bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Antibacterial Activity of Clay-Supported Silver Nanoparticles Prepared by Conventional Heating and Microwave Methods
Authors: Motshekga Sarah Constance
Published: March 2024

The synthesis of multifunctional composites still relies on the use of conventional methods. However, these methods are expensive, time consuming and require high volumes of reducing agents which are often toxic. In this study, composites of bentonite-supported silver nanoparticles were prepared comparatively by the conventional heating method and the rapid microwave method; and their antibacterial activity was investigated against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The crystalline nature of the composites was evaluated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), while transmission electron microscope (TEM) coupled with energy-dispersive spectroscope was used for morphology and elemental analysis, respectively. Surface area and pore size analysis of the composites were conducted by the Brunauer, Emmett and Teller analyzer. TEM images revealed successful synthesis of the composites with a better dispersion of the nanoparticles achieved through microwave, where nanoparticle sizes were 6–38 nm and 9–56 nm by the conventional method. It is worth noting that the composites were prepared in less than 30 min using microwave as compared to 2 h of the conventional method. The XRD spectra confirmed the formation of silver and not any other impurities of the metal. These results revealed that, although the two methods are comparable, microwave method is efficient and time saving and can, therefore, synthesize composites with well-dispersed and narrow distributed nanoparticles. The antibacterial results demonstrated that the prepared composites are effective in the inactivation of various bacteria. These composites could be applied in water treatment, wound dressing, packaging, etc.
Production of single cell protein by fungi from different food wastes
Authors: Ahmed Marwa Gamal , Gouda Shaymaa Ahmed , Donia Samah , Hassanein Naziha Mohamed
Published: March 2024

Single-cell protein (SCP) which is derived from agricultural waste has recently drawn increased interest as a substitute source of protein to improve both human and animal nutrition. In this study, pineapple, orange, banana, sugarcane, and garlic wastes were prepared as substrates for SCP production using fungi under a liquid fermentation system. The fermentation conditions (temperature, pH, and nitrogen sources) of the most promising fungal isolates were optimized for maximum SCP production. Results obtained showed that Aspergillus niger with pineapple waste after 10 days gave the highest protein content (9.79 ± 0.11 g/L), followed by Penicillium citrinum with orange waste after 8 days (9.41 ± 0.15 g/L) and Penicillium crustosum with banana waste after 6 days (7.75 ± 0.11 g/L).The optimum fermentation temperature, pH value, and nitrogen source for SCP production were recorded at 30 °C, pH 4.3, and ammonium sulphate with Aspergillus niger; at 30 °C, pH 5.0, and ammonium sulphate with Penicillium citrinum; and at 20 °C, pH 5.0, and ammonium sulphate with Penicillium crustosum. Based on proximate analysis of SCP produced, fat content ranged from 2.74 ± 0.08∼10.73 ± 0.1%, fibers from 4.8 ± 0.18∼9.45 ± 0.15%, carbohydrates from 14.1 ± 0.06∼20.81 ± 0.06%, ash from 4.05 ± 0.05∼16.1 ± 0.2%, total phenols 0.14 ± 0.03∼0.64 ± 0.04%, and total flavonoids 0.09 ± 0.01∼0.55 ± 0.15%. The amino acid profile of SCP showed that all essential amino acids were present in significant amounts. This study recorded some fungal species as SCP producers for the first time and provided a significant amount of protein. Briefly, fungal SCP is a great protein source and other essential nutrients that may be used in food products.

Graphical Abstract
Incidence and risk factors for HIV-tuberculosis coinfection in the Cologne–Bonn region: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Suárez Isabelle , Rauschning Dominic , Schüller Cora , Hagemeier Anna , Stecher Melanie , Lehmann Clara , Schommers Philipp , Schlabe Stefan , Vehreschild Jörg-Janne , Koll Carolin , Schwarze-Zander Carolynne , Wasmuth Jan-Christian , Klingmüller Angela , Rockstroh Jürgen Kurt , Fätkenheuer Gerd , Boesecke Christoph , Rybniker Jan
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The risk of developing active tuberculosis (TB) is considerably increased in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH). However, incidence of HIV/TB coinfection is difficult to assess as surveillance data are lacking in many countries. Here, we aimed to perform a quantitative analysis of HIV/TB coinfections within the Cologne/Bonn HIV cohort and to determine risk factors for active TB.

Methods

We systematically evaluated data of patients with HIV/TB coinfection between 2006 and 2017. In this retrospective analysis, we compared HIV/TB-coinfected patients with a cohort of HIV-positive patients. The incidence density rate (IDR) was calculated for active TB cases at different time points.

Results

During 2006–2017, 60 out of 4673 PLWH were diagnosed with active TB. Overall IDR was 0.181 cases/100 patient-years and ranged from 0.266 in 2006–2009 to 0.133 in 2014–2017. Patients originating from Sub-Saharan Africa had a significantly (p < 0.001) higher IDR (0.694/100 patient-years of observation, 95% CI [0.435–1.050]) in comparison to patients of German origin (0.053/100 patient-years of observation, 95% CI [0.028–0.091]). In terms of TB-free survival, individuals originating from countries with a TB incidence higher than 10/100,000 exhibited a markedly reduced TB-free survival compared to those originating from regions with lower incidence (p < 0.001). In 22 patients, TB and HIV infection were diagnosed simultaneously.

Conclusion

Overall, we observed a decline in the incidence density rate (IDR) of HIV/TB coinfections between 2006 and 2017. Patients originating from regions with high incidence bear a higher risk of falling ill with active TB. For PLWH born in Germany, the observed risk of active TB appears to be lower compared to other groups within the cohort. These findings should be considered when developing TB containment and screening strategies for PLWH in low-incidence countries.
In situ observation of the pore formation during laser-based reactive air brazing of alumina
Authors: Wojarski Lukas , Ulitzka Henrik , Geldmacher Anna , Ulitzka Tim , Tillmann Wolfgang
Published: March 2024

Reactive air brazing (RAB) is a low-cost process for joining ceramic composites in air. However, due to the comparably low strength values that can be achieved by RAB, the process is only used in special applications like solid oxide fuel cells as a sealant. The limited strength values are the result of a severe pore formation during the brazing operation that remain in the brazing fillet after the solidification of the brazing filler. In this work, the formation of the pores during RAB brazing of alumina using a paste containing Ag4CuO powder and various binders was investigated. The formation and evolution of the pores were observed and quantified in in situ X-ray measurements. It could be observed that during debinding, pores have developed in the filler metal. The pore structure depends on the binder and the heating rate in the debinding stage. With the melting of the filler metal, many pores are closed by the melt flow. But it seems that the wetting of the alumina was hindered by the pores. The change of porosity during cooling is comparatively low.
Association of Mediterranean diet adherence with disease progression, quality of life and physical activity, sociodemographic and anthropometric parameters, and serum biomarkers in community-dwelling older adults with multiple sclerosis: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Tryfonos Christina , Chrysafi Maria , Papadopoulou Sousana K. , Vadikolias Konstantinos , Spanoudaki Maria , Mentzelou Maria , Fotiou Dimitrios , Pavlidou Eleni , Gkouvas Georgios , Vorvolakos Theofanis , Michailidis Apostolos , Bisbinas Alexia , Alexatou Olga , Giaginis Constantinos
Published: March 2024

Background

Multiple sclerosis (MS) constitutes a chronic inflammatory and degenerative demyelinating disease, which can progressively lead to a broad range of sensorimotor, cognitive, visual, and autonomic function symptoms, independently of patient’ age. However, the clinical studies that examine the role of dietary patterns against disease progression and symptomatology remain extremely scarce, especially concerning Mediterranean diet (MD) in the subgroup age of older adults with MS.

Aims

The present study aimed to investigate the potential impact of MD compliance in disease progression and symptoms severity as well as quality of life and physical activity of community-dwelling older adults with MS.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional conducted on 227 older adults with no history of other severe disease. Relevant questionnaires were applied to collect sociodemographic and anthropometric factors by face-to face interviews between patients and qualified personnel. Serum biomarkers were retrieved by patients’ medical records.

Results

Higher MD compliance was independently associated with younger patients’ age, lower risk of overweight/obesity and abdominal obesity, decreased disease progression and higher muscle mass, as well as greater physical activity, better quality of life, and adequate serum ferritin and albumin levels

Conclusions

MD may exert beneficial effects in older adults with MS. Future strategies and policies are highly recommended to inform both the general population and the older patients with MS for the beneficial effects of MD in preventing MS and in improving or even slowing down the disease progression and symptoms severity of MS.
Residents’ satisfaction and suggestions to improve nephrology residency in Italy, and comparison with the organization in other European countries
Authors: Perrotta Adolfo Marco , Rotondi Silverio , Amicone Maria , Cirella Irene , Siligato Rossella , Fontana Simone , Sivo Carmen , Vestri Anna Rita , Gambaro Giovanni , Piccoli Giorgina Barbara , Mazzaferro Sandro
Published: March 2024

Background

In Italy, nephrology residency is available in twenty-one nephrology schools, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. The present study is aimed at exploring the residents’ satisfaction with their training programs.

Methods

Between April 20th and May 19th, 2021, a questionnaire on residency satisfaction consisting of 49 items was sent to 586 residents and 175 recently certified specialists (qualified to practice as nephrologists in 2019 and 2020), with a response rate of 81% and 51%, respectively.

The teaching organization was contextualized with a survey involving 13 European nephrology schools.

Results

Most residency fellowship programs received a good rating with regard to “satisfaction”, in particular for the following items: number of hospitalizations followed-up, chronic hemodialysis training, follow-up of transplanted patients, diagnosis and treatment of glomerulonephritis. The teachings that were identified as being of lower quality or insufficient intensity included vascular access management, ultrasound diagnostics and renal nutrition. The need for improvement in formal teaching programs was underlined. Young nephrologists were rather satisfied with their salary and with the quality of the work they were doing, but only few were interested in an academic career since it was generally held that it is “too difficult” to obtain a university position. Many young nephrologists who filled in the questionnaire felt that lack of experience in peritoneal dialysis and vascular access management was a barrier to finding an ideal job. Compared to other European training programs, the Italian program differs with regard to longer exposure to nephrology (as compared to internal medicine), and greater flexibility for internships in different settings, including abroad.

Conclusions

This first nationwide survey on the satisfaction of residents in nephrology indicates that, despite rather good overall satisfaction, there is room for improvement to make nephrology a more appealing choice and to fulfill the needs of a growing number of renal disease patients.

Graphical abstract
Hydro- and aero-elastic response of floating offshore wind turbines to combined waves and wind in frequency domain
Authors: Lamei Azin , Hayatdavoodi Masoud , Riggs H. Ronald
Published: March 2024

An analytical approach and numerical solution to determine coupled aeroelastic and hydroelastic response of floating offshore wind turbines of arbitrary shape to combined wind and wave loads is presented. The model considers simultaneously the aerodynamic and hydrodynamic loads on an FOWT and integrates these with finite element method for structural analysis due to the combined loads. The hydrodynamic and aerodynamic loads are determined based on the linear wave diffraction theory and steady blade element momentum method, respectively, and the solution is obtained in frequency domain. The structure may be fixed or floating, located in arbitrary water depth, and may host single or multiple wind towers. The model captures the complete translational and rotational motions of the body in three dimensions, and the elasticity of the blades, tower and the floating platform. To assess the performance of the model, rigid and elastic responses of a FOWT to combined wave and wind loads are computed and compared with available laboratory measurements and other theoretical approaches where possible, and overall very good agreement is observed. The model developed in this study addresses directly three shortcomings of existing approaches used for the analysis of FOWTs, namely (i) determination of the elastic responses of the entire structure including the floating platform, (ii) analysis of the motion and elastic response of FOWTs in frequency domain, and (iii) assessment of responses of FOWTs with single or multiple wind towers.
Is Evolutionary Psychology a Scientific Revolution? A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Zagaria Andrea
Published: March 2024

Objective

The emergence and growth of Evolutionary Psychology (EP) in the behavioral sciences has been characterized as a “scientific revolution” (e.g. Buss, 2020). According to Kuhn's framework, a scientific revolution in a discipline is marked by the emergence of a new, dominant school of thought, which eclipses all the other theories. The aim of this study was to assess quantitatively if EP may be regarded as a "scientific revolution" sensu Kuhn.

Method

I performed a bibliometric analysis of the prevalence of EP (broadly defined) in Psychology, and contrasted it with the prevalence of the socio-cultural approach, known as the Standard Social Science Model (SSSM) (Tooby & Cosmides, 1992).

Results

My analysis reveals that the SSSM enjoys significantly greater prominence than EP and is growing at a swifter pace. My analysis also suggests that a “cultural evolutionary” approach, which integrates evolutionary and cross-cultural perspectives, is still underdeveloped.

Conclusions

Despite being sympathetic to the claim that EP can potentially lead to a paradigm shift in the behavioral sciences, I argue that a prudent approach may involve recognizing the current state of affairs, envisioning realistic change, and building a more conceptually and methodologically heterogeneous research community in EP.
Three-dimensional numerical simulation of dynamic strength and failure mode of a rock mass with cross joints
Authors: Liu Tingting , Huang Wenxu , Xiang Chang , Dong Qian , Li Xinping , Zhang Chao
Published: March 2024

To study the dynamic mechanical properties and failure characteristics of intersecting jointed rock masses with different joint distributions under confining pressure, considering the cross angle α and joint persistence ratio η, a numerical model of the biaxial Hopkinson bar test system was established using the finite element method–discrete-element model coupling method. The validity of the model was verified by comparing and analyzing it in conjunction with laboratory test results. Dynamics-static combined impact tests were conducted on specimens under various conditions to investigate the strength characteristics and patterns of crack initiation and expansion. The study revealed the predominant factors influencing intersecting joints with different angles and penetrations under impact loading. The results show that the peak stress of the specimens decreases first and then increases with the increase of the cross angle. When α < 60°, regardless of the value of η, the dynamic stress of the specimens is controlled by the main joint. When α ≥ 60°, the peak stress borne by the specimens decreases with increasing η. When α < 60°, the initiation and propagation of cracks in the cross-jointed specimens are mainly controlled by the main joint, and the final failure surface of the specimens is composed of the main joint and wing cracks. When α ≥ 60° or η ≥ 0.67, the secondary joint guides the expansion of the wing cracks, and multiple failure surfaces composed of main and secondary joints, wing cracks, and co-planar cracks are formed. Increasing lateral confinement significantly increases the dynamic peak stress able to be borne by the specimens. Under triaxial conditions, the degree of failure of the intersecting jointed specimens is much lower than that under uniaxial and biaxial conditions.
Effect of thermal maturation and organic matter content on oil shale fracturing
Authors: Saberi Fatemeh , Hosseini-Barzi Mahboubeh
Published: March 2024

The Pabdeh Formation represents organic matter enrichment in some oil fields, which can be considered a source rock. This study is based on the Rock–Eval, Iatroscan, and electron microscopy imaging results before and after heating the samples. We discovered this immature shale that undergoes burial and diagenesis, in which organic matter is converted into hydrocarbons. Primary migration is the process that transports hydrocarbons in the source rock. We investigated this phenomenon by developing a model that simulates hydrocarbon generation and fluid pressure during kerogen-to-hydrocarbon conversion. Microfractures initially formed at the tip/edge of kerogen and were filled with hydrocarbons, but as catagenesis progressed, the pressure caused by the volume increase of kerogen decreased due to hydrocarbon release. The transformation of solid kerogen into low-density bitumen/oil increased the pressure, leading to the development of damage zones in the source rock. The Pabdeh Formation’s small porethroats hindered effective expulsion, causing an increase in pore fluid pressure inside the initial microfractures. The stress accumulated due to hydrocarbon production, reaching the rock’s fracture strength, further contributed to damage zone development. During the expansion process, microfractures preferentially grew in low-strength pathways such as lithology changes, laminae boundaries, and pre-existing microfractures. When the porous pressure created by each kerogen overlapped, individual microfractures interconnected, forming a network of microfractures within the source rock. This research sheds light on the complex interplay between temperature, hydrocarbon generation, and the development of expulsion fractures in the Pabdeh Formation, providing valuable insights for understanding and optimizing hydrocarbon extraction in similar geological settings.
FPGA Implementation of a PV Generator and a Boost Converter Controllers for a Virtual Laboratory Environment
Authors: Bautista Oscar , Bernal Álvaro , Pantoja Andrés , Revelo Javier
Published: March 2024

This paper presents an FPGA hardware implementation of two different components of a microgrid’s electrical systems. Small and isolated microgrids are currently a frequent solution for electricity coverage in remote areas, where detailed studies, simulations, and realistic emulations are required to design appropriate systems according to each location. Hardware implementations based on a Labview environment of 240 W and 330 W generic photovoltaic generators, a Boost converter, and P &O algorithm were performed. The results obtained from the panels and converter were compared to the Simulink response. Unified systems, with and without controls, were compared. The systems were first compiled individually on an FPGA NI PCIe 7841R and later unified. The data and performance obtained from the emulated environment were verified using Simulink models, and the desired correspondence was obtained.
A novel prediction model to evaluate the dynamic interrelationship between gold and crude oil
Authors: Pandit Sarth , Luo Xiaojun
Published: March 2024

Global events, such as the pandemic and European conflicts, have caused significant inflation and high volatility in gold and crude oil prices. This has garnered substantial international attention while banks, governments, and businesses are devoted to developing strategies to hedge against the potential impacts of economic uncertainties. Focused on addressing economic uncertainties, this study delves into the crucial role of the relationship between gold and crude oil in shaping global financial and economic dynamics. The primary objective of this study is to conduct a comprehensive analysis and construct a rolling SARIMAX model for predicting the rolling 12-months correlation of the Gold–WTI and Gold–Brent relationship. Monthly data on Gold spot prices, WTI futures, and Brent futures is collected from May 1983 to December 2022. Three sophisticated data analysis techniques, the Rolling Correlation method, the SARIMAX model, and the Rolling Model are integrated to develop the Rolling SARIMAX module. R-square values of this newly developed model achieved 89.8% and 88.4% for predicting the rolling correlation for Gold Spot Price-WTI Futures and Gold Spot Price-Brent Futures, respectively, while the mean absolute percentage error was 10.33% and 10.84%, respectively. The higher accuracy in correlation prediction between gold and crude oil prices can present critical insights for risk management, economic planning, strategic investment, economic cycles, and global economic outlook. This newly developed prediction model adeptly handles both linear and non-linear relationships while adapting to external variables in dynamic market scenarios. Its judicious balance between complexity and practicality positions it as a sophisticated analytical tool with real-world applicability, setting a new benchmark in financial market analysis.
Single-Index Mixed-Effects Model for Asymmetric Bivariate Clustered Data
Authors: Zhao Weihua , Bandyopadhyay Dipankar , Lian Heng
Published: March 2024

Studies/trials assessing status and progression of periodontal disease (PD) usually focus on quantifying the relationship between the clustered (tooth within subjects) bivariate endpoints, such as probed pocket depth (PPD), and clinical attachment level (CAL) with the covariates. Although assumptions of multivariate normality can be invoked for the random terms (random effects and errors) under a linear mixed model (LMM) framework, violations of those assumptions may lead to imprecise inference. Furthermore, the response-covariate relationship may not be linear, as assumed under a LMM fit, and the regression estimates obtained therein do not provide an overall summary of the risk of PD, as obtained from the covariates. Motivated by a PD study on Gullah-speaking African-American Type-2 diabetics, we cast the asymmetric clustered bivariate (PPD and CAL) responses into a non-linear mixed model framework, where both random terms follow the multivariate asymmetric Laplace distribution (ALD). In order to provide a one-number risk summary, the possible non-linearity in the relationship is modeled via a single-index model, powered by polynomial spline approximations for index functions, and the normal mixture expression for ALD. To proceed with a maximum-likelihood inferential setup, we devise an elegant EM-type algorithm. Moreover, the large sample theoretical properties are established under some mild conditions. Simulation studies using synthetic data generated under a variety of scenarios were used to study the finite-sample properties of our estimators, and demonstrate that our proposed model and estimation algorithm can efficiently handle asymmetric, heavy-tailed data, with outliers. Finally, we illustrate our proposed methodology via application to the motivating PD study.
Sensitivity of 40 Pythium species to the new fungicide Picarbutrazox
Authors: Olaya G. , Linley R. , Ireland D. , Dorrance A. , Robertson A.
Published: March 2024

Picarbutrazox is the active ingredient of Vayantis®, a novel seed treatment fungicide developed by Syngenta and discovered by Nippon Soda. Vayantis® received registration from the US EPA in 2021. Picarbutrazox is a systemic fungicide and belongs to the tetrazolyloximes chemical group of fungicides, and its mode of action is still unknown (FRAC group U17). Picarbutrazox targets oomycete plant pathogens and controls diseases caused by Pythium, Phytophthora, and downy mildews. Picarbutrazox is in a new mode-of-action group with no known cross-resistance to other oomycete compounds. The sensitivity to Picarbutrazox of 528 isolates belonging to 40 different Pythium species was determined in vitro. Pythium isolates were collected from infected plants including corn, soybean, cotton, and other crops from 17 different states. Pythium isolates were also obtained from collections kept at universities. Isolates were identified at the species level using morphological and molecular tools. Mycelial growth inhibition was quantified using the following Picarbutrazox concentrations: 0, 0.00001, 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01, and 0.1 mg/L. All the species of Pythium tested were sensitive to Picarbutrazox. The sensitivity distribution (EC50 values) across all the Pythium species tested had a mean sensitivity of 0.000376 mg ai/L. The Picarbutrazox sensitivity of 40 species of Pythium species has been documented, and results demonstrate the high in vitro intrinsic activity of this fungicide to control Pythium species. The high potency of Picarbutrazox to control Pythium diseases in corn, soybeans, cotton, and other crops has also been demonstrated under field conditions when used as a seed treatment. Picarbutrazox, with its novel mode of action, will contribute to the management of potential fungicide resistance issues developed by other fungicide products controlling Pythium, including mefenoxam and ethaboxam.
On the synergic approach toward the experimental realization of interesting fundamental science within the framework of relativistic flying mirror concept
Authors: Jeong Tae Moon , Bulanov Sergei V. , Valenta Petr , Hadjisolomou Prokopis
Published: March 2024

The relativistic flying parabolic mirror can provide a higher laser intensity than the intensity a current laser system can reach via the optical-focusing scheme. A weakly relativistic laser intensity (1.8 $$\times$$
×
10$$^{17}$$

17

W/cm$$^2$$

2

, $$\eta = 0.29$$

η
=
0.29

) can be intensified up to a super-strong intensity of $$>\textrm{1}\times$$

>
1
×

10$$^{27}$$

27

W/cm$$^2$$

2

($$\eta \approx 2.2 \times 10^4$$

η
≈
2.2
×

10
4

) by the relativistic flying mirror. Such a super-strong field can be applied to study the strong-field quantum electrodynamics in perturbative and non-perturbative regimes. In this review, the analytic derivations on the field strength and distribution obtained by the ideal relativistic flying parabolic mirror have been shown under the 4$$\pi$$
π
-spherical-focusing approach. The quantum non-linearity parameter is calculated when such a super-strong field collides with the high-energy $$\gamma$$
γ
-photons. The peak quantum non-linearity parameter reaches above 1600 when the 1-GeV $$\gamma$$
γ
-photon collides with a super-strong laser field reflected and focused by the relativistic flying mirror driven by a 10 PW laser pulse.
Analyzing sentiments towards E-Levy policy implementation in Ghana using twitter data
Authors: Appiahene Peter , Afrifa Stephen , Akwah Emmanuel Kyei , Choudhry Arjun , Khatri Inder , Raj Chahat , Prasad Mukesh
Published: March 2024

A newly proposed or implemented government policy often encounters challenges. Ghanaian citizens have always look down negatively upon their government’s policies, hence those are rarely appreciated. This paper ponders over the Ghanaian government’s proposal of electronic levy on mobile money transactions which was announced in the 2022 budget on November 17, 2021. We have scrutinized this governmental policy through the ordinary citizen's perspective using lexicon-based sentiment analysis on Twitter data. Lexicons are collections of words that express specific emotions, and deals with interpreting emotions like happiness, frustration, anger, and sadness. Twitter, serving as a means for people to share their views, provides enormous user generated content, beneficial for research purposes. We collected e-levy specific Twitter data in five phases, namely; policy introduction, popularity, discussion, feeble, and debate phases. The policy introduction phase recorded the least volume of data containing 1400 tweets, among which our sentiment analyzer classifies 8.93% as positive, 89.29% as neutral, and 1.78% as negative. The debate phase recorded the highest amount of data containing 18.423 tweets, among which 24.43% tweets are classified as positive, 59.29% as neutral, and 16.28% as negative. An analysis on the entire data containing 38,771 tweets reports 25.50% positive, 59.02% neutral, and 15.48% negative tweets. Our study determines that people are not largely unhappy established by the stable positive sentiment percentage, however, there is a high neutral score in all the phases.
Migration and emotions in the media: can socioeconomic indicators predict emotions in images associated with immigrants?
Authors: Olier Juan Sebastian , Spadavecchia Camilla
Published: March 2024

This study investigates the emotions portrayed in immigration-related visual media across multiple countries and their link to socioeconomic contexts. The analysis examines how socioeconomic factors like perceived corruption, GDP per capita, and income inequality predict the average emotional information conveyed in images associated with immigrants. Computer vision has been employed to analyze the emotional content in media images related to immigrants. Images were sampled from various online media outlets in 45 countries. Results indicate that socioeconomic indexes, especially corruption scores and GDP per capita, significantly predict the emotional content of media images related to immigrants. Specifically, higher perceived corruption and lower GDP per capita are associated with increased negative emotions in visual content. Further, a mediation analysis suggests those factors mediate the relationship between income inequality and emotional information in images. The analysis also considers gender differences, showing that emotions in images linked to immigrant men are more negative than those associated with women. These results align with theories indicating that higher perceived competition for resources due to inequality or scarcity can translate into immigrants being seen as threatening out-groups. The study underscores the link between societal factors and emotions in immigration-related visual media and the possibility of employing artificial intelligence techniques to measure it. Emotions in images associated with a given group, such as immigrants, can shape and reflect discourses about them in a given society; understanding how the context shapes these discourses can inform strategies to address the potential impact these discourses can have on immigrants and society.
Tungsten pnictides for water electrolysis: advances and perspectives
Authors: Kang Xue , Tan Xi-Han , Han Ning , Hou Jian-Feng , Yao Chen-Min , Chen Zhi-Jie , Ni Bing-Jie
Published: March 2024

Hydrogen fuel is recognized as a promising energy carrier for the sustainable development of global energy system and the green hydrogen production via water electrolysis attracts great interest. The development of cost-effective electrocatalysts for water electrolysis is important for enhancing green hydrogen production efficiency. Recently, tungsten pnictides (phosphides and nitrides) have emerged as promising catalysts for water electrolysis, and efficient tungsten pnictide-based catalysts with different nanostructures, compositions, and surface chemical properties have been developed. In this review, recent progress in the design of tungsten pnictide-based electrocatalysts for water electrolysis is comprehensively analyzed. The synthesis of tungsten pnictide-based electrocatalysts are discussed briefly. Then, current achievements in developing efficient tungsten pnictide electrocatalysts for water electrolysis are detailed, and four key catalyst design strategies (i.e., nanostructure control, heteroatom doping, defect engineering, and heterostructure design) are outlined. The physicochemical properties-catalytic performance relationship of tungsten pnictide-based electrocatalysts is also discussed. At last, perspectives in this field are put forward for guiding further research on the design and application of high-performance tungsten pnictide-based electrocatalysts.
Evaluation of acute, 28-day, 13-week repeated dose oral toxicity and genotoxicity of a herbal extract (HemoHIM G) from Angelica sinensis, Ligusticum chuanxiong, and Peaonia lactiflora
Authors: Bak Su-Bin , Choi Hansol , Kim Gyoung-Deuck , Kim Ju Gyeong , Kwon Da-Ae , Kim Ha-Young , Son Dong-Won , Jeong Jang-Hun , Lee Byung-Woo , An Hyo-Jin , Lee Hak Sung
Published: March 2024

HemoHIM G is a functional food ingredient composed of a triple herbal combination of Angelica sinensis, Ligusticum chuanxiong, and Paeonia lactiflora, to improve impaired immune function. Considering the pharmacological benefits of its constituent herbal components, HemoHIM G is anticipated to have various health benefits; however, its toxicity has not been thoroughly evaluated. Here, we conducted a comprehensive study to assess the safety of HemoHIM G in terms of acute oral toxicity, 13-week repeat-dose toxicity, and genotoxicity. In the oral acute toxicity study, Sprague–Dawley rats were orally administered a single dose of HemoHIM G at 5000 mg/kg/day, the limit dose for the acute study. No abnormal findings or adverse effects were observed in this study, as confirmed by gross pathology. A 13-week repeated-dose toxicity study was conducted with HemoHIM G at doses of 1250, 2500, and 5000 mg/kg/day to examine the subchronic toxicity in both male and female rats after 28 days of dose-range finding study. No test substance-related clinical signs or mortality was observed at any of the tested doses. Gross pathology, hematology, blood chemistry, and histopathology were within normal ranges, further supporting the safety of HemoHIM G. Therefore, the NOAEL of HemoHIM G was considered to be at 5000 mg/kg/day for both sexes of rats. Bacterial reverse mutation tests, a chromosome aberration test in human peripheral blood lymphocytes, and a mouse micronuclei test were conducted to identify the potential genotoxicity of HemoHIM G. HemoHIM G is non-mutagenic and non-clastogenic. Collectively, these findings provide valuable evidence for the safe use of HemoHIM G as a functional food ingredient.
A very simple flexible tandem dye-sensitized solar cell
Authors: Alessa Hussain , Wijayantha K. G. U.
Published: March 2024

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have been proposed as the most important third generation photovoltaic devices owing to their low fabrication cost, design flexibility, having low hazard to the environment and ease of construction. Tandem DSSCs (T-DSSC) were said to possess properties of its sensitized photoanode and sensitized photocathode in terms of the power conversion efficiency (PCE) parameters. With less studies on the fabrication of simple a flexible tandem DSSC, this work aims at filling this gap as well as showing the influence of one of the main factors that affect the performance of such a device. In this paper, TiO2 and NiO layers were prepared by blading method, sensitized separately, then sandwiched together. The fabricated device produced short circuit current, open circuit voltage and power conversion efficiency of 0.138 mA.cm−2, 0.942 V and 0.063%, respectively. This simple T-DSSC produced a high photovoltage and showed that the photocurrent produced by each photoelectrode should be identical. This match is to overcome the possible hump in the device performance.
Truth in philosophy: a conceptual engineering approach
Authors: Nado Jennifer
Published: March 2024

The focus of this paper will be to examine the implications that a “practical” approach to conceptual engineering might have for the “traditional” conception of philosophy as uncovering truths about phenomena of philosophical interest. In doing so, I will be building on the ideas of a figure that many take to be the first major philosopher to write on conceptual engineering: Rudolf Carnap. Though the current wave of interest in conceptual engineering goes back less than a decade, many conceptual engineers have found precedent for their views in Carnap’s characterization of what he called “explication.” Interestingly, however, not nearly as much attention has been paid to another Carnapian thesis which seems to me to have deep relevance to methodological questions about conceptual engineering. I have in mind here the distinction between internal and external questions proposed in “Empiricism, Semantics and Ontology” (1950b) and the accompanying claim that external questions lack cognitive content and can be cogently approached only as a matter of pragmatic decision-making. This is the aspect of Carnap’s views upon which I propose to build. I'll first make the case that there is a suggestive similarity between Carnap’s claim that external questions are matters of pragmatic choice and the practical conceptual engineer’s claim that engineering success should be characterized in terms of suitability to a function or purpose. After that, I'll look at potential worries about the Carnapian distinction—including, e.g., the concern that it relies on the analytic/synthetic distinction. Finally, I will propose a somewhat modified and expanded version of the distinction and examine its consequences for the thesis that philosophy aims at discovering truths about phenomena of philosophical interest.
Improving Mountain Snowpack Estimation Using Machine Learning With Sentinel‐1, the Airborne Snow Observatory, and University of Arizona Snowpack Data
Authors: Broxton Patrick , Ehsani Mohammad Reza , Behrangi Ali
Published: March 2024

Accurate mapping of snow amount in the mountains is critical as mountain snowpacks are water supply for millions of people. Satellite remote sensing has been largely unable to reliably detect the amount of snowpack in these areas. Recently, C‐band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data from the Sentinel‐1 (S1) satellites have shown potential for measuring snow depth in the mountains. However, their spatiotemporal coverage is incomplete, and their evaluation with robust, aerial snow depth data is limited. Here, we evaluate two S1 snowpack datasets with some of the best available gridded snowpack data over the Colorado Rockies and Sierra Nevada mountains in the western US: the Airborne Snow Observatory (ASO) and the University of Arizona (UA) snowpack datasets. Compared to ASO and UA data, the S1 data are biased high when snow is shallow, and biased low when snow is deep (particularly later in spring when there is wet snow), though these biases are reduced for deep snow areas when wet snow pixels are removed. We then apply corrections based on machine learning that account for physiographic characteristics to improve the accuracy of the S1 data. Furthermore, we fill gaps in the S1 data by using snow persistence, but also account for potential snow accumulation and ablation, to generate temporally complete snow depth maps over mountainous areas. Corrected and gap‐filled S1 snow depth mapping could be especially important for snow monitoring in remote mountain areas where other techniques for snow mapping do not work or are logistically infeasible or cost‐prohibitive.
Attributing Extreme Precipitation Characteristics in South China Pearl River Delta Region to Anthropogenic Influences Based on Pseudo Global Warming
Authors: Zhao Rui , Tam Chi‐Yung , Lee Sai‐Ming , Chen Junwen
Published: March 2024

In the context of human‐induced warming climate, the atmosphere is expected to hold a greater amount of water vapor, leading to heavier precipitation on a global scale. However, the extent to which changes in extreme rainfall can be attributed to human influences varies at regional scales. Here we conduct attribution analyses on 40 extreme precipitation events in different seasons during 1998–2018 over the Pearl River Delta (PRD), by using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model and applying the pseudo global warming (PGW) method. The model was integrated with the factual and counterfactual conditions separately, with the latter derived from differences between the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) historical and historical‐natural runs. By comparing parallel experiments, extreme daily rainfall (>95th percentile) in PRD enhanced by 8%–9.5% for 0.9–1.1 K near‐surface warming (nearly Clausius‐Clapeyron, or CC scaling) in the May‐to‐September (MJJAS) and 12.4% at most for 0.6–0.8 K warming (∼2 × CC rate) in non‐MJJAS seasons; the probability of those extremes increased by 10%–30% during MJJAS (20%–40% in other seasons). While moisture‐related thermodynamic effects play a similar role in modulating rainfall, the wind circulation‐related dynamic effects act differently in different seasons. Changes in MJJAS extremes are related to stronger low‐level southerly winds, while non‐MJJAS rainfall is exacerbated by strengthened low‐level wind convergence and updrafts. Moisture budget analysis suggests that thermodynamic effects associated with the increased moisture amount account for the mean rainfall increase, whereas dynamic effects related to wind circulation changes are responsible for extreme precipitation, regardless of seasons.
The Impact of Lightning NOx Production on Ground‐Level Ozone in Tehran
Authors: Gharaylou Maryam , Pegahfar Nafiseh , Alizadeh Omid
Published: March 2024

Lightning‐generated nitrogen oxides (LNOx) have an impact on the concentration of ground‐level ozone which acts as a toxic air pollutant, thereby negatively influencing human health and the environment. To understand the impact of LNOx on ground‐level ozone, we simulated four thunderstorm events in Tehran using the WRF‐Chem model. As observations of LNOx are not available, we evaluated the temporal distribution of the simulated ground‐level ozone concentration against an air quality monitoring station. We also compared the simulation results against the spatial distribution of the total column ozone from the Ozone Monitoring Instrument. WRF‐Chem performs well in the simulation of ground‐level ozone concentration, with the best performance for an event with the highest lightning activity (correlation coefficient of 0.91). The analysis of the spatial distribution of the observed and simulated total column ozone also indicates the good performance of WRF‐Chem. Hourly variation in the simulated LNOx during lightning activity is compared against both hourly variation in the observed ground‐level ozone and the number of lightning for four thunderstorm events. There is an agreement between the simulated LNOx and the observed ground‐level ozone during lightning for two events, with correlation coefficients of 0.55 and 0.57. LNOx emissions enhance ozone production in the middle to upper troposphere, which can subsequently contribute to an increase in ground‐level ozone by transport, vertical mixing, and chemistry. In addition, the initiation of chemical processes in response to cloud‐to‐ground lightning strikes may contribute to an increase in both LNOx and the concentration of ground‐level ozone.
Mars's Crustal and Volcanic Structure Explained by Southern Giant Impact and Resulting Mantle Depletion
Authors: Cheng K. W. , Rozel A. B. , Golabek G. J. , Ballantyne H. A. , Jutzi M. , Tackley P. J.
Published: March 2024

Mars features a crustal dichotomy, with its southern hemisphere covered by a thicker basaltic crust than its northern hemisphere. Additionally, the planet displays geologically recent volcanism only in its low latitude regions. Previous giant impact models coupled with simulations of mantle convection have shown that the crustal dichotomy can be explained by post‐impact melt crystallization that emplaced a thick crust in the southern hemisphere. In this study, we show that the depleted residue left behind by the original post‐impact crustal formation can spread laterally, potentially persisting beneath the northern hemisphere to the present‐day. Such a large‐scale mantle province would concurrently explain both the prevalence of long‐term magmatism on Mars and its strong preference for localized equatorial regions.
Linking Future Tropical Precipitation Changes to Zonally‐Asymmetric Large‐Scale Meridional Circulation
Authors: Raiter Dana , Galanti Eli , Chemke Rei , Kaspi Yohai
Published: March 2024

Projected tropical precipitation changes by the end of the century include increased net precipitation over the Pacific Ocean and drying over the Indian Ocean, prompting ongoing debate about the underlying mechanisms. Previous studies argued for the importance of the zonal circulation in the longitudinally dependent tropical precipitation response, as the meridional circulation is often defined and analyzed as the zonal mean. Here we show that the projected changes in the meridional circulation are highly longitudinally dependent, and explain the zonally dependent changes in net precipitation. Our analysis exposes a zonal shift in the ascending branch of the meridional circulation, associated with a strengthened net precipitation over the central Pacific and weakened precipitation in the Indo Pacific. The zonal circulation has minor influence on these projected tropical precipitation changes. These results point to the importance of monitoring the longitudinal changes in the meridional circulation for improving our preparedness for climate change impacts.
Quantifying ENSOs Impact on Australia's Regional Monthly Rainfall Risk
Authors: McGregor Shayne , Gallant Ailie , van Rensch Peter
Published: March 2024

The El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is considered an important driver of rainfall variability in Australia, amongst many other global locations. Despite knowledge of the expected modulation of seasonal rainfall by ENSO, there is no consistently used method to quantify the role that specific ENSO events play in driving the observed anomalous rainfall. In this manuscript we adapt the Fraction of Attributable Risk (FAR) method, commonly used to identify the anthropogenic impact on a particular event, to quantify the impact of ENSO on the occurrence of monthly rainfall anomalies. We also explicitly calculate the ENSO induced change in risk and the FAR for all observed spring rainfall rates for our eastern Australian regions. A prominent role for ENSO in driving the large spring 2022 rainfall anomalies is identified. Though we choose to focus on ENSOs impact on rainfall in various Eastern Australian regions, the results are applicable to other climate modes, regions and climatic variables.