bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On asymptotic convergence rate of random search
Authors: Tarłowski Dawid
Published: November 2023

This paper presents general theoretical studies on asymptotic convergence rate (ACR) for finite dimensional optimization. Given the continuous problem function and discrete time stochastic optimization process, the ACR is the optimal constant for control of the asymptotic behaviour of the expected approximation errors. Under general assumptions, condition ACR$$<1$$<1implies the linear behaviour of the expected time of hitting the$$\varepsilon $$ε- optimal sublevel set with$$\varepsilon \rightarrow 0^+ $$ε→0+and determines the upper bound for the convergence rate of the trajectories of the process. This paper provides general characterization of ACR and, in particular, shows that some algorithms cannot converge linearly fast for any nontrivial continuous optimization problem. The relation between asymptotic convergence rate in the objective space and asymptotic convergence rate in the search space is provided. Examples and numerical simulations with use of a (1+1) self-adaptive evolution strategy and other algorithms are presented.
Application of Iterative Elastic SH Reverse Time Migration to Synthetic Ultrasonic Echo Data
Authors: Grohmann Maria , Niederleithinger Ernst , Maack Stefan , Buske Stefan
Published: November 2023

The ultrasonic echo technique is widely used in non-destructive testing (NDT) of concrete objects for thickness measurements, geometry determinations and localization of built-in components. To improve ultrasonic imaging of complex concrete structures, we transferred a seismic imaging technique, the Reverse Time Migration (RTM), to NDT in civil engineering. RTM, in contrast to the conventionally used synthetic aperture focusing technique (SAFT) algorithms, considers all wavefield types and thus, can handle complex wave propagations in any direction with no limit on velocity variations and reflector dip. In this paper, we focused on the development, application and evaluation of a two-dimensional elastic RTM algorithm considering horizontally polarized shear (SH) waves only. We applied the elastic SH RTM routine to synthetic ultrasonic echo SH-wave data generated with a concrete model incorporating several steps and circular cavities. As these features can often be found in real-world NDT use cases, their imaging is extremely important. By using elastic SH RTM, we were able to clearly reproduce almost all reflectors inside the concrete model including the vertical step edges and the cross sections of the cavities. We were also capable to show that more features could be mapped compared to SAFT, and that imaging of complex reflectors could be sharpened compared to elastic P-SV (compressional-vertically polarized shear) RTM. Our promising results illustrate that elastic SH RTM has the potential to significantly enhance the reconstruction of challenging concrete structures, representing an important step forward for precise, high-quality ultrasonic NDT in civil engineering.
Generation of patient-derived pediatric pilocytic astrocytoma in-vitro models using SV40 large T: evaluation of a modeling workflow
Authors: Selt Florian , El Damaty Ahmed , Schuhmann Martin U. , Sigaud Romain , Ecker Jonas , Sievers Philipp , Kocher Daniela , Herold-Mende Christel , Oehme Ina , von Deimling Andreas , Pfister Stefan M. , Sahm Felix , Jones David T. W. , Witt Olaf , Milde Till
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Although pediatric low-grade gliomas (pLGG) are the most common pediatric brain tumors, patient-derived cell lines reflecting pLGG biology in culture are scarce. This also applies to the most common pLGG subtype pilocytic astrocytoma (PA). Conventional cell culture approaches adapted from higher-grade tumors fail in PA due to oncogene-induced senescence (OIS) driving tumor cells into arrest. Here, we describe a PA modeling workflow using the Simian Virus large T antigen (SV40-TAg) to circumvent OIS.

Methods

18 pLGG tissue samples (17 (94%) histological and/or molecular diagnosis PA) were mechanically dissociated. Tumor cell positive-selection using A2B5 was perfomed in 8/18 (44%) cases. All primary cell suspensions were seeded in Neural Stem Cell Medium (NSM) and Astrocyte Basal Medium (ABM). Resulting short-term cultures were infected with SV40-TAg lentivirus. Detection of tumor specific alterations (BRAF-duplication and BRAF V600E-mutation) by digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) at defined time points allowed for determination of tumor cell fraction (TCF) and evaluation of the workflow. DNA-methylation profiling and gene-panel sequencing were used for molecular profiling of primary samples.

Results

Primary cell suspensions had a mean TCF of 55% (+/− 23% (SD)). No sample in NSM (0/18) and ten samples in ABM (10/18) were successfully transduced. Three of these ten (30%) converted into long-term pLGG cell lines (TCF 100%), while TCF declined to 0% (outgrowth of microenvironmental cells) in 7/10 (70%) cultures. Young patient age was associated with successful model establishment.

Conclusion

A subset of primary PA cultures can be converted into long-term cell lines using SV40-TAg depending on sample intrinsic (patient age) and extrinsic workflow-related (e.g. type of medium, successful transduction) parameters. Careful monitoring of sample-intrinsic and extrinsic factors optimizes the process.
Specifying the role of religion in entrepreneurial action: a cognitive perspective
Authors: Dubard Barbosa Saulo , Smith Brett R.
Published: November 2023

Research on the relationship between religion and entrepreneurship has produced mixed findings. We argue such equivocal findings are partly the result of under-specification of the role of religion in entrepreneurial action. To address this issue, we build on the process perspective of entrepreneurial cognition by simultaneously incorporating mental representations and cognitive resources. Specifically, we theorize a cognitive process that incorporates both framing effects of opportunity cues and religious belief integration based on sanctification into the assessment of feasibility and desirability of entrepreneurial action. Through two within-subject experiments, we find (i) positively framed opportunity cues yield more favorable assessments of entrepreneurial action than negatively framed opportunity cues, and (ii) religious belief integration moderates the relationship between framing and assessments of entrepreneurial action, enhancing perceived feasibility and desirability when information framing is negative. We discuss the implications of our model to research the theological turn of entrepreneurship and a cognitive perspective of entrepreneurial action.
A review of spectrum sensing in modern cognitive radio networks
Authors: Muzaffar Muhammad Umair , Sharqi Rula
Published: November 2023

Cognitive radio network (CRN) is a pioneering technology that was developed to improve efficiency in spectrum utilization. It provides the secondary users with the privilege to transmit on the licensed parts of the spectrum if the licensed user is not utilizing it. The cognitive radio must, however, relinquish the spectrum when the primary user decides to reoccupy it. By exploiting the unused portion of the spectrum, a cognitive radio helps in making the use of the radio spectrum more efficient. Furthermore, the most important capability that a cognitive radio (CR) must possess is spectrum sensing. A CR must be able to correctly determine the status of the target spectrum with the help of spectrum sensing. This is a very challenging task and several methods have been investigated over the years. In this work, the state of the art of different spectrum sensing techniques for a variety of CRNs is presented. Both conventional and modern spectrum sensing techniques for different types of primary user signals are discussed in this work for Narrowband and Wideband signals. Legacy techniques such as energy detection are most commonly used due to their simplicity in implementation. However, this comes at the cost of poor performance at low SNR (signal-to-noise ratio) values. This issue is countered by methods that use statistical information of the primary signal to make a more informed decision on spectrum occupancy. Several techniques that make use of the power of machine learning algorithms are also discussed which show clear improvement in performance. The primary challenge in such techniques is selection of the best features. The most commonly used features are also discussed. Furthermore, spectrum sensing techniques that consider the 5G signal as the primary user signal of the network are discussed. It is observed that there is a significant need for research in additional spectrum sensing techniques for 5G cognitive radio networks.
Empirical Quantification of Predictive Uncertainty Due to Model Discrepancy by Training with an Ensemble of Experimental Designs: An Application to Ion Channel Kinetics
Authors: Shuttleworth Joseph G. , Lei Chon Lok , Whittaker Dominic G. , Windley Monique J. , Hill Adam P. , Preston Simon P. , Mirams Gary R.
Published: November 2023

When using mathematical models to make quantitative predictions for clinical or industrial use, it is important that predictions come with a reliable estimate of their accuracy (uncertainty quantification). Because models of complex biological systems are always large simplifications, model discrepancy arises—models fail to perfectly recapitulate the true data generating process. This presents a particular challenge for making accurate predictions, and especially for accurately quantifying uncertainty in these predictions. Experimentalists and modellers must choose which experimental procedures (protocols) are used to produce data used to train models. We propose to characterise uncertainty owing to model discrepancy with an ensemble of parameter sets, each of which results from training to data from a different protocol. The variability in predictions from this ensemble provides an empirical estimate of predictive uncertainty owing to model discrepancy, even for unseen protocols. We use the example of electrophysiology experiments that investigate the properties of hERG potassium channels. Here, ‘information-rich’ protocols allow mathematical models to be trained using numerous short experiments performed on the same cell. In this case, we simulate data with one model and fit it with a different (discrepant) one. For any individual experimental protocol, parameter estimates vary little under repeated samples from the assumed additive independent Gaussian noise model. Yet parameter sets arising from the same model applied to different experiments conflict—highlighting model discrepancy. Our methods will help select more suitable ion channel models for future studies, and will be widely applicable to a range of biological modelling problems.
Atorvastatin Promotes Pro/anti-inflammatory Phenotypic Transformation of Microglia via Wnt/β-catenin Pathway in Hypoxic-Ischemic Neonatal Rats
Authors: Yu Luting , Huang Lingyi , Zhao Yuanyuan , Liu Shixi , Zhou Ruixi , Yue Yan , Sun Hao , Su Xiaojuan , Liu Qian , Li Shiping , Ying Junjie , Zhao Fengyan , Qu Yi
Published: November 2023

Inflammatory reaction plays a key role in the pathogenesis of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) in neonates. Microglia are resident innate immune cells in the central nervous system and are profoundly involved in neuroinflammation. Studies have revealed that atorvastatin exerts a neuroprotective effect by regulating neuroinflammation in adult animal models of brain stroke and traumatic brain injury, but its role regarding damage to the developing brain remains unclear. This study aimed to clarify the effect and mechanism of atorvastatin on the regulation of microglia function in neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain damage (HIBD). The oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD) of microglia and neonatal rat HIBD model was established. Atorvastatin, recombinant sclerostin protein (SOST), and XAV939 (degradation of β-catenin) were administered to OGD microglia and HIBD rats. The pathological changes of brain tissue, cerebral infarction volume, learning and memory ability of rats, pro-inflammatory (CD16+/Iba1+) and anti-inflammatory (CD206+/Iba1+) microglia markers, inflammation-related indicators (Inos, Tnfα, Il6, Arg1, Tgfb, and Mrc1), and Wnt/β-catenin signaling molecules were examined. Atorvastatin reduced OGD-induced pro-inflammatory microglia and pro-inflammatory factors, while increasing anti-inflammatory microglia and anti-inflammatory factors. In vivo, atorvastatin attenuated hypoxia-ischemia (HI)-induced neuroinflammation and brain damage. Mechanistically, atorvastatin decreased SOST expression and activated the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, and the administration of recombinant SOST protein or XAV939 inhibited Wnt/β-catenin signaling and attenuated the anti-inflammatory effect of atorvastatin. Atorvastatin promotes the pro/anti-inflammatory phenotypic transformation of microglia via the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in HI neonatal rats. Atorvastatin may be developed as a potent agent for the treatment of HIE in neonates.
Erratum zu: LIFTOSCOPE: automatisierte Highspeed-Zelluntersuchung und -transfer
Authors: Nienhaus Florian , Aurich Ann-Sophie , Niessing Bastian , Schmitt Robert H.
Published: November 2023

Bei der bereits veröffentlichten Originalversion des Artikels wurde die Angabe der Bildquelle in Abbildung 1 vergessen. Diese ist: [11] Narrog F, Lensing R, Piotrowski T et al. (2023) LIFTOSCOPE: development of an automated AI-based module for time-effective and contactless analysis and isolation of cells in microtiter plates. J Biol Eng 17: 10. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13036-023-00329-9. © Fraunhofer ILT.
Economic Benefits of Blended Teaching Mode in the Knowledge Economy Era: A Case Study of College English Course
Authors: Wang Ruishu
Published: November 2023

The era of the knowledge economy is defined by the pivotal role of knowledge and information in economic production, dissemination, and utilization. Information technology stands as a cornerstone in propelling the advancement of the knowledge economy. The transformative impact of information technology has been a driving force in ushering in the knowledge economy era. Amid this backdrop, the blended teaching mode emerges as a novel pedagogical approach infused with information technology, demanding an evaluation of its economic merits as it gains traction in educational practice and adoption. The implementation of blended teaching modes within university settings necessitates considerable investments from educators, encompassing teaching efforts, human resources, and technological infrastructure. The linchpin in introducing blended teaching modes is whether they yield a superior economic benefit that justifies the resources expended. To scrutinize whether the blended teaching mode possesses the potential for heightened economic benefits, this study embarks on an empirical journey, investigating its influence on student learning outcomes through rigorous experimentation. This investigation formulates twelve research hypotheses designed to explore intricate relationships between latent constructs through multiple linear regression tests. The study’s findings confirm that the blended teaching mode can generate heightened economic benefits. These outcomes underscore the pedagogical and economic promise inherent in the integration of technology and innovative teaching methods within higher education, aligning with the imperatives of the knowledge economy.
New advances in management and treatment of cardiac implantable electronic devices infections
Authors: Russo Alessandro , Serraino Riccardo , Serapide Francesca , Trecarichi Enrico Maria , Torti Carlo
Published: November 2023

Cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) are increasingly used worldwide, and infection of these devices remains one of the most feared complications.

CIED infections (CDIs) represent a challenge for physicians and the healthcare system in general as they require prolonged hospitalization and antibiotic treatment and are burdened by high mortality and high costs, so management of CDIs must be multidisciplinary.

The exact incidence of CDIs is difficult to define, considering that it is influenced by various factors mainly represented by the implanted device and the type of procedure. Risk factors for CDIs could be divided into three categories: device related, patient related, and procedural related and the etiology is mainly sustained by Gram-positive bacteria; however, other etiologies cannot be underestimated. As a matter of fact, the two cornerstones in the treatment of these infections are device removal and antimicrobial treatment. Finally, therapeutic drug monitoring and PK/PD correlations should be encouraged in all patients with CDIs receiving antibiotic therapy and may result in a better clinical outcome and a reduction in antibiotic resistance and economic costs.

In this narrative review, we look at what is new in the management of these difficult-to-treat infections.
Biodiesel production from transesterified yellow grease by ZSM-5 zeolite-supported BaO catalyst: process optimization by Taguchi’s experimental design approach
Authors: Yusuff Adeyinka Sikiru , Onibonoje Moses Oluwafemi
Published: November 2023

Methanolysis of yellow grease (YG) was performed to synthesize its corresponding methyl ester (YGME) using BaO loaded on ZSM-5 (BaO/ZSM-5) as a heterogeneous base catalyst that was prepared via metallic solution hydrolysis method and characterized using N2 adsorption–desorption (BET), surface basicity, XRD, TGA/DTA, SEM, FTIR and Raman techniques.### The Taguchi design approach was utilized to optimize the transesterification process factors, and among the parameters studied, calcination temperature was found to have a significant influence on YGME yield. At 70 ℃ for 3 h, a YGME yield of 95.9 $$\pm 0.94$$

±
0.94

% was obtained using a methanol/YG molar ratio of 15:1 and 1 g (2 wt.% of YG used) of BaO/ZSM-5 sample calcined at 700 ℃. The BaO/ZSM-5 catalyst was reused six times with only a 15% decrease in activity.
Effects of endocrine disorders on maxillary and mandibular growth in Colombian children and adolescents: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Alfaro J. M. , Manrique R. , Santamaría A. , Álvarez E. , Manes C. , Jiménez M.
Published: November 2023

Objective

To establish the influence of overweight/obesity, medicated hypothyroidism, and medicated non-syndromic hypogrowth on maxillary and mandibular growth.

Materials and methods

The relation between 10 craniofacial anthropometric measurements and hypothyroidism (n = 216), overweight/obesity (n = 108), and non-syndromic hypogrowth (n = 250) were evaluated in patients aged 1–19 years and a control group of healthy patients (n = 587). A subgroup analysis was performed at the peak growth in all groups.

Results

Patients with overweight/obesity and hypothyroidism showed increased craniofacial growth, while hypogrowth patients showed differences in zygomatic width and nasal base growth. Females with hypothyroidism and non-syndromic hypogrowth showed decreased head circumference at peak growth. Several anthropometric measurements were increased in patients with overweight/obesity, including head circumference. When all age groups were analyzed, overweight/obese and hypothyroidism patients showed increased zygomatic width while decreased hypogrowth. Overall, most craniofacial anthropometric measurements in overweight/obese patients were increased. Finally, the peak growth in males with hypothyroidism and subjects with non-syndromic hypogrowth was delayed compared to the control group (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Children and adolescents with overweight/obesity and endocrine disorders showed alterations in craniofacial growth. Clinicians must be aware that the growth peak in these patients may be delayed when planning maxillary and mandibular orthopedic treatment.
Recommendations for Assessing and Managing Sleep Problems in Children with Neurodevelopmental Conditions
Authors: Hamilton Anna , Joyce Anna , Spiller Jayne
Published: November 2023

Purpose of Review

This review draws upon the authors’ practical experience of assessing sleep in children with neurodevelopmental conditions alongside empirical evidence of recommendations for clinicians and researchers to support assessment of sleep problems and strategies to promote healthy sleep in children with specific neurodevelopmental conditions. These include communication about sleep, mental health/behavioural considerations, pain, sensory profile, epilepsy, melatonin secretion profiles, sleep-disordered breathing and restless leg syndrome.

Recent Findings

This review has a particular focus on children with autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit and hyperactivity disorder, Down syndrome, Smith-Magenis syndrome, Angelman syndrome, William’s syndrome and cerebral palsy.

Sleep disturbance varies in severity between neurodevelopmental conditions and the need for individualised assessment is emphasised. The impact of children’s poor sleep on parents is highlighted as a particular concern. A checklist of recommendations and example resources for clinicians to enquire about sleep in children with neurodevelopmental conditions has been included in a summary table.
Multi-classification deep learning models for detection of ulcerative colitis, polyps, and dyed-lifted polyps using wireless capsule endoscopy images
Authors: Malik Hassaan , Naeem Ahmad , Sadeghi-Niaraki Abolghasem , Naqvi Rizwan Ali , Lee Seung-Won
Published: November 2023

Wireless capsule endoscopy (WCE) enables imaging and diagnostics of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract to be performed without any discomfort. Despite this, several characteristics, including efficacy, tolerance, safety, and performance, make it difficult to apply and modify widely. The use of automated WCE to collect data and perform the analysis is essential for finding anomalies. Medical specialists need a significant amount of time and expertise to examine the data generated by WCE imaging of the patient’s digestive tract. To address these challenges, several computer vision-based solutions have been designed; nevertheless, they do not achieve an acceptable level of accuracy, and more advancements are required. Thus, in this study, we proposed four multi-classification deep learning (DL) models i.e., Vgg-19 + CNN, ResNet152V2, Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU) + ResNet152V2, and ResNet152V2 + Bidirectional GRU (Bi-GRU) and applied it on different publicly available databases for diagnosing ulcerative colitis, polyps, and dyed-lifted polyps using WCE images. To our knowledge, this is the only study that uses a single DL model for the classification of three different GI diseases. We compared the classification performance of the proposed DL classifiers in terms of many parameters such as accuracy, loss, Matthew's correlation coefficient (MCC), recall, precision, negative predictive value (NPV), positive predictive value (PPV), and F1-score. The results revealed that the Vgg-19 + CNN outperforms the three other proposed DL models in classifying GI diseases using WCE images. The Vgg-19 + CNN model achieved an accuracy of 99.45%. The results of four proposed DL classifiers are also compared with recent state-of-the-art classifiers and the proposed Vgg-19 + CNN model has performed better in terms of improved accuracy.
Literature as Uncertainty Practice: An Anomaly at the End of Literature
Authors: Kukkonen Karin
Published: November 2023

Literature emerges as an uncertainty practice in the context of today’s volatile environments. Considering literary texts as linguistic constructions reprogramming our lifeworld through formal constraints and creative rethinking, from the perspective of cognitive literary studies, Karin Kukkonen proposes an argument for the continued relevance of literature.
Basisarbeit und menschengerechte Arbeitsgestaltung – Strategische Erfordernisse und Ansätze
Authors: Sträter Oliver
Published: November 2023

In diesem Beitrag wird der Aspekt der Basisarbeit beleuchtet, der aus der zunehmenden Komplexität der technischen Entwicklung resultiert. Eine technologische Entwicklung im Rahmen des Gesamtsystems wird nicht linear aus ergonomischen Anforderungen heraus entwickelt, sondern erwächst aus einem komplexen und dynamischen Wechselspiel zwischen unterschiedlichen Akteur/-innen. Aus dieser Eigendynamik des Gesamtsystems ergeben sich ungünstige Entwicklungen, die Sheridan (2002) als ‚Entfremdung‘ und ‚Versklavung‘ des Menschen beschreibt und welche insbesondere bei der Basisarbeit in ungünstige Arbeitsbedingungen mündet.

Diese Entwicklungen sind als ‚drift into failure‘ in der Resilienzforschung bekannt. Demzufolge kann man die derzeitigen Gestaltungsansätze auch mithilfe der Systematik der Resilienz beschreiben und entsprechende strategische Erfordernisse und Ansätze ableiten, um eine sinnvolle Arbeitsgestaltung sowohl im Gesamtsystem als auch für die Basisarbeit im Besonderen zu entwickeln.

Praktische Relevanz: Zur Überwindung der negativen Belastungsfolgen von Basisarbeit, welche durch zunehmende Digitalisierung entsteht, werden psychologische Wirkmechanismen transparent gemacht und über das Konzept der Resilienz werden Änderungsverfahren von Digitalisierungsprojekten von ihrem Reifegrad her eingeordnet. Für Entscheidungsträger wird verständlicher, wie Digitalisierung systemisch gedacht werden kann und welche Anforderungen an den Gestaltungsprozess aus arbeitswissenschaftlicher Sicht relevant sind. Er für die Entwicklung von Digitalisierungsprojekten wird ein Scanning-Verfahren dargestellt, welches eine rechtzeitige arbeitswissenschaftliche Planung erlaubt und so auch Basisarbeit und Digitalisierung besser, menschengerechter gestaltet.
Towards a Semiotic Cultural Clinical Psychology: Contributions for the Discussion
Authors: Roncancio-Moreno Mónica , Ocampo-Cepeda Rita Patricia , Cleves-Valencia Juan José
Published: November 2023

This article outlines the basic premises of the proposal for a semiotic cultural clinical psychology and presents how these premises could be translated in the approaching to a concrete situation. For this purpose, the work of some contemporary authors is identified, elucidating the possible bridges between cultural psychology and a form of clinical practice interested in the singular expression of suffering that privileges an idiographic approach. A typical scenario of applied intervention is examined to illustrate how the situation could be interpreted from the perspective of a semiotic cultural clinical psychology and to indicate the distance taken with respect to other ways of approaching it in psychology. It is concluded that this proposal conceives the phenomena of human suffering as transitions, elucidating the interactions between the singular and the cultural, and is characterized by a reflective perspective on its practice, considering social and historical dimensions that constantly question its theoretical frameworks, thus allowing, in theory and application, to emphasize changes rather than the description of norms.
High quality, low molecular weight shrimp and crab chitosans obtained by short-time holistic high-power microwave technology
Authors: Ewais Alaa , Saber R. A. , Abdel Ghany A. , Sharaf A. , Sitohy Mahmoud
Published: November 2023

The study sought to investigate the impact of a holistic high-power microwave technology during all stages of the extraction on the quality, time of extraction, and degree of deacetylation (DD) of shrimp chitosan (SC) and crab chitosan (KC). The demineralization and deproteinization stages took 7 and 8 min, at 750 and 875 W, respectively. The deacetylation process was conducted at two powers, 875 W and 1250 W, for 10, 15, and 20 min. It only took 25 min at 875 W to successfully prepare chitosan with a high DD and 30 min to reach the maximum DD. The highest DDs by the potentiometric titration method, FTIR, and 1H NMR of SC were 86.6%, 86.7%, and 83%, compared to 83.8%, 82.7%, and 80% for KC, respectively. Extracted SC had 79% solubility, 14.125 kDa, a 46.57% crystallinity index, 705.40% WBC, and 434.60% FBC, against 74.5%, 16.982 kDa, 74.14%, 689.82%, and 413.20% for KC, respectively. The study proved that 30 min of holistic high-power microwave at 875 W produced low-molecular-weight chitosan with relatively high deacetylation and low content of viscosity, crystallinity, and protein residue. The technique can provide a feasible alternative to the commercial production of low-molecular-weight chitosan in less time and energy.
Benefits and limitations of biochar for climate-smart agriculture: a review and case study from China
Authors: Bo Xiaomeng , Zhang Zhiwei , Wang Jinyang , Guo Shumin , Li Zhutao , Lin Haiyan , Huang Yawen , Han Zhaoqiang , Kuzyakov Yakov , Zou Jianwen
Published: November 2023

Biochar has gained significant attention in agricultural and environmental research over the last two decades. This comprehensive review evaluates the effects of biochar on soil organic carbon (SOC), emission of non-CO2 greenhouse gases, and crop yield, including related mechanisms and major influencing factors. The impacts of biochar on SOC, methane and nitrous oxide emissions, and crop yield are controlled by biochar and soil properties and management practices. High-temperature biochar produced from lignin-rich feedstocks may decrease methane and nitrous oxide emissions in acidic soils and strengthen long-term carbon sequestration due to its stable aromatic structure. In contrast, low-temperature biochar from manure may increase crop yield in low-fertility soils. Applying biochar to farmlands in China can increase SOC content by 1.9 Pg C and reduce methane and nitrous oxide emissions by 25 and 20 Mt CO2-eq year−1, respectively, while increasing crop yields by 19%. Despite the increasing evidence of the positive effects of biochar, future research needs to explore the potential factors that could weaken or hinder its capacity to address climate change and secure crop production. We conclude that biochar is not a universal solution for global cropland; however, targeted applications in fields, landscapes, or regional scales, especially in low fertility and sandy soils, could realize the benefits of biochar as a climate-smart measure.

Highlights

The findings of research on biochar's effects on soil C sequestration, GHG mitigation, and crop production were summarized.

The factors influencing the impact of biochar on soil functioning were reviewed.

The effects of biochar on soil C sequestration and GHG mitigation in farmlands of China were quantified.

Graphical Abstract
Assessing deep soil mixing for excavation support in Sabkha soils: a numerical study
Authors: Abas Hassan. A. , Alluqmani Ayed E. , Yousif Isameldin
Published: November 2023

Excavation in Sabkha soils, found in coastal regions of Saudi Arabia, presents complex challenges in construction due to their unique geotechnical characteristics. These soils are known for their high compressibility, collapsibility, and variable sediment deposition, rendition them unsuitable for excavation without adequate support systems. As urbanization and industrial activities continue to expand into these areas, the demand for effective excavation support systems becomes gradually critical. This study investigates the feasibility of employing Deep Soil Mixing (DSM) as an excavation support system in Sabkha soils. Utilizing finite element analysis through PLAXIS 3D software, the behaviour of DSM walls in Sabkha soil under various conditions is rigorously simulated. The findings of this research establish that DSM walls can serve as an efficient excavation support system in Sabkha soils, provided that crucial factors, particularly excavation depth, are considered during the design phase. The study demonstrates that properly designed DSM walls, in combination with appropriate anchoring methods, can substantially reduce horizontal displacement and bending moments, ensuring the stability of excavations in Sabkha soils. The research highlights the need for further investigations into the cost-effectiveness of DSM walls in comparison to other excavation support options to evaluate the economic feasibility of using DSM in Sabkha soil applications.
Surface corrosion evaluation of steel cable for suspension bridge using electromagnetic method
Authors: He Dongfeng
Published: November 2023

The cables of suspension bridges are normally made of galvanized steel wires. Corrosion may happen with the galvanized steel wires from the surface after serving for a long time. We developed a compact, low-cost electromagnetic system to evaluate the corrosion of steel cables. AC magnetic field was produced by an excitation coil and eddy current was induced in the steel wires. A detection coil was used to measure the magnetic field produced by the eddy current. In our experiments, the excitation coil was 100 turns with a diameter of 3 cm, the detection coil was 60 turns with a diameter of 1 cm and the excitation frequency was about 80 kHz. A lock-in amplifier was used to get the X signal (same phase signal with the excitation field) and Y signal (90-degree phase different signal with excitation field). From the slope of the X–Y graph, the degree of corrosion can be judged. To make the system portable, the excitation coil, detection coil, amplifier, lock-in amplifier, and AD converter were put in a small box with the size of 85 mm × 170 mm × 60 mm; only a USB cable was used for the power and data transferring. The electric power required for the system was less than 1 W. We prepared some galvanized steel wires with and without corrosion and did some experiments in the laboratory. The degree of corrosion of galvanized steel wires was successfully evaluated using the system.
The effects of dexmedetomidine on postoperative tumor recurrence and patient survival after breast cancer surgery: a feasibility study
Authors: Luo Jiamei , Xuan Wei , Sun Jiaxin , Wang Xiaoqiang , Shi Yumiao , Zhang Yiqi , Yin Wenjin , Shu Huigang , Lu Jinsong , Tian Jie
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Dexmedetomidine (Dexmed) is a highly selective alpha 2 adrenoceptor (α2-AR) agonist with excellent sedation and analgesic effects and is frequently used in breast cancer surgery. However, the exact impact of Dexmed on breast cancer prognosis is still unclear. The primary objective of this pilot study was to explore study feasibility (recruitment and dropout rates) for future large-scale randomized controlled trial (RCT) to test the hypothesis that intraoperative Dexmed reduced recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients after breast cancer surgery.

Methods

Interviews with patients were performed during the anesthetic preoperative visit for informed consent. Adult females scheduled for a mastectomy due to primary breast cancer were 1:1 randomised to saline (Group Control) or Dexmed (Group Dexmed) treatment groups. The primary outcomes were descriptions of study feasibility (recruitment and dropout rates). We also performed a preliminary analysis of RFS (time from surgery to the earliest date of recurrence/metastasis) and OS (time from surgery to the date of all-cause death) and collected data on percentages/numbers of circulating immune cells at pre- and 24 h post-operation.

Results

A total of 964 patients were screened; 40% (385/964) met the inclusion criteria, among which 39% (150/385) were enrolled and randomly assigned to either Group Control (n = 75) or Group Dexmed (n = 75). The median follow-up duration was 49 months (interquartile range (IQR): 34–58 months) for Group Control and 48 months (IQR: 33–60 months) for Group Dexmed. Five percent (5%, 8/150) patients were lost to follow-up and 1% (2/150) died. There was no significant difference in RFS and OS. The percentage/number of natural killer (NK), B and T-cell subsets and the CD4+/CD8+ ratio were similar between groups at 24 h post-operation.

Conclusion

The pilot study was feasible to deliver. In a future definitive trial, the lower recruitment rate may be improved by increasing the number of anesthesiologists involved in the study. The study about the effects of Dexmed on long-term prognoses of breast cancer patients that is planned to follow this pilot study is a large-scaled randomized control study with the aim of providing evidence-based guidelines for rational use of Dexmed in patients undergoing breast cancer surgery.

Trial registration

Registered at ClinicalTrials.gov on October 20, 2016 (ID: NCT03109990).

Graphical Abstract
God and Human Genetic Engineering
Authors: Basinger David
Published: November 2023

Science and Religion have often intersected on issues. However, no set of current scientific advances is more promising and problematic for religious (or non-religious) individuals than those that fall under the heading of Human Genetic Engineering, as these advances have the potential not only to cure human disease, remove undesirable human traits, and enhance desirable human traits but to pass on these modifications to future generations. This Element is an introductory overview of these advances, the ethical issues they raise, and the lines of reasoning, including religious lines of reasoning, used to support or challenge these advances. The author's goal is to suggest a way of assessing these advances that will give us, whether religious or not, a solid basis for deciding these issues for ourselves and engaging in respectful, constructive dialog with others.
Otherworld Women in Early Irish Literature
Authors: Key Heather C.
Published: November 2023

In early Ireland, there were many names for what scholars have dubbed the 'Otherworld': the Plain of Delights, the Land of Youth, the Land of Promise, and more. Many of the myths and legends from this period involve an encounter between a hero and a woman from this Otherworld, with sufficient frequency to form a distinct theme within the literature. This book examines the particularities and consequences of these otherworldly encounters, attending in particular to the question of gender and the social dynamics at work. Five stories purportedly from the lost book Cín Dromma Snechta receive detailed analysis, alongside material from other sources, in order to reconstruct the mindset of the early Irish who told these stories about the Otherworld and their views about women in general.
The Art and Government Service of Francesco di Bartolomeo Alfei (c.1421-c.1495)
Authors: Thomas Anabel
Published: November 2023

In 1454 the Sienese painter Francesco di Bartolomeo Alfei faced litigation from the Mercanzia in Siena for defaulting on a contract from one of the leading Franciscan confraternities in the city. Two fellow Sienese artists, Giovanni di Paolo and Sano di Pietro, had recently completed a new altarpiece for the same entity. Anabel Thomas considers how the two commissions were linked and questions why Francesco di Bartolomeo Alfei's brief to fresco the confraternity chapel remained unfinished.

In a wide ranging analysis of mainly unpublished records, focussing on the artist's association with key members of Sienese society, fellow artisans and government officials, Thomas concludes that Francesco di Bartolomeo Alfei might have honoured his contract had he not become immersed in the military strategy, diplomacy and visual propaganda of the Republic of Siena.
Spatio-temporal variability in geometry and geodetic mass balance of Jostedalsbreen ice cap, Norway
Authors: Andreassen Liss M. , Robson Benjamin A. , Sjursen Kamilla H. , Elvehøy Hallgeir , Kjøllmoen Bjarne , Carrivick Jonathan L.
Published: November 2023

The Jostedalsbreen ice cap is mainland Europe's largest ice cap and accommodates 20% (458 km2 in 2019) of the total glacier area of mainland Norway. Jostedalsbreen and its meltwater contribute to global sea-level rise and to local water management, hydropower and tourism economies and livelihoods. In this study, we construct a digital terrain model (DTM) of the ice cap from 1966 aerial photographs, which by comparing to an airborne LiDAR DTM from 2020, we compute changes in surface elevation and geodetic mass balances. The area mapped in both surveys cover about 3/4 of the ice cap area and 49 of 82 glaciers. The measured glacier area has decreased from 363.4 km2 in 1966 to 332.9 km2 in 2019, i.e. a change of −30 km2 or −8.4% (−0.16% a−1), which is in line with the percentage reduction in area for Jostedalsbreen as a whole. The mean geodetic mass balance over the 49 glaciers was −0.15 ± 0.01 m w.e. a−1, however, large variability is evident between glaciers, e.g. Nigardsbreen (−0.05 m w.e. a−1), Austdalsbreen (−0.28 m w.e. a−1) and Tunsbergdalsbreen (−0.36 m w.e. a−1) confirming differences also found by the glaciological records for Nigardsbreen and Austdalsbreen.
Tourists’ (mis)understandings of nature: international and domestic visitors’ perceptions of invasive alien plants in New Zealand
Authors: Lovelock Brent , Ji Yun , Carr Anna , Blye Clara-Jane
Published: November 2023

Tourism, one of the world largest economic sectors, moves a substantial body of individuals and materials about the world and is implicated in the spread of invasive plants and is itself impacted by biological invasions that can degrade touristic landscapes and affect destination communities. Tourists constitute not only an immediate biological threat, but through their landscape and biota preferences also constitute a substantial economic and ecological force that has implications for invasive plant management in destinations. Tourists and the tourism industry are therefore significant stakeholders in invasive plant introduction, spread, and management. This paper discusses an onsite survey (n = 231) of domestic and international visitors in New Zealand, a destination where invasive species are an important ecological and economic issue. Findings show that visitors have a low understanding of the presence and level of threat of invasive plants and express preferences for some plants that are highly invasive. However, there were substantial variations across the international sample, with visitors from Asian and European ethnicities expressing significantly different attitudes toward a range of invasive plants. Asian visitors were more likely to show preferences for some plants that were seriously invasive and to be more accepting in general of invasive plants within landscapes and less supportive of invasive species eradication. These findings suggest that attitudes toward invasive plants and their management may be culturally determined, which poses challenges for managers aiming to generate awareness and support from across diverse tourist cohorts for invasive species control. There are also challenges for gaining support from the tourism industry for invasive plant control programs where particular “charismatic” or attractive invasive plants may contribute to touristic landscapes and visitor itineraries.
Semantic segmentation of glaciological features across multiple remote sensing platforms with the Segment Anything Model (SAM)
Authors: Shankar Siddharth , Stearns Leigh A. , van der Veen C. J.
Published: November 2023

Semantic segmentation is a critical part of observation-driven research in glaciology. Using remote sensing to quantify how features change (e.g. glacier termini, supraglacial lakes, icebergs, crevasses) is particularly important in polar regions, where glaciological features may be spatially small but reflect important shifts in boundary conditions. In this study, we assess the utility of the Segment Anything Model (SAM), released by Meta AI Research, for cryosphere research. SAM is a foundational AI model that generates segmentation masks without additional training data. This is highly beneficial in polar science because pre-existing training data rarely exist. Widely-used conventional deep learning models such as UNet require tens of thousands of training labels to perform effectively. We show that the Segment Anything Model performs well for different features (icebergs, glacier termini, supra-glacial lakes, crevasses), in different environmental settings (open water, mélange, and sea ice), with different sensors (Sentinel-1, Sentinel-2, Planet, timelapse photographs) and different spatial resolutions. Due to the performance, versatility, and cross-platform adaptability of SAM, we conclude that it is a powerful and robust model for cryosphere research.
An Ineffable Haunting: Language, Embodiment, and Ghosts in Toni Morrison’s Beloved
Authors: Lifson Connor
Published: November 2023

Rereading Toni Morrison’s novel Beloved, this article explores how Morrison’s work at the limits of language performs the haunting ties between the Reconstruction era and the present day by offering readers a way to experience a rememory of their own. By repeatedly emphasizing the inadequacy of language in expressing traumatic experience, Beloved encourages its readers to, like its characters, look beyond language and seek out a kind of ineffable, embodied knowledge to better understand the lingering traumas of slavery. Through Morrison’s concept of “invisible ink,” which points to the inevitability that lived experience cannot be captured in language by the author alone but must be filled in by an active reader, this article makes a larger argument: that Beloved acts as both an invitation and a guide to read the ghostly, invisible ink of history that exists outside the novel, haunting our world itself.
Discovery of Encyclometra bungara (Digenea: Encyclometridae) in a new host (Enhydris enhydris) from Thailand and Cambodia through morphological and molecular identification
Authors: Chan Abigail Hui En , Thaenkham Urusa , Poodeepiyasawat Akkarin , Boonserm Somusa , Namjad Pakteema , Laoungbua Panithi , Tawan Tanapong , Bun Ngor Peng , Ratnarathorn Napat , Charoennitiwat Vachirapong
Published: November 2023

The genus Encyclometra is one of the two genera in family Encyclometridae, known for parasitising the oesophagus, stomach and intestine of snakes. Among Encyclometra, the species present are: Encyclometra colubrimurorum, Encyclometra japonica, Encyclometra asymmetrica and Encyclometra bungara. Species discrimination within Encyclometra has predominantly relied on morphological differences, such as the length of the caeca and the position of the testes. Morphological overlaps exist among these species making species discrimination challenging. Additionally, the use of molecular information has been limited for Encyclometra. To determine the Encyclometra species infecting Enhydris enhydris from Thailand and Cambodia, morphological and molecular identification was conducted. Morphological characters and measurements were obtained from 30 Encyclometra adults, and they were compared with previous studies of other Encyclometra species. Novel sequences of E. bungara were generated using the nuclear 18S and 28S ribosomal RNA genes, and the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene. Our results revealed that the specimens could be morphologically identified as E. bungara, with support from molecular information obtained from the phylogenies of the 3 genetic markers employed. Molecular analysis showed that the Encyclometra specimens were distinct from E. colubrimurorum and E. japonica. Through morphological and molecular identification of the Encyclometra specimens found in E. enhydris from Thailand and Cambodia, we describe and provide a record of E. bungara in a new host and new locality. Additionally, novel molecular sequences were generated, revealing the phylogenetic position of E. bungara within the superfamily Gorgoderoidea.