bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the Effects of Offshore Wind Farms: Environmental and Social Perspectives from Uruguay
Authors: Forastiero Milagros , Gutierrez Rodrigo , Weschenfelder Franciele , de Almeida Everton , Hernández Jesús C.
Published: September 2024

Installation of offshore wind farms is rising, driven by the goal of changing the global energy matrix. However, many of its possible impacts are still unknown. Increased noise levels, disruptions to food chains, pollution due to traffic, and impacts on fishing communities and tourism are all potential effects to consider. Marine habitats are essential carbon dioxide sinks. Therefore, losing marine biodiversity due to offshore wind farms can be counterproductive in mitigating climate change. Balancing biodiversity conservation, wind potential, and political interests is challenging. Today, Uruguay has practically decarbonized its electrical matrix, incorporating wind, solar, and biomass energy alongside hydroelectricity. In line with this, the country's Hydrogen Roadmap highlights green hydrogen as relevant, potentially serving as a transportation fuel for both domestic consumption and export. Combining the country's strong base of wind experience with its sustainable policy, it plans to implement offshore wind farms to produce green hydrogen, making studies of its impacts crucial. This paper reviews the current social and environmental information on the Uruguayan coastal habitat, analyzes onshore wind farms' ecological studies, and examines offshore wind farms' global environmental and social impacts. Finally, it proposes suggested studies for environmental approval for offshore wind farms.
The Role of Bone Grafting vs. Bone Cement in the Treatment of Giant Cell Tumor of Bone
Authors: Costello Joseph P. , Travis Levi M. , Jahn Jacob , Pretell-Mazzini Juan A.
Published: September 2024

Background:

Giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB) presents a challenge in management due to its invasive nature and propensity for local recurrence. While either bone grafting (BG) or bone cement (BC) can be utilized to fill defects after intralesional curettage, the optimal treatment remains contested. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of defect filling with BC compared with BG on recurrence rates in patients with GCTB following intralesional curettage.

Methods:

A random-effects model binary outcome meta-analysis was performed utilizing recurrence rate for the BC and BG groups to evaluate the risk ratio (p < 0.05 considered significant). There were 1,454 patients included.

Results:

Intralesional curettage with BG had a recurrence risk ratio of 1.68 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.22-2.31, p = 0.001) when compared with BC. The overall rate of recurrence for GCTB after intralesional curettage with BC was 20.05% vs. 29.74% with BG (95% CI, 0.17-0.23 vs. 0.26-0.33, p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Intralesional curettage with BC for the treatment of GCTB demonstrated lower recurrence rates than intralesional curettage with BG. However, the rates of recurrence remain substantial for both groups, necessitating careful consideration of the benefits and potential pitfalls associated with BC vs. BG when considering salvage options after recurrences.

Level of Evidence:

Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Analysis of The Influence of Work Discipline And Employee Motivation on Employee Performance BMT Beringharjo
Authors: Astuti Rahma Yudi , Mahdi Muhammad Wafiyuddin Balya
Published: September 2024

Human resources (HR) will play a positive or negative role in the performance  of a company  by applying  work  discipline  and work  motivation. However, BMT Beringharjo Still long work motivations based on Islamic values to improve HR performance. In addition, the success of the company is largely determined by the style of work motivation that exists in the organization that will affect employee performance. BMT Beringharjo is an Islamic-based which implements  in accordance  with the company's  VISION,  namely  "Leading  bras trusted Sharia-Based business partner" in its company so as to improve employee performance.  Therefore,  this study will analyze  how far the influence  of work discipline in the organization and the work motivation retrered on improving the performance of BMT Beringharjo. This research uses a quantitative approach. The data collection technique used is primary data, by spreading questionnaires.  Data was obtained from the employee  population  of 31 people.  Data analysis  using SPSS 26 which was analyzed  deductively.  The results of this study show that work  discipline  has a  positive  effect  on employee  performance  with  a sig  of 0.002<  0.1,  while  Islamic  work  motivation  has a positive  effect  on employee performance at BMT Beringharjo with a sig of 0.034< 0.1. With This result, the influence  of work discipline and work motivation  in it can get closer to Allah SWT through the practice carried out in every work in it. Recommendations for the company  itself to always improve work discipline  and work motivation  in order to create an Islamic organizational culture in accordance with the existing vision, namely " Leading Bras, Trusted sharia Based business  Sharia
Analisis Efektivitas Pelaksanaan Dispensasi Nikah dalam Menekan Angka Perceraian di Kota Semarang
Authors: Putri Fadilla Elza Aida Putri
Published: September 2024

Undang-Undang Nomor 16 Tahun 2019 tentang Perkawinan menjelaskan mengenai dispensasi nikah. Menurut data bidang P3A Kota Semarang tercatat 146 kasus pernikahan dini pada semester pertama 2023. Kasus pernikahan dini di Negara Indonesia harus diperhatikan oleh pemerintah maupun masyarakat. Urgensi dalam penelitian ini adalah untuk menganalisis fenomena pernikahan dini dan efektivitas pelaksanaan dispensasi nikah di Kota Semarang. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah metode yuridis empiris. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian, faktor utama yang menyumbang tingginya angka pernikahan dini di Kota Semarang adalah hamil duluan sebelum menikah. Akses permohonan dispensasi nikah yang tergolong mudah memicu pula pada tingginya pernikahan dini yang kemudian berujung pada perceraian.
The Role of Gusdurian Peduli's Philanthropic Actions in Overcoming the Economic Turbulence of Communities Affected by COVID-19
Authors: Zunaidi Arif , Maghfiroh Fachrial Lailatul , Mohd Azmi Nurul Athirah
Published: September 2024

The epidemic has had a considerable impact in some Indonesian areas, including Nganjuk and Kediri. In the midst of this economic crisis, the Gusdurian Peduli movement made a significant contribution to those in need, particularly those affected by the epidemic. The Gusdurian Peduli for COVID-19 Action is one of the community activities that helps with COVID-19 management. The Gusdurian Network's philanthropic targets are peripheral groups of people impacted by COVID-19 who are regarded as economically unable. This study employed a field research methodology, whereas this research approach was qualitative. The data used in this study was analyzed using inductive analysis, whereas the data collected was analyzed using descriptive analysis. According to the findings of this study, the Gusdurin Cares campaign plays an important role for people afflicted by COVID-19. It has alleviated the load on those affected by the uncertain economic volatility through its actions and donations.
Simulation and Experimental Validation of a New Separator Design for a Wide Range of Gas Volume Fractions
Authors: Zeng Xiaobo , Gao Li , Fan Guangming , Xu Yifan , Xiao Youhong , Yan Changqi
Published: September 2024

For downhole gas-liquid separation, it is crucial to maintain high separation efficiency across a wide range of inlet gas volume fractions. In this paper, we present a numerical investigation into the flow field characteristics and separation mechanism of a new gas-liquid separator that utilizes centrifugal and gravity separation methods. An experimental system was built to validate the accuracy of the numerical model, and the numerical results show similar characteristics with experimental data in phase distribution as well as separation efficiency. In addition, we examine the impact of various operational parameters on the separation performance in this study. The findings indicate that the separator is capable of achieving a separation efficiency of approximately 100% within the inlet gas volume fraction range of 40–80%. Furthermore, it is crucial to control the liquid level to ensure effective separation of gas from the water layer. Altering the inlet liquid flow rate and gas volume fraction has a direct influence on the water content of the gas outlet, resulting in a decrease in separation efficiency. Consequently, optimization of the upper region of the separator is necessary to improve the separation performance.
Influence of H3K9 Methylation on Gene Mutation Rates: Advancing Epigenetic Research with Controlled Experimental Design
Authors: Abdalla Ola , Walker Cameron
Published: September 2024

Mutations drive genetic variation, fueling both oncogenesis and species evolution. The mutation rate varies across the genome, potentially influenced by chromatin organization through histone modifications and other factors. However, the precise relationship between chromatin structure and mutation rate remains poorly understood and needs further investigation. One such modification, the methylation of histone H3 at lysine 9 (H3K9me), is known to form heterochromatin and repress transcription in euchromatin, thereby maintaining genome stability essential for organism survival. This study aimed to elucidate the effect of H3K9 methylation, in isolation from other histone markers, on the mutation rate in fission yeast. Employing fluctuation assays and statistical analysis, our innovative methodology estimates the mutation rates of a single gene under two different conditions within a single experiment using an isogenic clone in Fission yeast. Our findings reveal that H3K9me2 markers significantly increase the phenotypic mutation rate of the same gene. For prospective researchers, this study introduces a new experimental approach that offers unprecedented accuracy in gene analysis, with implications for both genetic research and epigenetic therapy.
Cognitive Dynamics of Spontaneous Thought: A Novel Modeling Approach
Authors: Treadway Michael , Migó Marta , Cooper Jessica , Kragel Philip
Published: September 2024

The nature and frequency of spontaneous thoughts play a critical role in cognitive processes like perception, decision-making, attention, and memory. Deficits in these processes are also greatly associated with the development and maintenance of psychopathology. However, the underlying cognitive dynamics of free and stuck spontaneous thought remain unclear, as these often occur in the absence of measurable behaviors. Here, we analyze free word-association data using attractor-state dynamic modeling, which conceptualizes stuck spontaneous thought as navigating a multidimensional semantic space while in the presence of strong attractor locations. Word-association data was collected from an exploratory sample (N_1 = 65), a first replication sample (N_2 = 79), and, following pre-registration, a second replication sample (N_3 = 222). After the data was embedded into a 3-dimensional semantic space and fit by our dynamic model, unsupervised learning consistently grouped data into four clusters across all independent samples. These clusters were characterized by two distinct patterns of stuck negative thinking, a pattern of protective positive thinking, and a pattern of flexible mind-wandering. Our results support a novel method for modeling spontaneous thought and isolate distinct sub-types that may not be accessible using retrospective self-report methods. We discuss implications for clinical and cognitive science.
A preprogrammed force field generated in a confined space enables external-module-free anisotropic vat-photopolymerization 3D printing
Authors: Honda Satoshi
Published: September 2024

Additive Manufacturing, commonly known as 3D printing (3DP), continuously drives a paradigm shift in manufacturing processes from traditional mass production to individually optimized on-demand manufacturing. Vat-photopolymerization (VP) 3DP is a well-established methodology that enables highly precise high-speed modeling of intricate objects from photoresins with an inexpensive 3DP device. However, it remains a challenge to fabricate anisotropic objects without an external-field-applying module, which induces the alignment of molecular or particulate components in the photoresins. Herein, a simple, affordable, and easily accessible approach for fabricating precise and intricate anisotropic composite materials based on external-module-free anisotropic VP (AVP)-3DP. Preprogrammed force field, i.e., compressional stress in a confined space within a layer to be cured generated during the repetitive descending and ascending motion of a platform for anchoring printed objects in typical VP-3DP processes effectively stack mica flakes within a layer to be cured. While the AVP-3DP of composite resin containing mica flakes with the size of 3 μm, which is sufficiently smaller that the thickness of a layer to be cured, afforded a more isotropic material, those with the sizes down to 10 μm afforded highly anisotropic printed objects, suggesting tunability in anisotropy simply by changing the type of mica flakes. The proposed AVP-3DP methodology leads to anisotropy in the mechanical properties of the 3D-printed object by direction, allowing for up to a 4-fold differentiation for flexural strength and up to a 2-fold differentiation for flexural modulus (E). Moreover, with AVP-3DP of a composite resin containing specific mica flakes, exceptionally high average E of 13.6 GPa has been achieved, which is surprisingly comparable to that of metal lead (E = 13–15 GPa). The ability to create anisotropic composites through AVP-3DP paves the way for the development of next-generation highly precise functional anisotropic objects having intricate geometries with tailored mechanical performance for diverse applications.
Minimally Invasive Mesh Rectopexy versus Perineal Rectosigmoidectomy in the Elderly: A Retrospective Comparative Analysis
Authors: Williams Brian , Gupta Abhinav , Martucci Jordan , Swinford Aubrey , Cologne Kyle G. , Koller Sarah E. , Duldulao Marjun P. , Shin Joongho , Lee Sang W.
Published: September 2024

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare early and intermediate perioperative outcomes after rectal prolapse repair in elderly patients undergoing either minimally invasive mesh rectopexy or perineal rectosigmoidectomy.
Methods: This was a retrospective comparative analysis evaluating outcomes of elderly patients, age ≥ 70 years, undergoing surgical correction of full thickness rectal prolapse at a single tertiary hospital between 2010 – 2023. Patients must have undergone minimally invasive rectopexy or perineal rectosigmoidectomy (Altemeier). Primary outcomes evaluated included 30-day mortality and complication rates.
Results: A total of 55 patients were included, 42 who underwent minimally invasive rectopexy (MIR) and 13 who underwent perineal rectosigmoidectomy (PR). The average age of all patients was 79.8 ± 6.4 years, average body mass index (BMI) was 22.5 ± 3.7, and 49 (89.1%) patients were female.
Patients that underwent MIR had a significantly lower 30-day complication rate compared to PR patients (11.9% vs. 53.8%, respectively; p=0.001). There were 0 (0%) deaths in either group within 30 days of repair.
PR patients had similar recurrence rates to MIR patients with median interval to first documented recurrence of 6.0 (range 0.2-24.5) months. Rate of normal bowel function achieved at most recent follow-up was significantly higher for MIR patients compared to PR (76.2% vs. 30.8%, respectively; p=0.003).
Discussion: MIR approach to prolapse repair is safe and feasible in elderly patients with lower 30-day complication rate and comparable mortality rates compared to patients undergoing PR. Additionally, overall, early functional outcomes were better after MIR.
Cyanobacteria dynamics and Microcystins: an emphasis on late autumn mass development of Woronichinia and Microcystis in the Reservoir Zit-Emba, North-East Algeria
Authors: Guellati Fatma Zohra , Touati Hassen , Seridi Lamia , Djabourabi Aicha , Sehili Nadira , Kadri Skander El-Hadi , Bensouilah Mourad
Published: September 2024

Despite the available studies on Cyanobacteria dynamics, toxicity, and the incriminated environmental variables in the North African freshwater ecosystems, this is still insufficient. This study focuses on the spatiotemporal dynamic of cyanobacteria in the reservoir Zit-Emba and the role of environmental variables. Sampling was carried out from March 2015 to February 2016 at four sampling points (S1-S4). The cooccurrence of two bloom forming cyanobacteria Microcystis and Woronichia and their massive development in autumn (9x104 cells.mL− 1 and 8x104 cells.mL− 1 respectively) was an unexpected phenomenon. Woronichinia is a worldwide poorly studied toxic cyanobacterium reported mainly in Europe and America. Microcystins were detected during the monitoring period (0.04–5.74 µg.L− 1), and peaks were reported during the cyanobacteria bloom. PCA and correlation results revealed the important role of water temperature and nutrient loading mainly P-PO4 (max = 0.4 mg.L− 1) as the most contributing variables. This study highlights the need for regular monitoring of cyanobacteria and their toxins as well as implementing watershed management to reduce nutrient inputs in freshwater sources used for drinking water supplies.
Mechanical Properties and Mechanisms of Concentration-Controlled Alkali-activated Fly Ash Stabilized Saline soil in Seasonally Frozen regions
Authors: Li Sining , Huang Yong , Sun Jian , Cui Qiushuang , Yu Rui , Liu Yubin
Published: September 2024

Sulfate saline soil in the seasonally frozen zone generate soil freeze-thaw cycles, as well as saline expansion and thawing, which causes road engineering issues, thus they should be strengthened. This work investigates the effect of alkali content on the activation of fly ash (FA) stabilized sulfate saline soil by conducting unconfined compressive strength (UCS), splitting strength, and freeze-thaw cycles (FTs) tests. The results demonstrate that as NaOH concentration increases, the UCS and splitting strength tend to increase first, then decrease. N3 (stabilized soil with 0.5 M stimulated FA) had the best performance, with UCS and splitting strength of 7.18 MPa and 1.89 MPa, respectively. The residual values of the UCS and N3 splitting strength after 5 FTs were 46.35% and 39.92%, respectively. The NaOH activated FA hydration products consisted primarily of C-S-H, C-A-H gel and ettringite, with the gels linking the saline soil particles and filled the cracks between them. As a result, the mechanical characteristics and frost resistance of saline soil were much enhanced. The results of the study can provide a reference for the solidification treatment of sulfate saline soil foundations in seasonally frozen regions.
Microservices Adaptability and Self-Organization of UAV-Assisted Wireless Networks in Failure Rural Scenarios
Authors: García-López Andrés , Ramos-Ramos Diego , García-Gil Santiago , Gómez-delaHiz José , Murillo Juan Manuel , Galán-Jiménez Jaime
Published: September 2024

Internet adoption continues to rise every year, with approximately 2 billion people in remote regions lacking connectivity, depriving them of essential services like healthcare and distance education. By leveraging the capabilities of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) network architectures, this paper proposes an energy-efficient solution capable of dynamically adapting the UAV-based network after potential hardware failures or UAV battery depletion. Additionally, integrated with the UAV Controller framework for real-time network management, the combination of adaptability and this technology ensures agility in responding to changing environmental needs. The main objectives include proposing a UAV-based network architecture to deploy Internet of Things (IoT) applications in rural areas and ensuring uninterrupted service provision even in adverse conditions. In this way, IoT applications required by users are provided by the UAV network, improving the quality of life of the rural population. Simulation results over realistic scenarios show a success rate, handling over 90% of the set of requests made by users in different situations.
Allelopathic Effect of (Casimiroa edulis Llaveet Lex.) Leaf Extracts on Germination and Seedling Growth of Maize (Zea mays L) and Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L) Moench)
Authors: Worku Sintayehu , Chimdesa Meseret , Yusuf Zekeria
Published: September 2024

The changes over time of both composition and quantity of allelochemicals can either increase or decrease the phytotoxicity of decomposing plant litter. The present study was undertaken to investigate the allelopathic effects of leaf extracts of C. edulis on sorghum and maize seed germinations. The aqueous extract of white sapota (Casimiroa edulis L1ave & Lex) leaf samples were used as a source of allelochemicals. Data collection involved the germination and seedling growth parameters including Germination rate (GR); germination inhibition rate GIR); MGT: mean germination time (MGT); germination index (GI); Relative length of plumule (RLP); germination speed (v); relative length of radicle (RLR); plumule inhibition rate (PIR); radicle inhibition rate (RIR); allelopathic index (AI). The result indicated that highest concentration of the allelopathic extract (20 mg/L) has demonstrated significantly the highest germination inhibition rate (56.67%) for sorghum; GIR (36.67%) and MGT (3.90 days) for maize seeds, while the highest PIR (76.05%) and RIR (89.60%) for sorghum, as PIR (56.79%), RLR (80.09%) for maize seeds. The allelopathic intensity was found to be the highest (50%) for sorghum, and (36.67%) for maize seed germination. For sorghum seed germination, the first principal component (PC1) has got high positive loads from germination rate (0.36), RLP(0.36), AI(0.36), RLR (0.35), and GI (0.31). The PC2 has got the highest positive load (0.67) from germination speed, but high negative load from MGT(-0.68). In allelopathic effect on maize seed germination, PC1 has got highest scores from AI (0.51), and GI (0.51), but highest negative scores from relative length of plumule (-0.51). It can be concluded that the highest negative scores in PCs which is GIR indicate direct relationship between the negative allelopathic index and negative score factors. However, the highest positive scores in PCs indicate positive AI in both sorghum and maize seed germinations.
Construction of DNA replication stress gene related risk model and for prognosis in bladder cancer
Authors: Xie Hao , Guo Jiahao , Yang Yufan , li Yue , Yang Jinshang , Cha Jiazi , Li Xinxin , Niang Ling , Tao Hui ying , Lin Chunhua , Dong Changming
Published: September 2024

Bladder cancer (BLCA) remains a widespread and serious cancer globally. The importance of constructing predictive risk models based on DNA replication stress-related genes (DRSGs) is gaining traction. Despite the scarcity of molecular studies, our analysis of Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets led to the identification of 17 DEDRSGs with prognostic significance, primarily involved in DNA replication and cell cycle control. Subsequently, utilizing LASSO regression, we filtered out nine key biomarkers to develop a risk model that effectively distinguishes immunological profiles and GSVA hallmark pathways across risk strata. Besides, significant differences were observed in the distribution of 191 drugs across the two risk groups. Finally, qRT-PCR was performed to confirmed that BUB1B was significantly highly expressed in 5637 cells line, while the expression level of RAD9A was higher in SV-HUC-1 cell line. In conclusion, the risk model, based on the nine biomarkers, offers a theoretical framework for exploring underlying molecular mechanisms in BLCA.
Transgenic high Expression of EPHB4 in Canine Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells （cPDLSCs）Modulates Osteogenic Differentiation and migration in cPDLSCs
Authors: Li Chang Shun , Zhang Xin , Liu Hao , Feng Yan , Zhu Shao Yue
Published: September 2024

Stem cells and bioactive molecules are fundamental components of tissue regeneration. Particularly from oral tissues, including periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs), dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs), and stem cells from the apical papilla (SCAPs), adult stem cells have great potential to develop into mesodermal lineages. Multilineage potential—that which spans bone/teeth-forming, fat-forming, and nerve-forming cells—defines these mesenchymal stem cells. Emphasizing its relevance, DPSCs and PDLSCs have been effectively stimulated to produce bone-forming cells in both in vitro and in vivo environments. Human adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) and Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells (BMMSCs) also show this.
The EphB4 receptor, a vital member of the Eph family of receptor tyrosine kinases, plays a pivotal role in guiding mesenchymal stem cells towards the osteoblast lineage. The bone remodeling process relies significantly on the EphrinB2/EphB4 axis. EphrinB2's reverse signaling specifically reduces osteoclast activity by lowering the activity of c-Fos and NFATC1, therefore lowering the bone resorption. By reducing RhoA activity, EphB4's forward signaling improves osteoblast development and increases bone production. EphrinB2 can also bind to EphB4, therefore guiding the differentiation of BMMSCs, ASCs, PDLSCs, and SHEDs into osteoblast cells.
Here we want to examine the effects of EphB4 gene transfection on canine periodontal ligament stem cells (cPDLSCs) and assess their osteogenic ability by means of osteogenic markers (RunX2, OCN, COL1) and phosphorylation levels of EphB4 in cPDLSCs.This approach aims to unveil the potential molecular mechanisms involved in this process.
Unilateral Chasing and Courtship-Like Display as Dominance Signals for Hierarchy Maintenance in Male Medaka Fish
Authors: Mitsutsuji Yuji , Suzuki Mayuko , Umeda Ryo , Ansai Satoshi , Ueoka Fumitaka , Jingyi Zou , Yamaguchi Anna , Hiraki-Kajiyama Towako , Takeuchi Tetsuro , Ogoshi Maho , Katsumura Takafumi , Yokoi Saori , Takeuchi Hideaki
Published: September 2024

Aggressive behavior, exhibiting a unidirectional behavioral event across various animal species, is instrumental in fortifying the existing hierarchical order and maintaining social stability within the group. In the present study, we investigated the types of aggressive behavior exhibiting unidirectional properties that function as dominance signals among three male medaka fish (Oryzias latipes). We first examined the directionality of attack/bite and chase behaviors, revealing that males often exhibited bidirectional physical attacks, while demonstrating predominantly unidirectional chasing behavior. This directionality was maintained throughout the hierarchy formation. Upon observing that male medaka fish exhibit courtship-like displays during male-male interactions, we subsequently investigated the timing and directionality of attack/bite, chasing, and courtship-like displays. Males exhibited unidirectional courtship-like displays, with the directionality matching that of chasing behavior. In addition, the number of attack/bite behaviors significantly decreased after the first chasing as well as the first courtship-like displays. Taken together, our findings strongly suggest that chasing and courtship-like displays may function as dominance signals, reinforcing established dominance-subordinate relationships. Furthermore, when the three males were separated for half a day and then reunited the following day, the number of physical attacks decreased significantly, while the directionality of chasing behavior and courtship-like displays remained unchanged. This finding suggests that once a dominance-subordinate relationship is established, it can be maintained through chasing behavior and courtship-like displays. These observations provide insight into how unilateral pseudo-sexual behavior between males can influence hierarchy formation in social animals.
Hydrobiological and Geochemical Responses to Trout Cage Aquaculture in Lake Ecosystem
Authors: Lapenkov Artem , Guzeva Alina , Zaripova Ksenia , Dudakova Dina , Trifonov Artem
Published: September 2024

This study examines the seasonal dynamics and relationships between geochemical and hydrobiological parameters of lake ecosystems within the impact zone of fish cage farming (Lake Ladoga, Russia). Focusing on three trout farms, environmental conditions were analysed, including water and sediment quality, benthic and zooplankton communities. Two categories of sampling sites were defined for each farm: cage and reference sites (100–600 m far from the cages). Fieldwork was conducted during four seasons in 2023: February, June, August and November. The results revealed that intensive fish feeding leads to significant organic waste accumulation under trout cages, affecting the composition and abundance of planktonic and benthic organisms. In winter, the accumulated organic matter in the sediments mineralizes, and hydrobiological indicators approach reference values. The hydrobiological and geochemical parameters analysed in this study can be used as indicators for developing ecological monitoring methods for freshwater cage aquaculture.
Dynamic transformations in fruit color and textural characteristics of purple-fleshed dragon fruit (Hylocereus costaricensis) across fruit developmental stages under humid tropical climate
Authors: Sajitha Shameena , Radhamma Geetha Lekshmi Prabhakaran , Gopinath Pratheesh Pradeep , Gidagiri Praveen , Kanagarajan Selvaraju
Published: September 2024

The purple-fleshed dragon fruit (Hylocereus costaricensis) is rapidly emerging as a ‘superfruit’ due to its striking color, exotic appearance, refreshing taste, exceptional nutritional and medicinal benefits, vast adaptability, and ease of cultivation. The fruit undergoes dynamic color transformations and changes in the physical attributes throughout its maturation stages, which are influenced by species and growth conditions. The study comprehensively examined color parameters and their correlation with peel characteristics and fruit and pulp firmness in the purple-fleshed dragon fruit grown under humid tropical conditions. The detailed analysis of color parameters, such as L*, a*, b*, and C* values, and hue angle, provides a clear depiction of the fruit's progression from green to purplish-red hues during maturation, with a distinct shift in color intensity and purity. The asynchronous color transition in the fruit and pulp highlights the complex nature of fruit maturation, with the pulp exhibiting an earlier color change at 25 days after flowering, followed by fruit peel at 27 days after flowering. Additionally, the investigation documented a reduction in peel thickness, peel percentage, and firmness during fruit development that emphasized the importance of these parameters in determining optimal harvest maturity. By elucidating these changes and their interrelationships, the research offers valuable insights for optimizing the harvest with better quality and marketability of purple-fleshed dragon fruit.
Temporal Knowledge Graph Completion Based on Product Space and Contrastive Learning of Commonsense
Authors: Chen Zhenghao , Wu Jianbin
Published: September 2024

Static knowledge graph completion (KGC) has made significant progress in the field of artificial intelligence. However, knowledge is time-sensitive, thus the introduction of Temporal Knowledge Graph Completion (TKGC) is necessary to accurately reflect its dynamic changes. Current TKGC methods often overlook the semantic similarity between entities and entity-relation pairs, which leads to a loss of rich semantic information in temporal knowledge graphs. Furthermore, using a single embedding space limits these methods' ability to model various temporal patterns and rich semantic information. To address this issue, we propose a commonsense-based contrastive learning mechanism and a product space approach. Specifically, we incorporate commonsense information to learn time-invariant event representations and integrate relationship and temporal information into different embedding spaces to comprehensively capture semantic changes. Through these methods, we can effectively compare representations of the same entity at different time points, reducing the semantic distance between entities and entity-relation pairs, thereby significantly improving the performance of the completion task. Experimental results show that our method significantly enhances the performance of TKGC on multiple public datasets.
Study on the influence of gas transmission characteristics of positive pressure beam tube system under graded pressurization
Authors: Zhang Qingsong , Lu Wanjun , Zhuo Hui , Zheng Xin , Yang Changping , Wang Hongxia , Xiao Changyuan , Luo Rui
Published: September 2024

The positive pressure beam tube system addresses issues related to gas composition distortion, concentration variations, and long transmission delays observed in traditional negative pressure systems. It has increasingly become the primary system for early monitoring and warning of coal spontaneous combustion in goaf areas. Nevertheless, there remains a deficiency in comprehensive research concerning critical aspects like gas transmission characteristics and transmission lag time in the positive pressure beam tube system. This study aims to construct an experimental platform for the positive pressure beam tube monitoring system and systematically investigate how the choice of pressurization device, pipe length, pipe diameter, and driving pressure in the transmission pipeline affect gas transmission characteristics. The findings indicate that the most effective pressurization occurs under conditions of two-stage high positive pressure transport, with a driving gas pressure of 0.65 MPa. The optimal diameter for positive pressure gas transmission is 7 mm. Long-distance negative pressure pipelines result in decreased transmission efficiency, necessitating increased output pressure with the lengthening of positive pressure pipelines to maintain efficiency.
Sustained mTOR inhibition with sirolimus improves respiratory outcomes in LAM patients with COVID-19: a single-center retrospective study
Authors: Zhang Miao-yan , Yang Luning , Cheng Chongsheng , Zhang Tengyue , Zhang Shuhuai , Hu Danjing , Wang Hanghang , Zhang Xiaoxin , Yang Yanli , Tian Xinlun , Xu Kai-Feng
Published: September 2024

Background
Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare lung disease that predominantly affects women and can lead to severe respiratory complications. The impact of COVID-19 on LAM patients, particularly regarding the use of mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors, remains poorly understood. This study investigated the clinical outcomes of LAM patients with COVID-19 and evaluated the effect of sustained mTOR inhibition on respiratory outcomes.
Results
Our cohort included 186 LAM patients with COVID-19. Prior to infection, 72.6% of the patients were on sirolimus, with 29.6% discontinuing therapy due to infection. The hospitalization rate was 1.1%, with no reported need for invasive ventilation or fatalities. Patients with a FEV1 less than 70% predicted had a greater risk of dyspnea exacerbation and supplemental oxygen requirement. The continuation of mTOR inhibitor therapy was associated with a lower risk of decreased SpO2 levels. Multivariate logistic regression analysis including age, baseline FEV1%, baseline DLCO%, baseline SpO2, vaccination status, and mTOR inhibitor discontinuation revealed that only the discontinuation of mTOR inhibitors was an independent predictor of decreased SpO2 levels in this patient cohort (OR: 5.000, 95% CI: 1.830–14.81, P = 0.002).
Conclusions
LAM patients with COVID-19 had a low rate of severe illness and mortality. Continued mTOR inhibitor therapy during COVID-19 infection may improve respiratory outcomes, suggesting the importance of maintaining treatment of mTOR inhibitors during COVID-19 infection.
A hybrid three-term conjugate gradient projection method with the general acceleration for nonlinear equations
Authors: Yin Jianghua , Ye Wen , Huang Qiongxuan , Li Jun
Published: September 2024

In this paper, we propose a hybrid three-term conjugate gradient projection method with the general acceleration for solving nonlinear equations. The acceleration parameter encompasses the convex combination parameter, the inertial parameter, and their hybridization. The search direction designed has good theoretical properties independent of line searches. Without the Lipschitz continuity of the underlying mapping, we establish the global convergence of the proposed algorithm. Importantly, we demonstrate the local convergence rate of the proposed algorithm under the locally Lipschitz continuity condition. Finally, solving benchmark test instances and sparse signal recovery problems demonstrates the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed algorithm.
Mathematics Subject Classification (2010) 65K10 · 90C56
Transect Approach for Assessing Major and Trace Elemental Contamination in Agricultural Soils of the Palamaner Division, Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: Jayasree B. , Naidu M.V.S. , Bhaskar B.P , madhuri K.V Naga , sagar G. Karuna , Kumari C Lavanya
Published: September 2024

Three soil transects were utilized in the granitic terrains of Palamaner mandal, Andhra Pradesh, India, to evaluate the pollution levels of primary and secondary metals (Si, Al, Fe, Ca, Mg, Na, K, Fe, Cu, Mn, P, and Zn) and determine the extent of soil pollution in agricultural landscapes. The soils along the transects ranged from slightly acidic to neutral, with significant variations with landscape position (F = 8.07). These soils are categorized as having low levels of organic carbon with moderate variability in A horizons (CV of 33.56%). The two-way ANOVA results indicated significant differences in cation exchange capacity (F = 4.34 for landscape; F = 4.65 for horizons) and organic carbon (F = 5.26 for landscape and 38.86 for horizons). Under semiarid conditions, the high SiO2 content played a role in limiting the dissolution of quartz. This led to the remobilization of Fe2O3 in the argillic B horizons, indicating that Fe migrated along with clay. Two-way ANOVA showed a significant difference in the total zinc content between horizons and landscape positions. Interestingly, Si, Al, and Cu exhibited slight enrichment and negative geoaccumulation indices in all the soil profiles, suggesting that they were not polluted. The pollution indices formed three clusters, with significant differences in the contamination factors for SiO2 and Cu between the clusters. A total of five principal components were identified, accounting for 76% of the overall variance. These components primarily originate from geogenic sources and fall within acceptable limits.
Improved monthly runoff time series prediction by integrating ICCEMDAN and SWD with ELM
Authors: Wang Huifang , Zhao Xuehua , Guo Qiucen , An Jiatong
Published: September 2024

Accurate and timely runoff prediction is a powerful basis for important measures such as water resource management and flood and drought control, but the stochastic of runoff brought by environmental changes and human activities poses a significant challenge to obtaining reliable prediction results. This paper develops a secondary decomposition hybrid mode. In the first stage of model design, the improved complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise (ICEEMDAN) is utilized to discover the significant frequencies in the predicted non-stationary target data series, where the inputs to the model are decomposed into intrinsic modal functions. In the second stage, the swarm decomposition (SWD) is required for decomposing the high-frequency components whose time-shift multi-scale weighted permutation entropy (TSMWPE) values remain calibrated to be high into sub-sequences, and further identifying and establishing the data attributes that will be incorporated into the extreme learning machine (ELM) algorithm in order to simulate the respective series of component data aggregated into a comprehensive tool for runoff prediction. The hybrid model shows superior accuracy, with the Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency exceeds 0.95 and qualification rate greater than 0.93, which can be used for decision-making system design as an efficient and accurate model for generating reliable predictions, especially for hydrological prediction problems characterized by non-stationary data.
Offshore hydrogen production leaves a local hydrographic footprint on stratification in the North Sea
Authors: Christiansen Nils , Daewel Ute , Krings Leopold , Schrum Corinna
Published: September 2024

Offshore production of hydrogen powered by offshore wind energy offers a promising alternative to fossil fuels. However, current technologies return generated waste heat and brine into the sea, raising questions of potential effects on local and regional hydrography. This study evaluates the hydrographic footprint of offshore hydrogen in the context of anthropogenic pressures, focusing on a scenario for the German Bight. Cross-scale modeling shows that waste heat emerges as the primary influence, causing temperature changes of up to 2°C within 10's of meters around a 500 MW hydrogen plant. While tides prove to be decisive for the dilution of density plumes, we demonstrate that production capacity and discharge method determine the hydrographic footprint. Large-scale effects are minor and become negligible compared to the impact of offshore wind farm wakes, however, waste heat can raise annual mean sea surface temperature by up to 0.2°C within wind farm areas.
Influence of fiber content and length on the mechanical behavior of the grout slurry mixtures used for earthen sites conservation: A study of coir fibers and basalt fibers
Authors: Lu Wei , Liu Chengqiang , Liu Qinlong , Pang Jiewen , Li Dongbo
Published: September 2024

Anchorage and crack sealing are two primary reinforcement methods employed to minimize the impacts of crack on earthen sites. The effectiveness of these methods relies heavily on the mechanical properties of the grouting material. To improve the mechanical strength and ductility of existing cement-free grouting materials, Coir fibers and Basalt fibers with varying lengths and contents were added into the mixture. The DIC-based 3-point bending tests and UCS tests were conducted, to analyze the influence of fibers on the failure modes, flexural and compressive strength, elastic modulus, flexural toughness, etc. of the grout mixture. Afterwards, a normalized constitutive model was established using a length classification method, to meet the requirements of engineering assessment. The results indicate that the mixture of fibers significantly enhanced the mechanical strength and ductility of the grouting material, with the failure mode shifting from brittle to semi-brittle. However, at higher fiber contents, the fiber clustering effect will lead to deterioration in both mechanical strength and elastic modulus. Moreover, the optimal fiber ratios for various indicators may conflict, necessitating a balance based on specific engineering requirements. These influence mechanism can be elucidated through the effects of fiber bridging, fiber skeleton, toughness pull-out, fiber cluster, and fiber expansion-contraction.
Impact of Wing Wall on Scour Development in Box Culverts: Experimental Insights and Predictive Equations
Authors: Ghodsian Masoud , Mohajeri Mohammad
Published: September 2024

Understanding the downstream bed topography of culverts is essential for assessing the stability and performance of hydraulic structures. This study evaluates the downstream bed topography of a box culvert through a series of controlled experimental tests, considering variables such as wing-wall angles, particle Froude numbers, and relative tailwater depths. Temporal variations in scour depths are analyzed, revealing that as the duration of the experiments increased and approached equilibrium, the percentage change in maximum scour depth diminished. This finding highlights the importance of incorporating time-dependent effects in the evaluation of scour downstream of culverts. Additionally, results indicate that increasing the wing-wall angle leads to larger scour hole dimensions and sediment ridges. Notably, bed profile dimensions exhibit significant differences between 15° wing walls and those at 45° and 75° angles, while variations between 45° and 75° angles are less pronounced. New equations are also derived for predicting critical parameters related to scour holes. These insights are invaluable for engineers and practitioners engaged in the design, maintenance, and risk assessment of culverts.
Mapping hypothalamic development in transgender and cisgender youth
Authors: Burke Sarah , Troost Dominique , Hoekzema Elseline , Veltman Dick , Kreukels Baudewijntje , Bakker Julie
Published: September 2024

The neurodevelopmental basis of gender incongruence is poorly understood. Histological studies have suggested sex-atypical hypothalamic structures in transgender individuals, forming the basis for the brain sexual differentiation hypothesis. However, existing neuroimaging studies have typically involved small, mostly adult samples, have assessed only the whole hypothalamic structure, and lacked a developmental perspective.
Utilizing an advanced manual delineation technique of the hypothalamus and four sub-structures in a unique sample of 401 magnetic resonance images acquired in 306 trans- and cisgender participants (7 – 23 years old), we charted the effects of gender identity, birth-assigned sex, age, puberty (suppression) and gender-affirming hormone treatment on volumetric differences and changes across adolescence.
We found reduced hypothalamic volumes, of both the total as well as of certain sub-structures, in transgender compared to cisgender youth, including pre-pubertal and treatment-naïve children. Our results suggest early differences in neurodevelopment in relation to gender incongruence. These differences became more pronounced with age, during puberty, and when trans adolescents received puberty suppression and gender-affirming hormone treatment, suggesting that both endogenous puberty and exogenous hormones play an important role in hypothalamic volume changes during adolescence. This study provides valuable new knowledge on the neurodevelopmental basis of gender incongruence.