bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Challenges and Facilitators in Implementing Remote Patient Monitoring Programs in Primary Care
Authors: Hailu Ruth , Sousa Jessica , Tang Mitchell , Mehrotra Ateev , Uscher-Pines Lori
Published: April 2024

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in greater use of remote patient monitoring (RPM). However, the use of RPM has been modest compared to other forms of telehealth.

Objective

To identify and describe barriers to the implementation of RPM among primary care physicians (PCPs) that may be constraining its growth.

Design

We conducted 20 semi-structured interviews with PCPs across the USA who adopted RPM. Interview questions focused on implementation facilitators and barriers and RPM’s impact on quality. We conducted thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews using both inductive and deductive approaches. The analysis was informed by the NASSS (non-adoption and abandonment and challenges to scale-up, spread, and sustainability) framework.

Participants

PCPs who practiced at least 10 h per week in an outpatient setting, served adults, and monitored blood pressure and/or blood glucose levels with automatic transmission of data with at least 3 patients.

Key Results

While PCPs generally agreed that RPM improved quality of care for their patients, many identified barriers to adoption and maintenance of RPM programs. Challenges included difficulties handling the influx of data and establishing a manageable workflow, along with digital and health literacy barriers. In addition to these barriers, many PCPs did not believe RPM was profitable.

Conclusions

To encourage ongoing growth of RPM, it will be necessary to address implementation barriers through changes in payment policy, training and education in digital and health literacy, improvements in staff roles and workflows, and new strategies to ensure equitable access.
Soziales Erinnern an Inhaftierungen in der DDR: Zeitlichkeit, Zwischenkörperlichkeit und Generalisierung
Authors: Galanova Olga
Published: April 2024

Der Beitrag beschäftigt sich mit verschiedenen kommunikativen Formaten und Medien von Erinnerungen an Inhaftierungen in der DDR. Der Bezug auf körperliche Misshandlung ist das Gemeinsame, was diese verschiedenen Formate miteinander verbindet und die soziologische Frage motiviert, wie Körper den sozialen Sinn des Erinnerns mitgestalten und die Selektivität von Erinnerungen in der Kommunikation steuern. In diesem Beitrag werden diese Fragen empirisch anhand vielfältiger historischer Dokumente des Ministeriums für Staatssicherheit der DDR und anhand von Erinnerungen damaliger Zeitzeugen beantwortet und mithilfe der Analyse rekonstruktiver Gattungen beschrieben. Zwischenleiblichkeit erweist sich dabei als konstitutive Voraussetzung für Intersubjektivität und wechselseitiges, körperlich vorstrukturiertes Verstehen. Vor diesem Hintergrund werden Formen verletzter Körper als Teil einer Struktur der Verständigung sichtbar, die es den Betroffenen ermöglicht, gegen Normalisierungstendenzen von Verhaftungssituationen zu intervenieren. Verkörpertes Erinnern an Verhaftungssituationen stellt somit kommunikative Anschlussmöglichkeiten bereit, um nicht nur Erinnerungen zu artikulieren, sondern auch gesellschaftliche Kritikfähigkeit, kollektive Anerkennung und politischen Wandel zu ermöglichen.
Transdisciplinary approaches to local sustainability: aligning local governance and navigating spillovers with global action towards the Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Bandari Reihaneh , Moallemi Enayat A. , Kharrazi Ali , Trogrlić Robert Šakić , Bryan Brett A.
Published: April 2024

In an evolving world, effectively managing human–natural systems under uncertainty becomes paramount, particularly when targeting the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The complexity in multi-actor decision-making and multi-sectoral settings, coupled with intricate relationships and potential conflicting management approaches, makes understanding the local implications of progressing towards the global SDGs challenging. We used a transdisciplinary approach for knowledge co-production with local stakeholders to assess the impact of local action to boost sustainability in the Goulburn–Murray region, Victoria, Australia, and its alignment with global action towards the SDGs. Together, we co-developed 11 local actions geared towards achieving four locally important environmental and socioeconomic SDGs, with a particular emphasis on addressing potential ‘spillovers’—unintended effects that influence SDGs across scales. Through system dynamics modelling, we evaluated the interplay between these local actions and global scenarios, emphasising their synergies, trade-offs, and the resulting impact on SDG indicators. Key findings indicate a predominant synergy between global and local actions across most SDG indicators. However, certain areas like dairy production, riverine algal blooms, and agricultural profit displayed trade-offs. Local actions significantly impacted indicators, such as crop production, dairy output, agricultural land use, and agricultural profitability. Findings highlighted the need for complementary actions in areas, such as water availability management, skilled workforce, and salinity control. This study underscored the importance of harmonising local initiatives with global sustainability objectives and can inspire local governance to champion resilience policies that harmoniously integrate local actions with global sustainability goals, adapting to evolving uncertainty scenarios.

Graphical abstract
Learning to collaborate within transdisciplinarity: internal barriers and strengths of an art–science encounter
Authors: Gallois Sandrine , Heras María , Sella Carlo , Satorras Mar , Ribera-Fumaz Ramon , Ruiz-Mallén Isabel
Published: April 2024

Despite the recognized importance of transdisciplinarity, including art–science collaborations, for tackling the complex challenges of the Anthropocene, little is known about the internal mechanisms of such alliances. At its best, transdisciplinarity should involve social learning with transformative potential. However, we still need evidence on how this can be achieved, specifically regarding developing interpersonal interactions and group dynamics. Our study explored the social learning processes and outcomes of an art–science encounter, aiming to highlight such a collaboration’s internal barriers and enhancers. It took place within a science communication project for the European Performing Science Night 2021, which involved creating an immersive artistic installation through the collaboration of 28 artists and scientists. We analyzed the social learning processes and outcomes based on participants’ profiles, individual participation, group dynamics, and the workshop context using structured interviews and participatory observation during this two-week co-creation workshop. Our insights showed that inter-relational skills were among the most important outcomes, and social learning processes varied based on group dynamics. Moreover, we identified the presence of a delicate balance between driving egalitarian and self-regulated dynamics within inclusive, collaborative processes and the need to foster non-hierarchical structures and dismantle power dynamics between artists and scientists. We discuss these findings in light of three key elements: destabilization, immersion, and materialization, which can help overcome internal barriers and leverage strengths for facilitating transdisciplinary approaches that contribute to sustainability transformations.
Opinions and experiences of operating room nurse on ethical sensitivity: a phenomenological study
Authors: Uzun Sevda , Kulakaç Nurşen , Boyraz Mehmet Çağatay
Published: April 2024

The aim of this study is to examine the opinions and experiences of operating room nurses about ethical sensitivity phemenologically. This phenomenological study, which is in the qualitative research design, was conducted with 14 operating room nurses. Prior to the study, a pilot study was conducted with three nurse families. The interviews were conducted using a face-to-face in-depth semi-structured interview form and the data were analyzed with Colaizzi’s phenomenological method. Interview data were collected between 15 June 2022 and 15 October 2022 in the country. Three categories, seven main themes, and twenty-three sub-themes emerged as a result of the interviews. In the theme of ethical dilemmas experienced by operating room nurses, there are sub-themes of professional ethics, teamwork, and patient dignity and benefit. There are physical and psychological sub-themes in the theme of ethical sensitivity perception and practices of operating room nurses, and among the subthemes, ensuring patient privacy, providing professional competence, providing psychological support to the patient, being friendly and communicating effectively, and respecting the patient’s autonomy come to the fore. Views of operating room nurses on the importance of ethical principles were discussed under the headings of profession and patient. Our results are valuable in that they shed light on the perspectives and experiences of the operating room nurses while maintaining ethical sensitivity. The high ethical sensitivity perceptions of operating room nurses are associated with an increase in the quality of care. It is thought that the high perception of ethical sensitivity of operating room nurses is an important factor that increases the satisfaction of individuals receiving care and the job satisfaction and quality of care of nurses.
The effect of birth memory, recall level, and related factors on breastfeeding attitude of mothers in the postpartum period: a prospective study
Authors: Çark Büşra , Çankaya Seyhan
Published: April 2024

This study was conducted to examine the effect of birth memory, recall level, and related factors on postpartum mothers’ breastfeeding attitudes. This is a correlational prospective study. The study was conducted in the postpartum clinic of a city hospital in a province located in the Central Anatolia Region of Turkey. The study included a total of 248 mothers in the early postpartum period. Data were obtained via a Personal Information Form, a Labor Monitoring Form, the Birth Memories and Recall Questionnaire (BirthMARQ), the Birth Satisfaction Scale (BSS), and the Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale (IOWA). A positive correlation was found between mothers’ level of birth memory and recall and breastfeeding attitude on postpartum day 1, month 1, and month 3. In the regression analysis, emotional memory and coherence and reliving, which are the sub-dimensions of the birth memory and recall scale affecting breastfeeding attitude, were found to be significant associated risk factors for the 1st postpartum day, consistency and reliving for the 1st month, and birth memory and recall for the 3rd month. No relationship was found between mothers’ breastfeeding attitude and birth satisfaction on postpartum day 1, month 1, and month 3. Positive birth memory and recall positively affected mothers’ breastfeeding attitude. No relationship was found between mothers’ labor satisfaction and breastfeeding attitude. Supporting women for the formation of positive birth memory and recall for the labor process may positively improve breastfeeding attitudes of mothers in the postpartum period.
Digital credentials management system using rejectable soulbound tokens
Authors: Pericàs-Gornals Rosa , Mut-Puigserver Macià , Payeras-Capellá M. Magdalena , Cabot-Nadal Miquel Á. , Ramis-Bibiloni Jaume
Published: April 2024

Digital credentials are being issued by authorized entities to facilitate the digital identification of their users. Blockchain offers some inherent features that are highly advantageous for the management of credentials. Non-fungible tokens, or NFTs, might seem to be a perfect fit for the implementation of digital credentials. However, some crucial requirements for credentials are the non-transferability of the credential and that the authorized entity should receive explicit acceptance from the user who will own the new credential, which are features lacking in the current NFTs. This paper introduces a management system focused on issuing digital access credentials, enhancing traditional features by enabling the association of terms and conditions (T &C) during issuance and providing users with non-repudiation of reception evidence upon acceptance. Leveraging an enhanced version of the soulbound tokens (SBTs), called RejSBTs, introduced in our previous work, the new system guarantees non-repudiation of reception and origin proofs. Furthermore, we provide a detailed implementation of the system, including solidity smart contracts, accompanied by a comprehensive cost and security analysis.
Liquid biopsy in breast cancer
Authors: Klocker Eva Valentina , Suppan Christoph
Published: April 2024

Currently, the main clinical application of liquid biopsy (LB) in breast cancer (BC) is the circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA)-based detection of treatment targets in metastatic or advanced disease. In this short review we focus on clinically relevant applications in BC and give a brief overview of potential future uses.
Frontale fibrosierende Alopezie
Authors: Kopera Daisy
Published: April 2024

Die frontale fibrosierende Alopezie ist eine entzündliche Kopfhauterkrankung ungeklärter Ursache. Histologisch zeigt sich eine fibrosierende Atrophie der vorderen Kopfhaut (und der Augenbrauen) wie beim Lichen planopilaris. Therapeutisch werden alle entzündungshemmenden Behandlungsoptionen mit mehr oder weniger Erfolg eingesetzt, meist kommt die Erkrankung von selbst zum Stillstand. Wichtig ist die Früherkennung, um sichtbare Haarlosigkeit zu vermeiden.
Biophysical Reviews’ Topical issue: The 7th Nanoengineering for Mechanobiology Symposium 2024 Camogli, Genoa, Italy
Authors: Giampietro Costanza , Ferrari Aldo , Vassalli Massimo
Published: April 2024

This Commentary describes an open call for submissions to the upcoming Biophysical Reviews’ Issue Focus: The 7th Nanoengineering for Mechanobiology (Genova, Italy). The submission deadline is August 1st of 2024. Interested parties are requested to make contact with the Issue Focus editors prior to submission.
Comparative Genome Analysis and Characterization of the Probiotic Properties of Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated from the Gastrointestinal Tract of Wild Boars in the Czech Republic
Authors: Kavanova Katerina , Kostovova Iveta , Moravkova Monika , Kubasova Tereza , Babak Vladimir , Crhanova Magdalena
Published: April 2024

Probiotics are crucial components for maintaining a healthy gut microbiota in pigs, especially during the weaning period. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) derived from the gastrointestinal tract of wild boars can serve as an abundant source of beneficial probiotic strains with suitable properties for use in pig husbandry. In this study, we analyzed and characterized 15 strains of Limosilactobacillus mucosae obtained from the gut contents of wild boars to assess their safety and suitability as probiotic candidates. The strains were compared using pan-genomic analysis with 49 L. mucosae strains obtained from the NCBI database. All isolated strains demonstrated their safety by showing an absence of transferrable antimicrobial resistance genes and hemolysin activity. Based on the presence of beneficial genes, five candidates with probiotic properties were selected and subjected to phenotypic profiling. These five selected isolates exhibited the ability to survive conditions mimicking passage through the host’s digestive tract, such as low pH and the presence of bile salts. Furthermore, five selected strains demonstrated the presence of corresponding carbohydrate-active enzymes and the ability to utilize various carbohydrate substrates. These strains can enhance the digestibility of oligosaccharide or polysaccharide substrates found in food or feed, specifically resistant starch, α-galactosides, cellobiose, gentiobiose, and arabinoxylans. Based on the results obtained, the L. mucosae isolates tested in this study appear to be promising candidates for use as probiotics in pigs.
The social–ecological ladder of restoration ambition
Authors: Frietsch Marina , Pacheco-Romero Manuel , Temperton Vicky M. , Kaplin Beth A. , Fischer Joern
Published: April 2024

Expanding in both scope and scale, ecosystem restoration needs to embrace complex social–ecological dynamics. To help scientists and practitioners navigate ever new demands on restoration, we propose the “social–ecological ladder of restoration ambition” as a conceptual model to approach dynamically shifting social and ecological restoration goals. The model focuses on three dynamic aspects of restoration, namely degrading processes, restoration goals and remedial actions. As these three change through time, new reinforcing and balancing feedback mechanisms characterize the restoration process. We illustrate our model through case studies in which restoration has become increasingly ambitious through time, namely forest landscape restoration in Rwanda and grassland restoration in Germany. The ladder of restoration ambition offers a new way of applying social–ecological systems thinking to ecosystem restoration. Additionally, it raises awareness of social–ecological trade-offs, power imbalances and conflicting goals in restoration projects, thereby laying an important foundation for finding more practicable and fairer solutions.
Integration over facet-simple polytopes
Authors: Engel Konrad
Published: April 2024

We present an elementary approach for the computation of integrals of the form $$\int _{\mathcal {P}} f^{(n)}(\textbf{s} \cdot \textbf{x})\,\textbf{dx}$$

∫
P

f

(
n
)

(
s
·
x
)

dx

over polytopes $$\mathcal {P}$$
P
, where $$f: \mathbb {C}\rightarrow \mathbb {C}$$

f
:
C
→
C

is analytic. The proof is based on an independence theorem on exponential functions over the field of rational functions and needs only simple facts from the theory of polyhedra. In particular we present an explicit formula for generalized facet-simple polytopes. Here a convex polytope is called facet-simple if each of its facets is simple and a set of points is called a generalized facet-simple polytope if it is a finite union of n-dimensional facet-simple convex polytopes such that any two distinct members are either disjoint or intersect in a common facet.
Participatory Risk Governance for Seoul, South Korea’s Flood Risk Management
Authors: Ro Bokjin , Garfin Gregg
Published: April 2024

Risk governance is a widely used framework in natural and societal risk management research. Risks from natural hazards in urban areas call for the establishment of rigorous and participatory urban risk governance. In this study, we examined participatory risk governance (PRG) of flood risk management (FRM) in Seoul, South Korea. We conducted key informant interviews and implemented a survey with citizens, to explore perceptions of flood risks and risk management, and to examine prospects for improving PRG in Seoul. We found a gap between the perceptions of key informants and citizens. Key informants believed that citizens’ low awareness of flood risks hinders PRG. Yet our research found that citizens’ risk awareness was not low, and risk awareness may not be the main barrier to participation in PRG. Instead, we found that citizens lacked knowledge of FRM actions, and they assigned government bodies a high level of responsibility for FRM, compared to the level of responsibility that citizens assigned to themselves. Moreover, the actors involved in FRM tended not to trust each other, which implies a lack of mutual understanding. To increase the effectiveness of PRG, we suggest a polycentric governance structure anchored by a leading actor group, and active promotion of the participation of actors at multiple levels of governance. Communication between government and citizen participants, designed to foster improved understanding and recognition of one another’s roles and contributions to FRM, will enhance trust and improve the implementation of PRG in Seoul.
Biomonitoring polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon levels in domestic kitchens using commonly grown culinary herbs
Authors: Eck-Varanka Bettina , Hubai Katalin , Kováts Nora , Teke Gábor
Published: April 2024

Cooking is a significant source of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAHs) emissions in indoor environments. A one-month biomonitoring study was carried out in previously selected rural Hungarian kitchens to evaluate cooking-related PAHs concentrations in 4 common kitchen vegetables such as basil, parsley, rocket and chives. The study had two mainobjectives: firstly, to follow PAHs accumulation pattern and to find out if this pattern can be associated with different cooking habits. Also, the usefulness of culinary herbs for indoor bioaccumulation studies was assessed. The 2-ring naphthalene was the dominant PAH in the majority of the samples, its concentrations were in the range of 25.4 µg/kg and 274 µg/kg, of 3-ring PAHs the prevalency of phenanthrene was observed, with highest concentration of 62 µg/kg. PAHs accumulation pattern in tested plants clearly indicated differences in cooking methods and cooking oils used in the selected households. Use of lard and animal fats in general resulted in the high concentrations of higher molecular weight (5- and 6-ring) PAHs, while olive oil usage could be associated with the emission of 2- and 3-ring PAHs. Culinary herbs, however, accumulated carcinogenic PAHs such as benzo[a]anthracene (highest concentration 11.9 µg/kg), benzo[b]fluoranthene (highest concentration 13.8 µg/kg) and chrysene (highest concentration 20.1 µg/kg) which might question their safe use.
Research on the pressure relief law of diamond beaded rope saw cutting seam: a numerical investigation
Authors: Zhang Jianguo , Wang Xiaochuan , Ge Zhaolong , Wang Man , Wang Wei
Published: April 2024

As a new technology to mitigate the high outburst risk of the low permeability coal seam, it is essential to delve deeper into the law and mechanism of pressure relief associated with the diamond beaded rope saw slotting. The paper presents a numerical calculation model under small size that is based on the superimposed beam theory and the contact surface model. The model is compared with the experimental results of similar models in the laboratory to verify its applicability for simulating the numerical calculation of stress distribution in coal seam cut by diamond beaded rope saw. The study then goes on to investigate the influence of coal seam inclination, working face length, coal seam hardness, and seam advancing distance on the pressure relief effect of diamond beaded rope saw cutting seam under engineering scale. The mechanism of the diamond beaded rope saw cutting seam is also analyzed. The results indicate that the diamond beaded rope saw effectively reduces pressure in low permeability coal seams, with the impact range extending to the slit area. Additionally, stress concentration was observed at the front of the slit. Increasing the inclination of the coal seam, working face length, and advancing distance of the cutting seam enhances the pressure relief effect of the diamond beaded rope saw. The latter two factors’ influence is reflected in the direction along the working face and the direction of mining advance, respectively. The efficacy of pressure relief through this particular method is comparatively better in soft coal than in hard coal. This research is significant in promoting the widespread application of diamond beaded rope saws in the pressure relief of coal seam cutting.
Australia’s national(ist) history curriculum: history education as a site of attempted de-democratisation
Authors: Bedford Alison , Kerby Martin
Published: April 2024

This paper explores the contested content of the Australian history curriculum to understand the curriculum’s national(ist?) purpose and investigate if national histories can be taught in a way which combats the anti-democratic forces at play in our culture. This question will be explored through analysis of the three topics in the Australian Curriculum: History 7–10, which have a strong focus on Australian history specifically, and semi-structured interviews with secondary teachers on pedagogies for history and instilling democratic dispositions in students (UniSQ ETH2023-0315). Since Prime Minister John Howard’s call for reform of the curriculum to ensure that the national narrative “is one of heroic achievement” (Howard, 2006), the conservative right’s desire to have the curriculum deliver a singular, nationalist narrative has become increasingly more extreme. We risk an “acute crisis of democracy” (Repucci and Slipowitz, 2021, p. 1) as our students are taught a singular narrative that silences First Nations peoples and other cultural minorities. The best defence against this nascent de-democratisation of Australian history classrooms is found in the vital work of history teachers as curriculum workers. If teachers adhere to the curriculum directives focused on historical thinking skills, our students must consider “different perspectives” and use a “range of sources” (ACARA, 2023a) to make evidence-based decisions about our past. The teaching of critical thinking and the use of varied evidence which considers a range of perspectives and assesses their reliability serves as a bulwark against the monocultural assault which seeks to control the content of the curriculum. If we ensure our next generation of citizens have the skills to make informed and critical choices rather than be blind adherents to a nationalist monomyth, our pluralistic liberal democracy will not only survive but thrive.
King Death: The Origins and Identity of Guatemalan and Mexican Skeleton Saint, Rey Pascual
Authors: Chesnut R. Andrew
Published: April 2024

This article delves into the intriguing origins and identity of the folk saint Rey Pascual, a syncretic figure venerated in Guatemala and Mexico. Rey Pascual’s emergence is rooted in the blending of Catholic and Mayan beliefs, transforming the Spanish saint Pascual Bailón into a skeletal folk saint. Pascual Bailón, a sixteenth-century Franciscan friar known for his mystic and contemplative nature, was later venerated in the Americas following his alleged apparition in Guatemala during a typhoid epidemic. This apparition, a luminescent skeleton, promised to end the epidemic in exchange for being recognized as a patron saint. Over time, Rey Pascual’s cult evolved, incorporating elements from European Grim Reapers and Indigenous death deities, symbolizing a unique amalgamation of religious elements. His identity and veneration were further shaped by historical events, including persecution by the Catholic Church and state authorities in both Guatemala and Mexico. Despite these challenges, Rey Pascual’s following grew, with devotees attributing various miracles and protective powers to him. This article highlights Rey Pascual’s role as a symbol of resilience and spiritual agency, particularly among Indigenous and mestizo communities. It emphasizes how Rey Pascual’s story reflects the adaptability of religious beliefs in the face of cultural change and the enduring legacy of syncretism in Latin American religious life.
Comparative Study on Energy Yield of Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact (TOPCon) and Passivated Emitter and Rear Contact (PERC) Solar Cells and Analysis of Optimal Installation Method for Vertical Photovoltaics
Authors: Jang Hongjun , Lee Solhee , Lee Haejung , Choi Dongjin , Song Hoyoung , Jeong Junyoung , Sohn Ji Woo , Kim Donghwan , Lee Hae-Seok , Choe Youngho , Hwang Sungho , Kang Yoonmook
Published: April 2024

Photovoltaic (PV) installations have traditionally relied on a conventional south-facing orientation, which maximizes energy production at noon but has lower energy generation in the morning and afternoon. Vertical photovoltaic (VPV) systems have emerged as promising alternatives to address this inconsistency. Vertical photovoltaic systems can enhance energy generation by facing east in the morning and west in the afternoon. We compared the performance of n-tunnel oxide passivated contact (n-TOPCon) and p-passivated emitter and rear contact (p-PERC) cells in vertical photovoltaic systems to determine whether the optimal installation direction of bifacial vertical photovoltaics is east or west. Our findings indicated that n-TOPCon cells exhibited higher energy yields than p-PERC cells, with a difference of approximately 8%, attributed to the superior bifaciality and lower temperature coefficient of power of n-TOPCon. Additionally, the energy yield was higher for n-TOPCon modules when the front faced east, whereas the PERC modules performed better with a west-facing front. This contributes to the knowledge of the factors for energy production in vertical photovoltaic systems and the optimization of installation configurations.
Evaluation of mechanical properties of paver blocks by replacing cement with fly ash and marble waste
Authors: Hamza Muhammad , Shahzada Khan , Iqbal Mudassir , Khan Ezaz Ali
Published: April 2024

Paver blocks (PB) play a pivotal role in various construction and infrastructure works providing aesthetically and durable pleasing surfaces for various applications such as pavements, walkways, and driveways. These blocks can be used for heavy vehicle loads instead of low-strength clay bricks and tiles. PB gained focus in the construction industry due to its multi-advantages like high strength, durability, and low maintenance cost. However, due to the usage of cement, its application is limited, which releases a huge amount of carbon dioxide into the ecosystem. Thus, it leads to global warming and climate change. In addition, cement is one of the expensive materials used in PB, which further reduces the interest of the construction industry and end-users of PB. Marble waste as its excessive amount of generation from stones in industry and fly ash as a byproduct from coal combustion immediate opportunities to use these materials and reduce the impact of waste material on the environment. Therefore, this study aims to reduce cement consumption by partially replacing marble waste and fly ash combinedly. The study contributes practically to the use of alternative materials in the construction industry. Three types of samples namely M1 (replacement with marble waste), M2 (replacement with fly ash), and M3 (replacement with both fly ash and marble waste) were used. Various proportions were added as a partial replacement, the replacement varying from 5 to 30%, which was 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, and 30%. Statistical analyses were carried out for interpretations of the data. The result concluded that all three mixes achieved their maximum compressive strength on different days of curing. M1-15 and M3-20 mixes achieved maximum compressive strength related to control specimens at 56 days. However, the M2-20 mix achieved maximum compressive strength at 7, 28, and 56 days, The maximum flexural strength was recorded by the M1–15 mix at 7 and 56 days, while the M2–20 and M3–20 mix achieved maximum flexural strength at 7, 28 and 56 days. ANOVA tests by one-way indicate that there is no difference in the mean of compressive strength however, there is a difference in the mean of flexural strength. The Tukey post hoc analysis shows a statistically significant difference between all levels of days of compressive and flexural strength, except for some levels of compressive strength. The correlation test results indicate a positive and strong association between all three mixes.
Beyond the hype: exploring faculty perceptions and acceptability of AI in teaching practices
Authors: Ofosu-Ampong Kingsley
Published: April 2024

Limited studies exist on faculty members or lecturers’ perception and behavioural acceptance of artificial intelligence (AI) (e.g. ChatGPT) for their students' benefit. Teachers are the decision-makers for students' teaching and classroom activities. In this regard, the study examined lecturers’ use of AI-powered tools and the factors that influence the acceptance of AI in teaching and learning in universities. An online survey was conducted using a cross-sectional design, and the results were analysed using SPSS and SmartPLS. The study findings revealed that more than two-thirds (84%) of lecturers are willing to accept AI for their students, while 16% stated non-acceptance of AI for students. Factors such as years of teaching experience, institutional support for AI use, and attitude towards AI proved to be significant predictors of AI acceptance in education. Key factors influencing lecturers' acceptance of AI for their students include perceived pedagogical affordances, organisational policies and incentives, perceived complexity and usability and socio-cultural context. By addressing teacher concerns through supportive policies, user-friendly interfaces, and alignment with pedagogical goals, higher education institutions can create a more fertile ground for AI adoption.
Biotic and abiotic factors and the phylogenetic structure of extinction in the evolution of Tethysuchia
Authors: Forêt Tom , Aubier Paul , Jouve Stéphane , Cubo Jorge
Published: April 2024

Crocodylomorpha is a large and diverse clade with a long evolutionary history now restricted to modern crocodilians. Tethysuchia is a less-inclusive clade of semi-amphibious taxa that crossed two biological crises: the second Oceanic Anoxic Event (OAE 2) and the Cretaceous/Paleogene (K/Pg) crisis. Numerous studies have sought to find the driving factors explaining crocodylomorph evolution, producing contradictory conclusions. Studies of included groups may be useful. Here, we study factors driving tethysuchian evolution using phylogenetically informed statistical analyses. First, we tested the phylogenetic structure of tethysuchian extinction at the OAE 2 and K/Pg crises. We then used phylogenetic comparative methods to test the influence of intrinsic (body size, snout proportion) and extrinsic (temperature, paleolatitude) factors on the evolution of tethysuchian diversity at the OAE 2 and the K/Pg crises. Finally, we tested whether temperature influenced the evolution of body size. We conclude that (1) extinction was not random in regard to phylogeny for Tethysuchia at the OAE 2 and K/Pg crises; (2) while an important tethysuchian turnover follows OAE 2, the K/Pg crisis was followed by an explosion in diversity of tethysuchians, probably linked to the colonization of emptied ecological niches; (3) tethysuchians lived in warmer environments after the OAE 2 crisis, possibly because of both global warming and latitudinal distribution shifts; (4) there is a significant change of snout proportion after the OAE 2 and the K/Pg crises, likely caused by niche partitioning; and (5) there is a positive correlation between body size and temperature, possibly because of a longer growth season.
Pitfalls for the sustainability of forest transitions: evidence from Southeast Asia
Authors: Kull Christian A , Bartmess Jennifer , Dressler Wolfram , Gingrich Simone , Grodzicki Maciej , Jasikowska Katarzyna , Łapniewska Zofia , Mansourian Stephanie , Nguyen Van Thi Hai , Persson Joel , Pichler Melanie , Rajaonarivelo Herimino Manoa , Robert Amélie , Tran Thang Nam , Woods Kevin
Published: April 2024

The concept of a forest transition – a regional shift from deforestation to forest recovery – tends to equate forest area expansion with sustainability, assuming that more forest is good for people and the environment. To promote debate and more just and ecologically sustainable outcomes during this period of intense focus on forests (such as the United Nations’ Decade on Ecological Restoration, the Trillion Trees initiative and at the United Nations’ Climate Change Conferences), we synthesize recent nuanced and integrated research to inform forest management and restoration in the future. Our results reveal nine pitfalls to assuming forest transitions and sustainability are automatically linked. The pitfalls are as follows: (1) fixating on forest quantity instead of quality; (2) masking local diversity with large-scale trends; (3) expecting U-shaped temporal trends of forest change; (4) failing to account for irreversibility; (5) framing categories and concepts as universal/neutral; (6) diverting attention from the simplification of forestlands into single-purpose conservation forests or intensive production lands; (7) neglecting social power transitions and dispossessions; (8) neglecting productivism as the hidden driving force; and (9) ignoring local agency and sentiments. We develop and illustrate these pitfalls with local- and national-level evidence from Southeast Asia and outline forward-looking recommendations for research and policy to address them. Forest transition research that neglects these pitfalls risks legitimizing unsustainable and unjust policies and programmes of forest restoration or tree planting.
Resonant Electron Signatures in the Formation of Chorus Wave Subpackets
Authors: Wang Xueyi , Chen Huayue , Omura Yoshiharu , Hsieh Yi‐Kai , Chen Lunjin , Lin Yu , Zhang Xiao‐Jia , Xia Zhiyang
Published: April 2024

A 2‐D GCPIC simulation in a dipole field system has been conducted to explore the excitation of oblique whistler mode chorus waves driven by energetic electrons with temperature anisotropy. The rising tone chorus waves are initially generated near the magnetic equator, consisting of a series of subpackets, and become oblique during their propagation. It is found that electron holes in the wave phase space, which are formed due to the nonlinear cyclotron resonance, oscillate in size with time during subpacket formation. The associated inhomogeneity factor varies accordingly, giving rise to various frequency chirping in different phases of subpackets. Distinct nongyrotropic electron distributions are detected in both wave gyrophase and stationary gyrophase. Landau resonance is found to coexist with cyclotron resonance. This study provides multidimensional electron distributions involved in subpacket formation, enabling us to comprehensively understand the nonlinear physics in chorus wave evolution.
Fecal Bacteria Contamination of Floodwaters and a Coastal Waterway From Tidally‐Driven Stormwater Network Inundation
Authors: Carr M. M. , Gold A. C. , Harris A. , Anarde K. , Hino M. , Sauers N. , Da Silva G. , Gamewell C. , Nelson N. G.
Published: April 2024

Inundation of coastal stormwater networks by tides is widespread due to sea‐level rise (SLR). The water quality risks posed by tidal water rising up through stormwater infrastructure (pipes and catch basins), out onto roadways, and back out to receiving water bodies is poorly understood but may be substantial given that stormwater networks are a known source of fecal contamination. In this study, we (a) documented temporal variation in concentrations of Enterococcus spp. (ENT), the fecal indicator bacteria standard for marine waters, in a coastal waterway over a 2‐month period and more intensively during two perigean spring tide periods, (b) measured ENT concentrations in roadway floodwaters during tidal floods, and (c) explained variation in ENT concentrations as a function of tidal inundation, antecedent rainfall, and stormwater infrastructure using a pipe network inundation model and robust linear mixed effect models. We find that ENT concentrations in the receiving waterway vary as a function of tidal stage and antecedent rainfall, but also site‐specific characteristics of the stormwater network that drains to the waterway. Tidal variables significantly explain measured ENT variance in the waterway, however, runoff drove higher ENT concentrations in the receiving waterway. Samples of floodwaters on roadways during both perigean spring tide events were limited, but all samples exceeded the threshold for safe public use of recreational waters. These results indicate that inundation of stormwater networks by tides could pose public health hazards in receiving water bodies and on roadways, which will likely be exacerbated in the future due to continued SLR.
The Middle and Low Latitude Ion Composition Variations Observed by the DMSP Satellites on 20–31 August 2018
Authors: Zhang Ruilong , Liu Libo , Zhong Jiahao , Chen Yiding , Le Huijun , Li Wenbo
Published: April 2024

The coupling between the ionosphere and plasmasphere is not known well during the quiet and storm times. The topside ionosphere ion composition reflects the exchange between the ionosphere and plasmasphere. We used the DMSP satellite observations to show the changes of the 840 km altitude H+ and O+ ions at ∼3–6 LT in the mid‐ and low‐latitudes on 20–31 August 2018 where a storm occurred on 25 August. The H+ was the main ion at 3–4 LT, and its concentration presented two peaks around 40°N/S magnetic latitudes on 20–24 August. The H+ concentration strongly lessened for more than five days around 40°N/S magnetic latitudes in the recovery phase of the storm on 26–30 August. Further, the enhancement and reduction of the H+ concentration persisted mainly in the Pacific and Asian sectors. The O+ density increased in Northern Hemisphere at 6:36 LT, and the H+ concentration showed the maximum around the magnetic equator during the quiet times, while the H+ concentration still mainly reduced around 40°N/S and stronger at 40°S in the recovery phase. The plasmaspheric total electron content showed a peak around the magnetic equator on 20–24 August, and the peak was weakened or disappeared on 26–30 August. The plasmasphere might be the principal sources for the mid‐latitude H+ enhancement along the geomagnetic field lines during the quite times and the storm‐time suppressed plasmasphere plasma density would weaken the supply of the H+ at 840 km altitude.
Thank You to Our 2023 Reviewers
Authors: Schubnel Alexandre , Abercrombie Rachel , Bernabé Yves , Bostock Michael , Dekkers Mark , Friedrich Anke , Han Shin‐Chan , Ide Satoshi , Manighetti Isabelle , Niu Fenglin , Schmitt Douglas R. , Tsuchiya Jun
Published: April 2024

The entire editorial board of the Journal of Geophysical Research‐Solid Earth would like to sincerely thank all our colleagues who reviewed manuscripts for us in 2023. The hours they spent reading in order to provide insightful comments on manuscripts not only help improve the quality of these manuscripts but also ensure the scientific rigor of our reviewing process and eventually, of the research published in the field of Solid Earth Geophysics by our journal. With the advent of open science and AGU's data policy, the reviewing process now also encompasses checking the accessibility and availability of data and developed software. This is a key objective of AGU's FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable) policy, for which many reviewers have provided suggestions that helped to improve the data presentation and availability, and which also fed the editorial board's reflection on the matter. Of course, we particularly appreciate timely reviews, particularly in light of the growing demands imposed by the increase of manuscripts submitted to Journal of Geophysical Research‐Solid Earth. We received 1,869 submissions in 2023, and 1,472 reviewers contributed to their evaluation by providing 2,237 reviews in total. We are deeply thankful for all of their contributions. The editorial board of Journal of Geophysical Research‐Solid Earth: Rachel Abercrombie, Yves Bernabé, Michael Bostock (former editor), Mark Dekkers, Anke Friedrich, Shin‐Chan Han, Satoshi Ide, Isabelle Manighetti (former EIC), Fenglin Niu, Douglas R. Schmitt, Alexandre Schubnel (EIC), Jun Tsuchiya, and all the associate editors of JGR‐SE.
Endogenous mutant Huntingtin alters the corticogenesis via lowering Golgi recruiting ARF1 in cortical organoid
Authors: Liu Yang , Chen Xinyu , Ma Yunlong , Song Chenyun , Ma Jixin , Chen Cheng , Su Jianzhong , Ma Lixiang , Saiyin Hexige
Published: April 2024

Pathogenic mutant huntingtin (mHTT) infiltrates the adult Huntington’s disease (HD) brain and impairs fetal corticogenesis. However, most HD animal models rarely recapitulate neuroanatomical alterations in adult HD and developing brains. Thus, the human cortical organoid (hCO) is an alternative approach to decode mHTT pathogenesis precisely during human corticogenesis. Here, we replicated the altered corticogenesis in the HD fetal brain using HD patient-derived hCOs. Our HD-hCOs had pathological phenotypes, including deficient junctional complexes in the neural tubes, delayed postmitotic neuronal maturation, dysregulated fate specification of cortical neuron subtypes, and abnormalities in early HD subcortical projections during corticogenesis, revealing a causal link between impaired progenitor cells and chaotic cortical neuronal layering in the HD brain. We identified novel long, oriented, and enriched polyQ assemblies of HTTs that hold large flat Golgi stacks and scaffold clathrin+ vesicles in the neural tubes of hCOs. Flat Golgi stacks conjugated polyQ assemblies by ADP-ribosylation factor 1 (ARF1). Inhibiting ARF1 activation with Brefeldin A (BFA) disassociated polyQ assemblies from Golgi. PolyQ assembles with mHTT scaffolded fewer ARF1 and formed shorter polyQ assembles with fewer and shorter Golgi and clathrin vesicles in neural tubes of HD-hCOs compared with those in hCOs. Inhibiting the activation of ARF1 by BFA in healthy hCOs replicated impaired junctional complexes in the neural tubes. Together, endogenous polyQ assemblies with mHTT reduced the Golgi recruiting ARF1 in the neuroepithelium, impaired the Golgi structure and activities, and altered the corticogenesis in HD-hCO.
FGF7 enhances the expression of ACE2 in human islet organoids aggravating SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Meng Hao , Liao Zhiying , Ji Yanting , Wang Dong , Han Yang , Huang Chaolin , Hu Xujuan , Chen Jingyi , Zhang Hengrui , Li Zonghong , Wang Changliang , Sun Hui , Sun Jiaqi , Chen Lihua , Yin Jiaxiang , Zhao Jincun , Xu Tao , Liu Huisheng
Published: April 2024

The angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is a primary cell surface viral binding receptor for SARS-CoV-2, so finding new regulatory molecules to modulate ACE2 expression levels is a promising strategy against COVID-19. In the current study, we utilized islet organoids derived from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), animal models and COVID-19 patients to discover that fibroblast growth factor 7 (FGF7) enhances ACE2 expression within the islets, facilitating SARS-CoV-2 infection and resulting in impaired insulin secretion. Using hESC-derived islet organoids, we demonstrated that FGF7 interacts with FGF receptor 2 (FGFR2) and FGFR1 to upregulate ACE2 expression predominantly in β cells. This upregulation increases both insulin secretion and susceptibility of β cells to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Inhibiting FGFR counteracts the FGF7-induced ACE2 upregulation, subsequently reducing viral infection and replication in the islets. Furthermore, retrospective clinical data revealed that diabetic patients with severe COVID-19 symptoms exhibited elevated serum FGF7 levels compared to those with mild symptoms. Finally, animal experiments indicated that SARS-CoV-2 infection increased pancreatic FGF7 levels, resulting in a reduction of insulin concentrations in situ. Taken together, our research offers a potential regulatory strategy for ACE2 by controlling FGF7, thereby protecting islets from SARS-CoV-2 infection and preventing the progression of diabetes in the context of COVID-19.