bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microplastics cause hepatotoxicity in diabetic mice by disrupting glucolipid metabolism via PP2A/AMPK/HNF4A and promoting fibrosis via the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway
Authors: Li Xinxin , Feng Lixiang , Kuang Qihui , Wang Xiong , Yang Jun , Niu Xuan , Gao Likun , Huang Lizhi , Luo Pengcheng , Li Lili
Published: December 2023

In recent years, microplastics (MPs) have gained significant attention as a persistent environmental pollutant resulting from the decomposition of plastics, leading to their accumulation in the human body. The liver, particularly of individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), is known to be more susceptible to the adverse effects of environmental pollutants. Therefore, to investigate the potential impact of MPs on the liver of diabetic mice and elucidate the underlying toxicological mechanisms, we exposed db/db mice to 0.5 μm MPs for 3 months. Our results revealed that MPs exposure resulted in several harmful effects, including decreased body weight, disruption of liver structure and function, elevated blood glucose levels, impaired glucose tolerance, and increased glycogen accumulation in the hepatic tissue of the mice. Furthermore, MPs exposure was found to promote hepatic gluconeogenesis by perturbing the PP2A/AMPK/HNF4A signaling pathway. In addition, MPs disrupt redox balance, leading to oxidative damage in the liver. This exposure also disrupted hepatic lipid metabolism, stimulating lipid synthesis while inhibiting catabolism, ultimately resulting in the development of fatty liver. Moreover, MPs were found to induce liver fibrosis by activating the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway. Furthermore, MPs influenced adaptive thermogenesis in brown fat by modulating the expression of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) and genes associated with mitochondrial oxidative respiration thermogenesis in brown fat. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that MPs induce oxidative damage in the liver, disturb glucose and lipid metabolism, promote hepatic fibrosis, and influence adaptive thermogenesis in brown fat in diabetic mice. These findings underscore the potential adverse effects of MPs on liver health in individuals with T2DM and highlight the importance of further research in this area.
Improvement of Task-Oriented Visual Interpretation of VGI Point Data
Authors: Knura Martin , Schiewe Jochen
Published: December 2023

VGI is often generated as point data representing points of interest (POIs) and semantic qualities (such as accident locations) or quantities (such as noise levels), which can lead to geometric and thematic clutter in visual presentations of regions with numerous VGI contributions. As a solution, cartography provides several point generalization operations that reduce the total number of points and therefore increase the readability of a map. However, these operations are applied rather general and could remove specific spatial pattern, possibly leading to false interpretations in tasks where these spatial patterns are of interest. In this chapter, we want to tackle this problem by defining task-oriented sets of map generalization constraints that help to maintain spatial pattern characteristics during the generalization process. Therefore, we conduct a study to analyze the user behavior while solving interpretation tasks and use the findings as constraints in the following point generalization process, which is implemented through agent-based modeling.
Environmental Tracking for Healthy Mobility
Authors: Becker Anna Maria , Helbig Carolin , Mohamdeen Abdelrhman , Masson Torsten , Schlink Uwe
Published: December 2023

Environmental stressors in city traffic are a relevant health threat to urban cyclists and pedestrians. These stressors are multifaceted and include noise pollution, heat, and air pollution such as particulate matter. In the present chapter, we describe the use of wearable sensors carried by volunteers to capture their exposure to environmental stressors on their everyday routes. These wearable sensors are becoming increasingly important to capture the spatial and temporal distribution of environmental factors in the city. They also offer the unique opportunity to provide individualized feedback to the person wearing the sensor as well as possibilities to visualize different stressors in their temporal and spatial distribution in a virtual reality environment. We used the option of providing individualized feedback on personal exposure levels in two randomized controlled field studies. In these experiments, we studied the psychological health-related outcomes of carrying a wearable sensor and receiving feedback on one’s individual exposure levels.
Haze prediction method based on stacking learning
Authors: Liu Zuhan , Liu Xuehu , Zhao Kexin
Published: December 2023

In recent years, with the rapid economic development of our country, environmental problems have become increasingly prominent, especially air pollution has more and more affected People’s daily life. Air pollution is mobile and can cause long-term effects over large areas, which are detrimental to the natural environment and human body. Haze is a form of air pollution, which comprises PM2.5 components that adversely impair human health. Multiple approaches for predicting PM2.5 in the past have had limited accuracy, meanwhile required vast quantities of data and computational resources. In order to tackle the difficulties of poor fitting effect, large data demand, and slow convergence speed of prior prediction techniques, a PM2.5 prediction model based on the stacking integration method is proposed. This model employs eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LightGBM) and Random Forest (RF) as the base model, while ridge regression is used as the meta-learner to stack. PM2.5 concentration is influenced by a variety of pollutant factors and meteorological factors, and the correlation between PM2.5 concentration and other factors was analyzed using Spearman’s correlation coefficient method. Several significant factors that determine the haze concentration are selected out, and the stacking model is built on this data for training and prediction. The experimental results indicate that the fusion model constructed in this thesis can provide accurate PM2.5 concentration estimates with fewer data features. The RMSE of the proposed model is 19.2 and the R2 reached 0.94, an improvement of 3–25% over the single model. This hybrid model performs better in terms of accuracy.
Impact of ventriculo-cisternal irrigation on prevention of delayed cerebral infarction in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a single-center retrospective study and literature review
Authors: Umekawa Motoyuki , Yoshikawa Gakushi
Published: December 2023

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of ventriculo-cisternal irrigation (VCI) in preventing vasospasms and delayed cerebral infarction (DCI) by washing out subarachnoid clots earlier after aneurysm surgery.

Methods

We retrospectively identified 340 subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) patients with ruptured intracranial aneurysms treated with postoperative VCI at our institution between December 2010 and January 2020. As VCI therapy, a ventricular drain/cisternal drain was placed during aneurysm surgery, and lactated Ringer’s solution was used for irrigation until day 4 of SAH, followed by intracranial pressure control at 5–10 cmH2O until day 14.

Results

The median age was 65 years (interquartile range 52–75), with 236 female patients (69%). The World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies grade distribution was as follows: grade I or II, 175 patients (51%); grade III or IV, 84 (25%); and grade V, 81 (24%). With VCI management in all patients, total vasospasm occurred in 162 patients (48%), although the DCI incidence was low (23 patients [6.8%]). Major drainage-related complications were observed in five patients (1.5%). Early surgery, performed on SAH day 0 or 1, was identified as a preventive factor against DCI occurrence (odds ratio (OR) 0.21, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.07–0.67; P = 0.008), while additional surgery (4.76, 1.62–13.98; P = 0.005) and dyslipidemia (3.27, 1.24–8.63; P = 0.017) were associated with DCI occurrence.

Conclusion

Managing vasospasms with VCI after SAH is considered a safe and effective method to prevent DCI. Early surgery after SAH may be associated with a decreased risk of DCI with VCI therapy.
Parliamentary diplomacy between the EU and the Republic of Korea
Authors: Guahk Youngah , Hernandez Pepe Isabel
Published: December 2023

This paper studies the practice of parliamentary diplomacy in the context of EU–Korea relations arguing that this is an essential element in the bilateral relationship. Having defined the concept of parliamentary diplomacy, the development of interaction between the European Parliament (EP) and the National Assembly of Republic of Korea, Korean National Assembly (KNA) is being analysed. Their bilateral relations began in 1994 and further deepened in 2004 when the EP set up the Delegation for Relations with the Korean Peninsula. Subsequently, the EP Delegation and the KNA-EU Interparliamentary Council regularly met to discuss various issues, from trade agreements to security issues on the Korean Peninsula and defence matters more generally. This examination of parliamentary diplomacy also demonstrates the way in which bilateral relations have been influenced by electoral cycles on both sides and more generally by changes in the respective domestic political situations.
FastPtx: a versatile toolbox for rapid, joint design of pTx RF and gradient pulses using Pytorch’s autodifferentiation
Authors: Bosch Dario , Scheffler Klaus
Published: December 2023

Objective

With modern optimization methods, free optimization of parallel transmit pulses together with their gradient waveforms can be performed on-line within a short time. A toolbox which uses PyTorch’s autodifferentiation for simultaneous optimization of RF and gradient waveforms is presented and its performance is evaluated.

Methods

MR measurements were performed on a 9.4T MRI scanner using a 3D saturated single-shot turboFlash sequence for $$B_1^+$$

B
1
+

mapping. RF pulse simulation and optimization were done using a Python toolbox and a dedicated server. An RF- and Gradient pulse design toolbox was developed, including a cost function to balance different metrics and respect hardware and regulatory limits. Pulse performance was evaluated in GRE and MPRAGE imaging. Pulses for non-selective and for slab-selective excitation were designed.

Results

Universal pulses for non-selective excitation reduced the flip angle error to an NRMSE of (12.3±1.7)% relative to the targeted flip angle in simulations, compared to (42.0±1.4)% in CP mode. The tailored pulses performed best, resulting in a narrow flip angle distribution with NRMSE of (8.2±1.0)%. The tailored pulses could be created in only 66 s, making it feasible to design them during an experiment. A 90° pulse was designed as preparation pulse for a satTFL sequence and achieved a NRMSE of 7.1%. We showed that both MPRAGE and GRE imaging benefited from the pTx pulses created with our toolbox.

Conclusion

The pTx pulse design toolbox can freely optimize gradient and pTx RF waveforms in a short time. This allows for tailoring high-quality pulses in just over a minute.
Cropping and Fruit Quality of Plum (Prunus domestica) Varieties on Different Rootstocks in a Young Orchard
Authors: Kajtár-Czinege Anikó , Osztényiné Krauczi Éva , Hrotkó Károly
Published: December 2023

In Hungary, plum cultivation in earlier years was mainly for processing purposes, and a suitable cultivation system and rootstock use had been developed. For this reason, the rootstock usage is rather uniform, with 95–97% of nurseries applying Myrobalan seedlings. Growing plums for the fresh market is much more profitable but it requires hand-picked trees. For small trees that can be picked standing on the ground and for high yields, we need to find rootstocks suited to the Hungarian climate. In our experiment, two types of evaluation were performed: evaluation block A with three varieties on two rootstocks and evaluation block B with two varieties on three rootstocks. The varieties were ‘Topfive’, ‘Toptaste’, ‘Čačanska lepotica’ and ‘Jojo’. The rootstocks were the traditional Myrobalan and the rootstocks worthy of testing in Hungary: St Julien GF655/2, St Julien A, and Fereley. The experiments were carried out in Kecskemét, Hungary, in a dry lowland climate. Evaluations were performed by one- and two-factor analyses of variance, and means were separated by the Duncan test. As a result, we found that in the evaluation block A trees of ‘Toptaste’ showed lower vigour and cumulative yield but higher yield efficiency. The trees on St Julien A proved to be more productive in cropping years and showed higher yield efficiency compared to Myrobalan. In evaluation block B, there was no difference in growth vigour between either varieties or rootstocks. Trees of ‘Toptaste’ showed higher cumulative yield compared to ‘Topfive’. However, the cumulative yield of trees did not show significant differences; the yield efficiency of ‘Topfive’ was highest on Fereley rootstock. Regarding fruit quality parameters, our study showed differences in fruit maturity and varietal characteristics. Considering the intensive orchard system with spindle trees, St. Julian A proved to be a more productive and precocious rootstock compared to Myrobalan seedling, while for ‘Toptaste’ variety the rootstock Fereley showed certain advantages. ‘Topfive’ proved to be unsuitable for our site conditions.
How Does Sustainable Management Practices Affect Weed Flora and Tuber Yield of Potato Crop in Mediterranean Environment?
Authors: Radicetti Emanuele , Amanullah Khan , Petroselli Verdiana , Atait Mariam , Allam Mohamed , Mihoub Adil , Jamal Aftab , Taab Alireza , Haider Ghulam , Mirzaei Morad , Mancinelli Roberto
Published: December 2023

Intensive potato cultivation affects weed species composition by selecting dominant and competitive weeds that represent a constraint of potato productivity. Field experiments were conducted during 2015 and 2016 growing seasons to examine the effects of soil tillage (plowing (PL), spading (SM), sub soiling (SS)) and fertilizer source (mineral (Min) and organic (Org)) on potato yield and weed community under Mediterranean environment. A randomized complete block design with three replications was adopted. Weed density and biomass were measured at the potato harvesting time. Weed density was highest in SS, intermediate in SM, and lowest in PL (43.8, 40.3, and 28.8 plants m−2). Similar trend was observed in weed biomass. Weed density and biomass were higher in Org than Min (42.1 vs. 36.4 plants m−2 and 129.6 vs. 117.9 g m−2, respectively). Perennial, monocot, and dicot weed species were the most abundant in subsoiling (13.1, 9.3 and 34.5 plants m−2). Density of perennial and dicot species were higher in Org than Min. Monocots were mostly linked with Min, while dicots were mainly associated with Org. Although tuber yield was higher in PL and Min (481.9 and 627.5 g m−2 of DM), it was affected by growing season and might be associated to SM and Org. Although the study shows that increased weed biodiversity in the system, achieved with more sustainable practices, proves to be an obstacle to potato production, the adoption of spading machine applied in combination with mineral and organic fertilizers could be a valid alternative to plowing. Further studies are required to develop sustainable agricultural techniques able to improve the competitive capacity of crops and reduce the selection of dominant weed species.
Embedding cultural competency and cultural humility in undergraduate pharmacist initial education and training: a qualitative exploration of pharmacy student perspectives
Authors: Robinson-Barella Anna , Takyi Christopher , Chan Hayley K. Y. , Lau Wing Man
Published: December 2023

Background

Emphasis has been placed upon embedding equity, diversity and inclusion within the initial education and training of healthcare professionals, like pharmacists. Yet, there remains limited understanding of how best to integrate cultural competency and cultural humility into undergraduate pharmacy student training.

Aim

This qualitative study explored the views of pharmacy students to understand perspectives on, and identify recommendations for, embedding cultural competency and cultural humility within pharmacy education and training.

Method

Undergraduate pharmacy students from one UK-based School of Pharmacy were invited to participate in an in-person, semi-structured interview to discuss cultural competency in the pharmacy curriculum. Interviews were conducted between November 2022 and February 2023 and were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Reflexive thematic analysis enabled the development of themes. QSR NVivo (Version 12) facilitated data management. Ethical approval was obtained from the Newcastle University Ethics Committee.

Results

Twelve undergraduate pharmacist students, across all years of undergraduate training, were interviewed. Three themes were developed from the data, centring on: (1) recognising and reflecting on cultural competency and cultural humility; (2) gaining exposure and growing in confidence; and (3) thinking forward as a culturally competent pharmacist of the future.

Conclusion

These findings offer actionable recommendations to align with the updated Initial Education and Training standards from the United Kingdom (UK) pharmacy regulator, the General Pharmaceutical Council; specifically, how and when cultural competency teaching should be embedded within the undergraduate pharmacy curriculum. Future research should further explore teaching content, learning environments, and methods of assessing cultural competency.
Genetic variation of European mouflon depends on admixture of introduced individuals
Authors: Buzan Elena , Pokorny Boštjan , Urzi Felicita , Duniš Luka , Bončina Aja , Iacolina Laura , Šprem Nikica , Stipoljev Sunčica , Mereu Paolo , Leoni Giovanni , Pirastru Monica , Safner Toni
Published: December 2023

In the early twentieth century, European mouflon was introduced in Croatia, while all introductions in Slovenia occurred in the 1950s and 1960s. Although majority of the introductions were historically documented, occasional cases involving individuals of unknown origin have likely contributed to a mixed genetic pool in established colonies. To understand the impact of past management and the potential founder effects on contemporary mouflon populations, we performed the first genetic study of the species in these two countries. Utilising next-generation sequencing of both mitochondrial control region (mtDNA CR) and major histocompatibility complex (MHC DRB exon 2), our study scrutinises the genetic diversity and structure of these populations. Additionally, the origins and genetic variability of mouflon in Croatia and Slovenia were compared with reference samples from Czech Republic, Sardinia (Italy), and Corsica (France). The mtDNA haplotype network showed that the majority of mouflon from Slovenia are closely related to mouflon from Sardinia, and only few shared the same haplotypes with mouflon from Croatia. Some mouflon from mainland Croatia share identical or closely related haplotypes with individuals from the initially established population in this country (on the Brijuni Archipelago), while others belong to a distinctly different cluster. We found five MHC alleles previously reported for mouflon in Europe, and genetic diversity was similar in both studied countries. We observed an excess of the Ovar-DRB1*07012/*07012 genotype, and only a few individuals exhibited the advantageous genotypes for parasite infection (Ovar-DRB1*0114 allele and Ovar-DRB1*0324/*0114 genotype). Genetic data showed that the population origins are generally in agreement with the written historical records, although we found signals of release of extra individuals into certain colonies.
Importance sampling for stochastic reaction–diffusion equations in the moderate deviation regime
Authors: Gasteratos Ioannis , Salins Michael , Spiliopoulos Konstantinos
Published: December 2023

We develop a provably efficient importance sampling scheme that estimates exit probabilities of solutions to small-noise stochastic reaction–diffusion equations from scaled neighborhoods of a stable equilibrium. The moderate deviation scaling allows for a local approximation of the nonlinear dynamics by their linearized version. In addition, we identify a finite-dimensional subspace where exits take place with high probability. Using stochastic control and variational methods we show that our scheme performs well both in the zero noise limit and pre-asymptotically. Simulation studies for stochastically perturbed bistable dynamics illustrate the theoretical results.
Tidal turbine array modelling using goal-oriented mesh adaptation
Authors: Wallwork Joseph G. , Angeloudis Athanasios , Barral Nicolas , Mackie Lucas , Kramer Stephan C. , Piggott Matthew D.
Published: December 2023

To examine the accuracy and sensitivity of tidal array performance assessment by numerical techniques applying goal-oriented mesh adaptation. The goal-oriented framework is designed to give rise to adaptive meshes upon which a given diagnostic quantity of interest (QoI) can be accurately captured, whilst maintaining a low overall computational cost. We seek to improve the accuracy of the discontinuous Galerkin method applied to a depth-averaged shallow water model of a tidal energy farm, where turbines are represented using a drag parametrisation and the energy output is specified as the QoI. Two goal-oriented adaptation strategies are considered, which give rise to meshes with isotropic and anisotropic elements. We present both fixed mesh and goal-oriented adaptive mesh simulations for an established test case involving an idealised tidal turbine array positioned in a channel. With both the fixed meshes and the goal-oriented methodologies, we reproduce results from the literature which demonstrate how a staggered array configuration extracts more energy than an aligned array. We also make detailed qualitative and quantitative comparisons between the fixed mesh and adaptive outputs. The proposed goal-oriented mesh adaptation strategies are validated for the purposes of tidal energy resource assessment. Using only a tenth of the number of degrees of freedom as a high-resolution fixed mesh benchmark and lower overall runtime, they are shown to enable energy output differences smaller than 2% for a tidal array test case with aligned rows of turbines and less than 10% for a staggered array configuration.
A mathematical model for parameter setting in discrete element numerical simulation
Authors: Qin Song , Lin Haifei , Yang Shouguo , Wei Zongyong
Published: December 2023

To rationalize the setting of joint parameters, model size, and initial value of vertical stress in simulation of mining of steeply inclined coal seams, a fault tree analysis method of discrete element numerical simulation was used and a mathematical model was proposed. A method of eliminating the influences of size-effect errors on the parameters of coal and rock samples was obtained based on previous work. Furthermore, the constitutive equation and eigenvalue determination formula of a joint discontinuity surface were established, and a method of determination of the joint parameters was proposed, forming the complete “coupling chain” between parameters for numerical simulation. In addition, a formula for the initial value of vertical stress was constructed by way of the compression and shear model of the element body. Also, the minimum dimension was determined by means of strength factor analysis of fracture mechanics. Taking the research literature as an example, the model size and initial value of vertical stress were calculated. On this basis, the physical parameters of coal samples, the physical parameters of coal rocks considering the influence of the size effect and the calculated coal rock joint parameters considering the influence of size effect were directly used to comparatively analyze the displacement and stress fields, thus verifying the reasonability and correctness of the mathematical model.
Migration transformation, prevention, and control of typical heavy metal lead in coal gangue: a review
Authors: Zhang Benfeng , Yang Kang , Zhang Kai , Wang Qibao , Wu Nianqing
Published: December 2023

Coal gangue is one of China’s main industrial solid wastes, which contains various harmful heavy metal elements, such as lead (Pb). The long-term accumulation of coal gangue causes Pb to migrate to the surrounding environment due to weathering and rain erosion, eventually endangering human life and health with its continuous accumulation in the food chain. This review discusses the migration and transformation process of Pb in coal gangue under different conditions and summarizes the available forms and mechanisms of Pb in coal gangue. The current prevention and control and comprehensive utilization methods of Pb in coal gangue are comprehensively reviewed, and the characteristics of each method are discussed. In order to realize the economical, efficient, and high resource utilization of coal gangue, this paper provides favorable suggestions and support for subsequent in-depth research and the implementation of heavy metal prevention and control measures.
Intramolecular Hydrogen Bond Improved Durability and Kinetics for Zinc-Organic Batteries
Authors: Sun Tianjiang , Pan Jun , Zhang Weijia , Jiang Xiaodi , Cheng Min , Zha Zhengtai , Fan Hong Jin , Tao Zhanliang
Published: December 2023

Organic compounds have the advantages of green sustainability and high designability, but their high solubility leads to poor durability of zinc-organic batteries. Herein, a high-performance quinone-based polymer (H-PNADBQ) material is designed by introducing an intramolecular hydrogen bonding (HB) strategy. The intramolecular HB (C=O⋯N–H) is formed in the reaction of 1,4-benzoquinone and 1,5-naphthalene diamine, which efficiently reduces the H-PNADBQ solubility and enhances its charge transfer in theory. In situ ultraviolet–visible analysis further reveals the insolubility of H-PNADBQ during the electrochemical cycles, enabling high durability at different current densities. Specifically, the H-PNADBQ electrode with high loading (10 mg cm−2) performs a long cycling life at 125 mA g−1 (> 290 cycles). The H-PNADBQ also shows high rate capability (137.1 mAh g−1 at 25 A g−1) due to significantly improved kinetics inducted by intramolecular HB. This work provides an efficient approach toward insoluble organic electrode materials.
Das Aufeinander-Verwiesen-Sein von Organisation und professioneller Handlungskompetenz: Eine Analyse pädagogischer Kompetenzen durch die kombinierte Erfassung von Einstellungen, Wissen und Können und ihre Verbindung zur Organisationsforschung
Authors: Aust Kirsten , Hartz Stefanie , Gottfried Lara M.
Published: December 2023

Der Aufsatz nimmt das Aufeinander-Verwiesen-Sein von Organisation und Profession im Handeln zum Ausgangspunkt und fokussiert die professionellen Kompetenzen. Er fragt, ob und wenn ja, wie professionelle Kompetenzen von Lehrenden in der Hochschule organisational variieren. Dabei werden zwei Zielrichtungen verfolgt: Theoretisch und forschungsmethodisch gilt es exemplarisch an einem Forschungsprojekt darzustellen, wie Professions- und Organisationsforschung in Theorieanlage und Methode miteinander verbunden sind. Aufbauend darauf weisen empirisch ausgewählte Ergebnisse darauf hin, dass professionelle Kompetenzen von Lehrenden und die Wahrnehmung der Hochschule als unterstützenden versus hemmenden Kontext organisationsbezogen variieren. Auf diese Weise werden der theoretische, methodische und empirische Mehrwert einer Verbindung beider Stränge sichtbar.
Study on Dissolution of Ba-Containing Inoculant in Ductile Cast Iron Melt and Nucleation of Graphite
Authors: Tonkovič Prijanovič Marica , Mrvar Primož , Burja Jaka , Donik Črtomir , Petrič Mitja
Published: December 2023

The production of high quality ductile cast iron requires different and complex inoculants. Besides iron and silicon, they also contain alloying elements such as zirconium, strontium, barium, calcium and rare earth metals. The addition of these elements reduces carbide solidification and increases the number of eutectic cells, which improves the quality of the cast iron produced. This study investigates the process of incipient melting of a complex barium inoculant and its effects on graphite nucleation. In the study, the sample was prepared by introducing the inoculant grain into the melt of the ductile iron. The region between the inoculant grain and the less inoculated matrix was examined metallographically using light and scanning electron microscopy. We used energy dispersion spectroscopy to determine the phases in the microstructure formed. It was found that graphite particles can already nucleate and grow in solid particles when the inoculant is still dissolving and also from the melt where the Ba and Ca concentrations are high and form BaO·CaO phases that serve as nuclei for graphite growth.
Worte mit Wirkung
Authors: Thomalla Erika
Published: December 2023

In den Debatten über Sensitivity Reading bündeln sich aktuelle Auseinandersetzungen über den Begriff des Literarischen. Wie der Beitrag argumentiert, streiten die Fürsprecher und Gegner der sensiblen Lektüre nicht nur über unterschiedliche Auffassungen von Expertise und Fachwissen. Sie vertreten darüber hinaus konträre Vorstellungen von der Funktion und der Wirkung von Texten.
Evaluating Flood Susceptibility in the Brahmaputra River Basin: An Insight into Asia's Eastern Himalayan Floodplains Using Machine Learning and Multi-Criteria Decision-Making
Authors: Debnath Jatan , Sahariah Dhrubajyoti , Mazumdar Meghna , Lahon Durlov , Meraj Gowhar , Hashimoto Shizuka , Kumar Pankaj , Singh Suraj Kumar , Kanga Shruti , Chand Kesar , Saikia Anup
Published: December 2023

Floods represent a significant threat to human life, property, and agriculture, especially in low-lying floodplains. This study assesses flood susceptibility in the Brahmaputra River basin, which spans China, India, Bhutan, and Bangladesh—an area notorious for frequent flooding due to the saturation of river water intake capacity. We developed and evaluated several innovative models for predicting flood susceptibility by employing Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) and Machine Learning (ML) techniques. The models showed robust performance, evidenced by Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (AUC-ROC) scores exceeding 70% and Mean Absolute Error (MAE), Mean Squared Error (MSE), and Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) scores below 30%. Our findings indicate that approximately one-third of the studied region is categorized as moderately to highly flood-prone, while over 40% is classified as low to very low flood-risk areas. Specific regions with high to very high flood susceptibility include Dhemaji, Dibrugarh, Lakhimpur, Majuli, Darrang, Nalbari, Barpeta, Bongaigaon, and Dhubri districts in Assam; Coochbihar and Jalpaiguri districts in West Bengal; and Kurigram, Gaibandha, Bogra, Sirajganj, Pabna, Jamalpur, and Manikganj districts in Bangladesh. Owing to their strong performance and the suitability of the training datasets, we recommend the application of the developed MCDM techniques and ML algorithms in geographically similar areas. This study holds significant implications for policymakers, regional administrators, environmentalists, and engineers by informing flood management and prevention strategies, serving as a climate change adaptive response within the Brahmaputra River basin.
Sugarcane bagasse-based biochar and its potential applications: a review
Authors: Zafeer Mohd. Khalid , Menezes Rachel Alveera , Venkatachalam H. , Bhat K. Subrahmanya
Published: December 2023

The effective management of agro-industrial waste plays a pivotal role in mitigating various forms of pollution. Sugarcane bagasse (SB), a substantial biomass waste generated in the sugar industry after cane juice extraction, necessitates sustainable handling. Although some sugar mills utilize wet sugarcane bagasse for fueling the milling process, a significant portion remains stockpiled and is often incinerated on-site, resulting in a highly flammable biomass that poses significant risks to the industry and its surroundings. Recognizing the importance of addressing this issue, researchers have identified the conversion of agricultural waste into biochar as an efficient means of harnessing energy following biomass devolatilization. There is scientific interest in the transformation of biomass into value-added products, including biochar, biogas, and biofuel. This comprehensive literature review delves into various pyrolysis processes applicable for converting sugarcane bagasse into char materials, showcasing its potential for diverse applications in line with current scientific interests.

Graphical Abstract
Infant Milk Powder After γ-Irradiation and Accelerated Storage as an Indicator for Space Food Stability
Authors: Watkins Peter , Knoerzer Kai , Ferlazzo Mélanie L. , Banati Richard B. , Adorno P. , Stockham K. , Stobaus T.
Published: December 2023

At present, terrestrial food sources are used to provision astronauts for engaged in space missions confined to low Earth orbit. However, in the future, long-duration space exploration is planned for the Moon, and, beyond that, to Mars. Food for such extended missions needs a shelf-life of up to 5 years, a sustained nutritional and product quality. Space radiation can impact on such food, but little is known of what impact this could have on these materials. In this study, we evaluated the impact of radiation dosage and accelerated storage on infant milk powder (a formulated product consisting of proteins, fat, lactose, vitamins, and minerals), to evaluate its potential as an indicator for (chemical) space food stability. The milk powder was irradiated at different dosages (0, 2, 10, and 50 kGy) and underwent different storage conditions (20 or 50 °C for 0, 14, 28, 56, and 77 days), with subsequent color measurement and chemical analysis. It was found that γ irradiation had an impact on the milk powder’s color. It was speculated that this change was related to the Maillard reaction. Some changes were also found with the chemical composition, particularly, vitamins A and C, unexpectedly due to their susceptibility to radiation. Notable differences were not observed though for other components (vitamins, fatty acids, and amino acids). We conclude that infant milk powder shows great promise as an indicator of the impact of γ radiation, and accelerated storage, for (chemical) space food stability.
Static Future Technologies, Dynamic Professionalism — Co-creating Future Scenarios in Medical Imaging Practices
Authors: van Hees Susan , Kleinloog Jordi P. D. , Sbrizzi Alessandro , Boon Wouter P. C.
Published: December 2023

New magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques that offer faster scanning and potential artificial intelligence-assisted interpretation and diagnosis can significantly impact existing workflows in radiology. In a qualitative study embedded within a responsible research and innovation design, we investigate the development and potential implementation of quantitative MRI. We aim to investigate postdigital MRI futures, covered by scenarios of potential workflows, as well as the resulting implications for professions and related education involved in the MRI process. Furthermore, we examine the related and changing responsibilities, more specifically reflecting on ‘forward-looking responsibilities’. Through expert interviews (n = 20) and a focus group, stakeholder perspectives on the future of quantitative imaging techniques were explored. During a subsequent co-creation workshop and another focus group, stakeholders reflected on future scenarios in quantitative MRI. Our study shows that a proactive and future-oriented investigation of the influence of emerging technologies on potential workflows and subsequent changes in expertise and roles help in gaining or increasing awareness about the wider impact of a technology developed to contribute to faster and quantitative MRI exams. We argue that anticipating postdigital worlds by reflecting on future responsibilities through the co-creation of imaginaries can help making uncertain futures tangible in other ways.
Sparta and the Commemoration of War
Authors: Sears Matthew A.
Published: December 2023

The tough Spartan soldier is one of the most enduring images from antiquity. Yet Spartans too fell in battle – so how did ancient Sparta memorialise its wars and war dead? From the poet Tyrtaeus inspiring soldiers with rousing verse in the seventh century BCE to inscriptions celebrating the 300's last stand at Thermopylae, and from Spartan imperialists posing as liberators during the Peloponnesian War to the modern reception of the Spartan as a brave warrior defending the “West”, Sparta has had an outsized role in how warfare is framed and remembered. This image has also been distorted by the Spartans themselves and their later interpreters. While debates continue to rage about the appropriateness of monuments to supposed war heroes in our civic squares, this authoritative and engaging book suggests that how the Spartans commemorated their military past, and how this shaped their military future, has perhaps never been more pertinent.
Evaluation of Different Bias Correction Methods for Dynamical Downscaled Future Projections of the California Current Upwelling System
Authors: Pozo Buil Mercedes , Fiechter Jerome , Jacox Michael G. , Bograd Steven J. , Alexander Michael A.
Published: December 2023

Biases in global Earth System Models (ESMs) are an important source of errors when used to obtain boundary conditions for regional models. Here we examine historical and future conditions in the California Current System (CCS) using three different methods to force the regional model: (a) interpolation of ESM output to the regional grid with no bias correction; (b) a “seasonally‐varying” delta method that obtains a season‐dependent mean climate change signal from the ESM for a 30‐year future period; and (c) a “time‐varying” delta method that includes the interannual variability of the ESM over the 1980–2100 period. To compare these methods, we use a high‐resolution (0.1°) physical‐biogeochemical regional model to dynamically downscale an ESM projection under the RCP8.5 emission scenario. Using different downscaling methods, the sign of future changes agrees for most of the physical and ecosystem variables, but the spatial patterns and magnitudes of these changes differ, with the seasonal‐ and time‐varying delta simulations showing more similar changes. Not correcting the ESM forcing leads to amplification of biases in some ecosystem variables as well as misrepresentation of the California Undercurrent and CCS source waters. In the non‐bias corrected and time‐varying delta simulations, most of the ecosystem variables inherit trends and decadal variability from the ESM, while in the seasonally‐varying delta simulation the future variability reflects the observed historical variability (1980–2010). Our results demonstrate that bias correcting the forcing prior to downscaling improves historical simulations, and that the bias correction method may impact the spatial and temporal variability of the future projections.
A New Method for Silicon Triple Isotope Analysis With Application to Siliceous Sponge Spicules
Authors: Pack Andreas , Bultmann Eike‐Matthias , Tatzel Michael , Reitner Joachim
Published: December 2023

Multiple isotope ratios of elements disclose information on the fractionation mechanism that cannot be obtained from a single isotope ratio alone. We describe a laser fluorination technique in combination with gas source mass spectrometry for the measurement of triple Si isotope ratios with high precision that allows resolving ppm‐level variability in triple silicon isotope ratios (29Si/28Si, 30Si/28Si) Δ‘29Si due to purely mass‐dependent fractionation in Si isotopes. We demonstrate how the triple silicon isotope ratios can be used to characterize different mass‐dependent processes that fractionate silicon isotopes. We report new data on reference materials (NBS‐28 [RM8546], Diatomite, BigBatch) and on siliceous sponges. Our triple silicon isotope data resolve that kinetic fractionation, possibly related to breaking Si(OH)4 molecules, causes the low δ30Si of sponges. The data further suggest that the cause for fractionation may be the same for the groups of Demospongiae, Homoscleromorpha, and Hexactinellida and that triple silicon isotope ratios of sponges have potential as seawater silicon isotope proxy.
Enhanced Subseasonal Variability of Spring Temperature Over Eastern China in 2022: Initial Role of Extremely Heavy Arctic Sea Ice in Previous Winter
Authors: Xu Wenshu , Ma Shuangmei , Zhu Congwen
Published: December 2023

In spring 2022, strong temperature whiplash events occurred in eastern China (EC), characterized by enhanced subseasonal variability in surface air temperature (SAT). Our results show that extreme temperature fluctuations are dominated by the amplified Eurasian wave train on a biweekly timescale as a possible response to increased sea ice concentrations (SICs) over the Barents‐Kara Seas (BK) in previous winter. Increased winter SICs weaken the upward planetary waves and enhance the stratospheric polar vortex. In spring, the downward propagation of enhanced polar vortex intensifies the polar front jet, increasing kinetic energy gain of the North Atlantic wave train and guiding it to travel farther eastward. The Eurasian wave train strengthens through an upstream development and enhanced local baroclinicity and enhances subseasonal SAT variability over EC. Therefore, the state of BK SICs in previous winter could be a useful signal for the enhanced likelihood of spring extreme temperature whiplash events.
Monthly Precipitation Reconstruction in Subtropical South America Using Seasonal Tree‐Ring Oxygen Isotopes
Authors: Liu Sainan , Xu Chenxi , Fontana Cláudia , An Wenling , Tomazello‐Filho Mario , Zhao Qingyu , Zhao Yaru , Liu Yucheng , Guo Zhengtang
Published: December 2023

The South American Summer Monsoon (SASM) is one of the most important climate systems in the tropical and subtropical regions of South America, and transports Atlantic moisture to the South American continent. However, there are few high‐resolution tree ring based studies of the SASM due to the difficulty of crossdating and the lack of dependable moisture proxies based on tree‐ring width. In this study, we use intra‐annual tree‐ring oxygen isotope (δ18OTR) data (E.V.A 03w, E.V.Ar11e, E.V.Ar12e; the full name of sample code is Erval Velho ‐ Araucaria) for crossdating, and to extract climate signals and reconstruct monthly precipitation. Our data are from Araucaria angustifolia in southern Brazil, and each annual tree‐ring comprises four parts (parts 1, 2, 3, 4) during 1960–2016. The intra‐annual δ18OTR data show pronounced seasonal variations with a decreasing trend in the growing season. The intra‐annual δ18OTR data record variations in precipitation δ18O values, and the interannual δ18OTR data record a precipitation amount. The δ18OTR values of parts 1 and 2 of each ring show the strongest correlation with precipitation at the beginning of the SASM (i.e., December). δ18OTR values of Part 3 have the strongest correlation with precipitation during January–February, and those of Part 4 are strongly correlated with precipitation during February–June. The seasonal δ18OTR values can be used to reconstruct monthly precipitation in the growing season. Spatial correlations between monthly precipitation reconstruction and global sea surface temperatures reveal that EI Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) regulate seasonal precipitation and affect the δ18OTR values in southern Brazil.
Formulations and Diffusivity Coefficients of the 2D Depth‐Averaged Advection‐Diffusion Models: A Literature Review
Authors: Mignot Emmanuel , Riviere Nicolas , Dewals Benjamin
Published: December 2023

This article reviews the mathematical formulations of the depth‐integrated advection‐diffusion equation used so far for modeling scalar transport and mixing in shallow environmental flows. It also summarizes the main approaches developed to evaluate the diffusivity tensor in such models. Remarkably, seven different formulations were found for the depth‐averaged advection‐diffusion equation, and eight distinct approaches have been used for determining the coefficients of the diffusivity tensor. Besides, only a minority of the reviewed studies report calibration of the diffusivity tensor against experimental or field observations. The fragmentation of existing methodologies exhibits a lack of scientific consensus. Promising approaches are highlighted and possible paths for improving the calibration, validation and transferability of the diffusivity coefficients are outlined.
A chip-scale second-harmonic source via self-injection-locked all-optical poling
Authors: Clementi Marco , Nitiss Edgars , Liu Junqiu , Durán-Valdeiglesias Elena , Belahsene Sofiane , Debrégeas Hélène , Kippenberg Tobias J. , Brès Camille-Sophie
Published: December 2023

Second-harmonic generation allows for coherently bridging distant regions of the optical spectrum, with applications ranging from laser technology to self-referencing of frequency combs. However, accessing the nonlinear response of a medium typically requires high-power bulk sources, specific nonlinear crystals, and complex optical setups, hindering the path toward large-scale integration. Here we address all of these issues by engineering a chip-scale second-harmonic (SH) source based on the frequency doubling of a semiconductor laser self-injection-locked to a silicon nitride microresonator. The injection-locking mechanism, combined with a high-Q microresonator, results in an ultra-narrow intrinsic linewidth at the fundamental harmonic frequency as small as 41 Hz. Owing to the extreme resonant field enhancement, quasi-phase-matched second-order nonlinearity is photoinduced through the coherent photogalvanic effect and the high coherence is mapped on the generated SH field. We show how such optical poling technique can be engineered to provide efficient SH generation across the whole C and L telecom bands, in a reconfigurable fashion, overcoming the need for poling electrodes. Our device operates with milliwatt-level pumping and outputs SH power exceeding 2 mW, for an efficiency as high as 280%/W under electrical driving. Our findings suggest that standalone, highly-coherent, and efficient SH sources can be integrated in current silicon nitride photonics, unlocking the potential of χ(2) processes in the next generation of integrated photonic devices.