bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Topological Features in the Emerging Solar Magnetic Flux
Authors: Roth Ilan
Published: December 2024

The formation of highly structured, spatially localized complex structures during solar flux emergence facilitates adaptation of topological methods, extending the research of emerging macroscopic MHD fluxes into knots, links and braids. Combining mathematical considerations, remote images and in situ satellite observations at solar vicinity, we construct new characteristics of those braided/knotted magnetic structures, applying Braid and Knot Theory to physical configurations, deducing their topological invariants, constraining the evolution and stability while delineating the relaxation path to magnetized equilibria.
The Impact and Sources of Radio Frequency Interference on GNSS Signals
Authors: Yizengaw Endawoke
Published: December 2024

The utilization of the global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) services in both military and civilian applications as well as for scientific investigation has grown exponentially. However, the increasing reliance on GNSS applications has raised concerns about potential risks from intentional radio frequency interference (RFI) transmitters. RFI significantly affects GNSS's environmental monitoring capabilities by inflating the scintillation index and misleading the scientific community with scintillation indices not attributable to ionospheric dynamic events. Consequently, the existing climatological distribution of GNSS scintillations may require careful reevaluation, as it may not adequately filter out RFI induced scintillations. Thus, characterizing the global RFI occurrence regions and developing real‐time detection capabilities to mitigate its effects is critically important. Leveraging GNSS measurements from ground stations and six COSMIC‐2 satellite constellations, we have developed a technique to detect RFI events and identify RFI active regions. Additionally, for the first time, we have implemented techniques that differentiate RFI associated scintillations from scintillations caused by ionospheric turbulence.
Paleo‐Suture Zone Disrupted by Thrusting: Example From East Junggar (NW China), Southern Altaids
Authors: Zhang Ji'en , Chen Yichao , Xiao Wenjiao , Wakabayashi John , Gan Jingmin , Tan Yiying , Zhao Yulong
Published: December 2024

Understanding the tectonic evolution of ancient orogens relies on reconstructing the primary architecture of suture zones that may be modified by post‐subduction events. Modifications in East Junggar, southern Altaids, have led to controversial interpretations about the Paleozoic tectonic evolution. To clarify these relationships, we report the Mesozoic thrust horizon in East Junggar that has displaced the Baishanbao Klippe, which contains siltstone, sandstone, conglomerate and biogeographical Tuva‐Mongolia Tuvaella fauna. This klippe is distinct from units in the footwall that contain Ordovician‐Early Devonian accretionary complexes with dismembered basalts, cherts and deep marine tuffaceous siltstones, Carboniferous volcanic rocks and granites, Middle‐Late Jurassic sediments, and Kazakhstan biogeographic Ordovician‐Late Devonian coral‐brachiopod‐ammonoid fauna. The thrust horizon and the aforementioned units are unconformably capped by Late Jurassic‐Early Cretaceous alluvial fan deposits; it constrains the thrust to a Mesozoic age. These two biogeographic domains were separated by the Paleo‐Asian Ocean until the Late Paleozoic, as evidenced by the 478 Ma Kujibai MOR‐type ophiolite that involved into subduction zone in the Carboniferous. This Mesozoic thrust transported the Baishanbao Klippe for over 100 km southwards from its root in the Altay‐Fuyun area and crossed a cryptic suture zone of the Paleo‐Asian Ocean as an allochthonous unit in East Junggar. It extensively disrupted the primary Paleozoic orogenic architecture of East Junggar that leads to misinterpretation of the regional tectonic evolution. A lesson from disruption of this Mesozoic thrusting is that care must be taken in studies of the architecture of paleo‐suture zones.
Inter-chromosomal transcription hubs shape the 3D genome architecture of African trypanosomes
Authors: Rabuffo Claudia , Schmidt Markus R. , Yadav Prateek , Tong Pin , Carloni Roberta , Barcons-Simon Anna , Cosentino Raúl O. , Krebs Stefan , Matthews Keith R. , Allshire Robin C. , Siegel T. Nicolai
Published: December 2024

The eukaryotic nucleus exhibits a highly organized 3D genome architecture, with RNA transcription and processing confined to specific nuclear structures. While intra-chromosomal interactions, such as promoter-enhancer dynamics, are well-studied, the role of inter-chromosomal interactions remains poorly understood. Investigating these interactions in mammalian cells is challenging due to large genome sizes and the need for deep sequencing. Additionally, transcription-dependent 3D topologies in mixed cell populations further complicate analyses. To address these challenges, we used high-resolution DNA-DNA contact mapping (Micro-C) in Trypanosoma brucei, a parasite with continuous RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) transcription and polycistronic transcription units (PTUs). With approximately 300 transcription start sites (TSSs), this genome organization simplifies data interpretation. To minimize scaffolding artifacts, we also generated a highly contiguous phased genome assembly using ultra-long sequencing reads. Our Micro-C analysis revealed an intricate 3D genome organization. While the T. brucei genome displays features resembling chromosome territories, its chromosomes are arranged around polymerase-specific transcription hubs. RNAPI-transcribed genes cluster, as expected from their localization to the nucleolus. However, we also found that RNAPII TSSs form distinct inter-chromosomal transcription hubs with other RNAPII TSSs. These findings highlight the evolutionary significance of inter-chromosomal transcription hubs and provide new insights into genome organization in T. brucei.
Contributing factors to the oxidation-induced mutational landscape in human cells
Authors: Cordero Cameron , Mehta Kavi P. M. , Weaver Tyler M. , Ling Justin A. , Freudenthal Bret D. , Cortez David , Roberts Steven A.
Published: December 2024

8-oxoguanine (8-oxoG) is a common oxidative DNA lesion that causes G > T substitutions. Determinants of local and regional differences in 8-oxoG-induced mutability across genomes are currently unknown. Here, we show DNA oxidation induces G > T substitutions and insertion/deletion (INDEL) mutations in human cells and cancers. Potassium bromate (KBrO3)-induced 8-oxoGs occur with similar sequence preferences as their derived substitutions, indicating that the reactivity of specific oxidants dictates mutation sequence specificity. While 8-oxoG occurs uniformly across chromatin, 8-oxoG-induced mutations are elevated in compact genomic regions, within nucleosomes, and at inward facing guanines within strongly positioned nucleosomes. Cryo-electron microscopy structures of OGG1-nucleosome complexes indicate that these effects originate from OGG1’s ability to flip outward positioned 8-oxoG lesions into the catalytic pocket while inward facing lesions are occluded by the histone octamer. Mutation spectra from human cells with DNA repair deficiencies reveals contributions of a DNA repair network limiting 8-oxoG mutagenesis, where OGG1- and MUTYH-mediated base excision repair is supplemented by the replication-associated factors Pol η and HMCES. Transcriptional asymmetry of KBrO3-induced mutations in OGG1- and Pol η-deficient cells also demonstrates transcription-coupled repair can prevent 8-oxoG-induced mutation. Thus, oxidant chemistry, chromatin structures, and DNA repair processes combine to dictate the oxidative mutational landscape in human genomes.
Investigation of novel all-inorganic perovskites Ba3PX3 (X = F, Cl, Br, I) with efficiency above 29%
Authors: Islam Md. Al Ijajul , Rahman Md. Ferdous , Islam Md. Monirul , Mohammed Mustafa K. A. , Irfan Ahmad
Published: December 2024

Lead-free inorganic halide perovskites, specifically Ba3PX3 (X = Cl, F, I, Br), have gained attention in green photovoltaics due to their remarkable mechanical, optical, structural, and electronic properties.
Unconventional aspects in metal-embedded laser-induced graphene
Authors: Borenstein Arie , Kaner Richard B.
Published: December 2024

Laser-induced graphene (LIG) has gained significant attention, with over 170 publications in 2023 alone.
A novel conceptual design method for aviation PMSG based on thermal modeling
Authors: Wang He , Ai Fengming , He Linke , Zhou Zhongzheng , Wang Yangang
Published: December 2024

A multi-disciplinary optimization design method for permanent magnet synchronous generators based on thermal modeling is proposed in this paper. The complex coupling among the thermal, electromagnetic, and mechanical systems and the difficulties in optimization with conflicting objectives of multiple disciplines has been studied. Firstly, a multi-disciplinary design optimization model is established based on the coupling relationships between the thermal, electromagnetic, and mechanical performance of permanent magnet synchronous generators. Then, optimization objectives are set as low temperature-rise, low volume and weight, and sizeable electromagnetic size. The critical parameters in the thermal, electromagnetic, and mechanical systems of the generators are considered decision variables. The particle swarm optimization algorithm is selected as a multi-objective problem-solving algorithm to support the multi-disciplinary optimization of thermal motor design. Based on thermal modeling, a high disciplinary coupling and high physical fidelity concept design method for aerospace permanent magnet synchronous generators is presented. This conceptual design method can effectively reduce the design cost of aerospace generators, shorten the development cycle, and promote the design and development of aerospace permanent magnet generators.
Surface superconductivity of anisotropic superconductors
Authors: Minenko E. V.
Published: December 2024

We have studied the properties of the surface superconductivity of unixial (in particular, layered) superconductors in which the crystal axis is arbitrarily oriented with respect to the surface. We obtain expressions for the upper critical field Hc3 in the case of a semi-infinite superconductor and of thin films when the magnetic field is either parallel to the surface or at some angle relative to it. When the magnetic field is parallel to the surface of the superconducting layer we find that there is a component of the suerconducting current which is parallel to the field for an arbitrary orientation of the crystal axes relative to the surface.
The effect of job loss on risky financial decision-making
Authors: Hirshman Samuel D. , Sussman Abigail B. , Vazquez-Hernandez Carlos , O’Leary Daniel , Trueblood Jennifer S.
Published: December 2024

Job loss is a common and disruptive life event. It is known to have numerous long-term negative effects on financial, health, and social outcomes. While the negative effects of becoming unemployed on health and well-being are well understood, the influence of job loss on financial decisions has received little attention. Across a large-scale survey (

N
=
37
,
854

), spending data from a bank (

N
=
404
,
470

), and two online experiments (total

N
=
1
,
403

), we find that job loss increases financial risk-taking. First, in survey data, job loss is associated with elevated levels of self-reported financial risk-taking and lottery ticket purchases. Next, using administrative data from a large bank, we find consistent causal evidence of the influence of job loss on gambling spending. Although total spending decreases after job loss, gambling spending is less affected than our control categories. Finally, we turn to two incentive-compatible manipulations of job loss operationalized in a lab setting. We find that this experimental manipulation increases the take-up of financial risks. The current finding that job loss increases financial risk-taking could accentuate long-term negative financial effects of job loss.
Analysis of the operation of a photovoltaic hybrid system
Authors: Soanda N I , Spunei E , Chioncel C P , Matasaru G S , Piroi F
Published: December 2024

Recently, there has been a significant surge in the utilization of renewable sources for generating electricity. This growth has been so rapid that it can be described as almost exponential. As a result, numerous entities and organizations have become energy prosumers. When a specific energy source is linked to the power grid and interconnected with another energy source, we speak of hybrid systems, and we know that hybrid systems’ behavior deviate from the behavior of each individual system connected to the network. This paper analyzes a case study consisting of three photovoltaic systems of different powers and with different equipment characteristics (two of them), connected both to the national electricity power-grid and a to a diesel-generator group. We examine the electricity generation and usage of the complete photovoltaic system throughout a one-year time span. Subsequently, we assess the impact of the hybrid system on the power network during notable fluctuations while in load operation mode. The analysis shows that, over the period of one year, the photovoltaic system provided for 32.31% of the industrial user’s energy consumption. Considering the energy injected into the grid, the energy generated by the photovoltaic system accounts for 42.21% of the user’s total energy usage. Upon reviewing the data, we found that the photovoltaic system linked to the grid fails to meet the necessary quality standards concerning fluctuations in voltage supply.
Spatial-temporal patterns of changes in PM 2.5 concentration in atmospheric air of Ivano-Frankivsk region
Authors: Adamenko S Y , Arkhypova L M , Adamenko Y O , Moskalchuk N M , Glibovytska N I
Published: December 2024

The update of WHO recommendations on air quality based on the latest evidence on the impact of PM on health prompts increased attention to ambient air monitoring and compliance with quality standards. Currently, a new system of state monitoring of atmospheric air is being formed in Ukraine. Control of the level of PM differentiated by size (except PM10 and PM2.5) is not yet conducted at most observation posts. Therefore, missing data from official sources were replaced by public monitoring data. The database for the study included measurements of PM10 and PM2.5 concentration from 4 Ecocity public monitoring stations located in areas with different types and levels of anthropogenic pressure (in the urbanized area in the central part of Ivano-Frankivsk, in the village of Bovshiv near the TPP, in the village of Broshniv-Osada near the woodworking enterprise and in the conditionally clean landscape and recreation area of the village of Mykulychyn). The general regularity of the diurnal trend of PM2.5 and PM10 concentration in the city of Ivano-Frankivsk is a sharp increase in concentration at night with a peak around midnight, a decrease during the day (minimum around 5:00 p.m.). The level of air pollution for PM2.5 and PM10 in the city center did not exceed the quality standards. The conclusion about the main contribution of anthropogenic sources of emissions is confirmed by the fact that the lowest level of PM2.5 was observed within the landscape and recreation area in the village of Mykulychyn, and the maximum peak values (up to 80 μg/m³) were observed at the station in the village of Bovshiv near Burshtynska TPP. A clear interdependence of PM10 and PM2.5 particles has been proven in all types of territories. Both indicators have similar daily trends. Functional dependences of PM2.5 concentration on PM10 were obtained for instantaneous, average hourly, average daily and average weekly values. In all cases, the coefficient of determination for regression models is greater than 0.9. These observations indicate that the sources and processes that influence daytime concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 are similar or interrelated and warrant further investigation.
The influence of layer height and nozzle diameter on the strength of elements manufactured using FDM technology
Authors: Ziółkowski D , Maćkowiak P , Marzec M
Published: December 2024

In recent years, there has been a dynamic development of technology FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling). This has opened up new possibilities for manufacturing components, both prototypes and final devices in low-volume production. Due to this, in addition to visual values, the mechanical properties of the manufactured elements are also becoming crucial. The aim of this work is to analyze the influence of selected FDM process parameters such as nozzle diameter and layer height on mechanical properties. The obtained results will allow for a more informed selection of parameters and shortening of the production time. The first part describes the influence of individual parameters on the production time and strength based on a review of publications. The second part presents the method and results of three-point bending tests for specimens differing in layer height and nozzle diameter used to produce them using FDM technology. The tests performed allowed us to determine the effect of these parameters on the obtained mechanical properties.
Analysis of stresses and fatigue life of the bolts of the briquetting press’s working system
Authors: Sołtysiak R
Published: December 2024

The working systems of the briquetting press machine are subject to loads that vary over time resulting from the briquetting process. The main components of these working systems have a specified fatigue life and after working a certain number of hours, they are destroyed and in order to continue using the briquetting press machine, these parts must be replaced with new ones. For example, when it comes to the fatigue life of the compacting sleeve, briquetting press manufacturers most often specify the minimum durability of 2 000 hours in the technical documentation of the machine. However, these are not the only elements that are subject to fatigue damage. For example, the bolts that fasten the hydraulic compacting system in order to increase the density of the produced briquettes play a very important role. This paper presents a hybrid method of calculating bolts used in an example operating system of a briquetting press machine. The calculations include, among others, determining the forces in the bolts using standard formulas, as well as mapping the shape of the existing briquetting press’s working system in the CAD program and carrying out FEM calculations to determine the stresses, among others, in the bolts. Taking into account the calculated stress ranges and the “Eurocode 3: Design of steel structures - Part 1-9: Fatigue” standard, the fatigue life of the bolts was determined. The use of the calculation procedure presented in this paper will enable future designers to select bolts for a specific fatigue life.
Magnetic Basement Modeling at Karimata Strait Using MagB_Inv
Authors: Ramadhani R A , Bijaksana S , Fajar S J , Alifna R , Ibrahim K , Suryanata P B , Harlianti U
Published: December 2024

Indonesia is a country with abundant natural resources, such as tin, which is associated with granite rocks. Granite can be found under sedimentary rocks as basement rock. The depth of the magnetic basement will provide a value that indicates the location or presence of granite rock. This research is expected to be possible to identify the depth of the magnetic basement in the Karimata Strait area and obtain a relationship between the results of magnetic basement modeling using the MagB_Inv program and the regional geological structure in the Karimata Strait area. Based on magnetic anomaly data used, digitization was carried out to obtain contour maps using ArcMap and gridding using Oasis Montaj. Then do the calculation of the average depth estimate using the Radially Averaged Power Spectrum (RAPS) and magnetic basement modeling using MagB_Inv. Depth values that vary from 3.2 to 6.3 km, with average of 4.5 km, indicate significant undulation in the west-east direction. Meanwhile, in the north-south direction, the depth undulation tends to be less significant. According to geological modeling, there is an indication of a basin known as the Bangka Basin, and the magnetic basement in the study area is granite.
Numerical simulation of convective closed-loop geothermal heat extraction from an idle geothermal well in eastern Indonesia
Authors: Brilian Vincentius A. , Khasani  , Adityatama Daniel W. , Tanbar Fefria
Published: December 2024

A geothermal resource typically experiences a production decline caused by exploitation activities. Once the power generation from the resource reaches its subeconomic threshold, the production activities might be abandoned, and the production wells are converted into idle wells. However, idle geothermal wells still have thermal energy from the geofluid inside the wellbore that could be extracted to extend the economic lifetime of the well. In this study, a convective closed-loop geothermal (CLG) heat extraction system from an idle geothermal well is developed. It is performed through numerical simulation using COMSOL to calculate and optimize the rate of heat extraction. Convective CLG systems offer the advantage of having higher heat transfer rates than conductive CLG systems in hot dry rocks. In the numerical model, a hypothetical idle geothermal well is created based on the typical conditions of geothermal fields in eastern Indonesia with a depth of 500 m and a bottom hole temperature of 190°C. A closed-loop coaxial borehole heat exchanger (BHE) is inserted into the wellbore to extract the geofluid’s heat by injecting water as the working fluid into the BHE’s annulus. The numerical model results suggest that the optimized BHE could extract up to 185.48 kW of thermal energy.
Thermodynamic Analysis of Organic Rankine Cycle Systems for Small Scale Power Plants Using Low Enthalpy Fluids with Aspen Hysys V8.8 Simulation Software
Authors: Herianto  , Asmorowati Dewi
Published: December 2024

Failed geothermal exploration wells can be used as mini power plants with a binary organic rankine cycle system. The FA-2 well was chosen as the research object because it has a temperature of 102 °C and a pressure of 8 bar which can use a low enthalpy turbine. The methodology of this paper includes several stages in utilizing unproductive exploration wells as small-scale power plants with organic rankine cycle systems, which include brine fluid analysis, selection of working fluids, simulation of thermodynamic processes with Hysys V8.8 software. The working fluid that has been heated in the heat exchanger moves to the turbine to generate electricity. For this case, propane was chosen because under the pressure conditions in the heat exchanger, propane can still pass its critical temperature until it becomes superheated. The thermodynamic cycle planning starts from the outlet of the feed pump and uses pressure and temperature assumptions to make it easier to understand. By using propane working fluid, it is hoped that the optimum output of electrical power will be obtained.
Evaluation of Settling Pond For Handling Coalmine Wastewater at Jetty of Kertapati, PT Bukit Asam Tbk, Palembang, South Sumatera
Authors: Citra Dewi M , Waylani A , Suparno  , Les Sihombing A P
Published: December 2024

PT Bukit Asam Tbk Kertapati is a coal loading and unloading place and a coal stockpile. Before coal is loaded onto a barge or vessel, coal will usually be in the stockpile. The condition of the stockpile is in an open place that is directly related to weather conditions, especially when it rains. Coalmine wastewater is generated from the mining industry, coal processing, operational activities, and rainwater runoff. The contents in the coalmine wastewater include Total Suspended Solid (TSS), an increase in the degree of acidity resulting in a decrease in the pH value of the water, and the presence of metal content (Fe) and manganese content (Mn). The management of coalmine wastewater must be carried out by providing a setting pond and adequate coalmine wastewater management facilities, including drainage channels and coalmine wastewater treatment systems, to achieve efforts to protect the environment. The final result of wastewater disposal is the quality standards set by the local government. The drainage channel owned by PTBA Kertapati is trapezoidal with different lengths and dimensions, with an area owned by PTBA Kertapati of 6.4 ha divided into three catchment areas, including catchment area one with an area of 2.9 ha will be channeled to Settling Pond A, with the length of the drainage channel divided into three parts and different maximum channel discharge. Furthermore, catchment area two, with an area of 1.3 ha, will be channeled to Settling Pond B with a drainage channel length of 290 m, while catchment area three, with an area of 2.2 ha, will be channeled to settling pond C with a drainage channel length of 660 m with different maximum channel discharge. Settling Pond is one of the mine support facilities that functions as a shelter and a place for managing coalmine wastewater until the water has met environmental quality standards before flowing into the Musi River. Therefore, there is a need for optimal handling in the management of coalmine wastewater to reduce TSS values and normalize pH in settling pond by using alum and lime to meet the environmental quality standards of wastewater at PT Bukit Asam Tbk Kertapati Palembang.
Simulation study analysis of the normal five-spot model and inverted five-spot polymer injection on X field
Authors: Hadita Aflian , Dwi Amelia Putri Veni , Muharto Ruri , Erfando Tomi
Published: December 2024

Increasing oil production has become the main focus in the oil and gas industry, so various methods are needed to increase oil recovery after production has decreased, one of which is polymer injection. The X field is located in Indragiri Hulu Regency. It has passed the secondary recovery stage, with an estimated oil-in-place reserve of 328,542.4 MSTB, recoverable reserve of 170,426.5 MSTB, recovery factor of 51.9%, and cumulative oil production of 135,856.8 MSTB. One of the activities that need to be carried out in chemical injection is to choose the right and efficient production-injection well pattern to be applied in the field. Therefore, a reservoir simulation study compared the normal and inverted five-spot patterns using variations in polymer concentrations of 500ppm, 1000ppm and 1500ppm and injection rates of 4000bpd, 5000bpd and 6000bpd. This study aims to determine the best scenario based on the largest oil recovery factor that can be applied to the X Field by looking at the cumulative change in oil obtained and the water cut. The simulation results show that the maximum cumulative oil value in the inverted five-spot model with a concentration of 1500 ppm and an injection rate of 6000 bpd is 69757.4 bbl, and the minimum water cut value in the inverted five-spot model with a concentration of 1500 ppm and an injection rate of 6000 bpd is 94.81 %. While the maximum value of cumulative oil in the normal five-spot model with a concentration of 1500 ppm and an injection rate of 6000 bpd is 310241bbl, and the minimum water cut value in the normal five-spot model with a concentration of 1500 ppm and an injection rate of 6000 bpd is 92.78%. This study shows that the higher the polymer concentration used, the higher the cumulative oil increase, followed by the higher water cut reduction, so the selection of the right polymer concentration is very important to increase oil recovery in the X field.
Tool, Collaborator, or Participant: AI and Artistic Agency
Authors: Cross Anthony
Published: December 2024

Artificial intelligence is now capable of generating sophisticated and compelling images from simple text prompts. In this paper, I focus specifically on how artists might make use of AI to create art. Most existing discourse analogizes AI to a tool or collaborator; this focuses our attention on AI’s contribution to the production of an artistically significant output. I propose an alternative approach, the exploration paradigm, which suggests that artists instead relate to AI as a participant: artists create a space for interaction with the AI algorithm by way of their prompts, thereby allowing them to explore the way that the algorithm ‘sees’ and ‘represents’. AI art practised in this fashion bears a striking resemblance to contemporary conceptual and participatory art. Viewing AI art in this way has implications for the appreciation of style in AI art; concerns about novelty and originality; and the assignment of artistic credit and copyright.
Geographic disparities impacting oral vaccine performance: Observations and future directions
Authors: Burke Rachel M , Ramani Sasirekha , Lynch Julia , Cooper Laura V , Cho Haeun , Bandyopadhyay Ananda S , Kirkwood Carl D , Steele A Duncan , Kang Gagandeep
Published: December 2024

Oral vaccines have several advantages compared with parenteral administration: they can be relatively cheap to produce in high quantities, easier to administer, and induce intestinal mucosal immunity that can protect against infection. These characteristics have led to successful use of oral vaccines against rotavirus, polio, and cholera. Unfortunately, oral vaccines for all three diseases have demonstrated lower performance in the highest-burden settings where they are most needed. Rotavirus vaccines are estimated to have >85% effectiveness against hospitalization in children <12 months in countries with low child mortality, but only ~65% effectiveness in countries with high child mortality. Similarly, oral polio vaccines have lower immunogenicity in developing country settings compared with high-resource settings. Data are more limited for oral cholera vaccines, but suggest lower titers among children compared with adults, and, for some vaccines, lower efficacy in endemic settings compared with non-endemic settings. These disparities are likely multifactorial, and available evidence suggests a role for maternal factors (e.g. transplacental antibodies, breastmilk), host factors (e.g. genetic polymorphisms—with the best evidence for rotavirus—or previous infection), and environmental factors (e.g. gut microbiome, co-infections). Overall, these data highlight the rather ambiguous and often contradictory nature of evidence on factors affecting oral vaccine response, cautioning against broad extrapolation of outcomes based on one population or one vaccine type. Meaningful impact on performance of oral vaccines will likely only be possible with a suite of interventions, given the complex and multifactorial nature of the problem, and the degree to which contributing factors are intertwined.
The Concept of International Law Reform and the Case of Negotiated Settlements in Foreign Bribery Matters
Authors: Ivory Radha
Published: December 2024

The concept of reform is present in its absence in the literature on international law-making and legal theory. The international legal system is subject to pressures for change. Its actors respond to those pressures with projects for legal improvement. Scholars comment on those malfunctions and attempted fixes, some elaborating general frameworks for appraisal, others conceiving of transnational law-making processes and yet others deconstructing the very discourse of international legal progress. However, as a group, international lawyers have baulked at the concept of reform. That aversion has been attributed to our discipline’s defensive posture and the international legal system’s lack of machinery for efficiently replacing outdated principles and rules. ‘Reform’ implies an admission of deficit and an orderly and authoritative change process that would not seem to be in keeping with typical pathways of legal change beyond the state. This article seeks to reverse that trend by proposing a two-part concept of international law reform. The procedural part of this concept enables legal scholars to discern and describe instances of quasi-legislative change in the international legal space. The substantive part prompts them to select and apply criteria for assessing the merits of a particular textual change or proposal. The resultant concept of international law reform is necessary, I argue, in a legal system that lacks centralized legislative processes and comprehensive rules for demarcating and legitimating authoritative normative developments. Through a detailed case study from international anti-corruption law, the article shows how international law reform is an essential framework for analysis.
Geocultural Power in the Red Sea Region
Authors: Bachmann Jan , Ashagrie Bizusew , Kuyumcuoğlu Ozan , Schierenbeck Isabell
Published: December 2024

In this research note, we argue that traditional geopolitical and geoeconomic arguments that seek to make sense of growing engagements between countries of the Middle East and the Horn of Africa often ascribe little significance to notions of culture and history that underpin the narratives of collaborations that have developed across the Red Sea. To address this shortcoming, we turn to the concept of geocultural power—understood as the mobilization of cultural and historical attributes, both symbolic and material, in the pursuit of foreign policy agendas—as a particularly useful heuristic for making sense of the wealth of historical and cultural claims invoked in foreign policymaking in the Red Sea region. We illustrate the utility of the concept through a short discussion of geocultural narratives related to Ethiopia's shifting relations with the Gulf States and Turkey's increasing engagement in the Horn of Africa. While the research note's primary contribution is to outline a research agenda for using the lens of geocultural power, we also argue that states are not the sole arenas in which geopolitical claims are formulated. Hence, future studies should examine how geocultural claims encounter affirmation, contestation, and subversion in different societal arenas.
Light limitation enhances microbiome competitiveness and reduces microbial network stability in coastal waters
Authors: Wang Can , Wang Hualong , Zhang Chuyu , Liu Feilong , Lian Kaiyue , Li Yi , Zhang Honglei , Wang Bo , Liu Qian , Kan Jinjun , McMinn Andrew , Wang Min
Published: December 2024

Light plays a crucial role in microbiomes, maintaining the amount and transfer of primary productivity and directing ecosystem functioning. Coastal microbiomes are frequently exposed to light-limited conditions, but how their community organization is affected remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the assembly, association and functional activity of coastal microbiomes (both prokaryotes and eukaryotes) in response to low light. Results presented here show that light limitation reduces the diversity, phylogenetic distance and niche breadth of microbiomes and increases dispersal limitation, especially for microeukaryotes. A reduced proportion of photosynthetic microbes under light-limited conditions, suggests that decreased primary production and carbon input would further alter microbial composition and physiology. Reduced microeukaryotic diversity could enhance the influence of deterministic processes on the community assembly of microbiomes under light-limited conditions. Under light-limited conditions, deterministic processes structure the assembly of microeukaryotes, whereas the assembly of prokaryotes is mostly driven by stochastic processes. Light limitation weakens prokaryotic relations and intensifies microeukaryotic relations. Compositional and functional inefficiency and inefficient element cycling across microbial loops ultimately destabilize the light-limited ecosystems. The metatranscriptomic analysis identified that light deprivation reduces the expressions of genes involved in photosynthesis, nutrient utilization, oxidative phosphorylation, and biosynthesis of antibiotics, but enhances the expressions of genes related to the secretion system, purine metabolism and the citrate cycle. These results provide important insights into how microbiomes alter their composition and co-occurrences in light-limited environments.
Control of coffee canker associated with Pseudomonas coronafaciens pv. garcae using a cocktail integrating two virulent polyvalent bacteriophages encapsulated in nanoparticles: in planta studies
Authors: Silva Erica C , Rodrigues Lucas M R , Destefano Suzete A L , Guerreiro Filho Oliveiro , Braghini Masako T , Baldo Denicezar Â , Oliveira José M , Vila Marta M D C , Balcão Victor M
Published: December 2024

Aims

In this study, we report the use of two novel lytic polyvalent phages as a cocktail in in planta assays and their efficacy in the control of bacterial halo blight (BHB) caused by Pseudomonas coronafaciens pv. garcae (Pcg) in coffee plants.

Methods and results

Phages were isolated from samples of coffee plant leaves collected at two different locations in Brazil. Both phages belong to the class Caudoviricetes and present myovirus-like morphotypes, and both exhibited specificity to their host, Pcg strain IBSBF-158. The two phages were encapsulated in chitosan-coated Ca-alginate nanoparticles, which demonstrated promising performance, promoting reductions in disease severity ranging from 66.83% to 83.37%, depending on the timing of application relative to infection. Both phages were somewhat susceptible to the effects of abiotic factors when in free form, with solar radiation seriously negatively impacting their lytic activity. However, nanoencapsulation of both phages as a lytic cocktail within chitosan-coated Ca-alginate nanoparticles proved successful in fully stabilizing both phages from the deleterious action of UV radiation.

Conclusions

Application of such lytic nanoparticles in pre- and post-inoculated coffee seedlings in in planta greenhouse assays proved successful in controlling the phytopathogen responsible for BHB of coffee, Pcg, with a significant decrease in the progression of the disease. The results suggest that lytic nanoparticles may become an effective and sustainable strategy for coffee BHB control, as an alternative to conventional approaches relying on chemical (copper hydroxide or oxychloride or kasugamycin hydrochloride) or biological agents, but more studies are needed in the field to confirm this. The phage protection system developed represents a potential alternative treatment for bacterial plant diseases with minimum damage to the environment.
New insights into the origin and phylogeny of Niphargidae (Crustacea: Amphipoda), with description of a new species and synonymization of the genus Niphargellus with Niphargus
Authors: Stoch Fabio , Citoleux Jacques , Weber Dieter , Salussolia Alice , Flot Jean-François
Published: December 2024

The intriguing origin and distribution of subterranean amphipods of the family Niphargidae, particularly in north-western Europe and the British Isles, were heavily influenced by Pleistocene glaciations, which obscured most ancient events. The discovery of a new species in Brittany (described herein as Niphargus quimperensis sp. nov.) that is closely related to two tiny endemic species of the British Isles (one ascribed to the genus Niphargus and the other to Niphargellus), along with further collection of specimens of Niphargellus in Europe, allowed the construction of a comprehensive molecular phylogeny and a new time-calibrated tree of the family Niphargidae.

The discovery of Niphargus quimperensis sp. nov. confirmed the position of its clade as sister to all other niphargids. Moreover, phylogenetic analysis demonstrate that the genus Niphargellus is polyphyletic and must be treated as a junior synonym of Niphargus. Finally, we propose that the colonization of continental freshwater by the marine ancestors of Niphargus may have occurred in north-western Europe during the opening of the North Atlantic in the Late Cretaceous, whereas the split of Niphargus quimperensis sp. nov. from the other representatives of its clade may have been related to the isolation of Brittany from the British Isles in the Early Miocene.
Unravelling drivers on the morphological diversification of the terminal phalanx in hyloid frogs
Authors: Ponssa M L , Fratani J , Barrionuevo J S
Published: December 2024

The anuran locomotor system integrates traits that are influenced by phylogenetic, ecological, and development constraints. Given their significance to locomotion, we studied terminal phalange morphology in the Hyloidea group. We aim to deduce if morphological variability stems from phylogenetic, ecological, or life-cycle constraints. We explore the influence of size on variation and assess if evolutionary rates and shape disparities differ among the groups under consideration. Finally, we optimized phalangeal morphology within the phylogenetic framework to delineate evolutionary trends. We included 424 specimens of 128 species representing 17 families of Hyloidea and two of non-hyloid anurans. Configuration of the terminal phalanx was quantified using geometric morphometrics and characterized through qualitative traits. We established four categories based on microhabitats and locomotor abilities. Our life-cycle categorization distinguishes species by their consistent or changing microhabitat across larval and adult stages. The results show a complex scenario, where certain clades occupy distinct regions of morphospace, but there is also a relationship between phalangeal shape, microhabitats, and locomotor abilities. However, both the phylogenetic signal and the relationship with microhabitats and locomotor abilities are not particularly robust. Species inhabiting arboreal microhabitats develop convergent traits to thrive in this niche, such as rounded proximal epiphysis and the claw-shaped phalanx. Morphological disparity was higher in walkers, which also includes arboreal species, prompting further questions on the demands of locomotion in vertical substrates.
Long-Term Functional and Clinical Outcomes in Familial Exudative Vitreoretinopathy
Authors: Chen Hongan , Caldwell Anne Strong , Patnaik Jennifer L. , Feinstein Eric G. , Ghiassi Maryam , Mathias Marc T. , Oliver Scott C.N.
Published: December 2024

Purpose:

To characterize long-term functional and anatomical outcomes in patients with familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR).

Methods:

A retrospective chart review was conducted of all patients with a diagnosis of FEVR at a tertiary academic institution and its affiliated children’s hospital treated from January 2003 through January 2024. Demographic and clinical data were collected. Functional vision was defined as at least one eye with Snellen visual acuity (SVA) ≥20/40 and ambulatory vision defined as at least one eye with SVA ≥20/200.

Results:

A total of 186 eyes from 96 patients comprised the FEVR cohort, of which 90 eyes from 46 patients were included for analysis. Average age at presentation was 6.4 years (SD 8.6) and average duration of follow-up was 9.1 years (SD 7.3, range 0-40).

At most recent exam, 77.3% of patients had functional vision and 88.6% had ambulatory vision. Globe salvage was achieved in 98.4% of eyes. Of the exam findings studied, only retinal detachment at presentation was significantly associated with worse vision in multivariable analysis.

Conclusions:

Patients in our FEVR cohort show promising long-term functional and ambulatory vision outcomes. More than 75% of patients were 20/40 or better, and 89% of patients avoided legal blindness.
Successful Treatment Outcome of a Pediatric Malignant Germ Cell Tumor With an Extensive Cavo-atrial Tumor Thrombus Presenting as an Oncological Emergency
Authors: G Sai Shiva , VR Prasanth , Cheriyan Rajani Lilly , Sankar Ajay , Nair Manjusha , Rajeswari Binitha , CS Guruprasad , VS Kalasekhar , Dharan Baiju S. , Thankamony Priyakumari
Published: December 2024

Background:

Pediatric germ cell tumor (GCT) with extensive cavo-atrial tumor thrombus presenting as an oncologic emergency is extremely rare.

Observation:

A 13-month-old female child with sacrococcygeal GCT having inferior vena cava (IVC) and right atrial thrombus presenting with anasarca and respiratory distress is reported. Because of worsening symptoms post initiation of chemotherapy, tumor thrombus debulking from the right atrium and distal end of IVC was performed on day 9 on an emergency basis. Her symptoms improved, and after planned chemotherapy, tumor excision with coccygectomy could be done. The IVC thrombus remained inoperable due to sclerosis. She remains recurrent-free now 12 months post therapy.
Connecticut Pediatric Opioid Poisoning Trends Surrounding the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Collazo Susana D. , Smith Sharon R. , Hunter Amy A.
Published: December 2024

Objective

Opioids are common substances involved in poisonings with increasing rates in fentanyl-related mortality since 2014. The COVID-19 pandemic compromised school attendance and supervision, which may have increased the risk of opioid ingestions in children. Our objective was to evaluate pediatric opioid poisonings in Connecticut before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

This cross-sectional retrospective study used emergency department (ED) discharges involving children aged 0–17 years captured in the Connecticut Injury Surveillance System. International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification codes were used to identify discharges involving opioids (T40.0-T40.4, T40.60, T40.69, F11). The χ2 test was used to identify differences by pre-COVID (2017–2019) and COVID (2020–2022) periods. Rates were examined by age, sex, race/ethnicity, insurance, and discharge status.

Results

There were 1,386,796 ED discharges during the study period. Less than 1% involved opioid (N = 257) or fentanyl (N = 31) poisonings; no discharges were coded for both. The rate of opioid poisonings decreased 28.6%, from 2.1 to 1.5 per 10,000 ED visits. Subanalysis showed that the rate of fentanyl poisonings remained the same (0.2 per 10,000 ED visits). The rate of opioid poisonings was highest among non-Hispanic White children during both periods. However, there was a 57.7% increase in the rate of opioid poisonings in non-Hispanic Black children. The rate decreased for all other race/ethnic groups.

Conclusions

Results of our study showed a rise in opioid poisonings among non-Hispanic Black and elementary school-aged children during the COVID-19 pandemic. Future prevention efforts may choose to further investigate and understand the trends in the more vulnerable groups.