bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Orifice geometry as a tool for evaluating extensional flow resistance of barrier coating colors
Authors: TOIVAKKA MARTTI , SCHRODER ANDREAS , KUKKAMO VESA
Published: December 2024

Knowledge of extensional flow behavior of coating colors can be beneficial for improving runnability and eliminating defects in various coating processes. The current work evaluates the use of an orifice geometry attached to a commercial capillary viscometer as a tool to obtain extensional flow properties of barrier coating dispersions. By measuring the pressure drop across the orifice as a function of flow velocity, the method presents the flow resistance as Euler number at industrially relevant high deformation rates. The results agree with the earlier results obtained with a capillary entrance pressure loss technique. The type of polymer additive is shown to control the extensional flow resistance, with high molecular weight linear flexible polymers such as polyethylene oxide (PEO) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) having highest impact. The orifice method offers advantages over other approaches, including the need for only a small sample amount, ease of measurement, and access to high deformation rates.
Evaluation of folding effects on coating damage
Authors: PANEK JOEL , BENNETT JUSTIN , MALLORY WILLIAM , SMITH SWAN
Published: December 2024

Barrier coatings on paperboard need to maintain integrity during converting and end-use for effective barrier performance. Folding is one of the most common deformations during converting; however, factors that affect damage during folding are not well defined. This is partly because methods to fold specimens and characterize damage are not standardized and the results are generally not transferable. In this work, we describe a method to fold paper specimens precisely and reproducibly. The keys to folding include using a defined geometry and controlled deformation. Multiple methods can be used to quantify damage; in this case, we use differences in permeability as a measure of how the coating becomes more open. Damage is sensitive to the degree of compression after the initial folding. Using a shim for support provides a defined amount of compression and minimizes the sensitivity to the applied pressure.
Logistics in the context of digital transformation
Authors: Tsikh Halyna , Suhoversha Volodymyr
Published: December 2024

The article describes the changes that have occurred in logistics under the influence of digitalization. The author reveals the importance of digital processes for establishing effective communication, speeding up the organization of traffic flows, improving the supply system, etc. It is emphasized that through the use of modern digital platforms, calculations, accounting of goods and logistics costs are simplified, transparent and accelerated. The convenience, dynamism, and efficiency of logistics organization in the context of digital transformation are also proved. In addition, digital transformations make transportation systems more accessible and able to meet the needs of any consumer. The main directions of logistics development in the context of digital transformation are analyzed. The author describes the impact of digital technologies on the quality of logistics management: cloud logistics, development of blockchain technology, electronic waybills, Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, 3D printing, etc. The author describes the phases of logistics development at different stages of the global economy, including digital transformations. The era of logistics development is considered and characterized in the context of the emergence of innovations caused by changes in various sectors of the economy. The interrelation of different eras of logistics and the peculiarities of the emergence of digital logistics as a modern digital system are characterized. The components of the definition of “digital logistics” are analyzed. The complex of technological achievements in logistics is described. The article describes a set of technological advances in logistics systems caused by digital transformations. In general, digital and smart logistics operating in the context of digital transformation allow to effectively use modern digital technologies and make strategic decisions, forecast market demand, optimize routes, act more quickly and meet consumer needs. The article establishes the importance of modern logistics systems for economic development. In particular, it is proved that digital transformation has an innovative impact on logistics and allows to significantly improve and speed up order processing and delivery with minimal logistics costs. The advantages of using digital technologies in logistics are determined. It is established that the digital transformation of the logistics system contributes to the integration of the economy of a particular country in the world space. Prospects for the development of logistics in the context of digital transformation are outlined.
Corruption risks in financial management of territorial communities in the context of the Russian-Ukrainian war
Authors: Pysmennyi Vitalii
Published: December 2024

Corruption is one of the most serious problems that negatively affects the functioning of cities, towns and villages. It leads to an inefficient distribution of financial resources, an artificial increase in expenditures of the budgets of territorial communities, and a deterioration in the quality of life of the population. Corruption also creates unequal conditions for doing business, which hinders economic growth and development. The results of the research showed that in the conditions of the russian-Ukrainian war, corrupt abuses of local self-government bodies can threaten national security and defense, because part of local finances is spent on critical needs of our time, such as the army and infrastructure restoration. Corruption schemes in the management of the finances of territorial communities for the period 2023–2024 were analyzed. They are related to the overestimation of the cost of public procurement, abuse of official position, inefficient use of budget funds and communal property, use of «gasket companies», manipulations with land, etc. It has been established that corruption risks of local self-government bodies cause significant financial losses. It is emphasized that in Ukraine, a significant number of bodies and institutions are involved in the fight against corruption in the management of the finances of territorial communities, including the prosecutor's office, law enforcement and control bodies, public organizations, etc. Despite their complex systemic work, combating this phenomenon continues to be an urgent problem. Based on the results of the analysis of corruption risks, its prevalence and consequences, it is proposed to implement effective anti-corruption measures aimed at strengthening control over the distribution and use of financial resources, which provide for the detection and prevention of corrupt actions. It has been established that the best results in overcoming corruption in managing the finances of territorial communities can be achieved through anti-corruption education. Despite the fact that the war started by russia has a negative impact on society, undermining social cohesion and stability, in general, a favorable moral background has been formed today for public condemnation of corruption.
Consensus and Conflict in Times of Crisis: Religion in Austria during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Kowatsh Andreas , Mattes Astrid
Published: December 2024

Overall, religion was not an intensively discussed topic in Austria in relation to coronavirus. Governmental and religious actors collaborated throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and Austria’s legally recognised religious communities supported governmental measures, such as lockdowns, social distancing, and the obligation to wear masks. This consensus was communicated in press conferences and regular meetings between the ministry in charge and religious representatives. Religious communities refrained from or restricted celebrating on site during lockdowns and introduced hygiene measures (e.g. disinfection of hands and artefacts, wearing masks, limiting singing, restricting numbers of participants during celebrations) for religious gatherings throughout the pandemic. Official representatives of the legally recognised religious communities also supported vaccination campaigns and several religious sites functioned as temporary vaccination stations. However, religious actors and elements were also present among anti-vaccination activists and protesters against COVID-19 measures, and they joined in with the propagation of conspiracy theories. In these protests, ultra-conservative Catholics, Evangelicals, and esotericists marched alongside followers of the radical right Identitarian movement and other extremists. Multiple instances of anti-Semitic expression were documented throughout the protests. Still, religion was not a particularly contentious issue during the pandemic. This is, as we argue, largely the result of the commitment of religious communities to self-restriction and their cooperation with state authorities, as the legal framework restricted religion much less than other spheres.
The Influence of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Religion: The Case of Ireland
Authors: Conway Brian
Published: December 2024

Despite being a small island nation on Europe’s western periphery, Ireland was not inoculated from the broad and deep impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic evident in other societies. In general, state-imposed restrictions in Ireland were among the strongest in Europe. This chapter considers both the legal and the sociological aspects of the pandemic’s influence on religion in Ireland, focusing mainly on Catholic religiosity. Regarding the legal aspect, I show how religious groups pushed back against restrictions by leaning into a broad range of factors, including religion’s social well-being contribution, the right to religious freedom, the legal ambivalences of government restrictions, the relative transmission risks of secular versus religious settings, and divergences from the treatment of religious groups in other European societies. On the sociological side, I show how the pandemic impacted ordinary devotees, as well as how religious groups responded to restrictions through various forms of adaptation. Additionally, I show how restrictions fostered greater interreligious exchange as well as stoking church–state tensions amid the perceived marginalisation of religious interests by state actors. The chapter concludes by reflecting on the larger takeaway of the Irish case.
The origin and development of the Nganasan indicative aorist perfect
Authors: Kaheinen Kaisla
Published: December 2024

This paper addresses the origin and development of the Nganasan indicative aorist markers. The system of Nganasan aorist marking, with its obligatory marking of lexical aspect through the selection of suffixes, is unique among the Samoyed languages, and the aorist suffixes themselves lack direct cognates in finite verbal paradigms outside Nganasan. The present paper asserts that the Nganasan markers of the indicative aorist have developed from Proto-­Samoyed deverbal forms via the process of refinitization, also known as verbalization, a common way of creating new finite paradigms in languages of northern Eurasia. Cognates for the Nganasan aorist suffixes can be found among the derivational forms of other Samoyed languages, and traces pointing towards their deverbal origin prevail in Nganasan as well.
In parallel to the Nganasan imperfective aorist suffixes -NTU, -U, previously suggested to have originated in imperfective participles, I claim that the perfective aorist suffix -qe/-qa has likewise developed from a deverbal form, the modern cognates of which are found in the augmentative suffixes of northern Samoyed languages. The diverse patterns of aorist formation in Samoyed, as well as the largely opaque morphophonological alternations affecting the suffixes in Nganasan, suggest that the tense system of Proto-Samoyed was going through major changes exactly during the breakup of the common proto-language.
Competing etymologies
Authors: Holopainen Sampsa
Published: December 2024

The purpose of this paper is to discuss some debated etymologies that have competing explanations in Hungarian and in other Uralic languages. It is shown that in most cases quite clearly one of the suggested etymologies is superior and that some phonological details have been neglected in recent discussion of these etymologies. The discussion includes criticism of some recent etymologies that have not yet been commented on elsewhere in detail.
Mikro-RNS-ek a genomban : a génexpressziós hálózat parányi finomhangolói
Authors: Orbán Tamás István
Published: December 2024

Az élőlények örökítőanyagában rengeteg, fehérjét nem kódoló, úgynevezett RNS gén található, amelyek az emberi genom ese­tében számosságban felül is múlják a „hagyományos” fehérjekódoló géneket. Ezek között kitüntetett szereppel bírnak a kis méretű mikro-RNS-eket kódoló szekvenciák, amelyek a 2024. évi orvosi-élet­tani Nobel-díj kapcsán a szűk tudományterületen kívül is az érdeklődés középpontjába kerültek.
Production Biotechnology for a Brucellosis Antigenic Latex Diagnosticum Based on Polyacrolein Microspheres
Authors: Kurnoskina M. M. , Zharnikova I. V. , Rusanova D. V. , Koshkidko A. G. , Zhdanova E. V. , Ponomarenko D. G.
Published: December 2024

This research was aimed at developing a biotechnology for obtaining a latex brucellosis antigenic diagnosticum based on polyacrolein microspheres. This diagnosticum is intended for detecting antibodies against brucellosis in a latex agglutination reaction in human blood sera. Optimal conditions for latex sensitization with the antigen in the ratio of 1:3 at 45°C for 3 h followed by blocking of active centers with 0.5% gelatin were determined. The developed preparation showed high efficiency, which confirmed its prospects for brucellosis diagnostics. The analytical sensitivity of the diagnosticum was not less than 1:2560, in the absence of cross-reactions with heterologous sera. The diagnostic characteristics of experimental series of the preparation in control testing showed a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 93.33%.
Evaluation of the Effect of Ethyl Carbamate on CD21+-Spleen Cells
Authors: Samakina E S.
Published: December 2024

The spleen is an organ of the immune system that is involved in the B-cell immune response. In certain areas of the spleen, naive and mature B lymphocytes are localized. Upon a decrease in B cells in the bloodstream, the spleen replenishes their number. In this organ, antibodies are formed, which are an important link in the humoral immune response. The conducted experiment revealed that a single administration of ethyl carbamate causes changes in both the lungs and the spleen. An analysis of histological sections showed that, six months after the receipt of ethyl carbamate, the spleen showed signs of white pulp involution, along with a decrease in the number of CD21+ cells. This indicates an inhibition of the B-cell immune response and a probable decrease in the humoral immune response.
ANLAMBİLİM ARAŞTIRMALARINDA BEYİN UYARIMI: YENİ BİR PERSPEKTİF
Authors: Kurada Hazel Zeynep
Published: December 2024

Transkraniyal manyetik stimülasyon ve transkraniyal doğru akım stimülasyonu gibi beyin uyarım teknikleri, çeşitli dil işleme süreçlerinin beyindeki temsillerini anlamak üzere son yıllarda sıklıkla başvurulan yöntemler olarak ortaya çıkmıştır. Bu derleme çalışması, son yirmi yılda sıklığı giderek artan beyin uyarımı araştırmalarının dilbilimsel sorgulamalardaki rolünü ve semantik işlemler üzerindeki etkilerini kapsamlı bir şekilde incelemektedir. Çalışmada beyin uyarımı tekniklerinin sözcüksel erişim, semantik entegrasyon ve kavramsal eşleme gibi semantik süreçler üzerindeki etkileri ele alınmaktadır. Literatür taraması, bu alandaki güncel ve ilgili çalışmaları belirlemek amacıyla, "TMS", "tDCS", "lexical access", "semantic context integration" ve "conceptual mapping" gibi arama terimleri ile PubMed ve Google Scholar gibi veri tabanları kullanılarak gerçekleştirilmiştir. Arama sonuçları, çalışmaların yıllık bazda sınıflandırılması ve konuya özgü içeriklerin incelenmesiyle derlenmiştir. Derlemede beyin uyarımı ile yapılan semantik sisteme ilişkin araştırmalar, semantik işlemede rolü olduğu öne sürülen beynin sol yarıküresindeki frontal, temporal ve parietal alanların yanı sıra, sağ yarıküre ve hatta serebellum gibi bölgelerin bile semantik işlemlemede önemli rolleri olduğunu ortaya koymaktadır. Yanı sıra, beyin uyarımı tekniklerinin dil ve iletişim arasındaki ilişkiyi beynin çeşitli yönleriyle araştırmak için önemli bir araştırma aracı haline geldiği açıkça gözlenmektedir. Gelecek çalışmaların, bu tekniklerin daha geniş bir yelpazede dil işleme süreçlerine olan etkilerini detaylandıracağı öngörülmektedir. Bu derlemenin, bu dinamik ve hızla gelişen beyin uyarımı teknikleri yoluyla dili araştırmak isteyen dilbilimcilere ilham vermesi ve onları teşvik etmesi amaçlanmaktadır.
Narrative and related spoken language skills—a comparison between German-speaking children who are hard of hearing and children with typical hearing
Authors: Hardebeck Lara , Ruigendijk Esther , Grandon Bénédicte , Licandro Ulla
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Narrative skills are crucial for academic success and social interaction. To date, few studies have looked at the specific impact of hearing loss on higher-level language skills, like narrative skills, especially in German-speaking children. This study is the first to analyze the narrative skills of German-speaking children who are hard of hearing.

Method

Specifically, we assessed and compared the narrative skills of two groups of school-aged children – children who are hard of hearing (n = 22; Mage = 10;5) and children with typical hearing (n = 28; Mage = 9;0) – at the macro- and microstructural level using a standardized storytelling task. In addition, the relationship between spoken narrative skills, receptive vocabulary, and phonological working memory was investigated to determine which factors best predict oral narrative performance.

Results

Children who are hard of hearing produced adequate narratives at the macrostructural level, but used less diverse vocabulary than their peers without hearing loss. Furthermore, children who are hard of hearing demonstrated lower receptive vocabulary and phonological working memory skills than children with typical hearing. Receptive vocabulary emerged as the most important factor in predicting narrative skills at the microstructural level.

Discussion

The heterogeneity observed in the narratives of children who are hard of hearing emphasizes the need to investigate additional factors that may influence the development and expression of spoken narrative skills in this group.
Illuminating Cassiopea jellyfish: biochemical revelations from metabolism to coloration under ultraviolet A and photosynthetically active radiation
Authors: Aljbour Samir M. , Agustí Susana
Published: December 2024

Sunlight, including ultraviolet (UVA and UVB) and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), is vital for the physiology of invertebrates with symbiotic Symbiodiniaceae. While the effects of UVB and PAR are well-studied, the impact of UVA remains underexplored. This study investigates the effects of varying UVA and PAR intensities on the metabolic, oxidative, and photosynthetic responses of Cassiopea andromeda jellyfish. Over 18 days, 24 medusae were exposed to four light treatments: low PAR (± low UVA) and high PAR (± high UVA). Results showed significant increases in jellyfish mass and umbrella diameter, with no differences between treatment groups. PAR intensity primarily drove aerobic respiration and photosynthesis, with reduced PAR enhancing ETS activity and chlorophyll-a concentration, while UVA had less effect. ETS activity was positively correlated with chlorophyll-a concentration but negatively with jellyfish size. Both high PAR and high UVA exposure increased lipid peroxidation (LPO), with the highest levels under combined high PAR and UVA. These findings show that UVA does not directly affect photosynthesis but might enhances oxidative stress when combined with high PAR, increasing LPO. Despite oxidative stress, jellyfish showed consistent growth and normal morphology, highlighting their resilience to varying light. Color changes linked to PAR exposure indicated shifts in algal symbiont density. This study highlights the adaptive capacity of C. andromeda jellyfish to fluctuating light, emphasizing PAR’s role in regulating metabolism and oxidative stress. It also offers new insights into UVA’s underexplored impact on jellyfish physiology, paving the way for future research on UVA’s broader effects on marine invertebrates.
Structural and functional analysis of the Helicobacter pylori lipoprotein chaperone LolA
Authors: Jaiman Deepika , Persson Karina
Published: December 2024

Lipoproteins are crucial for maintaining the structural integrity of bacterial membranes. In Gram-negative bacteria, the localization of lipoprotein (Lol) system facilitates the transport of these proteins from the inner membrane to the outer membrane. In Helicobacter pylori, an ε-proteobacterium, lipoprotein transport differs significantly from the canonical and well-studied system in Escherichia coli, particularly due to the absence of LolB and the use of a LolF homodimer instead of the LolCE heterodimer. This study presents the crystal structure of the H. pylori lipoprotein chaperone LolA (LolA-HP) and its interaction with lipopeptide antibiotics such as polymyxin B and colistin. Isothermal titration calorimetry revealed that, unlike LolA from Vibrio cholerae and Porphyromonas gingivalis, LolA-HP does not bind to these antibiotics. Structural comparisons showed that LolA-HP has a deeper hydrophobic cleft but lacks the negative electrostatic potential critical for binding polymyxins. These findings offer insights into the structural diversity of LolA across bacterial species and its potential as a target for antibacterial agents.
Mid-upper-arm circumference: a surrogate measure for BMI for age z-score to identify thinness among adolescent girls in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Zebene Solome , Egata Gudina , Haile Demewoz
Published: December 2024

Background

The mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) is an anthropometric screening tool used to assess the nutritional status of individuals, offering a practical and feasible option in low-resource settings. However, the potential of MUAC as a screening tool for identifying thinness among adolescents remains underexplored.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of MUAC in identifying all forms of thinness among adolescent girls enrolled in selected schools in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Methods and materials

A representative sample of 913 female adolescent students was selected using a stratified sampling technique in a cross-sectional study. Socio-demographic data were collected via interviewer-administered questionnaires. Anthropometric measurements, including height, weight, and MUAC, were collected using a portable stadiometer, a battery-powered digital scale, and a non-stretchable MUAC tape, respectively. The Pearson correlation coefficient (r) assessed the relationship between MUAC, age, and body mass index for age (BAZ). The Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate MUAC’s ability to classify those with or without thinness. The optimal threshold for adolescents aged 10–14 years was determined using Youden’s index.

Results

A strong, significant positive correlation (r = 0.80) was observed between MUAC and BAZ. MUAC demonstrated good accuracy in detecting thinness and severe thinness (AUC = 0.86). Based on the highest Youden’s index values, MUAC cut-offs of 20.1 cm and 19.7 cm were identified to detect thinness and severe thinness, respectively. MUAC exhibited 92.1% sensitivity and 67.3% specificity in identifying moderate thinness and 95.9% sensitivity and 68.5% specificity for severe thinness among adolescent girls.

Conclusion

MUAC showed good accuracy in predicting thinness and severe thinness, with comparable sensitivity but lower specificity than BAZ. Incorporating MUAC as a screening criterion for identifying thinness and severe thinness among female adolescents could be particularly beneficial in resource-limited settings such as Ethiopia.
The relationship between life regrets and well-being: a systematic review
Authors: Rutledge Jocelyn A. , Williams Jadyn D. , Barlow Meaghan A.
Published: December 2024

Introduction

The aim of the current study is to examine the association between life regret and well-being, through a systematic review.

Methods

Four different databases (PsycINFO, Web of Science, ProQuest, Dissertations & Theses Global, and ERIC) were used to source 31 relevant articles, published between 1989 and 2018.

Results

We conclude that experiencing greater life regret is associated with negative effects on various aspects of well-being, such as life satisfaction and depressive symptoms. Although the impact of life regret on well-being is suggested to vary across individual differences in lived experience, age- and gender-related findings remain mixed across studies. This inconsistency may be partly due to the varying protective factors and coping mechanisms individuals use, which may mediate the relationship between life regrets and well-being. Protective factors include the degree of engagement or disengagement towards regret reversal, social comparison, appraisal, and interpretation.

Discussion

However, these conclusions are not definite, as the measurement of regret and well-being are inconsistent across studies and there is limited diversity in study samples. Moreover, further research including diverse populations and more standardized measures is necessary to strengthen existing links and identify mediators that could serve as modifiable protective factors between life regret and well-being.

Systematic Review Registration

https://osf.io/hy7xj.
Revisiting the role of pathogen diversity and microbial interactions in honeybee susceptibility and treatment of Melissococcus plutonius infection
Authors: Mallory Elizabeth , Freeze Gwendolyn , Daisley Brendan A. , Allen-Vercoe Emma
Published: December 2024

European Foulbrood (EFB) is a severe bacterial disease affecting honeybees, primarily caused by the Gram-positive bacterium Melissococcus plutonius. Although the presence of M. plutonius is associated with EFB, it does not consistently predict the manifestation of symptoms, and the role of ‘secondary invaders’ in the disease’s development remains a subject of ongoing debate. This review provides an updated synthesis of the microbial ecological factors that influence the expression of EFB symptoms, which have often been overlooked in previous research. In addition, this review examines the potential negative health consequences of prolonged antibiotic use in bee colonies for treating EFB, and proposes innovative and sustainable alternatives. These include the development of probiotics and targeted microbiota management techniques, aiming to enhance the overall resilience of bee populations to this debilitating disease.
Cross-Modal Feature Fusion for Field Weed Mapping Using RGB and Near-Infrared Imagery
Authors: Fan Xijian , Ge Chunlei , Yang Xubing , Wang Weice
Published: December 2024

The accurate mapping of weeds in agricultural fields is essential for effective weed control and enhanced crop productivity. Moving beyond the limitations of RGB imagery alone, this study presents a cross-modal feature fusion network (CMFNet) designed for precise weed mapping by integrating RGB and near-infrared (NIR) imagery. CMFNet first applies color space enhancement and adaptive histogram equalization to improve the image brightness and contrast in both RGB and NIR images. Building on a Transformer-based segmentation framework, a cross-modal multi-scale feature enhancement module is then introduced, featuring spatial and channel feature interaction to automatically capture complementary information across two modalities. The enhanced features are further fused and refined by integrating an attention mechanism, which reduces the background interference and enhances the segmentation accuracy. Extensive experiments conducted on two public datasets, the Sugar Beets 2016 and Sunflower datasets, demonstrate that CMFNet significantly outperforms CNN-based segmentation models in the task of weed and crop segmentation. The model achieved an Intersection over Union (IoU) metric of 90.86% and 90.77%, along with a Mean Accuracy (mAcc) of 93.8% and 94.35%, respectively. Ablation studies further validate that the proposed cross-modal fusion method provides substantial improvements over basic feature fusion methods, effectively localizing weed and crop regions across diverse field conditions. These findings underscore their potential as a robust solution for precise and adaptive weed mapping in complex agricultural landscapes.
Glutathione Involvement in Potato Response to French Marigold Volatile Organic Compounds
Authors: Savić Jelena , Nakarada Đura , Stupar Sofija , Tubić Ljiljana , Milutinović Milica , Mojović Miloš , Devrnja Nina
Published: December 2024

To elucidate the involvement of glutathione in the mitigation of induced oxidative changes and the sequestration of perceived volatiles in cells, we exposed potato plants to French marigold essential oil. The formation of short-lived radicals, the determination of scavenging activity towards ascorbyl and DPPH radicals, and the assessment of the potato plants’ overall intra/extracellular reduction status were performed using electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR). The results showed the presence of hydroxyl radicals in potatoes, with significantly reduced accumulation in exposed plants compared to the control group after 8 h. However, the kinetics of EPR signal intensity change for the pyrrolidine spin probe (3CP) in these plants showed very low reducing potential, suggesting that the antioxidant system acts lethargically and/or the probe has been reoxidized. Total glutathione and its reduced/oxidized form ratio, determined spectrophotometrically, showed that the exposed plants initially had lower glutathione levels with diminutive, reduced form compared to the control. Still, after 8 h, both characteristics were similar to those of the control. RT-qPCR analysis revealed that the volatiles altered the expression of glutathione metabolism-involved genes, especially that of glutathione-S-transferase, after 8 h. Glutathione metabolism was affected by volatiles in the initial response of potato plants exposed to French marigold essential oil, and glutathione molecules were involved in the mitigation of induced oxidative burst.
Assessing the Impact of Climate Change on Building Energy Performance: A Future-Oriented Analysis on the UK
Authors: Viganò Giulio Stefano Maria , Rugani Roberto , Marengo Marco , Picco Marco
Published: December 2024

This research explores how climate change will affect building energy use across the UK by analysing both a conventional reference building design and a net-zero energy (NZEBs) alternative to assess how each would perform under future weather conditions. Using climate projections from databases like Prometheus and Meteonorm, along with simulation tools like EnergyPlus and Freds4Buildings, the study evaluates the energy performance, costs, and GHG emissions of a case study building under current weather conditions, with 2030, 2050, and 2080 forecasts in three different UK locations: Exeter, Manchester, and Aberdeen. Results indicate that heating demand will decrease consistently over time across all locations by as much as 21% by 2080 while cooling demand will rise sharply. NZEBs proved more resilient to these changes, using less energy and producing fewer GHG emissions than conventional buildings, with 89% reductions in emissions even with increased cooling needs. Accounting for future weather helps both understand the risks of conventional design, with a number of scenarios experiencing overheating in 2080 and ensure NZEBs can meet their goals during their entire lifespan despite the increases in energy needs. The study highlights both the impact of accounting for future weather forecasts during design and the increasing relevance of net-zero energy designs in mitigating the effects of climate change while offering practical insights for architects, policymakers, and energy planners, showing why future weather patterns need to be considered in sustainable building design to ensure buildings will achieve their carbon targets throughout their life.
Ion Manipulation from Liquid Xe to Vacuum: Ba-Tagging for a nEXO Upgrade and Future 0νββ Experiments
Authors: Ray Dwaipayan , Collister Robert , Rasiwala Hussain , Backes Lucas , Balbuena Ali V. , Brunner Thomas , Casandjian Iroise , Chambers Chris , Cvitan Megan , Daniels Tim , Dilling Jens , Elmansali Ryan , Fairbank William , Fudenberg Daniel , Gornea Razvan , Gratta Giorgio , Iverson Alec , Kwiatkowski Anna A. , Leach Kyle G. , Lennarz Annika , Li Zepeng , Medina-Peregrina Melissa , Murray Kevin , O’Sullivan Kevin , Ross Regan , Shaikh Raad , Shang Xiao , Soderstrom Joseph , Varentsov Victor , Yang Liang
Published: December 2024

Neutrinoless double beta decay (0νββ) provides a way to probe physics beyond the Standard Model of particle physics. The upcoming nEXO experiment will search for 0νββ decay in 136Xe with a projected half-life sensitivity exceeding 1028 years at the 90% confidence level using a liquid xenon (LXe) Time Projection Chamber (TPC) filled with 5 tonnes of Xe enriched to ∼90% in the ββ-decaying isotope 136Xe. In parallel, a potential future upgrade to nEXO is being investigated with the aim to further suppress radioactive backgrounds and to confirm ββ-decay events. This technique, known as Ba-tagging, comprises extracting and identifying the ββ-decay daughter 136Ba ion. One tagging approach being pursued involves extracting a small volume of LXe in the vicinity of a potential ββ-decay using a capillary tube and facilitating a liquid-to-gas phase transition by heating the capillary exit. The Ba ion is then separated from the accompanying Xe gas using a radio-frequency (RF) carpet and RF funnel, conclusively identifying the ion as 136Ba via laser-fluorescence spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Simultaneously, an accelerator-driven Ba ion source is being developed to validate and optimize this technique. The motivation for the project, the development of the different aspects, along with the current status and results, are discussed here.
Electric Vehicle Battery Technologies and Capacity Prediction: A Comprehensive Literature Review of Trends and Influencing Factors
Authors: Sang Vo Tri Duc , Duong Quang Huy , Zhou Li , Arranz Carlos F. A.
Published: December 2024

Electric vehicle (EV) battery technology is at the forefront of the shift towards sustainable transportation. However, maximising the environmental and economic benefits of electric vehicles depends on advances in battery life cycle management. This comprehensive review analyses trends, techniques, and challenges across EV battery development, capacity prediction, and recycling, drawing on a dataset of over 22,000 articles from four major databases. Using Dynamic Topic Modelling (DTM), this study identifies key innovations and evolving research themes in battery-related technologies, capacity degradation factors, and recycling methods. The literature is structured into two primary themes: (1) “Electric Vehicle Battery Technologies, Development & Trends” and (2) “Capacity Prediction and Influencing Factors”. DTM revealed pivotal findings: advancements in lithium-ion and solid-state batteries for higher energy density, improvements in recycling technologies to reduce environmental impact, and the efficacy of machine learning-based models for real-time capacity prediction. Gaps persist in scaling sustainable recycling methods, developing cost-effective manufacturing processes, and creating standards for life cycle impact assessment. Future directions emphasise multidisciplinary research on new battery chemistries, efficient end-of-life management, and policy frameworks that support circular economy practices. This review serves as a resource for stakeholders to address the critical technological and regulatory challenges that will shape the sustainable future of electric vehicles.
Digital Eye-Movement Outcomes (DEMOs) as Biomarkers for Neurological Conditions: A Narrative Review
Authors: Graham Lisa , Vitorio Rodrigo , Walker Richard , Barry Gill , Godfrey Alan , Morris Rosie , Stuart Samuel
Published: December 2024

Eye-movement assessment is a key component of neurological evaluation, offering valuable insights into neural deficits and underlying mechanisms. This narrative review explores the emerging subject of digital eye-movement outcomes (DEMOs) and their potential as sensitive biomarkers for neurological impairment. Eye tracking has become a useful method for investigating visual system functioning, attentional processes, and cognitive mechanisms. Abnormalities in eye movements, such as altered saccadic patterns or impaired smooth pursuit, can act as important diagnostic indicators for various neurological conditions. The non-invasive nature, cost-effectiveness, and ease of implementation of modern eye-tracking systems makes it particularly attractive in both clinical and research settings. Advanced digital eye-tracking technologies and analytical methods enable precise quantification of eye-movement parameters, complementing subjective clinical evaluations with objective data. This review examines how DEMOs could contribute to the localisation and diagnosis of neural impairments, potentially serving as useful biomarkers. By comprehensively exploring the role of eye-movement assessment, this review aims to highlight the common eye-movement deficits seen in neurological injury and disease by using the examples of mild traumatic brain injury and Parkinson’s Disease. This review also aims to enhance the understanding of the potential use of DEMOs in diagnosis, monitoring, and management of neurological disorders, ultimately improving patient care and deepening our understanding of complex neurological processes. Furthermore, we consider the broader implications of this technology in unravelling the complexities of visual processing, attention mechanisms, and cognitive functions. This review summarises how DEMOs could reshape our understanding of brain health and allow for more targeted and effective neurological interventions.
Rectus Femoris Muscle Segmentation on Ultrasound Images of Older Adults Using Automatic Segment Anything Model, nnU-Net and U-Net—A Prospective Study of Hong Kong Community Cohort
Authors: Zhang Dawei , Kang Hongyu , Sun Yu , Liu Justina Yat Wa , Lee Ka-Shing , Song Zhen , Khaw Jien Vei , Yeung Jackie , Peng Tao , Lam Sai-kit , Zheng Yongping
Published: December 2024

Sarcopenia is characterized by a degeneration of muscle mass and strength that incurs impaired mobility, posing grievous impacts on the quality of life and well-being of older adults worldwide. In 2018, a new international consensus was formulated to incorporate ultrasound imaging of the rectus femoris (RF) muscle for early sarcopenia assessment. Nonetheless, current clinical RF muscle identification and delineation procedures are manual, subjective, inaccurate, and challenging. Thus, developing an effective AI-empowered RF segmentation model to streamline downstream sarcopenia assessment is highly desirable. Yet, this area of research readily goes unnoticed compared to other disciplines, and relevant research is desperately wanted, especially in comparison among traditional, classic, and cutting-edge segmentation networks. This study evaluated an emerging Automatic Segment Anything Model (AutoSAM) compared to the U-Net and nnU-Net models for RF segmentation on ultrasound images. We prospectively analyzed ultrasound images of 257 older adults (aged > 65) in a community setting from Hong Kong’s District Elderly Community Centers. Three models were developed on a training set (n = 219) and independently evaluated on a testing set (n = 38) in aspects of DICE, Intersection-over-Union, Hausdorff Distance (HD), accuracy, precision, recall, as well as stability. The results indicated that the AutoSAM achieved the best segmentation agreement in all the evaluating metrics, consistently outperforming the U-Net and nnU-Net models. The results offered an effective state-of-the-art RF muscle segmentation tool for sarcopenia assessment in the future.
Peptide-Mediated Transport Across the Intact Tympanic Membrane Is Intracellular, with the Rate Determined by the Middle Ear Mucosal Epithelium
Authors: Kurabi Arwa , Xu Yuge , Chavez Eduardo , Khieu Vivian , Ryan Allen F.
Published: December 2024

The tympanic membrane forms an impenetrable barrier between the ear canal and the air-filled middle ear, protecting it from fluid, pathogens, and foreign material entry. We previously screened a phage display library and discovered peptides that mediate transport across the intact membrane. The route by which transport occurs is not certain, but possibilities include paracellular transport through loosened intercellular junctions and transcellular transport through the cells that comprise the various tympanic membrane layers. We used confocal imaging to resolve the phage’s path through the membrane. Phages were observed in puncta within the cytoplasm of tympanic membrane cells, with no evidence of phages within junctions between epithelial cells. This result indicates that transport across the membrane is transcellular and within vesicles, consistent with the transcytosis process. The trans-tympanic peptide phages display a wide range of transport efficiencies for unknown reasons. This could include variation in tympanic membrane binding, entry into the membrane, crossing the membrane, or exiting into the middle ear. To address this, we titered phages recovered from within the membrane for phages with differing transport rates. We found that differences in the transport rate were inversely related to their presence within the tympanic membrane. This suggests that differences in the transport rate primarily reflect the efficiency of an exocytotic exit from the mucosal epithelium rather than entry into, or passage across, the membrane.
Evaluating the Efficacy of Levetiracetam on Non-Cognitive Symptoms and Pathology in a Tau Mouse Model
Authors: Thompson Jackson C. , Levis Rabi Marselina , Novoa Michelle , Nash Kevin R. , Joly-Amado Aurelie
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is marked by amyloid-β plaques and hyperphosphorylated tau neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), leading to cognitive decline and debilitating non-cognitive symptoms. This study aimed to evaluate compounds from four different classes in a short-term (7-day) study using transgenic tau mice to assess their ability to reduce non-cognitive symptoms. The best candidate was then evaluated for longer exposure to assess non-cognitive symptoms, cognition, and pathology. Methods: Tg4510 mice, expressing mutated human tau (P301L), were administered with levetiracetam, methylphenidate, diazepam, and quetiapine for 7 days at 6 months old, when pathology and cognitive deficits are established. Drugs were given in the diet, and non-cognitive symptoms were evaluated using metabolic cages. Levetiracetam was chosen for longer exposure (3 months) in 3-month-old Tg4510 mice and non-transgenic controls to assess behavior and pathology. Results: After 3 months of diet, levetiracetam mildly reduced tau pathology in the hippocampus but did not improve cognition in Tg4510 mice. Interestingly, it influenced appetite, body weight, anxiety-like behavior, and contextual fear memory in non-transgenic animals but not in Tg4510 mice. Conclusions: While levetiracetam has shown benefits in amyloid deposition models, it had limited effects on tau pathology and behavior in an animal model of tau deposition, which is crucial for AD context. The differential effects on non-transgenic versus Tg4510 mice warrant further investigation.
Identification and Validation of qRT-PCR Reference Genes for Analyzing Arabidopsis Responses to High-Temperature Stress
Authors: Chen Siyu , Cai Qi , Liu Peipei , Liu Jingru , Chen Guanzhou , Yan Hanwei , Zheng Han
Published: December 2024

Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) is an essential tool for analyzing and selecting stable reference genes. In order to screen for suitable reference genes under high-temperature stress conditions in Arabidopsis, this study measured the relative expression levels of 17 candidate reference genes using qRT-PCR. Among these, four are traditional reference genes, while the remaining thirteen are candidate reference genes with no previous reports on their use as reference genes. The expression stability of the candidate reference gene expression was analyzed and evaluated using five methods: ΔCt, geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, and RefFinder. The results indicated that the LHCB4.1 and LHCB5 genes displayed the highest stability in expression under high-temperature stress conditions. To verify the stability of the reference genes, we treated Arabidopsis with high-temperature stress, used the selected LHCB4.1 and LHCB5 as references, and analyzed the expression of the heat-responsive gene HSFA2 using qRT-PCR. The results showed that when LHCB4.1 and LHCB5 were used individually or in combination as reference genes, the relative expression of HSFA2 significantly increased and remained consistent under high-temperature treatment. This indicates that both LHCB4.1 and LHCB5 are suitable reference genes for qRT-PCR analysis in Arabidopsis exposed to high-temperature stress. The novel reference genes identified in this study will serve as a reliable reference standard for gene expression studies in Arabidopsis under high-temperature stress, thereby enhancing the accuracy and comparability of experimental data.
From Surviving to Thriving: A Trauma-Informed Yoga Intervention for Adolescents and Educators in Rural Montana
Authors: Davis Lauren , Scott Brandon G. , Linse Greta M. , Buchanan Rebecca
Published: December 2024

(1) Background: Due to the mental health crisis that has spiraled since the onset of COVID-19, particularly among the nation’s youth, the purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of a novel, school-based mental health intervention for high school students (ages 15–17 years). This project’s main aim was to determine which intervention modality was more effective with students across two school districts with varying degrees of rurality (in-person delivery vs. remote delivery). A secondary aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of a remotely delivered, concurrent intervention for educators across both school districts. This study took place in rural southwestern Montana. (2) Methods: Utilizing a 6-week, trauma-informed yoga intervention, comparisons of mental and physical health outcomes were performed using cohort data drawn from participants’ physiological data and validated mental health survey measures. (3) Results: While physiological results were mixed across experimental groups, mental health outcomes were overwhelmingly positive for all groups. Additionally, educators reported improvements in career satisfaction and burnout levels. (4) Conclusions: Findings indicate a great deal of promise with this intervention in improving mental health outcomes for both students and educators. Moreover, a face-to-face intervention for students showed dramatic improvement in physiological stress indicators.