bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of acrylonitrile rubber containing zinc oxide as safety products
Authors: El Nashar Doaa E. , Tawfik Soheir Y. , Helaly Fahima M. , Khalaf Aman I. , Soliman Abdelmohsen M.
Published: July 2024

The goal of this research is to find the ideal formulation with the best antimicrobial performance in terms of rheological, physicomechanical, and lowest toxic properties to produce safety rubber for the children toy's and other industrial products. In order to accomplish this, a number of formulations containing ZnO as activator for vulcanization process as well as an antimicrobial agent at concentrations ranging from 1.5 to 40 phr in the presence of 40 phr of different fillers were prepared. The rheological characteristics of prepared compounded rubber samples were assessed and the cure rate was calculated. The overall rheological test results indicate a raise in minimum and maximum torque along with a fall in scorch and optimum cure time. The compounded NBR was vulcanized as estimated curing time. The results illustrated that the NBR vulcanizates containing various amounts of ZnO and 40 phr talc have the best physicomechanical properties. Also, the scanning electron micrographs indicated surface homogeneity and good dispersion of the NBR components. The cytotoxicity test of the investigated vulcanizates on normal retina cell line gave no cytotoxic effect which assessed their safety. These findings offer useful information for antimicrobial NBR vulcanizates for kid's toys and other safety products.

Highlights

Synthesis of antimicrobial NBR rubber vulcanizates for safety applications.

The antimicrobial agent used was ZnO.

ZnO nanoparticles and other ingredients were incorporated with NBR on the ordinary rubber mixer.

Rheological, physicomechanical properties and antimicrobial activity of NBR rubber were tested.

The products have better mechanical and antimicrobial safety properties.
Evaluation of Engineering Models for Large‐Scale Cluster Wakes With the Help of In Situ Airborne Measurements
Authors: zum Berge Kjell , Centurelli Gabriele , Dörenkämper Martin , Bange Jens , Platis Andreas
Published: July 2024

The planned expansion of wind energy in the German Bight is creating much more densely staggered wind farms and wind farm clusters. This results in a significantly greater influence of the generated wakes on energy production of neighboring wind farms. The Dornier‐128 research aircraft operated by the Technische Universität of Braunschweig was used to measure the wind field in the lee of single and multiple wind farm clusters in the German Bight on 4 days during July 2020 and July 2021. The data at 120 m aMSL (above mean sea level) were analyzed to identify wake areas and the wind speed decrease behind the wind farm clusters. The observations were then compared to a range of numerical data including the mesoscale model Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) applying a wind farm parameterization (WRF with wind farm parameterization [WRF‐WF]) to model wake effects and an engineering model with different setups. A model calibrated on a single wind farm is established as the baseline. A modification with a lower wake recovery, the TurbOPark model, and a WRF‐coupled model make up the three additional declinations considered. Overall, the models compared well to the measurement data in the direct vicinity of the wind farms and up to 20–30 km downstream of the wind farm clusters. The accuracy in wind speed prediction of the model results decreased with distance to the wind farms, where the mesoscale model (WRF‐WF) exhibited a more consistent performance across varying distances.
The GGXF Standard File Format for Gridded Geodetic Data
Authors: Crook Chris , Kelly Kevin M. , Lott Roger , Stanaway Richard
Published: July 2024

Monitoring the Earth is undertaken in numerous geometric and physical reference frames and coordinate reference systems. Analysis often requires transformation of coordinates between these frames. As the accuracy of positioning and geospatial data improves, the use of gridded data to describe the quantities used in these coordinate transformations is increasing. Rectangular grids also provide an efficient means of disseminating other geodetic data. IAG Commission 1 Working Group 1.3.1 in association with the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) have developed a Geodetic data Grid eXchange Format (GGXF) for quantifying and disseminating gridded geodetic data. GGXF was developed in conjunction with a functional model for crustal deformation (FMCD) including support for time-dependent changes, but has been designed to support any type of regularly-gridded geodetic data including but not limited to geoid models, offsets between reference frames (of one, two or three dimensions), velocity grids, tidal surfaces, etc. The purpose of GGXF is to provide a single comprehensive, efficient distribution format through which producers can disseminate gridded geodetic data and users can exchange and apply this information. This paper presents an overview of the GGXF format.
Virtual QCD corrections to gg → ZZ: top-quark loops from a transverse-momentum expansion
Authors: Degrassi Giuseppe , Gröber Ramona , Vitti Marco
Published: July 2024

Abstract

We present the virtual corrections due to the top-quark loops for the process gg → ZZ at next-to-leading order in QCD. The associated two-loop box diagrams are computed using a small-transverse-momentum expansion. Our results are then merged with those available in the complementary energy region, obtained via a high-energy expansion, in order to provide an analytic result that is valid in the whole phase space. The results presented allow for an efficient modelling of the signal-background interference as well as the irreducible background in off-shell Higgs production.
100 years Nobel Prize for Fritz Pregl: from the introduction of microanalytical methods to today’s developments
Authors: Soukup Rudolf Werner , Theiner Johannes , Kerschbaumer Manfred
Published: July 2024

The award of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, given in 1923 to Fritz Pregl (1869–1930), a physiologist and chemist from Ljubljana who worked in Graz and Innsbruck, marks a turbulent phase in the development of microchemistry. The paper deals with the prehistory of microchemistry, characterised in part as a qualitative-analytical chemistry carried out on a slide under a microscope. Pregl's aim, though, was quantitative elemental analyses carried out with amounts of less than 2 mg of (organic) material. Pregl influenced many scientific achievements in Austria, especially at the University of Vienna and the TH Vienna. In a radio lecture in 1931, Robert Strebinger, who was involved in the elaboration of microanalytical methods at the TU Vienna, went even so far as to describe microchemistry as an "Austrian science". A breakthrough in the interwar period was the proposal of a special qualitative analysis using spot reactions by Fritz Feigl, winner of the Fritz Pregl-Prize in 1931. The paper is rounded off with selected examples of recent developments in microanalytical methods and of new applications, e.g., in chemistry didactics.

Graphical abstract
Thiophene-based modified graphite electrode for the voltammetric detection of 2-aminoindane in oral fluid
Authors: Pospíšilová Eva , Mazánková Vendula , Otta Jaroslav , Trchová Miroslava , Shishkanova Tatiana V.
Published: July 2024

New psychoactive substances, including 2-aminoindane, pose significant health risks due to their availability and structural similarity to amphetamines. Current detection methods are limited by lengthy analysis times and complex sample preparation. To address this, we present the first voltammetric determination of 2-aminoindane in oral fluid using a graphite electrode modified with a methoxyphenylthiophene-based layer. The electrochemically deposited layer was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and both infrared and Raman spectroscopies. After the electropolymerization of methoxyphenylthiophene, the electrode was homogeneously covered with shorter oligomers of the substituted polythiophene. Cyclic and square-wave voltammetry were used to gain insight into the interaction between the modified electrode and 2-aminoindane. The modification of the electrode surface enables to record the oxidation of the primary amino group at 0.85 V, with an additional signal assigned to specific interactions being observed at 1.33 V. Determination of a 1.0 × 10–4 M 2-aminoindane concentration in oral fluids was possible, with a recovery ranging from 98 to 100%.

Graphical abstract
Exploring the role of judgement and shared situation awareness when working with AI recommender systems
Authors: Srivastava Divya , Lilly J. Mason , Feigh Karen M.
Published: July 2024

AI-advised Decision Making is a form of human-autonomy teaming in which an AI recommender system suggests a solution to a human operator, who is responsible for the final decision. This work seeks to examine the importance of judgement and shared situation awareness between humans and automated agents when interacting together in the form of a recommender systems. We propose manipulating both human judgement and shared situation awareness by providing the human decision maker with relevant information that the automated agent (AI), in the form of a recommender system, uses to generate possible courses of action. This paper presents the results of a two-phase between-subjects study in which participants and a recommender system jointly make a high-stakes decision. We varied the amount of relevant information the participant had, the assessment technique of the proposed solution, and the reliability of the recommender system. Findings indicate that this technique of supporting the human’s judgement and establishing a shared situation awareness is effective in (1) boosting the human decision maker’s situation awareness and task performance, (2) calibrating their trust in AI teammates, and (3) reducing overreliance on an AI partner. Additionally, participants were able to pinpoint the limitations and boundaries of the AI partner’s capabilities. They were able to discern situations where the AI’s recommendations could be trusted versus instances when they should not rely on the AI’s advice. This work proposes and validates a way to provide model-agnostic transparency into recommender systems that can support the human decision maker and lead to improved team performance.
Acid Mine Drainage from Gold Mining in South Africa: Remediation, Reuse, and Resource Recovery
Authors: Baloyi Jeffrey , Ramdhani Nishani , Mbhele Ryneth , Simate Geoffrey S.
Published: July 2024

This review critically examines the effects of AMD from the gold mines of South Africa and available options. We also critically analyse case studies, research gaps, and the challenges and opportunities presented by the AMD. Our assessment indicates the availability of potential technological advancements that might flip the paradigm in favour of less sludge being produced, lower operational costs, and more effective AMD treatment strategies. This has led to the development of long-term plans for AMD treatment technologies and the recovery of important minerals. There is currently a demand for integrated AMD technologies that take a holistic approach to long-term AMD treatment. Reusing water and recovering valuable resources like sulphuric acid, rare earth elements, and other metals have received a lot of attention. Continued study and implementation of such strategies will support sustainable gold mining, address the environmental damage caused by AMD, and optimize resource and revenue-generating potentials.
Deciphering Terroirs’ Code: Vineyard Site Selection for Phenolic Performance in ‘Kalecik Karası’ Grape Cultivar (V. vinifera L.)
Authors: Canturk Sevil , Kunter Birhan , Keskin Nurhan , Kaya Ozkan
Published: July 2024

Understanding the complex interplay between environmental factors and grape quality is crucial for the viticulture industry, as it directly influences wine quality and the distinctiveness of products. This significance underpinned our comprehensive study, which aimed to dissect the relationships between ‘terroir’, including the altitude, regional climate, soil characteristics, vineyard management practice, and the composition of grapes in cv. ‘Kalecik Karası’ (Vitis vinifera L.). Six vineyard sites ranging from 115 to 1180 m altitude were studied. Total soluble solids (TSS, °Brix) titratable acidity, pH and color index of red grapes (CIRG) were evaluated as the main maturity indices and phenolic composition based on anthocyanin and tannin was analyzed. According to the results of the study, we deduced the critical importance of adopting region-specific viticultural practices tailored to the unique environmental conditions of each terroir. This approach not only optimizes grape quality but also accentuates the uniqueness of the wines produced, reflecting the inherent qualities of their origin. The highest altitude Nevşehir (1180 m) showed high levels of total and extractable anthocyanin highlighting the region’s favorable conditions for these compounds (355.26 mg kg−1 and 364.00 mg kg−1), while exhibiting the second lowest skin tannin (1979.40 mg kg−1 and 2180.78 mg kg−1) in both years. Particularly for cultivars like ‘Kalecik Karası’, our study demonstrated how specific terroirs could significantly affect their phenolic composition and, consequently, wine quality. By aligning viticultural practices with the distinct characteristics of each terroir, producers can enhance both the quality and distinctiveness of their wines. This emphasizes the necessity of ongoing research and adaptation in viticultural strategies to fully harness the potential of diverse grape varieties and terroirs, ensuring the production of high-quality wines that truly reflect their origin.
DDoS attack detection techniques in IoT networks: a survey
Authors: Pakmehr Amir , Aßmuth Andreas , Taheri Negar , Ghaffari Ali
Published: July 2024

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a rapidly emerging technology that has become more valuable and vital in our daily lives. This technology enables connection and communication between objects and devices and allows these objects to exchange information and perform intelligent operations with each other. However, due to the scale of the network, the heterogeneity of the network, the insecurity of many of these devices, and privacy protection, it faces several challenges. In the last decade, distributed DDoS attacks in IoT networks have become one of the growing challenges that require serious attention and investigation. DDoS attacks take advantage of the limited resources available on IoT devices, which disrupts the functionality of IoT-connected applications and services. This article comprehensively examines the effects of DDoS attacks in the context of the IoT, which cause significant harm to existing systems. Also, this paper investigates several solutions to identify and deal with this type of attack. Finally, this study suggests a broad line of research in the field of IoT security, dedicated to examining how to adapt to current challenges and predicting future trends.
Two species of realism
Authors: Raja Vicente , Sanches de Oliveira Guilherme
Published: July 2024

Different species of realism have been proposed in the scientific and philosophical literature. Two of these species are direct realism and causal pattern realism. Direct realism is a form of perceptual realism proposed by ecological psychologists within cognitive science. Causal pattern realism has been proposed within the philosophy of model-based science. Both species are able to accommodate some of the main tenets and motivations of instrumentalism. The main aim of this paper is to explore the conceptual moves that make both direct realism and causal pattern realism tenable realist positions able to accommodate an instrumentalist stance. Such conceptual moves are (i) the rejection of veritism and (ii) the re-structuring of the phenomena of interest. We will then show that these conceptual moves are instances of the ones of a common realist genus we name pragmatist realism.
Investigation on effects of water-shale interaction on acoustic characteristics of organic-rich shale in Ordos Basin, China
Authors: Zhuang Yan , Liu Xiangjun , Chen Zhangxin , Liang Lixi , Zhang Shifeng , Xiong Jian , Zhang Tiantian
Published: July 2024

The water-shale interaction affect the shale structure, leading to wellbore instability and increasing drilling costs. The extent of structural changes within the shale can be determined non-destructively by analyzing its acoustic characteristics. Experiments were conducted to investigate the acoustic properties of shale from the Yanchang Formation in the Ordos Basin before and after exposure to brines of varying types, soaking times, and salinities. The study investigated the effects of brine type, soaking time, and salinity on shale’s acoustic properties, including changes in acoustic wave propagation speed, P/S wave velocity ratio, and both time-domain and frequency-domain amplitudes. The results indicate that although the type of brine has a limited impact on the water-shale interaction, KCl exhibits a significant inhibitory effect. However, the soaking time and the brine salinity have a significant impact on the acoustic properties of shale. As the soaking time increases, the decrease in wave velocity increases, the P/S wave velocity ratio increases, and the decrease in time-domain amplitude increases. The amplitude of the main frequency in the frequency domain signal also decreases with the increase of reaction time, which is consistent with the analysis results of the time domain signal. As the salinity of brine increases, the decrease in wave velocity decreases, the P/S wave velocity ratio decreases, and the decrease in time-domain amplitude decreases. The amplitude of the main frequency in the frequency domain signal also decreases with the increase of brine salinity, which is consistent with the analysis results of the time domain signal. This work establishes the relationship between water-shale interaction and acoustic characteristics, which can quantitatively evaluate the degree of interaction between water and shale without damaging shale. Furthermore, this research provides new insights and guidance for predicting drilling collapse cycles and optimizing drilling fluid compositions.
An experimental study of epoxy-based nanocomposite for chemical consolidation in a sandstone reservoir with high clay content
Authors: Banashooshtari Hooman , Khamehchi Ehsan , Rashidi Fariborz , Dargi Matin
Published: July 2024

Sand production poses a substantial challenge in the oil and gas field, particularly in formations lacking the requisite strength to withstand pressure differentials during extraction. Many wells produce much less than their capacity due to the need to mitigate sand production and prevent well completion and wellhead erosion. The choice of sand control method depends on various factors, such as reservoir conditions, operational methods, and economic considerations, encompassing both mechanical and chemical approaches. In response to this challenge, this study investigates the application of a novel polymer nanofluid for chemical consolidation in clay-rich sandstone reservoirs, an area of exploration yet to be fully tapped. The research aims to assess the potential of polymer nanofluids as a promising solution for sand control in clay-rich reservoirs, with the overarching goal of bolstering well productivity and mitigating the adverse impacts of sand production. Conducted at a laboratory scale, the experiments involved the injection of 1 Pore Volume of consolidation fluid into sandstone cores with 15% and 30% clay content. Subsequently, the cores were subjected to reservoir temperature and pressure conditions for a period of 24 h. The obtained results show a significant enhancement in compressive strength, exceeding 700 psi, facilitated by the polymer nanofluid. Furthermore, permeability restoration reached approximately 89%, a notable improvement compared to preceding studies. Moreover, the introduction of foam injection rendered the core surface water-wet, suggesting potential advantages for reservoir management. These findings illuminate the promise of polymer nanofluids as an effective tool for sand control in clay-rich sandstone reservoirs.
Effect of the low sulphur regulations of maritime fuels on ambient air quality: a case study in the Bosphorus strait
Authors: Ekmekçioğlu A. , Çelebi U. B. , Ünlügençoğlu K. , Kuzu S. L.
Published: July 2024

The maritime transportation sector poses a significant environmental risk due to its reliance on fossil fuels and its proximity to coastal areas. To address this issue, the International Maritime Organization, authorized by the IPCC, is responsible for reducing and preventing ship-borne emissions. The International Maritime Organization regularly updates emission prevention measures through annual MEPC meetings, particularly under the MARPOL 73/78 Convention, to adapt to changing conditions. In this study, we utilized a bottom-up approach to calculate the emissions of NOX, SO2, CO, and PM10 emitted by ships transiting through the Istanbul Bosphorus from 2014 to 2021. We employed the AERMOD air quality dispersion model to generate SO2 spatial distribution maps, focusing on the year 2014 with the highest pollutant release. The obtained results were compared with measurements from air quality monitoring stations, allowing us to evaluate the contribution of maritime SO2 emissions to overall Bosphorus pollution. Furthermore, we also examined the impact of low sulfur fuel usage after the sulphur was reduced from 3.5 to 0.5% by mass, in accordance with the regulations put into effect by IMO in 2020.
Der Blick auf die Kinder – Krisen und Konflikte im Elementar- und Primarbereich thematisieren
Authors: Peuke Julia , Overwien Bernd
Published: July 2024

Krisen sind gegenwärtig nicht wegzudenken: Die Klimakrise, die Corona-Pandemie sowie Kriege und Konflikte gehören aufgrund unmittelbarer sowie medial erzeugter Betroffenheit auch zur Lebenswelt von jüngeren Kindern. Krisen führen zu Ängsten – sowohl bei Kindern als auch bei Erwachsenen. Die zentrale These des Beitrags besteht darin, dass es gilt, einen pädagogischen Umgang mit Krisen zu finden sowie (jüngeren) Kindern eine für sie angemessene Auseinandersetzung mit Krisen zu ermöglichen. Der Begriff „Krisen“ wird hierfür erläutert und es folgt ein Einblick in den aktuellen Forschungsstand zu Kindern und Krisen. Neben dem pädagogischen Umgang im Kindergarten sowie in der Grundschule wird die didaktisch aufbereitete Thematisierung von Krisen und Konflikten als Inhaltsfeld der politischen Bildung im Sachunterricht diskutiert. Hierbei geht es um das Verstehen von Zusammenhängen und die Auseinandersetzung mit der Krisen innewohnenden Ungewissheit. Darauf aufbauend folgen Überlegungen für weiterführende Forschungsarbeiten zur Thematik.
Drug-degrading bacteria isolated from the effluent water of a sewage plant
Authors: Mireisz T. , Horváth F. B. , Kashaija N. T. , Farkas R. , Boldizsár I. , Tóth E.
Published: July 2024

Endocrine disruptors are potential environmental contaminants that can cause toxicity in aquatic ecosystems, so the Water Framework Directive has established limits for these compounds. During our research, 41 bacterial strains were isolated and identified from sewage effluent and tested for their degradation capacities for bisphenol A, 17β-estradiol, and nonylphenol. All the isolated bacteria belonged to the Gammaproteobacteria class of Pseudomonadota phylum (members of Citrobacter, Enterobacter, Escherichia, Klebsiella, Kluyvera, Leclercia, Raoultella, Shigella. Acinetobacter, Aeromonas, and Pseudomonas genera). During the experiments, only strains HF17, HF18 (Pseudomonas aeruginosa), and HF31 (Citrobacter freundii) were unable to grow on these compounds, all other bacterial strains could grow in the presence of the investigated endocrine disruptors. Based on the genomic analysis of the type strains, a set of genes involving aromatic compound degradation was detected, among the peripheral metabolic pathways, the quinate and benzoate degradation pathways proved to be widespread, among the central aromatic intermediates metabolism, the catechol branch of the beta-ketoadipate pathway was the most dominant. Pseudomonas fulva HF16 strain could utilize the investigated endocrine disruptors: bisphenol A by 34%, 17β-estradiol by 52%, and nonylphenol by 54%.
New distribution records of the Arctic bryozoan Uschakovia gorbunovi Kluge, 1946 in the Barents and Greenland Seas
Authors: Evseeva Olga Yu. , Dvoretsky Alexander G.
Published: July 2024

The bryozoan Uschakovia gorbunovi was initially characterized as a constituent member of benthic communities of the Kara and East-Siberian Seas. The academic literature reports this species in the Barents Sea, but without accurate information on sampling locations. Also, there are no previous records of this species in the northern Greenland Sea near Svalbard. Our analysis of benthic collections obtained during the past two decades revealed the occurrence of four distribution records of Uschakovia gorbunovi within the Barents and Greenland Sea specifying its distribution: one in the northwestern part of the area and three others in the waters surrounding Svalbard. The new distribution records may be related to inadequate sampling efforts or the expansion of this Arctic species into the Barents Sea, which may be due to either natural processes such as ocean currents, or introduction by mobile benthic species such as snow crabs.
Ressourcenorientierte Mathematikförderung in der Primarstufe
Authors: Schulze Sarah , Kuhl Jan
Published: July 2024

Zusammenfassung: Hintergrund: Frühe mathematische Kompetenzen bilden den Grundstein für die Entwicklung von Rechenkompetenzen und somit für einen erfolgreichen Einstieg in Schulmathematik. Schüler_innen, die in diesem Bereich erste Rückstände zeigen, weisen ein erhöhtes Risiko auf, langfristig Schwierigkeiten im mathematischen Lernen zu haben. Jedoch besteht hier auch ein vielversprechender Ansatzpunkt für die Prävention dieser Schwierigkeiten. Für die anknüpfenden arithmetischen Kompetenzen, die im Zuge der ersten Schuljahre erworben werden sollen, liegen jedoch keine umfassenden, evidenzbasierten und kompakten Förderprogramme vor. Dieses Desiderat haben wir zum Anlass genommen, ein Förderkonzept zu entwickeln, welches an die Förderung früher mathematischer Kompetenzen anknüpft und die Lücke zu Rechenkompetenzen schließt. Methoden: In einer Pilotstudie wurde das entwickelte Förderkonzept in einem Prä-Post-Kontrollgruppendesign ( N = 60) auf Fördereffekte untersucht. Ergebnisse: Die Trainingsgruppe ( n = 28) zeigt im Vergleich zur Kontrollgruppe ( n = 32) nur in einer der erfassten mathematischen Variablen über die Zeit einen signifikant größeren Leistungszuwachs. Diskussion: Eine Überarbeitung des Förderprogramms könnte in der stärkeren Berücksichtigung von verschiedenen Repräsentationsmodi zum Aufbau von mathematischen Grundvorstellungen bestehen.
Substitution of Methods in Suicide Deaths – Firearm Injury and Hanging
Authors: Lundberg Alexander , Mason Maryann , Post Lori Ann
Published: July 2024

Abstract: Background: Prevention strategies for suicide emphasize restrictions on firearm access. These restrictions may lose efficacy if individuals substitute other lethal suicide methods. Aims: The objective of this study is to determine the extent to which individuals who die by suicide in the United States substitute hanging for firearm injury. Methods: This study is a repeated cross-sectional analysis of suicide deaths in the United States from 2003 to 2021. Multiple regression was used to estimate the effect of firearm access proxies on individual suicide methods (hanging vs. firearm injury). Results: The probability of death by hanging was significantly and negatively associated with proxies of firearm access. Limitations: This study does not compare crude rates of suicide by state, which rise on average with rates of firearm ownership. The National Violent Death Reporting System expanded over the sample period, so early years have incomplete ascertainment. Rates of gun ownership and gun safety law scales are measured as proxies. Conclusions: Although means restriction around firearm access is a critical tool for suicide prevention, complementary strategies for prevention around hanging merit further study.
Spatial Correlation Increase in Single‐Sensor Satellite Data Reveals Loss of Amazon Rainforest Resilience
Authors: Blaschke Lana L. , Nian Da , Bathiany Sebastian , Ben‐Yami Maya , Smith Taylor , Boulton Chris A. , Boers Niklas
Published: July 2024

The Amazon rainforest (ARF) is threatened by deforestation and climate change, which could trigger a regime shift to a savanna‐like state. Whilst previous work has suggested that forest resilience has declined in recent decades, that work was based only on local resilience indicators, and moreover was potentially biased by the employed multi‐sensor and optical satellite data and undetected anthropogenic land‐use change. Here, we show that the average correlation between neighboring grid cells' vegetation time series, which is referred to as spatial correlation, provides a more robust resilience indicator than local estimations. We employ it to measure resilience changes in the ARF, based on single‐sensor Vegetation Optical Depth data under conservative exclusion of human activity. Our results show an overall loss of resilience until around 2019, which is especially pronounced in the southwestern and northern Amazon for the time period from 2002 to 2011. The results from the reliable spatial correlation indicator suggest that in particular the southwest of the ARF has experienced pronounced resilience loss over the last two decades.
Electrical Resistivity Imaging of the Northeast Carpathian Volcanic Arc With 3‐D Magnetotellurics Reveals Shallow Hydrothermal System
Authors: Neukirch Maik , Minakov Alexander , Smirnov Maxim , Gaina Carmen , Munteanu Ioan , Panea Ionelia
Published: July 2024

The Carpathian belt is one of Europe's major metallogenic provinces, where magmatic ore mineralization is associated with the past subduction environment. The upper crust is mapped for the first time in the Northeast Carpathian Volcanic Arc using magnetotelluric data inversion. The obtained 3‐D electrical resistivity model is interpreted in conjunction with geological information and magnetic anomaly data. The model illustrates the deep magmatic plumbing system including kilometer‐scale plutonic bodies at a depth of 2–7 km. The model implies that the transport of magma and fluids in the uppermost crust was controlled by pre‐existing faults and décollement horizons. Present ore mineralization, mined since historical times, can be attributed to an electrically conductive conduit that is mapped from the surface to a depth of about 30 km. It is suggested that this conduit connected a shallow magmatic chamber to a deep source region in the southeast during late Miocene time. An observed northwest deflection of the deep magmatic conduit at a depth of more than 10 km may explain the spatial gap in the distribution of the Miocene volcanic activity along the Eastern Carpathians.
Adriana Alves: Creating an Inclusive Academy
Authors: Rodrigues Meghie
Published: July 2024

One of few Black professors at an elite university in Brazil advocates for a more diverse and inclusive academic environment.
Riley Black: Bringing Fossils to Life
Authors: Tripathy-Lang Alka
Published: July 2024

A fossil hunter paints visceral pictures with words about the lives of dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures.
Aliyah Griffith: Ocean Scientist, Explorer, Mermaid
Authors: Scharping Nathaniel
Published: July 2024

A marine biologist is studying coral reefs and making ocean sciences more tenable for young explorers.
Source of the Observed Enhancements in Thermospheric ΣO/N2 During Two Solar Eclipses in 2023
Authors: Cantrall C. E. , Mrak S. , Paxton L. J. , Zhang Y. , Nikoukar R. , Schaefer R. K. , Yee J. H.
Published: July 2024

Two solar eclipse events in 2023 appeared to produce considerable enhancements in the thermospheric column density ratio of monatomic oxygen to molecular nitrogen (ΣO/N2) as measured by TIMED GUVI. We quantify potential sources for eclipse‐induced ΣO/N2 changes and find that the observed enhancements arise from the ionospheric O+ radiative recombination contribution to the OI 135.6 nm emission from which ΣO/N2 is derived. Variations in the solar Extreme Ultra Violet (EUV) and X‐ray spectrum, due to the difference between the disk spectrum and the coronal spectrum, are also considered but shown to have negligible contributions to the ΣO/N2 enhancements. After accounting for the radiative recombination contribution, we constrain the real thermospheric compositional change to the uncertainty level of the measurements of 5%–10%. These results are valuable for the interpretation of eclipse‐induced ΣO/N2 changes that will further first‐principle model comparisons and lead to a better understanding of the response of the thermosphere to localized variations in solar EUV and X‐ray forcing.
Understanding the global subnational migration patterns driven by hydrological intrusion exposure
Authors: Qiao Renlu , Gao Shuo , Liu Xiaochang , Xia Li , Zhang Guobin , Meng Xi , Liu Zhiyu , Wang Mo , Zhou Shiqi , Wu Zhiqiang
Published: July 2024

Amid the escalating global climatic challenges, hydrological risks significantly influence human settlement patterns, underscoring the imperative for an in-depth comprehension of hydrological change’s ramifications on human migration. However, predominant research has been circumscribed to the national level. The study delves into the nonlinear effects of hydrological risks on migration dynamics in 46,776 global subnational units. Meanwhile, leveraging remote sensing, we procured globally consistent metrics of hydrological intrusion exposure, offering a holistic risk assessment encompassing hazard, exposure, and vulnerability dimensions, thus complementing previous work. Here, we show that exposure is the primary migration driver, surpassing socioeconomic factors. Surrounding disparities further intensified exposure’s impact. Vulnerable groups, especially the economically disadvantaged and elderly, tend to remain in high-risk areas, with the former predominantly migrating within proximate vicinities. The nonlinear analysis delineates an S-shaped trajectory for hydrological exposure, transitioning from resistance to migration and culminating in entrapment, revealing dependence on settlement resilience and adaptability.
Surface-induced water crystallisation driven by precursors formed in negative pressure regions
Authors: Sun Gang , Tanaka Hajime
Published: July 2024

Ice nucleation is a crucial process in nature and industries; however, the role of the free surface of water in this process remains unclear. To address this, we investigate the microscopic freezing process using brute-force molecular dynamics simulations. We discover that the free surface assists ice nucleation through an unexpected mechanism. The surface-induced negative pressure enhances the formation of local structures with a ring topology characteristic of Ice 0-like symmetry, promoting ice nucleation despite the symmetry differing from ordinary ice crystals. Unlike substrate-induced nucleation via water-solid interactions that occurs directly on the surface, this negative-pressure-induced mechanism promotes ice nucleation slightly inward the surface. Our findings provide a molecular-level understanding of the mechanism and pathway behind free-surface-induced ice formation, resolving the longstanding debate. The implications of our discoveries are of substantial importance in areas such as cloud formation, food technology, and other fields where ice nucleation plays a pivotal role.
Mst1-mediated phosphorylation of FoxO1 and C/EBP-β stimulates cell-protective mechanisms in cardiomyocytes
Authors: Maejima Yasuhiro , Nah Jihoon , Aryan Zahra , Zhai Peiyong , Sung Eun-Ah , Liu Tong , Takayama Koichiro , Moghadami Siavash , Sasano Tetsuo , Li Hong , Sadoshima Junichi
Published: July 2024

The molecular mechanisms by which FoxO transcription factors mediate diametrically opposite cellular responses, namely death and survival, remain unknown. Here we show that Mst1 phosphorylates FoxO1 Ser209/Ser215/Ser218/Thr228/Ser232/Ser243, thereby inhibiting FoxO1-mediated transcription of proapoptotic genes. On the other hand, Mst1 increases FoxO1-C/EBP-β interaction and activates C/EBP-β by phosphorylating it at Thr299, thereby promoting transcription of prosurvival genes. Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury is larger in cardiac-specific FoxO1 knockout mice than in control mice. However, the concurrent presence of a C/EBP-β T299E phospho-mimetic mutation reduces infarct size in cardiac-specific FoxO1 knockout mice. The C/EBP-β phospho-mimetic mutant exhibits greater binding to the promoter of prosurvival genes than wild type C/EBP-β. In conclusion, phosphorylation of FoxO1 by Mst1 inhibits binding of FoxO1 to pro-apoptotic gene promoters but enhances its binding to C/EBP-β, phosphorylation of C/EBP-β, and transcription of prosurvival genes, which stimulate protective mechanisms in the heart.
Delocalized electronic engineering of TiNb2O7 enables low temperature capability for high-areal-capacity lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Zhang Yan , Wang Yingjie , Zhao Wei , Zuo Pengjian , Tong Yujin , Yin Geping , Zhu Tong , Lou Shuaifeng
Published: July 2024

High areal capacity and low-temperature ability are critical for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, the practical operation is seriously impeded by the sluggish rates of mass and charge transfer. Herein, the active electronic states of TiNb2O7 material is modulated by dopant and O-vacancies for enhanced low-temperature dynamics. Femtosecond laser-based transient absorption spectroscopy is employed to depict carrier dynamics of TiNb2O7, which verifies the localized structure polarization accounting for reduced transport overpotential, facilitated electron/ion transport, and improved Li+ adsorption. At high-mass loading of 10 mg cm−2 and −30 °C, TNO-x@N microflowers exhibit stable cycling performance with 92.9% capacity retention over 250 cycles at 1 C (1.0-3.0 V, 1 C = 250 mA g−1). Even at −40 °C, a competitive areal capacity of 1.32 mAh cm−2 can be achieved. Such a fundamental understanding of the intrinsic structure-function put forward a rational viewpoint for designing high-areal-capacity batteries in cold regions.
AI-guided few-shot inverse design of HDP-mimicking polymers against drug-resistant bacteria
Authors: Wu Tianyu , Zhou Min , Zou Jingcheng , Chen Qi , Qian Feng , Kurths Jürgen , Liu Runhui , Tang Yang
Published: July 2024

Host defense peptide (HDP)-mimicking polymers are promising therapeutic alternatives to antibiotics and have large-scale untapped potential. Artificial intelligence (AI) exhibits promising performance on large-scale chemical-content design, however, existing AI methods face difficulties on scarcity data in each family of HDP-mimicking polymers (<102), much smaller than public polymer datasets (>105), and multi-constraints on properties and structures when exploring high-dimensional polymer space. Herein, we develop a universal AI-guided few-shot inverse design framework by designing multi-modal representations to enrich polymer information for predictions and creating a graph grammar distillation for chemical space restriction to improve the efficiency of multi-constrained polymer generation with reinforcement learning. Exampled with HDP-mimicking β-amino acid polymers, we successfully simulate predictions of over 105 polymers and identify 83 optimal polymers. Furthermore, we synthesize an optimal polymer DM0.8iPen0.2 and find that this polymer exhibits broad-spectrum and potent antibacterial activity against multiple clinically isolated antibiotic-resistant pathogens, validating the effectiveness of AI-guided design strategy.
Evaluation of FluSight influenza forecasting in the 2021–22 and 2022–23 seasons with a new target laboratory-confirmed influenza hospitalizations
Authors: Mathis Sarabeth M. , Webber Alexander E. , León Tomás M. , Murray Erin L. , Sun Monica , White Lauren A. , Brooks Logan C. , Green Alden , Hu Addison J. , Rosenfeld Roni , Shemetov Dmitry , Tibshirani Ryan J. , McDonald Daniel J. , Kandula Sasikiran , Pei Sen , Yaari Rami , Yamana Teresa K. , Shaman Jeffrey , Agarwal Pulak , Balusu Srikar , Gururajan Gautham , Kamarthi Harshavardhan , Prakash B. Aditya , Raman Rishi , Zhao Zhiyuan , Rodríguez Alexander , Meiyappan Akilan , Omar Shalina , Baccam Prasith , Gurung Heidi L. , Suchoski Brad T. , Stage Steve A. , Ajelli Marco , Kummer Allisandra G. , Litvinova Maria , Ventura Paulo C. , Wadsworth Spencer , Niemi Jarad , Carcelen Erica , Hill Alison L. , Loo Sara L. , McKee Clifton D. , Sato Koji , Smith Claire , Truelove Shaun , Jung Sung-mok , Lemaitre Joseph C. , Lessler Justin , McAndrew Thomas , Ye Wenxuan , Bosse Nikos , Hlavacek William S. , Lin Yen Ting , Mallela Abhishek , Gibson Graham C. , Chen Ye , Lamm Shelby M. , Lee Jaechoul , Posner Richard G. , Perofsky Amanda C. , Viboud Cécile , Clemente Leonardo , Lu Fred , Meyer Austin G. , Santillana Mauricio , Chinazzi Matteo , Davis Jessica T. , Mu Kunpeng , Pastore y Piontti Ana , Vespignani Alessandro , Xiong Xinyue , Ben-Nun Michal , Riley Pete , Turtle James , Hulme-Lowe Chis , Jessa Shakeel , Nagraj V. P. , Turner Stephen D. , Williams Desiree , Basu Avranil , Drake John M. , Fox Spencer J. , Suez Ehsan , Cojocaru Monica G. , Thommes Edward W. , Cramer Estee Y. , Gerding Aaron , Stark Ariane , Ray Evan L. , Reich Nicholas G. , Shandross Li , Wattanachit Nutcha , Wang Yijin , Zorn Martha W. , Aawar Majd Al , Srivastava Ajitesh , Meyers Lauren A. , Adiga Aniruddha , Hurt Benjamin , Kaur Gursharn , Lewis Bryan L. , Marathe Madhav , Venkatramanan Srinivasan , Butler Patrick , Farabow Andrew , Ramakrishnan Naren , Muralidhar Nikhil , Reed Carrie , Biggerstaff Matthew , Borchering Rebecca K.
Published: July 2024

Accurate forecasts can enable more effective public health responses during seasonal influenza epidemics. For the 2021–22 and 2022–23 influenza seasons, 26 forecasting teams provided national and jurisdiction-specific probabilistic predictions of weekly confirmed influenza hospital admissions for one-to-four weeks ahead. Forecast skill is evaluated using the Weighted Interval Score (WIS), relative WIS, and coverage. Six out of 23 models outperform the baseline model across forecast weeks and locations in 2021–22 and 12 out of 18 models in 2022–23. Averaging across all forecast targets, the FluSight ensemble is the 2nd most accurate model measured by WIS in 2021–22 and the 5th most accurate in the 2022–23 season. Forecast skill and 95% coverage for the FluSight ensemble and most component models degrade over longer forecast horizons. In this work we demonstrate that while the FluSight ensemble was a robust predictor, even ensembles face challenges during periods of rapid change.
Dual activities of an X-family DNA polymerase regulate CRISPR-induced insertional mutagenesis across species
Authors: Weiss Trevor , Kumar Jitesh , Chen Chuan , Guo Shengsong , Schlegel Oliver , Lutterman John , Ling Kun , Zhang Feng
Published: July 2024

The canonical non-homologous end joining (c-NHEJ) repair pathway, generally viewed as stochastic, has recently been shown to produce predictable outcomes in CRISPR-Cas9 mutagenesis. This predictability, mainly in 1-bp insertions and small deletions, has led to the development of in-silico prediction programs for various animal species. However, the predictability of CRISPR-induced mutation profiles across species remained elusive. Comparing CRISPR-Cas9 repair outcomes between human and plant species reveals significant differences in 1-bp insertion profiles. The high predictability observed in human cells links to the template-dependent activity of human Polλ. Yet plant Polλ exhibits dual activities, generating 1-bp insertions through both templated and non-templated manners. Polλ knockout in plants leads to deletion-only mutations, while its overexpression enhances 1-bp insertion rates. Two conserved motifs are identified to modulate plant Polλ‘s dual activities. These findings unveil the mechanism behind species-specific CRISPR-Cas9-induced insertion profiles and offer strategies for predictable, precise genome editing through c-NHEJ.
Intrinsically stretchable OLEDs with a designed morphology-sustainable layer and stretchable metal cathode
Authors: Oh Je-Heon , Jeon Kun-Hoo , Park Jin-Woo
Published: July 2024

Absract

The development of wearable devices has increased the need for organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) that are soft, stretchable, and can integrate seamlessly with the human body. Traditional intrinsically stretchable OLEDs (is-OLED) often suffer from reduced performance due to orthogonal solvent problem and lamination fabrication process, which can cause defects and delamination. To overcome these challenges, we developed a sequentially coated is-OLED and confirmed the maintenance of the designed morphologies of each layer and a highly stretchable metallic is-cathode. Our is-OLEDs achieved a maximum total luminance of 3151 cd m–2 and a total current efficiency of 5.4 cd A–1. It also demonstrated superior durability, with the ability to stretch up to 70% and maintain 80% luminance after 300 cycles at 40% strain. This advancement suggests a promising future for durable and efficient soft electronic devices.
Non-equilibrium transport in polymer mixed ionic–electronic conductors at ultrahigh charge densities
Authors: Tjhe Dionisius H. L. , Ren Xinglong , Jacobs Ian E. , D’Avino Gabriele , Mustafa Tarig B. E. , Marsh Thomas G. , Zhang Lu , Fu Yao , Mansour Ahmed E. , Opitz Andreas , Huang Yuxuan , Zhu Wenjin , Unal Ahmet Hamdi , Hoek Sebastiaan , Lemaur Vincent , Quarti Claudio , He Qiao , Lee Jin-Kyun , McCulloch Iain , Heeney Martin , Koch Norbert , Grey Clare P. , Beljonne David , Fratini Simone , Sirringhaus Henning
Published: July 2024

Conducting polymers are mixed ionic–electronic conductors that are emerging candidates for neuromorphic computing, bioelectronics and thermoelectrics. However, fundamental aspects of their many-body correlated electron–ion transport physics remain poorly understood. Here we show that in p-type organic electrochemical transistors it is possible to remove all of the electrons from the valence band and even access deeper bands without degradation. By adding a second, field-effect gate electrode, additional electrons or holes can be injected at set doping states. Under conditions where the counterions are unable to equilibrate in response to field-induced changes in the electronic carrier density, we observe surprising, non-equilibrium transport signatures that provide unique insights into the interaction-driven formation of a frozen, soft Coulomb gap in the density of states. Our work identifies new strategies for substantially enhancing the transport properties of conducting polymers by exploiting non-equilibrium states in the coupled system of electronic charges and counterions.