bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potential distribution of endemic lizards from Brazilian restingas: The present announcing the end
Authors: Andrade Hugo , Costa Silva Luisa Maria Diele‐Viegas , Rocha Carlos Frederico Duarte , Argôlo Antônio Jorge Suzart , Dias Eduardo José dos Reis
Published: November 2024

The restinga habitats are coastal psammophilous environments, with only 0.47% of the original area remaining in Brazil. This environment embraces at least 36 known species of lizards, 7 of them being endemic. Besides direct anthropogenic impacts, climate change raises new cautions on Brazilian restingas‐endemic lizards conservation. We evaluated the current and future potential distribution of the endemic lizards from Brazilian restingas, considering different climate change scenarios. We hypothesized shifts in the potential distribution of the restinga‐endemic lizards. We conducted ecological niche modeling to predict the potential distribution of Brazilian restingas‐endemic lizards. Here, we used an ensemble of three modeling algorithms (Bioclim, GLM, and SVM). In predicting the effects of climate change on their future distributions, we used intermediate and pessimistic socio‐economic pathway scenarios (SSP3 70 and SSP5 85, respectively) considering projections for 2081–2100. Furthermore, we calculate the extent of future potential distribution covered by the current spatial configuration of integral protection areas to assess if they will still be effective in conserving the species in the future. We did this by binarizing predicted potential distribution with a threshold of 0.8. Our data pointed out that the species will have their potential distribution area altered for 2081–2100, considering climate change scenarios. Tropidurus hygomi, Glaucomastix abaetensis, and G. itabaianensis overlapped along their predicted potential distribution for the present and future. The same was found to Ameivula nativo and Liolaemus lutzae. Moreover, our results showed a potential marked reduction of potential distribution covered PAs. The recognition of potential distribution areas discussed here enables focal and urgent conservation strategies, besides bringing up alerts on protected areas’ role in conserving these species under climate change scenarios. We propose creating planning policies using space and time criteria and developing long‐term studies, besides promoting educational programs aiming at environmental conservation. Thus, we expect our research to contribute to the protection of the land over Brazilian restingas‐endemic lizards' distribution.
Walter's Duiker (Philantomba walteri Colyn, 2010): A Literature Review on a Recently Identified and Potentially Vulnerable Species
Authors: Sahgui Eltsine M. C. , Lhoest Simon , Fonteyn Davy , Daïnou Kasso , Michaux Johan , Vermeulen Cédric
Published: November 2024

Based on recent taxonomic and molecular tools, the Walter's duiker (Philantomba walteri Colyn, 2010), endemic to the Dahomey Gap in West Africa, has been recognized as a new species in 2010. This species is largely hunted and may already be threatened by extinction. This review paper aims to synthesize the current knowledge on this species, covering its taxonomy, morphology, biology, ecology, diet, seed dispersal role, reproduction patterns, activity rate, parasitology, spatial distribution, habitats, population densities, and ongoing human pressures. We carried out an exhaustive literature search using nine databases, going through 1200 initial references to finally retain a total of only 11 research articles mentioning Walter's duiker. Very few publications exist on the species due to its recent discovery. Existing studies focus on feeding, parasitology, and hunting pressure. Walter's duiker distribution range extends over Togo, Benin, and Nigeria. The species is hunted in a large part of its range, including in the reserves that are supposed to protect it. We synthesize the biological information related to the Maxwell's duiker as well as the Walter's duiker, as historically, these two species have been confounded and are morphologically similar. Our synthesis also highlights the scientific gaps for a better understanding of the biology of this species, and it proposes priority themes for future research. Priority should be given to studying the diet composition of Walter's duiker by analyzing rumens and feces, its role in seed dispersal and forest regeneration, its home range and activity rate, and the estimation of its abundance. All these information together would allow to thoroughly assess the species status and contribute to its conservation.
Solar Panels as Novel Nest Sites for the European Paper Wasp Polistes dominula
Authors: Tew Nicholas E. , Levin Michael O. , Hernandez Rebecca R.
Published: November 2024

Solar energy facilities are rapidly expanding in their land‐use footprint worldwide, with significant implications for biodiversity. Although the impacts of conventional solar development are often negative for biodiversity, it is possible for some species to take advantage of the novel anthropogenic structures and microhabitats provided by solar facilities. We describe the frequent nesting of non‐native European paper wasps (Polistes dominula) at two solar facilities in the Central Valley of California (USA), conducting nest censuses to further investigate population density and nest siting behaviour. Active nests were found to occur at a density of 10–23 per hectare of solar facility, and paper wasps had a preference for nesting in sheltered metal torque tubes compared with the more exposed undersides of photovoltaic panels. Our study shows that P. dominula might benefit from the construction of solar energy facilities, which could have a variety of impacts on native species and surrounding agriculture that warrant further study. The European paper wasp therefore provides an example to illustrate the potential for a varied and relatively unpredictable set of ecological outcomes to follow land‐use change resulting from solar energy development.
Exome sequencing in Nigerian children with early‐onset epilepsy syndromes
Authors: Ademuwagun Ibitayo Abigail , Adam Yagoub , Rotimi Solomon Oladapo , Syrbe Steffen , Radtke Maximilian , Hentschel Julia , Lemke Johannes R. , Adebiyi Ezekiel
Published: November 2024

Objective

Nigeria, along with other Sub‐Saharan African countries, bears the highest burden of epilepsy worldwide. This high prevalence is attributed to a combination of factors, including a significant incidence of infectious diseases, perinatal complications, and genetic etiologies. Genetic testing is rarely available and is not typically included in the routine diagnostic work‐up for individuals with infantile and childhood epilepsy syndromes in these regions. Exome sequencing (ES) offers a diagnostic yield of 24%–62%, but these figures primarily reflect data from high‐income countries (HICs) and may not be applicable to low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs). In this study, we employed ES to investigate the genetic basis of early‐onset epilepsy in 22 affected children from Nigeria.

Methods

The study involved sampling of patients diagnosed with early‐onset epilepsy syndromes at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) Neurology clinic. Venous blood samples were collected, and genomic DNA was isolated and purified. Molecular analysis included DNA fragmentation, ligation, target enrichment, library preparation, and whole‐exome sequencing. Computational analysis involved variant calling, curation, and classification using specialized tools and databases.

Results

Pathogenic variants were identified in 6 out of 22 individuals, equaling a diagnostic yield of 27.3% and comprising variants in BPTF, NAA15, SCN1A, TUBA1A and twice in CACNA1A.

Significance

In this study, we present the first exome study on early‐onset epilepsy syndromes from West Africa, facilitated by a Nigerian‐German research collaboration. Our findings reveal a genetic diagnostic yield comparable to that of HICs. The integration of genomic medicine into epilepsy management in Nigeria holds promising prospects for improving patient care and reducing mortality rates.

Plain Language Summary

This study represents the first published exome findings in Nigerian children with early‐onset epilepsy, revealing a genetic diagnosis in 27% of cases. Pathogenic variants were identified in five genes amongst 6 of 22 patients, underscoring the potential of genetic testing to enhance epilepsy management in developing nations like Nigeria.
A Multi‐Fidelity Model for Wave Energy Converters
Authors: Battisti Beatrice , Bracco Giovanni , Bergmann Michel
Published: November 2024

The objective of this study is to develop a three‐dimensional numerical model for a floating point absorber wave energy converter in the presence of sea waves, considering its interaction with a bi‐fluid flow (comprising air and water). The primary aim is to create an efficient computational tool that achieves two key objectives: firstly, reducing the computational time typically associated with high‐fidelity Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models, and secondly, curing the lack of accuracy of low‐fidelity asymptotic or projection‐based reduced‐order models in regions subjected to viscous and highly nonlinear effects. To address these objectives, we propose a multi‐fidelity model based on domain decomposition. This approach combines a high‐fidelity CFD solver, which accurately captures the behavior in viscous and nonlinear regions, with a Reduced Order Model (ROM) based on Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (POD), tailored for weakly nonlinear regions. By integrating these components spatially, we simulate the dynamics of the floating body within a unified framework. This methodology ensures precise predictions of the body's motion for both in‐sample (reproduction) and out‐of‐sample (prediction) configurations.
Cross‐Learning With Panel Data Modeling for Stacking and Forecast Time Series Employment in Europe
Authors: Lovaglio Pietro Giorgio
Published: November 2024

This paper describes the use of cross‐learning with panel data modeling for stacking regressions of different predictive models for time series employment across occupations in Europe during the last 15 years. The ARIMA and state space models were used for the predictions on the first‐level model ensemble. On the second level, the time series predictions of these models were combined for stacking, using panel data estimators as a cross‐learner and also exploiting the strong hierarchical data structure (time series nested in occupational groups). Very few methods adopt stacking to generate ensembles for time series regressions. Indeed, to the best of our knowledge, panel data modeling has never before been used as a cross‐learner in staking strategies. Empirical application was used to fit employment by occupations in 30 European countries between 2010 Q1 and 2022 Q4, using the last year as the test set. The empirical results show that using panel data modeling as a multivariate time series cross‐learner that stacks univariate time series base models—especially when they do not produce accurate predictions—is an alternative worthy of consideration, also with respect to such classical aggregation schemes as optimal and equal weighting.
Preclinical dental students and their learning environment: A wellbeing perspective
Authors: Maragha Tala , Perez‐Garcia Arnaldo , Shuler Charles , Walker Judith , von Bergmann HsingChi
Published: November 2024

Objectives

Preclinical dental education can challenge students’ wellbeing. These challenges are multifaceted and are experienced differently across student populations. However, an in‐depth understanding of these challenges and the changes in the students’ response to them remains limited. Therefore, this study aims to explore the wellbeing experiences of preclinical dental students and the strategies they developed to maintain their wellbeing over two time points: the academic years 2021/2022 and 2012/2013.

Methods

A case study was conducted using qualitative data from semi‐structured interviews with preclinical dental students in 2021/2022. Data were thematically analyzed, and data from the Dental Student Study Habits Survey in 2012/2013 were later used for triangulation.

Results

Fifteen students participated in the interviews. Twenty‐four students participated in the 2012/2013 survey in the beginning of the academic year. Three themes emerged—uncertain transitions, challenging interactions, and multifaceted impact and balancing strategies—along with various subthemes. Students in 2012/3013 reported high levels of stress, anxiety, overwhelm, and fatigue during dental school in comparison with other time points, and most students in both periods reported developing physical, phycological, and social strategies to maintain their wellbeing. The lack of time was found to be a barrier for practicing stress management strategies across the two time points.

Conclusion

Students experience several challenges in preclinical dental education that negatively impacts their wellbeing and seem to persist over the past decade. It is important that dental education programs consider inclusive and nurturing teaching approaches in the learning environment to support students’ wellbeing and performance.
One‐Pot, Multicomponent Synthesis of 1,3‐Oxazin‐One and Evaluation of Their Potential Antioxidant Activities
Authors: Sumi Phitovili , Zhimomi Betokali K. , Phom Manthae , Yanthan Khonzani , Imchen Putusenla , Tumtin Shokip , Swu Toka , Phucho Tovishe
Published: November 2024

The synthesis of 1,3‐oxazines from 2‐naphthol, benzaldehyde, and urea is reported using a simple and efficient microwave‐assisted protocol. SiO2‐ZnCl2 is employed for the first time to synthesize a library of 10 oxazin‐3‐one compounds, out of which five derivatives are novel. In 30–60 s the products were obtained with simplified work‐up, the yield and purity were enhanced, and the reaction time was reduced with the use of microwave assistance. The synthesized oxazines were characterized and evaluated for their in vitro antioxidant properties. The results demonstrated a significant and effective presence of antioxidant capabilities. The compound 1‐(4‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxyphenyl)‐1,2‐dihydro‐3H‐naphtho[1,2‐e][1,3]oxazin‐3‐one, containing hydroxy and methoxy groups, revealed superior antioxidant activity.
Single Amino Acid Substitution Within the Helicase of Varicella Zoster Virus Makes It Resistant to Amenamevir
Authors: Effendi Gema Barlian , Aoki Kaito , Marini Maria Istiqomah , Takamiya Rei , Ishimaru Hanako , Nishimura Mitsuhiro , Mori Yasuko
Published: November 2024

A helicase‐primase inhibitor, amenamevir (ASP2151), is the active pharmaceutical ingredient of a drug for the herpes zoster that is caused by reactivation of varicella‐zoster virus (VZV). Here we report a new amenamevir‐resistant VZV isolated under the selection pressure of amenamevir. The resistant virus has a nonsynonymous mutation K350N in the helicase gene ORF55. A recombinant virus artificially constructed harboring the ORF55 K350N also acquired amenamevir resistance, and thus the single amino‐acid substitution in helicase is revealed to be responsible for the resistance. We observed that the drug‐resistant virus and the ORF55 K350N recombinant virus have high resistance to amenamevir, as the EC50 values in a plaque reduction assay were > 100 μM, while the two viruses remained susceptible to the nucleoside analog drug acyclovir. No defect in viral growth was observed for these resistant viruses in a plaque size assay in human malignant melanoma cells. However, defect in plaque formation was observed from resistant virus in human fetal lung fibroblast cells, showing that the growth of the resistant virus is dependent on the cell type. We observed that the single amino‐acid substitution in the helicase induces amenamevir resistance, confirming the importance of the helicase in amenamevir's inhibition of virus growth. Our findings highlight the importance of regulating the clinical use of amenamevir to minimize the risk of the emergence of helicase K350N mutation, especially in the long‐term use of amenamevir by immunosuppressed patients.
Pharmacist consultations in hospitalised older surgical patients
Authors: Lin Jacinta , James Sophie , Soo Garry , Kearney Leanne , Naganathan Vasi , Hilmer Sarah N , Thillainadesan Janani
Published: November 2024

Older adults are at high risk of drug‐related problems during hospitalisation for surgery. Pharmacists play a key role in the multidisciplinary health care team to improve the safety and quality use of medicines in hospitals. The aims of this prospective study were to examine the frequency, type, associated factors, and acceptance rates of pharmacist consultations in a cohort of 302 consecutive patients aged ≥65 years admitted to a tertiary vascular surgery unit. Data collected included frequency and type of pharmacist consultations, patient and clinical characteristics, and the rate of acceptance of pharmacist recommendations. There was a total of 299 pharmacist consultations, with 159 (52.6%) patients being reviewed at least once by a pharmacist. Of the 299 pharmacist consultations, the most common reason for consultation was a medication order review (38.8%). Pharmacist consultation was more likely if the patient had an emergency admission (p = 0.045), had admission to intensive care unit during the hospitalisation (p < 0.001), or had a long‐stay admission defined as >14 days (p < 0.001). Older age, frailty status, cognitive impairment, polypharmacy, and operative management were not associated with having a pharmacist review. Of these pharmacist consultations, 190 (63.5%) included recommendations for the care team to implement, and 166 (87.4%) of the 190 recommendations were addressed. These findings provide insight into the roles played by hospital pharmacists and suggest an unmet need for proactive pharmacist consultation for older surgical patients with polypharmacy, frailty, and cognitive impairment. Ethical approval was granted by the Sydney Local Health District Human Research Ethics Committee — Concord Hospital (Reference no: CH62/6/2018–170) and the study conforms to the Australian National statement on ethical conduct in human research.
Strategic Change in Resolving the Efficiency‐Equity Dilemma: A Novel Approach to Portfolio Selection
Authors: Azmi Rania A. , Salloum Charbel , Pereira Renato , Jarrar Hajer , Verdie Jean‐Francois
Published: November 2024

This paper introduces an innovative portfolio selection methodology that incorporates extended goal programming (EGP) to address the efficiency‐equity tradeoff in international portfolio management. Unlike traditional methods, EGP integrates multiple‐objective optimization, allowing for a balanced consideration of risk, return, and correlation simultaneously. This study not only advances the theoretical framework of portfolio management by extending the principles of Modern Portfolio Theory (MPT) but also provides empirical evidence of EGP's robustness across various market conditions, including financial crises. Utilizing data from five major global stock markets, which collectively represent over 70% of global market value, the results demonstrate that EGP‐constructed portfolios outperform both global and market‐specific benchmarks. The research contributes to the literature by offering a flexible, adaptable tool for decision‐makers, enabling them to tailor portfolio strategies to diverse investor goals and volatile market environments. This study's findings have significant implications for both academics and practitioners, paving the way for more resilient and optimized portfolio management practices.
Genome Aggregation Database Version 4—Allele Frequency Changes and Impact on Variant Interpretation in Dystonia
Authors: Indelicato Elisabetta , Eberl Anna , Boesch Sylvia , Lange Lara M. , Klein Christine , Lohmann Katja , Zech Michael
Published: November 2024

Background

Population‐scale databases majorly contribute to variant interpretation. The recently released Genome Aggregation Database (gnomAD) v4 offers a >5‐fold increased sample size compared to v2.1.1. Pathogenic variants absent from v2.1.1 are now registered in v4 at a considerable rate. The implications on variant interpretation in dystonia are unknown.

Methods

All curated variants linked to the most common dominant forms of isolated dystonia were extracted from the International Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorder Society Gene database. We compared variant population‐frequencies and gene constraint metrics between gnomAD v2.1.1 and v4.

Results

The majority of dystonia‐causing variants (192/247, 77.7%) remained absent from the newer gnomAD version. Of 219 variants absent from v2.1.1, 27 (12.3%) appeared for the first time in v4.1, including well‐established pathogenic alleles. Gene constraints for GNAL and KMT2B significantly decreased in v4.

Conclusions

A growing number of dystonia‐linked alleles are seen in gnomAD v4. The presence in population‐scale data does not preclude pathogenicity. © 2024 The Author(s). Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Variable‐flip‐angle 3D spiral‐in‐out turbo spin‐echo imaging using concomitant gradient compensation and echo reordering at 0.55 T
Authors: Wang Zhixing , Ramasawmy Rajiv , Javed Ahsan , Mugler John P. , Meyer Craig H. , Campbell‐Washburn Adrienne E.
Published: November 2024

Purpose

To develop single‐slab 3D spiral turbo spin echo (spiral SPACE) for 1‐mm3 isotropic whole‐brain T2‐weighted imaging on a high‐performance 0.55T scanner, with high scan efficiency from interleaved spiral‐in‐out trajectories, variable‐flip‐angle refocusing radiofrequency (RF) pulses, echo reordering, and concomitant‐field compensation.

Methods

A stack‐of‐spirals (in‐out waveforms) turbo‐spin‐echo acquisition was implemented with T2‐weighed contrast. Gradient infidelity was corrected using the gradient impulse response function (GIRF), and concomitant‐field compensation was used to correct for phase errors among echoes and during the readout windows. To maintain a long echo train (˜600 ms) within each shot, variable‐flip‐angle refocusing RF pulses were generated using extended‐phase‐graph analysis. An echo‐reordering scheme provided a smooth signal variation along the echo direction in k‐space. Images from spiral SPACE with and without concomitant‐field compensation were compared with those from Cartesian SPACE in phantoms and 6 healthy volunteers.

Results

Phantom results demonstrated the improved performance of concomitant‐field correction via sequence‐based modifications and of GIRF–based trajectory estimation. Volunteer data showed that with concomitant‐field correction and echo reordering, system imperfection associated image artifacts and blurring were substantially mitigated in spiral SPACE. Compared with Cartesian SPACE, spiral SPACE had an overall 15%–25% signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) improvement in both white matter and gray matter.

Conclusion

A 3D spiral‐in‐out SPACE acquisition with variable‐flip‐angles, concomitant‐field compensation, and echo‐reordering was demonstrated at 0.55 T, showing promising gains in SNR, compared with Cartesian SPACE.
The BELS questionnaire: A novel screening tool for neurodevelopmental and psychiatric symptoms in pediatric dystrophinopathy
Authors: Truba Natalie , Sorensen Seth , Bearden Rachel , Haley Brett , Spray Beverly , Kinnett Kathi , Schrader Rachel , Veerapandiyan Aravindhan , Colvin Mary K.
Published: November 2024

Introduction/Aims

Pediatric patients with dystrophinopathies [Becker and Duchenne muscular dystrophy (BDMD)] are more likely to have neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric conditions. This prospective pilot study tested a novel screening questionnaire developed to identify the common behavioral (B), emotional (E), learning (L), and social (S) difficulties in BDMD.

Methods

A total of 45 caregivers of BDMD patients (ages 4–19 years) seen at the Arkansas Children's Hospital Dystrophinopathy Clinic completed the BELS questionnaire during standard clinic visits. To establish external validity, caregivers also completed four well‐validated standardized questionnaires assessing overlapping symptoms [Pediatric Symptom Checklist‐17 (PSC‐17), Colorado Learning Difficulties Questionnaire (CLDQ), the obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) subscale from the Revised Children's Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS), and Barkley Deficits in Executive Functioning Scale (BDEFS)].

Results

Caregivers reported high rates of behavioral (>60%), emotional (50%–70%), learning (50%–70%), and social (30%–50%) concerns, even though relatively few patients had clinical diagnoses related to these symptoms. Passive suicidality (i.e., thoughts of death) were also common (22.2%; 10/45 patients). The BELS questionnaire was moderately to highly correlated with total scores on the four well‐validated questionnaires (p < .001), and BELS subscales showed specificity. A BELS score of 21 corresponded with the established PSC‐17 cutoff.

Discussion

The BELS questionnaire shows promise as a screening questionnaire to identify neurobehavioral and neuropsychiatric symptoms common in dystrophinopathy. While BELS cannot currently be used as a standalone measure to make clinical diagnoses, identification of symptoms that warrant further follow‐up may improve clinical care and quality of life.
Analytical Solution for the Topographic Effect of an Offshore Circular‐Arc Canyon Under P‐Wave Incidence
Authors: He Rui , Huang Xinyi , Zhang Jisheng
Published: November 2024

This paper studies the dynamic response of a circular‐arc canyon topography in the seabed under a seawater layer subjected to vertically and obliquely incident P‐wave excitations. The seabed is assumed to be an isotropic elastic medium. The analytical solution of the problem is developed using the large circular arc assumption and the Fourier–Bessel series expansion technique. This study focuses mainly on analysing the influence of seawater on the topographic amplification effect of the canyon. The differences between offshore and onshore canyons are compared in both the frequency and time domains. In the frequency domain, the presence of a layer of water will amplify or suppress the vertical response of the canyon, depending on the frequencies of the incident P‐waves and the detailed point location within the canyon. This is in contrast to the flat seabed model. In addition, the effects of water depth, canyon depth‐to‐width ratio, and angle of incidence of the P‐waves on the W/L (water/land) spectral ratio are further analysed. The time domain results under both simple Ricker wavelets and real earthquake waves are then obtained, which show that the seawater layer amplifies the responses near the canyon edge, and the amplification effect mainly depends on the canyon depth‐to‐width ratio and incidence frequency.
The Zooarchaeology of an Iberian Medieval Jewish Community: The Castle of Lorca (Murcia, Spain)
Authors: García García Marcos , Eiroa Jorge A. , González Ballesteros José Ángel , Celma Martínez Mireia
Published: November 2024

Archaeological excavations at the castle of Lorca (Murcia, Spain) led to the identification of part of the Jewish district of the town. This area, occupied between the 14th and 15th centuries, represents a unique example of a medieval frontier Jewish quarter defined by complex urban planning, a synagogue, and various domestic units. Archaeological work allowed the recovery of a large number of animal remains. This paper deals with the results of the zooarchaeological study of this archaeofaunal assemblage, aiming to shed light on the ways in which animals were exploited, distributed, prepared and consumed by medieval Jewish population of Lorca. The results reveal a model of animal economy centered on the exploitation of caprines (sheep/goat) and, to a lesser extent, cattle, chickens and other secondary species, although the presence of non‐kosher species such as pigs and rabbit is noteworthy. The identification of butchery marks attributed to the porging of the hindquarters of caprines, a practice typical of medieval Jewish communities, represents a marker of ethno‐religious identity of great historical interest.
Impact of N‐Doping on MoSe2 Monolayer for PH3, C2N2, and HN3 Gas Sensing: A DFT Study
Authors: Khatun Mim , Rocky Mahabub Hasan , Roman Abdullah Al , Roy Debashis , Badsha Md. Alamgir , Ahmed Mohammad Tanvir
Published: November 2024

In this research, the different characteristics of MoSe2 and N‐doped MoSe2 monolayers were studied using density functional theory calculations. The negative cohesive energy (−5.216 eV for MoSe2 and −5.333 eV for N‐MoSe2) verified their energetical stability. The variation of structural, electronic, and optical properties of MoSe2 and N‐MoSe2 via adsorption of PH3, C2N2, and HN3 gases are studied. The N‐doping results in a stronger adsorbent‐gas interaction, resulting in maximum adsorption energy of −0.036, −0.033, and −0.198 eV for the selected gases. The MoSe2 and N‐MoSe2 monolayers showed a direct band gap of 1.48 eV and 1.09 eV, respectively. However, upon interaction with the gases, a notable shift in the band gap of both adsorbents is observed. N‐MoSe2 showed semiconductor‐to‐conductor transition via C2N2 and HN3 adsorption. The sensitivity of MoSe2 for the selected gases has improved remarkably via N‐doping. Also, HN3 gas can be easily detected by the N‐MoSe2 monolayer due to the greater changes in work function (0.45 eV). The absorption coefficient of both adsorbents is over 105 cm−1 order in the UV region, which suffers a mild peak shifting due to gas adsorption. This study suggests that N‐MoSe2 can be a potential candidate for selected gas sensing.
Care, conflict, and coexistence: Human–wildlife relations in community forests
Authors: Stevens Madison , Rawat Shalini , Satterfield Terre
Published: November 2024

Human–wildlife conflict (HWC) presents a persistent challenge for global biodiversity conservation. Yet, focusing on conflict alone may obscure the complex drivers of positive and negative interactions between people and wildlife coinhabiting the same geographies. In India's Uttarakhand Himalayan region, van panchayat (VP) community forests support agro‐pastoralist livelihoods and forest protection. While the governance and livelihood dimensions of the VP are well documented, their engagement with wildlife is sparsely investigated, despite that community forests are important spaces of human–wildlife interaction in shared landscapes. Enabling community forests to contribute effectively to wildlife management requires understanding what local factors drive stewardship while reducing conflict.

Informed by interviews conducted in 2019–2020 and household surveys collected in 2021 in 15 villages in Pithoragarh District, Uttarakhand, we explore the nature of human–wildlife relations in VPs. We report on qualitative and quantitative analyses to consider community forest users' perceptions of living with wildlife—mediated by cultural norms, livelihood demands, and everyday encounters—and investigate beliefs about (1) lethal control as a response to conflict and (2) responsibilities for managing and protecting wildlife.

Our findings indicate high prevalence of HWC and associated hardships (mentioned by 71% of survey participants), alongside high expressed ethics of care, tolerance, and responsibility for wild animals (60%). Most participants rejected killing wildlife in circumstances of conflict as acceptable based on moral prohibitions and the availability of alternative options while adopting significant responsibility for their protection. Characterizing community forests as important sites of interaction and coexistence, residents identified community‐led forest conservation as a primary strategy for mitigating HWC.

These multifaceted human–wildlife relationships, shaped by encounters in a shared landscape, inform communities' decisions and coping strategies for coexisting with their wild neighbours. Approaches to mitigating conflict that prioritize separating people from wildlife and emphasize the state's responsibilities for wildlife management may undermine communities' roles as conservation actors. Conversely, legal recognition and support for the role of community forests in wildlife management could enhance the legitimacy and effectiveness of management decisions.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Compressive buckling of variable stiffness laminated beams with delamination defects
Authors: Niu Xuejuan , Song Chengjin , Zhang Hongjie
Published: November 2024

Fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) structures in practical applications inevitably contain some micro‐defects, which are susceptible to result in the degradation of the mechanical properties, and even lead to structural instability. A series of variable stiffness (VS) specimens are prepared and applied to 4‐point bending (4P‐bending) experiments and uniaxial compressive (UC‐buckling) experiments to investigate the influence of curvilinear paths of towpregs on the buckling performance of laminated beams. By calculating the equivalent flexural stiffness (EFS) analysis of VS laminated beams, an analytical method is proposed to study the effects of the design parameters on the bending and buckling performances of laminated beams with or without delamination. A variable, the loss rate of the stiffness, is introduced and formulated to quantitatively analyze the degradation process of each VS specimen in terms of flexural stiffness. With buckling shape images obtained from UC‐buckling tests, the changes from unilateral buckling to bilateral buckling that occurred on VS specimens were captured and compared. The results show that the advantages of VS design on improving the damage tolerance capability of laminated structures. Compared with the traditional constant stiffness (CS) specimens, the specially designed VS specimens have increased their bending stiffness and structural stability by 21.8% and 24.36%, respectively.

Highlights

A method is proposed to analyze the flexural stiffness distribution.

The concept of equivalent flexural stiffness is introduced and formulated.

The evolution of buckling behaviors occurred on VS beams are characterized.

Most VS specimens have a better tolerance to delamination damages.
Risk Factors for Developing Adenovirus‐Associated Post‐Infectious Bronchiolitis Obliterans
Authors: Gordon Oren , Mohamad Hadhud , Guzner Noa , Cohen Yuval , Ben‐Meir Elad , Samman Nahla , Sergienko Ruslan , Wolf Dana G. , Picard Elie , Kerem Eitan , Shamriz Oded
Published: November 2024

Background

Risk factors for progression of adenovirus (AdV)‐associated bronchiolitis (AdV‐B) to post‐infectious bronchiolitis obliterans (PIBO) are poorly defined. We aimed to investigate this in a multicenter cohort.

Methods

A multicenter hospital‐based analysis included children admitted with AdV‐B in Jerusalem during 2016–2022. A case‐control analysis included AdV‐PIBO patients in Jerusalem during 2005–2023. Cases were compared to randomly assigned controls admitted with AdV‐B without progression to AdV‐PIBO. Multivariate analysis with logistic regression was used.

Results

The annual incidence of AdV‐B admissions and AdV‐PIBO increased during 2016–2022, during which 1522 children were admitted with AdV‐B and 8 developed AdV‐PIBO (0.5%). Of 30 AdV‐PIBO cases identified during 2005–2023, available data were compared for 25 of them (72% boys; mean age ± standard deviation 1.2 ± 0.8 years) and 139 controls (66% boys; mean age 1.0 ± 0.6 years, p = 0.5 for age). Jewish ethnicity was more common in the AdV‐PIBO versus control group (92% vs. 66%, p = 0.009), as were oxygen supplementation (84% vs. 45%, p < 0.001), noninvasive ventilation (20% vs. 4%, p = 0.004), consolidations on chest X‐ray (44% vs. 19%, p = 0.011), and lymphopenia (92% vs. 46%, p < 0.001). Combining Jewish ethnicity, lymphopenia, consolidations, and prolonged admission as independent risk factors yielded positive and negative predictive values of 68.8% and 90.5%, respectively.

Conclusion

These findings emphasize the urgent need for targeted preventive and management strategies. The identification of Jewish ethnicity as a risk factor may imply a genetic contribution to Adv‐PIBO risk.
Influence of Tachyonic Instability on the Schwinger Effect by Axial Coupling in Natural Inflation Model When Strong Back‐Reaction Exists
Authors: Kamarpour Mehran
Published: November 2024

The influence of tachyonic instability on the Schwinger effect is investigated by axial coupling in the natural single‐field inflation model when strong back‐reaction exists in two parts. First, the Schwinger effect is considered when the conformal invariance of Maxwell action should be broken by axial coupling with the inflaton field by identifying the standard horizon scale at the very beginning of inflation for additional boundary term and use several values of coupling constant and estimate electric and magnetic energy densities and energy density of produced charged particles due to the Schwinger effect. It has been found that for both coupling functions the energy density of the produced charged particles due to the Schwinger effect is so high and spoils inflaton field. In fact the strong coupling or back‐reaction occurs because the energy density of produced charged particles is exceeding of inflaton field. Two coupling functions are used to break conformal invariance of maxwell action. The simplest coupling function and a curvature based coupling function where is the potential of natural inflation. In second part, in oder to avoid strong back‐reaction problem, the horizon scale is identified in which a given Fourier begins to become tachyonically unstable.The influence of this scale is reducing the value of coupling constant and weakening the back‐reaction problem but in both cases strong coupling or strong back‐reaction exists and the Schwinger effect is impossible. Therefore, the Schwinger effect in this model is not possible and spoils inflation. Instantly, the Schwinger effect produces very high energy density of charged particles which causes back‐reaction problem and spoils inflaton field. It has been stressed that due to existence of strong back‐reaction in two cases the energy density of the produced charged particles due to the Schwinger effect spoils inflation. The influence of tachyonic instability in this model is quiet different from our published work in Kamarpour. In Kamarpour, this effect appears by vanishing of electromagnetic energy density and the energy density of charged particles at the very beginning of inflation.
Columbianadin Ameliorates Myocardial Injury by Inhibiting Autophagy Through the PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway in AMI Mice and Hypoxic H9c2 Cells
Authors: Zi‐Chang Niu , Ran An , Hui‐hui Shi , Qi Jin , Jun‐li Song , Yan‐xu Chang , Yu‐Hong Li , Shu‐fei Fu , Hao‐ping Mao
Published: November 2024

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a leading cause of mortality among cardiovascular diseases, yet effective therapies for AMI are limited. Previous studies have suggested cardioprotective effects of columbianadin (CBN), but its specific role in AMI and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study aims to investigate whether CBN influences AMI and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. We conducted a network pharmacology analysis to investigate the relationship between CBN and AMI. The AMI model was established by ligating the left anterior descending (LAD) artery in C57BL/6J mice, which were subsequently administered CBN. Hypoxic H9c2 cells were utilized to evaluate the effects of CBN in vitro. Our study revealed that CBN treatment significantly reduced myocardial infarction in AMI mice. It enhanced mitochondrial function and suppressed autophagy flux in hypoxic H9c2 cells. Furthermore, CBN downregulated the expression of LC3, Beclin1, and Atg 5 genes and proteins. In response to CBN treatment, the phosphorylation levels of PI3K, Akt, and mTOR increased. Notably, RAPA attenuated the protective effect of CBN in enhancing the survival of hypoxic H9c2 cells and abolished its regulation of autophagy‐related proteins via the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. In conclusion, CBN reduces myocardial damage by suppressing autophagy via the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in AMI mice and hypoxic H9c2 cells.
Integrated Fault Estimation and Fault‐Tolerant Control for Switched Stochastic Systems With Unknown Input
Authors: Zhang Jiuling , Han Jian , Liu Xiuhua , Wei Xinjiang , Zhu Xiaodan
Published: November 2024

In this paper, fault estimation (FE) and fault‐tolerant control (FTC) are studied for switched stochastic nonlinear systems with unknown input and faults. The dynamic unknown input observer (DUIO) and disturbance observer are designed, and the system state, faults, and disturbances can be reconstructed. The DUIO designed in this paper is the extension of the traditional unknown input observer (UIO) and the proportional‐integral observer. The unknown input, which contains unmodeled disturbance, uncertainty, can be decoupled by the estimation error system. A dynamic output feedback controller based on observers is designed to compensate for actuator fault and modelable disturbance. The integration scheme of FE and FTC is designed, and the one‐step linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) conditions are constructed, which avoids the coupling of observer and controller parameters. The root‐mean‐square (RMS) gain is used to attenuate the unknown input and unmodelable disturbances in the closed‐loop systems, which can remove some common assumptions. Finally, the feasibility of the proposed method is demonstrated through simulations.
Direct Ink Writing of Rigid Microparticles
Authors: Pradal Pauline , Kim Jong Bin , Nam Seong Kyeong , Kim Shin‐Hyun , Amstad Esther
Published: November 2024

Direct ink writing (DIW) enables 3D printing of macroscopic objects with well‐defined structures and compositions that controllably change over length scales of order 100 µm. Unfortunately, only a limited number of materials can be processed through DIW because it imparts stringent rheological requirements on inks. This limitation can be overcome for soft materials, if they are formulated as microparticles that, if jammed, fulfill the rheological requirements to be printed. By contrast, densely packed rigid microparticles with stiffnesses exceeding 2 MPa do not exhibit appropriate rheological properties that enable DIW. Here, an ink composed of up to 60 vol% rigid microparticles with core stiffnesses up to 50 MPa is introduced. To achieve this goal, rigid microparticles possessing soft hydrogel shells are produced. The 3D printed fragile granular structure is transformed into a load‐bearing granular material through the formation of a 2nd network within the soft shells and in the interstitial spaces. The potential of these particles is demonstrated to be printed into intricate 3D structures, such as a trophy cup, or cast into flexible macroscopic photonic films.
Addressing Fundamental Challenges of Si/Gr Electrodes with High Silicon Contents Using Innovative Bilayer Electrode Structure Design
Authors: Yoo Jeong Hyeon , Park Sung Joon , Bak Cheol , Lee Yong Min , Kim Ki Jae
Published: November 2024

The extremely high volume change of Si during alloying and dealloying in the charge/discharge process is a key challenge for increasing the Si content in Si/Gr electrodes. To address these fundamental challenges, a sophisticated bilayer Si/Gr electrode composed of an upper layer with a porous structure and a lower layer with a compact structure to increase the Si content while enhancing the long‐term cycling stability of the electrode is designed. The unique structure of the bilayer Si/Gr electrode is achieved by controlling the densities of the upper and lower electrode layers. The porous structure of the upper layer can accommodate the volume expansion of Si, thereby increasing the Si content of the Si/Gr electrode. The compact structure of the lower layer can suppress the delamination of the electrode by the volume expansion of Si due to its high binding strength with the current collector, thus ensuring the long‐term stability of the Si/Gr electrode. Consequently, because of the distinct features of the upper and lower layers in the bilayer Si/Gr electrode, superior cyclability is achieved despite an increase in the total Si content to 30 wt% in the Si/Gr electrode, with a specific capacity of 534.8 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles.
Introduction: Threats to Well-Being During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Suter Christian , Chesters Jenny , Fachelli Sandra
Published: November 2024

In the beginning of 2020 a novel coronavirus, COVID-19, spread from China to firstly Europe and then the rest of the world provoking a global health and economic crisis threatening well-being and quality of life in all countries across the globe. This chapter introduces the edited volume and its 12 contributions examining the impact of COVID-19 on four core aspects of well-being: subjective well-being, employment and workers’ well-being including work-life balance, sociability and solidarity, and children’s and youths’ well-being. Highlighting the global, comparative perspective adopted in the present volume, including both the experiences of countries from the Global North and the Global South, this chapter introduces the core concepts and measures of well-being employed in the contributions of this volume, discusses the relationship between crisis and well-being, and the various economic, social, political, cultural, and demographic factors impacting on well-being, and explains the focus of this volume. The chapter concludes by summarizing the parts and chapters included in the present volume.
The Latent Classes of the Volunteer Satisfaction Index and Donation During the Pandemic in Singapore
Authors: Son Joonmo , Sung Pildoo , Tay Benjamin
Published: November 2024

Voluntary associations reduced traditional volunteer activities because of governmental restrictions on face-to-face social interactions that aimed to control the spread of the coronavirus disease during the pandemic. Therefore it is expected that those whose level of satisfaction in organized volunteerism was high took alternative ways, such as donative behaviors, to practice their altruistic values. The study used data from the Individual Giving Study in Singapore, which was administered in 2021 when the pandemic hit the country hard. The study utilized a Latent Class Analysis (LCA) of the Volunteer Satisfaction Index (Galindo-Kuhn, and Guzley, 2001. Journal of Social Service Research 28:45–68). The LCA identified five subgroups of the current and former volunteers. The multivariable regression results showed that a minority of volunteers with the highest overall satisfaction (14%) or the high participation efficacy and group integration satisfaction (13%) were more likely to donate. The results demonstrated that volunteer satisfaction may encourage volunteers to donate generously to more causes despite the impact of a pandemic. In conclusion, volunteer satisfaction was positively associated with donation during the pandemic when onsite and face-to-face volunteering was limited.