bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of Papaya Seeds as a Biocoagulan to Reduce Turbidity in Grained Media Water Treatment
Authors: Wilanda T G H , Pramitasari N , Kartini A M , Badriani R E
Published: December 2023

Bedadung River is one of the raw water sources in Jember City. Turbidity is one of the water quality parameters of the Bedadung River. It has exceeded the quality standards, requiring treatment to reduce turbidity through the coagulation-flocculation method with a gravel bed flocculation. The process needs a coagulant. However, commonly found coagulants are made from raw chemical materials that have an impact on the environment and health. Therefore, alternatives are needed, such as coagulants that use natural raw materials, one of which is papaya seeds. This study aims to determine the optimum dose of papaya seed coagulant and the effect of media type (single and multiple media) on the final turbidity using papaya seed coagulant. The research began with the preparation of papaya seed coagulant and determination of the optimum dose, then continued with running reactor. The result shows that the optimum dose of papaya seed biocoagulant to reduce water turbidity of 15-110 NTU is 130 ppm. Application in the reactor, the effect of a media type (single and multiple media) as bed flocculation using coagulant papaya seeds has a significant effect on the final turbidity partially, with a significance value of < 2 x 10−16 < 0.05.
Dewatering and stabilization of Black cotton soil using Electrokinetic Geosynthetics
Authors: Issac Serin , Geetha Varma V
Published: December 2023

Electrokinetic Geosynthetics (EKG) is a platform technology used to dewater and stabilize highly saturated soft clayey soils, mine tailings, tunnelling slurry waste, sewage sludge etc. This laboratory study investigates the potential of EKG made of woven coir geotextile to stabilize highly expansive saturated black cotton soil collected from the Hubli-Dharward region of Karnataka state, India. An electoosmosis design was made in a tank setup where the soil was dewatered for a period of 7 days under three varying potential (15V, 30V & 60V) and different electrode configuration. The results demonstrated an increase in the rate of pore water dissipation by 500% at an optimum voltage gradient of 30V in various electrode spacing. The results of the EKG treatment at various voltages revealed that, as applied voltages increased up to 60 V, the liquid limits and plasticity indices rapidly dropped. An exponential increase in undrained shear strength of the soil was observed at an electrode configuration of 4A-1C.
A Review Study on the Improving the Hot Mixture Asphalt Properties by Using Different Types of Polymers as Additive for Asphalt Material
Authors: Kazim H A , Naser A F , Jawad Z F
Published: December 2023

By integrating the design of high-performance material with solid structural design, flexible pavement performance can be increased and the service life extended. In the context of creating highways the topic of asphalt polymer modification and the incorporation of polymers in asphalt material by mechanical mixing or chemical reaction, has received substantial scholarly coverage. A wide range of polymers types are used in the method of changing asphalt material and subsequently enhancing hot mixed asphalt. The main objective of this paper is to review prior research on employing polymer materials to develop the qualities of asphalt cement and hot mixed asphalt. This study reviews three different types of polymers. These polymers are Styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and polyvinyl chloride polymers (PVC). According to earlier studies in this area, these polymers are elastomers and plastomers that are utilized to enhance the mechanical properties of hot-mix asphalt while also increasing the stability, elasticity, and stiffness of asphalt binders. The overall performance of asphalt pavement can be achieved by reducing the possibility of rutting in the summer and cracking in the winter.
Environmental Policy Influencing the Contribution of Non-Timber Forest Products to Rural Livelihoods: Case Studies from Himachal Pradesh, India.
Authors: Thapa Amrita , Singh Kesari
Published: December 2023

Lack of comprehension of the complexity of the elements that determine the contribution of NTFPs to local lives frequently hinders discussions about the role of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) in efforts to balance the aims of forest conservation and rural development. The districts of Kangra, Sirmour, and Mandi in Himachal Pradesh State in India are three case studies where NTFPs are significant, and this study highlights that the effect of environmental policies, socio-cultural background, and economic status of the people on the extraction of the NTFPs. The study also demonstrates the importance of paying close attention to the socio-cultural diversity of resource users, as well as the value chain structure, and access to and control over resources, all of which have an impact on the chances for locals to profit from NTFP extraction. The rural livelihoods still rely upon the fuelwood and fodder from forests and there is a lack of knowledge and education to understand the policies and schemes related to forests and NTFPs.
Use of Genetic Algorithm to Optimize Energy Efficiency, Construction Cost, and Daylight in Building Design
Authors: Kar Saptarshi , Kumar Nikhil Suresh , Bhatia Aviruch
Published: December 2023

Buildings are a major consumer of energy and electricity in the overall energy consumption profile of a city. According to the IPCC AR6 report, buildings contribute to 40% of the overall GHG emissions. Widespread transformations in system and performance are required to achieve the global target of 1.5 °C. Since the overall process of energy efficiency is based on several parameters and their associated cost functions, it is necessary to use suitable optimization techniques to find the most effective outcome focusing primarily on productivity, utilization, and efficiency. The study involves the application of a Genetic Algorithm for optimization techniques toward energy efficiency, construction cost, and daylight. A single-floor office building having a floor area of 1000 m2 has been simulated in EnergyPlus. Two optimization variables – Window-to-Wall Ratio and Glass SHGC have been considered for the study keeping the rest of the variables constant. The associated cost functions were the First Cost of the Building, Annual Operational Energy, and the Daylight Area. The Non-Dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm (NSGA-II) was applied for the study. The results were compared with the simulation values and optimal solution convergence was observed.
The ICS vs. the ICSID system: a possible compromise in the light of the sustainable development
Authors: Alkhayer J , Gupta N , Gupta C M
Published: December 2023

The current inclination to direct investment efforts towards sustainable development, coupled with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, unveiled in 2015, which included the 16th goal of granting equal access to justice and reinforcing the rule of law on a universal level, has brought investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) mechanisms to the forefront of global investment discussions. The ICSID has carried out a crucial role in overseeing the ISDS system, offering arbitration facilities for disputes between investors and states for over six decades. However, the ISDS system has faced criticism in recent years. In response, a new Investment Court System (ICS) implemented by the EU that aims to address these concerns by establishing a permanent court formed with judges who have been appointed by member states in advance and are distributed to disputes in a rotating and random manner. It also limits the parties’ freedom to opt the applicable law and considers that the substantive provisions in investment agreements are the applicable law to the raised disputes and inserts an appellate mechanism review for law and fact matters as well. The paper discusses the relationship between the ICS and the ICSID system in the light of sustainable development and examines a possible compromise between both systems by considering the ICS as inter se modification of the ICSID convention based on investigation of its compatibility with requirements of the VCLT. Ultimately, the paper finds that recognizing the ICS as an amendment between some parties to the ICSID convention does not conflict with the VCLT.
Three-dimensional electronic structure of the superconductor Sn4Sb3 by angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy
Authors: Ding Pengfei , Man Xiaoxiao , Liu Qingxin , Ma Huan , Liu Bin , Ren Zhi , Liu Kai , Wang Shancai
Published: December 2023

The layered material Sn4Sb3 exhibits superconductivity with

T

c

∼

1.47 K and is proposed to be a topological superconductor candidate. In this study, we investigate the electronic structure of Sn4Sb3 using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Despite its layered structure, the band structure of Sn4Sb3 shows strong kz
dependence, leading to the formation of a three-dimensional Fermi surface. The electronic bands exhibit three-fold symmetry at most kz
planes and six-fold symmetry at the Γ and Z planes. These observations are consistent with DFT calculations, except for the presence of additional flat-like bands located 500 meV below the Fermi level. The photon energy dependence measurement show noticeable kz
dispersion in one of the splitted branches, suggesting a bulk origin of the feature, and negligible kz
dispersion in another branch, implying the surface origin of the state.
Passive mitigation of low-frequency vibration modes in lightweight structures based on a new generation of acoustic black holes
Authors: Humbert C , Monthoil H , Nicolay P
Published: December 2023

Topology optimization and generative design are methods used to lighten structures under specific loads. The resulting lightweight components are usually softer in the directions perpendicular to the applied efforts, such as in the case of cranes. This results in the possible excitation of structural modes at very low frequencies, which can lead to premature aging of lightweight structures. In this paper, we present a new design of acoustic black hole (ABH), able to mitigate vibration modes in a test 3D-printed lightweight structure, from 20 Hz upwards. The novel ABH weights less than 10 grams and can be readily screwed on the structure. Its design is based on that of a classic ABH, with additional winglets and/or rods, to increase the vibrating mass without significantly changing the stiffness of the ABH. This results in a strongly reduced ABH cut-on frequency. The winglets and/or rods also result in a greatly increased contact area between the ABH and the viscoelastic dissipative material, with positive effects on the ABH damping efficiency. The new ABHs could successfully be used, first to damp the fundamental vibration mode of aluminum cylinders, and then to reduce the amplitude of the first three structural modes of the test lightweight structure. The new ABH manages to damp modes at frequencies several times lower than the ones found in the literature, which are promising results.
An open-source framework for balancing computational speed and fidelity in production cost models
Authors: Akdemir Kerem Ziya , Oikonomou Konstantinos , Kern Jordan D , Voisin Nathalie , Ssembatya Henry , Qian Jingwei
Published: December 2023

Studies of bulk power system operations need to incorporate uncertainty and sensitivity analyses, especially around exposure to weather and climate variability and extremes, but this remains a computational modeling challenge. Commercial production cost models (PCMs) have shorter runtimes, but also important limitations (opacity, license restrictions) that do not fully support stochastic simulation. Open-source PCMs represent a potential solution. They allow for multiple, simultaneous runs in high-performance computing environments and offer flexibility in model parameterization. Yet, developers must balance computational speed (i.e. runtime) with model fidelity (i.e. accuracy). In this paper, we present Grid Operations (GO), a framework for instantiating open-source, scale-adaptive PCMs. GO allows users to search across parameter spaces to identify model versions that appropriately balance computational speed and fidelity based on experimental needs and resource limits. Results provide generalizable insights on how to navigate the fidelity and computational speed tradeoff through parameter selection. We show that models with coarser network topologies can accurately mimic market operations, sometimes better than higher-resolution models. It is thus possible to conduct large simulation experiments that characterize operational risks related to climate and weather extremes while maintaining sufficient model accuracy.
Berezin density and planar orthogonal polynomials
Authors: Hedenmalm Haakan , Wennman Aron
Published: December 2023

We introduce a nonlinear potential theory problem for the Laplacian, the solution of which characterizes the Berezin density

B
(
z
,
⋅
)

B(z,\cdot )

for the polynomial Bergman space, where the point

z
∈

C

z\in \mathbb {C}

is fixed. When

z
=
∞

z=\infty

, the Berezin density is expressed in terms of the squared modulus of the corresponding normalized orthogonal polynomial

P
P

. We use an approximate version of this characterization to study the asymptotics of the orthogonal polynomials in the context of exponentially varying weights. This builds on earlier works by Its-Takhtajan and by the first author on a soft Riemann-Hilbert problem for planar orthogonal polynomials, where in place of the Laplacian we have the

∂
¯

\bar \partial

-operator. We adapt the soft Riemann-Hilbert approach to the nonlinear potential problem, where the nonlinearity is due to the appearance of

|

P

|

2

|P|^2

in place of

P
¯

\overline {P}

. Moreover, we suggest how to adapt the potential theory method to the study of the asymptotics of more general Berezin densities

B
(
z
,
w
)

B(z,w)

in the off-spectral regime, that is, when

z
z

is fixed outside the droplet. This is a first installment in a program to obtain an explicit global expansion formula for the polynomial Bergman kernel, and, in particular, of the one-point function of the associated random normal matrix ensemble.
Lysosomal membrane transporter purification and reconstitution for functional studies
Authors: Arines Felichi Mae , Wielenga Aleksander , Henn Danielle , Burata Olive E. , Garcia Francisco Narro , Stockbridge Randy B. , Li Ming
Published: December 2023

Lysosomes achieve their function through numerous transporters that import or export nutrients across their membrane. However, technical challenges in membrane protein overexpression, purification, and reconstitution hinder our understanding of lysosome transporter function. Here, we developed a platform to overexpress and purify the putative lysine transporter Ypq1 using a constitutive overexpression system in protease- and ubiquitination-deficient yeast vacuoles. Using this method, we purified and reconstituted Ypq1 into proteoliposomes and showed lysine transport function, supporting its role as a basic amino acid transporter on the vacuole membrane. We also found that the absence of lysine destabilizes purified Ypq1 and causes it to aggregate, consistent with its propensity to be downregulated in vivo upon lysine starvation. Our approach may be useful for the biochemical characterization of many transporters and membrane proteins to understand organellar transport and regulation.
Achieving success with RISE: A widely implementable, iterative, structured process for mastering interdisciplinary team science collaborations
Authors: Mather Martha E , Granco Gabriel , Bergtold Jason S , Caldas Marcellus M , Heier Stamm Jessica L , Sheshukov Aleksey Y , Sanderson Matthew R , Daniels Melinda D
Published: December 2023

Scientific experts from different disciplines often struggle to mesh their specialized perspectives into the shared mindset that is needed to address difficult and persistent environmental, ecological, and societal problems. Many traditional graduate programs provide excellent research and technical skill training. However, these programs often do not teach a systematic way to learn team skills, nor do they offer a protocol for identifying and tackling increasingly integrated interdisciplinary (among disciplines) and transdisciplinary (among researchers and stakeholders) questions. As a result, professionals trained in traditional graduate programs (e.g., current graduate students and employed practitioners) may not have all of the collaborative skills needed to advance solutions to difficult scientific problems. In the present article, we illustrate a tractable, widely implementable structured process called RISE that accelerates the development of these missing skills. The RISE process (Route to Identifying, learning, and practicing interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary team Skills to address difficult Environmental problems) can be used by diverse teams as a tool for research, professional interactions, or training. RISE helps professionals with different expertise learn from each other by repeatedly asking team-developed questions that are tested using an interactive quantitative tool (e.g., agent-based models, machine learning, case studies) applied to a shared problem framework and data set. Outputs from the quantitative tool are then discussed and interpreted as a team, considering all team members’ perspectives, disciplines, and expertise. After this synthesis, RISE is repeated with new questions that the team jointly identified in earlier data interpretation discussions. As a result, individual perspectives, originally informed by disciplinary training, are complemented by a shared understanding of team function and elevated interdisciplinary knowledge.
Top 10 research priorities for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: results of the Skin Investigation Network of Canada Priority Setting Initiative
Authors: Lefrançois Philippe , Doueidari Zein , Kleiner Omer , Manion Rachael , Dutz Jan , Philip Anie , Chan An-Wen ,   the Skin Investigation Network of Canada Priority Setting Collaborative, Afifi Tarek , Asai Yuka , Au Sheila , Barnard Kathleen , Catherall Helen , DeCoste Ryan , Drucker Aaron M , Fleming Patrick , Fradette Julie , Germain Lucie , Gniadecki Robert , Holdsworth Sandra , Huang Yuanshen , Larsen Peggy , Laurin Melanie , Litvinov Ivan V , Loder Jacklyn , Logsetty Sarvesh , Manolson Morris F , Morand Meggie , Mydlarski P Régine , Nantel-Battista Melissa , Petrella Teresa M , Piguet Vincent , Shah Girish , Shoimer Ilya , Ward Debbie , Wirrell Helen , Zawadzki Mary , Zhou Youwen , Zloty David
Published: December 2023

The Skin Investigation Network of Canada (SkIN Canada) completed a national priority-setting initiative to identify the top 10 knowledge uncertainties for SCC based on the James Lind Alliance principles. Overall, 64 patients, clinicians and researchers provided input in two survey rounds and one workshop. The top 10 list of research priorities will help the skin research community, funders and policymakers to address key knowledge uncertainties for the benefit of patients with SCC.
General dermatology and dermatology in primary care
Authors: Rafferty Siobhan , Byrne Berbie , Fleming Sarah , Carty Kieran , Andrawis Madonna , Granahan Aoife , Drumm Claire , Hackett Caitriona
Published: December 2023

A 73-year-old man was referred to the dermatology clinic with a 6-month history of a solitary red lesion on the right cheek. On examination there was a 12 × 6 mm nontender, flaccid, red thick-walled bulla on the right cheek with a firm nodular component. Histology demonstrated islands of basaloid cells with central abrupt keratinization, ghost cells and some fragmentation of the dermis. What is the diagnosis?
Are the Chicago 3.0 manometric diagnostics consistent with Chicago 4.0?
Authors: Tobón Angélica , Hani Albis C , Pulgarin Cristiam D , Ardila Andres F , Muñoz Oscar M , Sierra Julian A , Cisternas Daniel
Published: December 2023

There is little information on the degree of concordance between the results obtained using the Chicago 3.0 (CCv3.0) and Chicago 4.0 (CCv4.0) protocols to interpret high-resolution manometry (HRM) seeking to determine the value provided by the new swallowing maneuvers included in the last protocol. This is a study of diagnostic tests, evaluating concordance by consistency between the results obtained by the CCv3.0 and CCv4.0 protocols, in patients undergoing HRM. Concordance was assessed with the kappa test. Bland–Altman scatter plots, and Lin’s correlation-concordance coefficient (CCC) were used to assess the agreement between IRP measured with swallows in the supine and seated position or with solid swallows. One hundred thirty-two patients were included (65% women, age 53 ± 17 years). The most frequent HRM indication was dysphagia (46.1%). Type I was the most common type of gastroesophageal junction. The most frequent CCv4.0 diagnoses were normal esophageal motility (68.9%), achalasia (15.5%), and ineffective esophageal motility (IEM; 5.3%). The agreement between the results was substantial (Kappa 0.77 ± 0.05), with a total agreement of 87.9%. Diagnostic reclassification occurred in 12.1%, from IEM in CCv3.0 to normal esophageal motility in CCv4.0. Similarly, there was a high level of agreement between the IRP measured in the supine compared to the seated position (CCC0.92) and with solid swallows (CCC0.96). In conclusion, the CCv4.0 protocol presents a high concordance compared to CCv3.0. In the majority of manometric diagnoses there is no reclassification of patients with provocation tests. However, the more restrictive criteria of CCv4.0 achieve a better reclassification of patients with IEM.
Pasireotide: potential treatment option for McCune–Albright-associated acromegaly
Authors: Ilie Mirela-Diana , Raverot Gérald , Brac de la Perrière Aude
Published: December 2023

Only 30% of patients with McCune–Albright syndrome (MAS)–associated acromegaly achieve biochemical control under first-generation somatostatin receptor ligands (fg-SRLs), while pegvisomant fails to normalize insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-I) in >20% of cases. Here, we report all the patients with MAS-associated acromegaly treated with pasireotide long-acting release (LAR) in our center. Pasireotide LAR 20 mg/month resulted in rapid and long-term IGF-I normalization in patients #1 and #3. Patient #3 was resistant to fg-SRLs, while patient #1 was also controlled on fg-SRLs. In patient #2, resistant to fg-SRLs and uncontrolled on pegvisomant 40 mg/day combined with cabergoline 0.5 mg/day, pegvisomant was replaced with pasireotide LAR 40 mg/month, resulting in the near normalization of IGF-I levels. All 3 patients developed intermittent impaired fasting glucose, without the need for glucose-lowering drugs. Thus, pasireotide LAR is clearly useful as third-line therapy, and potentially even as second-line therapy, in MAS-associated acromegaly.
Accuracy and comprehensibility of chat-based artificial intelligence for patient information on atrial fibrillation and cardiac implantable electronic devices
Authors: Hillmann Henrike A K , Angelini Eleonora , Karfoul Nizar , Feickert Sebastian , Mueller-Leisse Johanna , Duncker David
Published: December 2023

Aims

Natural language processing chatbots (NLPC) can be used to gather information for medical content. However, these tools contain a potential risk of misinformation. This study aims to evaluate different aspects of responses given by different NLPCs on questions about atrial fibrillation (AF) and clinical implantable electronic devices (CIED).

Methods and results

Questions were entered into three different NLPC interfaces. Responses were evaluated with regard to appropriateness, comprehensibility, appearance of confabulation, absence of relevant content, and recommendations given for clinically relevant decisions. Moreover, readability was assessed by calculating word count and Flesch Reading Ease score. 52, 60, and 84% of responses on AF and 16, 72, and 88% on CIEDs were evaluated to be appropriate for all responses given by Google Bard, (GB) Bing Chat (BC) and ChatGPT Plus (CGP), respectively. Assessment of comprehensibility showed that 96, 88, and 92% of responses on AF and 92 and 88%, and 100% on CIEDs were comprehensible for all responses created by GB, BC, and CGP, respectively. Readability varied between different NLPCs. Relevant aspects were missing in 52% (GB), 60% (BC), and 24% (CGP) for AF, and in 92% (GB), 88% (BC), and 52% (CGP) for CIEDs.

Conclusion

Responses generated by an NLPC are mostly easy to understand with varying readability between the different NLPCs. The appropriateness of responses is limited and varies between different NLPCs. Important aspects are often missed to be mentioned. Thus, chatbots should be used with caution to gather medical information about cardiac arrhythmias and devices.
Nearly (?) sterile avian egg in a passerine bird
Authors: Těšický Martin , Schmiedová Lucie , Krajzingrová Tereza , Samblas Mercedes Gomez , Bauerová Petra , Kreisinger Jakub , Vinkler Michal
Published: December 2023

During early ontogeny, microbiome affects development of the gastrointestinal tract, immunity, and survival in vertebrates. Bird eggs are thought to be (1) initially sterile (sterile egg hypothesis) and (2) colonized after oviposition through horizontal trans-shell migration, or (3) initially seeded with bacteria by vertical transfer from mother oviduct. To date, however, little empirical data illuminate the contribution of these mechanisms to gut microbiota formation in avian embryos. We investigated microbiome of the egg content (day 0; E0-egg), embryonic gut at day 13 (E13) and female faeces in a free-living passerine, the great tit (Parus major), using a methodologically advanced procedure combining 16S rRNA gene sequencing and microbe-specific qPCR assays. Our metabarcoding revealed that the avian egg is (nearly) sterile, but acquires a slightly richer microbiome during the embryonic development. Of the three potentially pathogenic bacteria targeted by qPCR, only Dietzia was found in E0-egg (yet also in negative controls), E13 gut and female samples, which might indicate possible vertical transfer. Unlike in poultry, we have shown that major bacterial colonization of the gut in passerines does not occur before hatching. We emphasize that protocols that carefully check for environmental contamination are critical in studies with low-bacterial biomass samples.
Insights into the Superrosids phylogeny and flavonoid synthesis from the telomere-to-telomere gap-free genome assembly of Penthorum chinense Pursh
Authors: Wang Zhoutao , Zhou Junmei , Pan Junjie , Cheng Wei , Fang Jie , Lv Qundan , Lin Xiaodan , Cheng Wenliang , Zhang Liangsheng , Cheng Kejun
Published: December 2023

The completion of the first telomere-to-telomere (T2T) genome assembly of Penthorum chinense Pursh (PC), a prominent medicinal plant in China, represents a significant achievement. This assembly spans a length of 257.5 Mb and consists of nine chromosomes. PC’s notably smaller genome size in Saxifragales, compared to that of Paeonia ostii, can be attributed to the low abundance of transposable elements. By utilizing single-copy genes from 30 species, including 28 other Superrosids species, we successfully resolved a previously debated Superrosids phylogeny. Our findings unveiled Saxifragales as the sister group to the core rosids, with both being the sister group to Vitales. Utilizing previously characterized cytochrome P450 (CYP) genes, we predicted the compound classes that most CYP genes of PC are involved in synthesizing, providing insight into PC’s potential metabolic diversity. Metabolomic and transcriptomic data revealed that the richest sources of the three most noteworthy medicinal components in PC are young leaves and flowers. We also observed higher activity of upstream genes in the flavonoid synthesis pathway in these plant parts. Additionally, through weighted gene co-expression network analysis, we identified gene regulatory networks associated with the three medicinal components. Overall, these findings deepen our understanding of PC, opening new avenues for further research and exploration.
Machine learning to identify clinically relevant Candida yeast species
Authors: Shankarnarayan Shamanth A , Charlebois Daniel A
Published: December 2023

Fungal infections, especially due to Candida species, are on the rise. Multi-drug resistant organisms such as Candida auris are difficult and time consuming to identify accurately. Machine learning is increasingly being used in health care, especially in medical imaging. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of six convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to identify four clinically important Candida species. Wet-mounted images were captured using bright field live-cell microscopy followed by separating single-cells, budding-cells, and cell-group images which were then subjected to different machine learning algorithms (custom CNN, VGG16, ResNet50, InceptionV3, EfficientNetB0, and EfficientNetB7) to learn and predict Candida species. Among the six algorithms tested, the InceptionV3 model performed best in predicting Candida species from microscopy images. All models performed poorly on raw images obtained directly from the microscope. The performance of all models increased when trained on single and budding cell images. The InceptionV3 model identified budding cells of C. albicans, C. auris, C. glabrata (Nakaseomyces glabrata), and C. haemulonii in 97.0%, 74.0%, 68.0%, and 66.0% cases, respectively. For single cells of C. albicans, C. auris, C. glabrata, and C. haemulonii InceptionV3 identified 97.0%, 73.0%, 69.0%, and 73.0% cases, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of InceptionV3 were 77.1% and 92.4%, respectively. Overall, this study provides proof of the concept that microscopy images from wet-mounted slides can be used to identify Candida yeast species using machine learning quickly and accurately.
OGLE-BLAP-009 – a case study for the properties and evolution of blue large-amplitude pulsators
Authors: Bradshaw Corey W , Dorsch Matti , Kupfer Thomas , Barlow Brad N , Heber Uli , Bauer Evan B , Bildsten Lars , van Roestel Jan
Published: December 2023

Blue large-amplitude pulsators (BLAPs) make up a rare class of hot pulsating stars with effective temperatures of ≈30 000 K and surface gravities of 4.0–5.0 dex (cgs). The evolutionary origin and current status of BLAPs is not well understood, largely based on a lack of spectroscopic observations and no available mass constraints. However, several theoretical models have been proposed that reproduce their observed properties, including studies that identify them as pulsating helium-core pre-white dwarfs (He-core pre-WDs). We present here follow-up high-speed photometry and phase-resolved spectroscopy of one of the original 14 BLAPs, OGLE-BLAP-009, discovered during the Optical Gravitational Lensing Experiment. We aim to explore its pulsation characteristics and determine stellar properties such as mass and radius in order to test the consistency of these results with He-core pre-WD models. Using the mean atmospheric parameters found using spectroscopy, we fit a spectral energy distribution to obtain a preliminary estimate of the radius, luminosity, and mass by making use of the Gaia parallax. We then compare the consistency of these results to He-core pre-WD models generated using Modules for Experiments in Stellar Astrophysics, with predicted pulsation periods implemented using gyre. We find that our mass constraints are in agreement with a low-mass He-core pre-WD of ≈0.30 M⊙.
Analyses for graphical records for a total solar eclipse in 1230 May: a possible reference for the ‘Medieval Grand Maximum’
Authors: Hayakawa Hisashi , Murata Koji , Owens Mathew J , Lockwood Mike
Published: December 2023

Datable graphical records of total solar eclipses allow us to assess contemporaneous variability of Earth’s rotation speed, solar coronal structure, and solar-wind conditions. Such graphical records were studied back to the early 18th century. Here, we examine Matthew Paris’ medieval manuscript, an eyewitness account of a total solar eclipse just after local sunrise on 1230 May 14, to analyse his drawings for this eclipse. We philologically identify his observational site as St. Albans and compute local eclipse visibility. To locate St. Albans in the totality path, our analysis requires an accumulative error in time due to the variation in the Earth’s rate of rotation, ΔT, in the range 394 s < ΔT < 764 s (loose scenario), slightly revising the latest published ΔT spline curve. The eclipsed Sun sould have been visible after local sunrise if we set the ΔT margins to 394 s < ΔT < 659 s (strict scenario), which requires a further slight modification of the latest ΔT spline curve. Matthew Paris’ drawing of the total solar eclipse showed streamer-like structures similar to solar-minimum-type coronal streamers, consistent with the local tilt of the apparent solar equator. This is morphologically consistent with the minimum-type solar coronal streamers predicted from the open solar flux reconstructed from the 14C data set. This record potentially demonstrates a similarity in solar cycles between the ‘Medieval Grand Maximum’ and modern solar cycles. Collectively, historical eclipse records could be used as spot references for Earth’s rotation speed, solar coronal dynamics, and background solar dynamo activity on a millennial time-scale.
Spitzer-selected z > 1.3 protocluster candidates in the LSST Deep Drilling Fields
Authors: Gully Harry , Hatch Nina , Bahé Yannick , Balogh Michael , Bolzonella Micol , Cooper M C , Muzzin Adam , Pozzetti Lucia , Rudnick Gregory , Vulcani Benedetta , Wilson Gillian
Published: December 2023

We have identified 189 candidate z > 1.3 protoclusters and clusters in the LSST Deep Drilling Fields. This sample will enable the measurement of the metal enrichment and star formation history of clusters during their early assembly period through the direct measurement of the rate of supernovae identified through the LSST. The protocluster sample was selected from galaxy overdensities in a Spitzer/IRAC colour-selected sample using criteria that were optimized for protocluster purity using a realistic light-cone. Our tests reveal that $60\!-\!80~{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ of the identified candidates are likely to be genuine protoclusters or clusters, which is corroborated by a ∼4σ stacked X-ray signal from these structures. We provide photometric redshift estimates for 47 candidates which exhibit strong peaks in the photo-z distribution of their candidate members. However, the lack of a photo-z peak does not mean a candidate is not genuine, since we find a stacked X-ray signal of similar significance from both the candidates that exhibit photo-z peaks and those that do not. Tests on the light-cone reveal that our pursuit of a pure sample of protoclusters results in that sample being highly incomplete ($\sim 4~{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$) and heavily biased towards larger, richer, more massive, and more centrally concentrated protoclusters than the total protocluster population. Most ($\sim 75~{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$) of the selected protoclusters are likely to have a maximum collapsed halo mass of between 1013 and 1014 M⊙, with only $\sim 25~{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ likely to be collapsed clusters above 1014 M⊙. However, the aforementioned bias ensures our sample is $\sim 50~{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ complete for structures that have already collapsed into clusters more massive than 1014 M⊙.
Spectrophotometric properties of CoPhyLab’s dust mixtures
Authors: Feller C , Pommerol A , Lethuillier A , Hänni N , Schürch S , Bühr C , Gundlach B , Haenni B , Jäggi N , Kaminek M ,   the CoPhyLab Team
Published: December 2023

Objective: In the framework of the Cometary Physics Laboratory (CoPhyLab) and its sublimation experiments of cometary surface analogues under simulated space conditions, we characterize the properties of intimate mixtures of juniper charcoal and SiO2 chosen as a dust analogue (Lethuillier et al. 2022). We present the details of these investigations for the spectrophotometric properties of the samples. Methods: We measured these properties using a hyperspectral imager and a radio-goniometer. From the samples’ spectra, we evaluated reflectance ratios and spectral slopes. From the measured phase curves, we inverted a photometric model for all samples. Complementary characterizations were obtained using a pycnometer, a scanning electron microscope and an organic elemental analyser. Results: We report the first values for the apparent porosity, elemental composition, and VIS-NIR spectrophotometric properties for juniper charcoal, as well as for intimate mixtures of this charcoal with the SiO2. We find that the juniper charcoal drives the spectrophotometric properties of the intimate mixtures and that its strong absorbance is consistent with its elemental composition. We find that SiO2 particles form large and compact agglomerates in every mixture imaged with the electron microscope, and its spectrophotometric properties are affected by such features and their particle-size distribution. We compare our results to the current literature on comets and other small Solar system bodies and find that most of the characterized properties of the dust analogue are comparable to some extent with the spacecraft-visited cometary nuclei, as well as to Centaurs, Trojans, and the bluest TNOs.
Turbulent stress within dead zones and magnetic field dragging induced by Rossby vortices
Authors: Chametla Raúl O , Chrenko Ondrej , Reyes-Ruiz Mauricio , Sánchez-Salcedo F J
Published: December 2023

By means of three-dimensional resistive-magnetohydrodynamical models, we study the evolution of the so-called dead zones focused on the magnitude of the Reynolds and Maxwell stresses. We consider two different types of static resistivity radial profiles that give rise to an intermediate dead zone or an intermediate active zone. As we are interested in analysing the strength of angular momentum transport in these intermediate regions of the disc, we use as free parameters the radial extent of the intermediate dead (Δridz) or active (Δriact) zones, and the widths of the inner ($H_{b_1}$) and outer ($H_{b_2}$) transitions. We find that regardless of the width or radial extent of the intermediate zones, Rossby wave instability (RWI) develops at these transition boundaries, leading to the emergence of vortices and spiral waves. In the case of an intermediate dead zone when $H_{b_1}\, ,H_{b_2}\le 0.8$, the vortices are almost completely confined to the dead zone. Remarkably, we find that the formation of vortices at the inner transition can drag magnetic field lines into the dead zone stirring up the region that the vortex covers (reaching an α ≈ 10−2 value similar to that of an active zone). Vortices formed in the outer transition only modify the Reynolds stress tensor. Our results can be important to understanding angular momentum transport in poorly ionized regions within the disc due to magnetized vortices within dead zones.
The signature of galaxy formation models in the power spectrum of the hydrogen 21 cm line during reionization
Authors: Lewis Joseph S W , Pillepich Annalisa , Nelson Dylan , Klessen Ralf S , Glover Simon C O
Published: December 2023

Observations of the 21 cm line of hydrogen are poised to revolutionize our knowledge of reionization and the first galaxies. However, harnessing such information requires robust and comprehensive theoretical modelling. We study the non-linear effects of hydrodynamics and astrophysical feedback processes, including stellar and AGN feedback, on the 21 cm signal by post-processing three existing cosmological hydrodynamical simulations of galaxy formation: Illustris, IllustrisTNG, and Eagle. Despite their different underlying galaxy-formation models, the simulations return similar predictions for the global 21 cm brightness temperature and its power spectrum. At fixed redshift, most differences are attributable to alternative reionization histories, in turn driven by differences in the buildup of stellar sources of radiation. However, several astrophysical processes imprint signatures in the 21 cm power spectrum at two key scales. First, we find significant small-scale ($k \ge 10\, \rm {Mpc}^{-1}$) differences between Illustris and IllustrisTNG, where higher velocity winds generated by supernova feedback soften density peaks, leading to lower 21 cm power in TNG. Thus, constraints at these scales could rule out extreme feedback models. Secondly, we find more 21 cm power at intermediate scales ($k \approx 0.8\, \rm {Mpc}^{-1}$) in Eagle due to ionization differences driven by highly effective stellar feedback, resulting in lower star formation, older and redder stellar populations, and lower ionizing luminosities for $M_h \gt 10^9 \, \rm M_\odot$. Different source models can manifest similarly in the 21 cm power spectrum, leading to often ignored degeneracies. These subtle features could allow future observations of the 21 cm signal, in conjunction with other observables, to constrain theoretical models for galactic feedback at high redshift.
A large population of strongly lensed faint submillimetre galaxies in future dark energy surveys inferred from JWST imaging
Authors: Pearson James , Serjeant Stephen , Wang Wei-Hao , Gao Zhen-Kai , Babul Arif , Chapman Scott , Chen Chian-Chou , Clements David L , Conselice Christopher J , Dunlop James , Fan Lulu , Ho Luis C , Hwang Ho Seong , Koprowski Maciej , Michałowski MichałJ , Shim Hyunjin
Published: December 2023

Bright galaxies at submillimetre wavelengths from Herschel are now well known to be predominantly strongly gravitationally lensed. The same models that successfully predicted this strongly lensed population also predict about 1 per cent of faint 450 μm-selected galaxies from deep James Clerk Maxwell Telescope (JCMT) surveys will also be strongly lensed. Follow-up ALMA campaigns have so far found one potential lens candidate, but without clear compelling evidence, for example, from lensing arcs. Here, we report the discovery of a compelling gravitational lens system confirming the lensing population predictions, with a zs = 3.4 ± 0.4 submm source lensed by a zspec = 0.360 foreground galaxy within the COSMOS field, identified through public JWST imaging of a 450 μm source in the SCUBA-2 Ultra Deep Imaging EAO Survey (STUDIES) catalogue. These systems will typically be well within the detectable range of future wide-field surveys such as Euclid and Roman, and since submillimetre galaxies are predominantly very red at optical/near-infrared wavelengths, they will tend to appear in near-infrared channels only. Extrapolating to the Euclid-Wide survey, we predict tens of thousands of strongly lensed near-infrared galaxies. This will be transformative for the study of dusty star-forming galaxies at cosmic noon, but will be a contaminant population in searches for strongly lensed ultra-high-redshift galaxies in Euclid and Roman.
SDSS-IV MaNGA: how do star formation histories affect gas-phase abundances?
Authors: Boardman N , Wild V , Rowlands K , Vale Asari N , Luo Y
Published: December 2023

Gas-phase abundances in galaxies are the products of those galaxies’ evolutionary histories. The star formation history (SFH) of a region might therefore be expected to influence that region’s present day gaseous abundances. Here, we employ data from the MaNGA survey to explore how local gas metallicities relate to SFHs of galaxy regions. We combine MaNGA emission line measurements with SFH classifications from absorption line spectra to compare gas-phase abundances in star-forming regions with those in regions classified as starburst, post-starburst, and green valley. We find that starburst regions contain gas that is more pristine than in normal star-forming regions, in terms of O/H and N/O; we further find that post-starburst regions (which have experienced stochastic SFHs) behave very similarly to ordinary star-forming regions (which have experienced far smoother SFHs) in O/H–N/O space. We argue from this that gas is diluted significantly by pristine infall but is then re-enriched rapidly after a starburst event, making gas-phase abundances insensitive to the precise form of the SFH at late times. We also find that green valley regions possess slightly elevated N/O abundances at a given O/H; this is potentially due to a reduced star formation efficiency in such regions, but it could also point to late-time rejuvenation of green valley regions in our sample.
Spectral and temporal features of GX 13+1 as revealed by AstroSat
Authors: Giridharan L , Thomas Neal Titus , Gudennavar S B , Bubbly S G
Published: December 2023

GX 13+1, a neutron star low-mass X-ray binary that exhibits the properties of both atoll and Z sources, is studied using data from Soft X-ray Telescope and Large Area X-ray Proportional Counter (LAXPC) onboard AstroSat. The source traces a ν shaped track in its hardness-intensity diagram (HID). Spectral modelling of the data in the 0.7–30.0 keV energy range, with the model – $\tt {constant}$ × $\tt {tbabs}$ × $\tt {thcomp}$ × $\tt {bbodyrad}$ + $\tt {relxillNS}$, yields orbital inclination angle (θ) of 77$\substack{+10\\-8}$°. Flux resolved spectral analysis reveals the ν shaped pattern in the plots of spectral parameters kTe, kTbb, and Γ versus Fbol, closely resembling the pattern traced in LAXPC HID. This indicates changes in the spectral properties of the corona and the boundary layer/accretion disc. Assuming that the accretion disc truncates at the Alfvén radius, the upper limit of the magnetic field strength (B) at the poles of neutron star in GX 13+1 is calculated to be 5.10 × 108 G (for kA = 1 and η = 0.1), which is close to that of atoll sources. Furthermore, thickness of the boundary layer is estimated to be 5.70 km, which results in the neutron star radius value of ≲14.50 km. Quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs) at 56 ± 4 and 54 ± 4 Hz are detected in Regions D and E of HID, respectively. The frequencies of these QPOs are similar to the characteristic frequency of horizontal branch oscillation and these do not exhibit a positive correlation with mass accretion rate.
Numerical and Mathematical Abilities in Children
Authors: Iuculano Teresa , Cohen Kadosh Roi
Published: December 2023

This chapter reviews the cognitive and neural mechanisms for numerical and mathematical development. It provides converging evidence that from a rudimentary, non-symbolic “number sense” representation that is assumed to exist even in non-human species, the human mind develops its unique symbolic representational system to accurately represent and manipulate numerical quantities. This process is non-trivial, it is slow, and it requires the push-and-pull of multiple neurocognitive systems. These include: (i) those supporting visual and verbal perception/decoding in the occipital and temporal cortices, (ii) regions of the frontal eye-fields and the posterior parietal cortex involved in active manipulation and updating processes, (iii) memory association processes within the medial temporal lobe, and (iv) executive control processes anchored in the frontal cortices. The present chapter proposes a neurocognitive model whereas the successful acquisition of our modern symbolic code for mathematics is gradually refined through the dynamic interaction of these neurocognitive systems throughout development. Depending on the specific cognitive weaknesses of the individual, training, intervention, and educational approaches should hence be designed to comprehensively “stimulate” part or all these neurocognitive systems to achieve the most optimal learning outcomes.
Breastfeeding and human milk in the NICU: From birth to discharge
Authors: Tomlinson Christopher , Haiek Laura N
Published: December 2023

It is well recognized that human milk is the optimal nutritive source for all infants, including those requiring intensive care. This statement reviews evidence supporting the importance of breastfeeding and human milk for infants, and why breastfeeding practices should be prioritized in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). It also reviews how to optimally feed infants based on their stability and maturity, and how to support mothers to establish and maintain milk production when their infants are unable to feed at the breast.