bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploiting redundancy in large materials datasets for efficient machine learning with less data
Authors: Li Kangming , Persaud Daniel , Choudhary Kamal , DeCost Brian , Greenwood Michael , Hattrick-Simpers Jason
Published: November 2023

Extensive efforts to gather materials data have largely overlooked potential data redundancy. In this study, we present evidence of a significant degree of redundancy across multiple large datasets for various material properties, by revealing that up to 95% of data can be safely removed from machine learning training with little impact on in-distribution prediction performance. The redundant data is related to over-represented material types and does not mitigate the severe performance degradation on out-of-distribution samples. In addition, we show that uncertainty-based active learning algorithms can construct much smaller but equally informative datasets. We discuss the effectiveness of informative data in improving prediction performance and robustness and provide insights into efficient data acquisition and machine learning training. This work challenges the “bigger is better” mentality and calls for attention to the information richness of materials data rather than a narrow emphasis on data volume.
Observational evidence of accelerating electron holes and their effects on passing ions
Authors: Dong Yue , Yuan Zhigang , Huang Shiyong , Xue Zuxiang , Yu Xiongdong , Pollock C. J. , Torbert R. B. , Burch J. L.
Published: November 2023

As a universal structure in space plasma, electron holes represent an obvious signature of nonlinear process. Although the theory has a 60-year history, whether electron hole can finally accelerate ambient electrons (or ions) is quite controversial. Previous theory for one-dimensional holes predicts that net velocity change of passing electrons (or ions) occurs only if the holes have non-zero acceleration. However, the prediction has not yet been demonstrated in observations. Here, we report four electron holes whose acceleration/deceleration is obtained by fitting the spatial separations and detection time delays between different Magnetospheric Multiscale spacecraft. We find that electron hole acceleration/deceleration is related to the ion velocity distribution gradient at the hole’s velocity. We observe net velocity changes of ions passing through the accelerating/decelerating holes, in accordance with theoretical predictions. Therefore, we show that electron holes with non-zero acceleration can cause the velocity of passing ions to increase in the acceleration direction.
Bifunctionality of dirhodium tetracarboxylates in metallaphotocatalysis
Authors: Shi Taoda , Zhang Tianyuan , Yang Jiying , Li Yukai , Shu Jirong , Zhao Jingyu , Zhang Mengchu , Zhang Dan , Hu Wenhao
Published: November 2023

Metallaphotocatalysis has been recognized as a pivotal catalysis enabling new reactivities. Traditional metallaphotocatalysis often requires two or more separate catalysts and exhibits flaw in cost and substrate-tolerance, thus representing an await-to-solve issue in catalysis. We herein realize metallaphotocatalysis with a bifunctional dirhodium tetracarboxylate ([Rh2]) alone. The [Rh2] shows an photocatalytic activity of promoting singlet oxygen (1O2) oxidation. By harnessing its photocatalytic activity, the [Rh2] catalyzes a photochemical cascade reaction (PCR) via combination of carbenoid chemistry and 1O2 chemistry. The PCR is characterized by high atom-efficiency, excellent stereoselectivities, mild conditions, scalable synthesis, and pharmaceutically interesting products. DFT calculations-aided mechanistic study rationalizes the reaction pathway and interprets the origin of stereoselectivities of the PCR. The products show inhibitory activity against PTP1B, being promising in the treatment of type II diabetes and cancers. Overall, here we show the bifunctional [Rh2] merges Rh-carbenoid chemistry and 1O2 chemistry.
Thermo-responsive chiral micelles as recyclable organocatalyst for asymmetric Rauhut-Currier reaction in water
Authors: Xu Lei , Zhou Li , Li Yan-Xiang , Gao Run-Tan , Chen Zheng , Liu Na , Wu Zong-Quan
Published: November 2023

Developing eco-friendly chiral organocatalysts with the combined advantages of homogeneous catalysis and heterogeneous processes is greatly desired. In this work, a family of amphiphilic one-handed helical polyisocyanides bearing phosphine pendants is prepared, which self-assembles into well-defined chiral micelles in water and showed thermo-responsiveness with a cloud point of approximately 38.4 °C. The micelles with abundant phosphine moieties at the interior efficiently catalyze asymmetric cross Rauhut-Currier reaction in water. Various water-insoluble substrates are transferred to target products in high yield with excellent enantioselectivity. The yield and enantiomeric excess (ee) of the product generated in water are up to 90% and 96%, respectively. Meanwhile, the yields of the same R-C reaction catalyzed by the polymer itself in organic solvents is <16%, with an ee < 72%. The homogeneous reaction of the chiral micelles in water turns to heterogeneous at temperatures higher than the cloud point, and the catalyst precipitation facilitates product isolation and catalyst recovery. The polymer catalyst is recycled 10 times while maintaining activity and enantioselectivity.
Precursor region with full phonon softening above the charge-density-wave phase transition in 2H-TaSe2
Authors: Shen Xingchen , Heid Rolf , Hott Roland , Haghighirad Amir-Abbas , Salzmann Björn , dos Reis Cantarino Marli , Monney Claude , Said Ayman H. , Frachet Mehdi , Murphy Bridget , Rossnagel Kai , Rosenkranz Stephan , Weber Frank
Published: November 2023

Research on charge-density-wave (CDW) ordered transition-metal dichalcogenides continues to unravel new states of quantum matter correlated to the intertwined lattice and electronic degrees of freedom. Here, we report an inelastic x-ray scattering investigation of the lattice dynamics of the canonical CDW compound 2H-TaSe2 complemented by angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy and density functional perturbation theory. Our results rule out the formation of a central-peak without full phonon softening for the CDW transition in 2H-TaSe2 and provide evidence for a novel precursor region above the CDW transition temperature TCDW, which is characterized by an overdamped phonon mode and not detectable in our photoemission experiments. Thus, 2H-TaSe2 exhibits structural before electronic static order and emphasizes the important lattice contribution to CDW transitions. Our ab-initio calculations explain the interplay of electron-phonon coupling and Fermi surface topology triggering the CDW phase transition and predict that the CDW soft phonon mode promotes emergent superconductivity near the pressure-driven CDW quantum critical point.
Tau forms synaptic nano-biomolecular condensates controlling the dynamic clustering of recycling synaptic vesicles
Authors: Longfield Shanley F. , Mollazade Mahdie , Wallis Tristan P. , Gormal Rachel S. , Joensuu Merja , Wark Jesse R. , van Waardenberg Ashley J. , Small Christopher , Graham Mark E. , Meunier Frédéric A. , Martínez-Mármol Ramón
Published: November 2023

Neuronal communication relies on the release of neurotransmitters from various populations of synaptic vesicles. Despite displaying vastly different release probabilities and mobilities, the reserve and recycling pool of vesicles co-exist within a single cluster suggesting that small synaptic biomolecular condensates could regulate their nanoscale distribution. Here, we performed a large-scale activity-dependent phosphoproteome analysis of hippocampal neurons in vitro and identified Tau as a highly phosphorylated and disordered candidate protein. Single-molecule super-resolution microscopy revealed that Tau undergoes liquid-liquid phase separation to generate presynaptic nanoclusters whose density and number are regulated by activity. This activity-dependent diffusion process allows Tau to translocate into the presynapse where it forms biomolecular condensates, to selectively control the mobility of recycling vesicles. Tau, therefore, forms presynaptic nano-biomolecular condensates that regulate the nanoscale organization of synaptic vesicles in an activity-dependent manner.
Enhancement and contextual modulation of visuospatial processing by thalamocollicular projections from ventral lateral geniculate nucleus
Authors: Li Zhong , Peng Bo , Huang Junxiang J. , Zhang Yuan , Seo Michelle B. , Fang Qi , Zhang Guang-Wei , Zhang Xiaohui , Zhang Li I. , Tao Huizhong Whit
Published: November 2023

In the mammalian visual system, the ventral lateral geniculate nucleus (vLGN) of the thalamus receives salient visual input from the retina and sends prominent GABAergic axons to the superior colliculus (SC). However, whether and how vLGN contributes to fundamental visual information processing remains largely unclear. Here, we report in mice that vLGN facilitates visually-guided approaching behavior mediated by the lateral SC and enhances the sensitivity of visual object detection. This can be attributed to the extremely broad spatial integration of vLGN neurons, as reflected in their much lower preferred spatial frequencies and broader spatial receptive fields than SC neurons. Through GABAergic thalamocollicular projections, vLGN specifically exerts prominent surround suppression of visuospatial processing in SC, leading to a fine tuning of SC preferences to higher spatial frequencies and smaller objects in a context-dependent manner. Thus, as an essential component of the central visual processing pathway, vLGN serves to refine and contextually modulate visuospatial processing in SC-mediated visuomotor behaviors via visually-driven long-range feedforward inhibition.
High-density EMG, IMU, kinetic, and kinematic open-source data for comprehensive locomotion activities
Authors: Dimitrov Hristo , Bull Anthony M. J. , Farina Dario
Published: November 2023

Novel sensor technology enables new insights in the neuromechanics of human locomotion that were previously not possible. Here, we provide a dataset of high-density surface electromyography (HDsEMG) and high-resolution inertial measurement unit (IMU) signals, along with motion capture and force data for the lower limb of 10 healthy adults during multiple locomotion modes. The participants performed level-ground and slope walking, as well as stairs ascent/descent, side stepping gait, and stand-to-walk and sit-to-stand-to-walk, at multiple walking speeds. These data can be used for the development and validation of locomotion mode recognition and control algorithms for prosthetics, exoskeletons, and bipedal robots, and for motor control investigations.
A chromosome-level genome assembly of Korean mint (Agastache rugosa)
Authors: Park Hyun-Seung , Jo Ick Hyun , Raveendar Sebastin , Kim Nam-Hoon , Gil Jinsu , Shim Donghwan , Kim Changsoo , Yu Ju-Kyung , So Yoon-Sup , Chung Jong-Wook
Published: November 2023

Agastache rugosa, also known as Korean mint, is a perennial plant from the Lamiaceae family that is traditionally used for various ailments and contains antioxidant and antibacterial phenolic compounds. Molecular breeding of A. rugosa can enhance secondary metabolite production and improve agricultural traits, but progress in this field has been delayed due to the lack of chromosome-scale genome information. Herein, we constructed a chromosome-level reference genome using Nanopore sequencing and Hi-C technology, resulting in a final genome assembly with a scaffold N50 of 52.15 Mbp and a total size of 410.67 Mbp. Nine pseudochromosomes accounted for 89.1% of the predicted genome. The BUSCO analysis indicated a high level of completeness in the assembly. Repeat annotation revealed 561,061 repeat elements, accounting for 61.65% of the genome, with Copia and Gypsy long terminal repeats being the most abundant. A total of 26,430 protein-coding genes were predicted, with an average length of 1,184 bp. The availability of this chromosome-scale genome will advance our understanding of A. rugosa’s genetic makeup and its potential applications in various industries.
Tumor microenvironment heterogeneity in bladder cancer identifies biologically distinct subtypes predicting prognosis and anti-PD-L1 responses
Authors: Li YaFei , Liu Yi , Kang Zhengjun , Guo Jianhua , Liu Nan
Published: November 2023

Bladder cancer (BCa) is heterogeneous in the tumour microenvironment (TME). However, the role of the TME in BCa in modulating the response to immunotherapy has not been fully explored. We therefore analysed fractions of immune cells using CIBERSORTx and clustered BCa into subtypes. We also analyzed weighted correlation networks to generate immunotherapy-related hub genes that we used to construct a prediction model using multivariate Cox and LASSO regression analyses. We found that BCa comprised three subtypes (C1‒C3). The prognosis of the patients was the most favourable and the response rate to anti-programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) was the highest in C1 among the three subtypes. Immune cells, including CD8+, CD4+ memory activated, and follicular helper T cells, activated NK cells, and M1 macrophages infiltrated the C1 subtype. The C2 subtype was enriched in M0 macrophages and activated mast cells, and the C3 subtype was enriched in B and resting immune cells. Mechanistically, the enhanced immunogenicity of subtypes C1 and C2 correlated positively with a higher response rate, whereas the dysregulated ECM-related pathways in the C2 subtype and glycolytic and fatty acid metabolic pathways in the C3 subtype impaired the responses of patients to anti-PD-L1 therapy. We also constructed a TME-related signature based on 18 genes that performed well in terms of overall survival. In conclusion, we determined prognoses and anti-PD-L1 responses by analysing TME heterogeneity in BCa.
Emergence of behavioral phenomena and adaptation effects in human numerosity decoder using recurrent neural networks
Authors: Verma Bhavesh K , Sengupta Rakesh
Published: November 2023

Humans possess an innate ability to visually perceive numerosities, which refers to the cardinality of a set. Numerous studies indicate that the lateral intraparietal cortex (LIP) and other intraparietal sulcus (IPS) regions (region) of the brain contain the neurological substrates responsible for number processing. Existing computational models of number perception often focus on a limited range of numbers and fail to account for important behavioral characteristics like adaptation effects, despite simulating fundamental aspects such as size and distance effects. To address these limitations, our study develops (introduces) a novel computational model of number perception utilizing a network of neurons with self-excitatory and mutual inhibitory properties. Our approach assumes that the mean activation of the network at steady state can encode numerosity by exhibiting a monotonically increasing relationship with the input variable set size. By optimizing the total number of inhibition strengths required, we achieve coverage of the full range of numbers through three distinct intervals: 1 to 4, 5 to 17, and 21 to 50. Remarkably, this division aligns closely with the breakpoints in numerosity perception identified in behavioral studies. Furthermore, our study develops a method for decoding the mean activation into a continuous scale of numbers spanning from 1 to 50. Additionally, we propose a mechanism for dynamically selecting the inhibition strength based on current inputs, enabling the network to operate effectively across an extended (entire) range of numerosities. Our model not only sheds new light on the generation of diverse behavioral phenomena in the brain but also elucidates how continuous visual attributes and adaptation effects influence perceived numerosity.
Genotoxicity and oxidative stress induction by calcium hydroxide, calcium titanate or/and yttrium oxide nanoparticles in mice
Authors: Mohamed Hanan R. H. , Farouk Ahmed H. , Elbasiouni Salma H. , Nasif Kirolls A. , Safwat Gehan , Diab Ayman
Published: November 2023

Intensive uses of Calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2NPs), calcium titanate (CaTiO3NPs) and yttrium oxide (Y2O3NPs) nanoparticles increase their environmental release and human exposure separately or together through contaminated air, water and food. However, too limited data are available on their genotoxicity. Therefore, this study explored the effect of Ca(OH)2NPs, CaTiO3NPs or/and Y2O3NPs administration on the genotoxicityand oxidative stress induction in mice hepatic tissue. Mice were orally administered Ca(OH)2NPs, CaTiO3NPs and Y2O3NPs separately or simultaneously together at a dose level of 50 mg/kg b.w. for two successive weeks (3 days per week). Marked induction of DNA damage noticed after oral administration of Ca(OH)2NPs or CaTiO3NPs alone together with high Ca(OH)2NPs induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and a slight CaTiO3NPs induced ROS production were highly decreased after simultaneous coadministration of administration of Y2O3NPs with Ca(OH)2NPs and CaTiO3NPs up to the negative control level. Oral administration of Y2O3NPs alone also did not cause observable changes in the genomic DNA integrity and the ROS generation level compared to the negative control levels. Similarly, significant elevations in P53 gene expression and high reductions in Kras and HSP-70 genes expression were observed only after administration of Ca(OH)2NPs alone, while, remarkable increases in the Kras and HSP-70 genes expression and non-significant changes in p53 gene expression were noticed after administration of CaTiO3NPs and Y2O3NPs separately or simultaneously together with Ca(OH)2NPs. Conclusion: Ca(OH)2NPs exhibited the highest genotoxic effect through oxidative stress induction and disruption of apoptotic (p53 and Kras) and protective (HSP-70) genes expression. Slight DNA damage was noticed after CaTiO3NPs administration. However, administration of Y2O3NPs alone was non-genotoxic and coadministration of Y2O3NPs with Ca(OH)2NPs and CaTiO3NPs restored genomic DNA integrity and normal expression of apoptotic p53 and protective HSP-70 genes disrupted by Ca(OH)2NPs and CaTiO3NPs. Thus co-administration of Y2O3NPs with Ca(OH)2NPs and CaTiO3NPs is recommended to counter Ca(OH)2NPs and CaTiO3NPs induced genotoxicity and oxidative stress.
Repurposing existing skeletal spatial structure (SkS) system designs using the Field Information Modeling (FIM) framework for generative decision-support in future construction projects
Authors: Maalek Reza , Maalek Shahrokh
Published: November 2023

Skeletal spatial structure (SkS) systems are modular systems which have shown promise to support mass customization, and sustainability in construction. SkS have been used extensively in the reconstruction efforts since World War II, particularly to build geometrically flexible and free-form structures. By employing advanced digital engineering and construction practices, the existing SkS designs may be repurposed to generate new optimal designs that satisfy current construction demands of contemporary societies. To this end, this study investigated the application of point cloud processing using the Field Information Modeling (FIM) framework for the digital documentation and generative redesign of existing SkS systems. Three new algorithms were proposed to (i) expand FIM to include generative decision-support; (ii) generate as-built building information modeling (BIM) for SkS; and (iii) modularize SkS designs with repeating patterns for optimal production and supply chain management. These algorithms incorporated a host of new AI-inspired methods, including support vector machine (SVM) for decision support; Bayesian optimization for neighborhood definition; Bayesian Gaussian mixture clustering for modularization; and Monte Carlo stochastic multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) for selection of the top Pareto front solutions obtained by the non-dominant sorting Genetic Algorithm (NSGA II). The algorithms were tested and validated on four real-world point cloud datasets to solve two generative modeling problems, namely, engineering design optimization and facility location optimization. It was observed that the proposed Bayesian neighborhood definition outperformed particle swarm and uniform sampling by 34% and 27%, respectively. The proposed SVM-based linear feature detection outperformed k-means and spectral clustering by 56% and 9%, respectively. Finally, the NSGA II algorithm combined with the stochastic MCDM produced diverse “top four” solutions based on project-specific criteria. The results indicate promise for future utilization of the framework to produce training datasets for generative adversarial networks that generate new designs based only on stakeholder requirements.
Study on roadway layout and surrounding rock control of isolated island panel
Authors: Shi Lei , Zhang Jiao , Lu Weiyong , Lv Dong , Sun Xiang
Published: November 2023

During the re-mining of historical residual coal resources, the stress environment is complex, the surrounding rock conditions are bad, the mining roadway is significantly affected by ground pressure, the layout is difficult, and the safety is poor. Taking the recovery of isolated island coal pillar in 4# coal seam as the research background, based on the difference in the distribution morphology of the goaf on both sides of the isolated island coal pillar, the stress and failure law of the isolated island panel boundary are studied by numerical simulation method. (1) The peak stress difference of multiple goaf boundaries on both sides of the isolated island coal pillar is between 0.18 and 4.51 MPa. The peak stress is affected by the change of the length of the roof “cantilever beam” at the stopping line of the goaf, so that the peak stress of the goaf boundary is periodic. (2) The high stress is mainly concentrated in the center of the pillar. The peak stress at the end of each pillar is 35–40 MPa. The coal pillar bears high stress, and the stress zone of the original rock moves to the end of the coal pillar. (3) There is a plastic zone of 8–20 m at the corner of the end of each coal pillar. On the basis of the stress zone and failure zone distribution of the goaf boundary on both sides of the isolated island panel, the roadway layout of the isolated island panel is determined, that is, the air-return roadway of the isolated island panel is arranged at random, and the width of the isolated island coal pillar d1 is selected as 10 m. The transport roadway is arranged straight, and the transport roadway of the isolated island panel is in the width section area of the goaf X4103. The width d1 of the isolated island coal pillar is selected to be 8 m, and the length d5–d7 of the mining roadway layout in the width of the coal pillar is 24 m. The roadway of isolated island panel is divided into 4 areas for support control, and the drilling pressure relief technology is proposed for high stress roadway. Through the field monitoring data, it can be seen that the mining roadway can meet the requirements of isolated island coal pillar recovery, which provides reference for the layout and control of abandoned coal roadway in this mine and other mines.
Exploration of PVC@SiO2 nanostructure for adsorption of methylene blue via using quartz crystal microbalance technology
Authors: Ali Safaa S. , Hassan Gamal K. , Ismail Sameh H. , Ebnalwaled A. A. , Mohamed Gehad G. , Hafez M.
Published: November 2023

Methylene blue (MB) dye is considered a well-known dye in many industries and the low concentration of MB is considered very polluted for all environment if it discharged without any treatment. For that reason, many researchers used advanced technologies for removing MB such as the electrochemical methods that considered very simple and give rapid response. Considering these aspects, a novel quartz crystal microbalance nanosensors based on different concentrations of PVC@SiO2 were designed for real-time adsorption of MB dye in the aqueous streams at different pHs and different temperatures. The characterization results of PVC@SiO2 showed that the PVC@SiO2 have synthesized in spherical shape. The performance of the designed QCM-Based PVC@SiO2 nanosensors were examined by the QCM technique. The sensitivity of designed nanosensors was evaluated at constant concentration of MB (10 mg/L) at different pHs (2, 7 and 11) and temperatures (20 °C, 25 °C, and 30 °C). From the experimental, the best concentration of PVC@SiO2 was 3% for adsorbed 9.99 mg of cationic methylene blue at pH 11 and temperature 20 °C in only 5.6 min.
Evaluation of experiences of the patients discharged from the COVID-19 intensive care unit: a qualitative research
Authors: Torun Serap , Bulmuş Esra , Bilgin Osman
Published: November 2023

Making arrangements by learning how intensive care patients feel due to a disease called as fatal worldwide can make it easier for patients to cope with the disease. For this reason, it is important for healthcare professionals to understand the patients who have been infected and discharged during the COVID-19 pandemic. The experiences of the patients may affect the perspective of the disease and cause different changes in the perception of it. This study, which was conducted based on this idea, aimed to examine the intensive care experiences of patients discharged from the COVID-19 intensive care unit. This study used a phenomenological qualitative approach. A semi-structured interview form was used to interview 23 patients discharged from the COVID-19 intensive care unit. The findings were reported on the basis of consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research. In line with the data obtained from the interviews, five main themes and eight subthemes were created. The main themes were classified as emotional expressions (positive/negative) related to intensive care experience, coping methods, analogies (for COVID-19 and nurses) and attitudes towards the care provided (respiration, nutrition, excretion and privacy, sleep, communication). In this study, the participants experienced negative emotions such as fear of death/anxiety, sadness, loneliness, and helplessness during their intensive care experiences. Most of them stated that they tried to cope with prayer and communication. The participants compared COVID-19with deadly and respiratory-inhibiting tools and diseases. They expressed difficulties in breathing, nutrition, excretion and privacy, sleep and communication related to the care provided. In this process, they made positive analogies for the nurses who spent the most time with them, such as angels and family members.
Protective effect of uridine on atrial fibrillation: a Mendelian randomisation study
Authors: Xu Xintian , Zhang Xiaoyu , Cheng Shiyao , Li Qinglang , Chen Cai , Ouyang Mao
Published: November 2023

Uridine, a pyrimidine nucleoside, is crucial in the synthesis of metabolites. According to observational studies, a higher plasma uridine level is associated with a lower risk of atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the casual relationship between uridine and AF is still unknown. In this study, we used the Mendelian randomisation (MR) approach to explore causality. Three genetic variants associated with uridine were identified from the Metabolomics GWAS server (7824 participants); summary-level datasets associated with AF were acquired from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) meta-analysis with 1,030,836 European participants (60,620 AF cases). We duplicated the MR analyses using datasets from AF HRC studies and the FinnGen Consortium, and then conducted a meta-analysis which combined the main results. The risk of AF was significantly associated with the genetically determined plasma uridine level (odds ratio [OR] 0.27; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.16, 0.47; p = 2.39 × 10–6). The association remained consistent in the meta-analysis of the various datasets (OR 0.27; 95% CI 0.17, 0.42; p = 1.34 × 10–8). In conclusion, the plasma uridine level is inversely associated with the risk of AF. Raising the plasma uridine level may have prophylactic potential against AF.
Climate influence on compound solar and wind droughts in Australia
Authors: Richardson D. , Pitman A. J. , Ridder N. N.
Published: November 2023

Solar photovoltaic and wind power are central to Australia’s renewable energy future, implying an energy sector vulnerable to weather and climate variability. Alignment of weather systems and the influence of large-scale climate modes of variability risks widespread reductions in solar and wind resources, and could induce grid-wide impacts. We therefore systematically analyse the relationship between compound solar radiation and wind speed droughts with weather systems and climate modes of variability over multiple time scales. We find that compound solar and wind droughts occur most frequently in winter, affecting at least five significant energy-producing regions simultaneously on 10% of days. The associated weather systems vary by season and by drought type, although widespread cloud cover and anticyclonic circulation patterns are common features. Indices of major climate modes are not strong predictors of grid-wide droughts, and are typically within one standard deviation of the mean during seasons with the most widespread events. However, the spatial imprints of the teleconnections display strong regional variations, with drought frequencies varying by more than ten days per season between positive and negative phases of climate modes in some regions. The spatial variability of these teleconnection patterns suggests that droughts in one region may be offset by increased resource in another. Our work highlights the opportunity for minimising the impact of energy production variability by utilising weather and climate intelligence. Exploiting the spatial variability associated with daily weather systems and the seasonal influence of climate modes could help build a more climate-resilient renewables-dominated energy system.
Combined large-scale tropical and subtropical forcing on the severe 2019–2022 drought in South America
Authors: Geirinhas J. L. , Russo A. C. , Libonati R. , Miralles D. G. , Ramos A. M. , Gimeno L. , Trigo R. M.
Published: November 2023

Changes in the frequency and magnitude of dry spells have been recorded over the past few decades due to an intensification of the global water cycle. A long-term soil drying trend resulting from a joint contribution of natural decadal variability in precipitation levels and increasing temperatures, predisposed central-east South America (CESA) to experience during 2019–2022 a period of outstanding soil desiccation. Flash droughts led to large areas (~100.000$${{km}}^{2}$$

km

2

) in CESA covered by record-breaking soil dryness. April 2020 witnessed the most severe conditions, when over 30% of the region experienced negative soil moisture anomalies larger than two standard deviations. Internal variability, particularly El Niño–Southern Oscillation, explained the dynamical forcing of this extreme drought. Large precipitation deficits and enhanced evaporation in CESA resulted from a coupled tropical and subtropical forcing associated to pronounced changes in the normal Walker and Hadley Cells’ circulation and to the establishment of a Rossby wave extending from west south Pacific towards South America. These findings highlight the intricate interplay between different mechanisms in the occurrence of climate extremes, stressing the need for an adequate representation of the dynamical processes associated with daily-to-multiyear timescales in climate models.
The impact of the land-to-sea transition on evolutionary integration and modularity of the pinniped backbone
Authors: Esteban Juan Miguel , Martín-Serra Alberto , Pérez-Ramos Alejandro , Mulot Baptiste , Jones Katrina , Figueirido Borja
Published: November 2023

In this study, we investigate how the terrestrial-aquatic transition influenced patterns of axial integration and modularity in response to the secondary adaptation to a marine lifestyle. We use 3D geometric morphometrics to quantify shape covariation among presacral vertebrae in pinnipeds (Carnivora; Pinnipedia) and to compare with patterns of axial integration and modularity in their close terrestrial relatives. Our results indicate that the vertebral column of pinnipeds has experienced a decrease in the strength of integration among all presacral vertebrae when compared to terrestrial carnivores (=fissipeds). However, separate integration analyses among the speciose Otariidae (i.e., sea lions and fur seals) and Phocidae (i.e., true seals) also suggests the presence of different axial organizations in these two groups of crown pinnipeds. While phocids present a set of integrated “thoracic” vertebrae, the presacral vertebrae of otariids are characterized by the absence of any set of vertebrae with high integration. We hypothesize that these differences could be linked to their specific modes of aquatic locomotion –i.e., pelvic vs pectoral oscillation. Our results provide evidence that the vertebral column of pinnipeds has been reorganized from the pattern observed in fissipeds but is more complex than a simple “homogenization” of the modular pattern of their close terrestrial relatives.
Chemical and Biological Valorization of Tomato Waste
Authors: Garcia-Marti M. , Simal-Gandara J.
Published: November 2023

Tomato, Solanum Lycopersicum L., is the second most consumed fruit in the world. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO, 2020), more than 180 million tons of tomatoes are produced worldwide, but, depending on the season, 5–10% are discarded for fresh consumption due to their ripening stage, colour, size or shape. This represents important losses for the producers and has a negative impact on the environment. Those tomato wastes are normally destroyed, but there is a large potential for valorization in the food supply chain. Tomato waste constitutes a largely chemical value from which a variety of valuable chemicals can be derived. On the other hand, it can be used in animal feed, composting and vermiculture and as a substrate for microbial growth, being an excellent biological source.
Agro-wastes for Cost-effective Production of Industrially Important Microbial Enzymes
Authors: Gupta Charu
Published: November 2023

Agro-industrial litters generally include the trash that is generated during the industrial processing of agricultural or animal products or those obtained from agricultural activities. These mainly comprise materials such as hay, stalk, shoot, greeneries, rind, case, skin, fur, kernel, flesh, pulses or cereals (rice, wheat, corn, sorghum, and barley), bagasse from sugarcane or sweet sorghum milling, spent coffee grounds, brewer’s spent grains, and many others. These wastes are mainly composed of sugars, fibers, proteins, and minerals. Examples of various types of agro-industrial wastes are copiously created round the world from mainly including soybean, corn, rice, sugarcane, cassava, coffee, fruits, etc. These manufactures are answerable for the production of huge quantities of regular remains, such as cassava, sugarcane bagasse, rice husk, and coffee peel. These remains are good bases for renewable energy and can be used as substrates for industrially important products. These agri-wastes can be transformed by microorganisms in culture media for the bio-production of industrially significant principal and minor metabolites, capable of producing enzymes, alcohol, antibiotics, pigments, and many other molecules. This chapter would thus focus on the various types of agro-industrial wastes that are vulnerable to being altered in culture media for bio-production with high benefit, thus backing the globular budget.
Converting Agricultural Waste Biomass Into Value-added Fuels Via Thermochemical Processes
Authors: Al-Muhtaseb Ala’a H. , Jamil Farrukh , Osman Ahmad I. , Alhajeri Nawaf
Published: November 2023

Due to the rapid increase in population and modernization, the daily consumption of fossil reserves is rising, posing a severe threat to their continued existence. In addition, the combustion of fossil-based fuels causes specific environmental issues, which is why developed nations are transitioning to carbon-neutral fuel sources. Carbon neutral fuels are derived from biomass, the combustion of which conserves the environment, and are regarded as viable alternatives to fossil-derived fuels. Over the past few decades, specific biomass sources have been recommended for biofuel production; however, it is believed that non-edible biomass is most suitable for biofuel production, as it does not cause the food versus fuel controversy and is thought to be more cost-effective than biofuels derived from edible biomass feedstock. Several types of non-edible biomass exist, including agricultural waste (biomass leftover from edible crops) and wild-grown biomass (which does not produce an edible product, such as rubber plants and jatropha plants, among others). Non-edible agro-waste is regarded as the most viable alternative to fossil-based fuels. By utilizing thermochemical and biological processes, agro-waste can be converted into biofuel. Biological methods are deemed unsuitable compared to thermochemical methods due to several benefits, including a higher biofuel yield and higher-quality products obtained via the thermochemical method. There are three thermochemical processes: gasification, pyrolysis, and direct combustion. This chapter discusses viable agro-waste for biofuel production and provides a comprehensive analysis of the thermochemical methods for biomass conversion to biofuel.
Techno-economic Analysis for Low Cost In-vessel Food Waste Composting at Universiti Malaysia Sabah
Authors: Aji Nur Aqeela Syuhadah , Rajin Mariani , Saalah Sariah , Yaser Abu Zahrim
Published: November 2023

Composting is an effective way to manage waste in universities as it reduces waste from landfilling and reduces the dependency on chemical fertilisers. Composting facilities differ in cost depending on their size and operation method. The economic data collected for this study included the initial investment, the cost needed every year, and the total cash inflow per year. Based on our previous findings, the feasibility of a composting system at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) in terms of economic analysis was analysed. The result suggested that the applicability of the composting system in UMS is economically feasible and could possibly generate a profit of RM 18 360 per year.
Monitoring host–pathogen interactions using chemical proteomics
Authors: Weigert Muñoz Angela , Zhao Weining , Sieber Stephan A.
Published: November 2023

We review how chemical proteomic tools have been used to elucidate biological processes at the interface of bacteria and eukaryotic hosts, which can be important in the establishment of pathogenicity.
Water quality during extended stagnation and flushing in a college residential hall
Authors: Angert Danielle M. , Ley Christian , Ra Kyungyeon , Noh Yoorae , Zyaykina Nadezhda , Montagnino Elizabeth , Wei Ruth , Whelton Andrew J. , Proctor Caitlin R.
Published: November 2023

The effects of extended stagnation and flushing on physio-chemical and microbiological water quality were studied in a large residential building during 5 months of building closure.
Interfacial negative magnetization in Ni encapsulated layer-tunable nested MoS2 nanostructure with robust memory applications
Authors: Bhattacharya Shatabda , Ohto Tatsuhiko , Tada Hirokazu , Saha Shyamal K.
Published: November 2023

Stabilizing metallic Ni nanophase by encapsulating it in cage-like MoS2 structure with robust magnetic memory applications.
Highly hydroxylated hafnium clusters are accessible to high resolution EUV photoresists under small energy doses
Authors: Tseng Yu-Fang , Liao Pin-Chia , Chen Po-Hsiung , Gau Tsai-Sheng , Lin Burn-Jeng , Chiu Po-Wen , Liu Jui-Hsiung
Published: November 2023

This work reports the success in accessing high-resolution negative-tone EUV photoresists without radical chain growth in the aggregation mechanism.
Fusogenic liposome-coated nanoparticles for rapid internalization into donor corneal endothelial tissue to enable prophylaxis before transplantation
Authors: M. Y. Thanuja , Tellakula Suraksha S. , Suryavanshi Samarth V. , G. S. Keerthana , Vasudev S. Chandan , Ranganath Sudhir H.
Published: November 2023

Fusogenic liposome-coated nanoparticles rapidly internalize into ex vivo donor corneal endothelium within 3 hours of incubation at physiological temperature possibly via the non-endocytic, membrane fusion mechanism. Scale bar is 10 μm
In situ built nanoconfined Nb2O5 particles in a 3D interconnected Nb2C MXene@rGO conductive framework for high-performance potassium-ion batteries
Authors: Liu Cong , Fang Zhitang , Kou Weizhi , Li Xiaoge , Zhou Jinhua , Yang Gang , Peng Luming , Guo Xuefeng , Ding Weiping , Hou Wenhua
Published: November 2023

A 3D Nb2C/rGO conductive framework with in situ generated Nb2O5 nanoparticles (Nb2O5/Nb2C/rGO) is synthesized, exhibiting high capacity and excellent cycling stability. The synergetic charge–discharge mechanism is revealed explicitly.
Applications of multifunctional metal–organic frameworks in perovskite photovoltaics: roles, advantages and prospects
Authors: Liu Ming-Wu , Liu Gengling , Wang Yu-Fen , Lei Bing-Xin , Wu Wu-Qiang
Published: November 2023

Recent progress of applications of multifunctional MOFs in achieving efficient, durable and eco-friendly perovskite photovoltaics is systematically reviewed, and the profound prospects of MOFs inadvancing development of optoelectronics are outlined.
Iron-catalyzed asymmetric Csp3–H/Csp3–H coupling: improving the chirality induction by mechanochemical liquid-assisted grinding
Authors: Ying Ping , Ying Tao , Chen Hong , Xiang Keyu , Su Weike , Xie Haijiao , Yu Jingbo
Published: November 2023

A mechanochemical iron-catalyzed asymmetric oxidative coupling between glycines and β-ketoesters has been disclosed, utilizing t-BuOH to improve the enantioselectivity and stabilize the iminium intermediate via intensified hydrogen bond interactions.
Multiconfigurational photodynamics simulations reveal the mechanism of photodecarbonylations of cyclopropenones in explicit aqueous environments
Authors: Adrion Daniel M. , Karunaratne Waruni V. , Lopez Steven A.
Published: November 2023

Gas-evolving photochemical reactions use light and mild conditions to access strained organic compounds irreversibly.
MOF-derived interface-rich silver/silver oxide nano-structures as an effective electrocatalyst for oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) with spontaneous FDCA separation in acid media
Authors: Samanta Rajib , Paik Debashish , Kempasiddaiah Manjunatha , Panigrahy Sonali , Barman Sudip
Published: November 2023

MOF-derived Ag/AgOx–CNx was prepared for electrochemical oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5-furan-dicarboxylic acid with ∼75.6% faradaic efficiency at 10 mA cm−2 current density in acid medium.
A rapid lithium-ion cathode discovery pipeline and its exemplary application
Authors: Li Haoming Howard , Shen Jimmy-Xuan , Persson Kristin A.
Published: November 2023

A new computational screening pipeline accelerates the process of identifying potential Li-ion cathodes, with a demonstration case upon its preliminary application.
Numerical and Experimental Studies of Acoustic Processes in Model Channels for the Development of Wideband Single-Layer Sound-Absorbing Structures
Authors: Pisarev Pavel , Akhunzianova Karina
Published: November 2023

In this paper, the results of numerical and experimental studies of the acoustic efficiency of a group of prismatic resonators of different volumes at an acoustic pressure level of 130 dB were presented. The prototype was developed, and representative samples of fragments of different-height sound-absorbing structures were manufactured by 3D-printing. Laboratory tests of the samples were carried out on the interferometer with normal incidence of sound waves. The acoustic efficiency of the developed sound-absorbing structures was experimentally confirmed. The different-height sound-absorbing structures allow to extend the broadband of the prismatic resonator group.
Simulation of Adhesive Bonding of a Fiber-Optic Rayleigh Sensor with Composite Material as Part of the Design of a Monitoring System
Authors: Shramko Konstantin , Kononov Nikolay , Ibrishev Kirill , Tinchurina Diana
Published: November 2023

Using fiber optic sensors in the aviation industry is a relevant and promising technology that can significantly improve the safety and efficiency of air travel. Fiber-optic sensors make it possible to warn of potential breakdowns, detect defects in the structure on time, reliably respond to their presence and give timely feedback during operation, which leads to real-time clarification of the state of the aircraft and the need for it to undergo convenient maintenance [1]. In aviation technology, polymer composite materials (PCM) are significantly increasing, in which fiber optic sensors are easily integrated [2]. Adhesive bonding plays a significant role in the durability of a sensor attached to or embedded in a PCM structure. Modelling the adhesive bond between a fiber optic sensor and a composite material makes it possible to determine the optimal physical and mechanical characteristics of the adhesive to increase the durability of the fiber optic sensor and thereby improve the quality of designing aircraft structures [3]. This paper presents the influence of various physical and mechanical properties of the adhesive on fatigue life to determine the optimal parameters for connecting an optical fiber to a composite panel. The results of computer simulation on the Simcenter software platform are presented, in which stresses, the number of cycles to failure that occur in an adhesive joint under various loads, and the physical and mechanical properties of the adhesive are calculated.
Registration of the Growth of Manufacturing Defects by the Monitoring System During the Operation of the Structure
Authors: Tinchurina Diana , Kononov Nikolay , Permyakov Alexander , Shramko Konstantin
Published: November 2023

Structural composite materials are currently increasingly used in various fields of modern technology. The potential capabilities of composites exceed those of traditional materials due to particular mechanical characteristics and fundamentally new qualities arising from the simultaneous creation of material and structure. This paper describes the experience of using fiber-optic distributed and piezoelectric sensors to monitor the state of samples of materials used in the construction of aircraft. Characteristic forms of responses from fiber-optic and piezoelectric sensors are presented, which make it possible to determine the growth of delamination that occurs in polymer composite materials under various impacts.
Digital Technologies in Managing Multimodal Cargo Transportation
Authors: Iovleva Elizaveta , Filippova Nadezhda , Efremov Afanasiy , Zaitsev Sergey , Abakarov Abakar
Published: November 2023

Multimodal transportation via the Northern Sea Route includes several stages. First, cargoes are transported across Russia by rail or road to a port on the Arctic coast. The Northern Sea Route facilitates the transportation of cargoes, reduces delivery times and transportation costs. In addition, this route is environmentally friendly and contributes to the development of the infrastructure in the regions located along it. The “Transport Strategy of Russia Until 2030” and the adopted “Strategy for the Development of the Arctic Zone of the Russian Federation and Ensuring National Security for the Period Until 2020” stipulate that ports should be created for the operational management of transit cargo flows. A large number of cargoes that will need to be managed requires the arrangement and digitalization of multimodal transportation. The article analyses 10 ports along the Northern Sea Route. Criteria were selected to assess their readiness for operational management.