bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulation of the Xenes nanoribbons for sensing CO, CO2, and CH4 gases
Authors: Alaee Fateme , Sadeghzadeh Mohammad Ali , Ostovari Fatemeh
Published: October 2023

Xenes emerge as promising materials for sensing applications. The capabilities of armchair Graphene, Silicene, and Phosphorene nanoribbons (AGNR, ASiNR, and APNR) as gas sensors have been investigated using tight-binding approximation and non-equilibrium Green’s function approach. These Xenes have been used for sensing CO, CO2, and CH4 at different concentrations. The results revealed that the AGNR has an excellent sensitivity and selectivity to CO and CO2 gases than other sensors. Although ASiNR has considerable sensitivity to CO and CH4 gas molecules at all concentrations, it can select CO from others. The APNR just can detect CO2 gas molecules and shows poor selectivity, furthermore, it has shorter recovery time than AGNR and ASiNR, due to gas-Xene bond type.
Soliton molecules, interaction and other wave solutions of the new (3+1)-dimensional integrable fourth-order equation for shallow water waves
Authors: Wang Kang-Jia
Published: October 2023

In the present work, we aim to explore the new (3+1)-dimensional integrable fourth-order nonlinear equation(IFNE) for describing the shallow water waves. First, we study its N-soliton solutions via the bilinear form which is constructed by applying the Cole-Hopf transform. The resonance conditions of the soliton molecular are extracted and the soliton molecules are obtained. Second, the ansatz function method together with the symbolic computation, is implemented to develop the interaction wave solutions(IWSs). Finally, we take advantage of the Bernoulli sub-equation function method(BSFM) to look into the travelling wave solutions(TWSs). Different kinds of the TWSs like the singular-kink and kink solitary wave solutions are found. Correspondingly, the dynamic performances of the solutions are depicted graphically to present the physical interpretations. And for all we know, the solutions got in this work are all new and can be regarded as an extension of the solutions for the new (3+1) dimensional IFNE, which are expected to have practical significance for the application of these equations in physics.
Machine learning approach on the prediction of mechanical characteristics of pristine, boron doped and nitrogen doped graphene
Authors: P Shahbaz , Sharma Sumit , Ajori Shahram
Published: October 2023

Machine Learning (ML), a subset of Artificial Intelligence has been widely applied in various domains, but it has only just begun to be employed in the field of engineering. In the present investigation, various ML algorithms and artificial neural network (ANN) structures are used for the first time to predict the mechanical properties of pristine, boron-doped, and nitrogen-doped graphene while also taking into account the effects of various types of vacancy defects. Fracture strain, Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS), and Young’s modulus are all predicted. ML technique reduces the computational cost and time required to find out mechanical properties of these materials. The training dataset for the ML models is developed using Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations. It was shown that defects and doping both had an adverse effect on mechanical characteristics. While ANN, LASSO, and LASSO Lars have all performed quite well at predicting these features, pipeline polynomial regression has performed best across all datasets. New insights on the research of mechanical characteristics utilizing cutting-edge computational techniques are provided by the discoveries in this research.
New soliton solutions of kraenkel-manna-merle system with beta time derivative
Authors: Bayrakci Ugur , Tuluce Demiray Seyma , Yildirim Huseyin
Published: October 2023

This article discusses the fractional Kraenkel-Manna-Merle (KMM) system, which describes the motion of a nonlinear ultrashort wave pulse through saturated ferromagnetic materials with zero conductivity. The fractional behavior of this system was investigated using the beta derivative. The modified generalized exponential rational function method (MGERFM), developed by modifying the generalized exponential rational function method (GERFM), is applied to this system for the first time. Thus, some soliton solutions of the KMM system that have not been obtained before are presented for the first time in this study. In addition, 2D, 3D and density graphs of the obtained solutions for various values and ranges are presented. Discussions of these graphs are given and the found solutions are compared with other solutions.
Magnetic and electrical transport properties of Cu0.5Ni0.5Fe2O4 ferrite synthesized by plasma arc discharge process
Authors: Maghazei P , Gheisari K , Ranjbar K , Mohammadian A , Bhame S
Published: October 2023

In this study, the plasma arc discharge process was employed to synthesize nanocrystalline Cu0.5Ni0.5Fe2O4 ferrite powders. A spinel-type ferrite structure has been formed successfully, exhibiting a saturation magnetization of 87 emu g−1 and a coercivity of 26 Oe. The investigation involved studying the frequency and temperature dependence of dielectric permittivity, dielectric loss, and DC/AC conductivity over a broad frequency range (1 kHz–1 MHz) in a temperature range of 298 K–403 K. The highest value of the dielectric contestant (4746) is observed at a frequency of 1 kHz and temperature of 313 K. A maximum in the DC conductivity is observed at 403 K, which can be ascribed to the combined effects of thermally activated hopping and an increase in the concentration of both n-type and p-type charge carriers at higher temperatures.
Quantum infinite square well as a limiting case of higher order anharmonic oscillator
Authors: Salamu Y
Published: October 2023

We present a new type of continuous anharmonic potential and analyze its higher order asymptotic limit. The potential display infinite square well-like behavior when anharmonic order N goes to infinity. Consequently, wave functions and eigenvalues of ground and first excited states of anharmonic oscillators also asymptotically approach to those of infinite square well.
First-principles investigation of the ultra-wide band gap halides perovskite XBeF3 (X = Na, K) with pressure effects
Authors: Song Ruijie , Chen Yan , Chen Shanjun , Zhang Jingyi , Shi Zaifa
Published: October 2023

Based on the first-principles and quasi-harmonic Debye model, the structure, electronic, optical and thermodynamic properties of XBeF3 (X = Na, K) crystals at 0 ∼ 30 GPa are systematically investigated for the first time. The lattice constant, elastic constants, and bulk modulus of NaBeF3 and KBeF3 crystals are calculated under zero temperature and zero pressure, which are consistent with the literature values. The studies of electronic properties show that the ultra-wide band gaps of NaBeF3 and KBeF3 crystals at 0 GPa are 7.096 eV and 7.720 eV, respectively. Their band gaps increase with increasing pressure, while their type is indirect without the influence of pressure. Besides, the band structure of XBeF3 crystals at 0 ∼ 30 GPa is calculated by HSE06 functional. The variation of the XBeF3 band gap calculated by the HSE06 function with pressure is consistent with the trend of GGA functional. Additionally, the optical properties including reflectivity, absorption coefficient, complex refractive index, dielectric function and conductivity of NaBeF3 and KBeF3 crystals from 0 to 30 GPa have been comprehensively investigated. Using the quasi-harmonic Debye model, the relative volume, expansion coefficient, Debye temperature and heat capacity effect with pressures and temperatures of NaBeF3 and KBeF3 at 0 ∼ 30 GPa are also researched. The Debye temperatures of NaBeF3 and KBeF3 at 300 K are calculated to be 656.38 K and 602.6 K respectively. At relatively high temperature, the heat capacity at constant volume gradually approaches the Dulong-Petit limit. The results in this paper show that NaBeF3 and KBeF3 crystals may be used in the fields of lens materials and window materials in the deep ultraviolet range. Additionally, the ultra-wide band gap characteristics of NaBeF3 and KBeF3 enable them to be useful as highly insulating layers and high-voltage capacitors.
Effective degradation of Rhodamine B using α-MoO3 nanoplates synthesised using thermal decomposition method
Authors: Mohan Lakshmi , Devu B , Menon Radhika R , Surendran Malavika , P Kathirvel , Maruthamani D , P Balraju , kumar S Saravana
Published: October 2023

MoO3 nanoplates were effectively synthesized using simple thermal decomposition method and comprehensively characterized for structural, optical, dielectric properties. Structural analysis, primarily through x-ray diffraction (XRD), unequivocally confirmed the orthorhombic phase of the synthesized MoO3 nanoplates, establishing their crystalline structure. The optical properties of MoO3 nanoplates were investigated using UV- Vis diffused reflectance spectra, revealing an optical bandgap of 3.0 eV. Photoluminescence (PL) analysis uncovered sub-band transitions within the nanoplates, shedding light on their luminescent behavior and further emphasizing their optical properties. Raman spectroscopy reaffirmed the orthorhombic structure of the MoO3 nanoplates, providing additional structural confirmation. Morphological and compositional analyses, carried out through field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS), showcased the formation of self-assembled hexagonal plate-like structures. This unique morphology holds promise for various applications, especially in photocatalysis. Dielectric and alternating current (AC) conductivity studies confirmed the semiconducting nature of MoO3 nanoplates, a crucial characteristic for their utilization in electronic devices and catalytic processes. Based on these results photocatalytic activity of the synthesized MoO3 was tested for the degradation of Rhodamine- B in aqueous solution. The complete degradation of Rhodamine B obtained demonstrates the efficacy of MoO3 as a photocatalyst, demonstrating its efficacy in environmental remediation and water purification.
PANI: Ni(Leu)2 based non-enzymatic electrochemical dopamine sensor
Authors: Yıldız Dilber Esra , Baytemir Gülsen , Taşaltın Nevin , Karakuş Selcan , Gürsu Gamze , Köse Dursun Ali
Published: October 2023

In this study, metal complexes of Leucine (Leu) and Tryptophan (Trip), namely nickel(Leucine)2 (Ni(Leu)2), zinc(Leucine)2 (Zn(Leu)2), cobalt(Leucine)2 (Co(Leu)2), copper(Leucine)2 (Cu(Leu)2), nickel(Tryptophan)2 (Ni(Trip)2), zinc(Tryptophan)2 (Zn(Trip)2), cobalt(Tryptophan)2 (Co(Trip)2), and copper(Tryptophan)2 (Cu(Trip)2), were synthesized. These complexes were then utilized to fabricate nanocomposites (NCs) based on polyaniline (PANI) through a straightforward sonochemical technique. These NCs were then used to fabricate non-enzymatic electrochemical sensors for detecting dopamine (DOP). The results indicate that the PANI:Ni(Leu)2 NCs based sensor has a high sensitivity of 28.47 μAμM−1 cm−2 and a low limit of detection (LOD) of 9.24 μM. Also, the sensor was tested against fructose, glucose, lactose, and maltose. The sensitivities of the sensor against fructose, glucose, and lactose were calculated as 2.90 μAcm−2 mM−1, 2.14 μAcm−2 mM−1, 2.81 μAcm−2 mM−1, respectively. Due to the use of Ni(Leu)2 composition, the DOP detection sensitivity was higher in PANI:Ni(Leu)2 NCs which can be explained by an enhanced redox mechanism. Furthermore, PANI:Ni(Leu)2 sensor is selectively detect DOP. The PANI:Ni(Leu)2 NCs based sensor is a particularly promising candidate for application in biomedical test kits due to its rapid detection.
AI polarization compensation algorithm using a asymmetry entangled photon source
Authors: Meng Zhe , Yang Jiazhi , Li Jian , Chen Xiaoxiao , Wu Qingyuan , Zhang Anning
Published: October 2023

Satellite-based entanglement distribution is essential for global-scale practical quantum network and foundational tests of quantum physics. Owing to relative motion of the satellite and the ground station, however, using high intensity reference laser to compensate polarization rotation is necessary. Here we propose an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm to compensate polarization using entangled photon pairs instead of high intensity reference laser. Our AI polarization compensation algorithm opens a new avenue to quantum communications and fundamental quantum optics experiments.
N-soliton solutions of Hirota-Satsuma coupled KdV equations with variable coefficients
Authors: Wang Xin , Zhang Ling-Ling
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we propose a class of generalized variable coefficient Hirota-Satsuma coupled KdV equations, which take into account the inhomogeneity of medium and boundary conditions, and can be used to describe long-wave interactions with different dispersion relationships. The bilinear equations with variable coefficients are obtained by the Hirota bilinear method, 1,2,3, N-soliton solutions are obtained by the perturbation method. In addition, the effects of variable coefficient functions on 1, 2, and 3-soliton solutions are analyzed by numerical simulation, and conclusions are drawn.
A mechanically adjustable acoustic metamaterial for low- frequency sound absorption with load-bearing and fire resistance
Authors: Wang Heng , Hu Longxuan , Mao Qibo , Cheng Yuan , Yan Siteng , Yuan Junfeng
Published: October 2023

Broadband sound absorption is limited to discrete noise with abrupt peaks in the spectrum. Here, we proposed a mechanically adjustable acoustical metamaterials (AAMM) for low-frequency sound absorption with deep-subwavelength (0.025λ), which integrates Helmholtz resonators and Fabry–Perot (FP) tubes by precise modular design. The calculation results based on the theoretical model demonstrate that the broad low frequency (from 100 Hz to 500 Hz) tunability of the composite adjustable sound absorbing materials. The adjustable design scheme is further verified by numerical simulation. Then a multi-impedance adjustment method is proposed to improve the local optimal defect and make it have quasi-perfect sound absorption effect in the range of 120 Hz–348 Hz. The sound absorbing material sample can withstand 2.7 tons of dynamic load and 1300° high temperature, presenting superior compression and fire resistance compared to conventional porous sound absorbing materials and membrane acoustic metamaterials. This research on assembled machine-adjustable sound absorption material enriches the conventional acoustic metamaterial design scheme, further improves the space utilization rate, and provides an effective solution for dealing with low-frequency complex variable noise.
Semi-classical rotating black hole in loop quantum gravity
Authors: Xu Zhaoyi
Published: October 2023

In the research paper [1], the analytical solution of semi-classical rotating black holes (BH) in loop quantum gravity theory (LQG) is obtained, but an unknown function H is still preserved. In this note, we obtain an expression for the unknown function H, which makes the space-time line element of the semi-classical rotating BH in the LQG theory sufficiently well-expressed and thus provides a basis for the study of such rotating BHs.
The Adaptive Optics System for the Gemini Infrared Multi-Object Spectrograph: Performance Modeling
Authors: Conod Uriel , Jackson Kate , Turri Paolo , Chapman Scott , Lardière Olivier , Lamb Masen , Correia Carlos , Sivo Gaetano , Sivanandam Suresh , Véran Jean-Pierre
Published: October 2023

The Gemini Infrared Multi-Object Spectrograph (GIRMOS) will be a near-infrared, multi-object, medium spectral resolution, integral field spectrograph (IFS) for Gemini North Telescope, designed to operate behind the future Gemini North Adaptive Optics system (GNAO). In addition to a first ground layer Adaptive Optics (AO) correction in closed loop carried out by GNAO, each of the four GIRMOS IFSs will independently perform additional multi-object AO correction in open loop, resulting in an improved image quality that is critical to achieve top level science requirements. We present the baseline parameters and simulated performance of GIRMOS obtained by modeling both the GNAO and GIRMOS AO systems. The image quality requirement for GIRMOS is that 57% of the energy of an unresolved point-spread function ensquared within a 0.1 × 0.1 arcsecond at 2.0 μ m. It was established that GIRMOS will be an order 16 × 16 adaptive optics (AO) system after examining the tradeoffs between performance, risks and costs. The ensquared energy requirement will be met in median atmospheric conditions at Maunakea at 30° from zenith.
Geometric dependencies of the mean E × B shearing rate in negative triangularity tokamaks
Authors: Singh Rameswar , Diamond P.H. , Nelson A.O.
Published: October 2023

This paper presents a comparative study of the poloidal distribution of the mean E × B shearing rate for positive triangularity (PT) and negative triangularity (NT) tokamaks. The effects of flux surface up–down asymmetry due to asymmetric upper and lower triangularities are also considered. Both direct eddy straining and the effects on Shafranov shift feedback loops are examined. Shafranov shift increases the shearing rate at all poloidal angles for all triangularities, due to flux surface compression. The maximum shearing rate bifurcates at a critical triangularity

δ

crit

(
≲
0
)

. Thus, the shearing rate is maximal off the outboard midplane for NT, while it is maximal on the outboard midplane for PT. For up–down asymmetric triangularity, the usual up–down symmetry of the shearing rate is broken. The shearing rate at the outboard midplane is lower for NT than for PT, suggesting that the shearing efficiency in NT is reduced. Implications for turbulence stabilisation and confinement improvement in high-

β

p

NT and internal transport barrier discharges are discussed.
The co-located arrangement of ECEI and MIR microwave imaging diagnostics on EAST tokamak
Authors: Qu C.M. , Xie J.L. , Zhu Y.L. , Xu X.H. , Zhang L.F. , Li Z.H. , Zhuang G. , Liu W.D.
Published: October 2023

The co-located configuration of Passive Electron Cyclotron Emission Imaging (ECEI) and active Microwave Imaging Reflectometry (MIR) diagnostics systems has been successfully implemented on the EAST fusion reactor. These advanced 2D microwave diagnostic tools offer 10–20 mm poloidal spatial resolution through large aperture quasi optics. This arrangement not only optimizes the utilization of limited observation windows but also facilitates concurrent measurements of plasma density and electron temperature at specific toroidal positions. This co-located setup holds great promise for enhancing research into electron heat transport and other pivotal plasma phenomena.
Investigating permafrost carbon dynamics in Alaska with artificial intelligence
Authors: Gay B A , Pastick N J , Züfle A E , Armstrong A H , Miner K R , Qu J J
Published: October 2023

Positive feedbacks between permafrost degradation and the release of soil carbon into the atmosphere impact land–atmosphere interactions, disrupt the global carbon cycle, and accelerate climate change. The widespread distribution of thawing permafrost is causing a cascade of geophysical and biochemical disturbances with global impacts. Currently, few earth system models account for permafrost carbon feedback (PCF) mechanisms. This research study integrates artificial intelligence (AI) tools and information derived from field-scale surveys across the tundra and boreal landscapes in Alaska. We identify and interpret the permafrost carbon cycling links and feedback sensitivities with GeoCryoAI, a hybridized multimodal deep learning (DL) architecture of stacked convolutionally layered, memory-encoded recurrent neural networks (NN). This framework integrates in-situ measurements and flux tower observations for teacher forcing and model training. Preliminary experiments to quantify, validate, and forecast permafrost degradation and carbon efflux across Alaska demonstrate the fidelity of this data-driven architecture. More specifically, GeoCryoAI logs the ecological memory and effectively learns covariate dynamics while demonstrating an aptitude to simulate and forecast PCF dynamics—active layer thickness (ALT), carbon dioxide flux (CO2), and methane flux (CH4)—with high precision and minimal loss (i.e. ALTRMSE: 1.327 cm [1969–2022]; CO2
RMSE: 0.697 µmolCO2m−2s−1 [2003–2021]; CH4
RMSE: 0.715 nmolCH4m−2s−1 [2011–2022]). ALT variability is a sensitive harbinger of change, a unique signal characterizing the PCF, and our model is the first characterization of these dynamics across space and time.
A balancing act: the interplay of food supply chain resilience and environmental sustainability in American cities
Authors: Gomez Michael , Grady Caitlin
Published: October 2023

Global food systems must be a part of strategies for greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation, optimal water use, and nitrogen pollution reduction. Insights from research in these areas can inform policies to build sustainable food systems yet limited work has been done to build understanding around whether or not sustainability efforts compete with supply chain resilience. This study explores the interplay between food supply resilience and environmental impacts in US cities, within the context of global food systems’ contributions to GHG emissions, water use, and nitrogen pollution. Utilizing county-level agricultural data, we assess the water use, GHG emissions, and nitrogen losses of urban food systems across the US, and juxtapose these against food supply resilience, represented by supply chain diversity. Our results highlight that supply chain resilience and sustainability can simultaneously exist and are not necessarily in competition with each other. We also found a significant per capita footprint in the environmental domains across Southern cities, specifically those along the Gulf Coast and southern Great Plains. Food supply chain resilience scores ranged from 0.18 to 0.69, with lower scores in the southwest and Great Plains, while northeastern and Midwestern regions demonstrated higher resilience. We found several cities with high supply chain resilience and moderate or low environmental impacts as well as areas with high impacts and low resilience. This study provides insights into potential trade-offs and opportunities for creating sustainable urban food systems in the US, underscoring the need for strategies that consider both resilience and environmental implications.
Arctic marginal ice zone interannual variability and change point detection using two definitions (1983–2022)
Authors: Soleymani Armina , Scott K Andrea
Published: October 2023

The ongoing decline in Arctic sea ice extent and thickness underscores the scientific significance of monitoring the marginal ice zone (MIZ), a transitional region between the open ocean and pack ice. In this study, we used Bootstrap sea ice concentration (SIC) to detect the trend and change point of the Arctic MIZ over 40 years (1983–2022) using two different MIZ definitions: SIC threshold-based (MIZ
t
) and SIC anomaly-based (MIZ

σ

). This study marks the exploration of a SIC anomaly-based definition of the MIZ over the Arctic. While the two MIZ definitions yield comparable seasonal trends in marginal ice zone fraction (MIZF), the MIZ

σ

fraction values peak during the transition periods (e.g. freeze-up and break-up), while the MIZ
t
fraction values peak in August. The analysis also uncovers consistently higher MIZF values for the MIZ

σ

than for MIZ
t
across all seasons. Moreover, October and August show the fastest rate of increase in MIZ
t
fraction and MIZ

σ

fraction, reflecting the coinciding rapid decrease in sea ice extent during those particular months. Employing the pruned exact linear time, a multiple change point detection method, highlights a significant increase in the MIZ

t

fraction in October (after 2005) and MIZ

σ

fraction in August (after 2007). This can be indicative of the recent climate change impacts in the Arctic region that may be linked with shifts in SIC and sea ice mobility for MIZ
t
and MIZ

σ

, respectively.
Confession and greenwashing: the impact of water information disclosure on firm value
Authors: Huang Rui
Published: October 2023

Water pollution has become a serious problem in recent years, and firms are one of the main culprits for this environmental issue. Encouraging companies to improve water management behavior is necessary to protect water resources. Based on panel data of Chinese A-share listed companies in water-sensitive industries, this study used text analysis techniques to study the impact of corporate water information disclosure on pollutant emissions, strategy on firm value, and the U-shaped moderating role of local governments’ environmental regulation. The results show that (1) an increase in the amount of emission information texts to confess the water status can help enhance firm value. (2) The increase in the amount of strategic information texts, both the tone of emission, and strategic information texts have negative impacts on firm value, which help enterprises greenwash. Further analyses find a U-shaped moderating effect of governments’ environmental regulation on the relationships between emission information disclosure, strategic information disclosure and firm value, and varies under the different ISO14001 certification situations and life cycles. This research explains the effectiveness of corporate water information disclosure and the influence of governments’ environmental regulation, which plays a vital role in promoting firms to improve their environmental behaviors, reduce water pollution, and further achieve green development.
Exclosure effects on soil physicochemical properties and woody species diversity in the south Rift valley basin of Ethiopia
Authors: Mathewos Markos , Mamo Zelalem
Published: October 2023

Establishing exclosures has become common rehabilitation and restoration of degraded lands in Ethiopia. This study examined the effects of exclosure on identified soil physical and chemical properties, and woody diversity at the Wamole sub-watershed. Representative soil samples were taken from the open grazing land and eight-year-old exclosure. Six transects and 18 plots, with an area of 20 m × 20 m and containing nine from each open grazing ground and nine from the exclosure, were constructed alongside to sample the vegetation. From every plot, by ‘X’ design, composite soil samples were collected for investigation of total nitrogen (TN), available phosphorus, cation exchange capacity (CEC), soil pH and soil organic carbon content (SOC), and the bulk density (BD) of the soil, 18 undisturbed soil samples were taken from 0 to 20 cm deep. 34 and 28 woody species belonging to 25 and 20 families were registered between exclosure and adjacent open grazing land respectively. Significantly (P < 0.05) higher Index Shannon-Wiener (3.36) in the exclosure indicated better species diversity in the exclosure than in the open grazing land (3.13). Soil properties such as available phosphorus, pH, OC, TN, and CEC showed significant differences (p < 0.05) across different land uses. Exclosures facilitated to reclaim of degraded lands by re-establishing vegetation and improving soil nutrient status in a comparatively short period. It suggests that further research on socio-economic aspects of exclosures has to bring livelihood improvement in the locality to establish additional degraded open grazing lands in the research sub-watershed.
Social inheritance of avoidances shapes the structure of animal social networks
Authors: Frère Celine H , Class Barbara , Potvin Dominique A , Ilany Amiyaal
Published: October 2023

Social structure can have significant effects on selection, affecting both individual fitness traits and population-level processes. As such, research into its dynamics and evolution has spiked in the last decade, where theoretical and computational advances in social network analysis have increased our understanding of its ecological and inheritance underpinnings. Yet, the processes that shape the formation of structure within social networks are poorly understood and the role of social avoidances unknown. Social avoidances are an alternate of social affiliation in animal societies, which, although invisible, likely play a role in shaping animal social networks. Assuming social avoidances evolve under similar constraints as affiliative behavior, we extended a previous model of social inheritance of affiliations to investigate the impact of social inheritance of avoidances on social network structure. We modeled avoidances as relationships that individuals can copy from their mothers or from their mother’s social environment and varied the degrees to which individuals inherit social affiliates and avoidances to test their combined influence on social network structure. We found that inheriting avoidances via maternal social environments made social networks less dense and more modular, thereby demonstrating how social avoidance can shape the evolution of animal social networks.
Clustering of multi-tissue transcriptomes in gilts with normal cyclicity or delayed puberty reveals genes related to pubertal development
Authors: Wijesena Hiruni R , Keel Brittney N , Nonneman Dan J , Cushman Robert A , Lents Clay A
Published: October 2023

In gilts, puberty is marked by standing estrus in the presence of a boar. Delayed puberty (DP; failure to display pubertal estrus) is a major reason for gilt removal. To investigate the physiological determinants underlying DP in gilts, transcriptomic data from tissues relevant to estrus and puberty, such as mediobasal hypothalamus, anterior pituitary gland, ovarian cortex, olfactory bulb, amygdala, and hippocampus, were obtained from age-matched DP (n = 8) and cyclic control gilts at follicular phase (n = 8) and luteal phase (n = 8) of the estrous cycle. A gene expression module analysis via three-way gene × individual × tissue clustering using tensor decomposition identified pituitary and ovary gene modules contributing to regulation of pubertal development. Analysis of gene expression in the hypothalamic–pituitary–ovary axis identified reduced expression of hypothalamic genes critical for stimulating gonadotropin secretion (KISS1 and TAC3) and reduced expression of LHB in the anterior pituitary of DP gilts compared with their cyclic counterparts. Consequently, luteinizing hormone-induced genes in the ovary important for folliculogenesis (OXTR, RUNX2, and PTX3) were less expressed in DP gilts. Other intrafollicular genes (AHR, PTGS2, PTGFR, and IGFBP7) and genes in the steroidogenesis pathways (STAR and CYP11A1) necessary to complete the ovulatory cascade were also less expressed in DP gilts. This is the first clustering of multi-tissue expression data from DP and cyclic gilts to identify genes differentially expressed in gilts of similar ages but at different levels of sexual development. A critical lack of gonadotropin support and reduced ovarian responsiveness underlie DP in gilts.
Challenges in adult services for a young adult with a rare skin disease
Authors: Valleekanthan Maddie , Cree Hannah
Published: October 2023

Maddie, a 17-year-old patient with congenital melanocytic naevi who is a Young Ambassador with Caring Matters Now, wrote this article while on work experience with the Support Pathway Practitioner for the charity. This article discusses how young adult members should be supported while transitioning to adult services and the challenges faced by young people affected by a rare skin disease as they transition from specialized care to local services.
Multi-domain cognition dysfunction accompanies frontoparietal and temporal amyloid accumulation in the elderly
Authors: Wang Dandan , Xu Kai , Dang Mingxi , Sang Feng , Chen Kewei , Zhang Zhanjun , Li Xin
Published: October 2023

It is helpful to understand the pathology of Alzheimer’s disease by exploring the relationship between amyloid-β accumulation and cognition. The study explored the relationship between regional amyloid-β accumulation and multiple cognitions and study their application value in the Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis. 135 participants completed 18F-florbetapir Positron Emission Tomography (PET), structural MRI, and a cognitive battery. Partial correlation was used to examine the relationship between global and regional amyloid-β accumulation and cognitions. Then, a support vector machine was applied to determine whether cognition-related accumulation regions can adequately distinguish the cognitively normal controls (76 participants) and mild cognitive impairment (30 participants) groups or mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease (29 participants) groups. The result showed that amyloid-β accumulation regions were mainly located in the frontoparietal cortex, calcarine fissure, and surrounding cortex and temporal pole regions. Episodic memory-related regions included the frontoparietal cortices; executive function-related regions included the frontoparietal, temporal, and occipital cortices; and processing speed-related regions included the frontal and occipital cortices. Support vector machine analysis showed that only episodic memory-related amyloid-β accumulation regions had better classification performance during the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Assessing regional changes in amyloid, particularly in frontoparietal regions, can aid in the early detection of amyloid-related decline in cognitive function.
Birds living near airports do not show consistently higher levels of feather corticosterone
Authors: Alquezar Renata D , Arregui Lucía , Macedo Regina H , Gil Diego
Published: October 2023

Noise represents a threat to human and wildlife health, triggering physiological and behavioral challenges to individuals living close to sources of extreme noise. Here, we considered airport environments as sources of potentially stressful stimuli for birds and tested if those living near airports are under higher physiological stress than birds living in quiet sites. We used measurements of CORT in feathers (CORTf) as a proxy of chronic stress. We evaluated 14 passerine and 1 non-passerine species, living near three Brazilian airports. We found that, across species, individuals with a better body condition had lower CORTf concentration. At the species level, we found that CORTf concentration was not consistently affected by airport noise. Comparing individuals living in quiet sites with those living near airports, we found that 2 species had higher and 2 had lower CORTf concentrations near airports, while 11 species presented no significant differences between sites. At the population level, model selection indicated that the direction and strength of these differences are weakly related to species’ song frequency (peak frequency), as lower-frequency singers tended to present higher CORTf levels at airport-affected sites. In summary, we were unable to find a consistent response among species, probably due to species-specific differences in their response to anthropogenic disturbances. Instead, we found that species might be affected differently according to their singing spectral frequency and that individuals in good body condition show lower CORTf, suggesting that this measure is consistent with lower physiological stress.
Purifying and balancing selection on embryonic semi-lethal haplotypes in a wild mammal
Authors: Stoffel Martin A , Johnston Susan E , Pilkington Jill G , Pemberton Josephine M
Published: October 2023

Embryonic lethal mutations are arguably the earliest and most severe manifestation of inbreeding depression, but their impact on wild populations is not well understood. Here, we combined genomic, fitness, and life-history data from 5,925 wild Soay sheep sampled over nearly three decades to explore the impact of embryonic lethal mutations and their evolutionary dynamics. We searched for haplotypes that in their homozygous state are unusually rare in the offspring of known carrier parents and found three putatively semi-lethal haplotypes with 27%–46% fewer homozygous offspring than expected. Two of these haplotypes are decreasing in frequency, and gene-dropping simulations through the pedigree suggest that this is partially due to purifying selection. In contrast, the frequency of the third semi-lethal haplotype remains relatively stable over time. We show that the haplotype could be maintained by balancing selection because it is also associated with increased postnatal survival and body weight and because its cumulative frequency change is lower than in most drift-only simulations. Our study highlights embryonic mutations as a largely neglected contributor to inbreeding depression and provides a rare example of how harmful genetic variation can be maintained through balancing selection in a wild mammal population.
Tropical montane forest (Shola) tree species can regenerate under abandoned exotic tree plantations in the Western Ghats of India
Authors: Schmerbeck Joachim , Saha Somidh , Srimathi Anjana , Einhellinger Birgit , Hangsing Mamang
Published: October 2023

Whether environmental conditions under exotic tree plantations abandoned in the Western Ghats of India can facilitate the natural regeneration of tropical montane forest (Shola forest) tree species is being debated. In many cases, the exotic tree plantations are being cleared to allow for the restoration of native ecosystems. In this paper, we examined whether exotic tree plantations have indeed a negative effect on the regeneration of Shola forest tree species. For this, we assessed the abundance, diversity, and composition of the regeneration of Shola forest tree species in plantations, each with different dominant tree species (Acacia mearnsii, Pinus sp., and Eucalyptus sp.). We tested the abundance of regenerating native tree species against the main plantation canopy species (plantation type) as well as other environmental factors (aspect, distance to nearest Shola forest, structural diversity, slope, elevation, presence of herbivores, and canopy closure). We found that the number of native tree species regenerating in all plantation types was at an acceptable level: 1960, 1773, and 462 individuals ha−1 for Acacia, Eucalyptus, and Pinus plantations, respectively. A rare fraction analysis showed that the highest number of Shola tree species were regenerating under Acacia mearnsii (25) followed by Eucalyptus (19) and Pinus (8) plantations. The density and diversity of regenerating Shola trees was greatest under Acacia plantations and northern aspects but declined with increasing elevation. The presence of herbivores also reduced the density and diversity of Shola tree regeneration. We concluded that the restoration of Shola forest in the Western Ghats is possible in existing stands of exotic tree species and this process can be accelerated with appropriate silvicultural methods. We additionally recommend that studies involving long-term exclosures can provide valuable insights into the effects of browsing on regeneration and species composition.
ChatGPT in forensic sciences: a new Pandora’s box with advantages and challenges to pay attention
Authors: Dinis-Oliveira Ricardo J , Azevedo Rui M S
Published: October 2023

ChatGPT is a variant of the generative pre-trained transformer (GPT) language model that uses large amounts of text-based training data and a transformer architecture to generate human-like text adjusted to the received prompts. ChatGPT presents several advantages in forensic sciences, namely, constituting a virtual assistant to aid lawyers, judges, and victims in managing and interpreting forensic expert data. But what would happen if ChatGPT began to be used to produce forensic expertise reports? Despite its potential applications, the use of ChatGPT and other Large Language Models and artificial intelligence tools in forensic writing also poses ethical and legal concerns, which are discussed in this perspective together with some expected future perspectives.
The Interplay Between Splicing of Two Exon Combinations Differentially Affects Membrane Targeting and Function of Human CaV2.2
Authors: Dahimene Shehrazade , Page Karen M , Nieto-Rostro Manuela , Pratt Wendy S , Dolphin Annette C
Published: October 2023

N-type calcium channels (CaV2.2) are predominantly localized in presynaptic terminals, and are particularly important for pain transmission in the spinal cord. Furthermore, they have multiple isoforms, conferred by alternatively spliced or cassette exons, which are differentially expressed. Here, we have examined alternatively spliced exon47 variants that encode a long or short C-terminus in human CaV2.2. In the Ensembl database, all short exon47-containing transcripts were associated with the absence of exon18a, therefore, we also examined the effect of inclusion or absence of exon18a, combinatorially with the exon47 splice variants. We found that long exon47, only in the additional presence of exon18a, results in CaV2.2 currents that have a 3.6-fold greater maximum conductance than the other three combinations. In contrast, cell-surface expression of CaV2.2 in both tsA-201 cells and hippocampal neurons is increased ∼4-fold by long exon47, relative to short exon47, in either the presence or the absence of exon18a. This surprising discrepancy between trafficking and function indicates that cell-surface expression is enhanced by long exon47, independently of exon18a. However, in the presence of long exon47, exon18a mediates an additional permissive effect on CaV2.2 gating. We also investigated the single-nucleotide polymorphism in exon47 that has been linked to schizophrenia and Parkinson’s disease, which we found is only non-synonymous in the short exon47 C-terminal isoform, resulting in two minor alleles. This study highlights the importance of investigating the combinatorial effects of exon inclusion, rather than each in isolation, in order to increase our understanding of calcium channel function.
Promoting the Well-Being of Older People in Ethiopia: Lost Opportunities Due to the Poverty of Policy
Authors: Adamek Margaret E , Kotecho Messay Gebremariam , Teshome Abraham Zelalem
Published: October 2023

The world’s population is aging with the fastest growth in the older population projected to take place in Africa. In this article, we present the challenges of the growing older population in Ethiopia, outline some key changes that are needed to address those challenges, and consider the opportunities that can come about when older adults’ basic needs are met and they are supported in contributing to their communities. Older adults in Ethiopia are faced with multidimensional challenges that call for collaborative efforts from different stakeholders at local, regional, and national levels. However, some measures should be given the utmost priority: combating negative attitudes toward older people, strengthening geriatric/gerontology and social work education and research, and developing aging-specific policies and services. Although the challenges faced by older adults in Ethiopia seem like a problem of aging compounded by poverty, the root source of the problem is a poverty of policy fueled by ageism. If income support and appropriate health care was provided to older adults throughout Ethiopia, health and well-being in late life would improve, food and housing insecurity among older adults would lessen, and all Ethiopians could anticipate a dignified late life.
Exploration of the Content and Structure of Preferences for Leisure Activities of People Receiving Adult Day Services Using Concept Mapping
Authors: Rommerskirch-Manietta Mike , Bergmann Johannes M , Manietta Christina , Purwins Daniel , Van Haitsma Kimberly , Abbott Katherine M , Roes Martina
Published: October 2023

Background and Objectives

Providing preferred leisure activities appears to be an important approach to support and empower people receiving adult day services (ADS) allowing them to age in place. To provide the conceptualization for a preference instrument, we actively involved people receiving ADS in exploring the content and structure of their preferences for leisure activities.

Research Design and Methods

We chose a concept mapping methodology and involved 16 people receiving ADS. We systematically reviewed the literature and conducted semistructured interviews to generate a set of 80 preferences. Analysis of structuring these preferences resulted in a 3-dimensional cube with 12 clusters. A graphical representation was then interpreted, and the clusters were labeled.

Results

Our conceptualization divides preferences for leisure activities into the following: 1. Take a trip, 2. Revel in memories and catch up on the news (most important), 3. Do something for yourself and come to rest, 4. Play intelligence and parlor games, 5. Make/produce and try something alone or in a group, 6. Keep fit and cheer others on in sports (least important), 7. Learn, educate, and share knowledge, 8. Have contact with other people, 9. Attend at entertainment, cultural, and amusement events, 10. Enjoy music, your homeland, or other countries, 11. Engage in outdoor activities, and 12. Get involved, offer support, and provide companionship.

Discussion and Implications

Our results may lead to the development of instruments and thus opens the field for further research and theory building on preferences for leisure activities of people receiving ADS.
Methods for Studying Animal Behaviour
Authors: Nordell Shawn E. , Valone Thomas J.
Published: October 2023

This chapter looks into methods of studying animal behavior. It highlights the process of generating and testing hypotheses which are based on earlier observations, prior research, and theory. Scientists often utilize analytical models and mathematical expressions to clarify arguments and assumptions into research as they can predict behaviors that can maximize an individual's fitness. The observational method is used to test hypotheses and describe behavioral pattern, while the experimental method enables scientists to manipulate or change a variable affecting animal behavior. Additionally, the comparative method shows the similarities and differences between species in an effort to understand the evolution of behaviors.
A Statistics Primer
Authors: Futuyma Douglas J. , Kirkpatrick Mark
Published: October 2023

This is an eastern gorilla (Gorilla beringei). Male gorillas are about twice as heavy as females. Statistics tells us that this difference is real, and not a mistaken impression resulting from measuring some unusual individuals.
Freeing Time and Reducing Costs: The Value of a Specialized Nursing Service in IBD
Authors: Aboubakr Aiya , Lukin Dana J
Published: October 2023

Lay Summary

This invited editorial provides commentary on the manuscript by Yu et al regarding outcomes of a dedicated IBD nursing service. We highlight financial, time, and care quality benefits identified by the authors and contextualize the results for journal readership.