bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Motorpoint Heatmap of the Hamstring Muscles to Facilitate Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation
Authors: Flodin J. , Amiri P. , Juthberg R. , Ackermann P. W.
Published: November 2024

The effectiveness of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) depends on electrode placement, with placement over the motor points (MPs) being the most effective. This study aimed to determine the MP-distribution and establish a heatmap indicating the probability of finding a MP in different areas of the hamstring (H) muscles. Additionally, inter-individual variations in the number of MPs were investigated. Thirty-one healthy participants (15 females, 16 males), aged 18–65 years, were included. The individual anatomy of the H-muscles, including the biceps femoris (BF), semitendinosus (ST), and semimembranosus (SM), was determined using ultrasound. MPs were located using a MP-search pen. The thigh anatomy was divided into 70 3x3cm areas, and the probability of finding a MP in each area was calculated using the Clopper–Pearson test to create a heatmap. Regression analysis was employed to determine if patient characteristics were associated with the number of MPs. The two best areas, found over BF and ST, exhibited a 39% probability of containing a MP and were significantly more likely to contain a MP compared to 85% of the remaining areas (p < 0.05). Two areas over SM had a 29% probability of containing a MP. BF exhibited a significantly higher number of MPs compared to SM and ST (p < 0.001). Male sex and higher physical activity were independent explanatory factors positively correlated with the number of MPs over BF in the multiple linear regression (R
2 = 0.38, p = 0.001). The MP-heatmap of the H-muscles can effectively facilitate NMES application by highlighting areas with a higher probability of finding a MP. Large inter-individual variations in location and number of MPs were demonstrated.
Efficacy of nematophagous fungi (Arthrobotrys dactyloides and A. oligospora) as biocontrol agents against root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne javanica) in sweetpotato
Authors: Groves K. , Li Y. , Peiris P. U. S. , Brown P. H.
Published: November 2024

The root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne spp.) is an obligate plant parasite and is one of the largest threats to the Australian sweetpotato industry, causing crop losses of up to 57% of marketable yield. In this study, two potential fungal biocontrol agents were encapsulated in alginate granules and their nematophagous activity was assessed in a laboratory-based microcosm experiment. Both species of fungi significantly reduced numbers of root-knot nematodes in red ferrosol soil. A greater reduction was observed in untreated field soil prior to introduction of root-knot nematodes and fungal biocontrol agents compared to soil that had been heat-sterilised. In a ten-week glasshouse experiment, no significant difference in the root-knot nematode populations in sweetpotato roots and soil was found between fungal biocontrol agent and control treatments. There was a trend towards an increase in the sweetpotato storage root weight and reduction in storage root damage in fungal biocontrol agent compared to control treatments, and both yield and damage levels were similar to those achieved from the use of chemical nematicide treatments. These results demonstrate the need for greater understanding of the interactions between soil biological populations and introduced nematophagous fungi if effective biocontrol is to be consistently achieved with these bioagents under field conditions.
Work Integration of People with Mental Disorders Through Social Enterprise: A Humanistic-Personalist Framework and Case Study
Authors: Gallo Iñigo , Melé Domènec
Published: November 2024

Work Integration Social Enterprises (WISE) are a means of redressing injustices that People With Mental Illness and/or Intellectual Disability (PWMI/ID) face in the labor market. As the field’s understanding of WISE improves, many have argued for the need to study their underlying philosophies and ethical foundations. We present a case study of a WISE for PWMI/ID that responds to a humanistic-personalist framework. This framework is based on the consideration of several features of the person: their wholeness, uniqueness, intrinsic dignity, innate rights, and capacity for permanent development. Under this perspective, human work entails dignity because it is a potential source of meaning and personal growth. The humanistic-personalist framework is more comprehensive than other approaches presented in the literature, based on justice and human rights or care ethics, thereby advancing our knowledge of how WISE may provide economically viable and meaningful work experiences to underserved communities. Drawing from this humanistic-personalist perspective, we provide six criteria that can serve as a normative framework for organizations, particularly WISE for PWMI/ID. The case study focuses on La Fageda, a 40-year-old Spanish WISE that has achieved significant social and economic success. La Fageda is based on a sound understanding of the human person. From its foundations and practices, three pillars are identified: the rehabilitating power of work, the practice of designing individual itineraries, and the pursuit of economic success as a means to social success, which is the project’s mission.
Increasing warm-season evaporation rates across European lakes under climate change
Authors: La Fuente Sofia , Jennings Eleanor , Lenters John D. , Verburg Piet , Kirillin Georgiy , Shatwell Tom , Couture Raoul-Marie , Côté Marianne , Vinnå C. Love Råman , Woolway R. Iestyn
Published: November 2024

Lakes represent a vital source of freshwater, accounting for 87% of the Earth’s accessible surface freshwater resources and providing a range of ecosystem services, including water for human consumption. As climate change continues to unfold, understanding the potential evaporative water losses from lakes becomes crucial for effective water management strategies. Here we investigate the impacts of climate change on the evaporation rates of 23 European lakes and reservoirs of varying size during the warm season (July–September). To assess the evaporation trends, we employ a 12-member ensemble of model projections, utilizing three one-dimensional process-based lake models. These lake models were driven by bias-corrected climate simulations from four General Circulation Models (GCMs), considering both a historical (1970–2005) and future (2006–2099) period. Our findings reveal a consistent projection of increased warm-season evaporation across all lakes this century, though the magnitude varies depending on specific factors. By the end of this century (2070–2099), we estimate a 21%, 30% and 42% average increase in evaporation rates in the studied European lakes under RCP (Representative Concentration Pathway) 2.6, 6.0 and 8.5, respectively. Moreover, future projections of the relationship between precipitation (P) and evaporation (E) in the studied lakes, suggest that P-E will decrease this century, likely leading to a deficit in the availability of surface water. The projected increases in evaporation rates underscore the significance of adapting strategic management approaches for European lakes to cope with the far-reaching consequences of climate change.
An Integrated Approach to Social and Emotional Teaching (SET): A Qualitative Study of the Beliefs and Practices of Preschool Teachers in the United States
Authors: Chen Jennifer J.
Published: November 2024

Given that social and emotional learning (SEL) is critical for children’s current development and future success, effective teaching can enhance this process. This qualitative study investigated which competencies were prioritized most frequently in social and emotional teaching (SET), why, and how. Data collection included: (1) observations of three preschool teachers’ SET in their interactions with children over six days during typically occurring indoor and outdoor activities at a Reggio-inspired childcare center in the United States; and (2) individual interviews with these teachers. The research team coded 75 critical instances of SET for evidence of CASEL’s five social and emotional competencies (Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness, Relationship Skills, and Responsible Decision-Making). Additionally, these instances were analyzed according to (Ng and Bull, International Journal of Early Childhood 50:335–352, 2018) four teaching strategies (setting a positive tone, suggestion of solutions, task allocation, and extension). The findings reveal that the teachers: (1) intentionally modeled and taught Relationship Skills most frequently; (2) demonstrated the congruence between beliefs about SEL and practices of SET, especially in relationship skills as promoted in a Reggio-inspired context, and (3) applied an integrated approach to SET by setting a positive tone in all activities, with the most frequent instances occurring during circle time, followed by center/play time, and then mealtime.
Limited effect of mycorrhizal inoculation depending on soil type and fertilization level in a central European field trial
Authors: Prettl Nándor , Biró Borbála , Nugroho Priyo Adi , Kotroczó Zsolt , Kabalan Sundoss , Kovács Flórián , Papdi Enikő , Juhos Katalin
Published: November 2024

Recent trends indicate a substantial increase in the application of mycorrhizal inoculants (Myc) across Central Europe. These inoculants are projected to contribute to a reduction in fertilizer dependency and to facilitate the mobilization of soil nutrients. Nevertheless, most studies are conducted in tropical or arid regions with very few data on wether mycorrhizal inoculants affect soil biological activity and cereal growth in temperate climates. A 4-year field trial was set up to assess the effects of Myc treatments (Funneliformis, Clariodeoglomus, Rhizophagus)on two different soil types. Myc was applied in combination with conventional fertilization in the first three years (sowing corn-wheat-corn) and substantially reduced fertilizer application in the fourth year (sowing corn). Weather conditions and fertilizer application rates had the highest impact on crop yields and shoot biomass throughout the four-year period. Mycorrhizal inoculants consistently caused significantly greater root colonization than the control each year, regardless of the fertilization rate. Myc also enhanced root capacity, phosphatase enzyme activity, and yield, but these benefits were most pronounced when combined with reduced fertilization and Luvisol with nutrient deficiency. In contrast, higher levels of soil organic matter and microbial activity in Gleysol led to a greater yield and diminished the impact of Myc compared to Luvisol. In this experiment, the Myc’s capacity to increase yield was not enough to compensate for the yield decrease caused by reduced fertilization. Our results indicate how critical soil types and fertilizer application rates are in determining the effectiveness of Myc in Central European cereal production.
Assessing the performance of Portuguese public hospitals before and during COVID-19 outbreak, with optimistic and pessimistic benchmarking approaches
Authors: Vara Guilherme Mendes , Gomes Marta Castilho , Ferreira Diogo Cunha
Published: November 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on the tertiary sector, particularly in healthcare, which faced unprecedented demand despite the existence of limited resources, such as hospital beds, staffing resources, and funding. The magnitude and global scale of this crisis provide a compelling incentive to thoroughly analyse its effects. This study aims to identify best practices within the Portuguese national healthcare service, with the goal of improving preparedness for future crises and informing policy decisions. Using a Benefit-of-the-Doubt (BoD) approach, this research constructs composite indicators to assess the pandemic's impact on the Portuguese public hospitals. The study analyzes monthly data from 2017 to May 2022, highlighting critical trends and performance fluctuations during this period. The findings reveal that each COVID-19 wave led to a decline in hospital performance, with the first wave being the most severe due to a lack of preparedness. Furthermore, the pandemic worsened the disparities among examined hospitals. Pre-pandemic top performers in each group improved their performance and were more consistently recognized as benchmarks, with their average benchmark frequency increasing from 66.5% to 83.5%. These top entities demonstrated greater resilience and adaptability, further distancing themselves from underperforming hospitals, which saw declines in both performance scores and benchmark frequency, widening the performance gap. The superior performance of top entities can be attributed to pre-existing strategic tools and contextual factors that enabled them to withstand the pandemic's challenges more effectively.

Highlights

• The pandemic aggravated the differences between the hospitals examined.

• The top-performing entities further distanced themselves from the remaining entities after the pandemic

• Entities considered benchmarks before the pandemic remained the same, and became even more consistent during the pandemic.

• The top-performing entities achieved higher scores than their pre-pandemic performance levels.

• Benchmarking models for composite indicators with diverse decision-making preferences, and treatment of imperfect knowledge of data.
Course leaders’ conceptions of the purpose of interdisciplinary education
Authors: Ripley Dwayne , Markauskaite Lina
Published: November 2024

Universities are expanding the number of interdisciplinary courses they offer. These courses are often developed at the fringes of universities and academic departments by course leaders who often have significant design and teaching autonomy. Course leaders’ conceptions of the purpose of interdisciplinary education shape their decisions about course outcomes, content, and educational approaches, yet little is known about the rationales underlying their choices. This study uses phenomenographic interviews to address the question: How do interdisciplinary course leaders conceive of the purpose of interdisciplinary education? Outcomes from interviews with 23 leaders at an Australian university show five conceptions of purpose that are: (A) enrichment-oriented, (B) employability-oriented, (C) integration-oriented, (D) epistemically-oriented, and (E) society-oriented. Some of these course leaders’ conceptions reflect common instrumental purposes of interdisciplinary education that focus on preparing students to work in interdisciplinary teams and workplaces. However, some conceptions extend beyond instrumental purposes to include the development of students’ epistemic and relational capabilities aiming to prepare them to engage with novel, open-ended forms of knowledge work. The created outcome space offers a reflective tool that course leaders and other stakeholders can use to support their discussions about the purposes of interdisciplinary education. It also could serve as a starting point for curriculum planning and design.
The X-ray Structures of [Fe(CO)3(η4-6-exo-(PAr3)cyclohepta-2,4-dien-1-one][BF4] (Ar = m-C6H4CH3 or p-C6H4F)
Authors: Miller Makenna R. , Carlotz Ryann A. , Stevens Jeremiah E. , Griffith Daniel R. , Nataro Chip
Published: November 2024

The structures of [Fe(CO)3(η4-6-exo-(tri-m-tolylphosphine)cyclohepta-2,4-dien-1-one][BF4] [tetragonal, a = 35.6005(7), b = 35.6005(7), c = 10.5456(3), space group I41/a] and [Fe(CO)3(η4-6-exo-(tri-p-fluorophenylphosphine)cyclohepta-2,4-dien-1-one][BF4] [triclinic, a = 9.8852(3), b = 10.0996(4), c = 16.0526(4), α = 99.813(3), β = 94.164(2), g = 102.911(3) space group P-1] have been determined. Both structures contain a disordered CH2Cl2 molecule. The tetrafluoroborate ion in [Fe(CO)3(η4-6-exo-(tri-m-tolylphosphine)cyclohepta-2,4-dien-1-one][BF4] is also disordered. There are no close contacts indicative of hydrogen bonding within either structure, but there is π-π stacking observed for [Fe(CO)3(η4-6-exo-(tri-m-tolylphosphine)cyclohepta-2,4-dien-1-one][BF4].

Graphical Abstract
All that Matters are Forests and Seas? Practising Relevance in Interdisciplinary Environment-Focused Social Science Fields
Authors: Koch Susanne , Varga Judit
Published: November 2024

Policy increasingly requires societally relevant and interdisciplinary science, which prompts questions about science’s orientation to diverse academic and non-academic actors. This paper examines how relevance is practised and negotiated in two evolving interdisciplinary social science fields: marine social sciences and forest policy research. Both fields investigate human relations with specific environments: how people use, manage and govern, live with and value seas and forests. Diverse social and political actors have stakes in the knowledge these fields generate. To whose matters and stakes do researchers respond and orient their research? Are such orientations reflexively discussed and contested? To operationalise relevance, we employ the notion of ‘epistemic commitments’ while adopting a Bourdieusian perspective on scientific fields. Our analysis draws on conference observation, interviews and document analysis. We find diverse epistemic commitments in both fields, but see noticeable differences in their prevalence, reflexivity and contestation. Examining the fields’ socio-historical trajectories, we theorise that these differences are due to field-specific properties: their relative autonomy to negotiate relevance independently from other disciplines and external forces; and the field-specific habitus that impacts the degree to which relevance is a reflexive commitment, or an unconscious practice. The comparative analysis suggests that interdisciplinary scientific fields’ specific institutional histories and relations with societal and policy actors shape relevance practices and the extent to which these are internally contested.
From human-centered to symbiotic artificial intelligence: a focus on medical applications
Authors: Desolda Giuseppe , Esposito Andrea , Lanzilotti Rosa , Piccinno Antonio , Costabile Maria F.
Published: November 2024

The rapid growth in interest in Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been a significant driver of research and business activities in recent years. This raises new critical issues, particularly concerning interaction with AI systems. This article first presents a survey that identifies the primary issues addressed in Human-Centered AI (HCAI), focusing on the interaction with AI systems. The survey outcomes permit to clarify disciplines, concepts, and terms around HCAI, solutions to design and evaluate HCAI systems, and the emerging challenges; these are all discussed with the aim of supporting researchers in identifying more pertinent approaches to create HCAI systems. Another main finding emerging from the survey is the need to create Symbiotic AI (SAI) systems. Definitions of both HCAI systems and SAI systems are provided. To illustrate and frame SAI more clearly, we focus on medical applications, discussing two case studies of SAI systems.
Gamification of control valves in real-time multibody simulation of an excavator
Authors: Jaiswal Suraj , Jiang Dezhi , Xiang Saidi , Nikitina Anna , Khadim Qasim , Mikkola Aki
Published: November 2024

Multibody simulation of heavy machinery such as excavators, wheel loaders, and tractors is highly influenced by parameters of hydraulic components such as the control valves. The objective of this study is to introduce gamification to parameterize the flow characteristics of control valves in real-time multibody simulation of an excavator. To this end, the mechanics of the excavator is modeled using a semirecursive multibody method and the hydraulics is modeled using the lumped fluid method. The gamification concept is introduced using game elements and game-design techniques in a nongame context. Using the excavator case example, various tests with increasing level of difficulty are performed on a simulator. The results of this study exhibit the utility of such a gamified simulation model in various phases of user training and product development.
High-Temperature Oxidation Study in a Multi-Oxidant Environment Using 18O Tracer
Authors: Lehmusto Juho , Ievlev Anton , Kurley James , Pint Bruce A.
Published: November 2024

The goal of this study was to use 18O-enriched water to better understand the role of H2O in high-temperature oxidation. Seven model and three commercial M-Cr and M-Cr-Al alloys were studied in air with 10% of H2O at 800 °C for 5 h. Oxygen from water vapor was more reactive than oxygen from the air and 18O enriched at the outermost layers of the formed Cr- and Al-rich oxides. Alloys with Al and/or Ti additions showed signs of internal oxidation but 18O was not enriched inside the alloy in locations with internal oxidation. Depending on the alloy Al content, the oxide went from Al oxidation beneath a chromia scale to external alumina scale formation.
Anti-Natalism and (The Right Kinds of) Environmental Attitudes
Authors: Leak Connor
Published: November 2024

This paper explores anti-natalism and attitudes towards environmental preservation. Anti-natalisms of a certain kind, what I call “compassion-based anti-natalisms”, adhere to the principle of minimising suffering, and this goes hand-in-hand with the common belief that protecting the environment from destruction is the right thing to do. However, I argue that environmental preservation is, in fact, antithetical to the anti-natalist’s aims. This is because environmental preservation is, as I argue, primarily for future generations and has, therefore, pro-natalist attachments: environmental preservation promotes and enables future generations. As a result, environmental preservation conflicts with three of the anti-natalist’s fundamental values: the goal of extinction, an overall reduction in suffering, and adherence to a duty of non-procreation. Because of this, I discuss two possible attitudes the anti-natalist might take towards environmental preservation: Destruction and Apathy. Destruction involves the active degradation and destruction of the environment to bring about extinction as soon as possible. Apathy is to be “hands-off” towards preservation and degrade the environment more slowly. I state that Apathy is the most suitable attitude for the anti-natalist to take towards the environment because it ascertains a sensible balance within the anti-natalist’s values and does not introduce new, morally objectionable outcomes. Finally, I discuss some practical limitations to Apathy and how the anti-natalist might best act in the context of the real world. I conclude that anti-natalists might have to compromise on their values and, paradoxically, support environmental preservation.
The concept of entrepreneurial opportunities: a review and directions for future research
Authors: Schlichte Franziska , Junge Sebastian
Published: November 2024

Shane and Venkataraman's (2000) seminal work reshaped the landscape of entrepreneurship research by introducing the concept of entrepreneurial opportunities. Their groundbreaking article sparked a wave of scholarly interest that spawned a wealth of literature and propelled entrepreneurship research forward. However, over time, a large number of studies have been published, delving into various facets and sometimes detached determinants of the concept of entrepreneurial opportunities. Now, more than two decades after the pivotal contribution of Shane and Venkataraman (2000), it is imperative to reflect on the breadth of accumulated knowledge and identify overlooked areas within the field of entrepreneurial opportunities. This study aims to conduct a comprehensive examination of entrepreneurial opportunities and their associated underlying processes. Using a systematic literature review, we highlight key findings from previous studies and identify research gaps that provide promising directions that future research needs to address in order to further enhance this field of research.
Gap solitons with the concatenation model by enhanced direct algebraic method
Authors: Ahmed Manar S. , Arnous Ahmed H. , Biswas Anjan , Yildirim Yakup , Jawad Anwar Ja’afar Mohamad , Hussein Layth
Published: November 2024

This paper recovers the gap solitons in fiber Bragg gratings for the concatenation model that comes with Kerr-law of self-phase modulation by the usage of enhanced direct algebraic approach. A full spectrum of optical solitons are thus recovered. The existence criteria of such solitons, in the form of parameters constraints, that naturally emerged during the course of derivation, are presented. A few numerical simulations supplement the mathematical analysis.
The analytic content is not semiadditive
Authors: Zeron Eduardo S. , Gauthier Paul M.
Published: November 2024

We show that the analytic content $$\lambda (\cdot )$$

λ
(
·
)

is neither subadditive nor semiadditive. To be precise, for compact sets K in the complex plane, $$\lambda (K)$$

λ
(
K
)

is the K-uniform distance from the complex conjugation to the algebra of all rational functions with poles outside K. Thus, given any integer $$n\ge 1$$

n
≥
1

, it is proven that each compactum K can be decomposed as the union of two new compact sets $$E_1$$

E
1

and $$E_2$$

E
2

with $$\lambda (E_j)\le 1/n$$

λ
(

E
j

)
≤
1
/
n

for $$j=1,2$$

j
=
1
,
2

. Moreover, we also show that no compactum K with positive analytic content can be decomposed as the countable union of compact sets of zero analytic content.
Of canoes, tinnies and helicopters: contemporary maritime mobility and place relations in north central Arnhem Land
Authors: Williams Sam
Published: November 2024

The mobility of Indigenous Australians has long been a source of bureaucratic attention in the Northern Territory (NT). While much government policy has focused on sedentarising Indigenous people into towns – justified under the agendas of economic viability and streamlined service delivery – anthropologists have brought attention to the way these policies render invisible kin-based relationships to ancestral lands and sanction certain forms of movement. Ethnographic studies of Australian Indigenous mobility have examined the systems of interconnection between people and place that shape distinct Indigenous social and economic values related to movement. This literature, however, has left practices of maritime mobility largely unstudied. This paper examines historic and contemporary mobility between the towns of Warruwi and Maningrida in north central Arnhem Land. This coastline is devoid of both road access and outstations, in contrast to most of coastal Arnhem Land. As such, it is marked by patterns of maritime mobility, once by kupuny (dugout canoe) and now in motorised metal boats known as ‘tinnies’. The paper draws on several months of ethnographic research conducted in Warruwi, Maningrida, and the coastline between the towns to examine patterns of movement across these waters. The paper asks how the temporal acceleration of maritime mobility interfaces with the affective dimensions of relationship in ancestral Country. I argue that as mobility accelerates, non-Indigenous institutions have an increasingly acute mediating effect on encounters between Indigenous landowners and their ancestral lands and seas.
Management of autosomal dominant hypocalcemia type 1: Literature review and clinical practice recommendations
Authors: De Coster Thomas , David Karel , Breckpot Jeroen , Decallonne Brigitte
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Autosomal Dominant Hypocalcemia type 1 (ADH1), caused by gain-of-function variants in the calcium-sensing receptor (CASR), is characterized by a variable degree of hypocalcemia and hypercalciuria with inappropriately low PTH. The clinical spectrum is broad, ranging from being asymptomatic to presenting with severe clinical features of hypocalcemia and end-organ damage such as nephrolithiasis and intracerebral calcifications. Although the underlying pathophysiology is different, ADH1 patients are often managed as patients with ‘classical’ primary hypoparathyroidism, possibly leading to (exacerbation of) hypercalciuria. New treatments such as PTH analogues and calcilytics directly targeting the CASR are in the pipeline. Specific clinical guidance for treatment and monitoring of ADH1 patients is lacking. The purpose of this study is to provide a literature review on management of ADH1, including new therapies, and to formulate practice recommendations.

Methods

We searched for articles and ongoing clinical trials regarding management of ADH1.

Results

Forty articles were included. First we review the conventional treatment of ADH1, focusing on active vitamin D, calcium supplements, thiazide diuretics, phosphorus binders and dietary recommendations. In a second part we give an overview of studies with emerging treatments in ADH1: PTH analogues (PTH1-34, rhPTH1-84, TransCon PTH and others) and calcilytics (preclinical studies and clinical trials). In a third part we discuss literature findings regarding monitoring of ADH1 patients. Finally, we formulate clinical practice recommendations.

Conclusion

We provide an overview of conventional and new treatments for ADH1 patients. Based on these data, we propose practical recommendations to assist clinicians in the management of ADH1 patients.
Mechanical behaviour and acoustic emission characteristics of the reinforced soft muddy rock under various moisture content levels
Authors: Rong Haoyu , Wang Wei , Li Guichen , Zhao Guangming , Liang Dongxu , Xu Jiahui
Published: November 2024

In order to investigate the failure mechanism of the reinforced muddy soft rock under the influence of the hydration reaction when ground water is present, a series of confined compressive tests and Acoustic Emission (AE) recordings were conducted subject to various moisture content levels and lateral confining stresses. It was found that the failure modes of the reinforced rock specimen were affected by the moisture content level and the lateral stress σ2 in a way that the load bearing capacity of the reinforced rock would increase with the lateral stress σ2 but decrease as the moisture content increased. An increase in the moisture content would reduce the extent of the influence of the lateral stress on the load bearing capacity of the reinforced rock. In addition, much less AE counts were recorded when the moisture content increased indicating that the crack initiation and propagation in this case was easier due to the reduction of the required external input energy. With increasing moisture content, the failure mode of the specimen gradually changes from sudden and brittle to progressive and ductile. Moreover, the hydration reaction became more significant leading to a complete debonding between the grout and the rock. Consequently, the reinforcement provided by the rock bolt to the rock became negligible.
A novel method combining strata movement and UAV infrared remote sensing technology to evaluate mining ground damage
Authors: Zhao Yixin , Zhang Kangning , Ling Chunwei , Guo Jihong , Sun Bo
Published: November 2024

Mining-induced ground fissures are common problems associated with mining damage in shallowly buried coal seams in the western mining area of China. To evaluate the surface mining damage of the 12203 working face of the Huojitu Colliery in Shendong mining area, low-altitude infrared aerial surveys were conducted on the ground at the static fissure area (O-A1) and the dynamic fissure area (O-A2) of the working face. The temperature evolution patterns of fissures, sand and plants in the infrared images were analysed. The relationship between overburden fractures and surface fissure temperature was revealed, and the influence range and temperature self-healing period of the surface affected by underground mining were determined. The results indicated that underground mining could lead to a decrease in the ground temperature above the working face. The surface temperature evolution can be divided into three zones: a temperature stabilization zone before mining, a temperature cooling zone during mining, and a temperature recovery zone after mining. The temperature of sand and plants above the working face exhibited quadratic curve changes in O-A1 and O-A2, respectively. The length of the temperature reduction zone affected by mining is 40 m in O-A2, and 46.8 m in O-A1. The temperature recovery periods of ground fissures in O-A1 and O-A2 were 4.0 and 4.6 d, respectively. These findings could provide a basis for evaluating mining ground damage.
Speedy synthesis of magnetite/carbon dots for efficient chromium removal and reduction: a combined experimental and DFT approach
Authors: Tohamy Hebat-Allah S.
Published: November 2024

Magnetic carbon dots (Fe3O4/N–CQDs) was prepared by and eco-friendly and one-step microwave method using sugarcane bagasse (SB) as a starting material, and applied to remove ad reduce Cr(VI) in wastewater. The magnetization process was performed by a novel microwave method instead of the long time conventional co-precipitation method. The prepared Fe3O4/N–CQDs showed high saturated magnetization (Ms ~ 38.047 emu/g). When neat N–CQDs and Fe3O4/N–CQDs were applied to adsorb Cr(VI), the R% was slightly higher in the case of Fe3O4/N–CQDs (93.86%) compared to N–CQDs (91.73%). Moreover, the reduction rate of Cr(VI) by Fe3O4/N–CQDs was higher than the N–CQDs. The study confirmed the presence of magnetic iron oxide (Fe-O) in the N–CQDs at 655 cm−1 using FTIR spectroscopy. Interestingly, XRD analysis revealed peaks indicative of elemental iron (Fe(0)) alongside the iron oxide. Furthermore, TGA/DTG analysis showed a significantly higher weight residue (∑RW) for Fe3O4/N–CQDs compared to N–CQDs alone, suggesting enhanced thermal stability due to the Fe3O4 component. This stability is further supported by higher activation energy (∑A) and pre-exponential factor (∑s) obtained for Fe3O4/N–CQDs compared to N–CQDs. The prepared Fe3O4/N–CQDs showed higher fluorescence compared to the N–CQDs, which make them suitable as a chemosensor for the future work. In addition, DFT calculations confirmed the high stability of the Fe3O4/N–CQDs compared to N–CQDs.

Graphical Abstract
Structural molecular modeling of bacterial integral membrane protein enzymes and their AlphaFold2 predicted water-soluble QTY variants
Authors: Sajeev-Sheeja Akash , Zhang Shuguang
Published: November 2024

Context

Beta-barrel enzymes are an important area of study in the field of structural biology. These proteins serve crucial roles, acting as porins, transporters, enzymes, virulence factors, and receptors. Recent research has unveiled a novel role for beta-barrel enzymes in the bacterial integral membrane as sentinels. They remain inactive when the integral membrane is intact but activate to carry out enzymatic catalysis in response to host immune responses and antibiotics that breach this barrier. Understanding their structure and function is pivotal in grasping their sentinel role in the bacterial integral membrane. Here we present our structural molecular modeling analyses on four bacterial integral membrane beta-barrel enzymes: (a) OMPLA, (b) OmpT, (c) PagP from E. coli, and (d) PagL from Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We superposed the structures of native beta-barrel integral membrane enzymes with their AlphaFold2-predicted QTY variant structures that showed remarkable similarity despite the replacement of at least 22.95% amino acids in transmembrane regions, the superposed structures displayed notable structural similarity, indicated by RMSD values ranging from 0.181 Å to 0.286 Å. We also analyze the hydrophobicity patches and the enhanced hydrophilic surfaces. Our research provide insights into the structural similarity of hydrophobic and hydrophilic beta-barrel enzymes, validating the utility of the QTY code for investigating beta-barrel membrane enzymes. Our results not only demonstrate that the QTY code serves as a straightforward tool for designing water-soluble membrane proteins across various biological contexts, but it may also stimulate experiments to validate our molecular modeling studies.

Methods

All the QTY variant beta-barrel enzyme structure prediction was performed using the AlphaFold2 program (https://github.com/sokrypton/ColabFold) following the provided instructions. Computations were carried out on 11th Gen Intel Core i5-11300H processor with 16 GB RAM and Iris Xe Graphics, 512 GB NVMe SSD. The structures are publicly available on the AlphaFold2 database (https://alphafold.ebi.ac.uk) at the European Bioinformatics Institute (EBI). A custom Python script was used to extract the relevant information from the UniProt database. To predict the structures of the QTY variants, AlphaFold2 was utilized. The native sequences for these enzymes were retrieved from UniProt https://www.uniprot.org, and AlphaFold2 structural predictions were performed using the open-source implementation at https://github.com/sokrypton/ColabFold. The predicted variant structures were then superposed with the native structures using PyMOL https://pymol.org/2/ for structural analysis and comparison. This work leverages public databases PDB, UniProt and open-source software AlphaFold2 and PyMOL to computationally model and analyze QTY variant integral membrane beta-barrel enzyme structures.

Graphical abstract
Leveraging OCR and HTR cloud services towards data mobilisation of historical plant names
Authors: Sadek Jawad , Vlachidis Andreas , Pickering Victoria , Humbel Marco , Metilli Daniele , Carine Mark , Nyhan Julianne
Published: November 2024

We present our solution to the problem of how to mobilise (that is, extract and enrich) digital data from the analogue, printed book version Sir Hans Sloane’s copy of John Ray’s Historia Plantarum, to create the first searchable facility of its kind to the plants contained in the Sloane Herbarium, housed in the National History Museum UK. The data mobilisation workflow presented here enables the automatic detection of printed and handwritten marginalia text and annotations in Sir Hans Sloane” personal copy of John Ray’s Historia Plantarum. The rationale of adopting AWS Amazon’s Textract service and the development of a specialised information extraction workflow for mobilising printed text and handwritten annotations is discussed. Testing of our workflow demonstrates the need for human-checking of outputs to ensure the accuracy of a large set of structured data comprising 7600 plant names and 4540 handwritten marginalia annotation. The links we have created serve as the first digital index to Sloan’s Herbarium, a unique development in the longer analogue and digital format-history of these resources.
On the effectiveness of insurance mechanisms for older individuals in China
Authors: Fang Jingyi , Sawada Yasuyuki
Published: November 2024

Does consumption smoothing among older individuals over time and across households indicate the efficiency of overall insurance mechanisms against health shocks? And what is the extent of suboptimality in various market and non-market insurance arrangements? To address these questions, we utilize panel data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) spanning 2011, 2013, 2015, and 2018 to evaluate the effectiveness of both institutional and informal insurance mechanisms for older individuals in China. While conventional tests generally support consumption smoothing for essential items across time and individuals in response to adverse health shocks, our findings indicate that the welfare costs associated with these shocks are not insignificant, particularly in rural areas. These results underscore the need for strengthened long-term care, pension systems, and other social safety nets, which could enhance welfare even when consumption appears resilient to shocks.
A Comparison of the Physical Characteristics of Adolescent Female, Academy Cricket Players
Authors: Pote Lee , Nicholls Scott , Keenan James , Cresswell Anya-Mae , Woodward Jon , Christie Candice
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Women’s cricket has grown in popularity over the last decade, however despite this there is a paucity of literature examining the female version of the game. Furthermore, no research has examined the physical attributes of female cricketers, particularly adolescents. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to develop a physical profile for u/11, u/13, u15, and u/18 female adolescent cricket players.

Methods

One hundred and five (age: 13.00 ± 2.37 years, stature: 156.91 ± 12.06 cm, mass: 50.85 ± 10.40 kg) female academy players were profiled for body composition, flexibility, lower and upper body power, sprint speed, and change of direction ability.

Results

Both the u/11 and u/13 age groups differed significantly (P < 0.05) to each other and the u/15 and u/18 age groups for stature, lower and upper limb power, and change of direction time. No significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed for all tests between the u/15 and u/18 age groups.

Conclusion

The findings of this investigation provide normative data for adolescent female cricketers that can be used by strength and conditioning coaches for the implementation of scientifically based training programs, as well as to set goals to identify progression in physical ability during maturation and training. Additionally, the study is relevant for coaches working within the age group to support their own learning and development within the applied nature of coaching and support of their female athletes.
Trimming the Johnson bonsai
Authors: Cabello Sánchez Félix , Castillo Jesús M. F. , Moreno Yolanda
Published: November 2024

We show that if $$p>1$$

p
>
1

every subspace of $$\ell _p(\Gamma )$$

ℓ
p

(
Γ
)

is an $$\ell _p$$

ℓ
p

-sum of separable subspaces of $$\ell _p$$

ℓ
p

, and we provide examples of subspaces of $$\ell _p(\Gamma )$$

ℓ
p

(
Γ
)

for $$0<p\le 1$$

0
<
p
≤
1

that are not even isomorphic to any $$\ell _p$$

ℓ
p

-sum of separable spaces, notably the kernel of any quotient map $$\ell _p(\Gamma )\rightarrow L_1(2^{\Gamma })$$

ℓ
p

(
Γ
)

→

L
1

(

2
Γ

)

with $$\Gamma $$
Γ
uncountable. We involve the separable complementation property (SCP) and the separable extension property (SEP), showing that if X is a Banach space of density character $$\aleph _1$$

ℵ
1

with the SCP then the kernel of any quotient map $$\ell _p(\Gamma )\rightarrow X$$

ℓ
p

(
Γ
)

→
X

is a complemented subspace of a space with the SCP and, consequently, has the SEP.
Point clouds to as-built two-node wireframe digital twin: a novel method to support autonomous robotic inspection
Authors: Azizi Zade Farzad , Ebrahimkhanlou Arvin
Published: November 2024

Previous studies have primarily focused on converting point clouds (PC) into a dense mech of 3D finite element models, neglecting the conversion of PCs into as-built wireframe models with two-node elements for line elements such as beams and columns. This study aims to demonstrate the feasibility of this direct conversion, utilizing building framing patterns to create wireframe models. The study also integrates the OpenSeesPy package for modal analysis and double integration for bending estimation to demonstrate the application of the presented method in robotic inspection. Results indicate the successful conversion of a 4-story mass timber building PC to a 3D structural model with an average error of 7.5% under simplified assumptions. Further, two complex mass timber shed PCs were tested, resulting in detailed wireframe models. According to resource monitoring, our method can process ∼593 points/second, mostly affected by the number of neighbors used in the first stage of sparse points removal. Lastly, our method detects beams, columns, ceilings (floors), and walls with their directions. This research can facilitate various structural modeling directly based on PC data for digital twinning and autonomous robotic inspection.
Contextual Reinterpretation of Quantum Nonlocality
Authors: Khrennikov Andrei
Published: November 2024

The quantum information revolution has had a huge impact not only on quantum technologies, including quantum computing and cryptography, but also on the foundations of quantum mechanics. This book presents the information viewpoint on the foundations of quantum physics by highlighting the role of complementarity and contextuality and coupling the ideas of the fathers of quantum mechanics, Bohr and Einstein, with the modern quantum information framework. The classical-quantum dilemma is resolved through an appeal to the Bild conception of scientific theories established in the 19th century by Hertz and Boltzmann. Bell inequalities are treated from the complementarity-contextuality viewpoint, supporting the attempts to discard nonlocality from quantum physics. Philosophical aspects of the topic are explored from a physicist's perspective, balancing accessibility with scientific rigour. This unique approach to quantum foundations will be of interest to graduates, Ph.D. students and researchers in fields ranging from quantum information to philosophy.
Contested Childhoods
Authors: Kannan Divya
Published: November 2024

Contested Childhoods traces a complex history of caste, race, education, and Christian missions in colonial south India. It draws upon the vast Protestant Christian missionary archives of the London Missionary Society, the Church Missionary Society, and the Basel German Evangelical Missionary Society to showcase the processes of negotiation, tensions, and underlying violence in the encounters between European 'outsiders' and local populations on the question of education. It examines the interplay of caste and education in reshaping ideas and norms of modern childhood and lower-caste community building in the regions of Travancore, Cochin, and Malabar. Set against a comparative historical perspective, the book argues for a greater focus on subaltern histories, especially the meanings and practices associated with educating poor, lower-caste children within the confines of formal schooling and beyond.
East Asian International Relations
Authors: Wan Ming
Published: November 2024

Through the outline of a coherent theoretical foundation for understanding East Asian international relations, this textbook offers a fresh, analytical approach, including applications of evolutionary theory that differ from and contextualize the prevailing theories currently offered for studies of East Asia. It provides an extensive coverage of ancient world order and European imperialism preceding contemporary themes of security, economic development, money and finance, regionalism, the US-China rivalry, and democracy versus autocracy. Demonstrating systemically how facts and theories are constructed, and how these are bound by evolutionary constraints, students gain a realistic view of knowledge production and the mindset and tools to participate actively in determining which facts and theories are more acceptable than alternatives. Feature boxes, discussion questions, exercises, and recommended readings are incorporated into each chapter to encourage active learning. A vital new resource for advanced undergraduate and graduate students in political science, international relations, and Asian studies.
Medieval Love Letters
Authors: Stokes Myra , Putter Ad
Published: November 2024

In the Middle Ages, educated people communicated their love in verse letters that revealed at once their personal commitments and their commitments to an established form of literary art. Medieval Love Letters reveals the fascinating duality of the medieval love letter as literary art and as life-writing by exploring a wide variety of remarkable texts in English, French, German and Latin. These rich texts are made accessible both linguistically, in new editions and translations, and conceptually, by discussing them in a way intelligible to non-specialists. Edited and translated texts include model letters from instructional manuals and fictional verse and actual letters from clerics and lay people, men and women. A substantial introduction explores the interchange and overlap between fact and literary art with reference to wide range of examples.