bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi-timescale coupling optimization model and economic analysis for joint transmission of large-scale new energy power generation bases
Authors: Zhao Lang , Yi Haiqiong , Li Yizheng , Wu Qiliang , Xie Xintao , Yu Haifeng
Published: September 2024

Although the northwest of China is full of sand and desert, it is rich in wind, solar, and coal resources. It is an important way to solve the contradiction between new energy and load distribution by bundling “wind-solar-thermal-storage” power through ultra-high voltage channels. In this paper, the optimization model of large-scale new energy bases coupled with multiple time scales is constructed to determine the optimal output of thermal power units in the process of transmission. Then, the economy of thermal power in large new energy bases is analyzed. The results show that the bundling of “wind-solar-thermal-storage” reduces the rate of wind and solar abandonment of new energy and increases the environmental benefits of new energy transmission.
Optimal scheduling of integrated energy systems for eco-economic operation
Authors: Sun Quan , Wu Bin
Published: September 2024

In the context of rising environmental awareness and the pursuit of sustainable development, it is critical to advance low-carbon economies, especially within the field of energy system management. Our research is dedicated to enhancing the efficiency of Combined Cooling, Heating, and Power (CCHP) systems to meet both cost and environmental objectives. We have devised an optimized CCHP model that employs the particle swarm optimization algorithm to manage complex constraints and improve solution accuracy. Through case studies, we have verified that our model significantly increases the system’s eco-efficiency and operational excellence.
Distributed energy storage participates in reactive power optimization strategy research of new distribution system
Authors: Deng Yanping , Du Ye , Sun Yifan , Du Shu , Xu Jing , Rong Xin , Ren Shuheng , Zhao Rusheng
Published: September 2024

We studied the reactive power control strategy of distributed energy storage in distribution systems, improved reactive power support capacity, and enhanced system reliability and new energy carrying capacity. Firstly, the principles and methods of reactive power optimization in distribution networks are studied. Then, the principles and mechanisms of distributed energy storage participating in reactive power control in distribution networks are studied. Finally, the genetic algorithm optimization method for reactive power optimization in distribution networks is studied, including parameter setting, target selection, and genetic strategy improvement, providing support for fine control of reactive power and voltage in distribution systems and efficient operation. Through simulation analysis of the IEEE33 node system, it is shown that distributed energy storage can improve the reactive voltage level of the distribution system and promote the consumption of new energy.
Aerodynamic performance and flow field characteristics of wind turbines under shear incoming flow conditions
Authors: Li Qian , Guo LinFeng , Lin HangBing , Zhang Qing , Zhou LiPeng , Liu Yong , Li DeShun
Published: September 2024

With the large size of the units, wind farms are evaluated in order to improve the accuracy of the incoming flow measurement and to improve the unit control strategy. In this paper, the turbulent wind field generated by autoregressive linear filtering using a large eddy simulation turbulence model is used to study the wind speed-induced zone under shear incoming flow conditions. At the same time, the wake and aerodynamic performances of the wind turbine under different incoming flow conditions are investigated, and conclusions are obtained. 1) The larger the shear index is, the larger the amplitude is at the first frequency component of the power and the thrust, and the larger the fatigue load is for the wind turbine. 2) For the wind turbine wake flow in the case of smaller wind turbine size, the wake velocity profiles at different shear indices cross and overlap in the transition and far wake regions. At position 0.5 D, the turbulence profiles with different shear indices basically overlap; the larger the shear index is, the more intense the wake flow exchange is and the greater the turbulence intensity in the wake region will be. 3) For the wind speed-induced region, at position −0.1 D, the incoming flow velocity distribution is subject to the combined effect of induction and shear, and the induction effect of the wind turbine wheel is a little larger. The larger the shear index, the greater the turbulence intensity.
Armed conflict as a catalyst for increasing flood risk
Authors: Basheer Mohammed , Elagib Nadir Ahmed
Published: September 2024

Armed conflict has many adverse impacts beyond violence such as increasing risks of natural hazards. Analyses of the interactions between flood risks and armed conflict are essential for developing effective policies and strategies to address both challenges. This study aims to develop conceptual and analytical socio-hydrological frameworks for assessing how armed conflict can impact flood risks. The frameworks postulate a link between armed conflict and flood vulnerability, given that armed conflict creates unique challenges that exacerbate the effects of floods. Our conceptual framework identifies routes through which armed conflict affects vulnerability to floods, such as damage to infrastructure, population displacement and density, weak governance, and less awareness, resulting in lower resilience, higher susceptibility, and increased flood vulnerability and risk. Our analytical framework uses flood modeling to evaluate flood hazards and incorporates spatial data related to armed conflict zones, nighttime light, population classification by age, land price, land cover, and rural/urban areas classification. We take Khartoum, the capital city of Sudan, as a case study in view of its armed conflict that erupted in 2023. By highlighting the linkages between armed conflict and flood risk, this study contributes to conceptualizing the broader interlinkages between conflict and environmental systems. The study emphasizes the importance of integrating conflict analysis with disaster risk management strategies. We encourage collaboration between humanitarian, environmental, and security sectors to improve preparedness, response, and resilience in conflict-affected regions. While our analysis for Khartoum is based on conflict zones in the early stages of the conflict and uses simple estimates for conflict vulnerability contribution, the proposed frameworks provide groundwork for assessing changes in flood risk in Sudan and other conflict regions around the world.
Status of agricultural water management practices in Africa: a review for the prioritisation and operationalisation of the Africa Union’s irrigation development and agricultural water management (AU-IDAWM) strategy
Authors: Dirwai Tinashe Lindel , Taguta Cuthbert , Senzanje Aidan , Nhamo Luxon , Cofie Olufunke , Lankford Bruce , Nyambe Harsen Nyambe , Mabhaudhi Tafadzwanashe
Published: September 2024

Efficient agricultural water management (AWM) practices enhance crop water productivity and promote climate change adaptation and resilience initiatives, particularly in smallholder farming systems. Approximately 90% of sub-Saharan Africa’s (SSA) agriculture is rainfed under smallholder farmers who constitute about 60% of the continent’s population and depend on agriculture for their livelihoods. While AWM is central to the African agenda, knowledge of AWM is fragmented, making it challenging to operationalize regional initiatives at country levels. Therefore, this study sought to review the status of AWM practices and technologies in Africa and provide guidelines, scenarios, and investment plans to guide the prioritization and operationalization of the African Union’s irrigation development and AWM (AU-IDAWM) initiative. The initiative proposes four developmental pathways; 1—improved water control and watershed management in rain-fed farming, 2—farmer-led irrigation, 3—irrigation scheme development and modernization, and 4—unconventional water use for irrigation. The preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses approach guided the systematic literature review. The study indicates that most agricultural production systems are mainly under pathways 1 and 2, which dictate the subsequent AWM practices. Pathway 4 had isolated adoption in North Africa. SSA exhibited overlaps in opportunities for AWM, whereas North Africa had green energy and strong extension services. The challenges were unique to each geopolitical region. Policy-related issues affected North Africa, whilst low investment in AWM dominated West Africa. Poor institutional coordination plagued East Africa, whilst low access to extension services affected Southern Africa. The Central African region was undermined by poor management practices that culminated in soil salinity in the agricultural lands. Targeted and scalable investments across interventions are necessary topotentially improve AWM uptake and subsequent food security in the continent. Also, institutional setups are essential in coordinating efforts towards achieving AWM. Extension services are essential information dissemination platforms for adopting effective climate-smart agriculture.
Clifford orbits and stabilizer states
Authors: Feng Lingxuan , Luo Shunlong
Published: September 2024

Stabilizer states serve as ‘classical objects’ in the stabilizer formalism of quantum theory, and play an important role in quantum error correction, fault-tolerant quantum computation, and quantum communication. They provide an efficient description of many basic features of quantum theory and exhibit a rich structure. For prime dimensional systems, they may be defined by two quite different yet equivalent ways: The first is via stabilizer groups (maximal Abelian subgroups of the discrete Heisenberg–Weyl group). The second is via the orbits of the Clifford group acting on any computational basis state. However, in a general dimensional system, this equivalence breaks down, and consequently, it is desirable to clarify the difference and relation between the above two approaches to stabilizer states. In this work, we show that these two approaches are equivalent if and only if the system dimension is square-free (i.e. has no square factor). Furthermore, we completely reveal the relation between the Clifford orbits and stabilizer states in an arbitrary dimensional system, derive the explicit expressions of the Clifford orbits and determine their cardinalities.
Overview of the IV International Conference on Agricultural Engineering and Green Infrastructure Solutions (AEGIS-IV 2024)
Authors: Astanakulov K D , Kh Shomirzaev M , Karshiev F U , Shavazov K A , Navid H , Vitliemov P , Borotov A N
Published: September 2024

The overview describes the main directions and results of the IV International Conference on Agricultural Engineering and Green Infrastructure Solutions (AEGIS-IV 2024) held in Tashkent on 28-30 March 2024. It gives the details about the participants and the proceedings. A description of the main trends in agricultural mechanization and food technologies, green infrastructure solutions, environmental engineering for sustainable development of the modern society are given in the overview.

List of Programme Committee and Organizing Committee are available in this Pdf.
Methodologies for calculating abrasive particle size in gear wear
Authors: Ishmuratov Kh K , Abdurakhmanov A E , Ishmuratov S Kh , Taxirova G Sh
Published: September 2024

In agriculture, when cultivating crops, many agro-technical operations are carried out and many different agricultural machinery and equipment are used in these processes. To drive various mechanisms and working bodies of these technical means and equipment, various drive or transmission mechanisms are used from one part of the equipment to another. Among them, the most common type of transmission mechanisms are gear mechanisms. According to operating conditions, gear mechanisms are divided into those operating in an open, dry state and those operating in a closed, wet state, mostly in oil. However, during the operation of gear mechanisms, wear of the teeth is observed. Practice shows that for wear of gear teeth, despite their operating conditions, working them in an open dry state or working them in a closed wet state, mainly on oil, abrasive particles show a great influence. Based on this, the article presents the results of the development of a methodology for calculating the size of sample particles leading to wear of gear teeth.
Preface
Authors: Jahn Anthony F , Cho Youngnan Jenny
Published: September 2024

The Preface sets out the purpose of the book, which is to inform and empower singers to take care of their vocal apparatus. The work is written by two laryngologists and contains practical advice regarding understanding the vocal apparatus from the clinical point of view, avoiding damage, managing common problems, and self-managing minor medical problems.
Monitoring Your Voice
Authors: Jahn Anthony F , Cho Youngnan Jenny
Published: September 2024

While physical examination of vocal structures is useful, critically listening to your voice is key. During singing, voice is simultaneously monitored by several mechanisms. These mechanisms include hearing by air and bone conduction, and non-auditory mechanisms, muscle memory, and proprioception. The importance of each varies under different performing circumstances.
Alcohol, Coffee, and Tobacco
Authors: Jahn Anthony F , Cho Youngnan Jenny
Published: September 2024

This chapter presents an overview of three common social habits, discussing their pharmacologic effects on the body and, specifically, how they affect the vocal apparatus. Practical advice is offered on how singers may indulge in alcoholic drinks and coffee without adverse effect on performance. The key is to use both in moderation and to compensate for any possible negative impact they may have on the singing voice.
Cortisone and the Voice
Authors: Jahn Anthony F , Cho Youngnan Jenny
Published: September 2024

Cortisone is an important but overused medication in the singing community. This chapter discusses how cortisone works and gives specific advice on when and how it should be used. The authors also caution against overuse and misuse of this powerful medication. Unfortunately, cortisone has become the knee-jerk go-to response for many physicians, resulting in short-term improvement but long-term mismanagement of vocal disorders. This chapter offers specific advice on when cortisone can be beneficial and when it should be avoided.
Mindful Practice
Authors: Jahn Anthony F , Cho Youngnan Jenny
Published: September 2024

This chapter looks at practicing, an essential and, for most, daily part of vocal performance. Practice has several aspects: learning new music, technical problem-solving, memorizing, and enhancing endurance. The authors suggest that the singer be clear regarding the purpose of a practice session to maximize its benefits, and caution against overpracticing and possibly straining the vocal apparatus.
The Living Instrument
Authors: Jahn Anthony F , Cho Youngnan Jenny
Published: September 2024

The entire body is the singer’s instrument, and with time, the instrument changes. Nonetheless, many singers are able to continue a productive career for decades. This chapter gives an overview of how the vocal apparatus and the voice develop and change from infancy to old age. We provides suggestions on how the vocalist can recognize, adapt to, and optimize the instrument with the passing years.
A genome-scale deep learning model to predict gene expression changes of genetic perturbations from multiplex biological networks
Authors: Zhan Lingmin , Wang Yingdong , Wang Aoyi , Zhang Yuanyuan , Cheng Caiping , Zhao Jinzhong , Zhang Wuxia , Chen Jianxin , Li Peng
Published: September 2024

Systematic characterization of biological effects to genetic perturbation is essential to the application of molecular biology and biomedicine. However, the experimental exhaustion of genetic perturbations on the genome-wide scale is challenging. Here, we show TranscriptionNet, a deep learning model that integrates multiple biological networks to systematically predict transcriptional profiles to three types of genetic perturbations based on transcriptional profiles induced by genetic perturbations in the L1000 project: RNA interference, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat, and overexpression. TranscriptionNet performs better than existing approaches in predicting inducible gene expression changes for all three types of genetic perturbations. TranscriptionNet can predict transcriptional profiles for all genes in existing biological networks and increases perturbational gene expression changes for each type of genetic perturbation from a few thousand to 26 945 genes. TranscriptionNet demonstrates strong generalization ability when comparing predicted and true gene expression changes on different external tasks. Overall, TranscriptionNet can systemically predict transcriptional consequences induced by perturbing genes on a genome-wide scale and thus holds promise to systemically detect gene function and enhance drug development and target discovery.
Dynamics of Gut Microbiota After Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in Ulcerative Colitis: Success Linked to Control of Prevotellaceae
Authors: Pinto Susanne , Šajbenová Dominika , Benincà Elisa , Nooij Sam , Terveer Elisabeth M , Keller Josbert J , van der Meulen–de Jong Andrea E , Bogaards Johannes A , Steyerberg Ewout W
Published: September 2024

Background

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is an experimental treatment for ulcerative colitis (UC). We aimed to study microbial families associated with FMT treatment success.

Methods

We analyzed stools from 24 UC patients treated with 4 FMTs weekly after randomization for pretreatment during 3 weeks with budesonide (n = 12) or placebo (n = 12). Stool samples were collected 9 times pre-, during, and post-FMT. Clinical and endoscopic response was assessed 14 weeks after initiation of the study using the full Mayo score. Early withdrawal due to worsening of UC symptoms was classified as non-response.

Results

Nine patients (38%) reached remission at week 14, and 15 patients had a partial response or non-response at or before week 14. With a Dirichlet multinomial mixture model, we identified 5 distinct clusters based on the microbiota composition of 180 longitudinally collected patient samples and 27 donor samples. A Prevotellaceae-dominant cluster was associated with poor response to FMT treatment. Conversely, the families Ruminococcaceae and Lachnospiraceae were associated with a successful clinical response. These associations were already visible at the start of the treatment for a subgroup of patients and were retained in repeated measures analyses of family-specific abundance over time. Responders were also characterized by a significantly lower Simpson dominance compared to non-responders.

Conclusions

The success of FMT treatment of UC patients appears to be associated with specific gut microbiota families, such as control of Prevotellaceae. Monitoring the dynamics of these microbial families could potentially be used to inform treatment success early during FMT.

Clinical trial registration number

The study was registered in the Netherlands Trial Register, with reference number NL9858.
Perspectives of ELF-informed teachers in Taiwan
Authors: Huang Yi-Ping , Lin Lu-Chun , Tsou Wenli
Published: September 2024

English as a lingua franca (ELF) represents a substantial paradigm shift in ELT because it challenges the traditional norm of standard English. Despite this changing trend, there is a gap in research on incorporating ELF into in-service teachers’ professional development (PD). Given the backdrop that (trans)disciplinary courses are expected to be taught in English in compulsory K-12 education due to the Bilingual 2030 Policy in Taiwan, this paper proposes an ELF-informed PD model and specifically examines English teachers’ perspectives before, during, and after their participation in the first nationwide bilingual in-service teachers’ PD programme. We observe a growing recognition of ELF concepts among teachers, which is evident in their understanding of the pedagogic challenges and implicit tensions in ELF practice, their validating senses of being ELF teachers, and their critical reflection on ELF-informed pedagogy. The enhanced understanding highlights an alternative approach to transforming the ‘E’ in EFL.
Dystroglycan-HSPG interactions provide synaptic plasticity and specificity
Authors: Melrose James
Published: September 2024

Aim: This study examined the roles of the laminin and proteoglycan receptor dystroglycan (DG) in extracellular matrix stabilization and cellular mechanosensory processes conveyed through communication between the extracellular matrix (ECM) and cytoskeleton facilitated by DG. Specific functional attributes of HS-proteoglycans (HSPGs) are conveyed through interactions with DG and provide synaptic specificity through diverse interactions with an extensive range of cell attachment and adaptor proteins which convey synaptic plasticity. HSPG-DG interactions are important in phototransduction and neurotransduction and facilitate retinal bipolar-photoreceptor neuronal signaling in vision. Besides synaptic stabilization, HSPG-DG interactions also stabilize basement membranes and the ECM and have specific roles in the assembly and function of the neuromuscular junction. This provides neuromuscular control of muscle systems that control conscious body movement as well as essential autonomic control of diaphragm, intercostal and abdominal muscles and muscle systems in the face, mouth and pharynx which assist in breathing processes. DG is thus a multifunctional cell regulatory glycoprotein receptor and regulates a diverse range of biological and physiological processes throughout the human body. The unique glycosylation of the αDG domain is responsible for its diverse interactions with ECM components in cell-ECM signaling. Cytoskeletal cell regulatory switches assembled by the βDG domain in its role as a nuclear scaffolding protein respond to such ECM cues to regulate cellular behavior and tissue homeostasis thus DG has fascinating and diverse roles in health and disease.
Child drowning in Indonesia: insights from parental and community perspectives and practices
Authors: Cenderadewi Muthia , Franklin Richard C , Fathana Prima B , Devine Susan G
Published: September 2024

Child drowning is a significant public health issue in Indonesia, however, there is insufficient understanding of the issue and its associated risk factors within communities. This qualitative study aimed to explore parental and community perceptions and practices related to child drowning in Indonesian communities, and the perceived causes and risk factors. Seven focus group discussions (n = 62) were conducted with parents of children aged under-5 years and village community leaders in seven villages across all districts of Lombok Island, West Nusa Tenggara Province of Indonesia. Participants were recruited using purposive and snowball sampling. The thematic analysis, guided by Braun and Clarke’s framework, used both deductive approaches, utilizing the Health Belief Model’s constructs and inductive approaches. Most participants were unaware of the susceptibility of their children and others in their community to drowning and of the potential severe outcomes of drowning such as injury, disability and death. Participants generally associated drowning with beaches or open seas. Unprotected wells, tubs and buckets were identified as notable risk factors for child drowning in and around the home, shaped by some experience of child drowning incidents in the community. Supervision was identified as protective factor, however, mothers were often unavailable to supervise children, and supervision responsibility was often delegated to other family and community members. This study highlights the urgent need to enhance public awareness regarding children’s susceptibility to drowning. Further exploration of local contexts and social determinants of drowning in Indonesian communities is crucial for ensuring effective water safety and drowning prevention strategies.
The Discursive Evolution of Human Rights Law: Empirical Insights from a Computational Analysis of 180,000 UN Recommendations
Authors: Keydar Renana , Shikhelman Vera , Broude Tomer , Elkobi Jonathan
Published: September 2024

Building on an independent database of 180,000 UN recommendations and a novel computational method, we present the most comprehensive study of human rights (HR) debates to date. We develop a unique empirical model that measures topical density of discourse. This innovative instrument measures the discursive activity of UN HR bodies through a machine-learning textual analysis of their outputs, offering a dynamic map of evolving trends in human rights, both over time (diachronically) and across different mechanisms (synchronically) within the UN HR ecosystem. Leveraging this comprehensive dataset and sophisticated computational methodologies, we identify which protected groups are central to different mechanisms’ attention and highlight the major human rights issues that have witnessed significant changes in attention. Our research presents significant findings on the density of UN HR discourse and its implications for two major debates in the field of HR law—HR proliferation and the structural critique of UN HR bodies.
Association Between SARS-CoV-2 Viral Load and COVID-19 Vaccination in 4 Phase 3 Trials
Authors: Janes Holly , Fisher Leigh H , Kee Jia Jin , Parameswaran Lalitha , Goepfert Paul A , Falsey Ann R , Ludwig James , Magaret Craig A , Gilbert Peter B , Kublin James G , Rouphael Nadine , Sobieszczyk Magdalena E , El Sahly Hana M , Baden Lindsey R , Grinsztejn Beatriz , Walsh Stephen R , Gray Glenda E , Kotloff Karen L , Gay Cynthia L , Greninger Alexander L , Tapia Milagritos D , Hammershaimb E Adrianne , Priddy Frances H , Green Justin A , Struyf Frank , Dunkle Lisa , Neuzil Kathleen M , Corey Lawrence , Huang Yunda
Published: September 2024

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines reduce severe disease and mortality and may lessen transmission, measured by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) viral load (VL). Evaluating vaccine associations in VL at COVID-19 diagnosis in 4 phase 3 randomized, placebo-controlled vaccine trials, July 2020 to July 2021, VL reductions were 2.78 log10 copies/mL (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.38–4.18; n = 60 placebo, 11 vaccine) and 2.12 log10 copies/mL (95% CI, 1.44–2.80; n = 594 placebo, 36 vaccine) for NVX-CoV2373 and mRNA-1273, respectively. Associations were not significant for AZD1222 (0.59 log10 copies/mL; 95% CI, −.19 to 1.36; n = 90 placebo, 78 vaccine) or Ad26.COV2.S (0.23 log10 copies/mL; 95% CI, −.01 to .47; n = 916 placebo, 424 vaccine). Thus, vaccines potentially decreased transmission when ancestral SARS-CoV-2 predominated.

Clinical Trials Registration. NCT04470427, NCT04505722, NCT04516746, NCT04611802.
Update on the management of ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast: current approach and future perspectives
Authors: Kanbayashi Chizuko , Iwata Hiroji
Published: September 2024

The standard treatment for ductal carcinoma in situ became well established through the results of several valuable clinical trials, and its therapeutic benefits have now come to be taken for granted. Ductal carcinoma in situ has an extremely good prognosis with the current treatment approach, with a 10-year breast cancer-specific survival rate of 97–98%. According to one retrospective cohort study, the breast cancer-specific survival rate of patients with low-grade ductal carcinoma in situ does not differ significantly between patients undergoing and not undergoing surgery. Some patients with ductal carcinoma in situ are not at a risk of progression to invasive cancer, but the predictors of such progression have not yet been clearly identified. Therefore, the same therapeutic strategies have been used to treat ductal carcinoma in situ and under the assumption that they have risks of invasive breast cancer, and a well-balanced risk/benefit ratio in respect of treatment has not yet been achieved. Based on the results of several recent clinical trials aimed at ensuring provision of a well-balanced treatment for patients with ductal carcinoma in situ which carries a good prognosis, de-escalation of postoperative adjuvant therapy has now begun. Currently, not only is the optimization of postoperative adjuvant therapy accelerating, but also clinical trials to de-escalate basic surgical treatments are under way. There is a possibility of achieving individualized treatment for patients with ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast with reduced treatment intervention. In this review, we present an overview of the current treatment approaches and potential future management strategies for ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast.
Relationship between a company’s adequate response to near-misses and occupational accidents: a 1-year prospective cohort study
Authors: Inagaki Mizuho , Nagata Tomohisa , Odagami Kiminori , Adi Nuri Purwito , Mori Koji ,   for the W2S-Ohpm study, Matsuyama Akiko , Yama Asumi , Yamamoto Ayaka , Ogasawara Ayana , Fujiwara Hideki , Matsuoka Juri , Tsutsumi Kakeru , Matsuyama Kazufumi , Moriya Kenta , Odagami Kiminori , Mori Koji , Sakai Kosuke , Nagata Masako , Omori Miho , Kawasumi Mika , Inagaki Mizuho , Ito Naoto , Minohara Rina , Inoue Shunusuke , Taira Suo , Mori Takahiro , Nagata Tomohisa , Sawajima Tomoko
Published: September 2024

Background: Near-misses in the workplace indicate potential safety hazards, and their adequate management is considered extremely important in preventing occupational accidents. However, the impact of a company’s response to near-misses on the occurrence of subsequent accidents remains unclear. This study examined the relationship between the adequacy of a company’s responses to near-misses and the occurrence of occupational accidents.

Methods: We conducted a 1-year prospective cohort study using an online self-administered questionnaire, targeting workers in Japan. The study included 2755 participants who had experienced and reported near-misses. We categorized company responses to these near-misses as adequate, inadequate, or no response. The outcome was the incidence of occupational accidents over the past year. We calculated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs using multilevel logistic regression adjusting for covariates.

Results: Among all participants, 59.0% were in the adequate response group, 30.1% were in the inadequate response group, and 10.8% were in the no response group. In the multivariate-adjusted model, the ORs of the inadequate response and the no response groups were 1.53 (95% CI, 1.25-1.88; P < .001) and 1.75 (95% CI, 1.32-2.33; P < .001), respectively.

Conclusions: Our results suggest that the adequacy of a company’s response to near-misses reported by workers can be significantly related to the occurrence of subsequent occupational accidents. Companies need to thoroughly respond to near-misses reported by workers and adequately inform workers about the company’s safety activities. This may lead to a reduction in the number of subsequent occupational accidents.
Sink strength, nutrient allocation, cannabinoid yield, and associated transcript profiles vary in two drug-type Cannabis chemovars
Authors: Jost Ricarda , Berkowitz Oliver , Pegg Amelia , Hurgobin Bhavna , Tamiru-Oli Muluneh , Welling Matthew T , Deseo Myrna A , Noorda Hannah , Brugliera Filippa , Lewsey Mathew G , Doblin Monika S , Bacic Antony , Whelan James
Published: September 2024

Cannabis sativa L. is one of the oldest domesticated crops. Hemp-type cultivars, which predominantly produce non-intoxicating cannabidiol (CBD), have been selected for their fast growth, seed, and fibre production, while drug-type chemovars were bred for high accumulation of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). We investigated how the generation of CBD-dominant chemovars by introgression of hemp- into drug-type Cannabis impacted plant performance. The THC-dominant chemovar showed superior sink strength, higher flower biomass, and demand-driven control of nutrient uptake. By contrast, the CBD-dominant chemovar hyperaccumulated phosphate in sink organs leading to reduced carbon and nitrogen assimilation in leaves, which limited flower biomass and cannabinoid yield. RNA-seq analyses determined organ- and chemovar-specific differences in expression of genes associated with nitrate and phosphate homeostasis as well as growth-regulating transcription factors that were correlated with measured traits. Among these were genes positively selected for during Cannabis domestication encoding an inhibitor of the phosphate starvation response, SPX DOMAIN GENE3, nitrate reductase, and two nitrate transporters. Altered nutrient sensing, acquisition, or distribution are likely a consequence of adaption to growth on marginal, low-nutrient-input lands in hemp. Our data provide evidence that such ancestral traits may become detrimental for female flower development and consequently overall CBD yield in protected cropping environments.
PROTAC-DB 3.0: an updated database of PROTACs with extended pharmacokinetic parameters
Authors: Ge Jingxuan , Li Shimeng , Weng Gaoqi , Wang Huating , Fang Meijing , Sun Huiyong , Deng Yafeng , Hsieh Chang- Yu , Li Dan , Hou Tingjun
Published: September 2024

Proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) is an emerging therapeutic technology that leverages the ubiquitin-proteasome system to target protein degradation. Due to its event-driven mechanistic characteristics, PROTAC has the potential to regulate traditionally non-druggable targets. Recently, AI-aided drug design has accelerated the development of PROTAC drugs. However, the rational design of PROTACs remains a considerable challenge. Here, we present an updated online database, PROTAC-DB 3.0. In this third version, we have expanded the database to include 6111 PROTACs (87% increase compared to the 2.0 version). Additionally, the database now contains 569 warheads (small molecules targeting the protein), 2753 linkers, and 107 E3 ligands (small molecules recruiting E3 ligases). The number of target-PROTAC-E3 ternary complex structures has also increased to 959. Recognizing the importance of druggability in PROTAC design, we have incorporated pharmacokinetic data to PROTAC-DB 3.0. To enhance user experience, we have added features for sorting based on molecular similarity and literature publication date. PROTAC-DB 3.0 is accessible at http://cadd.zju.edu.cn/protacdb/.
Identifying Network Ties from Panel Data: Theory and an Application to Tax Competition
Authors: de Paula Áureo , Rasul Imran , Souza Pedro C L
Published: September 2024

Social interactions determine many economic behaviours, but information on social ties does not exist in most publicly available and widely used datasets. We present results on the identification of social networks from observational panel data that contains no information on social ties between agents. In the context of a canonical social interactions model, we provide sufficient conditions under which the social interactions matrix, endogenous and exogenous social effect parameters are globally identified if networks are constant over time. We also provide an extension of the method for time-varying networks. We then describe how high-dimensional estimation techniques can be used to estimate the interactions model based on the adaptive elastic net Generalized Method of Moments. We employ the method to study tax competition across U.S. states. The identified social interactions matrix implies that tax competition differs markedly from the common assumption of competition between geographically neighbouring states, providing further insights into the long-standing debate on the relative roles of factor mobility and yardstick competition in driving tax setting behaviour across states. Most broadly, our identification and application show that the analysis of social interactions can be extended to economic realms where no network data exist.
Bone Scintigraphy in 2 Cases of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
Authors: van der Zant Friso M. , Wondergem Maurits , Knol Remco J.J.
Published: September 2024

A 59-year-old woman was presented to the outpatient clinic with persistent pain after a hyperextension/inversion trauma of the ankle. Six months after the incident, a 3-phase bone scan was performed. A second patient, a 54-year-old man, was referred for a 3-phase bone scan 2 months after his right hand was twisted while using a drill. In both patients, scintigraphy showed diffuse increased uptake in the affected limb in all 3 phases. The x-rays of the affected limbs showed osteopenia. These findings are consistent with (early phase) complex regional pain syndrome.
The effects of artificial light at night on spider brains
Authors: Willmott Nikolas J. , Black Jay R. , McNamara Kathryn B. , Wong Bob B. M. , Jones Therésa M.
Published: September 2024

Artificial light at night (ALAN) is an increasingly pervasive pollutant that alters animal behaviour and physiology, with cascading impacts on development and survival. Recent evidence links exposure to ALAN with neural damage, potentially due to its action on melatonin synthesis, a powerful antioxidant. However, these data are scarce and taxonomically limited. Here, we used micro-CT to test the effects of short-term ALAN exposure on brain volumes in the Australian garden orb-weaving spider (
Hortophora biapicata
), a species commonly found in urban areas and, specifically, around street lights. We found that short-term ALAN exposure was linked to reductions in the volumes of brain structures in the primary eye visual pathway, potentially as a consequence of oxidative stress or plastic shifts in neural investment. Although the effects of ALAN were subtle, they provided new insights into potential mechanisms underpinning the behavioural and physiological impacts of ALAN in this important urban predator.
Effect of microphysics scheme and data assimilation on hydrometeor and radiative flux simulations in the Arctic
Authors: Kim Dae-Hui , Kim Hyun Mee
Published: September 2024

Although clouds are a major factor influencing atmospheric environments in the Arctic, numerical simulations of Arctic clouds are uncertain. In this study, the effects of microphysics scheme and data assimilation (DA) on the simulation of clouds, hydrometeors and radiative fluxes in the Arctic were investigated using the polar weather research and forecasting (WRF) model and three-dimensional variational DA. Compared with the WRF 5-class (WSM5) microphysics scheme, when the Morrison double-moment (Morrison) scheme was used, the simulated amount of cloud ice water decreased by approximately 68%. In contrast, the amount of water vapour, cloud liquid water, snow and rain in the atmosphere increased. With DA, the amount of water vapour increased, leading to increased hydrometeors. The cloud liquid water increased in the middle and low atmospheres when Morrison was used, whereas it increased in the low atmosphere when DA was used. The increase in cloud liquid water by using Morrison resulted in a decrease in the downward short-wave radiative flux at the surface, whereas using DA increased the downward long-wave radiative flux. Changing the microphysics scheme induced redistribution of the region and amounts of hydrometeors, whereas DA induced an increase in hydrometeors in specific regions by adding observation information to the model states.
Non-local interaction in discrete Ricci curvature-induced biological aggregation
Authors: Beuria Jyotiranjan , Behera Laxmidhar
Published: September 2024

We investigate the collective dynamics of multi-agent systems in two- and three-dimensional environments generated by minimizing discrete Ricci curvature with local and non-local interaction neighbourhoods. We find that even a single effective topological neighbour suffices for significant order in a system with non-local topological interactions. We also explore topological information flow patterns and clustering dynamics using Hodge spectral entropy and mean Forman–Ricci curvature.
A Comprehensive Meta-Analysis of Breast Cancer Gene Expression
Authors: Nwosu Ifeanyichukwu O. , Piccolo Stephen R.
Published: September 2024

Background

Triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC) occur more frequently in African Americans and are associated with worse outcomes when compared to other subtypes of breast cancer. These cancers lack expression of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) and have limited treatment options. To shed light on mechanisms behind these differences and suggest novel treatments, we used a meta-analytic approach to identify gene expression differences in breast tumors for people with self-reported African or European ancestry; additionally, we compared gene expression levels based on ER, PR, HER2 and TNBC status.

Methods

After gathering and standardizing gene expression data and metadata from 106 datasets (representing 27,000 samples), we identified genes that were expressed differently between these groups via random-effects meta-analyses. To evaluate the robustness of these gene lists, we devised a novel computational methodology that uses cross validation and classification. We also computed overlaps between the most significant genes and known signaling pathways.

Results

Using a false discovery rate threshold of 0.05, we identified genes that are known to play a significant role in their respective breast cancer subtypes (e.g.,ESR1for ER status andERBB2for HER2 status), thus confirming the validity of our findings. We also discovered genes that have not been reported previously and may be new targets for breast cancer therapy.GATA3,CA12,TBC1D9,XBP1andFOXA1were among the most significant genes for ER, PR, and TNBC. However, none of these genes overlapped with HER2 status, supporting prior research that HER2 tumors are mechanistically different from endocrine breast cancers. The genes identified from the race meta-analysis—includingDNAJC15,HLA-DPA1,STAP2,CEP68,MOGS—have not been associated previously with race-specific breast-cancer outcomes, highlighting a potential area of further research.

Conclusions

We have carried out a large meta-analysis of breast cancer gene expression data, identifying novel genes that may serve as potential biomarkers for breast cancer in diverse populations. We have also developed a computational method that identifies gene sets small enough to be analyzed and explored in future studies. This method has the potential to be applied to other cancers.
Developmental Effects of Lithium and Zinc in Planaria
Authors: Molano Alberto
Published: September 2024

An investigation was carried out of the stage-specific effects of lithium and zinc on planaria embryologic development. These two reagents had dramatically different effects on the morphological development of planaria: Zinc induced the formation of bifurcations or trifurcations of the head region. In contrast, lithium induced the formation of round masses of cells. The earliest embryological stages (S1 and S2, cryptic larva formation) exhibited extreme sensitivity to lithium, since the lethal dose was at least one order of magnitude lower than for subsequent stages 3-5, suggesting that beta-catenin 1 expression is tightly regulated during the initial embryologic stages and that even slightly increased activity is lethal.
Too hot to handle? The impact of the 2023 marine heatwave on Florida Keys coral
Authors: Neely Karen L. , Nowicki Robert J. , Dobler Michelle A. , Chaparro Arelys A. , Miller Samantha M. , Toth Kathryn A.
Published: September 2024

The marine heatwave in the summer of 2023 was the most severe on record for Florida’s Coral Reef, with unprecedented water temperatures and cumulative thermal stress precipitating near 100% coral bleaching levels. An existing SCTLD coral fate-tracking program assessed over 4200 coral colonies across five offshore and four inshore reef sites approximately every two months, allowing for analyses of bleaching-related mortality and diseases during and after the marine heatwave. Across the vast majority of assessed corals, including multiple sites and species, there was no partial or full mortality as a result of the 2023 bleaching event. The two sites that did experience substantial bleaching-related mortality were those experiencing the highest levels of cumulative thermal stress. However, the substantial acute mortality at one of them occurred at relatively low levels of cumulative stress, suggesting death was the result of exceeding thermal maxima. At the two sites with notable mortality, 43% and 24% of all monitored corals died, but mortality varied among species. Brain corals fared worse than boulder corals, withPseudodiploria strigosathe most heavily impacted species. The health status of corals before the bleaching event had little impact on whether they experienced disease or bleaching-related mortality during the event. At three sites, we observed unusual lesions onOrbicella faveolatacolonies shortly after color returned to the corals; the lesions were only observed for a few months but on some colonies led to substantial tissue loss. Though not part of the coral monitoring program, we also observed substantial losses and local extinctions of Acroporid corals at most sites, as well as probable local extinctions of octocorals at three of the four inshore reefs. Though most reef-building corals came through the 2023 event with no mortality, continually rising temperatures are likely to make these temperature regimes more common and widespread. We encourage future research on what the unusualO. faveolatalesions are, and why the brain and boulder corals fared differently at highly-impacted sites. Our results also provide perspective on how restoration strategies, particularly those focused on species likely to die under current and future climate regimes, should consider shifting focus to species likely to survive. Finally, these results highlight the importance of this type of monitoring, with a focus on fate-tracking individuals through disturbance events, including a large number of individuals of multiple species across a geographic range and multiple habitats.
Single-cell immune survey identifies a novel pathogenic role for T cells in anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis
Authors: Kwok Andrew J. , Soleimani Babak , Sun Bo , Fower Andrew , Makuch Mateusz , Johnson Thomas , Knight Julian C. , Ko Ho , Lennox Belinda , Irani Sarosh , Handunnetthi Lahiru
Published: September 2024

We performed single-cell RNA and immune receptor repertoire sequencing of an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis (NMDARE) patient in relapse and remission states, as well as an autoimmune psychosis (AP) patient with anti-NMDAR antibodies. We leveraged publicly available cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) single-cell sequencing data from other neurological disorders to contextualise our findings. Results highlight a key role for T-cells in NMDARE pathogenesis with clonal expansion of both cytotoxic CD4+ and CD8+ effector memory cells in CSF. We further identified interferon responsive B-cells in the CSF during the acute phase of NMDARE and a higher proportion of mononuclear phagocytes in the CSF of AP. Collectively, our work sheds light into the immunobiology of anti-NMDAR antibody-mediated disease.