bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sex ratio at birth across 100 years in Sweden and risk of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality – a national register study
Authors: Nilsson Peter M. , Sundquist Kristina , Sundquist Jan , Crump Casey , Li Xinjun
Published: July 2024

The human sex ratio at birth (SRB) undergoes temporary changes around a mean proportion of 0.51 male births. SRB has been well studied for historical, geographical, and secular trends, but until now not linked to health outcomes in the total population, e.g. for cardiovascular disease (CVD) or mortality during follow-up of birth cohorts. We used linkage analysis based on national registers in Sweden that cover all births from 1900 to 2016. SRB at birth was calculated by every 10-year birth cohort in all survivors living in 1997 for a follow-up analysis of risk of CVD and mortality with data from national registers. When the highest quartile of SRB was used as reference, a slightly increased risk of fatal CVD (HR 1.03 (95% confidence intervals, CI): 1.02–1.04), non-fatal CVD (HR 1.01; 95%CI: 1.01–1.02) and mortality (HR 1.02; 95%CI, 1.01–1.03) was found after full adjustments in men belonging to the lowest SRB quartile. A similar pattern was also found for fatal CHD in women. in the lowest SBR quartile compared to the highest, HR 1.03 (95%CI: 1.02–1.05). In conclusion, in birth cohorts with a relatively lower than expected number of males born, long-term adverse health effects were observed with slightly increased cardiovascular risk and total mortality at the population level. This could indicate that men belonging to so-called “culled cohorts” in a developed country during the 20th century are characterized by a slightly increased risk that could reflect negative early life influences and environmental exposures in pregnant women resulting in selective loss of male embryos or fetuses. In a public health perspective SRB could be of some importance to monitor as an aspect of birth statistics linked to relatively minor population health effects.
Multi-biobank Mendelian randomization analyses identify opposing pathways in plasma low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol lowering and gallstone disease
Authors: Yang Guoyi , Mason Amy M. , Gill Dipender , Schooling C. Mary , Burgess Stephen
Published: July 2024

Plasma low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol is positively associated with coronary artery disease risk while biliary cholesterol promotes gallstone formation. Different plasma LDL-cholesterol lowering pathways may have distinct effects on biliary cholesterol and thereby gallstone disease risk. We conducted a Mendelian randomization (MR) study using data from the UK Biobank (30,547 gallstone disease cases/336,742 controls), FinnGen (34,461 cases/301,383 controls) and Biobank Japan (9,305 cases/168,253 controls). We first performed drug-target MR analyses substantiated by colocalization to investigate the effects of plasma LDL-cholesterol lowering therapies on gallstone disease risk. We then performed clustered MR analyses and pathway analyses to identify distinct mechanisms underlying the association of plasma LDL-cholesterol with gallstone disease risk. For a 1-standard deviation reduction in plasma LDL-cholesterol, genetic mimics of statins were associated with lower gallstone disease risk (odds ratio 0.72 [95% confidence interval 0.62, 0.83]), but genetic mimics of PCSK9 inhibitors and targeting apolipoprotein B were associated with higher risk (1.11 [1.03, 1.19] and 1.23 [1.13, 1.35]). The association for statins was supported by colocalization (posterior probability 98.7%). Clustered MR analyses identified variant clusters showing opposing associations of plasma LDL-cholesterol with gallstone disease risk, with some evidence for ancestry-and sex-specific associations. Among variants lowering plasma LDL-cholesterol, those associated with lower gallstone disease risk were mapped to glycosphingolipid biosynthesis pathway, while those associated with higher risk were mapped to pathways relating to plasma lipoprotein assembly, remodelling, and clearance and ATP-binding cassette transporters. This MR study provides genetic evidence that different plasma LDL-cholesterol lowering pathways have opposing effects on gallstone disease risk.
Quantitative indicators for environmental and social sustainability performance assessment of the supply chain
Authors: Okay Nilufer C. , Sencer Asli , Taskin Nazim
Published: July 2024

In the era of globalization, supply chains are becoming less transparent, facing pressing sustainability challenges such as the inappropriate use of natural resources, poor working conditions, and environmental degradation. This paper addresses these issues by presenting a pioneering sustainability assessment framework aimed at increasing transparency and accountability in global supply chains. Emerging from a systematic literature review and insights from the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the framework comprises 91 robust performance indicators: 36 environmental and 55 social. These indicators, a mix of quantitative and semi-quantitative measures, provide a comprehensive tool for assessing the sustainability performance of supply chain actors across a range of sectors. The framework not only facilitates companies in measuring their own and their suppliers’ sustainability performance but also enhances their capacity to effectively communicate their environmental and social progress to stakeholders. Additionally, it is designed to seamlessly integrate with Industry 4.0 technologies, enabling more dynamic assessments.
The BCR::ABL1 tyrosine kinase inhibitors ponatinib and nilotinib differentially affect endothelial angiogenesis and signalling
Authors: Zibrova Darya , Ernst Thomas , Hochhaus Andreas , Heller Regine
Published: July 2024

BCR::ABL1 inhibitors, the treatment of choice for the majority of patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML), can cause vascular side effects that vary between agents. The exact underlying mechanisms are still poorly understood, but the vascular endothelium has been proposed as a site of origin. The present study investigates the effects of three BCR::ABL1 inhibitors, ponatinib, nilotinib and imatinib, on angiogenesis and signalling in human endothelial cells in response to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The experiments were performed in endothelial cells isolated from human umbilical veins. After exposure to imatinib, ponatinib and nilotinib, the angiogenic capacity of endothelial cells was assessed in spheroid assays. VEGF-induced signalling pathways were examined in Western blotting experiments using different specific antibodies. RNAi technology was used to downregulate proteins of interest. Intracellular cGMP levels were measured by ELISA. Imatinib had no effect on endothelial function. Ponatinib inhibited VEGF-induced sprouting, while nilotinib increased spontaneous and VEGF-stimulated angiogenesis. These effects did not involve wild-type ABL1 or ABL2, as siRNA-mediated knockdown of these kinases did not affect angiogenesis and VEGF signalling. Consistent with their effects on sprouting, ponatinib and nilotinib affected angiogenic pathways in opposite directions. While ponatinib inhibited VEGF-induced signalling and cGMP formation, nilotinib activated angiogenic signalling, in particular phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (Erk1/2). The latter occurred in an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-dependent manner possibly via suppressing Fyn-related kinase (FRK), a negative regulator of EGFR signalling. Both, pharmacological inhibition of Erk1/2 or EGFR suppressed nilotinib-induced angiogenic sprouting. These results support the notion that the vascular endothelium is a site of action of BCR::ABL1 inhibitors from which side effects may arise, and that the different vascular toxicity profiles of BCR::ABL1 inhibitors may be due to their different actions at the molecular level. In addition, the as yet unknown pro-angiogenic effect of nilotinib should be considered in the treatment of patients with comorbidities associated with pathological angiogenesis, such as ocular disease, arthritis or obesity.
Neural modeling of power nonlinear inductors by the E-$$\alpha $$Net network
Authors: Pilato Giovanni , Vitale Gianpaolo , Vassallo Giorgio , Scirè Daniele
Published: July 2024

In this paper, a model for nonlinear ferrite power inductors based on the $$\alpha $$
α
Net neural network is proposed. The model is able to reproduce the ferrite power inductors inductor behavior up to saturation, considering the core temperature. The $$\alpha $$
α
Net neural network was used for its generalization capability considering a hybrid approach encompassing a classical weighted interpolation. The model’s effectiveness was experimentally verified by calculating the current flowing through two inductors in an electric circuit in different operating conditions, and has been compared with the two main models found in literature to show the improvement both in terms of the maximum value of the estimated current and the root mean square error. The modeling procedure can be easily extended to inductors with different sizes and core materials due to the features of the $$\alpha $$
α
Net network and the hybrid approach to retrieve data.
Clinical management protocols for community pharmacist-led management of urinary tract infections: a review of the grey literature and quality appraisal
Authors: Budden Mitchell , Gilbertson Daniel , Chung Sean , Benrimoj Shalom I. , Mardones Francisco , Dineen-Griffin Sarah
Published: July 2024

Background

Pharmacist-led management of urinary tract infections has been introduced as a service in the United Kingdom, Canada, United States of America, New Zealand, and Australia. The management of acute uncomplicated urinary tract infections by community pharmacists has gained increasing attention as a potential avenue to alleviate the burden on primary healthcare services.

Aim

The objectives of the review were to: (1) identify protocols for community pharmacist management of acute uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women aged 16–65 years; (2) outline their key components; and (3) appraise the quality of protocols.

Method

A grey literature search was undertaken for protocols intended for use by community pharmacists for the management of acute uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women aged 16–65 years, met the definition of a clinical management protocol and written in English. Their quality was appraised using the Appraisal Guidelines for Research and Evaluation version II instrument.

Results

Forty of the 274 records screened were included. Content analysis identified ten key components: common signs/symptoms, differential diagnosis, red flags/referral, choice of empirical antibiotic therapy, nonprescription medications, nonpharmacological/self-care advice, patient eligibility criteria, patient follow-up, dipstick testing recommendations, and recommendations on antimicrobial resistance. The lowest scoring domains in the quality assessment were ‘Editorial Independence’ and ‘Rigour of Development’. Only four protocols were deemed high-quality.

Conclusion

The review demonstrates that clinical management protocols for pharmacist-led management of urinary tract infections consist of similar recommendations, despite variation in international practice. However, the findings highlight a deficiency in the quality of most clinical management protocols governing pharmacist-led urinary tract infection management.
Anticholinergic burden and health-related quality of life among adult patients in a resource-limited setting: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Gebreyohannes Eyob Alemayehu , Shibe Biniam Siyum , Taye Wagaye Atalay , Lee Kenneth , Abdela Ousman Abubeker , Ayele Emneteab Mesfin , Belachew Eyayaw Ashete , Mengistu Segenet Bizuneh , Myint Phyo Kyaw , Soiza Roy Louis
Published: July 2024

Background

Anticholinergic medications are now widely acknowledged for their unfavorable risk-to-benefit profile owing to their adverse effects. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is commonly regarded as a crucial person-centered outcome.

Aim

This study aimed to investigate the association between anticholinergic burden and HRQoL in hospitalized and ambulatory patients seen in Ethiopia.

Method

This cross-sectional study utilized a questionnaire and medical records to collect data from a convenience sample of adult patients attending both inpatient wards and ambulatory clinic of University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital between April and September 2022. Anticholinergic burden was measured by anticholinergic cognitive burdens scale (ACBS), while HRQoL was measured using EQ5D-index (Euroqol-5 dimensions-5-Levels index) and EQ5D-VAS (visual analogue scale). Linear regression was used to assess the influence of high anticholinergic burden (ACBS score ≥ 3) on EQ5D-index and EQ5D-VAS, with adjustments made for sociodemographic and clinical confounders.

Results

A total of 828 patients participated in this study (median (IQR) age was 45.0 (30, 60) and 55.9% were female). On multiple linear regression analysis, high anticholinergic burden was associated with a statistically significant decline in HRQoL, as evidenced by reductions in both EQ5D index (− 0.174 (− 0.250, − 0.098)) and EQ5D-VAS scores (− 9.4 (− 13.3, − 5.2)).

Conclusion

A significant association between high anticholinergic burden and diminished HRQoL was found among a relatively younger cohort in a resource-limited setting, even after adjustment for important confounding variables. Clinicians should be cognizant of the cumulative impact of anticholinergic burden on HRQoL outcomes and strive to minimize anticholinergic burden.
Effect of zeolite and irrigation treatments on grapevine leaves, an interdisciplinary approach
Authors: Cataldo Eleonora , Puccioni Sergio , Eichmeier Aleš , Natale Roberto , Gori Massimo , Biricolti Stefano , Mattii Giovan Battista
Published: July 2024

Aims

Global warming depicts a real challenge for viticulture. As found by PubMed results, a 90% increase in the abiotic stress publications number from 2015 onwards is registered. Soil and grapevine response interaction to abiotic stress is arbitrated by an intricate signal transduction network that determines adaptive changes and modifications in gene expression mediated by the transcription factors (WRKY proteins).

Briefly, (i) Does zeolite application affect canopy and biochemical leaf components? (ii) Is it possible to start a gene expression approach in an open-field vineyard, without fixed and stable external parameters obtaining an interconnected net of interdisciplinary data? (iii) Could the zeolite application be a corroborant tool to maintain a state of homeostasis in grapevine?

Methods

After a soil clinoptilolite treatment (the "Roca magica" well known as water moderator) and/or irrigation utilizing vines presented to drought and high sun exposure, we investigated leaf biochemical variations (proline, chlorophyll, and quercetins) and we analyzed with rt-PCR approach the expression of selected genes (VvWRKY47 and VvWRKY39).

Results

Lower water potential and leaf temperature were recorded in plants subjected to treatments against abiotic stress together with greater chlorophyll a, b, and less quercetin-3-O-glucoside. A down-regulation in VvWRKY47 gene and an up-regulation in VvWRKY39 gene were found. The VvWRKY47 showed interactions from the beginning with the zeolitic treatment.

Conclusion

The zeolite in our experiment acted as a water flywheel, mitigating the effects of climate change; plant-soil interactions were positively emphasized by clinoptilolite. Finally, results suggest that VvWRKY47 could be a valid candidate in the evaluation of drought and temperature stress in the open-field.
Political connections and credit access: evidence from small businesses and microenterprises in India
Authors: Hussain Malik Altaf , Tyagi Malvika
Published: July 2024

This paper examines the impact of political connections on credit access for small businesses and microenterprises (SBME) in India, utilizing data from the India Human Development Survey. While such connections can facilitate overcoming challenges like high transaction costs and incomplete credit markets, they may also impede equitable credit access. This study analyzes how political connections influence the loan amounts secured by households for business purposes in both rural and urban settings. It further dissects the broader impact of political connections, revealing their nuanced effects in relation to the nature of loan and income sources. Consequently, this research offers valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners, suggesting strategies that provide fair financial opportunities to ensure a level playing field for all SBMEs.

Plain English Summary

Empirical research shows political ties lead to inequitable loan opportunities for Indian small businesses. This research investigates the impact of political connections on securing loans for small businesses and microenterprises (SBMEs) in India. It finds that businesses with such ties are more likely to secure larger loans, creating an uneven playing field. It highlights the challenges in the credit markets of developing countries and emphasizes the importance of distributing loans equitably. The study calls for policies that ensure equal financial access for all SBMEs, promoting a balanced approach to overcome the complexities of political influence in credit access. It advocates for a fair and inclusive economic environment, supporting equitable growth and opportunity for all SBMEs.
Potato Consumption Forecasting Based on a Hybrid Stacked Deep Learning Model
Authors: Eed Marwa , Alhussan Amel Ali , Qenawy Al-Seyday T. , Osman Ahmed M. , Elshewey Ahmed M. , Arnous Reham
Published: July 2024

Potato consumption forecasting is crucial for several stakeholders in the food market. Due to the market flexibility, the farmers can manipulate the volumes planted for a given type of produce to reduce costs and improve revenue. Consequently, it means that establishing optimal inventories or inventory levels is possible and critical in that sense for the sellers to avoid either inadequate inventory or excessive inventories that may lead to wastage. In addition, governments can predict future food deficits and put measures in place to guarantee that they have a steady supply of food some of the time, especially in regions that involve the use of potatoes. Increased potato-eating anticipation has advantages for the sellers and buyers of the potatoes. The experiments of this study employed various machine learning and deep learning (DL) models that comprise stacked long short-term memory (Stacked LSTM), convolutional neural network (CNN), random forest (RF), support vector regressor (SVR), K-nearest neighbour regressor (KNN), bagging regressor (BR), and dummy regressor (DR). During the study, it was discovered that the Stacked LSTM model had superior performance compared to the other models. The Stacked LSTM model achieved a mean squared error (MSE) of 0.0081, a mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.0801, a median absolute error (MedAE) of 0.0755, and a coefficient of determination (R2) value of 98.90%. These results demonstrate that our algorithms can reliably forecast global potato consumption until the year 2030.
Comprehensive Assessment of STGSA Generated Skeletal Mechanism for the Application in Flame-Wall Interaction and Flame-Flow Interaction
Authors: Yu Chunkan , Yang Bin
Published: July 2024

In this study, we conduct a thorough evaluation of the STGSA-generated skeletal mechanism for C2H4/air. Two STGSA-reduced mechanisms are taken into account, incorporating basic combustion models such as the homogeneous reactor model, one-dimensional flat premixed flame, and non-premixed counterflow flame. Subsequently, these models are applied to more complex combustion systems, considering factors like flame-flow interaction and flame-wall interaction. These considerations take into account additional physical parameters and processes such as mixing frequency and quenching. The results indicate that the skeletal mechanism adeptly captures the behavior of these complex combustion systems. However, it is suggested to incorporate strain rate considerations in generating the skeletal mechanism, especially when the combustion system operates under high turbulent intensity.
Effect of vegetation cover and soil moisture on water repellency persistence of drained peat soils
Authors: Szatyłowicz Jan , Papierowska Ewa , Gnatowski Tomasz , Szejba Daniel , Łachacz Andrzej
Published: July 2024

Peatlands play an essential role in the environment and their conservation requires knowledge of water-related processes. Their hydrophobicity is an important factor influencing the flow of water in soils. Drainage of fens and adapting them for agricultural production have contributed to the degradation of peat soils. The main goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of vegetation cover (meadows, alder swamp and birch forest) of drained peat soils on the persistence of their water repellency as a function of their moisture content. Soil samples (Rheic Fibric Histosol and Rheic Murshic Hemic Histosol) were collected from four sites in the Biebrza Wetlands (Poland). The sites include extensive meadows, intensive meadows, alder swamp forest, and secondary birch forest. The study used the Water Drop Penetration Time (WDPT) to assess the persistence of soil water repellency during the drying of soil samples in laboratory conditions. The study proposed a three-straight lines model to describe the relationship between WDPT and soil moisture content. Results revealed that the peat soils in intensive meadows showed the highest WDPT, followed by the secondary birch and alder swamp forest. and then by semi-natural meadows, which has the lowest WDPT.
Successive association of adaptive/maladaptive response styles to depressive mood and decentering: a preliminary study of Japanese university students
Authors: Ishikawa Haruyuki , Mieda Takahiro , Oshio Atsushi , Koshikawa Fusako
Published: July 2024

Response styles to depressive mood, which are ruminative or distractive responses, have both adaptive and maladaptive forms. The adaptiveness of ruminative/distractive responses is associated with decentering. However, whether decentering increases using adaptive response styles or adaptive (maladaptive) response styles heighten (lower) decentering levels remains unclear. This short-term longitudinal survey examined the sequential influence of decentering on response styles and the indirect effect of decentering on depression through response styles. One hundred twenty-six Japanese undergraduates completed questionnaires on response styles, decentering, and depressive symptoms at two points in time, four weeks apart. Cross-lagged panel analyses indicated that decentering predicted lower maladaptive ruminative and distractive responses and a higher adaptive ruminative response. Adaptive ruminative response predicted higher decentering. Furthermore, mediation analyses showed that decentering influenced depression through adaptive/maladaptive ruminative responses. Results suggest that an individual’s decentering level partly determines which response style is likely to be used when an initial depressive mood is experienced.
Animal exploitation by the last hunter-gatherers in the Mediterranean Iberia. New data from the Mesolithic groups from Cocina cave (Valencia, Eastern Iberia)
Authors: Real Cristina , Sanchis Alfred , Monroe Shayla , García-Puchol Oreto , Ripoll Manuel Pérez , McClure Sarah B.
Published: July 2024

Mesolithic groups in Mediterranean Iberia lived during a period of bioclimatic and cultural changes. Thus, their economic behaviour and the availability of plant and animal resources show some interesting variation compared to previous periods that indicate changes in mobility patterns and social connectivity networks. This paper presents information on patterns of animal exploitation of the last hunter-gatherers in this region through zooarchaeological and taphonomic analyses of faunal remains from one of the key sites of the Iberian Peninsular Mesolithic, Cocina cave. This site is located in a mountainous woodland region with a rich Late Mesolithic archaeological record. Results indicate that Iberian ibex, red deer, and rabbits were the most hunted species, but that a diversity of other taxa were also present. The comparison to other Mediterranean sites suggests that Late Mesolithic foragers had common animal exploitation patterns with an increased taxonomic diversification and a clear connection to coastal areas. We suggest these foragers practiced a logistic pattern of food procurement, combining long-term with short-term camps including hunting spots, and in some cases evidence for broad scale social interactions. We hypothesize that Cocina cave may have served as a nexus of social and subsistence activities.
Event Identification for Supply Chain Risk Management Through News Analysis by Using Large Language Models
Authors: Shahsavari Maryam , Hussain Omar Khadeer , Saberi Morteza , Sharma Pankaj
Published: July 2024

Event identification is important in many areas of the business world. In the supply chain risk management domain, the timely identification of risk events is vital to ensure the success of supply chain operations. One of the important sources of real-time information from across the world is news sources. However, the analysis of large amounts of daily news cannot be done manually by humans. On the other hand, extracting related news depends on the query or the keyword used in the search engine and the news content. Recent advancements in artificial intelligence have opened up opportunities to leverage intelligent techniques to automate this analysis. This paper introduces the LUEI framework, a lightweight framework that, with only the event’s name as input, can autonomously learn all the related phrases associated with that event. It then employs these phrases to search for relevant news and presents the search engine results with a label indicating their relevance. Hence, by conducting this analysis, the LUEI framework is able to identify the occurrence of the event in the real world. The framework’s novel contribution lies in its ability to identify those events (termed as the Contributing Events (CEs)) that contribute to the occurrence of a risk event, offering a proactive approach to risk management in supply chains. Pinpointing CEs from vast news data gives supply chain managers actionable insights to mitigate risks before they escalate.
Datafeudalism: The Domination of Modern Societies by Big Tech Companies
Authors: Saura García Carlos
Published: July 2024

This article critically examines the domination exerted by big digital companies on the current social, economic, and political context of modern societies, with a particular focus on the implications for the proper functioning of democracy. The objective of this article is to introduce and develop the concept of datafeudalism, expose its emergence for the proper functioning of modern societies and democracy, and to propose courses of action to reverse this situation. To achieve this purpose, firstly, the evolution from surveillance capitalism to datafeudalism will be discussed. Secondly, the structures and operating logic of data feudalism will be analyzed. Thirdly, the harmful impacts of datafeudalism on the proper functioning of the democratic systems of the European Union will be examined. Finally, an attempt will be made to outline courses of action that will make it possible to reverse the situation of economic, social and political tyranny exercised by big digital companies through datafeudalism.
Why bother with arts education in schools?
Authors: Thomson Pat
Published: July 2024

Enrolments in school arts subjects are falling in both England and Australia. There are various arguments made in an attempt to reverse the situation. The arts are said to be vital for the economy, linked to success in core school subjects, are educationally inclusive and important for their disciplinary knowledges. In this paper, based on my Radford lecture, I canvass these arguments, concluding that arts education, like the arts themselves, are complex and refuse simple reductions. I speculate about what this might mean for the arts and broader education research community.
Comparison of drying methods for biochemical composition, energy aspects, and color properties of alfalfa hay
Authors: Kaplan Mahmut , Çetin Necati , Çiftci Beyza , Karpuzcu Serkan
Published: July 2024

Alfalfa is a crucial feed source for livestock, necessitating proper drying to achieve optimal moisture levels before consumption. This study aims to reveal alfalfa's drying characteristics and quality properties, defined as the queen of feed, by drying it under different drying conditions. Alfalfa samples were dried using different drying techniques: Open-sun, shade, greenhouse, hybrid (microwave-air-convective), air-convective, microwave, and freeze-drying. The influence of drying techniques on the drying kinetics, energy aspects, biochemical properties, mineral composition, fatty acids, carotene, and color attributes of alfalfa were investigated. Present findings revealed that shade and high-temperature drying conditions increased the crude fiber content (23.18%) of alfalfa samples. The highest protein values were found in open-sun drying (22.01%) and 60 °C air-convective drying (22.10%). The highest values for mineral composition were determined in freeze drying, and the greatest Zn (33.68 ppm) and Fe (135.45 ppm) contents were determined in 100 °C air-convective drying. The highest saturated fatty acids open-sun (21.27%) and freeze dryer (21.07%), unsaturated fatty acids at 60 °C (84.51%) and 80 °C (84.26%), poly unsaturated fatty acids at 60 °C (78.36%), 80 °C (78.14%) and 100 °C (77.74%) were obtained. The drying kinetics of alfalfa were best modeled with the Jena&Das, and in terms of a* (greenness) values, the hybrid drying yielded the best results. The lowest total energy consumption (54.00 kWh) was seen in 200W + 80 °C hybrid drying and the highest (324.72 kWh) in 100 °C air-convective drying. The color attributes and energy consumption findings showed that hybrid drying could efficiently be used for alfalfa drying. In addition, freeze drying was determined to be the best drying method in terms of nutrient preservation.
Breaking barriers: female and Hispanic undergraduate students experience gains in self-confidence and tolerance for obstacles during a sustainability-centered internship program in the USA
Authors: Murray M. , Spinks H. , Besen-Cassino Y. , Emery E. , Johnson B. , Perez E. Nunez , Wang Y. , Lopatto D. , Goodey N. M. , Tuininga A. R.
Published: July 2024

Previous research has shown that female and Hispanic students who are underrepresented in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) face more educational barriers than their non-Hispanic, male peers. However, little research has been conducted on the effects of intersectional identities in the STEM space. In an effort to bridge the gap in underrepresented students' experience, the PSEG Institute for Sustainability Studies organizes a paid, interdisciplinary, team-based, experiential learning and internship program called the Green Teams that occurs during 10 weeks of the summer. The Green Teams Program strives to provide undergraduate students from all backgrounds–academically, economically, and demographically–an opportunity to develop their abilities in STEM fields and prepare them to enter the professional world. Based upon a survey given post-internship, self-reported learning gains for all students were analyzed to determine if the program had a significantly greater impact on students who are from groups traditionally underrepresented in STEM in their STEM-related learning gains and their confidence in STEM disciplines. Through t-tests, a Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and a 2-way factorial Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Hispanic and female participants were found to report significantly higher learning gains than their counterparts in multiple STEM areas from increased tolerance for obstacles to gains in self confidence. The results of the study suggest Hispanic and female students benefit from paid work experiences in STEM with diverse peers and intentional, supportive mentoring. This research on the Green Teams Program provides insight into how this approach positively impacts STEM education of individuals from traditionally underrepresented groups in STEM. The findings may help to further guide the development of the Green Teams Program and the adoption of paid, interdisciplinary, team-based, experiential learning and internship experiences in additional academic STEM settings.
Psychosocial Determinants Conferring Resilience after TBI: Current Understanding
Authors: Semanision Kara , Williams Rebecca , Moran Eileen , Rabinowitz Amanda
Published: July 2024

Purpose of review

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a complex condition, with outcomes ranging from profound disability to remarkable recovery. Considerable variability in outcomes is observed, even among those with similar injury mechanisms, severity and neuropathological pattern. This indicates a need to explore resilience factors influencing TBI recovery.

Recent findings

This narrative review synthesizes existing literature, focusing on individual, social, and community factors impacting resilience post-TBI. Recent research highlights how individual factors such as personality traits, coping strategies, and premorbid psychiatric history, as well as social and contextual factors, like social support and social determinants of health (SDoH) all impact TBI recovery. We also discuss clinical applications of resilience-focused interventions to promote health and wellbeing after TBI.

An improved understanding of resilience factors and pathways to recovery post-TBI is crucial for optimizing outcomes. Future research should focus on developing comprehensive interventions addressing individual, social, and community-level factors to foster resilience and enhance TBI recovery.
Formulation and development of composite materials for thermally driven and storage-integrated cooling technologies: a review
Authors: Borri Emiliano , Ushak Svetlana , Li Yongliang , Frazzica Andrea , Zhang Yannan , Milian Yanio E. , Grageda Mario , Li Dacheng , Cabeza Luisa F. , Brancato Vincenza
Published: July 2024

The energy consumption for cooling takes up 50% of all the consumed final energy in Europe, which still highly depends on the utilization of fossil fuels. Thus, it is required to propose and develop new technologies for cooling driven by renewable energy. Also, thermal energy storage is an emerging technology to relocate intermittent low-grade heat source, like solar thermal energy and industrial waste heat as well as to exploit off-peak electricity, for cooling applications. This review aims to summarize the recent advances in thermally driven cooling and cold storage technologies, focusing on the formation and fabrication of adopted composites materials, including sorption materials, phase change materials, and slurries. Herein, first the classifications, selection criteria, and properties for these three types of materials is discussed. Then, the application potentials of all the materials are prospected in terms of economic analysis and sustainability.
LONEStar: The Lunar Flashlight Optical Navigation Experiment
Authors: Krause Michael , Thrasher Ava , Soni Priyal , Smego Liam , Isaac Reuben , Nolan Jennifer , Pledger Micah , Lightsey E. Glenn , Ready W. Jud , Christian John
Published: July 2024

This paper documents the results from the highly successful Lunar flashlight Optical Navigation Experiment with a Star tracker (LONEStar). Launched in December 2022, Lunar Flashlight (LF) was a NASA-funded technology demonstration mission. After a propulsion system anomaly prevented capture in lunar orbit, LF was ejected from the Earth-Moon system and into heliocentric space. NASA subsequently transferred ownership of LF to Georgia Tech to conduct an unfunded extended mission to demonstrate further advanced technology objectives, including LONEStar. From August to December 2023, the LONEStar team performed on-orbit calibration of the optical instrument and a number of different OPNAV experiments. This campaign included the processing of nearly 400 images of star fields, Earth and Moon, and four other planets (Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn). LONEStar provided the first on-orbit demonstrations of heliocentric navigation using only optical observations of planets. Of special note is the successful in-flight demonstration of (1) instantaneous triangulation with simultaneous sightings of two planets with the LOST algorithm and (2) dynamic triangulation with sequential sightings of multiple planets.
TRAA: a two-risk archive algorithm for expensive many-objective optimization
Authors: Lin Ji , Liu Quanliang
Published: July 2024

Many engineering problems are essentially expensive multi-/many-objective optimization problems, and surrogate-assisted evolutionary algorithms have gained widespread attention in dealing with them. As the objective dimension increases, the error of predicting solutions based on surrogate models accumulates. Existing algorithms do not have strong selection pressure in the candidate solution obtaining and adaptive sampling stages. These make the effectiveness and area of application of the algorithms unsatisfactory. Therefore, this paper proposes a two-risk archive algorithm, which contains a strategy for mining high-risk and low-risk archives and a four-state adaptive sampling criterion. In the candidate solution mining stage, two types of Kriging models are trained, then conservative optimization models and non-conservative optimization models are constructed for model searching, followed by archive selection to obtain more reliable two-risk archives. In the adaptive sampling stage, in order to improve the performance of the algorithms, the proposed criterion considers environmental assessment, demand assessment, and sampling, where the sampling approach involves the improvement of the comprehensive performance in reliable environments, convergence and diversity in controversial environments, and surrogate model uncertainty. Experimental results on numerous benchmark problems show that the proposed algorithm is far superior to seven state-of-the-art algorithms in terms of comprehensive performance.
Analysis of the Ability of Marsh Samphire (Salicornia europaea) to Extract Environmentally Relevant Elements from Different Culture Media: Contribution of Biochar to Plant Nutrition and Growth
Authors: Turcios Ariel E. , Gornati Diego , Papenbrock Jutta
Published: July 2024

Soil salinity is considered one of the major global challenges that agricultural production is currently facing. This condition, together with the increasing contamination with emerging pollutants, poses a serious risk for global food security. As efforts are made to develop nature-based solutions, bioremediation strategies have been implemented to harness different living organisms and mitigate environmental pollution. Halophytes grow in highly saline environment and can be the solution to valorize salt-degraded areas where other crops cannot grow. The aim of this work is to evaluate the physiological response of Salicornia europaea grown under different conditions and its potential to extract sodium (Na) and copper (Cu) from different culture media. Different experiments were conducted with S. europaea cultivated in hydroponics and in substrate with and without biochar including different Cu (0, 5 and 10 mg L-1 CuCl2) and Na (7.5 and 15 g L-1 NaCl) concentrations. The growth in hydroponic media under different salinities reveals that this halophyte can extract up to 80% and 55% of the initial Na content when growing at 7.5 g L-1 and 15 g L-1 NaCl, respectively. In addition, S. europaea tolerates high Cu concentration, accumulating up to 1.61 mg g-1 DW in roots when exposed to 10 mg L-1 CuCl2 and 7.5 g L-1 NaCl. Plants grown in substrate show a different behavior, being even more tolerant to higher Cu concentrations. In addition, the presence of biochar in the substrate improves plant growth and provides a greater quantity of micronutrients. These results show the potential of S. europaea to be used in the phytoremediation process.
Determination of bisphosphonate properties in terms of bioavailability, bone affinity, and cytotoxicity
Authors: Zielińska Monika , Pacholak Amanda , Burlaga Natalia , Chmielewska Ewa , Voelkel Adam , Kaczorek Ewa
Published: July 2024

Background

The study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of fourteen newly synthesized bisphosphonates by assessing their bioavailability, bone affinity, and cytotoxicity. These bisphosphonates included a series of aminomethylenebisphosphonates and standard compounds such as risedronate and tiludronate.

Methods

Drug permeability was determined using Parallel Artificial Membrane Permeability Assays (PAMPA), while bone affinity was assessed by sorption on hydroxyapatite. Bacterial cell response to the bisphosphonates was also examined using Lactobacillus paracasei cells as a model.

Results

Several tested compounds, including BP3 to BP8 and BP11, which feature substituents in the pyridine ring such as methyl groups, iodine, bromine, chlorine, or hydroxyl groups, demonstrated potentially more beneficial therapeutic properties than commercially used bisphosphonates. These compounds showed stronger bone affinity and higher gastrointestinal absorption with comparable or lower cytotoxic effects. Specifically, BP11 exhibited the highest bone affinity, while BP8 and BP11 showed the greatest permeability.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that BP3 BP8, and BP11 are promising candidates for further research. These results highlight the importance of comprehensively evaluating bisphosphonates' therapeutic properties to identify effective treatments for osteoporosis and other bone diseases.

Graphical abstract
Groundwater recharge potentiality mapping for opportune augmentation following two MCDMs for a Western Himalayan watershed
Authors: Joshi Himanshu , Bohra Manoj Singh , Kumar Devendra , Rani Meenu , Arya Om Prakash
Published: July 2024

Accounting potential zones for recharging groundwater is a prerequisite before the implementation of the springshed conservation program. Many studies have suggested that the resurgence of the springs in the Himalayan region is waning due to anthropogenic and Climate Change impacts. Typical physical methods of recharge zone explorations are manpower & fiscal-intensive and find limited applicability in areas with steep slopes and undulating topography. The deliberated study is an attempt towards the identification of potential recharge zones using topographical and meteorological indices via two MCDM methods, namely, AHP and Fuzzy AHP for the Saryu watershed of Kumaun Himalaya, Uttarakhand. Twelve thematic layers following the assignment of suitable weights were overlayed for the development of the groundwater recharge potentiality map. The findings indicated that following AHP 6%, 86.89%, 7.10% & 0.01% of the study area demonstrates low, moderate, high, and very high potentiality for groundwater recharge, while, FAHP suggests these indices to be 19.23%, 76.77%, 3.55%, & 0.45%, respectively. Further, FAHP demonstrates the redundancy of a few input layers for the adopted scale of the input data. The study also furnishes a brief description of opportune recharge structures based on the groundwater recharge potentialities.
Exploring student perspectives on generative artificial intelligence in higher education learning
Authors: Baidoo-Anu David , Asamoah Daniel , Amoako Isaac , Mahama Inuusah
Published: July 2024

This study examined the perspectives of Ghanaian higher education students on the use of ChatGPT. The Students’ ChatGPT Experiences Scale (SCES) was developed and validated to evaluate students’ perspectives of ChatGPT as a learning tool. A total of 277 students from universities and colleges participated in the study. Through exploratory factor analysis, a three-factor structure of students' perspectives (ChatGPT academic benefits, ChatGPT academic concerns, and accessibility and attitude towards ChatGPT) was identified. A confirmatory factor analysis was carried out to confirm the identified factors. The majority of students are aware of and recognize the potential of Gen AI tools like ChatGPT in supporting their learning. However, a significant number of students reported using ChatGPT mainly for non-academic purposes, citing concerns such as academic policy violations, excessive reliance on technology, lack of originality in assignments, and potential security risks. Students mainly use ChatGPT for assignments rather than for class or group projects. Students noted that they have not received any training on how to use ChatGPT safely and effectively. The implications for policy and practice are discussed in terms of how well-informed policy guidelines and strategies on the use of Gen AI tools like ChatGPT can support teaching and improve student learning.
Teaching compassionate-based behaviors across communication partners to students of applied behavior analysis: a preliminary investigation of comparative effectiveness
Authors: Mathieu-Sher Reva , Johnson Paige , Straub Elizabeth , Lao Annie , Alzahrani Duaa , McCallum Elizabeth , Schmitt Ara
Published: July 2024

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) focuses on providing socially significant treatments and practices. Recent advancements in ethically-minded research have encouraged practitioners to think beyond the technical skills required for implementing behavior-analytic practices and consider how these practices are delivered. Compassionate care in ABA has recently been conceptually defined and subsequently researched to explore ways to explicitly and systematically teach compassionate-care-based skills within the scope of ABA. Researchers have noted barriers specific to the time required to teach compassionate-care-based skills using behavior skills training (BST) especially when working to train groups in compassionate care skills. Further, these studies have focused primarily on using compassionate care towards interactions with caregivers as communication partners. This study operationalized the compassionate care-based skill of receiving feedback within a behavioral analytic lens and taught it to eight master's students enrolled in an ABA course. An experimental case study approach was used to evaluate the relative benefit of modified behavioral skills training (BST) versions, including conditions with and without rehearsal opportunities and individualized performance feedback. Results indicated that all participants demonstrated significant skill increases across multiple communication partners (i.e., client, caregiver, colleague) compared to baseline sessions, with conditions including opportunities for rehearsal and performance feedback resulting in higher skill acquisition for seven of the eight participants. Conditions that required the participants to generalize to novel scenarios and novel communication partners resulted in lower competencies; however, all participant skills across all communication partners remained higher than baseline measures. Limitations included practicing skills within role-play scenarios only, the application of compassionate care-based skills in a variety of cultures, and limits related to using an experimental case study as a methodological approach. Implications for future research and practitioner-based applications are discussed.