J.
Published: December 2023

Increasing wildfire frequency in the Mediterranean Basin could affect future plant-soil–water-dynamics. The capacity of soils to retain water is a key parameter affecting plant post-fire regeneration. Yet, few research has looked at how different soil properties related to water retention is affected by increasing wildfire frequency. This study aimed at understanding the relationship between wildfire frequency, soil–water-related properties and the dynamics of surface water in soils. To this, after a 2012-summer wildfire in Portugal, three sets of three replicate maritime pine stands with contrasted wildfire frequency were selected (0 vs. 1 vs. 4 fires since 1975). At each of the nine study sites, three re-sprouter shrubs and neighbouring bare soil were chosen (54 microsites). There, soil cover, soil–water retention curves and surface (0–5 cm) soil–water-related properties (texture, bulk density, organic matter content, soil moisture, soil surface water repellency) were monitored for one year. Furthermore, records of post-fire soil moisture dynamics were analysed continuously using 72 probes installed at 2.5 and 7.5 cm depth. The hillslopes affected by 1 fire showed higher plant recovery than the 4 fires hillslopes. During the dry season, the threshold for water stress was reached 17 days sooner in the 4 fires hillslopes, and also 10 days sooner on bare microsites. Periods of plant water stress were longer and bare soil patches size bigger. The increase in wildfire frequency promoted high soil organic matter contents but less available water content, stressing the importance of soil organic matter quality characterization in water-related properties.
A Theory of Exploitation for Consumer Law: Online Choice Architectures, Dark Patterns, and Autonomy Violations
Authors: Brenncke M.
Published: December 2023

Commercial practices that exploit consumer behavioural biases (behavioural exploitation) are an increasingly prevalent issue in online choice architectures. EU policymakers have started to expressly regulate such practices. What remains unclear about this type of regulation is when an online choice architecture exploits biased consumers. What is the legal meaning and significance of exploitation in the digital environment? Even though the concept of exploitation is frequently used in scholarship concerning behavioural exploitation such as “dark patterns”, it is rarely defined. The concept’s normativity is mostly ignored, remains underdeveloped, and lacks solid foundations. This Article aims to close this gap by developing a theory of exploitation for (behavioural) consumer law in the EU that applies to online choice architectures and unfair commercial practices in general. The Article eschews welfare analysis and instead relies on the philosophical discourse on exploitation theory. Even though this discourse is mostly ignored by the literature, the Article submits that this analytical framework fits better with the existing goals and scheme of EU consumer law compared to an approach to legal analysis that is driven by promoting consumer welfare through market efficiency. Ultimately, the Article defends the autonomy theory of exploitation and contends that regulating behavioural exploitation in online choice architectures means regulating for autonomy.
Effects of food and ethnicity on the pharmacokinetics of venadaparib, a next-generation PARP inhibitor, in healthy Korean, Caucasian, and Chinese male subjects
Authors: Kim Hyun Chul , Yang Eunsol , Lee Soyoung , Oh Jaeseong , Lee Myongjae , Lee ChaeEun , Ha Kyoung Soo , Lee Won Sik , Jang In-Jin , Yu Kyung-Sang
Published: December 2023

Aim

Venadaparib is a next-generation poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor under development for treating gastric cancer. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of food and ethnicity on the pharmacokinetics (PKs) and safety of venadaparib after a single oral administration in healthy Korean, Caucasian, and Chinese male subjects.

Methods

In this randomized, open-label, single-dose, two-sequence, two-period, and crossover study, Korean and Caucasian subjects received venadaparib 80 mg in each period (fasted or fed state) with a seven-day washout. In an open-label, single-dose study, Chinese subjects received venadaparib 80 mg only in the fasted state. Serial blood samples were collected up to 72 h post-dosing.

Results

Twelve subjects from each ethnic group completed the study. The geometric mean ratios (90% confidence intervals) of the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time zero to the last measurable time point (AUClast) of venadaparib for the fed to fasted state were 0.82 (0.7457–0.9094) and 1.02 (0.9088–1.1339) in Koreans, and 0.77 (0.6871–0.8609) and 0.96 (0.9017–1.0186) in Caucasians, respectively. No statistically significant differences were observed in Cmax (P-value = 0.45) or AUClast (P-value = 0.30) among the three ethnic groups. A single venadaparib dose was well-tolerated.

Conclusion

The overall systemic exposure of venadaparib was not affected by the high-fat meal, despite delayed absorption with a decreased Cmax in the fed state. The PK profiles were comparable among the Korean, Caucasian, and Chinese subjects. A single venadaparib 80 mg dose was safe and well-tolerated in both fasted and fed states.
Adolescent General Efficacy Scale for Parents (AGES-p): Adaptation and Spanish Validation
Authors: Sánchez-Sandoval Y. , Fornell P. , del Río F. J.
Published: December 2023

It has been well documented in the literature that parental cognitions contribute in central ways to child development and adjustment. Nevertheless, there are no other questionnaires in the Spanish context that measure parents’ perceptions toward their adolescent children’s efficacy. This study aims to develop and validate a new scale to measure parents’ perceptions toward their adolescent children’s efficacy. A total of 594 Spanish parents and their children aged between 11 and 16 years completed the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE), the Adolescent General Efficacy Scale for Parents (AGES-p), and the Adolescent Future Expectations Scale for Parents (AFES-p). Non-probability convenience sampling was used. We kept similar proportions in our sample when selecting participating schools (75.90% State schools and 24.10% private schools). The psychometric properties of the AGES-p scale were examined using Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analysis. We obtained a unidimensional factor structure, which explains 66.77% of the variance. This means that most of the observed variance in item responses is explained by a single latent construct. The reliability (α = 0.926) and convergent validity of the scale were found to be high. It can be observed that there are positive and significant correlations between AGES-p and the questionnaires used: GSE (r = 0.268) and AFES-p (r = 0.508).The AGES-p has the potential for evaluating parents’ perception toward their children’s efficacy. This scale in the Spanish context provides a new measurement instrument to the field of family evaluation, applicable both to research and psychoeducational, clinical, and social interventions.
Profiles of Protective Factors among Children and Adolescents in the Child Welfare System
Authors: Navarro-Pérez José- Javier , Tomás Jose M. , Georgieva Sylvia , Mollá Adrián García-
Published: December 2023

Protective factors have been established as moderators in the association among adverse experiences and future outcomes as suicidality in adulthood, performing child-to-parent violence or exhibiting trauma-related responses, therefore establishing the need to explore protective factors and their characteristics. The aim of this study is to identify profiles among protective factors in children and adolescents at risk, and to relate these profiles to several sociodemographic variables such as age, gender, country of origin (native as opposed to immigrant) and the type of family structure (being a single parent family or a bi-parent family). Data was collected from professionals involved in the Children Protective Services (CPS). Sample was composed by 635 children and adolescents involved in the CPS. Protective factors were assessed by the Adolescents and Children Risk of Abuse and Maltreatment Protective Factors Scale (ACRAM-PFS). A Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) was estimated. Six profiles were retained. Membership to these profiles was associated to gender, age, family structure and country of origin. Country of origin showed significant association to several profiles. Information provided in this study is novel and can help to improve quality of interventions from an ecological perspective.
New FeVTaO6 compound—synthesis, structure and selected properties
Authors: Filipek Elżbieta , Piz Mateusz , Dąbrowska Grażyna , Dulian Piotr , Karolus Małgorzata , Zubko Maciej
Published: December 2023

A new ceramic compound of the chemical formula FeVTaO6 was obtained in polycrystalline form, as a result of a high-temperature reaction between Fe2O3, Ta2O5 and VO2 mixed at the molar ratio 1:1:2 as well as in the reaction of equimolar mixture of FeTaO4 with VO2. The synthesis of this new compound has also been carried out by mechanochemical method realized by high-energy ball milling of some mixture of reactants. FeVTaO6, in both cases, was obtained under an atmosphere of deoxygenated argon. The new compound was characterized by XRD, DTA-TG, IR, SEM/EDX, TEM, XRF and UV–vis-DRS methods. Using X-ray powder diffraction, the lattice parameters of the unit cell and the parameters of the positioning of atoms (Rietveld analysis) were determined, and grain sizes were obtained on the basis of diffraction line broadening. The results showed that FeVTaO6 crystallizes in the tetragonal system with rutile-type structure. As shown in the DTA results, regardless of the synthesis method, FeVTaO6 is stable in argon atmosphere up to ~ 1225 °C and in air up to ~ 925 °C. Based on the UV–Vis-DR spectra, it was also established that the obtained compound is a semiconductor. The energy gap value determined for the compound obtained by the solid-state method is Eg ~ 1.75 eV, and for the compound obtained by the mechanochemical method Eg ~ 2.10 eV.

Graphical abstract
A promising approach to scaling up professional development: intelligent, interactive, virtual professional development with just-in-time feedback
Authors: Copur-Gencturk Yasemin , Orrill Chandra Hawley
Published: December 2023

The scalability and accessibility of quality professional development (PD) is an ongoing concern in the teacher education community, yet little research has been conducted on potential solutions. We aimed to address this gap by developing an interactive, virtual PD program that uses intelligent tutoring systems and provides instant feedback to teachers. We then explored the role of this program in developing teachers’ content and pedagogical content knowledge of mathematics. We collected data from 60 teachers located across the USA and found that those who completed the program increased their content and pedagogical content knowledge.
A Novel Biallelic LCK Variant Resulting in Profound T-Cell Immune Deficiency and Review of the Literature
Authors: Lanz Anna-Lisa , Erdem Serife , Ozcan Alper , Ceylaner Gulay , Cansever Murat , Ceylaner Serdar , Conca Raffaele , Magg Thomas , Acuto Oreste , Latour Sylvain , Klein Christoph , Patiroglu Turkan , Unal Ekrem , Eken Ahmet , Hauck Fabian
Published: December 2023

Lymphocyte-specific protein tyrosine kinase (LCK) is an SRC-family kinase critical for initiation and propagation of T-cell antigen receptor (TCR) signaling through phosphorylation of TCR-associated CD3 chains and recruited downstream molecules. Until now, only one case of profound T-cell immune deficiency with complete LCK deficiency [1] caused by a biallelic missense mutation (c.1022T>C, p.L341P) and three cases of incomplete LCK deficiency [2] caused by a biallelic splice site mutation (c.188-2A>G) have been described. Additionally, deregulated LCK expression has been associated with genetically undefined immune deficiencies and hematological malignancies. Here, we describe the second case of complete LCK deficiency in a 6-month-old girl born to consanguineous parents presenting with profound T-cell immune deficiency. Whole exome sequencing (WES) revealed a novel pathogenic biallelic missense mutation in LCK (c.1393T>C, p.C465R), which led to the absence of LCK protein expression and phosphorylation, and a consecutive decrease in proximal TCR signaling. Loss of conventional CD4+ and CD8+ αβT-cells and homeostatic T-cell expansion was accompanied by increased γδT-cell and Treg percentages. Surface CD4 and CD8 co-receptor expression was reduced in the patient T-cells, while the heterozygous mother had impaired CD4 and CD8 surface expression to a lesser extent. We conclude that complete LCK deficiency is characterized by profound T-cell immune deficiency, reduced CD4 and CD8 surface expression, and a characteristic TCR signaling disorder. CD4 and CD8 surface expression may be of value for early detection of mono- and/or biallelic LCK deficiency.
‘I Can Tell You It’s a Bit of a Gamble’: A Qualitative Analysis of How People Who Engage in Gaming and Gambling Understand a Link Between These Two Behaviours
Authors: Wieczorek Łukasz , Bujalski M. , Dąbrowska K.
Published: December 2023

This article explores the attention given to potential motives and determinants of the transition process from video games to gambling. Forty individual interviews were conducted among active video game players (n = 20), and people diagnosed with a gambling disorder who had the experience of playing video games (n = 20). A qualitative thematic analysis was employed to explore the collected empirical data. The range of factors considered responsible for the transition from playing video games to gambling included experiencing similar emotional states, the presence of gambling in video games, advertising of gambling companies in video games, loot boxes. The awareness of factors associated with the development of gambling disorders among video game players has an important role in informing prevention policies in the rapidly changing video gaming and gambling market. Decision-makers should introduce effective regulation of the use of gambling components in video games to protect gamers against the gambling-related harm.
Religious Identity and its Relation to Health-Related Quality of Life and COVID-Related Stress of Refugee Children and Adolescents in Germany
Authors: Schmees P. , Braig J. , Kilinc Y. , Nilles H. , EL-Awad U. , Kerkhoff D. , Demir Z. , Rueth J.-E. , Lohaus A. , Eschenbeck H.
Published: December 2023

Research shows that religious identity is associated with health. The aim of this study was to understand the role of religious identity for refugee minors’ health in greater detail. Middle Eastern refugee minors resettled in Germany and aged 8–18 years completed questionnaires at baseline (T1, n = 246) and follow-up (T2, n = 122) measurement between 2019 and 2022. Religious identity was assessed with a 4-item measure (Cronbach’s α = .89). Associations of religious identity at T1 with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) at T1, change in HRQoL from T1 to T2, and perceived COVID-related stress at T2, as well as the mediating role of resources were examined. The results showed a positive association between religious identity and HRQoL, which was partially mediated by integration into peer group, but not by ethnic identity, sense of coherence or religious practice. No significant associations between religious identity and change in HRQoL or COVID-related stress occurred. Therefore, cross-sectional analyses support the beneficial role of religious identity for HRQoL and the crucial mediating role of integration into peer group, suggesting the promotion of religious identity or peer group integration. However, the absence of significant effects on change in HRQoL from T1 to T2 and COVID-related stress at T2 do not allow drawing any long-term conclusions.
Probing Evolution of the Flux-Pinning Landscape in REBCO Coated Conductors Caused by Gamma Irradiation Using DC and AC Magnetometry: A Novel Approach to Tokamak Magnet Material Development
Authors: Campbell Holly Jane , Zhang Yifei , Fukushima Toru
Published: December 2023

Optimisation of REBCO coated conductor tapes specifically for use in nuclear fusion will help improve the magnet component lifetimes in future tokamak reactor power plants. The focus of this work was exploration of a novel approach to irradiation studies on REBCO tapes, utilising multiple magnetic measurements to probe evolution of the REBCO flux-pinning landscape more deeply than reported in other studies, for the purpose of identifying primary limiting factors affecting performance. Gamma irradiation experiments were conducted, and pre-/post-irradiation results from DC and AC magnetic measurements using a Physical Property Measurement System (PPMS) are discussed. Magnetisation critical current density (Jc) decreased in all samples with increasing dose, except for the silver overlayer-only samples which did not contain artificial pinning centres (APCs), where Jc increased with dose. Removal of the copper stabiliser coupled with the presence of APCs allowed gamma irradiation to induce pinning force maximum peak shifts, from above 14 T before irradiation to below 9 T afterwards. Flux creep rate varied with the evolving pinning landscape, and the degree of Jc degradation directly correlated with creep rate fluctuations post-irradiation. Changes in critical temperature and diamagnetic saturation also corresponded with changes in Jc and flux creep rate. The major conclusion from this study was that minimisation of flux creep rate is the key to maintenance of performance under fusion-relevant operating conditions. Flux creep manifests as problematic AC losses in all high-temperature superconducting machines; therefore, future work will focus on reduction/prevention of the phenomenon to enhance longevity of performance in any application.
Online semi-supervised learning of composite event rules by combining structure and mass-based predicate similarity
Authors: Michelioudakis Evangelos , Artikis Alexander , Paliouras Georgios
Published: December 2023

Symbolic event recognition systems detect event occurrences using first-order logic rules. Although existing online structure learning approaches ease the discovery of such rules in noisy data streams, they assume the existence of fully labelled training data. Splice is a recent online graph-based approach that estimates the labels of unlabelled data and makes it possible to learn such rules from semi-supervised training sequences of logical interpretations. However, Splice labelling depends significantly on the metric used to compute the distances of unlabelled examples to their labelled counterparts. Moreover, there is no guarantee about the quality of the labelling found in the local graphs that are built as the data stream in. In this paper, we propose a new online learning method, which includes an enhanced hybrid measure that combines an optimised structural distance, and a data-driven one. The former is guided by feature selection targeted to kNN classification, while the latter is a mass-based dissimilarity. Additionally, the enhanced Splice method, improves the graph construction process, by storing a synopsis of the past, in order to achieve more informed labelling on the local graphs. We evaluate our approach by learning Event Calculus theories for the tasks of human activity recognition, maritime monitoring, and fleet management. The evaluation suggests that our approach outperforms its predecessor, in terms of inferring the missing labels and improving the predictive accuracy of the underlying structure learning system.
Learning to spend time in unusual times: An inquiry into the potential for sustainability learning during COVID-19-induced school closures
Authors: Grauer Claire , Frank Pascal , Fischer Daniel
Published: December 2023

While current research on school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic is predominantly concerned with learning deficits, the exploratory study presented here focuses on the previously neglected question of young people’s concrete learning experiences during this disruptive period, with a focus on how they used their time and how this relates to their individual needs. The authors interviewed German secondary school students via Zoom and used a grounded theory approach and a transformative learning theory framework to derive recommendations for environmental and sustainability education (ESE). Their findings highlight two important insights: first, that the predominant focus on academic learning loss obscures a more comprehensive understanding of students’ learning experiences; and second, that real-world experiments such as the involuntary school closures during the pandemic may hold the potential to start meaningful, transformative learning processes and experimentation with new strategies for needs satisfaction.
Uberizing Agriculture in Drylands: A Few Enriched, Everyone Endangered
Authors: Martínez-Valderrama Jaime , Gartzia Rolando , Olcina Jorge , Guirado Emilio , Ibáñez Javier , Maestre Fernando T.
Published: December 2023

The future of water resources relies heavily on food production. Large-scale agriculture, driven by irrigation technology and cost reduction, has transformed traditional dryland croplands into a very profitable but environmentally and socially impactful agribusiness. The study of groundwater-dependent food systems is fragmented. Hydrology, on one hand, concentrates on water resources while overlooking surface agricultural processes. Meanwhile, the agro-economic sector is fixated on optimizing resource utilization for short-term profit maximization. Consequently, numerous adverse environmental and social consequences are overlooked by these conventional approaches. To steer resource usage and our food systems in a new direction, prioritizing the integration of this collective knowledge is imperative. Here, we analyze the impacts of greenhouse agriculture in SE Spain, one of the global hotspots of fruit and vegetable production. Through the lens of the treadmill of production theory we uncover the model’s significant profitability and its environmental and social effects, which include unequal wealth distribution, precarious working conditions, and the depletion and pollution of belowground water reserves. Reducing water use and limiting the development of new irrigated areas, using crop species adapted to available water resources, and empowering farmers against large distributors are key measures to avoid the social and economic collapse of this region, and of other dryland areas that have followed a similar unsustainable development model. The need for these changes becomes more pressing as the impacts of climate change continue to escalate. Within this context, groundwater reserves represent vital strategic resources that must not be wasted.
Experimental Determination of Phase Equilibria in the Mn-Zn Binary System
Authors: Imatomi Daisuke , Ishikawa Ryosuke , Nakata Akira , Ito Tatsuya , Han Kwangsik , Nagasako Makoto , Xu Xiao , Omori Toshihiro , Kainuma Ryosuke
Published: December 2023

Phase equilibria in the Mn-Zn binary system were experimentally determined by chemical composition examination, crystal structure determination, and thermal analysis. Major changes were detected for the β, ε, and δ phases. The β-B2 single-phase region could not be confirmed in the studied system because a disordered body-centered cubic structure, which is identical to the δMn phase, was confirmed in a quenched sample from the previously proposed region of β phase. The ε phase has been controversial whether the phase is separated into ε, ε1, and ε2 phases or not. By studying a diffusion couple and several alloy compositions, it was established that the ε, ε1, and ε2 phases are not separate and comprise a single ε phase. Furthermore, the δ phase is not present in the Zn-rich region of the system because the corresponding invariant reactions were not detected via thermal analysis.
The effect of semaglutide on blood pressure in patients with type-2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wu Wei , Tong Huo-mu , Li Yun-sheng , Cui Jia
Published: December 2023

Objective

To evaluate the blood pressure (BP) lowering ability of semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA), in individuals with type-2 diabetes (T2D).

Methods

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing subcutaneous or oral semaglutide with placebo or other antihyperglycemic agents (AHAs) in T2D patients were identified by searching PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov and Cochrane Library. These screened studies included the outcomes of interest: systolic and/or diastolic BP. Weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were used to present the meta-analysis results. Pooled and sensitivity analyses were performed, and the risk of bias was evaluated.

Results

Twenty-nine RCTs with a total of 26985 participants were recruited in the final analysis. The WMD in change from baseline in systolic BP (SBP) of semaglutide versus placebo or other AHAs was −2.31 mmHg (95% CI: −3.11 to −1.51), while that for diastolic BP (DBP) was 0.09 mmHg (95% CI: −0.16 to 0.33). It also reduced glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) by 0.75% (95% CI: −0.92 to −0.58) and body weight loss by 2.80 kg (95% CI: −3.51 to −2.08). The reduction in SBP was similar for subcutaneous and oral administration of semaglutide, with −2.36 (95% CI: −3.38 to −1.35) and −2.50 (95% CI: −3.48 to −1.53), respectively.

Conclusions

In T2D, SBP decreased significantly in the semaglutide group compared with placebo or other active controls. According to the efficacy results from this meta-analysis, subcutaneous and oral semaglutide have similar SBP-reducing effects. Therefore, the treatment of T2D patients with subcutaneous semaglutide or oral preparations is beneficial for reducing SBP.
Effect of hyperbaric oxygen on the growth and susceptibility of facultatively anaerobic bacteria and bacteria with oxidative metabolism to selected antibiotics
Authors: Chmelař Dittmar , Rozložník Miroslav , Hájek Michal , Pospíšilová Nikol , Kuzma Jozef
Published: December 2023

Wild strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Proteus mirabilis were tested in an experimental hyperbaric chamber to determine the possible effect of hyperbaric oxygen on the susceptibility of these strains to the antibiotics ampicillin, ampicillin + sulbactam, cefazolin, cefuroxime, cefoxitin, gentamicin, sulfamethoxazole + trimethoprim, colistin, oxolinic acid, ofloxacin, tetracycline, and aztreonam during their cultivation at 23 °C and 36.5 °C. Ninety-six-well inoculated microplates with tested antibiotics in Mueller–Hinton broth were cultured under standard incubator conditions (normobaric normoxia) for 24 h or in an experimental hyperbaric chamber (HAUX, Germany) for 24 h at 2.8 ATA of 100% oxygen (hyperbaric hyperoxia). The hyperbaric chamber was pressurised with pure oxygen (100%). Both cultures (normoxic and hyperoxic) were carried out at 23 °C and 36.5 °C to study the possible effect of the cultivation temperature. No significant differences were observed between 23 and 36.5 °C cultivation with or without the 2-h lag phase in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Proteus mirabilis. Cultivation in a hyperbaric chamber at 23 °C and 36.5 °C with or without a 2-h lag phase did not produce significant changes in the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Proteus mirabilis. For the tested strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the possible effect of hyperbaric oxygen on their antibiotic sensitivity could not be detected because the growth of these bacteria was completely inhibited by 100% hyperbaric oxygen at 2.8 ATA under all hyperbaric conditions tested at 23 °C and 36.5 °C. Subsequent tests with wild strains of pseudomonads, burkholderias, and stenotrophomonads not only confirmed the fact that these bacteria stop growing under hyperbaric conditions at a pressure of 2.8 ATA of 100% oxygen but also indicated that inhibition of growth of these bacteria under hyperbaric conditions is reversible.
Wie kann videogestütztes Lernen die Erwartungen Studierender und Dozierender erfüllen?
Authors: Freier Carolin , Bocklet Tobias , Helten Anne-Kathrin , Hoffmann Franziska , Hunger Marianne , Kovács László , Richter Florian , Riedhammer Korbinian , Schmohl Tobias , Simon Claudia
Published: December 2023

Im BMBF-Verbundprojekt HAnS entwickeln und implementieren neun Hochschulen sowie drei hochschulübergreifende Einrichtungen ein intelligentes Hochschul-Assistenz-System als Open-Source-Lösung. Videobasierte Lehrmaterialien werden verschriftlicht und durch eine Indexierung Stichwortsuchen ermöglicht; geplant ist, über einen KI-Tutor automatisiert Übungsaufgaben zu generieren. Studierende sollen so in ihrem Selbststudium digital unterstützt werden. Die technische Entwicklung wird interdisziplinär – auch sozialwissenschaftlich und pädagogisch – begleitet und in einem iterativen Vorgehen evidenzbasiert entsprechend Design-Based-Research angepasst. Wissen und Wertesystem der Anwender*innen, Didaktik, Ethik, Akzeptanz und Datenschutz werden dabei im Entwicklungsprozess einbezogen.
A retrospective electronic medical record-based study of insulin usage and outcomes in insulin-naive Indian adults with T2DM: The REALITY study
Authors: Chawla M. , Makkar B. M. , Modi K. D. , Phatak S. , Waghdhare S. , Satpathy A. , Gadekar A. , Chodankar D. , Trivedi C. , Prasanna Kumar K. M. , Mohan V.
Published: December 2023

Objective

This retrospective longitudinal study analyzed the demographic profile, insulin usage pattern, and outcomes of insulin-naive adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who initiated insulin glargine.

Methods

The study included 1006 insulin naive T2DM individuals aged ≥ 18 years, treated with any insulin type between January 2016 and December 2018, using electronic medical records.

Results

Majority of participants were men (55.8%) with a mean age of 59.8 ± 11.9 years and average T2DM duration of 12.0 ± 6.6 years. Insulin glargine was the most commonly used insulin (66.9%), followed by insulin aspart (16.4%), insulin degludec (15.1%), human insulin (11.1%), and insulin isophane (9.2%). At baseline, the mean glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was 8.9 ± 1.9%, mean fasting plasma glucose (FPG) was 190 ± 59 mg/dL, and mean post-prandial plasma glucose (PPG) was 264 ± 78 mg/dL. In the insulin glargine group, baseline HbA1c was 9.0 ± 1.7%, FPG was 196 ± 62 mg/dL, and PPG was 283 ± 81 mg/dL. Throughout the study, there was an improvement in HbA1c, FPG, and PPG levels in the insulin glargine group. Body weight remained relatively stable, and the number of hypoglycemic events was minimal and non-life-threatening.

Conclusion

The REALITY study in India demonstrated that initiating basal insulin treatment in insulin-naive individuals with T2DM led to improved glycemic parameters over a 12-month period.
Photo-induced grease/oil switched lubricant for friction regulation
Authors: Zhang Zheng , Tang Shuangxi , Ma Liran , Tian Yu
Published: December 2023

Controllable friction regulation has drawn much interest in both scientific and industrial fields. And there have been many researches on friction regulation by many physical fields and chemical factors. Photo-sensitive materials are promising because it is relatively easy to change their properties compared with others. Here, a new kind of photo-induced grease/oil switched lubricant is designed and shows great reversibility under ultraviolet (UV) and visible (Vis) irradiation. Its viscosity can change more than 50 times under different irradiation, and the coefficients of friction (COFs) obviously increase under Vis irradiation and decrease under UV irradiation, which performs better than those of the common grease. According to the experimental results, the phenomena are contributed to the break and reconstruction of the three-dimensional network inside the lubricant. With a switchable grease/oil state under different irradiation, this work provides a new principle for designing a smart lubricant with controllable friction regulation.
A novel polyionic liquid with lubricity and viscosity-increasing dual functionalities as the additive in aqueous lubrication system
Authors: Yu Bo , Zou Kun , Wang Rui , Chen Qiang , Dong Rui , Liu Xiao , Zhang Jiaying , Lv Wenquan , Yu Qiangliang , Cai Meirong , Zhou Feng
Published: December 2023

The polyionic liquid poly-PEGMA-r-METAC (PPM) with quaternary ammonium has been synthesized and evaluated as additive in aqueous lubricating fluids. The rheological behavior of aqueous lubricating fluids with PPM has been characterized to confirm PPM’s function as a viscosity modifier. The tribological behavior of aqueous lubricating fluids with PPM has been investigated on SRV-V and MTM testing machines. It was found that PPM has excellent viscosity-increasing, lubricating, and anti-wear properties as an additive for aqueous, which can be attributed to the ability of PPM to form the protective film and boundary tribofilm generated from complex tribochemical reaction on rubbing surface. The obtained PPM with dual functions of anti-corrosion additives and viscosity index improver can play an important role in diverse lubrication regimes.
Bayesian inference-based wear prediction method for plain bearings under stationary mixed-friction conditions
Authors: König Florian , Wirsing Florian , Jacobs Georg , He Rui , Tian Zhigang , Zuo Ming J.
Published: December 2023

This study introduces a method to predict the remaining useful life (RUL) of plain bearings operating under stationary, wear-critical conditions. In this method, the transient wear data of a coupled elastohydrodynamic lubrication (mixed-EHL) and wear simulation approach is used to parametrize a statistical, linear degradation model. The method incorporates Bayesian inference to update the linear degradation model throughout the runtime and thereby consider the transient, system-dependent wear progression within the RUL prediction. A case study is used to show the suitability of the proposed method. The results show that the method can be applied to three distinct types of post-wearing-in behavior: wearing-in with subsequent hydrodynamic, stationary wear, and progressive wear operation. While hydrodynamic operation leads to an infinite lifetime, the method is successfully applied to predict RUL in cases with stationary and progressive wear.
Testing and modelling of transient adhesion phenomena in rolling-sliding contacts
Authors: Kvarda Daniel , Meierhofer Alexander , Six Klaus
Published: December 2023

Transient adhesion effects in rolling–sliding contacts influence all aspects of train–track interaction. This is of high importance specifically when these effects result in critically low adhesion, which poses a risk to traction and braking of railway vehicles. This study presents a model that can replicate the transient changes of the coefficient of adhesion with tested water and solid particle mix. The experimental data for the model are measured using a commercial ball-on-disc tribometer. The experimental results showed a liquid reservoir in front of the contact area that slowly reduces in size. This observation was used in the modelling approach to divide the calculation into two stages where the reservoir is present and when it disappears. The model was able to reproduce the occurrence of low adhesion region seen in experimental results with different particle concentrations.
N self‐doped multifunctional chitosan biochar-based microsphere with heterogeneous interfaces for self-powered supercapacitors to drive overall water splitting
Authors: Yan Chunxia , Yang Yaqi , Wei Jie , Hou Jianhua , Shao Ziqiang
Published: December 2023

Due to the rising need for clean and renewable energy, green materials including biochar are becoming increasingly popular in the field of energy storage and conversion. However, the lack of highly active and stable electrode materials hinders the development of stable energy supplies and efficient hydrogen production devices. Herein, we fabricated stable, conductive, and multifunctional chitosan microspheres by a facile emulsion crosslinking solution growth and hydrothermal sulphuration methods as multifunctional electrodes for overall water splitting driven by supercapacitors. This material possessed three-dimensional layered conductors with favorable heterojunction interface, ample hollow and porous structures. It presented remarkably enhanced electrochemical and catalytic activity for both supercapacitors and overall water electrolysis. The asymmetric supercapacitors based on chitosan biochar microsphere achieved high specific capacitance (260.9 F g−1 at 1 A g−1) and high energy density (81.5W h kg−1) at a power density of 978.4 W kg−1. The chitosan biochar microsphere as an electrode for electrolyze only required a low cell voltage of 1.49 V to reach a current density of 10 mA cm−2, and achieved excellent stability with 30 h continuous test at 20 mA cm−2. Then, we assembled a coupled energy storage device and hydrogen production system, the SCs as a backup power source availably guaranteed the continuous operation of overall water electrolysis. Our study provides valuable perspectives into the practical design of both integrated biochar-based electrode materials and coupled energy storage devices with energy conversion and storage in practical.

Graphical Abstract
Waste bio-tar based N-doped porous carbon for supercapacitors under dual activation: performance, mechanism, and assessment
Authors: Jia Jixiu , Sun Yuxuan , Liu Zhidan , Liu Ziyun , Huo Lili , Kang Kang , Zhao Yanan , Zhao Lixin , Xie Teng , Cao Maojiong , Yao Zonglu
Published: December 2023

Bio-tar extra-produced from biomass pyrolysis is prone to pose a threat to environment and human health. A novel N-doped porous electrode from bio-tar was produced under dual-activation of urea and KOH in this study. One-pot dual-activation played significant roles in N-functional group and micro-mesoporous structure, which resulted in the carbon material with the highest of nitrogen content (4.08%) and the special surface area (1298.26 m2·g−1). Specifically, the potential mechanisms of pore formation and N-doping in the one-pot dual-activation strategy were also proposed as a consequence, the one-pot dual-activated carbon material displayed excellent electrochemical performance with the highest capacitance of 309.5 F·g−1 at 0.5 A·g−1, and the unipolar specific capacitance remained with cyclic characteristics of 80.1% after 10,000 cycles in two-electrode symmetric system. Furthermore, the one-pot dual-activation strategy could create a profit of $1.64–$2.38 per kilogram of bio-tar processed without considering the initial investment and labor costs, which provides new perspectives for the utilization of waste bio-tar.

Graphical Abstract
From Simplistic to Systemic Sustainability in the Textile and Fashion Industry
Authors: Sahimaa Olli , Miller Elizabeth M. , Halme Minna , Niinimäki Kirsi , Tanner Hannu , Mäkelä Mikko , Rissanen Marja , Härri Anna , Hummel Michael
Published: December 2023

The fast fashion industry is notorious for wicked environmental and social problems, such as exploitative resource use, high amounts of waste, excessive pollution, below-living wages and unsafe working conditions. Addressing these problems calls for a systemic view on the industry with the goal of minimising the intake of natural resources into the system as well as the output of waste. However, thus far, most solution attempts have turned out simplistic and insufficient to nudge the industry to more sustainable practices at scale. We examine the textile and fashion system at the three different levels—the product, industry and socio-ecological system levels—and show the inadequacy of the current sustainability-driven practices in the field. As an alternative, we propose systemic solutions, geared toward long material and product lifetimes, that have the potential to trigger adaptive responses throughout different actors in the system and across all three levels. These systemic solutions operationalise a circular value retention hierarchy coupled with a sufficiency-based consumption philosophy.