bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Localizing urban buildings carbon emissions reduction: causes and strategies
Authors: Mensah Sarfo , Ameyaw Collins , Yeboah William Appiah
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The lack of carbon emission reduction strategies specifically devised for buildings in urban areas in developing countries has affected the global course of tackling carbon emissions. The purpose of this study is to identify the causes of carbon emissions from buildings in urban settings in Ghana and generate specific reduction strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted with reference to Kumasi Metropolis, an urban area in Ghana. Adopting a survey research design, data obtained from 106 built environment professionals (BEP) were analyzed using Garrett’s mean ranking and factor analysis (FA) techniques.

Findings

Urban buildings’ carbon emissions in the study area are attributable to construction, demolition energy consumption, technological and economic factors. The strategies emerging from the study emphasize organizational and governmental policy and regulatory factors, as well as the adoption of indigenous sustainable materials and technology.

Practical implications

BEPs and construction industry regulatory bodies will have to consider socioeconomic characteristics of a specific location in the development of organizational and localized carbon emission reduction policies.

Social implications

Local authorities who plan economic activities such as trading and associated taxation in urban areas in developing countries should consider the climate change implications of such socioeconomic activities.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies that has conceived carbon emission causes and reduction strategies within the context of a typical developing country’s urban setting to overcome the pragmatic challenges associated with past carbon emission reduction frameworks.
Determinants of digital technology adoption in sub-Sahara Africa: Ghana
Authors: Naatu Felicia , Selormey Felix Sena , Naatu Stephen
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study delves into how perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness impacts consumer attitude and intention to adopt digital technologies in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

We utilized covariance-based structural equation modeling with a dataset consisting of 204 respondents to evaluate the model. The analysis was conducted using R (version 0.6–12).

Findings

The results confirm that both perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness are key predictors of the intention to adopt technology. Additionally, factors such as attitude, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control also play a significant role in influencing adoption intent. Notably, the research indicates that perceived ease of use not only impacts peer influence among consumers, but also shapes their confidence in effectively using the technology. Furthermore, in contrast to previous studies, this investigation suggests that while perceived behavioral control impacts behavioral intent, it does not predict attitude in the Ghanaian context. The study advocates for development of user-centric technologies, promotion of digital literacy and cultivation of a digital culture.

Research limitations/implications

Our use of a single country data restricts generalizability of the study. For a more comprehensive and profound understanding, we recommend a broader study across multiple sub-Saharan African countries with a mixed method or qualitative approach.

Originality/value

The significance of this research lies in its original contribution to the field in providing crucial insights for governments and industry players. It sheds light on factors influencing user readiness to adopt technology and makes a substantial contribution to the ongoing discussion on digital technology adoption in literature.
Uncovering the dynamic decision-making behaviours of multiple stakeholders in the community public infrastructure
Authors: Li Qian , Zhang Qi , Shen Yuyan , Zhang Xiang
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The elevator installation in old communities (EIOC) can effectively improve the public infrastructure of urban communities. However, differences in the decision-making behaviours of stakeholders lead to frequent conflicts, thereby hindering the implementation of EIOC. The purpose of this study is to explore the decision-making behavior of core stakeholders which are the government, community owners and elevator enterprises at different stages in the EIOC using the evolutionary game method.

Design/methodology/approach

A tripartite evolutionary game model involving the government, community owners and elevator enterprises was developed, and their evolutionary stabilisation strategies were explored in different stages. The dynamic change of the stakeholders' decision-making behaviours at different stages of the project and the influencing mechanism of the key factors on the decision-making behaviours of the three stakeholders were analysed through numerical simulation.

Findings

The results of this study showed that: Divergent interests led the government, community owners and elevator enterprises to adopt distinct decision-making behaviours at different stages, resulting in diverse attitudes and actions among stakeholders. A dynamic reward and penalty mechanism effectively motivated community owners and elevator enterprises to engage actively, fostering broad participation. However, the high regulatory cost diminished the government's regulatory effectiveness. This imbalance between penalties and incentives posed a challenge, impacting the overall effectiveness and efficiency of implementing the EIOC.

Originality/value

Existing research lacks exploration of the decision-making behaviours of stakeholders in community public infrastructure. This study developed a dynamic tripartite evolutionary game model in the EIOC from the gaming perspective. The results of this study provide a reference for dealing with the stakeholders' interests in the community public infrastructure and contribute to the theoretical basis for establishing an effective supervision mechanism.
Nurse middle managers’ proactive work behavior: antecedents and consequences on innovative work behavior and job performance
Authors: Pierre Lucie , Cangialosi Nicola , Déprez Guillaume R. M.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Healthcare organizations require more proactive behaviors from nursing professionals. However, nurse managers’ proactivity has rarely been analyzed in the literature and little is known about the antecedents and consequences of their proactive behavior at work. This study examines the relationships between job characteristics (i.e. job autonomy and job variety), psychological empowerment, proactive work behavior and job effectiveness indicators (i.e. innovative work behavior, job performance). We tested a model in which psychological empowerment and proactive work behavior sequentially mediate the relationship between job characteristics and job effectiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional study was conducted among nurse middle managers from a French hospital (N = 321). A hypothetical model was developed based on existing theory. Structural equation modeling was used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

Results show that psychological empowerment and proactive work behavior fully mediate the relationship between job characteristics and innovative work behavior, and partially mediate the relationship between job characteristics and job performance.

Originality/value

This study provides insights for understanding how job characteristics can contribute to fostering the proactivity of nurse middle managers and how their proactive work behavior can be positively related to innovative work behavior and job performance. Findings raise several implications for hospital administrators and upper management seeking new ways to enhance nurse middle managers' proactive work behavior and push further their effectiveness at work.
Multi‐omics analysis of antagonistic interactions among free‐living Pseudonocardia from diverse ecosystems
Authors: Parra Jonathan , Jarmusch Scott A. , Duncan Katherine R.
Published: June 2024

Actinomycetes are a phylogenetically diverse bacterial group which are widely distributed across terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Within this order, the genus Pseudonocardia and their specialised metabolites have been the focus of previous ecological studies due to their antagonistic interactions with other microorganisms and their mutualistic interactions with insects. However, the chemical ecology of free‐living Pseudonocardia remains understudied. This study applies a multi‐omics approach to investigate the chemical ecology of free‐living actinomycetes from the genus Pseudonocardia. In a comparative genomics analysis, it was observed that the biosynthetic gene cluster family distribution was influenced mainly by phylogenetic distance rather than the geographic or ecological origin of strains. This finding was also observed in the mass spectrometry‐based metabolomic profiles of nine Pseudonocardia species isolated from marine sediments and two terrestrial species. Antagonist interactions between these 11 species were examined, and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionisation‐mass spectrometry imaging was used to examine in situ chemical interactions between the Southern Ocean strains and their phylogenetically close relatives. Overall, it was demonstrated that phylogeny was the main predictor of antagonistic interactions among free‐living Pseudonocardia. Moreover, two features at m/z 441.15 and m/z 332.20 were identified as metabolites related to these interspecies interactions.
Cutaneous shedding in amphibians causes shifts in bacterial microbiomes
Authors: WEITZMAN Chava L. , BROWN Gregory P. , GIBB Karen , CHRISTIAN Keith
Published: June 2024

Considerable research has focused on microbes on amphibian skin, as they act as the first line of defense against invading pathogens. This effort has generated substantial data on patterns across species, space, time, and ontogeny, alongside a growing list of beneficial antifungal symbionts. Though there is evidence of stability in amphibian skin microbial communities, there is also an indication that regular skin shedding reduces cultivable bacteria, with regrowth and recolonization in the period between sheds. This suggests that skin communities are in constant flux, and we lack an understanding of how the membership and structure of those communities are affected by shedding events. In this study, we conducted experiments on cane toads (Rhinella marina) to investigate the influence of shedding on skin microbiomes. We first used quantitative PCR to verify a positive correlation between bacterial loads and time in the days after shedding. We then resampled individuals over time to describe changes in community composition in the 38 h after shedding using amplicon sequencing. Similar to trends of bacterial loads, we found increases in alpha diversity over time after shedding, suggesting that shedding reduces bacterial diversity as it knocks down bacterial loads. During the 38‐h period, community structure became similar to pre‐shed communities in some individuals, but there was no consistent pattern in structural changes among individuals. In light of the amphibian chytridiomycosis pandemic, understanding how physiological events such as skin shedding affect beneficial bacteria and communities on amphibians would provide important insight into amphibian ecology.
Multi‐omic analysis of dysregulated pathways in triple negative breast cancer
Authors: Sajjad Fatima , Jalal Ahmer , Jalal Amir , Gul Zulekha , Mubeen Hira , Rizvi Seemal Zahra , un‐Nisa Ex Alim , Asghar Andleeb , Butool Farah
Published: June 2024

The aggressive characteristics of triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) and the absence of targeted medicines make TNBC a challenging clinical case. The molecular landscape of TNBC has been well‐understood thanks to recent developments in multi‐omic analysis, which have also revealed dysregulated pathways and possible treatment targets. This review summarizes the utilization of multi‐omic approaches in elucidating TNBC's complex biology and therapeutic avenues. Dysregulated pathways including cell cycle progression, immunological modulation, and DNA damage response have been uncovered in TNBC by multi‐omic investigations that integrate genomes, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics data. Methods like this pave the door for the discovery of new therapeutic targets, such as the EGFR, PARP, and mTOR pathways, which in turn direct the creation of more precise treatments. Recent developments in TNBC treatment strategies, including immunotherapy, PARP inhibitors, and antibody‐drug conjugates, show promise in clinical trials. Emerging biomarkers like MUC1, YB‐1, and immune‐related markers offer insights into personalized treatment approaches and prognosis prediction. Despite the strengths of multi‐omic analysis in offering a more comprehensive view and personalized treatment strategies, challenges exist. Large sample sizes and ensuring high‐quality data remain crucial for reliable findings. Multi‐omic analysis has revolutionized TNBC research, shedding light on dysregulated pathways, potential targets, and emerging biomarkers. Continued research efforts are imperative to translate these insights into improved outcomes for TNBC patients.
Cognitive decline in Sprague–Dawley rats induced by neuroplasticity changes after occlusal support loss
Authors: Wang Xiaoyu , Pang Qian , Hu Jiangqi , Luo Bin , Lu Yunping , Sun Xu , Meng Shixiang , Jiang Qingsong
Published: June 2024

Background

Tooth loss is closely related to cognitive impairment, especially affecting cognitive functions involving hippocampus. The most well‐known function of the hippocampus is learning and memory, and the mechanism behind is neuroplasticity, which strongly depends on the level of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). While research has delved into the possible mechanisms behind the loss of teeth leading to cognitive dysfunction, there are few studies on the plasticity of sensory neural pathway after tooth loss, and the changes in related indicators of synaptic plasticity still need to be further explored.

Methods

In this study, the bilateral maxillary molars were extracted in Sprague–Dawley rats of two age ranges (young and middle age) to establish occlusal support loss model; then, the spatial cognition was tested by Morris Water Maze (MWM). Quantitative real‐time PCR (qPCR) and Western Blotting (WB) were used to detect BDNF, AKT, and functional proteins (viz., PSD95 and NMDAR) of hippocampal synapses. Golgi staining was used to observe changes in ascending nerve pathway. IF was used to confirm the location of BDNF and AKT expressed in hippocampus.

Results

MWM showed that the spatial cognitive level of rats dropped after occlusal support loss. qPCR, WB, and IF suggested that the BDNF/AKT pathway was down‐regulated in the hippocampus. Golgi staining showed the neurons of ascending sensory pathway decreased in numbers.

Conclusion

Occlusal support loss caused plastic changes in ascending nerve pathway and induced cognitive impairment in rats by down‐regulating BDNF and synaptic plasticity.
Effectiveness of narrowband ultraviolet B monotherapy versus combination therapy with systemic agents in patients with early‐stage mycosis fungoides and the association with plaque lesions
Authors: Qin Yao , Lin Yuwei , Chen Zhuojing , Zhang Qiuli , Li Yingyi , Wen Yujie , Tu Ping , Gao Pei , Wang Yang
Published: June 2024

Objective

Narrowband ultraviolet B (NB‐UVB) has been recommended as first‐line therapy for early‐stage mycosis fungoides (MF) in international guidelines. NB‐UVB can be used as monotherapy or part of a multimodality treatment regimen. There is limited evidence on the effectiveness and optimal patients of NB‐UVB in combination with systemic therapies in MF. We aimed to assess the effectiveness of the combination versus NB‐UVB monotherapy in early‐stage MF and if plaque lesion status was related to these effects.

Methods

This observational cohort study included 247 early‐stage MF patients who had received NB‐UVB combined with systemic therapies vs. NB‐UVB monotherapy from 2009 to 2021. The primary outcome was partial or complete response. Overall response rate and median time to response were calculated. Hazard ratios (HRs) were estimated using the Cox model.

Results

In 139 plaque‐stage patients, the response rate for combination therapy group was higher than that of monotherapy group (79.0% vs. 54.3%, p = 0.006). The adjusted HR for combination therapy compared with NB‐UVB monotherapy was 3.11 (95% CI 1.72–5.63). The combination therapy group also showed shorter time to response (4 vs. 6 months, p = 0.002). In 108 patch‐stage patients, the response rate and time to response in two treatment groups showed no significant difference. There was therefore an observed interaction with patients’ plaque lesion status for the effect size of NB‐UVB combination therapy. No serious adverse events were observed.

Conclusions

Adding systemic treatments to NB‐UVB did not improve the treatment outcome of patch‐stage patients, but it surpassed NB‐UVB monotherapy for early‐stage patients with plaques.
What I think she thinks about my paralysed body: Social inferences about disability‐related content in anosognosia for hemiplegia
Authors: Besharati Sahba , Jenkinson Paul M. , Kopelman Michael , Solms Mark , Bulgarelli Cristina , Pacella Valentina , Moro Valentina , Fotopoulou Aikaterini
Published: June 2024

The neuropsychological disorder of anosognosia for hemiplegia (AHP) can offer unique insights into the neurocognitive processes of body consciousness and representation. Previous studies have found associations between selective social cognition deficits and anosognosia. In this study, we examined how such social cognition deficits may directly interact with representations of one's body as disabled in AHP. We used a modified set of previously validated Theory of Mind (ToM) stories to create disability‐related content that was related to post‐stroke paralysis and to investigate differences between right hemisphere damage patients with (n = 19) and without (n = 19) AHP. We expected AHP patients to perform worse than controls when trying to infer paralysis‐related mental states in the paralysis‐related ToM stories and explored whether such differences depended on the inference patients were asked to perform (e.g. self or other referent perspective‐taking). Using an advanced structural neuroimaging technique, we expected selective social cognitive deficits to be associated with posterior parietal cortex lesions and deficits in self‐referent perspective‐taking in paralysis‐related mentalising to be associated with frontoparietal disconnections. Group‐ and individual‐level results revealed that AHP patients performed worse than HP controls when trying to infer paralysis‐related mental states. Exploratory lesion analysis results revealed some of the hypothesised lesions, but also unexpected white matter disconnections in the posterior body and splenium of the corpus collosum associated with a self‐referent perspective‐taking in paralysis‐related ToM stories. The study has implications for the multi‐layered nature of body awareness, including abstract, social perspectives and beliefs about the body.
Use of baby food products during the complementary feeding period: What factors drive parents' choice of products?
Authors: Hollinrake Grace , Komninou Sophia , Brown Amy
Published: June 2024

It is recommended that infants are introduced to complementary foods from 6 months old, moving from a solely milk diet to eating a family diet by 12 months old. Although home cooking of family foods is recommended, a rapidly growing market producing baby food products (BFP) such as jars, pouches and snacks has developed. These are often accompanied by marketing claims around nutritional, health and developmental impacts despite research highlighting high sugar content. Although numerous studies have explored drivers of infant formula choice and use, little research has examined the drivers of BFP use. This study used an online survey for United Kingdom parents of infants aged 4–12 months to explore use of BFP alongside perceptions and drivers to purchase products. Overall, 271 parents participated (173 used BFP and 98 did not), with a descriptive analysis of closed items and a thematic analysis for open ended text conducted. The top motivators for using BFP were convenience, time saving, and baby's perceived enjoyment of products. The most purchased puree was fruit based and the most purchased baby snacks were vegetable puffs/sticks, with snack purchases being more common than purees in this sample. Aspects such as perceived healthiness drove choice, with snack foods being seen to enhance self‐feeding skills, appetite regulation and motor development. Those who did not use BFP did not trust them and preferred to feed their baby home cooked foods. The findings are important for professionals working with parents, to support them through the transition to solid foods, particularly around raising awareness of marketing techniques and how to check content of foods to make a more informed choice.
Clinical sensemaking: Advancing a conceptual learning model of clinical reasoning
Authors: Koufidis Charilaos , Manninen Katri , Nieminen Juha , Wohlin Martin , Silén Charlotte
Published: June 2024

Context

Much remains unanswered regarding how clinical reasoning is learned in the clinical environment. This study attempts to unravel how novice medical students learn to reason, by examining how they make sense of the clinical patient encounter.

Method

The current study was part of a greater research project employing constructivist grounded theory (CGT) to develop a learning model of clinical reasoning. Introducing the sensemaking perspective, as a sensitising concept, we conducted a second level analytic phase with CGT, to further advance our previously developed model. This involved re‐examining collected data from semi‐structured interviews, participant observations and field interviews of novice students during their early clinical clerkships.

Results

A learning model of how medical students make sense of the patient encounter emerged from the analysis. At its core lie three interdependent processes that co‐constitute the students' clinical sensemaking activity. Framing the situation is the process whereby students discern salient situational elements, place them into a meaningful relationship and integrate them into a clinical problem. Inquiring into the situation is the process whereby students gain further insight into the situation by determining which questions need to be asked. Lastly, taking meaningful action is the process whereby students carve out a pathway of action, appropriate for the circumstances. Tensions experienced during these processes impair clinical sensemaking.

Conclusions

The study provides an empirically informed learning model of clinical reasoning, during the early curricular stages. The model attempts to capture the complexity of medical practice, as students learn to recognise and respond to what constitutes the essence of a clinical situation. In this way, it contributes to a conceptual shift in how we think and talk about clinical reasoning. It introduces the concept of clinical sensemaking, as the act of carving a tangible clinical problem out of an often undetermined clinical situation and pursuing justified action.
Historic disturbance events overruled climatic factors as drivers of ruderal species distributions in the Scandinavian mountains
Authors: Wiegmans Dymphna , Larson Keith , Clavel Jan , Hostens Lore , Spreeuwers Jasmine , Pirée Amber , Nijs Ivan , Lembrechts Jonas J.
Published: June 2024

The contemporary interaction of climate and disturbance drives vegetation composition and species distribution shifts, making their respective roles difficult to disentangle. This study describes the long‐term ruderal plant species distributions along the ‘Rallarvägen' in Abisko, subarctic Sweden. This trail currently serves as a hiking trail but was initially created as a construction road for a railroad from 1898 to 1903 and is paralleled by the E10 Highway since 1982.

Using vegetation and climate data from 1903, 1913, 1983, and 2021, we found that warm‐adapted ruderal plant species were common along the Rallarvägen shortly after railroad construction in the early 20th century. Interestingly, many of these native and non‐native ruderals with relatively high temperature affinity that were present in 1903 and 1913 have since disappeared and have not reappeared, despite the substantial increase in regional temperature in recent decades.

In addition, the historical disturbances have had long‐lasting effects on the current spatial distribution of the ruderal vegetation. Most ruderals still reside close to the railroad tracks and are progressively filtered out with increasing distance from anthropogenically disturbed introductory points, such as train stations, where they peak in species richness – a process we term ‘horizontal directional ecological filtering', in parallel to the established concept of ‘directional ecological filtering' along elevational gradients.

The historical record of ruderal plant species in the region, influenced by a century‐old railroad construction, emphasizes the importance of knowing a system's disturbance history for understanding current vegetation dynamics and anticipating its future in a changing climate.
Nirsevimab immunization's real‐world effectiveness in preventing severe bronchiolitis: A test‐negative case–control study
Authors: Agüera Marta , Soler‐Garcia Aleix , Alejandre Carme , Moussalam‐Merino Sara , Sala‐Castellví Pere , Pons Gemma , Penela‐Sánchez Daniel , González‐Grado Carla , Alsina‐Rossell Judit , Climent Carme , Esteva Cristina , Fortuny Clàudia , de‐Sevilla Mariona‐F , García‐García Juan‐José , Brotons Pedro , Balaguer Albert , Estrada Josep , Jordan Iolanda , Muñoz‐Almagro Carmen , Launes Cristian
Published: June 2024

Background

Several clinical trials have shown that nirsevimab, an antibody targeting the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), reduces RSV bronchiolitis requiring admission. In 2023–2024, Catalonia and Andorra adopted immunization strategies for children <6 months and those born during the epidemic season. This study evaluates the effectiveness of nirsevimab in preventing hospitalizations from RSV bronchiolitis.

Methods

In the epidemic season of 2023–2024, a test‐negative case–control study was conducted in three hospitals from Catalonia and Andorra. Patients <12 months old admitted with bronchiolitis and tested for RSV using molecular microbiology tests were included.

The effectiveness in preventing RSV bronchiolitis hospitalization and severe disease was estimated using multivariate models. Comparisons between immunized, non‐immunized, and non‐eligible patients were made in prospectively collected epidemiological, clinical, and microbiological variables.

Results

Two hundred thirty‐four patients were included. RSV was detected in 141/234 (60.2%), being less common in the immunized group (37% vs 75%, p < .001). The rate of immunized patients among those eligible was 59.7%. The estimated effectiveness for RSV‐associated lower respiratory tract infection was 81.0% (95% confidence interval: 60.9–90.7), and for preventing severe disease (the need for NIV/CMV), 85.6% (41.7–96.4%). No significant differences by immunization status were observed in patients with RSV concerning viral coinfections, the need for NIV/CMV or length of hospital stay.

Conclusions

This study provides real‐world evidence of the effectiveness of nirsevimab in preventing RSV‐lower respiratory tract infection hospitalization and severe disease in infants during their first RSV season following a systematic immunization program. Immunized patients did not exhibit a higher rate of viral coinfections nor differences in clinical severity once admitted.
An auxin regulated Universal stress protein (TaUSP_3B‐1) interacts with TaGolS and provides tolerance under drought stress and ER stress
Authors: Singh Arunima , Singhal Chanchal , Sharma Arun Kumar , Khurana Paramjit
Published: June 2024

A previously identified wheat drought stress responsive Universal stress protein, TaUSP_3B‐1 has been found to work in an auxin dependent manner in the plant root tissues in the differentiation zone. We also found a novel interacting partner, TaGolS, which physically interacts with TaUSP_3B‐1 and colocalizes in the endoplasmic reticulum. TaGolS is a key enzyme in the RFO (Raffinose oligosaccharides) biosynthesis which is well reported to provide tolerance under water deficit conditions. TaUSP_3B‐1 overexpression lines showed an early flowering phenotype under drought stress which might be attributed to the increased levels of AtTPPB and AtTPS transcripts under drought stress. Moreover, at the cellular levels ER stress induced TaUSP_3B‐1 transcription and provides tolerance in both adaptive and acute ER stress via less ROS accumulation in the overexpression lines. TaUSP_3B‐1 overexpression plants had increased silique numbers and a denser root architecture as compared to the WT plants under drought stress.
40 years of researching the Del phenotype results in a change of transfusion practice
Authors: Flegel Willy Albert , Srivastava Kshitij
Published: June 2024

KEY IDEAS

Anti‐D cannot agglutinate red cells of any Del phenotype in routine serology.

Many individuals with East Asian ancestry who type D‐negative in serology harbor a Del phenotype.

Almost all such individuals carry one distinct DEL variant, dubbed Asian‐type DEL, known as RHD*01EL.01, RHD*DEL1, RHD:c.1227G>A, formerly known as RHD(K409K).

Clinical evidence strongly suggests that Asian‐type DEL individuals can safely be transfused with RhD‐positive blood and do not need anti‐D prophylaxis in pregnancy.
Computing scattering cross sections for spherically symmetric potentials
Authors: Khachi Anil
Published: June 2024

Editor's Note: This Note shows how Scilab, a free software package, can be used to find phase shifts within the Variable Phase Approach (VPA) to scattering, allowing the scattering cross sections to be calculated. Students may find the VPA approach to be conceptually appealing, as it shows how the phase builds up due to the scattering potential.
The e/m experiment: Student exploration into systematic uncertainty
Authors: Gray Nicholas P. , Rutledge Tanisha K. , Parrott Leigh , Barns Christopher A. , Aptowicz Kevin B.
Published: June 2024

In this work, we convert a common verification lab in the physics curriculum, measuring the charge-to-mass ratio of the electron (e/m), into an investigative lab on systematic uncertainty. The Bainbridge apparatus, commonly used to measure e/m, can have significant systematic uncertainties, leading to large discrepancies with the accepted value. Students were asked to quantify possible systematic uncertainties in the apparatus and correct them. Building upon each other's work from semester to semester, students characterized multiple sources of systematic uncertainty. Not only did the students learn about uncertainty analysis techniques that reveal systematic uncertainties, but they also dramatically improved the accuracy of the apparatus, reducing the discrepancy from 15% to 0.5%. This paper describes a pedagogical approach to exploring unknown systematic uncertainties in an intermediate laboratory setting and the student-learning benefits of such an approach. In addition, it provides detailed information about untangling and correcting the sources of systematic uncertainty in the Bainbridge apparatus.
The Amount and Pattern of Reciprocal Compensations Predict Performance Stability in a Visually Guided Finger Force Production Task
Authors: Andrade Valéria , Carver Nicole S. , Grover Francis M. , Bonnette Scott , Silva Paula L.
Published: June 2024

Previous work suggests that synergistic activity among motor elements implicated in force production tasks underlies enhanced performance stability associated with visual feedback. A hallmark of synergistic activity is reciprocal compensation, that is, covariation in the states of motor elements that stabilizes critical performance variables. The present study examined if characteristics of reciprocal compensation are indicators of individuals’ capacity to respond adaptively to variations in the resolution of visual feedback about criterion performance. Twenty healthy adults (19.25 ± 1.25 years; 15 females and five males) pressed two sensors with their index fingers to produce a total target force equivalent to 20% of their maximal voluntary contraction under nine conditions that differed in the spatial resolution of real-time feedback about their performance. By combining within-trial uncontrolled manifold and sample entropy analyses, we quantified the amount and degree of irregularity (i.e., non-repetitiveness) of reciprocal compensations over time. We found a U-shaped relationship between performance stability and gain. Importantly, this relationship was moderated by the degree of irregularity of reciprocal compensation. Lower irregularity in reciprocal compensation patterns was related to individuals’ capacity to maintain (or minimize losses in) performance under changes in feedback resolution. Results invite future investigation into how interindividual variations in reciprocal compensation patterns relate to differences in control strategies supporting adaptive responses in complex, visually guided motor tasks.
Bomb radiocarbon evidence for strong global carbon uptake and turnover in terrestrial vegetation
Authors: Graven Heather D. , Warren Hamish , Gibbs Holly K. , Khatiwala Samar , Koven Charles , Lester Joanna , Levin Ingeborg , Spawn-Lee Seth A. , Wieder Will
Published: June 2024

Vegetation and soils are taking up approximately 30% of anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions because of small imbalances in large gross carbon exchanges from productivity and turnover that are poorly constrained. We combined a new budget of radiocarbon produced by nuclear bomb testing in the 1960s with model simulations to evaluate carbon cycling in terrestrial vegetation. We found that most state-of-the-art vegetation models used in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project underestimated the radiocarbon accumulation in vegetation biomass. Our findings, combined with constraints on vegetation carbon stocks and productivity trends, imply that net primary productivity is likely at least 80 petagrams of carbon per year presently, compared with the 43 to 76 petagrams per year predicted by current models. Storage of anthropogenic carbon in terrestrial vegetation is likely more short-lived and vulnerable than previously predicted.
Observation of topological frequency combs
Authors: Flower Christopher J. , Jalali Mehrabad Mahmoud , Xu Lida , Moille Gregory , Suarez-Forero Daniel G. , Örsel Oğulcan , Bahl Gaurav , Chembo Yanne , Srinivasan Kartik , Mittal Sunil , Hafezi Mohammad
Published: June 2024

On-chip generation of optical frequency combs using nonlinear ring resonators has enabled numerous applications of combs that were otherwise limited to mode-locked lasers. Nevertheless, on-chip frequency combs have relied predominantly on single-ring resonators. In this study, we experimentally demonstrate the generation of a novel class of frequency combs, the topological frequency combs, in a two-dimensional lattice of hundreds of ring resonators that hosts fabrication-robust topological edge states with linear dispersion. By pumping these edge states, we demonstrate the generation of a nested frequency comb that shows oscillation of multiple edge state resonances across ≈40 longitudinal modes and is spatially confined at the lattice edge. Our results provide an opportunity to explore the interplay between topological physics and nonlinear frequency comb generation in a commercially available nanophotonic platform.
Topological Hong-Ou-Mandel interference
Authors: Ehrhardt Max , Dittel Christoph , Heinrich Matthias , Szameit Alexander
Published: June 2024

The interplay of topology and optics provides a route to pursue robust photonic devices, with the application to photonic quantum computation in its infancy. However, the possibilities of harnessing topological structures to process quantum information with linear optics, through the quantum interference of photons, remain largely uncharted. Here, we present a Hong-Ou-Mandel interference effect of topological origin. We show that this interference of photon pairs—ranging from constructive to destructive—is solely determined by a synthetic magnetic flux, rendering it resilient to errors on a fundamental level. Our implementation establishes a quantized flux that facilitates exclusively destructive quantum interference. Our findings pave the way toward the development of next-generation photonic quantum circuitry and scalable quantum computing protected by virtue of topologically robust quantum gates.
In Science Journals
Authors: Lavine Marc S. , Vignieri Sacha , Lopez Bianca , Funk Michael A. , Yeston Jake S. , Stern Peter , Osborne Ian S. , Berry Brandon , Kelly Priscilla N. , Smith Jesse , Suleymanov Yury , Isles Hannah , VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: June 2024

Highlights from the
Science
family of journals
The zebrafish embryo model: unveiling its potential for investigating phage therapy against methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
infection
Authors: Plumet Lucile , Magnan Chloé , Ahmad-Mansour Nour , Sotto Albert , Lavigne Jean-Philippe , Costechareyre Denis , Kissa Karima , Molle Virginie
Published: June 2024

Staphylococcus aureus
is a pathogenic bacterium responsible for a broad spectrum of infections, including cutaneous, respiratory, osteoarticular, and systemic infections. It poses a significant clinical challenge due to its ability to develop antibiotic resistance. This resistance limits therapeutic options, increases the risk of severe complications, and underscores the urgent need for new strategies to address this threat, including the investigation of treatments complementary to antibiotics. The evaluation of novel antimicrobial agents often employs animal models, with the zebrafish embryo model being particularly interesting for studying host-pathogen interactions, establishing itself as a crucial tool in this field. For the first time, this study presents a zebrafish embryo model for the
in vivo
assessment of bacteriophage efficacy against
S. aureus
infection. A localized infection was induced by microinjecting either methicillin-resistant
S. aureus
(MRSA) or methicillin-susceptible
S. aureus
(MSSA). Subsequent treatments involved administering either bacteriophage, vancomycin (the reference antibiotic for MRSA), or a combination of both via the same route to explore potential synergistic effects. Our findings indicate that the bacteriophage was as effective as vancomycin in enhancing survival rates, whether used alone or in combination. Moreover, bacteriophage treatment appears to be even more effective in reducing the bacterial load in
S. aureus
-infected embryos post-treatment than the antibiotic. Our study validates the use of the zebrafish embryo model and highlights its potential as a valuable tool in assessing bacteriophage efficacy treatments
in vivo
.
Occupational exposure to respirable crystalline silica and incident idiopathic interstitial pneumonias and pulmonary sarcoidosis: a national prospective follow-up study
Authors: Iversen Inge Brosbøl , Vestergaard Jesper Medom , Ohlander Johan , Peters Susan , Bendstrup Elisabeth , Bonde Jens Peter Ellekilde , Schlünssen Vivi , Bønløkke Jakob Hjort , Rasmussen Finn , Stokholm Zara Ann , Andersen Michael Brun , Kromhout Hans , Kolstad Henrik Albert
Published: June 2024

Background

Respirable crystalline silica is a well-known cause of silicosis but may also be associated with other types of interstitial lung disease. We examined the associations between occupational exposure to respirable crystalline silica and the risk of idiopathic interstitial pneumonias, pulmonary sarcoidosis and silicosis.

Methods

The total Danish working population was followed 1977–2015. Annual individual exposure to respirable crystalline silica was estimated using a quantitative job exposure matrix. Cases were identified in the Danish National Patient Register. We conducted adjusted analyses of exposure–response relations between cumulative silica exposure and other exposure metrics and idiopathic interstitial pneumonias, pulmonary sarcoidosis and silicosis.

Results

Mean cumulative exposure was 125 µg/m3-years among exposed workers. We observed increasing incidence rate ratios with increasing cumulative silica exposure for idiopathic interstitial pneumonias, pulmonary sarcoidosis and silicosis. For idiopathic interstitial pneumonias and pulmonary sarcoidosis, trends per 50 µg/m3-years were 1.03 (95% CI 1.02 to 1.03) and 1.06 (95% CI 1.04 to 1.07), respectively. For silicosis, we observed the well-known exposure–response relation with a trend per 50 µg/m3-years of 1.20 (95% CI 1.17 to 1.23).

Conclusion

This study suggests that silica inhalation may be related to pulmonary sarcoidosis and idiopathic interstitial pneumonias, though these findings may to some extent be explained by diagnostic misclassification. The observed exposure–response relations for silicosis at lower cumulative exposure levels than previously reported need to be corroborated in analyses that address the limitations of this study.
Green Synthesis of Stable Sub‐Nano Silver Clusters with Potential against Cancer
Authors: Hernández-Monsalvo Antonio , Garibo D. , Córdova-Lozano Felipe , Borbón-Nuñez Hugo A. , Toledano-Magaña Yanis , Rodriguez-Hernandez Ana G. , Gao Guanhui , Hirata Gustavo A. , Bogdanchikova Nina
Published: June 2024

Sub‐nano‐sized Ag‐clusters represent an intermediate class between isolated atoms and nanoparticles, and they can possess new, unexpected properties differing from bulk and nano‐sized particles. A simple, fast, one‐step, cost‐effective protocol was revealed to prepare stable sub‐nano‐sized Ag‐clusters with green synthesis. The synthesis conditions included the low silver concentration (0.02 wt.%), excess of PVP (1.5 wt.%) as a stabilizer, pH 4, and use of water P. ruderale extract as a reducing agent. UV–visible and photoluminescence spectroscopies were used for the identification and characterization of sub‐nano‐sized Ag clusters, and FT‐IR, SEM, STEM, and dynamic light scattering were used for the characterization of the complete particles, which included three components: the extract, the stabilizer, and Ag clusters. The sub‐nano‐size (<1 nm) of the synthesized Ag clusters was revealed by the photoluminescence emission band and by absorption peaks at wavelengths less than 400 nm in the UV–visible spectra. The synthesized sub‐nano‐sized Ag clusters were reproducible and stable for up to 30 days, which represents a significant achievement since such clusters usually tend to fast aggregation. SEM and STEM revealed the presence of complete particles (Ag clusters, the extract, and the stabilizer) with cubic and spherical morphologies with sizes of 60 nm (nanoparticles) and 200–300 nm (microparticles), respectively. Dynamic light scattering confirmed the bimodal distribution of these particles and revealed their negative charge (−10 mV). The sub‐nano‐sized Ag clusters showed antiproliferative activity against the MCF‐7 breast cancer lying in the interval typical for the activity of different formulations of silver nanoparticles studied earlier.
Microplastic Identification Using Impedance Spectroscopy and Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Sarmiento Juan , Anaya Maribel , Tibaduiza Diego
Published: June 2024

Detecting and classifying microparticles in water and other liquid substances is crucial due to their detrimental impact on ecosystems and human health. This is because particles such as microplastics, micropollutants, or heavy metals in water have demonstrated a high impact on the health of ecosystems and a high risk when this water is used for human consumption. Water quality is a critical factor when it comes to human consumption. Currently, some of these pollutants are not correctly detected during water treatment processes or directly in ecosystems, which can carry health risks for humans and animals. From this point of view, the development of tools for detecting these particles is still needed, and research for new strategies for detecting and classifying these microparticles with in situ methods is required. As a contribution to the solution of this problem, this work presents a microplastic detection and classification methodology that uses an electronic tongue system, impedance spectroscopy, and machine learning algorithms for detecting and classifying microplastics. Validation is performed using various sizes of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) microparticles in water to validate the possibility of classification. Results show the advantages of using the methodology, obtaining high accuracy in the classification process.
Testing and Modelling of Building Envelope Retrofit System for Rapid Seismic Strengthening of Important RC Buildings
Authors: Balkaya Can
Published: June 2024

This article presents a new, rapid technique for retrofitting reinforced concrete buildings. With the “Structural Jacketing Building Envelope Retrofit System,” the entire outer shell of the building is retrofitted with steel struts that are connected to the reinforced concrete frame via dowels. The new system behaves like a composite system. As most of the seismic loads are absorbed by the new integrated external composite system, the structural elements inside the building are mainly loaded by gravity. In this way, the seismic performance and the lateral wind and torsional capacity of the retrofitted structures are increased by retrofitting the building envelope. The main advantage of this technique is the ability to retrofit existing buildings without compromising their serviceability and to quickly increase the seismic and wind capacity of buildings in regions with high seismicity and wind in the run‐up to disasters. Thus, this system is a solution for retrofitting important building structures such as hospitals, schools, energy and telecommunication buildings, and factories that cannot be retrofitted within the building. In addition to retrofitting to achieve energy efficiency in existing buildings, cladding and insulation can be easily and cost‐effectively applied to the retrofitted building envelope. Three‐dimensional models of RC buildings with and without structural building envelopes were tested under static cyclic pushover loading to simulate 3D behavior, lateral load capacity, crack patterns, and collapse mechanisms under seismic loading. The results of the tests, finite element modelling, and simulation were compared to verify the proposed system. The tests and the analysis of the models show that the structures retrofitted in the building envelope increase their seismic resistance by four times. Analytical studies for building envelope retrofit systems were also conducted and compared using different braced models. The application of this system in the retrofit of a 10‐story RC building in Istanbul is presented as a case study, including energy efficiency and architectural envelope.