bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relative abundance and the fate of human rotavirus in wastewater during treatment processes: identification of potential infectious rotavirus in the final effluents and receiving aquatic milieu in Durban area, South Africa
Authors: Omatola Cornelius Arome , Olasehinde Tosin Abiola , Olaniran Ademola Olufolahan
Published: July 2024

The occurrence and persistence of rotaviruses in raw and treated wastewater and their discharge into rivers represent a significant health risk for humans and animals, worldwide. In this study, samples were collected monthly from each of the four Durban wastewater treatment plants (DWWTPs) and receiving rivers for a period of 3 months. Rotavirus was quantified by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), and viability was assessed using integrated cell culture (ICC)-qPCR. Rotavirus was detected consistently in 100% of influent wastewaters (mean concentration range, 4.36–4.46 log10 genome equivalent (GE) copies/L) and final effluent samples of three DWWTPs (range, 3.35–3.61 log10 GE copies/L). Overall, 94% (45/48) of the wastewater analyzed and 95% (20/21) of the associated river water samples were positive for rotavirus (range, 2.04–6.77 log10 GE copies/L). The activated sludge process with 0.10–0.43 log10 reduction values (LRV) only moderately reduced the viral loads. Similarly, one of the DWWTPs that operated the biofilter modality produced 0.20 LRV. Though the additional treatment with chlorine produced higher LRV (range, 0.31–0.53) than the corresponding activated sludge or biofilter process, the difference in viral removals was not significant (p > 0.05). The equivalent treatment efficiencies of the four DWWTPs varied from 19 to 43% decay in the population of rotavirus. Further, infectious rotavirus ranging from 66.67 to 100%, 50 to 100%, and 66.67 to 100% were detected in the post-activated sludge, final effluents, and river water samples, respectively. In conclusion, the findings of infectious rotavirus in both the final effluents and associated rivers represent an infection risk for humans or animals during contact. Thus, close monitoring for rotavirus and risk assessment studies under distinct exposure scenarios may further shed light on the health-related risks associated with water recovery and reuse in urban settings.
TIMES-Europe: An Integrated Energy System Model for Analyzing Europe’s Energy and Climate Challenges
Authors: Luxembourg Stefan L. , Salim Steven S. , Smekens Koen , Longa Francesco Dalla , van der Zwaan Bob
Published: July 2024

This paper introduces TIMES-Europe, a novel integrated multi-sectoral energy system optimization model for Europe based on the TIMES generator. We describe its main specifications and assumptions as well as its underlying methodology, and summarize the type of policy questions that it can help answering. TIMES-Europe can be used to analyze policy instruments designed for implementing the EU Green Deal and Fit-for-55 program, and to create strategic energy decarbonization and climate change mitigation insights for Europe against the backdrop of its interactions and relations with neighboring countries. Thanks to its technology richness across all main sectors—including power production, transport, industry and the commercial, agricultural and residential sectors—it allows for performing in-depth studies on the role of a large range of low-carbon options in the energy transition of all European countries, both jointly and individually. Three characteristics render TIMES-Europe particularly valuable: (1) it covers the entire European energy system and its main greenhouse gas emissions, (2) it includes all EU member states individually as well as a large set of countries in the EU’s vicinity, and (3) it can be used to generate high-level strategic insights as well as detailed recommendations for both national and EU policies. TIMES-Europe is especially suitable for analyzing system integration, which makes it an ideal tool for assessing the implementation of the energy transition and the establishment of a low-carbon economy. We present several research and scenario examples, and characterize opportunities for future energy and climate policy analysis.
How do Expert and Novice Teachers Monitor and Enhance Student Understanding? Qualitative Comparisons Informing the Design of a Digital Formative Assessment Platform
Authors: Gross Sebastian , Hankeln Corinna , Rösike Kim-Alexandra , Prediger Susanne
Published: July 2024

Digital formative assessment tools have been identified as a promising support for mathematics teachers’ practices of monitoring and enhancing students’ understanding. However, more research is required to align these support affordances better with teachers’ practices. In a qualitative expert-novice comparison, we investigated how expert and novice teachers use diagnostic information (about fifth graders’ understanding of multiplication and division) for their practices of monitoring, personalized goal setting, and enhancing student understanding. From the identified differences in aligning these practices to each other, we derive design implications for five different analytic reports in the digital formative assessment platform, not only correctness overviews and detailed error-focused reports and, but also three kinds of aggregated dashboards, here called individual-focused, task-focused, and learning trajectory-integrating dashboards that support different aspects of the goal-setting, monitoring, and enhancing practices.
Rethinking the Accessibility of Hearing Assessments for Children with Developmental Disabilities
Authors: Bonino Angela Yarnell , Mood Deborah , Dietrich Mary S.
Published: July 2024

We aim to determine the accessibility of gold-standard hearing assessments – audiogram or auditory brainstem response (ABR) – during the first 3 months of hearing health care for children with and without developmental disabilities. Electronic health records were examined from children (0–18 years) who received hearing health care at three hospitals. Children with developmental disabilities had a diagnosis of autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, or intellectual disability. Assessments from the first 3 months were reviewed to determine if ≥ 1 audiogram or ABR threshold was recorded. To evaluate differences in assessment based on disability status, logistic regression models were built while accounting for age, race, ethnicity, sex, and site. Of the 131,783 children, 9.8% had developmental disabilities. Whereas 9.3% of children in the comparison group did not access a gold-standard assessment, this rate was 24.4% for children with developmental disabilities (relative risk (RR) = 3.79; p < 0.001). All subgroups were at higher risk relative to the comparison group (all p < 0.001): multiple diagnoses (RR = 13.24), intellectual disabilities (RR = 11.52), cerebral palsy (RR = 9.87), Down syndrome (RR = 6.14), and autism (RR = 2.88). Children with developmental disabilities are at high risk for suboptimal hearing evaluations that lack a gold-standard assessment. Failure to access a gold-standard assessment results in children being at risk for late or missed diagnosis for reduced hearing. Results highlight the need for (1) close monitoring of hearing by healthcare providers, and (2) advancements in testing methods and guidelines.
Prey Preferences for Three Aquatic Hemipterans Provide Insights About Their Coexistence
Authors: Statton Allison D. , Cothran Rickey D.
Published: July 2024

We explored the potential of differences in foraging preferences to contribute to long-term species coexistence in aquatic predatory hemipterans. We hypothesized that predatory hemipterans would have distinct foraging preferences informed by their morphology. We used a prey choice experiment to test whether Belostoma flumineum, Pelocoris biimpressus, and Ranatra australis differed in their relative preferences of amphipod, damselfly naiad, and physid snail prey. We discovered that the predators showed complementarity in their foraging preferences with B. flumineum preferring snails, P. biimpressus damselfly naiads and R. australis amphipods as prey. Our results suggest that the disparate foraging preferences of aquatic hemipterans may facilitate their coexistence in aquatic systems but caution that studies need to explore whether patterns uncovered in the laboratory experiment reflect interactions in nature.
Construction of some new traveling wave solutions to the space-time fractional modified equal width equation in modern physics
Authors: Badshah Fazal , Tariq Kalim U. , Inc Mustafa , Rezapour Shahram , Alsubaie Abdullah Saad , Nisar Sana
Published: July 2024

Nonlinear fractional evolution equations are important for determining various complex nonlinear problems that occur in various scientific fields, such as nonlinear optics, molecular biology, quantum mechanics, plasma physics, nonlinear dynamics, water surface waves, elastic media and others. The space-time fractional modified equal width (MEW) equation is investigated in this paper utilizing a variety of solitary wave solutions, with a particular emphasis on their implications for wave propagation characteristics in plasma and optical fibre systems. The fractional-order problem is transformed into an ordinary differential equation using a fractional wave transformation approach. In this article, the polynomial expansion approach and the sardar sub-equation method are successfully used to evaluate the exact solutions of space-time fractional MEW equation. Additionally, in order to graphically represent the physical significance of created solutions, the acquired solutions are shown on contour, 3D and 2D graphs. Based on the results, the employed methods show their efficacy in solving diverse fractional nonlinear evolution equations generated across applied and natural sciences. The findings obtained demonstrate that the two approaches are more effective and suited for resolving various nonlinear fractional differential equations.
Time-modulated planar frequency diverse array for multi-target detection
Authors: Zainud-Deen Saber H. , Azzam Doaa M. , Malhat Hend A. , Badawy Mona M.
Published: July 2024

The frequency diverse array (FDA) is a very interesting technique in wireless communications. Many research papers are introduced in this field. A lot of them is concerned with linear point sources array. In this paper, a design of a time-modulated planar frequency diverse array architecture is proposed for tracking single or multi-target for the first time. The time-modulation array (TMA) and FDA are combined for detecting single and multi-target. The effectiveness of this combined scheme is demonstrated through simulation results that compared with a point source case to show its superior performance. Authors introduce planar FDA array instead of linear FDA array and realize the planar array using cylindrical dielectric resonator antenna array (CDRA). A planar array consists of 8 × 8 CDRA is used to enable the detection of single target/multi-target. The operating frequency of the antenna is set at 10 GHz, aligning with its applications in the FDA radar. The radiation characteristics of the CDRA antenna element are introduced. High maximum gain of 6 dBi is achieved with a remarkably high efficiency. A set of representative results is reported and analyzed to assess the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Contrasting effects of climate change on denitrification and nitrogen load reduction in the Po River (Northern Italy)
Authors: Gervasio Maria Pia , Soana Elisa , Gavioli Anna , Vincenzi Fabio , Castaldelli Giuseppe
Published: July 2024

An increase in water temperature is one of the main factors that can potentially modify biogeochemical dynamics in lowland rivers, such as the removal and recycling of nitrogen (N). This effect of climate change on N processing deserves attention, as it may have unexpected impacts on eutrophication in the coastal zones. Intact sediment cores were collected seasonally at the closing section of the Po River, the largest Italian river and one of the main N inputs to the Mediterranean Sea. Benthic oxygen fluxes, denitrification, and dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA) rates were measured using laboratory dark incubations. Different temperature treatments were set up for each season based on historical data and future predictions. Higher water temperatures enhanced sediment oxygen demand and the extent of hypoxic conditions in the benthic compartment, favoring anaerobic metabolism. Indeed, warming water temperature stimulated nitrate (NO3−) reduction processes, although NO3− and organic matter availability were found to be the main controlling factors shaping the rates between seasons. Denitrification was the main process responsible for NO3− removal, mainly supported by NO3− diffusion from the water column into the sediments, and much more important than N recycling via DNRA. The predicted increase in the water temperature of the Po River due to climate change may exert an unexpected negative feedback on eutrophication by strongly controlling denitrification and contributing to partial buffering of N export in the lagoons and coastal areas, especially in spring.

Graphical Abstract
Social Life Cycle Assessment in the construction sector: current work and directions for future research
Authors: Barbero Irini , Rezgui Yacine , Beach Thomas , Petri Ioan
Published: July 2024

Purpose

While social aspects are considered as part of Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA), the concept of Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA) is relatively new in the construction sector, and more research is needed to comprehend its full potential and inform practice to deliver socially sustainable interventions. The paper aims to provide an account of current work in the field of S-LCA in the construction sector and presents an overview of the methodologies and frameworks that are currently used, with a focus on the critical analysis of impact categories applied to the construction sector.

Methods

The paper adopts a systematic review of the literature with the objective to (a) provide a holistic and cross-disciplinary overview of the S-LCA methodologies and frameworks in the construction sector, (b) explore existing gaps, and (c) frame directions for future research.

Results and discussion

Several gaps have been identified in relation to the S-LCA research landscape applied to the construction sector, which have, in turn, informed the formulation of recommendations for future research.

Conclusions

The paper emphasises the importance and the need to intensify efforts to develop and reach consensus on the categories and criteria to deliver an S-LCA framework for Social Life Cycle Assessment of built environments. The framework, underpinned by a methodology, should involve an adaptable weighting system that considers the nature of the building as well as the type and profile of occupants. It should also factor in dynamic data to inform real-time adaptations to continuously deliver socially sustainable built environment interventions.
Incentive system to smooth out fluctuations in demand
Authors: Martin Michael , Gneiting Steffen , Benfer Martin , Lanza Gisela
Published: July 2024

The global market is influenced by multiple factors such as market trends, cultural dynamics, and geopolitical uncertainties. In this context service providers often face volatile demand patterns leading to sub-optimal capacity utilization. This approach presents an incentive system to smooth out fluctuations in demand and to enhance service provider efficiency. This system computes optimal service prices based on projected capacity utilization. By including insights from past orders and demand forecasts, the algorithm facilitates proactive price adjustments to adapt to changing market dynamics. To implement this system effectively, seamless integration within the service provider’s digital infrastructure is essential. This involves establishing standardized Asset Administration Shells to enable the exchange of critical information and the execution of process-related services. This ensures interoperability with existing components, fostering a cohesive operational environment. The approach is validated within the infrastructure of a medium-sized service provider and demonstrates its potential for wider industry adoption. By leveraging dynamic pricing mechanisms and digital infrastructure, the proposed incentive system offers a systematic solution to address demand volatility, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and competitiveness in the dynamic market landscape.
O’Neill’s theorem for PL approximations
Authors: Govindan Srihari , Pahl Lucas
Published: July 2024

We present a version of O’Neill’s theorem (Theorem 5.2 in O’Neill in Am J Math 75(3):497–509, 1953) for piecewise linear approximations.
The Role of Engineering Ethics in Mitigating Corruption in Infrastructure Systems Delivery
Authors: Ghahari S. A. , Queiroz C. , Labi S. , McNeil S.
Published: July 2024

Indications that corruption mitigation in infrastructure systems delivery can be effective are found in the literature. However, there is an untapped opportunity to further enhance the efficacy of existing corruption mitigation strategies by placing them explicitly within the larger context of engineering ethics, and relevant policy statements, guidelines, codes and manuals published by international organizations. An effective matching of these formal statements on ethics to infrastructure systems delivery facilitates the identification of potential corruption hotspots and thus help establish or strengthen institutional mechanisms that address corruption. This paper reviews professional codes of ethics, and relevant literature on corruption mitigation in the context of civil engineering infrastructure development, as a platform for building a structure that connects ethical tenets and the mitigation strategies. The paper assesses corruption mitigation strategies against the background of the fundamental canons of practice in civil engineering ethical codes. As such, the paper’s assessment is grounded in the civil engineer’s ethical responsibilities (to society, the profession, and peers) and principles (such as safety, health, welfare, respect, and honesty) that are common to professional codes of ethics in engineering practice. Addressing corruption in infrastructure development continues to be imperative for national economic and social development, and such exigency is underscored by the sheer scale of investments in infrastructure development in any country and the billions of dollars lost annually through corruption and fraud.
Thyroid dysfunction in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis: a pilot study on the putative role of miR-29a and TGFβ1
Authors: Trotta Maria Consiglia , Esposito Daniela , Carotenuto Raffaela , di Fraia Rosa , Selvaggio Lucia Digitale , Allosso Francesca , Russo Marina , Accardo Giacomo , Alfano Roberto , D’Amico Michele , Pasquali Daniela
Published: July 2024

Purpose:

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) is one of the most common causes of thyroid dysfunction in iodine sufficient worldwide areas, but its molecular mechanisms are not completely understood. To this regard, this study aimed to assess serum levels of miRNA-29a (miR-29a) and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1) in HT patients with different patterns of thyroid function.

Methods:

A total of 29 HT patients, with a median age of 52 years (21–68) were included. Of these, 13 had normal thyroid function (Eu-HT); 8 had non-treated hypothyroidism (Hypo-HT); 8 had hypothyroidism on replacement therapy with LT4 (subst-HT). All patients had serum miR-29a assayed through qRT-PCR and serum TGFβ1 assayed by ELISA.

Results:

Serum miR-29a levels were significantly down-regulated in patients with Hypo-HT compared to Eu-HT patients (P < 0.01) and subst-HT patients (P < 0.05). A significant negative correlation was detected between serum miR-29a levels and TSH levels (r = −0.60, P < 0.01). Serum TGFβ1 levels were significantly higher in Hypo-HT than both Eu-HT (P < 0.01) and subst-HT patients (P < 0.05). A negative correlation was observed between serum miR-29a and TGFβ1 (r = −0.75, P < 0.01).

Conclusions:

In conclusion, Hypo-HT patients had lower levels of serum miR-29a and higher levels of TGFβ1 in comparison with Eu-HT patients. Worthy of note, subst-HT patients showed restored serum miR-29a levels compared with Hypo-HT group, associated with lower serum TGFβ1. These novel findings may suggest a possible impact of replacement therapy with levothyroxine on serum miR-29a levels in HT.
SEOM-GEMCAD-TTD clinical guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer (2023)
Authors: Rivera Fernando , Longo Federico , Martín Richard Marta , Richart Paula , Alsina Maria , Carmona Alberto , Custodio Ana Belén , Fernández Montes Ana , Gallego Javier , Fleitas Kanonnikoff Tania
Published: July 2024

Gastric cancer (GC) is the fifth most common cancer worldwide with a varied geographic distribution and an aggressive behavior. In Spain, the incidence is lower and GC represents the tenth most frequent tumor and the seventh cause of cancer mortality. Molecular biology knowledge allowed to better profile patients for a personalized therapeutic approach. In the localized setting, the multidisciplinary team discussion is fundamental for planning the therapeutic approach. Endoscopic resection in very early stage, perioperative chemotherapy in locally advanced tumors, and chemoradiation + surgery + adjuvant immunotherapy for the GEJ are current standards. For the metastatic setting, biomarker profiling including Her2, PD-L1, MSS status is needed. Chemotherapy in combination with checkpoint inhibitors had improved the outcomes for patients with PD-L1 expression. Her2 positive patients should receive antiHer2 therapy added to chemotherapy. We describe the different evidences and recommendations based on the literature.
A comparison of Vietnamese and Chinese human smuggling networks transporting people to the UK; similarities and differences in methods used and the experience of migrants travelling to and living in the UK
Authors: Whittle Joseph , Silverstone Daniel
Published: July 2024

The smuggling of Chinese and Vietnamese nationals to the UK has garnered significant media, public and government attention. Both nationalities continue to feature prominently in reporting of modern slavery and trafficking where popular narratives indicate people from both countries are mostly forced into exploitative conditions having been tricked or compelled by circumstance to migrate illegally to the UK by organised crime groups. This article, based on research carried out over the past decade compares who, how and why people from Vietnam and China are smuggled and the types of criminal organisations involved in their movement and any subsequent criminality. It argues that whilst a minority of those smuggled may experience human trafficking, most do not and are economic migrants. In so doing it underscores the dissonance between public narratives and lived experience of those undertaking migration and demonstrates that broad brush enforcement responses to illegal migration are unlikely to be successful.
Visualization of distribution in the vitreous cavity via eye drops using ultra-heavily T2-weighted sequences in MRI: a preliminary study with enucleated pig eyes
Authors: Kato Yutaka , Yuki Kenya , Nishiguchi Koji , Naganawa Shinji
Published: July 2024

We investigated whether magnetic resonance imaging can visualize the distribution in the vitreous cavity via eye drops of ophthalmic solutions, gadolinium-based contrast agent, and 17O-water, and to clarify the usefulness of ultra-heavily T2-weighted sequences in the research of intraocular distribution. Five different solutions (V-ROHTO, TRAVATANZ, gadobutrol, H217O, and saline) were administered to excised pig eye specimens. The samples were scanned using T1 mapping, T2 mapping, 3D T2-weighted (echo times (TE): 500, 3200, and 4500 ms), a half-Fourier single-shot turbo-spin echo sequence (HASTE; TE: 440 and 3000 ms), and 3D-real inversion-recovery before eye drops administration. Subsequently, we used a plastic dropper to drop a 0.5 mL solution each, and images were obtained up to 26 h later. Temporal changes in the T1 and T2 values of the anterior chamber and vitreous cavity were compared. The other sequences were evaluated by determining temporal signal changes as signal intensity ratio (SIR) compared to “No drop.” The T1 and T2 values of samples treated with gadobutrol and H217O decreased over time. The SIR of samples treated with gadobutrol and H217O showed remarkable changes in the 3D T2-weighted images, whereas no remarkable temporal changes were observed in the other solutions. Longer TEs resulted in remarkable changes. We demonstrated that visualization of distribution in the vitreous cavity via eye drops could be achieved with excised pig eyes using gadobutrol and H217O, but not with ophthalmic solutions. Ultra-heavily T2-weighted sequences may be promising for the early and highly sensitive visualization of the intraocular distribution of eye drops.
Application of CAR-T cell therapy targeting mesothelin in solid tumor treatment
Authors: Chen Qiuhong , Sun Yang , Li Hua
Published: July 2024

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T-cell therapy is one of the most effective immunotherapies. CAR-T-cell therapy has achieved great success in the treatment of hematological malignancies. However, due to the characteristics of solid malignant tumors, such as on-target effects, off-tumor toxicity, an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), and insufficient trafficking, CAR-T-cell therapy for solid tumors is still in the exploration stage. Mesothelin (MSLN) is a molecule expressed on the surface of various solid malignant tumor cells that is suitable as a target of tumor cells with high MSLN expression for CAR-T-cell therapy. This paper briefly described the development of CAR-T cell therapy and the structural features of MSLN, and especially summarized the strategies of structure optimization of MSLN-targeting CAR-T-cells and the enhancement methods of MSLN-targeting CAR-T cell anti-tumor efficacy by summarizing some preclinical experiment and clinical trials. When considering MSLN-targeting CAR-T-cell therapy as an example, this paper summarizes the efforts made by researchers in CAR-T-cell therapy for solid tumors and summarizes feasible treatment plans by integrating the existing research results.
A new approach to soft relations and soft functions
Authors: Yolcu Adem , Ozturk Taha Yasin , Bayramov Sadi
Published: July 2024

In this paper, a different approach is used to define a cartesian product on soft sets. This method processes both alternatives and parameters. The notion of the cartesian product is then used to define the idea of a soft relation. The concepts of reflexion, symmetry and transition are defined on the soft relation. Some properties are investigated. Also, the soft function notion is introduced. Various instances are provided as the key characteristics of the structures that are being presented are analyzed. Finally, an application is presented by building a decision making algorithm on the soft relation.
Identification of switched gated recurrent unit neural networks with a generalized Gaussian distribution
Authors: Bai Wentao , Guo Fan , Gu Suhang , Yan Chao , Jiang Chunli , Zhang Haoyu
Published: July 2024

Due to the limitations of the model itself, the performance of switched autoregressive exogenous (SARX) models will face potential threats when modeling nonlinear hybrid dynamic systems. To address this problem, a robust identification approach of the switched gated recurrent unit (SGRU) model is developed in this paper. Firstly, all submodels of the SARX model are replaced by gated recurrent unit neural networks. The obtained SGRU model has stronger nonlinear fitting ability than the SARX model. Secondly, this paper departs from the conventional Gaussian distribution assumption for noise, opting instead for a generalized Gaussian distribution. This enables the proposed model to achieve stable prediction performance under the influence of different noises. Notably, no prior assumptions are imposed on the knowledge of operating modes in the proposed switched model. Therefore, the EM algorithm is used to solve the problem of parameter estimation with hidden variables in this paper. Finally, two simulation experiments are performed. By comparing the nonlinear fitting ability of the SGRU model with the SARX model and the prediction performance of the SGRU model under different noise distributions, the effectiveness of the proposed approach is verified.
Students' Self-work During Lectures in Calculus Courses – Cognitive and Affective Effects of a Small Intervention
Authors: Leitner Arielle , Gabel Mika
Published: July 2024

This study describes the effects of a small pedagogical intervention in first semester calculus at an engineering college; it is a collaboration between two lecturers: a pure mathematician and a mathematics education researcher, who wished to learn about the effects of self-work (i.e., students solving problems on their own during class) on students' exam achievements, self-efficacy, and students' written communication. Students were given mastery experiences of self-work and feedback in three out of five classes. In all five classes, students were given in-class quizzes with peer instruction. Data was collected in multiple forms: quiz results, questionnaires, exam questions, and reflections; both quantitative and qualitative analysis methods were used. The findings show self-work increases students’ engagement and self-efficacy and slightly improved students’ achievement in class and on the final exam grade. Moreover, it positively influences students' learning experience. There were nonconclusive findings for improvement in the quality of students' written communication in the final exam. Self-work can be easily incorporated, even in coordinated courses with a common syllabus and a large lecture, without requiring instructors to make big changes to their lecture style. Effects of self-work should be further studied.
Defect Engineering and Carbon Supporting to Achieve Ni-Doped CoP3 with High Catalytic Activities for Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Zha Daowei , Wang Ruoxing , Tian Shijun , Jiang Zhong-Jie , Xu Zejun , Qin Chu , Tian Xiaoning , Jiang Zhongqing
Published: July 2024

This work reports the use of defect engineering and carbon supporting to achieve metal-doped phosphides with high activities and stabilities for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in alkaline media. Specifically, the nitrogen-doped carbon nanofiber-supported Ni-doped CoP3 with rich P defects (Pv·) on the carbon cloth (p-NiCoP/NCFs@CC) is synthesized through a plasma-assisted phosphorization method. The p-NiCoP/NCFs@CC is an efficient and stable catalyst for the HER and the OER. It only needs overpotentials of 107 and 306 mV to drive 100 mA cm−2 for the HER and the OER, respectively. Its catalytic activities are higher than those of other catalysts reported recently. The high activities of the p-NiCoP/NCFs@CC mainly arise from its peculiar structural features. The density functional theory calculation indicates that the Pv· richness, the Ni doping, and the carbon supporting can optimize the adsorption of the H atoms at the catalyst surface and promote the strong electronic couplings between the carbon nanofiber-supported p-NiCoP with the surface oxide layer formed during the OER process. This gives the p-NiCoP/NCFs@CC with the high activities for the HER and the OER. When used in alkaline water electrolyzers, the p-NiCoP/NCFs@CC shows the superior activity and excellent stability for overall water splitting.

Graphical abstract
Monetary-fiscal policies design and financial shocks in currency unions
Authors: Capasso Salvatore , Foresti Pasquale
Published: July 2024

This paper analyzes the design of monetary and fiscal policies in a currency union by focusing on the capacity to react to symmetric and asymmetric financial shocks. The model is constructed in order to mimic the institutional design adopted for the policy making in the EMU. The paper shows how a currency union set-up like the one adopted by the EMU can easily cope with symmetric financial shocks. However, it shows how in the face of asymmetric shocks more space for fiscal interventions is crucial, especially in more peripheral member countries.
Optimizing High-Throughput Inference on Graph Neural Networks at Shared Computing Facilities with the NVIDIA Triton Inference Server
Authors: Savard Claire , Manganelli Nicholas , Holzman Burt , Gray Lindsey , Perloff Alexx , Pedro Kevin , Stenson Kevin , Ulmer Keith
Published: July 2024

With machine learning applications now spanning a variety of computational tasks, multi-user shared computing facilities are devoting a rapidly increasing proportion of their resources to such algorithms. Graph neural networks (GNNs), for example, have provided astounding improvements in extracting complex signatures from data and are now widely used in a variety of applications, such as particle jet classification in high energy physics (HEP). However, GNNs also come with an enormous computational penalty that requires the use of GPUs to maintain reasonable throughput. At shared computing facilities, such as those used by physicists at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab), methodical resource allocation and high throughput at the many-user scale are key to ensuring that resources are being used as efficiently as possible. These facilities, however, primarily provide CPU-only nodes, which proves detrimental to time-to-insight and computational throughput for workflows that include machine learning inference. In this work, we describe how a shared computing facility can use the NVIDIA Triton Inference Server to optimize its resource allocation and computing structure, recovering high throughput while scaling out to multiple users by massively parallelizing their machine learning inference. To demonstrate the effectiveness of this system in a realistic multi-user environment, we use the Fermilab Elastic Analysis Facility augmented with the Triton Inference Server to provide scalable and high-throughput access to a HEP-specific GNN and report on the outcome.
Strategies for Sustainable Innovative Affordable Housing (SIAH) for low income families in Africa: A rapid review study
Authors: Bhanye Johannes , Lehobo Monaphathi Timothy , Mocwagae Kgosi , Shayamunda Ruvimbo
Published: July 2024

Housing is a fundamental human need, yet access remains a significant challenge in Africa, particularly for low-income families. Rapid urbanization exacerbates this issue, highlighting the need for innovative and sustainable housing strategies that can support urban growth and improve living conditions for these families. This study employs a rapid review methodology to identify and analyze sustainable innovative affordable housing (SIAH) strategies suitable for low-income families in African cities. Through a comprehensive literature search and thematic analysis, the review explores housing strategies such as mixed-use developments, incremental housing, low rental housing, inclusionary housing, 3D printing, upcycling, micro-housing, community-led housing, co-housing, and green building practices. These approaches/strategies are not mutually exclusive and can often overlap or be integrated to address housing challenges comprehensively. The findings highlight that these strategies can significantly enhance spatial justice and promote sustainable urban development. However, challenges such as material scarcity, regulatory complexities, and societal resistance must be addressed. The study emphasizes the need for policy support, public–private partnerships, community engagement, financial incentives, and capacity building to ensure successful implementation of these strategies. The paper contributes to the existing body of knowledge by providing actionable recommendations for policymakers, urban planners, and housing advocates, aiming to foster inclusive, equitable, and sustainable cities in Africa. Future research could delineate the strategies into distinct categories based on their nature and purpose (strategy, method/tool, practice etc.), providing a clearer framework for understanding and implementation.
Global Trends in Housing Research over the Past three Decades
Authors: Ye Xinyue , Zhao Grace , Peng Qiong , Dawkins Casey , Kim Jinyhup , Wu Ling
Published: July 2024

This paper reviews a large number of scholarly articles in the housing field spanning the last thirty years, from 1993 to 2022 by implementing bibliometric analysis method. We examine scientific outputs, identify influential articles, journals, international collaboration and evolution of research trends. Keywords such as “Housing price,” “Housing policy,” “Affordable housing,” “Homeownership,” “Housing market,” “Urban planning,” and “Neighborhood” have been identified as the most prevalently cited terms during this period. Furthermore, the prominence of terms such as “China,” “Gentrification,” “Public housing,” “Social housing,” “Homelessness,” “Migration,” “Urbanization,” “Energy,” “Inequality,” “Land use,” “Gender,” and “Foreclosure” have grown in importance, pointing to future research trends. The analysis also reveals that articles pertaining to the COVID-19 pandemic predominantly address the comprehensive effects of the virus on aspects of mental and physical health, consumer behavior, and economic and societal challenges.
Asymptotic Behavior and Numerical Simulations of a Conservative Phase-Field Model with Two Temperatures
Authors: Doumbe Bangola Brice Landry , Ipopa Mohamed Ali , Andami Ovono Armel
Published: July 2024

One of the types of problem that has attracted the attention of mathematicians in recent years is the phase field system. The field of application includes materials science, where phenomena such as phase separation in alloys, crystal formation and thermal welding are legion. Among these phase transition systems, the family of conservative systems is very popular with industry. Indeed, minimising losses in production systems is a major issue for their profitability. In this paper, we study the well-posedness of the formulation and the asymptotic behaviour of the solutions, by proving the existence of a finite-dimensional global attractor for a conservative variant of the two-temperature phase field system with homogeneous Neumann boundary conditions. The inclusion of two temperatures in the definition of the enthalpy of the system is a necessity in the case of a non-simple material. In a simple material, once the phase-change temperature has been reached, the temperature of the system remains constant until the material has completely changed state. This is not true in the case of a non-simple material, where an increase in the temperature of the system is observed even after the phase-change temperature has been reached. To conclude the work, we present a method for numerically approximating the solution and carry out some numerical tests.
Algorithmic modeling of functionally graded metamaterials in 3D printed building envelopes
Authors: Goidea Ana , Popescu Mariana , Johansson Anton Tetov , Andréen David
Published: July 2024

Recent development of powder-bed additive manufacturing promises to enable the production of architectural structures that combine high resolution and articulation with economies of scale. These capabilities can potentially be used for functionally graded metamaterials as part of the building envelope and structure, paving the way for new functionalities and performances. However, designing such multifunctional structures requires new design and modelling strategies to control, understand, and generate complex geometries and their transcalar interdependencies. The work presented here demonstrates a modeling framework that can unite multiple generative and organizational algorithms to create a unified, 3D printable building element that integrates a range of functional requirements. Our methods are based on an understanding of stigmergic principles for self-organization and developed to allow for a wide range of application scenarios and design intents. The framework is structured around a composite modeling environment based on a combination of volumetric modeling and particle-spring systems, and is developed to negotiate the large scalar range necessary for such applications. We present here a prototype demonstrator designed using this framework: Meristem Wall, a functionally integrated building envelope fabricated through a combination of powder bed 3D printing and CNC knitting.
Identification of differentially expressed genes controlling the expression of flowering in Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea [L.] Verdc.)
Authors: Osundare Opeyemi T. , Akinyele Benjamin O. , Odiyi Alexander C.
Published: July 2024

Bambara groundnut flowering is a crucial developmental stage in the vegetative to reproductive period. The earliness to lateness of flowering is regulated by various interconnected genetic pathways encoded by genes. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) of the selected accessions was extracted through leaf samples at 3 weeks old, using Dellaporta Miniprep for Plant DNA Isolation procedure. The high-quality DNA was sequenced using Diversity Arrays Technology (DArT) markers and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP’s) associated with flowering was identified. There is need to investigate the genetic make-up of the cleistogamous flower of Bambara through associated genes for improvement. This research work identified four markers associated with the flowering of Vigna subterranea and the role of variant identified genes in flowering. The identified markers from the sequence and the selected amino acid sequence were used as a query to search the legume protein database in Vigna radiata. The four markers with adequate information associated with flowering in the sequence were 24385352|F|0–28:T > C-28:T > C; 27641816|F|0–17:C > T-17:C > T; 24384204|F|0–24:C > T-24:C > T and 24346601|F|0–67:T > C-67:T > C and significant at P < 1.68 × 10−4 at chromosomes 7, 11, 4, and 5. The identified genes including histones, Polyketide, cyclase/dehydrase, Transcription factor MYC/MYB N-terminal, Rhamnogalacturonate lyase, DHHC-type zinc finger protein, Putative S-adenosyl-L-methionine-dependent methyltransferase, Ribosomal protein L2, D-galactoside/L-rhamnose binding SUEL lectin domain, Lipase GDSL, Histone deacetylase superfamily, Basic-leucine zipper domain, TUP1-like enhancer of split, Zinc finger ZZ-type, Homeodomain-like, Phosphatidylethanolamine-binding protein PEBP, Leucine-rich repeat which are tools in controlling flowering in Bambara groundnut. This study revealed that Bambara groundnut flowering is controlled by the interplay of genes.
Take Me Out of the Loop
Authors: Iannone Nicole E. , McCarty Megan K. , Parsons Dani , Kelly Janice R.
Published: July 2024

Abstract: Three studies examined whether people feel better when self-excluding from group conversations about negative, rather than positive, information and whether people feel worse when included in group conversations about negative, rather than positive, information. Participants ( N = 665) completed a retrospective recall (Study 1) and imagined scenarios (Studies 2 and 3). Participants generally reported feeling worse when they were included in groups discussing negative, rather than positive, information. They also reported feeling better when they self-excluded from groups discussing negative, rather than positive, information, particularly negative gossip. Negative gossip also led participants to have a high desire to self-exclude from the group, and this was mediated by mood. These findings suggest there are certain circumstances where people prefer to self-exclude from groups.
Multi‐Model Machine Learning Approach Accurately Predicts Lake Dissolved Oxygen With Multiple Environmental Inputs
Authors: Lin Shuqi , Pierson Donald C. , Ladwig Robert , Kraemer Benjamin M. , Hu Fenjuan R. S.
Published: July 2024

As a key water quality parameter, dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration, and particularly changes in bottom water DO is fundamental for understanding the biogeochemical processes in lake ecosystems. Based on two machine learning (ML) models, Gradient Boost Regressor (GBR) and long‐short‐term‐memory (LSTM) network, this study developed three ML model approaches: direct GBR; direct LSTM; and a 2‐step mixed ML model workflow combining both GBR and LSTM. They were used to simulate multi‐year surface and bottom DO concentrations in five lakes. All approaches were trained with readily available environmental data as predictors. Indices of lake thermal structure and mixing provided by a one‐dimensional (1‐D) hydrodynamic model were also included as predictors in the ML models. The advantages of each ML approach were not consistent for all the tested lakes, but the best one of them was defined that can estimate DO concentration with coefficient of determination (R2) up to 0.6–0.7 in each lake. All three approaches have normalized mean absolute error (NMAE) under 0.15. In a polymictic lake, the 2‐step mixed model workflow showed better representation of bottom DO concentrations, with a highest true positive rate (TPR) of hypolimnetic hypoxia detection of over 90%, while the other workflows resulted in, TPRs are around 50%. In most of the tested lakes, the predicted surface DO concentrations and variables indicating stratified conditions (i.e., Wedderburn number and the temperature difference between surface and bottom water) are essential for simulating bottom DO. The ML approaches showed promising results and could be used to support short‐ and long‐term water management plans.
The Effects of Summer Snowfall on Arctic Sea Ice Radiative Forcing
Authors: Chapman‐Dutton H. R. , Webster M. A.
Published: July 2024

Snow is the most reflective natural surface on Earth. Since fresh snow on bare sea ice increases the surface albedo, the impact of summer snow accumulation can have a negative radiative forcing effect, which would inhibit sea ice surface melt and potentially slow sea‐ice loss. However, it is not well known how often, where, and when summer snowfall events occur on Arctic sea ice. In this study, we used in situ and model snow depth data paired with surface albedo and atmospheric conditions from satellite retrievals to characterize summer snow accumulation on Arctic sea ice from 2003 to 2017. We found that, across the Arctic, ∼2 snow accumulation events occurred on initially snow‐free conditions each year. The average snow depth and albedo increases were ∼2 cm and 0.08, respectively. 16.5% of the snow accumulation events were optically thick (>3 cm deep) and lasted 2.9 days longer than the average snow accumulation event (3.4 days). Based on a simple, multiple scattering radiative transfer model, we estimated a −0.086 ± 0.020 W m−2 change in the annual average top‐of‐the‐atmosphere radiative forcing for summer snowfall events in 2003–2017. The following work provides new information on the frequency, distribution, and duration of observed snow accumulation events over Arctic sea ice in summer. Such results may be particularly useful in understanding the impacts of ephemeral summer weather on surface albedo and their propagating effects on the radiative forcing over Arctic sea ice, as well as assessing climate model simulations of summer atmosphere‐ice processes.