bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interactions between non-cellulosic plant cell wall polysaccharides and cellulose emerging from adsorption studies
Authors: Pękala Patrycja , Szymańska-Chargot Monika , Zdunek Artur
Published: August 2023

Recent studies on the plant cell wall assume that hemicellulosic polysaccharides interact closely with cellulose microfibrils through hydrophobic forces. In contrast, hydrogen bonds, which are still emphasized, play a significant role in stabilizing the conformation of the hemicellulose bound on the cellulose surface. However, there is still no consensus on the nature of the interactions between these polysaccharides and on potential interactions of pectins also with cellulose microfibrils. Since the natural plant cell wall is a very complex system, studies of model systems (in vitro) provide information about the interaction between plant polysaccharides. Adsorption studies, which describe the interactions between non-cellulosic polysaccharides and cellulose, are one of these methods. They help to determine the type of these interactions and characterize the adsorption process. This review aims to summarize the knowledge of the interactions between cellulose and representatives of hemicelluloses and pectins, which was mainly provided by adsorption studies.

Graphical abstract
Regional classification of high PM10 concentrations in the Seoul metropolitan and Chungcheongnam-do areas, Republic of Korea
Authors: Choi Woosuk , Song Min Young , Kim Jong Bum , Kim Kwanchul , Cho Chaeyoon
Published: August 2023

Since the Seoul metropolitan area is a highly developed megacity, many people are often exposed to high concentrations of particulate matter (PM), with mean aerodynamic diameters equal to or less than 10 μm (PM10), in cold seasons. PM10 concentrations can be influenced by a combination of various factors, including meteorological conditions, anthropogenic emissions, atmospheric chemical reactions, transboundary transport, and geographic characteristics. However, the establishment of an efficient air quality management plan remains challenging due to the limited understanding of the regional PM concentration characteristics. Here, the Seoul metropolitan (Seoul, Gyeonggi-do, and Incheon) and Chungcheongnam-do (Chungcheongnam-do, Daejeon, and Sejong) areas were regionally classified to identify the spatiotemporal air quality in areas where megacities and emission sources are mixed. The four representative regions were determined using the K-means clustering method based on the temporal variations in the observed PM10 concentrations. The first cluster consisted of small cities in the southern and eastern parts of Gyeonggi-do and Chungcheongnam-do, respectively, while the second cluster consisted of Incheon, West Gyeonggi-do, and Seoul. In addition, the third and fourth clusters included West Chungcheongnam-do and East Gyeonggi-do, which are adjacent to the Yellow Sea and downstream area of the westerly wind, respectively. The characteristics of each cluster during the high PM10 concentration events are explainable by wind patterns and the local air pollutant emissions, including nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides. The obtained regional classification was different from the provincial-level administrative division of South Korea. Therefore, the present study is expected to be a scientific basis for overcoming the limitations of air quality management in administrative districts.
Weighted weak convergence of the sequential tail empirical process for heteroscedastic time series with an application to extreme value index estimation
Authors: Jennessen Tobias , Bücher Axel
Published: August 2023

The sequential tail empirical process is analyzed in a stochastic model allowing for serially dependent observations and heteroscedasticity of extremes in the sense of Einmahl et al. (J. R. Stat. Soc. Ser. B. Stat. Methodol. 78(1), 31–51, 2016). Weighted weak convergence of the sequential tail empirical process is established. As an application, a central limit theorem for an estimator of the extreme value index is proven.
On the entropy of Hilbert geometries of low regularities
Authors: Cristina Jan , Merlin Louis
Published: August 2023

We compare the regularity of the boundary of a convex set with the value of its Finslerian volume entropy. The main result states that the volume entropy of a two-dimensional domain whose associated curvature measure is Ahlfors $$\alpha $$
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-regular is $$\frac{2\alpha }{\alpha +1}$$

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.
How the diversity of constructed wetlands improves the plankton communities discharged into a protected Mediterranean wetland
Authors: Carabal Nuria , Segura Matilde , Puche Eric , Rojo Carmen , Rodrigo María A.
Published: August 2023

The effectiveness of constructed wetlands (CWs) created to improve water quality has been demonstrated. However, their role in enhancing biodiversity, such as in plankton communities, is still understudied. To assess this, we analysed, over two years, the plankton of three structurally different CWs which are intermediaries between low-quality waters and a protected Mediterranean wetland (Albufera de València Natural Park). We estimated the alpha-diversity of each CW and the beta-diversity among their different sectors. In two CWs, the diversity decreased as water flowed from the Inlet (a species mix from anthropically disturbed environments) to the Outlet, due to natural assembly processes. In the other CW, as it received water dominated by a few species, the emerging assemblages increased the diversity. Moreover, comparing the three CWs, the most divergent communities were those in the outlets (due to the emergence of exclusive species, biovolume differences, etc.). Therefore, they contributed to beta-diversity as they acted as generators of communities, which were characterized by the loss of cyanobacteria and chlorophytes, the dominance of large copepods or cladocerans and the presence of unshared species. We emphasize the importance of having structurally and functionally different CWs to enhance biodiversity and improve biological water quality in natural parks.
Molecular modelling of graphene nanoribbons on the effect of porosity and oxidation on the mechanical and thermal properties
Authors: Sáenz Ezquerro Carlos , Laspalas Manuel , García Aznar José Manuel , Castelar Ariza Susana , Chiminelli Agustín
Published: August 2023

Graphene is considered as the most promising nanomaterial of the recent decades given the huge amount of studies that have been performed to characterize its outstanding properties and in searching of novel applications. Following this tendency, this study covers the modelling of graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) with the aim of analyzing the effect of porosity and oxidation on the tensile mechanical properties and in-plane thermal conductivity through molecular dynamics (MD). Using quasi-static simulations the mechanical properties were evaluated in first place. A ‘hardening’ mechanism was observed for GNRs at porosities below 1%, i.e. perfect or near-perfect GNRs, by which the GNRs could withstand higher loading levels. This hardening effect was manifested in the carbon network by the generation of dislocation lines formed by pentagon-heptagon pairs (5–7 defects), which acted as a stress reliever. The failure of GNRs was produced as a tearing mechanism with cracks growing along the armchair or zigzag directions. The porosity affected all the analysed tensile mechanical properties (i.e., Young’s modulus, Poisson’s ratio, tensile strength and deformation at break), but with different tendency in the fracture properties due to the presence or absence of hardening behaviour in the GNRs. Nevertheless, the oxidation affected only the tensile modulus and Poisson’s ratio but not to the tensile strength and deformation at break. The thermal conductivity of the GNRs was affected either by the porosity and oxidation. Pores and oxidation groups acted as phonon scatterers since they disrupted the carbon network by the generation of vacancies or out-of-plane carbons, respectively, which decreased the phonon mean free path and thus the thermal conductivity. In conclusion, the porosity and oxidation of GNRs greatly determine the tensile mechanical properties and in-plane thermal conductivity of such materials and must be considered when tuning the synthetic pathways.

Graphical abstract

The effect of porosity and oxidation on the tensile mechanical and thermal conductivity properties of graphene nanoribbons are evaluated through molecular dynamics simulations.
Characterisation of interface states of Al/p-Si Schottky diode by current–voltage and capacitance–voltage–frequency measurements
Authors: Moloi S. J. , Bodunrin J. O.
Published: August 2023

In this study, the fabricated Al/p-Si Schottky diode is characterised at room temperature using current–voltage (I–V) and capacitance–voltage–frequency (C–V–f) techniques. The energy distribution profile of the diode’s interface state density is generated using different diode parameters. In the I–V measurements, the variation in energy, charge, and density of the interface states is described in terms of the applied forward bias with respect to the zero Schottky barrier height. The capacitance measurements, on the other hand, are used to address a long-standing low-voltage capacitance peak in terms of the distribution of interface state charge. In general, both techniques complement each other, indicating that the space charge region (SCR) starts to be varied at a voltage of − 0.66 V, after the compensation of interface states by majority carriers. The findings presented here are critical for current and future research on junction-based devices for a variety of applications in which the SCR and bulk material properties are examined solely from metal-semiconductor (m–s) interface states.
Characteristic of the gene candidate SecARS encoding alkylresorcinol synthase in Secale
Authors: Targońska-Karasek Małgorzata , Kwiatek Michał , Groszyk Jolanta , Walczewski Jakub , Kowalczyk Mariusz , Pawelec Sylwia , Boczkowska Maja , Rucińska Anna
Published: August 2023

Background

Alkylresorcinols (ARs) are compounds belonging to the class of phenolic lipids. A rich source of ARs are cereal grains such as rye, wheat, triticale or barley. ARs found in plants are characterized by a variety of biological properties such as antimicrobial, antifungal and cytotoxic activity. Moreover, they are proven to have a positive influence on human health. Here, we aimed to find and characterize the gene with ARs synthase activity in the species Secale cereale.

Methods and results

Using BAC library screening, two BAC clones containing the gene candidate were isolated and sequenced. Bioinformatic analyses of the resulting contigs were used to examine the structure and other features of the gene, including promoter, intron, 3’UTR and 5’UTR. Mapping using the FISH procedure located the gene on the 4R chromosome. Comparative analysis showed that the gene is highly similar to sequences coding for type III polyketide synthase. The level of gene expression in various parts of the plant was investigated, and the biochemical function of the gene was confirmed by heterologous expression in yeast.

Conclusions

The conducted analyses contributed to a better understanding of the processes related to ARs synthesis. Although the research concerned the rye model, the knowledge gained may help in understanding the genetic basis of ARs biosynthesis in other species of the Poaceae family as well.
The design of Tecnico GO!: catering for students’ well-being during the COVID-19 pandemics
Authors: Nisi Valentina , Prandi Catia , Ma Shuhao , Ferreira Marta , Nicolau Hugo , Esteves Augusto , Nunes Nuno
Published: August 2023

Transitioning to and through University is a delicate period for students’ well-being. Moreover, the recent COVID-19 pandemic added a further toll through the various challenges related to studying, socializing, community-building, and safety. These challenges inspired the design of a mobile application, called Tecnico GO!, to support university students’ well-being and academic performance. This paper presents the design rationale and evaluation of the app conducted during the academic year 2021-2022. Findings cluster around three themes: i) students studying needs; ii) building a sense of community; iii) gamification strategies. The discussion elaborates on the student’s perceptions of well-being during pandemics. Students’ perception of the app is positive, appreciative of the crowdsensing features, supporting learning goals, community building, and safety. On the other hand, the gamification features, as currently deployed, do not achieve the expected goals.
On the solvability of a cantilever-type boundary value problem by using the mixed monotone operator
Authors: Harjani J. , López B. , Sadarangani K.
Published: August 2023

In the present paper, by using the mixed monotone operator method we prove the existence and uniqueness of positive solution to the following cantilever-type boundary value problem $$\begin{aligned} \displaystyle \left\{ \begin{array}{l} u^{(4)}(t)=f(t,u(t),u(\alpha t))+g(t,u(t)),\quad 0<t<1, \quad \alpha \in (0,1),\\ u(0)=u'(0)=u''(1)=u'''(1)=0. \end{array}\right. \end{aligned}$$

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Moreover, in order to illustrate the results we present an example.
The concept of creativity in Georges Florovsky’s thought
Authors: Mjør Kåre Johan
Published: August 2023

This article discusses the meanings of “creativity”—tvorchestvo—as we encounter it in Georges Florovsky’s thought, first and foremost in his magnum opus Ways of Russian Theology (1937). Tvorchestvo had by this time become a key concept in Russian pre-revolutionary and later émigré thought. It is associated above all with Nikolai Berdyaev’s philosophy, but it also plays an important role in Sergei Bulgakov’s philosophy of economy. In both cases, it stands for the human response to divine creation. Moreover, and somewhat less famously, it was also an epistemological concept in the religious idealism of Vladimir Solovyov as well as in Russian neo-Kantianism (Fyodor Stepun), where it stood for the active, synthetic faculty of our minds. Florovsky, meanwhile, used it as a description of how we should relate to the patristic heritage, but also to history more generally: Our attitude should be “creative,” active, as well as both backward- and forward-looking. This “return to the Fathers” was a central component of Florovsky’s neopatristic program, but, interestingly, in order to conceptualize this return, Florovsky took over a concept from traditions that his own approach otherwise firmly criticized. By analyzing Florovsky’s use of tvorchestvo, this article addresses the broader question as to the differences and parallels between the neopatristic movement and the legacy of the Russian Renaissance (Silver Age).
Exploiting homogeneity in games with non-homogeneous revenue functions
Authors: Ferrarese Walter , Rubí-Barceló Antoni
Published: August 2023

We exploit the properties of homogeneous functions to characterize the symmetric pure-strategy Nash equilibria of n-player symmetric games in which each player’s revenue function is not homogeneous but it can be decomposed into the sum of homogeneous functions with different degrees of homogeneity. Our results aim to provide a pathway for an easy computation of symmetric equilibria for this type of games. We discuss our results in a Cournot game, a contest game, and a public good game.
Emergency treatment of symptomatic ureteral calculi: predictors of prolonged hospital stay
Authors: Herout Roman , Putz Juliane , Borkowetz Angelika , Thomas Christian , Oehlschläger Sven
Published: August 2023

Purpose

To assess differences in the length of hospital stay (LOS) in patients who present emergently versus electively for a symptomatic ureteral stone and to explore underlying risk factors.

Methods

Billing data were analyzed from patients with symptomatic ureteral calculi at our department from 2010 to 2021. Statistical analysis (U test, logistic regression) was performed.

Results

2274 patients (72% male, 28% female) with ureteral stones were analyzed (mean age of 52.9y). 1578 patients (69.4%) presented in an emergency setting and 696 patients (30.6%) electively. Arterial hypertension was seen in 31%, diabetes mellitus in 11% and hyperuricemia in 5% of the whole cohort. 46.5% of emergency patients were desobstructed (DJ/PCN), 35.4% underwent emergency ureteroscopy (URS), 13.4% had spontaneous passage (SP), and 4.8% underwent emergency shock wave lithotripsy (SWL). Of the electively treated patients, 58.6% underwent URS, 21.3% SWL, 18.5% DJ/PCN, and 1.6% had SP. Emergency stone treatment was associated with a significantly longer LOS when compared to primary desobstruction for patients admitted emergently. Also, LOS was significantly longer for each intervention of stone treatment in emergency patients vs. electively treated patients. Arterial hypertension was associated with a 1.8-fold increased risk of a hospital stay longer than 3 days, irrespective of hospital admission mode, whereas metabolic disorders did not influence LOS in this cohort.

Conclusion

For emergency patients in contrast to the electively treated patients, the type of procedure had a significant impact on the length of hospital stay. Arterial hypertension is an independent significant risk factor for prolonged hospital stay.
Physician Perspectives on Responding to Clinician-Perpetuated Interpersonal Racism Against Black Patients with Serious Illness
Authors: Brown Crystal E. , Snyder Cyndy R. , Marshall Arisa R. , Cueva Kristine L. , Jackson Sandra Y. , Doll Kemi M. , Golden Sherita H. , Young Bessie , Rosenberg Abby R.
Published: August 2023

Background

Racism negatively affects clinical outcomes in Black patients, but uncertainty remains among physicians regarding how to address interpersonal anti-Black racism incidences involving them to facilitate racial healing and promote accountability.

Objective

Elicit physician perspectives on addressing concerns from Black patients about interpersonal racism involving them or their team.

Participants

Twenty-one physician subspecialists at an urban academic medical center.

Approach

We conducted one-on-one semi-structured interviews to help inform the development of a clinician-facing component of a program to address the distress of racism experienced by Black patients with serious illness. We asked clinicians to describe experiences discussing racism with patients and identify additional resources to support these conversations.

Main Measures

Physician perspectives, including barriers and facilitators, to promote racial healing and clinician accountability when discussing clinician-perpetuated interpersonal racism with Black patients.

Key Results

Of the 21 participating physicians, 67% were women with a mean age of 44.2 years and mean of 10.8 years of experience as an attending physician. Four identified as Asian, three identified as Black, and 14 identified as White. Participants largely felt unprepared to discuss racism with their patients, especially if the harm was caused by them or their team. Participants felt patients should be given tools to discuss concerns about racism with their clinicians, but worried about adding additional burdens to Black patients to call out racism. Participants believed programs and processes with both patient- and clinicians-facing components had the potential to empower patients while providing resources and tools for clinicians to engage in these highly sensitive discussions without perpetuating more harm.

Conclusions

Addressing and improving communication about interpersonal racism in clinical settings are challenging. Dual-facing programs involving patients and clinicians may help provide additional resources to address experiences of interpersonal racism and hold clinicians accountable.
Comparing Wetland Elevation Change Using a Surface Elevation Table, Digital Level, and Total Station
Authors: Lynch James C. , Winn Neil , Kovalenko Katya , Guntenspergen Glenn
Published: August 2023

The surface elevation table (SET) approach and two survey instruments, a digital level (DL) and a total station (TS), were used to evaluate elevation change at a 1-ha, micro-tidal, back-barrier salt marsh at Assateague Island National Seashore (Berlin, MD, USA) from 2016 to 2022. SET data were collected at 3 sampling stations along the perimeter of the plot, 36 pins per station, and the DL and TS data were collected adjacent to 36 stakes, four readings per stake, throughout the plot. The average elevation range of the marsh surface measurements at the SET stations was 2 cm, while the range was considerably greater within the larger 1-ha DL and TS sampling area (24 cm). The average elevation of the marsh surface only varied by 2 cm among the three methods. Elevation change trends of the three methods ranged from 2.8 to 3.5 mm year−1 and were not significantly different from each other. Despite differences in sample size and spatial distribution of measurements, these methods provided comparable measures of long-term trends in marsh surface elevation probably because the marsh at this site was structurally homogeneous with low topographic relief.
Interpreting Black-Box Models: A Review on Explainable Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Hassija Vikas , Chamola Vinay , Mahapatra Atmesh , Singal Abhinandan , Goel Divyansh , Huang Kaizhu , Scardapane Simone , Spinelli Indro , Mahmud Mufti , Hussain Amir
Published: August 2023

Recent years have seen a tremendous growth in Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based methodological development in a broad range of domains. In this rapidly evolving field, large number of methods are being reported using machine learning (ML) and Deep Learning (DL) models. Majority of these models are inherently complex and lacks explanations of the decision making process causing these models to be termed as 'Black-Box'. One of the major bottlenecks to adopt such models in mission-critical application domains, such as banking, e-commerce, healthcare, and public services and safety, is the difficulty in interpreting them. Due to the rapid proleferation of these AI models, explaining their learning and decision making process are getting harder which require transparency and easy predictability. Aiming to collate the current state-of-the-art in interpreting the black-box models, this study provides a comprehensive analysis of the explainable AI (XAI) models. To reduce false negative and false positive outcomes of these back-box models, finding flaws in them is still difficult and inefficient. In this paper, the development of XAI is reviewed meticulously through careful selection and analysis of the current state-of-the-art of XAI research. It also provides a comprehensive and in-depth evaluation of the XAI frameworks and their efficacy to serve as a starting point of XAI for applied and theoretical researchers. Towards the end, it highlights emerging and critical issues pertaining to XAI research to showcase major, model-specific trends for better explanation, enhanced transparency, and improved prediction accuracy.
EstuarIndex: an eco-geomorphological index to assess the conservation state of estuaries
Authors: Aranda M. , Gracia F. J. , Peralta G.
Published: August 2023

The main objective of this work is to present a novel methodology to assess the environmental, ecological, and conservation status of mid-latitude estuaries by means of an index-based method, EstuarIndex. The EstuarIndex is an integration of four sub-indexes, assessing the status of the main subsystems present on estuaries: sandy environments, dunes, tidal flats, and the drainage network. Each sub-index includes variables combining three types of factors: morphosedimentary and oceanographic factors, ecological factors, and management and protection factors. The environmental status is finally evaluated in five possible classes: (1) Very low, (2) Low, (3) Medium, (4) High, and (5) Very High, according to EU requirements for classifying the conservation status of habitats. Three pilot zones along the Spanish coast have been chosen for testing the method: San Vicente de la Barquera estuary (N Spain), Guadiana estuary (SW Spain), and Ebro River delta mouth (E Spain). They present different oceanographic and geomorphological conditions. The results obtained have proven that EstuarIndex is a suitable methodology for the application to other estuaries. The systematic application of EstuarIndex on broad time scales would allow evaluating the system trends, what seems key for implementation of more realistic restoration strategies, and it has a great potential as a tool for environmental management in natural protected areas. Furthermore, it may help in the detection of the most relevant site-specific vulnerabilities for long-term sustainability in response to both natural and artificial drivers.
Suspensions in QLD state schools, 2016–2020: overrepresentation, intersectionality and disproportionate risk
Authors: Graham Linda J. , Killingly Callula , Alexander Matilda , Wiggans Sophie
Published: August 2023

Overrepresentation in exclusionary school discipline is extensively documented for certain groups of students, particularly students of colour and those with disability, yet while these groups may overlap, policies that aim to address disproportionality tend to consider equity factors in isolation. The majority of research on overrepresentation, intersectionality and disproportionate risk has been conducted in the United States, yet there has been limited research within an Australian context despite reports of the overrepresentation of students in priority equity groups: students with a disability, Indigenous students and those living in out-of-home care. To disentangle the intersectionalities between these three priority equity groups, we created seven independent groups in which one or more of these factors was present. We then compare each of these seven groups to one referent group (not Indigenous, no disability, not in care) to examine trends in Queensland state school suspensions from 2016 to 2020. Findings show that students in the seven groups were issued suspensions at rates disproportionate to enrolments, in contrast to the referent group, with the risk of suspension increasing with greater intersectionality. Further analyses highlight disability as a common underlying factor, both in terms of increasing risk of suspension and in its repeated use, particularly for students recorded as receiving adjustments in the Social-Emotional category. These findings underscore the need for more nuanced reform and support strategies that can better account for the intersectionalities between groups.
Single-cell transcriptomic profiling reveals immune cell heterogeneity in acute myeloid leukaemia peripheral blood mononuclear cells after chemotherapy
Authors: Hu Xuqiao , Cao Dongyan , Zhou Zhenru , Wang Zhaoyang , Zeng Jieying , Hong Wen-Xu
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a heterogeneous disease characterised by the rapid clonal expansion of abnormally differentiated myeloid progenitor cells residing in a complex microenvironment. However, the immune cell types, status, and genome profile of the peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) microenvironment in AML patients after chemotherapy are poorly understood. In order to explore the immune microenvironment of AML patients after chemotherapy, we conducted this study for providing insights into precision medicine and immunotherapy of AML.

Methods

In this study, we used single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to analyse the PBMC microenvironment from five AML patients treated with different chemotherapy regimens and six healthy donors. We compared the cell compositions in AML patients and healthy donors, and performed gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), CellPhoneDB, and copy number variation (CNV) analysis.

Results

Using scRNA-seq technology, 91,772 high quality cells of 44,950 PBMCs from AML patients and 46,822 PBMCs from healthy donors were classified as 14 major cell clusters. Our study revealed the sub-cluster diversity of T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, monocytes, dendritic cells (DCs), and haematopoietic stem cell progenitors (HSC-Prog) in AML patients under chemotherapy. NK cells and monocyte-DCs showed significant changes in transcription factor expression and chromosome copy number variation (CNV). We also observed significant heterogeneity in CNV and intercellular interaction networks in HSC-Prog cells.

Conclusion

Our results elucidated the PBMC single-cell landscape and provided insights into precision medicine and immunotherapy for treating AML.
Effects of Tectonic Setting and Hydraulic Properties on Silent Large-Scale Landslides: A Case Study of the Zhaobishan Landslide, China
Authors: Tian Shufeng , Hu Guisheng , Chen Ningsheng , Rahman Mahfuzur , Ni Huayong , Somos-Valenzuela Marcelo
Published: August 2023

Unlike strong earthquake-triggered or heavy rainfall-triggered landslides, silent large-scale landslides (SLL) occur without significant triggering factors and cause unexpected significant disaster risks and mass casualties. Understanding the initiation mechanism of SLLs is crucial for risk reduction. In this study, the mechanism of the Zhaobishan SLL was investigated, and the SLL was jointly controlled by weak-soil (fractured rock mass) and strong-water (abundant water replenishment) conditions under the impact of active tectonism and complex hydraulic properties. Strong tectonic uplift, high fault density, and historical earthquakes led to weak-soil conditions conducive to the Zhaobishan SLL. The combined effect of unique lithology, antiform, and cultivated land contributed to the water replenishment characteristics of extensive runoff confluence (3.16 times that of the landslide body) and supported long-distance groundwater replenishment, thereby forming strong-water conditions for the landslide. The amplified seepage amount caused the strength of the soil mass on the sliding surface to decrease to 0.4 times its initial strength, eventually triggering the Zhaobishan SLL, which occurred 4.6 days after the peak rainfall. Moreover, the landslide deposits have accumulated on the semi-diagenetic clay rock, thereby controlling the subsequent recurring debris flows in the Lengzi Gully. To reduce disaster risk of SLL in vulnerable mountainous regions, the water confluence area behind the main scarp of the landslides and the hysteresis characteristics between landslides and peak rainfall should be further considered, and recurring debris flows following massive landslides also should be focused.
Tribological properties and tribomechanism of nickel nanoparticles in-situ synthesized in rapeseed oil
Authors: Xu Wenya , Yang Guangbin , Zhang Shengmao , Xu Jun , Zhang Yujuan , Sun Tianhua , Song Ningning , Yu Laigui , Zhang Pingyu
Published: August 2023

Nickel (Ni) nanoparticles can be enriched on the surface of iron-based frictional pairs, which provides the possibility to get rid of the competitive adsorption between the polar species of vegetable oil and the surface-active nano-additives thereon. In this paper, nickel acetylacetonate was used as a precursor to in-situ synthesize nickel nanoparticles with an average diameter of about 12 nm in rapeseed oil (RO) as the reducing agent, surface modifier, and solvent as well. The tribological properties of the as-synthesized Ni nanoparticles were evaluated with a four-ball tribometer, and their tribomechanism was investigated based on the characterizations of the tribofilm on rubbed steel surfaces by the scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). It was found that the Ni nanoparticles in-situ prepared in the RO with a mass fraction of 0.3% can reduce the wear scar diameter (WSD) of the steel ball by 36%. This is because, on the one hand, the Ni nanoparticles are adsorbed on the rubbed steel surfaces to repair or fill up the micro-pits and grooves thereon. On the other hand, Ni nanoparticles participate in tribochemical reactions with atmospheric O and steel substrate to form the tribochemical reaction film on the rubbed steel surfaces with the assistance of friction-induced heat and applied normal load. In addition, an amorphous carbon film is formed on the rubbed surface via the carbonization of base oil under the catalysis of Ni nanoparticles. The adsorbed Ni layer, the tribochemical reaction film, and the carbon layer comprise a composite tribofilm composed of amorphous carbon, polar fatty acid, metallic nickel, iron oxides, and nickel oxides on the rubbed steel surfaces, which contributes to significantly improving the antiwear ability and load-carrying capacity of the RO for the steel–steel sliding pair.
Using Scientific Articles on COVID-19 to Introduce the Nature of Scientific Knowledge to Medical Students
Authors: Ampatzidis Georgios , Armeni Anastasia
Published: August 2023

It has been argued that, as evidence-based medicine emerged in the 1990s, healthcare practitioners are required to partake in more intricate and elaborate cognitive processes. As a result, knowing the characteristics and constraints of scientific knowledge — i.e., an advanced understanding of the Nature of Scientific Knowledge (NOSK) — has become progressively imperative. In this paper, we discuss snapshots of the research on SARS-CoV-2 that may be used in order to illustrate aspects of NOSK to medical students and how they may be introduced within teaching interventions.
Nanoengineering Metal–Organic Frameworks and Derivatives for Electrosynthesis of Ammonia
Authors: Feng Daming , Zhou Lixue , White Timothy J. , Cheetham Anthony K. , Ma Tianyi , Wei Fengxia
Published: August 2023

Electrocatalytic synthesis under mild conditions has become increasingly important as one of the practical alternatives for industrial applications, especially for the green ammonia (NH3) industry. A properly engineered electrocatalyst plays a vital role in the realization of superior catalytic performance. Among various types of promising nanomaterials, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are competitive candidates for developing efficient electrocatalytic NH3 synthesis from simple nitrogen-containing molecules or ions, such as N2 and NO3−. In this review, recent advances in the development of electrocatalysts derived from MOFs for the electrosynthesis of NH3 are collected, categorized, and discussed, including their application in the N2 reduction reaction (NRR) and the NO3− reduction reaction (NO3RR). Firstly, the fundamental principles are illustrated, such as plausible mechanisms of NH3 generation from N2 and NO3−, the apparatus of corresponding electrocatalysis, parameters for evaluation of reaction efficiency, and detection methods of yielding NH3. Then, the electrocatalysts for NRR processes are discussed in detail, including pristine MOFs, MOF-hybrids, MOF-derived N-doped porous carbons, single atomic catalysts from pyrolysis of MOFs, and other MOF-related materials. Subsequently, MOF-related NO3RR processes are also listed and discussed. Finally, the existing challenges and prospects for the rational design and fabrication of electrocatalysts from MOFs for electrochemical NH3 synthesis are presented, such as the evolution of investigation methods with artificial intelligence, innovation in synthetic methods of MOF-related catalysts, advancement of characterization techniques, and extended electrocatalytic reactions. "Image missing"
Ramanujan’s formula for odd zeta values: a proof by Mittag-Leffler expansion and applications
Authors: Uhl Michael
Published: August 2023

Using Mittag-Leffler expansion a novel proof of Ramanujan’s famous formula for $$\zeta (2m-1)$$

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)

is presented. Here, the formula can be derived by Taylor series of a generating function and its Mittag-Leffler expansion. Furthermore, generalized formulas for the fast-converging series of Plouffe are offered. But Ramanujan’s equation not only produces series for odd zeta values, surprisingly it is shown that in the limit to its singularity it provides the identities for even zeta values, namely Euler’s classical formula. Finally, a new triangle identity of Ramanujan’s formula is presented, hinting that properties and symmetries of the equation are far from all uncovered. For this work, a new representation of the equations is introduced, that significantly simplifies analyses and applications.
A window into the academic term control mechanism: a thorough presentation of processed terms in the process of completing an environmental science dictionary
Authors: Christidou S.
Published: August 2023

The evaluation and improvement of scientific terminology translation plays a crucial role in consistently and accurately communicating knowledge at an academic level as well as in applying this theoretical knowledge in practice. This becomes even more important in countries such as Greece where the majority of scientific innovations originate from other, predominately English-speaking, countries. Consequently, the dissemination of this knowledge must go through a translation process. Within this context, the author is conducting postdoctoral research in the academic field of Environmental Engineering and Hydraulics in the School of Engineering of the AUTh, Department of Civil Engineering. The research focuses on evaluating English to Greek handbooks in the academic field of Environmental Engineering and Hydraulics by using a translation control mechanism based on seven variables firstly derived from the studies of Belgian translatologist Dirk Delabastita. The outcomes so far highlighted the quality of academic and translation work, but also identified a number of translation ambiguities, different semantic variations of terms within the source text in relation to their context, the complete absence of certain terms in the translated text, and the use of an incorrect term’s translation. The evaluation of all these cases constitutes a comprehensive decision-making process that can be applied by any translator of technical texts. This process involves first evaluating the translated texts in their mother tongue and then suggesting enhanced term translations, ultimately contributing to the establishment of a more cohesive scientific consensus in Environmental Engineering terminology to implement the optimal utilization of scientific environmental methods by the Greek academic community to protect the environment, particularly in the highly sensitive Eastern Mediterranean region. Moreover, this process represents an initial step toward creating a state-of-the-art tool in teaching technical translation and lexicography to Environmental Engineering students as well as introducing foreign terminology to students in the faculty of engineering and the schools of English language and literature in the department of translation and intercultural studies, with specialization in technical translation.
Application of magnesium and biosurfactant functionalized biochar composite in treating cyanobacteria in phosphorus and crude oil contaminated water
Authors: Wei Zhuo , Xu Yaxi , Wei Yi , Liu Yang , Niu Shuai , Wang Jim J.
Published: August 2023

Various human activities have led to multiple contamination of natural water systems. The present study investigated the effect of a novel multifunctional biochar to treat nutrients, oil, and harmful algae in water. Specifically, magnesium (Mg) and biosurfactant rhamnolipid (RL) were incorporated into biochar, including Mg-biochar, RL-biochar, and Mg-RL-biochar. Their adsorption efficiency on phosphate and total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) was evaluated in separate batch studies. Also, the inhibition effect of RL-modified biochars on cyanobacteria was investigated. The results showed that Mg-impregnated biochar showed high adsorption capacity on phosphate (118 mg g−1), while RL-modified biochar significantly reduced TPH (especially aromatic and light aliphatic fraction) with adsorption capacity of 44.4 mg g−1. The inhibition effects of biochar composites on algae in water without contaminants were in order of Mg-RL-biochar > RL-biochar > biochar with biomass reduction ranging 61–64%. Overall, Mg-RL-biochar was  suggested based on this study due to its ability to remove PO43− and TPH, and inhibit the growth of toxic algae.

Graphical abstract
Secondhand smoke’s effects on brain development: ADHD and associated behaviors in children
Authors: Elbeeh Mohamed E.
Published: August 2023

Secondhand smoke, also known as passive smoking, is a serious health hazard that affects millions of people worldwide. Exposure to secondhand smoke has been linked to a range of negative health outcomes, including lung cancer, heart disease, and respiratory problems. In fact, the World Health Organization estimates that secondhand smoke causes more than 600,000 premature deaths each year. It’s important for individuals and governments to take steps to reduce exposure to secondhand smoke in order to protect public health. The Inhalation of secondhand smoke by active smokers and their companions is associated with illness and death. Many young people around the world are exposed to secondhand smoke. Infants and young children worldwide are at increased risk of exposure to secondhand smoke before and after birth due to their underdeveloped brain, immune and respiratory systems. Prenatal and postnatal exposure to tobacco smoke is associated with impairment of executive function in children and contributes to current and future public health burdens. This review examines scientific advances in the relationship between secondhand smoke and the development of attention-deficit and hyperactive behavior in children, both as a symptom and as part of a mental health problem. Tobacco smoke inhalation has many effects that are best described in terms of changes in regulatory processes, including cell communication, structural development, and epigenetic effects that are passed from generation to generation. It was decided that public health efforts should aim to increase parental awareness and compliance with existing guidelines that do not recommend safe exposure levels.
From Mulberry Street to Market Street: childness matters
Authors: Coats Karen
Published: August 2023

In 2016, Last Stop on Market Street, an American picturebook by Matt de la Pena, won the Newberry Medal, a Caldecott Honor, and a Coretta Scott King illustrator honor. In March 2021, Dr Seuss Enterprises, after working “with a panel of experts, including educators,” decided to cease publishing And to Think I Saw in on Mulberry Street (1937) along with five other books that “portray people in ways that are hurtful and wrong.” Both decisions seem to have been motivated by a strong commitment to a contemporary critical multicultural perspective (Yenika-Agbaw, 2022). In this paper, I will explore another perspective through which we might assess the quality and potential impact these and other texts might have on child readers. Drawing on Peter Hollindale’s (1997) contention that a children’s book acts as the vehicle for a reading event during which readers form or reform their ideas of the social construction of childhood and their place within that construction, I will examine how these books portray “childness,” defined by Hollindale as both a distinguishing property of a text and what a reader brings to the reading. As these texts offer snapshots of what it means to be a child in two different times and contexts, I argue that the constructions of childhood in children’s books have changed significantly in the twenty-first century. I will use multimodal discourse analysis and critical content analysis to query the degree to which these texts are “childly” (a term of respect for Hollindale, as opposed to childish) by focusing on notions of the imagination, diverse representation, and adult/child relations.
A method for direct in-space thrust estimation from low-acceleration orbital maneuvers
Authors: Jia-Richards Oliver , Marzouk Youssef M. , Lozano Paulo C.
Published: August 2023

This paper presents a method for performing direct in-space thrust estimation for low-acceleration propulsion systems using measurements of the spacecraft’s position taken during an orbital maneuver. The method is based on the ensemble Kalman update which does not require linearization of the spacecraft dynamics nor does it require Gaussian distributions for parameter uncertainties and measurement noise, allowing for a more general approach to thrust estimation. In addition, modeling error, such as that caused by the truncation of a spherical-harmonics representation of the Earth’s gravitational field, can be explicitly accounted for by representing the error with Gaussian processes. Simulated experiments show that uncertainty in the propulsive acceleration magnitude on the order of 0.1 $$\mu$$
μ
m/s$$^2$$

2

(1$$\sigma$$
σ
) can be achieved at an orbit altitude of approximately 410 km with temporally-sparse measurements even in the presence of uncertain atmospheric drag, and Monte Carlo analysis demonstrates the consistency of the inference results. Trends in the estimate of the propulsive acceleration with the true acceleration value are explored empirically and theoretically in order to allow for generalization of the results. The outcome of this work is a systematic approach to direct in-space thrust estimation that can support the final steps of development for future in-space electric propulsion systems or the calibration of a thruster during a mission.
Comprehensive Assessment of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices, alongside Predictive Factors, Affecting Optimal Management of Gestational Diabetes in Pregnant Women across Multicenter Sites in Lebanon
Authors: Ibrahim Rana , Al-hajje Amal , Khachman Dalia , Zein Salam
Published: August 2023

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a growing public health concern at a global level. Educating pregnant women is critical if we are to control this disease and prevent its adverse consequences. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of Lebanese pregnant women with regards to GDM and identify predictors of good practice. A total of 187 pregnant women with a mean age of 27 years were recruited from private gynecology clinics in different regions of Lebanon. A well-structured questionnaire was used to collect data relating to knowledge, attitude, and practice scores. Analysis revealed poor knowledge, good attitude, and average practice levels with regards to GDM among the participants. Based on our findings, it was observed that pregnant women who were in their first trimester exhibited greater adherence to practices when compared to those who were in their third trimester. Age was inversely associated with the practice of pregnant women, whereas the presence of comorbidities reduced the probability of attaining adequate practical scores. Our findings highlight the need for institutionalizing therapeutic education practices, particularly group education, to equip pregnant women with appropriate management skills, attitudes, and practices to prevent GDM.