bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reviewing theory, design, and analysis of tethering experiments to enhance our understanding of predation
Authors: Rhoades O. Kennedy , Patrick Christopher J. , Ogburn Matthew B.
Published: September 2024

Predation is a key process that influences the structure and functioning of ecosystems. Tethering experiments, which involve restraining prey or prey analogs in field settings, are used to evaluate predation with minimal manipulation of predators and the environment. However, tethering experiments alter the behavior of mobile prey, an issue that increases in severity with prey mobility and reliance on that mobility to evade predators, resulting in artifacts that complicate the interpretation of experimental findings. Given their widespread and rapidly evolving use, we review and reconsider the applications of tethering experiments in marine ecosystems, their utility in measuring predation, associated artifacts, theoretical, methodological, and statistical considerations and challenges, and how to overcome these. Breaking down the predation process into its successive stages (encounter, attack, capture, and consumption), we consider that tethering experiments effectively measure two major aspects of predation: (1) relative predation rates (requiring all four stages, and resulting in successful predation) and (2) predation risk (requiring only encounter and attack). We suggest that tethering experiments be designed to test hypotheses that target particular stages or all stages of the predation process and its drivers, through manipulating tethering experimental designs, conducting direct observations of tethering experiments, collecting additional community or environmental data, combining tethering with other experimental approaches, and through statistical analyses. This general approach facilitates both our understanding of the limitations and utility of tethering experiments to compare patterns and identify drivers of predation rates and risk in the field, topics of study that remain underrepresented in the literature.
The Type I+ Forehead in Facial Feminization Surgery
Authors: Moghadam Shahrzad , Shariati Kaavian , Huang Kelly X. , Chin Madeline G. , LaGuardia Jonnby S. , Bedar Meiwand , Khetpal Sumun , Cronin Brendan J. , Lee Justine C.
Published: September 2024

Background

Feminizing fronto-orbital reconstruction involves one of four possibilities with the Ousterhout Type III anterior table frontal sinus osteotomy and setback performed in most patients while the Type I reduction recontouring is reserved for patients without frontal sinuses or thick anterior tables. However, patients with frontal sinuses and either a moderately thick anterior table or a shallow frontal sinus in the sagittal plane represent an intermediate morphology. For such morphologies, we introduce the novel Type I+ fronto-orbital reconstruction technique, consisting of frontal bone recontouring supplemented with anterior table reconstruction and split cranial bone graft.

Methods

Transgender and gender non-conforming patients who underwent Type I+ or Type III feminizing fronto-orbital reconstruction (2019–2023) were included for retrospective review and comparison of techniques.

Results

In the 123 patients (mean age 32.2 ± 9.5 years) included, 6.5% underwent Type I+ and 94.5% underwent Type III feminizing fronto-orbital reconstruction. Morphologically, Type I+ patients displayed a shallower frontal sinus compared to Type III patients (median anterior to posterior table depth 4.1[interquartile range, IQR, 1.1-5.0] versus 9.8[IQR 7.5-12.0]mm, p<0.001). At the maximum prominence, Type I+ patients also demonstrated thicker anterior tables compared to Type III patients (median 6.6[IQR 5.0-8.8] versus 2.2[IQR 0.4-4.7]mm, p=0.001). Patients receiving Type I+ procedures underwent an anterior table reduction of 2.7±1.2mm versus 4.2 ± 1.2mm for Type III procedures in the sagittal plane (p=0.002).

Conclusions

The current work introduces a novel solution to an intermediate frontal sinus phenotype for gender-affirming facial feminization surgery.

Level of Evidence IV

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.
Aflibercept im klinischen Alltag: die AURIGA-Studie
Authors: Ulbig Michael , Brinkmann Christian Karl , Mirshahi Alireza , Hoerauf Hans , Allmeier Helmut , Machewitz Tobias , Scholz Paula , Keramas Georgios , Khoramnia Ramin ,   Studienärzte der AURIGA-Studie
Published: September 2024

Hintergrund

AURIGA ist die größte prospektive Real-world-Studie zur Behandlung des diabetischen Makulaödems (DMÖ) bzw. des Makulaödems nach retinalem Venenverschluss mit intravitrealem Aflibercept (IVT-AFL). Hier werden die 24-Monatsdaten der deutschen behandlungsnaiven DMÖ-Kohorte präsentiert.

Methoden

Behandlungsnaive DMÖ-Patienten wurden mit IVT-AFL in der klinischen Routine therapiert. Primärer Endpunkt war die mittlere Änderung des Visus (ETDRS-Buchstaben) zu Monat 12 gegenüber dem Ausgangswert. Die Analyse erfolgte deskriptiv.

Ergebnisse

Die Analyse umfasst Daten von 150 DMÖ-Patienten (54,7 % männlich). Zu Monat 6, 12 und 24 wurden im Mittel (95 %-Konfidenzintervall) Visusgewinne von 4,6 (2,6; 6,5), 4,0 (2,1; 6,5) und 5,0 (3,0; 6,9) Buchstaben im Vergleich zum Ausgangswert (Mittel ±SD: 65,0 ± 15,3 Buchstaben) sowie eine Reduktion der Netzhautdicke um 86 (109; 64) µm, 70 (94; 43) µm und 75 (103; 47) µm vom Ausgangswert (Mittel ±SD: 391 ± 132 µm) erreicht. Zu Monat 24 hatten 54 % der Patienten ≥ 5 Buchstaben gewonnen und 22 % ≥ 15 Buchstaben. Die mittlere Injektionszahl betrug 5,0 ± 1,6 bis Monat 6, 7,1 ± 3,2 bis Monat 12 und 9,0 ± 5,3 bis Monat 24. 68 % der DMÖ-Patienten erhielten ≥ 5 Injektionen bis Monat 6, 56 % ≥ 7 Injektionen im ersten Jahr. Das Sicherheitsprofil entsprach dem früherer AFL-Studien.

Diskussion

In der deutschen AURIGA-Kohorte behandlungsnaiver DMÖ-Patienten unter IVT-AFL-Behandlung im klinischen Alltag zeigten sich ein zügiger und klinisch relevanter Visusgewinn sowie eine Reduktion der zentralen Netzhautdicke. Beides wurden ab Monat 6 mit reduzierter Injektionsfrequenz über 24 Monate erhalten. Im Vergleich zu früheren Real-world-Studien deutet sich zwar eine verbesserte Versorgungsqualität von DMÖ-Patienten im klinischen Alltag an, dennoch besteht weiteres Optimierungspotenzial.
Synchronous intracranial arteriovenous malformation and papillary glioneuronal tumour: hypothesis or reality?
Authors: Stuart Michael , Burnett Adam , Robertson Thomas , Harbison Annabelle , Coulthard Liam , Campbell Robert
Published: September 2024

Brain arteriovenous malformations (AVM) rarely occur with spatial and/or temporal co-localisation to intracranial neoplasms. Most prior reports describe this association with high-grade gliomas; however, reports of a co-occurrence with low grade gliomas are very rare. It is unclear whether such cases represent a true co-occurrence of separate pathologies or simply an unusually vascular phenotype of the neoplasm. Most such reports pre-date the era of molecularly defined gliomas. We present the first report of the spatial and temporal co-occurrence of an intracranial arteriovenous malformation traversing and within a papillary glioneuronal tumour, molecularly defined by the presence of SLC44A1::PRKCA fusion. This case was successfully managed by resection of both lesions adhering to the principles of AVM surgery. It is possible these exceptionally rare co-occurrences may have common underlying molecular drivers relating to the mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway.
Regionaler Vergleich spezialisierter ambulanter und (teil-)stationärer schmerzmedizinischer Versorgung in Deutschland
Authors: Erlenwein Joachim , Buchholz Johanna , Weißmann Christoph , Hennig Beata , Marschall Ursula , Sumpf Eberhardt , Nolte Johannes , Petzke Frank
Published: September 2024

Hintergrund, Ziel der Arbeit

Chronische Schmerzen erfordern abgestufte Versorgungskonzepte. Ziel dieser Untersuchung ist die regionale Darstellung bzgl. der Erreichbarkeit von speziellen schmerzmedizinischen Versorgungsangeboten aus Patientenperspektive in Deutschland.

Material und Methoden

Für 1000 aus deutschen Postleitzahlen-Ort-Kombinationen randomisiert generierte Modellpatienten wurden mit einem Routenplaner die Fahrzeit mit Auto (IV) und verfügbare Verbindungen im öffentlichen Personenverkehr (ÖPV) zum nächstgelegenen speziellen schmerzmedizinischen ambulanten und (teil-)stationären Versorgungsangebot erhoben.

Ergebnisse

Ambulante Einrichtungen waren je nach Anteil schmerztherapeutischer Versorgung und Vernetzungsstruktur meistens realistisch erreichbar. Universitäre Schmerzambulanzen lagen im IV zu 70 % (80 % ÖPV) in kritischer, zu 49 % (68 % ÖPV) in unrealistischer Erreichbarkeit. Teilstationäre Angebote zur interdisziplinären multimodalen Schmerztherapie (IMST) lagen von 68 % der analysierten Wohnorte im IV (83 % ÖPV) in kritischer und von 49 % (75 % ÖPV) in nicht realistischer Fahrzeitentfernung bei engerer Anbindung bzw. häufigerer Anreise. Stationäre IMST waren häufiger realistisch erreichbar (IV 39 % kritisch, 14 % nicht realistisch, ÖPV 61 % kritisch, 48 % nicht realistisch).

Diskussion

Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass bundesweit relevante Unterschiede je nach Wohnort in der Erreichbarkeit von Einrichtungen zur speziellen Schmerzbehandlung bestehen. Mit Blick auf die Behandlung eines chronischen Krankheitsbilds mit langfristiger therapeutischer Zielsetzung und mit der Notwendigkeit abgestufter Versorgung offenbaren die Ergebnisse aus Patientenperspektive eine teils kritische Versorgung.
Tutton salt (NH4)2Zn(SO4)2(H2O)6: thermostructural, spectroscopic, Hirshfeld surface, and DFT investigations
Authors: de Oliveira Neto João G. , Viana Jailton R. , Abreu Kamila R. , da Silva Luiz F. L. , Lage Mateus R. , Stoyanov Stanislav R. , de Sousa Francisco F. , Lang Rossano , dos Santos Adenilson O.
Published: September 2024

Context

Ammonium Tutton salts have been widely studied in recent years due to their thermostructural properties, which make them promising compounds for application in thermochemical energy storage devices. In this work, a detailed experimental study of the Tutton salt with the formula (NH4)2Zn(SO4)2(H2O)6 is carried out. Its structural, vibrational, and thermal properties are analyzed and discussed. Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) studies confirm that the compound crystallizes in a structure of a Tutton salt, with monoclinic symmetry and P21/a space group. The Hirshfeld surface analysis results indicate that the main contacts stabilizing the material crystal lattice are H···O/O···H, H···H, and O···O. In addition, a typical behavior of an insulating material is confirmed based on the electronic bandgap calculated from the band structure and experimental absorption coefficient. The Raman and infrared spectra calculated using DFT are in a good agreement with the respective experimental spectroscopic results. Thermal analysis in the range from 300 to 773 K reveals one exothermic and several endothermic events that are investigated using PXRD measurements as a function of temperature. With increasing temperature, two new structural phases are identified, one of which is resolved using the Le Bail method. Our findings suggest that the salt (NH4)2Zn(SO4)2(H2O)6 is a promising thermochemical material suitable for the development of heat storage systems, due to its low dehydration temperature (≈ 330 K), high enthalpy of dehydration (122.43 kJ/mol of H2O), and hydration after 24 h.

Methods

Computational studies using Hirshfeld surfaces and void analysis are conducted to identify and quantify the intermolecular contacts occurring in the crystal structure. Furthermore, geometry optimization calculations are performed based on density functional theory (DFT) using the PBE functional and norm-conserving pseudopotentials implemented in the Cambridge Serial Total Energy Package (CASTEP). The primitive unit cell optimization was conducted using the Broyden–Fletcher–Goldfarb–Shanno (BFGS) algorithm. The electronic properties of band structure and density of states, and vibrational modes of the optimized crystal lattice are calculated and analyzed.

Graphical abstract
Contribution of the time domain electromagnetic method to the study of the Kalahari transboundary multilayered aquifer systems in Southern Angola
Authors: Francés Alain P. , Ramalho Elsa C. , Monteiro Santos Fernando , Llorente José M. , Mateus Teodora , Martín-Banda Raquel , Cuervo Ivan , García Lobón José Luis , Dala Valter , Ditutala Manuel , Famorosa Abreu , da Mata Victorino Américo
Published: September 2024

The Cunene Province (Southern Angola) is facing recurrent and pluriannual droughts. Surface water supply could be reinforced using the groundwater resources of the multilayered aquifer systems (MAS) hosted in the siliciclastic sediments of the Kalahari Group. The MAS were first identified in the early 2000s in Northern Namibia and recently in the Cunene Province, by studies of the PLANAGEO project based on modern processing and reinterpretation of legacy data from the 1960s and 1970s (electrical resistivity data and deep boreholes). This article presents the results of a time domain electromagnetic (TDEM) survey conducted in the Cunene Province to: (i) contribute to the design of the hydrogeological conceptual model of the transboundary MAS, namely their geometry and extension; (ii) validate the reprocessing of the legacy data; and (iii) guide the future location of boreholes. Results depict the geometry of the sedimentary basin and the characterization of the MAS, with particular emphasis on the intermediate and deep aquifers. The borehole siting, based on the interpretation of the new TDEM data and the legacy data (clay markers in borehole logs), was successful, with a good agreement between estimated and observed horizons of the deep aquifers. However, the presence of clayey layers, a clay-rich matrix in the detrital deposits and saline/brackish groundwater led to uncertainties in the interpretation of the electrical transects. As such, recommendations are made to improve future data collection and mapping of the MAS.
Genomic analysis of multi-drug resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci from healthy humans and animals revealed unusual mechanisms of resistance and CRISPR-Cas system
Authors: Abdullahi Idris Nasir , Lozano Carmen , Latorre-Fernández Javier , Zarazaga Myriam , Stegger Marc , Torres Carmen
Published: September 2024

Background

Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) are evolving as major reservoirs and vectors of unusual and critical antimicrobial resistance (AMR) mechanisms.

Materials and methods

In this study, the genomic characterization of 26 multidrug-resistant (MDR)-CoNS (S. borealis, S. saprophyticus, S. sciuri, S. hominis, S. epidermidis, S. pasteuri, S. hyicus, S. simulans, S. haemolyticus, and S. arlettae) previously obtained from the nasal cavity of healthy nestling storks, humans who had no contact with animals, pigs, and pig farmers, as well as dogs and dog owners from Spain was performed. High-quality draft genomes obtained by Illumina sequencing technology were used to determine their resistome, virulome, mobile genetic elements, and CRISPR-Cas types.

The relatedness of three CoNS species with publicly available genomes was assessed by core-genome single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).

Results

AMR genes to all classes of antibiotics in staphylococci were detected including unusual ones (mecC, ermT, and cfr), of which their corresponding genetic organizations were analyzed. About 96.1% of the MDR-CoNS strains harbored diverse adherence or immune evasion genes. Remarkably, one enterotoxin-C and -L-carrying S. epidermidis-ST595 strain from a nestling stork was detected. Moreover, various plasmid bound-biocide resistance genes (qacACGJ) were identified in 34.6% of the MDR-CoNS. Two genes that encode for cadmium and zinc resistance (cadD, czrC) were found, of which czrC predominated (42.3%). Complete CRISPR-Cas system was detected in 19.2% of the CoNS strains, of which cas-1, -2, and -9 predominated, especially in 75% of the S. borealis strains. The phylogenetic analysis identified clusters of related S. epidermidis lineages with those of other countries (SNP < 100). Also, highly related S. borealis isolates (SNP < 10) from pigs was confirmed for the first time in Spain.

Conclusion

These findings showed that various ecological niches harbor CoNS that presented MDR phenotypes mediated by multiple AMR genes carried by mobile genetic elements with relatively low frequency of intact CRISPR-Cas systems. Furthermore, the transmission of some CoNS species in humans and animals is strongly suggested.
Harnessing the potential of public procurement for the protein transition – perceived barriers and facilitators
Authors: Djojosoeparto Sanne K. , Verain Muriel C. D. , Schebesta Hanna , Biesbroek Sander , Poelman Maartje P. , Candel Jeroen J. L.
Published: September 2024

Shifting dietary patterns from animal-based proteins to more plant-based and alternative protein sources – the protein transition – is urgently needed to improve planetary and human health. Public food procurement is considered to be an effective policy instrument to accelerate the protein transition and to be a potential game changer towards a sustainable food system. However, this potential has remained far from leveraged, and it is largely unknown which barriers and enablers exist in that context. Therefore, this study aimed to gain insight into the barriers and facilitators that are perceived by relevant stakeholders when implementing the protein transition in public food procurement. Our study was conducted in the Netherlands, because of the policy goals set by the Dutch government with regard to the protein transition (50% of the proteins consumed should include animal-based proteins and 50% plant-based proteins by 2030) and because the extent to which the protein transition has been included in the food procurement of Dutch (semi-)public organizations is still largely unknown. However, findings are also relevant for other countries. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants from a wide range of (semi-)public organizations (e.g., universities, hospitals, governments), in 2022. Five main themes of barriers and facilitators were identified: (1) support and motivation, (2) food availability and offerings, (3) financial considerations and incentives, (4) policies, processes, and contracts, and (5) environmental factors. The insights from this study can strengthen the scientific evidence base and can serve as a foundation for future research. Moreover, the insights can be beneficial to officials working in (semi-)public organizations to effectively design and execute their procurement process, and can help policymakers in policy development to foster (semi-)public organizations to implement the protein transition in their own contexts.
From mangroves to womangroves to feminist foodscapes: (en)gendering research on indigenous food livelihoods in the Solomon Islands
Authors: Bruckner Heide K. , Paia Mary Tahu
Published: September 2024

Pacific Island communities are facing rapid changes to their food systems in the context of globalization, environmental degradation and climate change. While in urban areas residents face a rapid nutrition transition, in rural environments, concerns are being raised about how to best maintain traditional food systems that are nutritious and sustainable. Mangrove forests are part of biodiverse food environments that support rural communities in the Pacific, but they are often overlooked in food system research because they occur between sea and land, and because gleaning mollusks and invertebrates from mangroves are considered mere subsistence practices carried out by women. In this paper, we draw from a feminist foodscape approach in feminist political ecology to discuss qualitative fieldwork from mangrove-adjacent communities in the Solomon Islands. We highlight the socio-ecological importance of mangrove foodscapes, along with the gendered and generational aspects of how environmental and food system change are experienced differently by community members in Marovo Lagoon. While conservationists are increasingly interested in the potential of mangroves for carbon sequestration, this research addresses the critical need to engage with mangroves’ social, cultural and gendered aspects– towards intertwined goals of gender equity, biodiversity and indigenous food sovereignty in the Pacific.
An Intelligent Proofreading for Remote Skiing Actions Based on Variable Shape Basis
Authors: Li Tie , Wang Jun , Wiltos Katarzyna , Woźniak Marcin
Published: September 2024

The current proofreading algorithms for action regulation mainly recover the 3D structure and action information of non-rigid objects from image sequences by factorization. Most of algorithms assume that the camera model is an affine model. This assumption only holds if the size and depth of the object change very little relative to the distance from the object to the camera, which is in the case of fixed-shape basis. When the object is very close to the camera, this assumption causes a large reconstruction error. This paper solves this problem by the intelligent proofreading algorithms for remote skiing teaching actions based on variable shape basis. Firstly, the improved Retinex algorithm is used to enhance the multi-frame video images of skiing actions to make the action details more prominent. Then, measurement matrix is calculated after eliminating the translation vector by coordinate transformation. Under the condition of rank constraint, the measurement matrix is decomposed by singular value decomposition algorithm, and the correct shape basis structure of 3D action features can be obtained by using the variable shape basis. Finally, by randomly initializing a parameter, the optimized parameter and the least square algorithm are used to optimize the randomly initialized parameter further. The iteration until the convergence of the objective function can be used to calculate the deformation degree of the actions. The test results show that this algorithm improves the proofreading accuracy of action regulation in skiing teaching, and the proofreading results of various uploaded sliding actions are correct, which can be applied to remote skiing teaching and community learning.
Pomegranate Peel Flour as a Co-encapsulant Improves the Survival of Lactic Acid Bacteria to Thermal Treatment and Simulated Gastrointestinal Conditions
Authors: Totosaus Alfonso , Garrido-Cruz Jorge Luís , Pérez-Álvarez José Ángel , Pérez-Chabela M. Lourdes
Published: September 2024

Pomegranate peel flour was employed as a co-encapsulant of two lactic acid bacteria, by alginate emulsion templated microencapsulation, to enhance their resistance to thermal treatment, acidic pHs, and gastric conditions. Samples with pomegranate peel flour increased the tolerance to heat treatment, results consistent with thermal properties related to higher denaturation enthalpy of microcapsules. Co-encapsulated microcapsules also enhanced the survival to low pHs and enhanced almost 60% up the tolerance to bile salts. There was also an increase in survival rate against in vitro gastric acid conditions due to use of the co-encapsulant. In scanning electron microscopy, the incorporation of pomegranate peel flour resulted in a rough and porous structure, probably due to certain interference with the formation of spherical microcapsules, although it presented similar mean diameter, plus higher cell viability as confirmed by confocal laser microscopy. The obtained results indicate that co-encapsulation with a prebiotic ingredient represents a reinforcement of the physical microcapsule integrity to tolerate food process temperatures, besides retarding the adverse effect of acidic, bile salts, and simulated gastrointestinal conditions. The micro alginate co-encapsulation by ionic gelation with a prebiotic as pomegranate peel flour is a suitable alternative to develop thermal processed functional foods.
Radiative neutron capture reaction rates for stellar nucleosynthesis
Authors: Singh Vinay , Bhowmick Debasis , Basu D. N.
Published: September 2024

There is a high demand for nuclear data in multidisciplinary subject like nuclear astrophysics. The two areas of nuclear physics which are most clearly related to one another are stellar evolution and nucleosynthesis. The necessity for nuclear data for astrophysical applications puts experimental methods as well as reliability and predicative ability of current nuclear models to the test. Despite recent, considerable advances, there are still significant issues and mysteries. Only a few characteristics of nuclear astrophysics are covered in the current work which include $$^{52}$$

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Dried Anaerobic Digestate from Slaughterhouse By-products: Emerging Cues for a Bio-Based Fertilization
Authors: Ciurli Andrea , Di Biase Giampaolo , Rossi Mario , Grigatti Marco , Ciavatta Claudio , Cavani Luciano
Published: September 2024

The slaughterhouse and meat industry are worldwide rapidly growing and produce billions of tonnes of organic wastes annually. These materials can be used to produce biogas through anaerobic digestion and the resulting digestate represents a potential source of organic carbon and nutrients that could be applied to the soil as organic fertilizer. The present work aims to assess the fertilizing potential of a dried anaerobic digestate (DD) produced from beef slaughtering waste. DD was characterized at the physic-chemical level, particularly focusing on macro- and micronutrient contents, potentially toxic element and organic contaminants. Then, a short-term soil incubation experiment was performed on two different soils. After the incubation, DD released 10–26% of their total nitrogen (N) and 13–16% of total phosphorus (P), depending on the soils that had different characteristics and responded differently to the treatments. However, DD had positive effects on the principal soil fertility indicators, such as chitinase and phosphatases, stimulating the microbial activity and therefore exploiting a fertilizing potential as well as the other organic fertilizers tested. Moreover, DD had minor effects on soil extractable carbon (Cext) suggesting the presence of recalcitrant C forms in spite of soluble C, indicating a higher stability of slaughterhouse by-products after anaerobic digestion in respect to the other organic fertilizers. The results obtained in this work raise the concrete possibility use DD as a bio-based fertilizer.

Graphical Abstract
Impact of polyvinyl alcohol application and wheat straw mulching on soil loss and infiltration rate in semi-arid tropics
Authors: Singh Mahesh Chand , Singh Gaganpreet , Bishnoi Chetak , Malik Anurag , Al-Ansari Nadhir , Mattar Mohamed A.
Published: September 2024

A study was conducted at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab, with the aim of monitoring soil loss and infiltration rate in loamy sand soil. The study focused on the effects of applying polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and mulch under simulated rainfall conditions. The experimental setup involved testing three levels of PVA (0.5%, 0.75%, and 1.0%), one level of wheat-straw mulch (600 g/m2), and a Control treatment (untreated soil). Each of these treatments was replicated four times. The lowest soil loss (20.9 g/m2) was recorded under the 1.0% PVA treatment, while the highest (120.1 g/m2) was seen under the 0.5% PVA treatment. The 1.0% PVA treatment showed a significant reduction in soil loss compared to the 0.5% PVA, 0.75% PVA, mulch, and Control treatments, with reductions of approximately 82.6%, 45.1%, 81.2%, and 89.6%, respectively. Regarding infiltration rates, the Control treatment exhibited the lowest rate (2.4 cm/h), while the 1.0% PVA treatment displayed the highest rate (9.6 cm/h). Additionally, the use of mulch led to a 44.7% reduction in soil loss compared to the treatment without mulch, likely due to the mitigated impact of raindrops. The infiltration rate was significantly higher (4.8 cm/h) under the mulched treatment compared to the unmulched treatment (2.4 cm/h). Overall, the application of PVA and mulch resulted in a drastic reduction in soil loss, likely attributable to the enhanced stability of soil aggregates, improved infiltration rate, and reduced runoff.
Limiting support for environmental policies: Unfairness is a more critical barrier than cost and ineffectiveness
Authors: Bergquist Magnus
Published: September 2024

Costs and policy-specific beliefs, such as effectiveness and fairness, are central factors for supporting environmental taxes. Less is known about how much each of these factors is limiting support. Across four experiments, I investigate to which extent high costs, ineffectiveness, and unfairness constrain support for environmental taxes. Results consistently demonstrate that perceived unfairness poses a greater barrier to support than extensive costs or ineffectiveness. These findings were robust across three environmental taxes (meat tax, plastic tax, and carbon tax), across three cultures (USA, UK, and India), and were replicated using a representative US sample. Furthermore, delving deeper into the consequences of perceived unfairness, results showed that distributional unfairness was a stronger barrier to support than procedural unfairness. Beyond limiting support, being presented with an unfair tax proposal led participants to perceive the tax as less effective and to express lower trust in policymakers than when receiving a fairer tax proposal.
Selection of a calibration system for relative gravimeters and testing of the processing using the example of the Zhetygen calibration baseline in Kazakhstan
Authors: Sermiagin Roman , Kemerbayev Nurgan , Kassymkanova Khaini-Kamal , Mussina Guzyaliya , Shkiyeva Maral , Kosarev Nikolay , Samarkhanov Kanat , Batalova Assel , Rakhimzhanov Azamat , Kalen Yeraly
Published: September 2024

This article consolidates and organizes modern methods for calibrating relative gravimeters, aiming to streamline the selection and implementation of effective calibration systems, particularly in Kazakhstan. The concept of the calibration function and various methods for its determination are presented. Practical implementations of laboratory methods relevant to modern high-precision relative gravimeters are discussed, including the tilt, moving mass, artificial acceleration, and line calibration methods. Data processing through least squares adjustment at the calibration line and an overview of existing software packages for gravity observation equalization are explored. The article also covers existing horizontal and vertical calibration systems in different countries, detailing their main characteristics and schematics. Finally, an estimation of scale factors for five years of measurements with Scintrex CG-5 gravimeters at the Zhetygen calibration line in Kazakhstan is provided.
Faith-based Community Engagement in HIV-Testing and Awareness of HIV Status in Southern, Rural, African American Communities
Authors: Wise J. M. , Kempf M. C. , Ott C. , Footman A. P. , Hardy C. , Araya B. Y. , Walker C. , Latham C. , Stockett R. , Daniels G. L. , Alexander M. , Lanzi R. G.
Published: September 2024

The Deep South is the epicenter of the HIV-epidemic in the United States, with rural AAs bearing the greatest burden. Traditional efforts to improve testing efforts have been largely unsuccessful due to their failure to recognize and leverage the sociopolitical and cultural factors that affect the uptake of HIV-screening interventions at the community level. The purpose of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of the socio-cultural contexts impacting HIV-testing in the rural South, and to assess strategies to increase testing in rural, Southern communities. Focus groups (n = 8) and semi-structured interviews (n = 31) were conducted among community and faith-based leaders in Alabama and Mississippi, to inform our understanding of local perceptions of HIV infection, barriers and facilitators impacting HIV-testing, and best strategies for improving testing efforts at the local level. Interviews and focus groups were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed to extract major themes. While both faith-based and community leaders reported at least some stigmatizing attitudes towards HIV infection, faith-based leaders were more likely to report discomfort being around someone with HIV and were more likely to link the spread of HIV to immoral behaviors. The combination of the cultural importance of the Church, deep-seated religiosity among community members, and faith-based messages associating HIV infection with immorality directly impacted HIV stigma within the community-in turn, decreasing willingness to participate in HIV-testing, disclose positive HIV serostatus, or openly discuss transmission protection behaviors. The Church was identified as crucial to include to improve HIV-testing efforts in the rural South, due to their prominent sociopolitical roles within communities and ability to influence community members’ perceptions of HIV stigma. Faith-based leaderships should be included in initiatives to increase improve HIV-testing and awareness of status and reduce HIV disparities in the Deep South.
Reducing the carbon footprint for a 30-bed haemodialysis unit by changing the delivery of acid concentrate supplied by individual 5 L containers to a central delivery system
Authors: Murcutt Gareth , Hillson Rosie , Goodlad Cate , Davenport Andrew
Published: September 2024

Background

Haemodialysis treatments generate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions mainly as a result of the equipment, consumables and pharmaceuticals required. An internal audit demonstrated a 33% wastage of acid concentrate when using individual 5.0 L containers at a 1:44 dilution ratio. We therefore investigated whether changing the delivery system for acid concentrate would reduce wastage and any associated greenhouse gas emissions.

Methods

We calculated the difference for a 30-bed dialysis unit between receiving acid concentrate in single-use 5.0 L plastic containers versus bulk delivery for a central acid delivery system connected to the dialysis machines. Estimates of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions were made using the United Kingdom government database and other sources.

Results

A 30-station dialysis unit functioning at maximum capacity (3 shifts and 6 days/week), switching to bulk delivery and central acid delivery could realise an approximate total reduction of 33,841 kgCO2e/year; in reduced product wastage, saving 6192 kgCO2e, 5205 kgCO2e from fewer deliveries, and 22,444 kgCO2e saving from a reduction in packaging and waste generated, which equates approximately to a one tonne reduction in CO2e emissions per dialysis station/year.

Conclusions

Switching from delivering acid concentrate in individual 5.0 L containers to a central acid delivery system can result in substantial reductions in CO2e emissions within a dialysis clinic. The emission savings from reducing the single-use plastic packaging greatly outweigh any gains from eliminating wastage of acid concentrate. Dialysis companies and clinicians should consider reviewing the design of current and future dialysis facilities and policies to determine whether reductions in CO2e emissions can be made.

Graphical Abstract
Morphological Characterization and Tribological Properties of TiCoNi Alloy Coatings on Ti–6Al–4V Alloy via Laser Deposition
Authors: Adesina Olanrewaju Seun , Farotade Gabriel Ayokunle , Obadele Babatunde Abiodun , Sanyaolu Olufemi Oluseun , Ikubanni Peter Pelumi , Sanyaolu Modupe Eunice , Adediran Adeolu Adesoji , Adeleke Adekunle Akanni
Published: September 2024

The goal of this work is to improve the Ti–6Al–4V alloy's hardness and tribological behavior. Coaxial laser surface cladding was used to develop intermetallic layers of nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), and titanium (Ti). Laser power of 900 W, beam spot size of 3 mm, powder feed rate of 1.0 g/min, and gas flow rate of 1.2 L/min are the optimized parameters used for laser depositions. The laser scan speeds were adjusted between 0.6 and 1.2 m/min. Investigations were conducted into the effects of powder admixture and laser parameters on the fabricated coatings' microstructure, tribological behavior and hardness. X-ray diffractometry (XRD), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) with Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed for the characterization of the microstructural evolution and phase identification, respectively. Additionally, the tribological experiment was conducted via UMT-2 –CETR reciprocating tribometer, and the coatings’ micro-hardness characteristics were examined using EmcoTEST DURASCAN. The micrographs exhibit no signs of porousness, cracks, or stress introduction, according to the results. For every manufactured sample, good metallurgical adhesion was obtained. By comparing the hardness of the ternary coating (Co–Ni–10Ti deposited at a scan speed of 1.2 m/min, with a hardness of 980 HV) to the substrate (Ti–6Al–4V, with a hardness of 330 HV), a hardness increase of approximately 2.96 times was observed. Furthermore, the Co–Ni–10Ti coating, deposited at a scan speed of 1.2 m/min, demonstrated a 51.1% reduction in the coefficient of friction (COF) compared to the base alloy, indicating superior anti-wear performance. The enhanced properties are attributed to the formation of hard intermetallic compounds such as Ti–Co, Co2Ti, Al5Co2, and Ni3Ti, along with their uniform distribution and finely tuned grain sizes.
Employing Digital Tools for Collaborative and Flexible Mathematical Proving
Authors: Laina Vasiliki
Published: September 2024

There is a clear disconnect between the linear and deductive presentation of written proofs and the non-linear and messy process of constructing one. This disconnect poses challenges for students who do not often have opportunities, or the necessary supports, to navigate the transition between the two, quite often contributing to feelings of exclusion. It is therefore important to design learning environments with increased epistemic transparency, so that students can flexibly work on mathematical problems while learning and failing together. In this article, I present an instructional design for online collaborative proving activities for secondary school students. I discuss how the use of digital post-it notes and digital shared workspaces can create opportunities for multiple ways of participating for youth, support the navigation of different reasoning patterns, and provide space for extended across-group knowledge sharing. I share a classroom example of how this could look like in practice and discuss main implications of some of the affordances and constraints of the tools used for equitable and respectful student participation in mathematical epistemic practices.
Coal ash resources and potential for rare earth element production in the United States
Authors: Reedy Robert C. , Scanlon Bridget R. , Bagdonas Davin A. , Hower James C. , James Dennis , Kyle J. Richard , Uhlman Kristine
Published: September 2024

The renewable energy industry is heavily reliant on rare earth elements, underscoring the need to develop resources and production. The objective of this work was to estimate coal ash resources and potential for extraction of rare earth elements using data for the US. Data on spatiotemporal variability in coal ash resources and disposition were compiled from various federal databases and rare earth elements levels in ash were compiled from the literature. Results show that ~ 52 gigatons (Gt) of coal were produced in the US (1950–2021). Power plants account for most of the coal use, particularly since 1980. Coal ash (5.3 Gt) represents a mean of 10% of coal by weight, ranging from 6% for subbituminous to 14% for lignite. About 70% of coal ash is potentially accessible for rare earth element extraction (1985–2021) and was disposed in landfills and ponds with the remaining coal ash used onsite or sold. Median values of total rare earth elements are much higher in ashes derived from the Appalachian Basin (median 431 mg/kg) than in the Illinois (282 mg/kg) or Powder River basins (264 mg/kg). Considering the market value of rare earth oxides, potentially accessible ash volumes, and percent rare earth element extraction (30% Appalachian and Illinois Basins; 70% Powder River Basin) results in an estimated $8.4 billion value. This study provides fundamental information on accessible coal ash resources in the US, linkages to coal sources, and preliminary estimates of rare earth element levels for future development within the US.
Characterization of transient movements within the Joshimath hillslope complex: Results from multi-sensor InSAR observations
Authors: Wang Wandi , Motagh Mahdi , Xia Zhuge , Lu Zhong , Karimzadeh Sadra , Zhou Chao , Shevchenko Alina V. , Roessner Sigrid
Published: September 2024

This paper investigates the spatiotemporal characteristics and life-cycle of movements within the Joshimath landslide-prone slope over the period from 2015 to 2024, utilizing multi-sensor interferometric data from Sentinel‑1, ALOS‑2, and TerraSAR‑X satellites. Multi-temporal InSAR analysis before the 2023 slope destabilization crisis, when the region experienced significant ground deformation acceleration, revealed two distinct deformation clusters within the eastern and middle parts of the slope. These active deformation regions have been creeping up to −200 mm/yr. Slope deformation analysis indicates that the entire Joshimath landslide-prone slope can be categorized kinematically as either Extremely-Slow (ES) or Very-Slow (VS) moving slope, with the eastern cluster mainly exhibiting ES movements, while the middle cluster showing VS movements. Two episodes of significant acceleration occurred on August 21, 2019 and November 2, 2021, with the rate of slope deformation increasing by 20% (from −50 to −60 mm/yr) and around threefold (from −60 to −249 mm/yr), respectively. Following the 2023 destabilization crisis, the rate of ground deformation notably increased across all datasets for both clusters, except for the Sentinel‑1 ascending data in the eastern cluster. Pre-crisis, horizontal deformation was dominant both in the eastern and middle clusters. Horizontal deformation remained dominant and increased significantly in the eastern cluster post-crisis phase, whereas vertical deformation became predominant in the middle cluster. Wavelet analysis reveals a strong correlation between two acceleration episodes and extreme precipitation in 2019 and 2021, but no similar correlation was detected in other years. This indicates that while extreme rainfall significantly influenced the dynamics of slope movements during these episodes, less strong precipitation had a minimal impact on slope movements during other periods.
The discrete flow category: structure and computation
Authors: Hem Bjørnar Gullikstad
Published: September 2024

In this article, we use concepts and methods from the theory of simplicial sets to study discrete Morse theory. We focus on the discrete flow category introduced by Vidit Nanda, and investigate its properties in the case where it is defined from a discrete Morse function on a regular CW complex. We design an algorithm to efficiently compute the Hom posets of the discrete flow category in this case. Furthermore, we show that in the special case where the discrete Morse function is defined on a simplicial complex, then each Hom poset has the structure of a face poset of a regular CW complex. Finally, we prove that the spectral sequence associated to the double nerve of the discrete flow category collapses on page 2.
Light-based 3D printing of stimulus-responsive hydrogels for miniature devices: recent progress and perspective
Authors: Xin Chen , Xia Neng , Zhang Li
Published: September 2024

Miniature devices comprising stimulus-responsive hydrogels with high environmental adaptability are now considered competitive candidates in the fields of biomedicine, precise sensors, and tunable optics. Reliable and advanced fabrication methods are critical for maximizing the application capabilities of miniature devices. Light-based three-dimensional (3D) printing technology offers the advantages of a wide range of applicable materials, high processing accuracy, and strong 3D fabrication capability, which is suitable for the development of miniature devices with various functions. This paper summarizes and highlights the recent advances in light-based 3D-printed miniaturized devices, with a focus on the latest breakthroughs in light-based fabrication technologies, smart stimulus-responsive hydrogels, and tunable miniature devices for the fields of miniature cargo manipulation, targeted drug and cell delivery, active scaffolds, environmental sensing, and optical imaging. Finally, the challenges in the transition of tunable miniaturized devices from the laboratory to practical engineering applications are presented. Future opportunities that will promote the development of tunable microdevices are elaborated, contributing to their improved understanding of these miniature devices and further realizing their practical applications in various fields.

Graphic abstract
On Choquet Integrals and Sobolev Type Inequalities
Authors: Harjulehto Petteri , Hurri-Syrjänen Ritva
Published: September 2024

We consider integrals in the sense of Choquet with respect to the $$\delta $$
δ
-dimensional Hausdorff content for continuously differentiable functions defined on open, connected sets in the Euclidean n-space, $$n\ge 2$$

n
≥
2

, $$0<\delta \le n$$

0
<
δ
≤
n

. In particular, for these functions we prove Sobolev inequalities in the limiting case $$p=\delta /n$$

p
=
δ
/
n

and in the case $$p>\delta $$

p
>
δ

, here p is the integrability exponent of the absolute value of the gradient of any given function. The results complement previously known Poincaré–Sobolev and Morrey inequalities.
From the Pandemic to the War: The EU Fiscal Response to Russia's Aggression of Ukraine, the Legacy of NGEU, and the Challenge to “Promote the General Welfare”
Authors: Fabbrini Federico
Published: September 2024

As the European Union (EU) was slowly re-emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic, it faced another unprecedented shock: Russia's large-scale military invasion of Ukraine. In responding to Russia's invasion, however, the EU was able to build on the legal and policy measures that it had developed to address the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, NextGenerationEU (NGEU) and the use of common debt provided a template that the EU could use to mobilize financial resources to support Ukraine against Russia's aggression.
The Next Generation EU Program in the “Global Race to the (Green) Top”
Authors: Le Moli Ginevra , Viñuales Jorge E.
Published: September 2024

One significant dimension of the Next Generation EU program (NGEU) is its role in the broader context of the transition toward a low-carbon and environmentally sustainable economy and, specifically, in the global competition among major jurisdictions to become leaders in the key green industrial sectors.