bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The metabolomic signature of weight loss and remission in the Diabetes Remission Clinical Trial (DiRECT)
Authors: Corbin Laura J. , Hughes David A. , Bull Caroline J. , Vincent Emma E. , Smith Madeleine L. , McConnachie Alex , Messow Claudia-Martina , Welsh Paul , Taylor Roy , Lean Michael E. J. , Sattar Naveed , Timpson Nicholas J.
Published: October 2023

Aims/hypothesis

High-throughput metabolomics technologies in a variety of study designs have demonstrated a consistent metabolomic signature of overweight and type 2 diabetes. However, the extent to which these metabolomic patterns can be reversed with weight loss and diabetes remission has been weakly investigated. We aimed to characterise the metabolomic consequences of a weight-loss intervention in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

We analysed 574 fasted serum samples collected within an existing RCT (the Diabetes Remission Clinical Trial [DiRECT]) (N=298). In the trial, participating primary care practices were randomly assigned (1:1) to provide either a weight management programme (intervention) or best-practice care by guidelines (control) treatment to individuals with type 2 diabetes. Here, metabolomics analysis was performed on samples collected at baseline and 12 months using both untargeted MS and targeted 1H-NMR spectroscopy. Multivariable regression models were fitted to evaluate the effect of the intervention on metabolite levels.

Results

Decreases in branched-chain amino acids, sugars and LDL triglycerides, and increases in sphingolipids, plasmalogens and metabolites related to fatty acid metabolism were associated with the intervention (Holm-corrected p<0.05). In individuals who lost more than 9 kg between baseline and 12 months, those who achieved diabetes remission saw greater reductions in glucose, fructose and mannose, compared with those who did not achieve remission.

Conclusions/interpretation

We have characterised the metabolomic effects of an integrated weight management programme previously shown to deliver weight loss and diabetes remission. A large proportion of the metabolome appears to be modifiable. Patterns of change were largely and strikingly opposite to perturbances previously documented with the development of type 2 diabetes.

Data availability

The data used for analysis are available on a research data repository (https://researchdata.gla.ac.uk/) with access given to researchers subject to appropriate data sharing agreements. Metabolite data preparation, data pre-processing, statistical analyses and figure generation were performed in R Studio v.1.0.143 using R v.4.0.2. The R code for this study has been made publicly available on GitHub at: https://github.com/lauracorbin/metabolomics_of_direct.

Graphical Abstract
Comparison of Motion Grading in 1,000 Patients by First- and Second-Generation HR-pQCT: A Propensity Score Matched Cohort Study
Authors: Bartosik Mikolaj , Simon Alexander , Strahl André , Oheim Ralf , Amling Michael , Schmidt Felix N.
Published: October 2023

In-vivo bone microstructure measured by high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) is gaining importance in research and clinical practice. Second-generation HR-pQCT (XCT2) shows improved image quality and shorter measurement duration compared to the first generation (XCT1). Predicting and understanding the occurrence of motion artifacts is crucial for clinical practice. We retrospectively analyzed data from HR-pQCT measurements at the distal radius and tibia of 1,000 patients (aged 20 to 89) evenly distributed between both generations of HR-pQCT. Motion artifacts were graded between 1 (no motion) and 5 (severe motion), with grades greater 3 considered unusable. Additionally, baseline characteristics and patients’ muscle performance and balance were measured. Various group comparisons between the two generations of HR-pQCT and regression analyses between patient characteristics and motion grading were performed. The study groups of XCT1 and XCT2 did not differ by age (XCT1: 64.9 vs. XCT2: 63.8 years, p = 0.136), sex (both 74.5% females, p > 0.999), or BMI (both 24.2 kg/m2, p = 0.911) after propensity score matching. XCT2 scans exhibited significantly lower motion grading in both extremities compared to XCT1 (Radius: p < 0.001; Tibia: p = 0.002). In XCT2 motion-corrupted scans were more than halved at the radius (XCT1: 35.3% vs. XCT2: 15.5%, p < 0.001), and at the tibia the frequency of best image quality scans was increased (XCT1: 50.2% vs. XCT2: 63.7%, p < 0.001). The strongest independent predictor for motion-corrupted images is the occurrence of high motion grading at the other scanning site during the same consultation. The association between high motion grading in one scan and a corresponding high motion grading in another scan within the same session suggests a non-resting patient. Additionally, aged, female, and patients with smaller stature tend towards higher motion grading, requiring special attention to a correct extremity fixation.
Evaluation of effectiveness and safety of the multizone NeVaTM stent retriever for mechanical thrombectomy in ischemic stroke
Authors: Masthoff Max , Krähling Hermann , Akkurt Burak Han , Elsharkawy Mohamed , Köhler Michael , Ergawy Mostafa , Thomas Christian , Schwindt Wolfram , Minnerup Jens , Stracke Paul
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the NeVaTM stent retriever as first- and second-line device for mechanical thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke.

Methods

In this retrospective single-center study, all consecutive patients that underwent mechanical thrombectomy with NeVaTM stent retriever as first- or second-line device due to intracranial vessel occlusion with acute ischemic stroke between March and November 2022 were included.

Results

Thirty-nine patients (m=18, f=21) with a mean age of 69.9 ± 13.3 years were treated with the NeVaTM stent retriever. NeVaTM stent retriever was used as first-line device in 24 (61.5%) of patients and in 15 (38.5%) as second-line device. First-pass rate (≥mTICI 2c) of NeVaTM stent retriever was both 66.7% when used as first- or second-line device. Final recanalization rate including rescue strategies was 92.3% for ≥mTICI2c and 94.9% for ≥mTICI2b. No device-related minor or major adverse events were observed. A hemorrhage was detected in 33.3% of patients at 24h post-thrombectomy dual-energy CT, of which none was classified as symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage. NIHSS and mRS improved significantly at discharge compared to admission (p<0.05).

Conclusion

The NeVaTM stent retriever has a high effectivity and good safety profile as first- and second-line device for mechanical thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke.
Recommendations for standard criteria for the positional and morphological evaluation of temporomandibular joint osseous structures using cone-beam CT: a systematic review
Authors: Almashraqi Abeer A. , Sayed Boshra A. , Mokli Lujain K. , Jaafari Sarah A. , Halboub Esam , Parveen Sameena , Al-Ak’hali Mohammed Sultan , Alhammadi Maged S.
Published: October 2023

Objective

This systematic review aimed to appraise the reliability and comprehensiveness of imaging methods in studies that used three-dimensional assessment of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in order to propose a standardized imaging method.

Methods

Six databases/search engines were searched up until September 2022. The outcomes of interest included measurements of the mandibular condyle, glenoid fossa, joint spaces, or the entire TMJ. Two checklists were utilized: one to assess the risk of bias, with a maximum score of 37, and the other, a pre-designed checklist consisting of 22 items to evaluate the comprehensiveness of the methods used, with a maximum score of 33.

Results

Out of the 2567 records retrieved, only 14 studies, which used cone bean computed tomography (CBCT), were deemed eligible and thus included in the qualitative analysis. Three studies were deemed of low risk of bias, while the remaining studies were rated as moderate to high risk of bias, primarily due to improper reporting of inter-observer agreement, varying reliability values, and a limited number of cases included in the reliability analysis. Regarding the comprehensiveness of the methods used, only four studies achieved relatively high scores. The deficiencies observed were related to the reporting of variables such as slice thickness and voxel size, absence of or improper reporting of intra- and inter-examiner reliability analyses, and failure to assess all osseous components of the TMJ.

Conclusion

CBCT-based methods used to assess the positions and morphology of TMJ bony structures appear to be imperfect and lacking in comprehensiveness. Hence, criteria for a standardized assessment method of these TMJ structures are proposed.

Clinical relevance statement

Accurately, comprehensively, and reliably assessing the osseous structures of the temporomandibular joint will provide valid and valuable diagnostic features of the normal temporomandibular joint, and help establish potential associations between these osseous features and temporomandibular disorders.

Registration

The protocol for this systematic review was registered at the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO, No.: CRD42020199792).

Key Points

•Although many methods have been introduced to assess the osseous structure of the temporomandibular joint, they yielded inconsistent findings.

•None of the published studies comprehensively assessed the temporomandibular joint.

•Recommendations for a comprehensive temporomandibular joint osseous assessment method were suggested for better validity and reliability of future research.
Reynolds Number Dependency of Wall-Bounded Turbulence Over a Surface Partially Covered by Barnacle Clusters
Authors: Sarakinos Sotirios , Busse Angela
Published: October 2023

The settlement of barnacles on a ship hull is a common form of marine biofouling. In this study, the Reynolds number dependency of turbulent flow over a surface partially covered by barnacle clusters is investigated using direct numerical simulations of turbulent channel flow at friction Reynolds numbers ranging from 180 to 720. Mean flow, Reynolds and dispersive stress statistics are evaluated and compared to the corresponding results for a generic irregular rough surface with a Gaussian height distribution. For the barnacle surface, distinctive features emerge in the velocity statistics due to the interplay between the barnacle clusters and the large, connected smooth-wall sections surrounding them. This aspect is further investigated by applying a rough-smooth decomposition to the local time-averaged flow statistics for the barnacle surface. Using this decomposition, the partial recovery of smooth-wall behaviour over the smooth sections of the barnacle surface can be observed in the Reynolds stress statistics with the streamwise Reynolds stresses exhibiting a similar behaviour as previously found for boundary layers over surfaces with a rough to smooth transition.
Diet-habitat ecology of invasive tilapia and native fish in a tropical river catchment following a tilapia invasion
Authors: O’Mara Kaitlyn , Venarsky Michael , Marshall Jonathan , Stewart-Koster Ben
Published: October 2023

Many species of tilapia (a collection of fish species from the cichlidae family) have biological traits that make them successful invaders. Widespread herbivory has been observed across tilapia species, however knowledge on habitat preferences and tilapia interactions with native fish food webs is limited. This study was conducted three years after spotted (Pelmatolapia mariae) and Mozambique (Oreochromis mossambicus) tilapia were detected in the Mitchell River catchment, northern Australia. Tilapia diet and habitat preferences and their trophic position in native fish food webs was determined using a combination of stomach content, stable isotope, and habitat assessment analyses. Plant material was the most abundant item in tilapia stomachs, and some stomachs also contained other items in small quantities, such as fish eggs, small shrimp, and bivalves. Some niche overlap occurred between P. mariae and native omnivore or herbivore fish species. Macrohabitat type (in-channel (no tilapia), floodplain (no tilapia), weir (tilapia present)) was related to native fish food web structure, with weir food webs showing similarities to floodplain food webs. Floodplain habitats including creeks and wetlands were also most similar to weir habitats and may therefore be most at risk of colonization as tilapia spread throughout the catchment. This study clearly demonstrated that the successful rapid invasion of these two tilapia species is linked to suitable habitat with abundant food that fuels growth and reproduction. These findings increase understanding of diet related habitat use during new tilapia invasions and trophic interactions with native species.
Robots2school: telepresence-mediated learning in the hybrid classroom – experiences in education support for children during cancer treatment: a qualitative study
Authors: Weibel Mette , Bergdahl Nina , Hallström Inger Kristensson , Skoubo Sofie , Bertel Lykke Brogaard , Schmiegelow Kjeld , Larsen Hanne Baekgaard
Published: October 2023

Children with cancer experience recurring hospitalizations and isolation during treatment, which affect their school attendance. This study explores experiences of children with cancer, their classmates, and teachers with using the telepresence robot as a learning mediator in the hybrid classroom during treatment periods. 31 children with cancer (aged 7–17 years), 30 teachers, and 118 classmates participated in interviews and 19 h of participant observations were undertaken in nine classrooms. The Agential Realism Theory and Situational Analysis framed the data analysis. There was a single overarching theme, “Telepresence robot didactic,“ and five sub-themes (Telepresence mediated learning, school-home collaboration, hybrid robot teaching, intra-actions in class, and inclusive spatiality). This study advocates the complexity of telepresence robot didactics, emphasizing that numerous human and other factors must intra-act and work simultaneously to achieve optimal learning conditions for children during cancer treatment. This includes considerations such as modality availability for the remote child; the teacher’s understanding of telepresence robot didactic and hybrid learning; the classmate’s ability to involve the remote child in groupwork; the child’s own treatment protocol, the robot’s functionalities, and spatiality in the class. Strategies for use and the systematic surveillance of telepresence robots are needed to ensure that children during cancer treatment do not lag in academic achievement. This study proposes that children with cancer can continue participating in class while hospitalized or isolated and consequently reduce social and academic setbacks.
Emergency remote teaching of listening comprehension using YouTube videos with captions
Authors: Boltiziar Jana , Munkova Dasa
Published: October 2023

Emergency remote teaching of listening comprehension is a challenge requiring rethinking of the delivery methods and use of technologies. The paper presents an approach to teaching listening comprehension remotely to students of translating and interpreting for whom this skill will be crucial in their future profession. The aim of the study was to examine the impact of using YouTube videos with captions in listening comprehension lessons on the students’ listening skills and their confidence in foreign language use. A standard questionnaire was used to record their learning experience. In spite of being taught remotely, students improved in listening comprehension and profited from being able to consider their individual needs during listening assignments. They used captions in comprehension difficulties similar to those in real life, such as strong accents, fast speech, and unknown words. Positive correlation was identified between the use of captions and students’ performance in listening tests. It appears captions have a potential to help improve in listening, recognizing accents, segmenting connected speech, and acquiring new vocabulary.
What makes a shear-free spherical perfect fluid be inhomogeneous with tidal effects?
Authors: Hakata Jonathan , Goswami Rituparno , Hansraj Chevarra , Maharaj Sunil D.
Published: October 2023

This is an important and natural question as the spacetime shear, inhomogeneity and tidal effects are all intertwined via the Einstein field equations. Though many solutions with these properties exist in the literature, in this paper we identify, via a geometrical analysis, the important physical reason behind these solutions. We show that such scenarios are possible for limited classes of equations of state that are solutions to a highly nonlinear and fourth order differential equation. To show this, we use a covariant semitetrad spacetime decomposition and present a novel geometrical classification of shear-free locally rotationally symmetric perfect fluid self-gravitating systems, in terms of the covariantly defined fluid acceleration and the fluid expansion. Noteworthily, we deduce the governing differential equation that gives the possible limited equations of state of matter.
Hydrogels with Phosphate Groups as Potential Carriers of Bisphosphonates
Authors: Sandomierski Mariusz , Jakubowski Marcel , Gajewski Piotr , Szcześniak Katarzyna , Voelkel Adam
Published: October 2023

Hydrogels are potential materials in many biomedical applications. A particularly promising application is their use in bone tissue engineering as implants or layers on the surface of titanium alloys. Disadvantage in the use of hydrogels in drug release system is often “burst release” effect what obstructs controlled release of pharmaceutically active agent. This functionality can be obtained by using an appropriate hydrogel, which has in its structure ions to which the drug is complexed. In this work, hydrogel materials containing mers with phosphate groups were prepared and used in the controlled drug release. The prepared material was functionalized with Ca2+, Mg2+, and Sr2+ ions. These ions were chosen because they support the osseointegration process. The possibility of sorption of the drug for osteoporosis (risedronate) was tested on the prepared hydrogels. Sorption was effective only on the hydrogel with calcium ions. The drug was evenly distributed throughout the hydrogel. The new hydrogel has proven to be able to retain the drug and slowly release it in small doses. We assume that the prepared material has the potential to be used as a coating for bone implants or as an implantable hydrogel for people suffering from osteoporosis.
VirtMRI: A Tool for Teaching MRI
Authors: Tönnes Christian , Licht Christian , Schad Lothar R. , Zöllner Frank G.
Published: October 2023

Magnetic resonance image formation is not trivial and remains a difficult subject for teaching. Therefore, we saw an urgent need to facilitate teaching by developing a practical and easily accessible MR image generator. Due to the increasing interest in X-nuclei MRI, sodium image generation is also offered. The tool is implemented as a web application that is compatible with all standard desktop browsers and is open source. The user interface focuses on the parameters needed for the creation and display of the resulting images. Available MR sequences range from the standard Spin Echo and Inversion Recovery over steady-state to conventional sodium and more advanced single and triple quantum sequences. Additionally, the user interface has parameters to alter the resolution, the noise, and the k-space sampling. Our software is free to use and specifically suited for teaching purposes.
Assistive technology-based solutions in learning mathematics for visually-impaired people: exploring issues, challenges and opportunities
Authors: Shoaib Muhammad , Fitzpatrick Donal , Pitt Ian
Published: October 2023

In the absence of vision, visually impaired and blind people rely upon the tactile sense and hearing to obtain information about their surrounding environment. These senses cannot fully compensate for the absence of vision, so visually impaired and blind people experience difficulty with many tasks, including learning. This is particularly true of mathematical learning. Nowadays, technology provides many effective and affordable solutions to help visually impaired and blind people acquire mathematical skills. This paper is based upon a systematic review of technology-based mathematical learning solutions for visually impaired people and discusses the findings and objectives for technological improvements. It analyses the issues, challenges and limitations of existing techniques. We note that audio feedback, tactile displays, a supportive academic environment, digital textbooks and other forms of accessible math applications improve the quality of learning mathematics in visually impaired and blind people. Based on these findings, it is suggested that smartphone-based solutions could be more convenient and affordable than desktop/laptop-based solutions as a means to enhance mathematical learning. Additionally, future research directions are discussed, which may assist researchers to propose further solutions that will improve the quality of life for visually impaired and blind people.
A Field Based Perspective of the Volcanism in Tadpatri Formation of Proterozoic Cuddapah Basin, India: An Analog of the Deccan Traps?
Authors: De Saheli , Ray Jyotisankar , Dey Payel , Dutta Simran
Published: October 2023

Field studies around Pulivendla (14º33'36"N: 78º19'48"E) belonging to the Tadpatri Formation of Proterozoic Cuddapah Basin document three distinct lava flows (based on internal layering), associated sediments (shale and sandstone) and intrusive dyke-sill system. The presence of previously undocumented internal layering namely Lower Vesicular Zone (LVZ), Lower Colonnade Zone (LCZ), Entablature Zone (EZ), Upper Colonnade Zone (UCZ) and Upper Vesicular Zone (UVZ) helps to delineate three lava flows in the study area. The associated sedimentary beds either correspond to lava cessation-period or dynamic lava-sediment interaction due to lava-cascading. The present study in Tadpatri Formation reveals volcano-sedimentological features analogous to that of Deccan Traps. It is postulated that magmatism within Tadpatri Formation might have been largely controlled by Proterozoic syn-rift plume activity (needs further corroboration by high precision major/trace/isotopic analyses).
Geochemistry of Stream Sediments from Eastern Ghats Mobile Belt, India: Implications on Sediment Type, Maturity, Source-area Weathering and Provenance
Authors: Patel Dhananjay Kumar , Nath Sudipto
Published: October 2023

During their flow through an area, the streams are used to erode, transport and re-deposit sediments in the number of cycles following the climatic variation in an area. This cycle in turn affect the chemistry of these sediments and hence the geochemical study of these sediments helps to understand the palaeo-climate, source-area weathering and provenance of the study area. In order to understand the geochemical classification of sediments, palaeoclimate, source-area weathering and provenance for stream sediments of the Eastern Ghats Mobile Belt (EGMB), 364 stream sediment samples were collected from the area around Daringbadi, Kandhamal district, Odisha, India and analyzed for major oxides, trace elements and rare earth elements. These sediments are geochemically classified as shaly and wacke type, moderately mature and derived through the high intensity of weathering of source rock under warm and humid climatic condition. The positive correlation between Al2O3 and Fe2O3, MnO, and MgO, indicates multiple sources for sediment and these oxides are associated with clay minerals. The discrimination function diagram suggests a felsic igneous as well as quartzo-sedimentary provenance for these sediments whereas the ratio of Al2O3/TiO2 and concentration of V-Ni-Th suggest a felsic igneous source rock. The high concentration of LREE, slight enrichment of HREE and negative Eu anomaly indicate terrestrial or continental crust source rock. Hence the source rock for these sediments are granite gneiss, charnokite and khondalite present in and around Daringbadi area.
Organic Petrological Facets and the Evolution of Paleomire, Matasukh Lignite Deposits, Rajasthan, India
Authors: Naik A.S. , Singh Vishvajeet , Mohanty D. , Majhi R.K. , Kumar Govind , Upadhyay N. , Kumari Manju , Rai Shweta
Published: October 2023

The present research work attempts to understand the organo-petrological facets of the lignite hosted in the Tertiary successions in Rajasthan. The maceral diversity was analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively which recorded huminite as the dominant microscopic constituent followed by inertinite and liptinite. The rank parameter of coal evaluated through vitrinite reflectance measurement random (VRo) shows the values vary between 0.19 to 0.27% suggesting lignite in rank. The petrographic investigation point towards the primary phase of degradation of organic matter corroborated through the dominance of huminite suggesting frequent flooding and the presence of funginite, demonstrating intense fungal activity in the mire. The paleodepositional model records elevated values of gelification Index (GI) ranging from 1.63 to 3.88 with well-preserved cell structures pointing towards an early phase of coalification. The model and plot of GI and TPI show that the paleomire developed in a limnic setting.
Characterisation of Pre and Post-Tsunami Sediments by Grain Size Analysis Using G2Sd Package in R Programming from Nagoor to Poompuhar, Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Sivanandam Yamini , S.E. Saranaathan
Published: October 2023

India witnessed a massive tsunami on 26th of December 2004, which adversely affected the East coast of India. This research focuses on the coastline between Nagoor to Poompuhar, Tamil Nadu which lies for a stretch of 35 km. Eight stations, namely, Poompuhar, Chinnangudi, Kuttyandiyur, Chandrapadi, Kottucherimedu, Karaikal Beach, Vadakku Vanjiyur North, and Nagoor Beach were chosen and a total of 73 samples were studied. The motive is to study the characteristics of pre and post tsunami sediment samples by analysing their grain size. The statistics of the sediments were done using G2Sd package of R programme, which showed lowering in the mean values of phi, percentage of increase in bimodality, change in skewness, and moderately well sorted sediments post tsunami indicating high-energy circumstances. The bivariate plots were plotted between different parameters to get more insight about depositional environments. Linear Discriminate Functions reveal the samples of pre-tsunami were deposited by aeolian process but most of the post-tsunami samples were deposited by beach process and 100% are from shallow marine conditions. The CM pattern and tractive current plots reveal the gradual suspension in pre tsunami whereas rolling in post tsunami. The characteristics of sediments of pre- and post-tsunami in a more effective manner are presented in this paper.
Proposed Sequential Process to Identify Smaller Vulnerable Area from a Larger Area for Groundwater Modelling Studies using Groundwater Potential Zone and Stage of Groundwater Development Category Maps – A Study for Cheyyar River Basin, Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Narayanamurthi Vishnuvardan , Ramasamy Annadurai
Published: October 2023

Groundwater modelling requires data from electrical resistivity surveying and pumping test, which consumes more time and cost for its collection for a larger area. In this study, using remote sensing data and GIS tools, a sequential process is proposed for finding the suitable vulnerable smaller area for groundwater modelling from a relatively larger area. The chosen larger area, Cheyyar river basin, Tamil Nadu, India spreading 4358 km2, has groundwater decline due to aquifer groundwater exploitation. Groundwater potential zone with river basin as boundary and stage of groundwater development with firrka boundary are used for this study. For comparison, 56 firrkas covering the entire river basin were reduced to 26 firrkas, with at least 95% preserved area after reducing along the river basin boundary. Groundwater potential zones were converted to a firrka-wise representative potential zone by considering mode as a central tendency. As all the firrkas come under the moderate category, it was further reclassified into good-skewed-moderate, moderate and poor-skewed-moderate. The combinational class was developed by combining the two category maps for each firrka. The over-exploited and critical categories under good-skewed-moderate and over-exploited under the moderate category were considered vulnerable combinations. A total of eight firrkas come under the vulnerable category. Based on data availability and data collection feasibility in the vulnerable firrkas, Kelur’s moderate overexploitation category is considered a smaller vulnerable area for groundwater modelling study.
210Pb Geochronology and Heavy Metal Fluxes in Darna and Gangapur Reservoirs, Maharashtra, India
Authors: Humane Sumedh K. , Ukey Rajeshree R. , Humane Samaya S. , Gajbhiye Pranit B. , Aparajit Nikhil
Published: October 2023

The modern agricultural work mainly involves the use of synthetic fertilizers and large scale deforestation. The numerous agricultural activities around the Darna and the Gangapur Reservoirs of the Nashik Distirct, India have started the environmental issues such as an early or rapid eutrophication and heavy metal accumulations. Agricultural runoff and industrial wastes are proved to be the potential sources of heavy metals. The heavy metals may accelerate the effect of pollution on the environment with the decline in the biodegradability of the organic pollutants. The impacts of the anthropogenic activities with the passing time have been recorded in the form of geochemical elements accumulated as the part of bottom sediments of the reservoirs. The present study has revealed that the heavy metal concentration from the core sediments of the reservoirs displays the moderately high to highly positive inter-correlation. The historical profiles of both the reservoirs show the highest enrichments for Cr, Ni, Cu, Co, V, Sc and Eu. The impact of metal pollutants on both the reservoirs is explored with regard to the ages derived from the 210Pb geochronology and the constant rate of supply (CRS) model.
W-Li Potentials in the Tailing Dumps of Rewat Hill, Degana, Rajasthan, NW India; Constraints from Petrography and Geochemistry
Authors: Kumar Suresh , Bhardwaj Shishir , Sharma Achman , Sharma Vivek
Published: October 2023

The largest tungsten deposit at Degana in NW India, hosted in Neoproterozoic (ca. 827±8.2 Ma) peraluminous granite emplaced within Delhi meta-sediments, characterized as vein and greisen types hydrothermal multi-metal deposit. A number of NW-SE trending quartz and pegmatite veins, intruded in granite, host tungsten and lithium of economic significance. Extensive mining for tungsten ore in the past resulted in huge amount of tailing dumps on hill slope of Rewat hill all over. These tailing dumps mainly contain greisenised granite, pegmatite and quartz-mica-wolframite veins which host anomalous W-Li-Sn-Mo-Ta multi-metals. In this study, we provide first-hand information on W-Li and associated rare metals potential of tailing dumps of Rewat hill using petrographic study and geochemical analysis. A total 7 samples from tailing dumps were analysed by ICP-MS indicate significant W values which ranges between 201.47 ppm to 2647.83 ppm with an average of 748.51 ppm, Li (1006.92 ppm to 6701.43 ppm, avg. 2743.64 ppm), Sn (22.77 ppm to 438.87 ppm, avg. 96.49 ppm), Mo (3.43 ppm to 254.21 ppm, avg. 63.0 ppm) and Ta up to 53.09 ppm. Ore beneficiation study on tungsten ore from tailing dumps by NML indicated that at 5% WO3, the grade of the pre-concentrate; a recovery of > 60% could be achieved whereas at 30% WO3 grade the recovery is about 46%. However, IBM results indicated a recovery of 59.8% with 66.30-66.50% WO3 grade of final concentrate from tailing dumps having assay value between 0.14%-0.15% WO3.
Evaluation of Degree of Alteration in Fossil Ostracods from Middle Callovian-Lower Oxfordian Beds of Southern Part of Kachchh Basin, Gujarat, India by Characterizing Surface Roughness of the Shell
Authors: Muduli Ganesh Prasad , Kumari Manisha , Mahalakshmi T.
Published: October 2023

Before proceeding with any type of analysis, the condition of preservation of microfossil shells must be determined. Preservation of the shell affects tasks, such as holotype specimen selection, distribution chart, and specimen selection for geochemical analysis. The typical way to determine the degree of alteration is to use a visual examination under the stereo microscope. The deviation of visual characteristics such as colour and smoothness of the shell surface from unaltered shells depicts the alteration status. However, our eyes are frequently misled by the roughness of the shell created by tiny crystals that form due to recrystallization during the diagenesis process and are perceived to be smooth. In turn, the shell is regarded as well-preserved. To address these limitations, we have analyzed scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of ostracod shells using ImageJ, an image processing software, to determine the roughness parameters based on the grey value of the image. In addition, we compared the values of several parameters with different types of alterations, such as recrystallization and dissolution. This study aims to characterize the surface roughness of eight selected ostracod specimens from Middle Callovian to Upper Oxfordian beds of the southern part of Mainland Kachchh. The selected eight species - Cytherella masuguluensis, Progonocythere sp. A, Progonocythere jaisalmerensis, Bythocypris rajasthanensis, Paracypris contermia, Galliaecytheridea remota, Cytherelloidea sp. A, Cytherelloidea sp. B - belong to six genera and five families.
Satellite Derived Bathymetry and Water Level Change in Beysehir Lake
Authors: Erkoç Muharrem Hilmi
Published: October 2023

Several factors, including water level, depth, water quality, biodiversity, and tourist activities, play a crucial role in the sustainability of lakes, and therefore require constant monitoring. This study aimed to examine the water level changes of Lake Beysehir between 2015 and 2020 and determine whether there was a difference in bathymetry as the lake water level changed. To achieve this, lake water level data was first obtained from Copernicus Global Land Service, which uses satellite altimetry data to determine water level changes in Beysehir Lake. Sentinel-2 multispectral high-resolution satellite images obtained from Sentinel-Hub were then used to determine the depth of the lake. Finally, these high-resolution satellite images were processed using the open-source SNAP software developed by the European Space Agency. A decreasing trend of -9.8 ± 0.8 cm/yr in the lake water level between 2015 and 2020 was revealed by the analysis. The Empirical Satellite-Derived Bathymetry map was produced, and the maximum and average depth of the lake was determined after the required corrections were applied to the Sentinel-2 satellite images. The average depth, which was 8.44 meters in 2015, was found to have decreased to 4.06 meters in 2020. Additionally, a 0.92 correlation was found between the decrease in the lake water level and the average depth change.
Report on 28th General Assembly of the International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics, Berlin, Germany
Authors: Satyavani N. , Catherine Joshi
Published: October 2023

No Abstract Found
Watershed Management, Green Environment and Rural Resurgence
Authors: Das Subhajyoti
Published: October 2023

No Abstract Found
Prof. Subhendu Bardhan (1951-2023)
Authors: Paul Sharmistha
Published: October 2023

No Abstract Found
Prof. B. Krishna Rao (1941-2023)
Authors: Srinivasan R. , Vasudev V.N. , Pandit S.A.
Published: October 2023

No Abstract Found
Integrated gallium phosphide-waveguide polarization rotator based on rotating a horizontal slot by 45 degree for 700 nm wavelength
Authors: Salih Salwa Marwan , Tawfeeq Shelan Khasro
Published: October 2023

Polarization manipulation elements operating at visible wavelengths represent a critical component of quantum communication sub-systems, equivalent to their telecom wavelength counterparts. The method proposed involves rotating the optic axis of the polarized input light by an angle of 45 degree, thereby converting the fundamental transverse electric (TE0) mode to the fundamental transverse magnetic (TM0) mode. This paper outlines an integrated gallium phosphide-waveguide polarization rotator, which relies on the rotation of a horizontal slot by 45 degree at a wavelength of 700 nm. This will ultimately lead to the conception of a mode hybridization phenomenon in the waveguide. The simulation results demonstrate a polarization conversion efficiency of 99.99% (99.98%) for TE0-to-TM0 (TM0-to-TE0) mode conversion, with an extinction ratio of 46.14 (39.62) dB and insertion loss below 1.6 dB at the specified wavelength. Additionally, the fabrication tolerance with regard to the width, height, and half-beat length of the proposed structure is investigated.
The use of weighted multiple linear regression to estimate QTL × QTL × QTL interaction effects of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) doubled-haploid lines
Authors: Cyplik Adrian , Piaskowska Dominika , Czembor Paweł , Bocianowski Jan
Published: October 2023

Knowledge of the magnitude of gene effects and their interactions, their nature, and contribution to determining quantitative traits is very important in conducting an effective breeding program. In traditional breeding, information on the parameter related to additive gene effect and additive-additive interaction (epistasis) and higher-order additive interactions would be useful. Although commonly overlooked in studies, higher-order interactions have a significant impact on phenotypic traits. Failure to account for the effect of triplet interactions in quantitative genetics can significantly underestimate additive QTL effects. Understanding the genetic architecture of quantitative traits is a major challenge in the post-genomic era, especially for quantitative trait locus (QTL) effects, QTL–QTL interactions, and QTL–QTL–QTL interactions. This paper proposes using weighted multiple linear regression to estimate the effects of triple interaction (additive–additive–additive) quantitative trait loci (QTL–QTL–QTL). The material for the study consisted of 126 doubled haploid lines of winter wheat (Mandub × Begra cross). The lines were analyzed for 18 traits, including percentage of necrosis leaf area, percentage of leaf area covered by pycnidia, heading data, and height. The number of genes (the number of effective factors) was lower than the number of QTLs for nine traits, higher for four traits and equal for five traits. The number of triples for unweighted regression ranged from 0 to 9, while for weighted regression, it ranged from 0 to 13. The total aaagu effect ranged from − 14.74 to 15.61, while aaagw ranged from − 23.39 to 21.65. The number of detected threes using weighted regression was higher for two traits and lower for four traits. Forty-nine statistically significant threes of the additive-by-additive-by-additive interaction effects were observed. The QTL most frequently occurring in threes was 4407404 (9 times). The use of weighted regression improved (in absolute value) the assessment of QTL–QTL–QTL interaction effects compared to the assessment based on unweighted regression. The coefficients of determination for the weighted regression model were higher, ranging from 0.8 to 15.5%, than for the unweighted regression. Based on the results, it can be concluded that the QTL–QTL–QTL triple interaction had a significant effect on the expression of quantitative traits. The use of weighted multiple linear regression proved to be a useful statistical tool for estimating additive-additive-additive (aaa) interaction effects. The weighted regression also provided results closer to phenotypic evaluations than estimator values obtained using unweighted regression, which is closer to the true values.
Keratinases produced by Chryseobacterium proteolyticum FGNn and Pseudomonas aeruginosa GNFx liberated amino acids from poultry feathers
Authors: Giwu Nonkonzo , Nnolim Nonso E. , Nwodo Uchechukwu U.
Published: October 2023

The agro-industrial sector generates diverse waste that requires effective handling to mitigate economic loss and pollution. Consequently, this study assessed bacterial isolates from poultry dumpsites for feather decomposition and keratinase production capacity. The protein hydrolysates generated from feather dismemberment by two bacteria identified as Chryseobacterium proteolyticum FGNn (accession no. MW165478) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa GNFx (accession no. MW165479) were profiled for amino acids composition. The biochemical properties of the bacteria-associated keratinases were determined. Initial keratinase production (with percentage feather degradation), demonstrated by the isolates, was 693.63 ± 62.99 U/mL (81%) and 619.09 ± 37.28 (76%) against FGNn and GNFx, respectively. At optimized process conditions, C. proteolyticum and P. aeruginosa extracellular keratinase production was 1756.36 ± 2.57 U/mL at 72 h and 2055.45 ± 50.14 U/mL at 96 h, respectively. Analysis of the feather hydrolysates showed a relatively high abundance of arginine (3.18%) and glycine (3.26%) for FGNn and glutamic acid (6.05%), serine (3.31%), aspartic acid (4.74%), glycine (3.71%), alanine (3.43%), valine (3.09%), and leucine (3.23%) for GNFx. The keratinolytic proteases showed pH and temperature optima of 8.0 and 50°C against FGNn, and 8.0 and 60°C against GNFx. GNFx keratinase was thermostable, displaying a half-life time of more than 60 min at 80°C. In addition, GNFx keratinolytic enzyme was chemical agent tolerant post-treatment. The findings underlined the significance of C. proteolyticum FGNn and P. aeruginosa GNFx as suitable in the valorisation of keratinous biomass. Also, the robust stability profile of GNFx keratinase highlights its prospects in green technology.
Modelling the Wall Pressure Fluctuations on the VEGA-C Launcher in Supersonic Conditions
Authors: Camussi R. , Di Marco Alessandro , De Paola Elisa , Stoica Gerorgiana Luana , Stoica Cornelius , Paglia Fabio , Romano Luca , Barbagallo Daniele
Published: October 2023

The prediction of pressure fluctuations generated over the external surface of aerospace launchers during the atmospheric flight remains a challenging task due to the complexity of the geometry and the effects of compressibility at high supersonic Mach numbers. An experimental database is here analysed to the scope of providing a procedure to model and predict the relevant statistics of the wall pressure fluctuations generated by a supersonic flow overflowing the VEGA-C Launcher Vehicle. Data have been obtained in an extensive Wind Tunnel test campaign carried out in the trisonic wind tunnel of the National Institute for Aerospace Research (INCAS) in Bucharest. Wall-mounted pressure transducers allowed for the computation of the pressure Auto- and Cross-spectra over the fourth (the payload region) and third stages of the launcher model. Coherence functions are modelled through exponential-like analytical functions following the approaches usually adopted in canonical boundary layer flows, whereas the auto-spectra models are based on polynomial fits. The approach adopted for the achievement of proper non-dimensional quantities as well as the procedure implemented for the full-scale extrapolation is presented and discussed.
The Paradox of Gender Equality and Economic Outcomes in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Wamboye Evelyn F.
Published: October 2023

This Element provides an in-depth analysis of the role of women's ownership of and access to land in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) in determining gender equality and women's economic and social outcomes and gives suggestions to inform effective gender-sensitive land policies. Using cross-sectional regression analysis, we find that ownership of land by women positively contributes to women's absolute employment. Conversely, results from pairwise correlation show that a lack of ownership of land by women is highly correlated with increased women's unemployment. Despite these findings, the proportion of women who own land in SSA is lower than that of men. Moreover, women usually acquire land through either purchase from the market system or marriage, and even then their rights of ownership are usually very limited and precarious compared to the rights of men.
Machinery for managers: secretaries, psychologists, and ‘human–computer interaction’, 1973–1983
Authors: Schirvar Sam
Published: October 2023

This article characterizes early research in the field of ‘human–computer interaction’ (HCI) by analysing the first decade of ‘user psychology’ research at Xerox's Palo Alto Research Center (PARC). PARC's Applied Information-Processing Psychology Project (AIP) provided an initial theoretical foundation for HCI in the early 1980s. Like researchers in artificial intelligence (AI), researchers at AIP drew from information-processing psychology. However, AIP researchers argued that their focus on human behaviour distinguished their research from AI and other fields allied with computer science. Previous scholarship has shown that United States computer engineers became concerned with ‘users’ as they sought to commercialize military-funded developments in interactive computing. This paper argues that the decision made by upper management in computerizing workplaces to shift some text production work from clerical workers to middle managers during the 1970s and 1980s led AIP to perceive ambiguities around gender and technical skill. This shaped the initial theoretical foundations that the research group offered to HCI – especially the group's conception of the ‘user’. Computer designers went from presenting word-processing programs as clerical machines for women workers to presenting them as tools for masculine thinking. AIP's research diverged from industrial engineering and AI in response to this transformation.
Facing displacement and a global pandemic: evidence from a fragile state
Authors: Di Maio Michele , Fasani Francesco , Leone Sciabolazza Valerio , Molini Vasco
Published: October 2023

We use novel survey data to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Libya. Our analysis compares the effects of the pandemic for displaced and non-displaced citizens, controlling for individual and household characteristics and geo-localized measures of economic activity and conflict intensity. In our sample, 9.5% of respondents report that a household member has been infected by COVID-19, while 24.7% of them have suffered economic damages and 14.6% have experienced negative health effects due to the pandemic. IDPs do not display higher incidence of COVID-19 relative to comparable non-displaced individuals, but are about 60% more likely to report negative economic and health impacts caused by the pandemic. We provide suggestive evidence that the larger damages suffered by IDPs can be explained by their weaker economic status—which leads to more food insecurity and indebtedness—and by the discrimination they face in accessing health care.